Matthew Michaelis
You’ve probably already read the good news, but I’m not one to fall silent when our region struts its stuff, so here it is again: The winners of the 25th Annual NSW Tourism Awards were announced recently in Sydney, with local business the Byron Beach Cafe receiving the top accolade for Best Tourism Restaurant and Catering Service.
Managed by the Tourism Industry division of the NSW Business Chamber, the Tourism Awards celebrate the best of the best in the tourism industry and acknowledge businesses that demonstrate outstanding achievement throughout the year.
‘We are extremely honoured to be named NSW’s Best Restaurant, not only for ourselves, but also for our local community,’ said Ben Kirkwood, owner of the Byron Beach Cafe. ‘Our business is all about bringing together passionate locals and the best local produce to create an unforgettable food experience for our customers. We could not have won this award alone and are grateful to be part of the Byron Bay culinary story.’
Byron Beach Cafe was one of six local operators to receive an award, including Byron Bay Bluesfest (Silver: Major Festivals and Events), Flash Camp (Silver: New Tourism Development and Bronze: Unique Accommodation), CanGoEverywhere (Bronze: New Tourism Development), Cape Byron State Conservation Area (Silver: Tourist Attractions) and Arakwal Dolphin Dreaming Cape Byron State Conservation Area (Silver: Indigenous Tourism).
This award comes only months after the Byron Beach Cafe were awarded Best Cafe in Australia at the Australian Small Business Champion Awards. Having won a gold medal at the NSW Tourism Awards, the Byron Beach Cafe will go on to represent the region at the QANTAS Australian Tourism Awards on 11 April 2015 in Adelaide. There is no direct entry into the Australian Tourism Awards and only state winners can become finalists.
Sunset dinners seven days
If you’re interested in sampling the food at the Byron Beach Cafe and seeing what all the accolades and fuss are about then time’s not going to be a problem over the summer months.
The eatery will be open seven nights a week for sunset dinners. A new dinner menu will be launched, inspired by the head chef, Kaine Hunt’s, love of Asia, and also richly textured dishes.
It’ll be fun pawing through the selections including squid-ink linguine, vongole, cuttlefish, chili, garlic, lime zest and mollet egg; braised duck Maryland, spinach, dried fruit pithivier, rhubarb and berry jam and baby herbs; slow-cooked Bangalow pork belly, cauliflower parsnip puree, spiced plum mandarin glaze, king prawn, crispy pancetta to name a few with a price range $21–38. Bookings: 6685 8445.
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