Albany dining WA's best

A group of Albany restaurants has done the Great Southern proud by taking home six awards last week in the 2012 HOSPTLUS Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence.

The Statewide competition judged more than 170 businesses in the WA food industry before crowning various restaurants, cafes and caterers the best of the best in a ceremony at Fraser’s Restaurant in King’s Park on Monday.

Dog Rock Motel’s top-class establishment Lime 303 was named Western Australia Regional Restaurant of the Year, as well as taking home first prize in its category.

Restaurant owner Nev Buss said he was “really pleased” his team had reached such heights.

“It’s great, it’s a good boost for them,” he said.

“We’re not fine dining but we like to think people appreciate the high standards.”

He said the restaurant would probably make some small changes over the next 12 months, including decor, in an effort to maintain high standards.

He said customer service was a top priority and something patrons and staff alike considered part of what made Lime stand out.

York Street institution Nonna’s Restaurant took out first prize in the Italian Restaurant category and Rustler’s Steakhouse received an honourable mention in the Steak Restaurant division.

Though still in its infancy, increasingly popular View Restaurant received the Cafe Restaurant award and won the Albany Entertainment Centre recognition for its catering services when its Perth management company AEG Ogden took out the Venue Caterer category for its Great Southern base.

Outlets manager for the AEC’s food and beverage department Joanne Scott said the wins were a “complete honour”.

She said View would continue to pursue a high level of service and produce for the Albany community and AEC as a venue.

“It was a nice surprise for us to have the win,” she said.

“It proves the dedication and the hard work of our staff here.

“We really enjoyed the chance to go to Perth as a team and we’re all very proud.”

liz.newell@albanyadvertiser.com