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LAUNCHED only last December, Bonnie Rodwell's Songbirds in the
Forest at North Tamborine last night stormed away with the award as
the Restaurant and Catering Queensland Gold Coast Branch's
Restaurant of the Year.
It was a fitting reward for the New Zealand businesswoman who
turned 15 years of enjoying the ambience of Songbirds into the
reality of ownership backed by vision.
She followed that up by undertaking a costly revamp and
installed Englishman Daran Glasgow as chef to marry fine food with
beautiful, tranquil surrounds.
Topping that with excellent service from staff it was the
finishing touch that last night brought its deserved rewards at a
glittering awards dinner at Conrad Jupiters.
Not surprisingly, Songbirds cleaned up, also winning the modern
Australian and new restaurant bouquets to take its tally of credits
to three for the industry's big night on the Gold Coast.
"What a thrill", said an elated Ms Rodwell. "This is not just
for me but for Daran and my wonderful staff. This is the reward for
team effort".
Newcomers, in fact, shared much of the glory, with Broadbeach
establishinments Lexene named best in the chef/owner category and
Alto Cucina and Bar the best breakfast.
The owners of Mario's, part-owners of Alto, had cause for double
celebration with the much-awarded Mario's carrying off the best
pizza and people's choice crowns, while former Mario's pair Angelo
and Maria Parents now own Saks which won the specialty
category.
Conrad Jupiters also had much to smile about with three of their
restaurants, Charters Towers, Andiamo and Zen all winning awards,
respectively the hotel/motel, Italian and Chinese categories.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre was named
caterer of the year and also took out the professional development
and function/convention centre catering awards.
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