Heavy investment by hotels in quality on-site food and beverage offerings in recent years is paying off with food critics recognising culinary excellence at several hotel restaurants around the country.
An independent judging panel from the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide has awarded prestigious Chef Hat Awards to hospitality venues around the county including at Accor and Langham hotels.
Three Accor venues were among those to receive the honours – Atelier by Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour, Dixson and Sons at The Porter House Hotel Sydney – MGallery, and Luma Restaurant and Bar at The Playford Adelaide – Mgallery.
Accor Pacific CEO Sarah Derry said food and beverage is a key area of focus and investment.
“We believe the heart and soul of a hotel is found in lobbies, restaurants and bars, and we are determined to operate the very best dining outlets in the locations we are in,” she said.
“Our team of talented experts put the very best local produce into menus. Accor restaurants are popular with hotel guests and local communities, who love the atmosphere, quality and high service standards of our restaurants. It is wonderful to see the hard work of our teams being rewarded.”
Atelier was awarded two Chef Hats this year, while Dixson and Sons was awarded its first Chef Hat, having only opened in September 2022.
“My team and I are very proud to be recognised,” said Dixson and Sons Executive Chef, Emrys Jones.
“We are lucky to have been able to connect and work with amazing producers who provide us with the best ingredients. Hopefully this is the foundation to go on to a fantastic 2023 as we feel our potential is huge.”
The Langham Gold Coast’s Cantonese fine dining restaurant, T’ang Court, also claimed a coveted Chef Hat Award just four months after opening.
“It’s an incredible honour to be awarded our very first Chef’s Hat by Australian Good Food Guide and even more so, having been recognised in such short succession to our opening late last year,” said The Langham Gold Coast General Manager, John O’Shea.
“Since opening T’ang Court on the Gold Coast, we have been driven to create a truly unique, fine dining experience for both locals and travellers by immersing them in the same traditional golden age Cantonese flavours that have earned T’ang Court at The Langham, Hong Kong three Michelin stars.
“This award serves as a nod to the team’s accomplishment in bringing this vision to life and we’re excited to continue to build on this success in the coming years.”