Port restaurants hungry for top gongs

Far North/ NT awards

Paul Makin

Journalist

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Owner and chef at Wrasse & Roe Andy Gray told Newsport it’s great exposure for the restaurant IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

Many of Port Douglas’s top eating spots are up for top gongs at the black-tie Restaurant and Catering Association Awards being held in Cairns later this month.

It’s tough competition, as it takes in Far North Queensland and Northern Territory. The Awards for Excellence program provides deserved recognition to those restaurants, caterers and their staff that excel in their field.

Only dedicated seafood restaurant

One of those nominated is Wrasse & Roe in Macrossan Street. The restaurant is now the only dedicated seafood eatery in Port following the demise of On the Inlet and 2 Fish. Both legendary restaurants. Wrasse & Roe owner and chef Andy Gray is excited with the nomination “It’s certainly good exposure for us as a relatively new restaurant in town and it’s recognition for what we do” he said. Andy says his philosophy is simple “use good product and make sure we don’t complicate things too much, so we end up with a clean marriage of flavours”
We wish he and his team lots of luck and the other 7 establishments nominated.
The 2022 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner for NQ and NT will be held on Monday 29th
of August at Pullman Reef Hotel Cairns.

The field

So, we have a field of 7 to contest the various categories. Let’s check them out individually and rate their chances.

Salsa Bar and Grill

Topweight and deservedly so. Running in a couple of races, Contemporary Australian Restaurant Informal and Restaurant Caterer. The stable is well known for getting it right on the day.
Co-trainers Bill Conway and Rhys Bawden have the runs on the board and know how to get this competitor to fire on the day. They are absolutely cooking at the moment. Good bet.

Harrisons at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

Classy runner going for Best Restaurant in A Hotel/Resort and will be tough competition for its rivals. Trainer Spencer Patrick will have this one primed for a huge run. Been around since 2007 and will certainly run out the trip. Not a sprinter but a stayer and is expected to be making ground late. Competitors may try to intimidate but only as a last resort. Huge chance.

Kai Restaurant

Only a youngster and taking on the older runners here in the Family Dining event but has been showing signs of stickability. Working away quietly at 4 Mile under the watchful eye of co-trainers Jed Sneddon and Amelia Walker. Can handle inside or outside conditions. Stable staff are working hard with this one and it could be a smokey.

CLUB N17 Burger Co

Running in the Consumer Vote Award and Restaurant in a Pub/Club event and we won’t mince our words here, it’s a big chance. Trainer Simon MacLeod has got this runner looking great, especially it’s buns. Named after a North London post code it could be ready to win again. You may be able to see it run on their own big screen. Watch betting.

Café Fresq

This Irish import has now acclimatised and is used to the Australian conditions. Expected to be a huge chance in 3 events, the Breakfast Restaurant, Café Dining and Consumer Vote Award

Café Fresq, funny name but serious when it comes to putting together on the day. Best work is done in the morning. Went takeaway during Covid but is now firing on all 8 cylinders and is expected to be right there at the finish. One for the ladies.

Seabean Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Running in the Speciality Restaurant event and is working well. This Henry Johnston trained unit runs its races in small patches, or as his stable calls it ‘Tapas’. But don’t be fooled there’s a lot to like about this runner. They already have one cup on the mantlepiece from last year and it could be 2 from 2. Wears sharing plates but has bean most impressive in his recent work. Could be a surprise packet.

Wrasse & Roe

Running in the best Seafood Restaurant event and is a very strong chance to net the big prize. Really musseled up since it’s last run. It went against the clock recently and our track watcher says it was a winning scallop, sorry gallop. Trainer Andy Gray is tight lipped on its prospects so a big plunge might be on the cards and that’s no red herring.

Salsa Bar and Grill is up for 2 awards IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FAB FM
Harrisons is a classy restaurant in the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort IMAGE Supplied
Kai is new but enjoying great success IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
The team at Café Fresq are excited about the nomination IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM
Seabean Tapas Bar and Restaurant won last year and looking to go 2 from 2 IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB
N17 Burger Bar is in the running for yet another award for its team IMAGE Paul Makin|FAB FM

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