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Press Release
1 December 2009
Cruise Restaurant wins double titles
at the AHA NSW Awards for ExcellenceAHA NSW Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
AHA NSW Chef of the Year – Jason Lucas (Head Chef)
Cruise Restaurant has once again taken double honours at the 2009 AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence. Winning the Restaurant of the Year title, and Head Chef Jason Lucas crowned the 2009 Chef of the Year. Duty Manager Georgie Carroll was also named as a top 3 finalist for the inaugural Rising Star award.
Master of Ceremonies and well-known comedian and television personality Mikey Robins announced the 48 winners from a field of 215 finalists at the gala ceremony, held at the Grand Ballroom of Star City Hotel and Casino on Monday 30 November.
AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke welcomed 860 guests, including the Hon Kevin Greene MP, the Hon Tony Kelly MP, the Hon Barry O’Farrell MP and the Hon George Souris MP, who came together to recognise and celebrate the achievements of the industry’s best.
The AHA (NSW) Awards for Excellence are one of the most prestigious awards to be granted in the hospitality industry. Each category highlights specific areas of hotel operations, acknowledging the outstanding service and experiences provided by the States best venues.
2009 marks the 5th time Cruise has been named the State’s best hotel restaurant, also winning in 2008, 2006, 2003 and 2002. This year, Cruise won the inaugural Fine Dining category. Although the venue doesn’t strictly consider itself formal fine dining, the food quality and presentation is outstanding and the service is professional and personalised.
Cruise Restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Italian cuisine, complimented by a stunning Harbour backdrop. Providing a more approachable experience of fine food, and a premium menu selection showcasing the many talents of the 2009 Chef of the Year; Jason Lucas.
Jason is a passionate culinary artist. He loves the opportunity to create signature dishes and deliver his own interpretation of Italian cuisine. He treats each dish as a work of art, fining the right balance of flavours and textures, then bends the rules of tradition presenting his creations with a unique twist, ensuring his food always looks as good as it tastes.
Jason believes “Food is like art, but better. Not only can you admire it, but you can enjoy eating it too.”
Jason has been leading the team at Cruise since July 2008. Within that time the restaurant has gone from strength to strength and the food quality has continued to build a favourable reputation with customers. Early in 2009 Jason took a bold move away from the already successful Modern Australian menu to focus on his specialty in Italian cuisine. The aim was to introduce a defining style that underpinned the restaurant’s brand. Italian cuisine has a relaxed approachable appeal that is fitting for the waterfront dining experience that Cruise provides.
Other venues to claim double titles included Coogee Bay Hotel who won Best Pubstyle Accommodation for the 3rd consecutive year. The Winston and the Clocktower Hotel in Grafton also took double honours. Major awards for Overall Country & City Hotel of the Year went to The Entrance and Terry Hills Tavern respectively.
AHA (NSW) CEO Sally Fielke said that all hotels in New South Wales should be congratulated on their outstanding achievements over what has been a challenging 12 months for the industry.
“The Awards for Excellence provide the opportunity to showcase our elite venues, which are operated by talented staff and motivated managers,” Ms Fielke said.
Take the opportunity to sample the talents of Jason Lucas and judge Cruise Restaurant for yourself this summer. Make a booking online or call 92511188.
For more information please contact:
Eliza Hughes
Cruise Marketing Department
02 9251 1188
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