What flat-lining economy ?. If last night's
The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2012 launch and restaurant award announcements are anything to go by, the dining business is booming with more than 950 establishments listed including more than 100 new places to eat.
 |
Rick Stein & Sarah Burns |
The 27th edition of
the book and one of the largest to date was launched last night at the magnificent 1920's Byron Kennedy Hall in the Fox Entertainment Centre (corner of
Errol Flynn and
Peter Finch Boulevards) with 400 guests sipping Louis Roederer champagne.
The awards consist of one, two and three hats and the usual suspects topped this year's winners. Those awarded three included
Quay which regularly tops international awards,
Marque in Surry Hills, a newcomer on the block
Sepia in the city and
Bilsons run by the Godfather of Australian modern cuisine,
Tony Bilson and
Est, part of
Justin Hemmes' empire with chef
Peter Doyle.
Porteno in Surry Hills won Plumms Wine Glasses Best New Restaurant.
 |
Tony Bilson makes a point to Patrick Benamou
|
40 reviewers put together the guide and the awards presided over by the SMH restaurant reviewer
Terry Durack and co-editor of the guide
Joanna Saville.
Terry Robinson the chef at Sepia picked up the
The Josephine Pignolet Best Young Chef while one of the countries favourite food identities
Lyndey Milan was awarded the Vittoria (coffee) Legend Award. Lyndey is in Ireland filming a new TV series so good pal
Rick Stein jetted in to accept the award on her behalf.
A full list of the awards is here.
 |
Terry Durack & Jill Dupleix |
 |
Rachael & Sarah Doyle from Porteno |
 |
James Valentine MCd |
 |
Kin Chen & Kylie Kwong |
 |
Terry Robinson from Sepia |
 |
Three Hats for Peter Gilmore of Quay |