By STAFF REPORTERS
PARRAMATTA’S CommBank Stadium took centre stage at the Restaurant & Catering 2023 Awards for Excellence, with in-house caterer VenuesLive handed the prestigious honour of Caterer of the Year in NSW.
After a year hosting some of Sydney’s biggest sport and entertainment events, CommBank Stadium’s Catering team scooped the award pool at a glittering awards function at Le Montage in Lilyfield.
On a night to remember, VenuesLive won three of the major catering awards at the 2023 Awards For Excellence including the overall Caterer of the Year title for outstanding service at CommBank Stadium.
CommBank Stadium’s big sister in Western Sydney, Olympic venue Accor Stadium, also shared in the spoils as VenuesLive took out Events Caterer of the Year for over 200 guests.
- Caterer Of The Year 2023: VenuesLive – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta;
- Venue Caterer of the Year: VenuesLive – CommBank Stadium, Parramatta;
- Events Caterer of the Year Sydney (over 200 guests): VenuesLive – Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park.
Chu Restaurant by China Doll at West HQ, Rooty Hill, took out Asian Restaurant of the Year at the NSW Restaurant and Catering Australia Awards for Excellence.
The popular Western Sydney restaurant, which serves contemporary cuisine from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Southeast Asia, edged out rivals Chin Chin at Surry Hills, Ms. G’s at Potts Point and MuMu in Sydney CBD.
VenuesLive Managing Director Daryl Kerry said his team felt “honored and privileged” to be providing catering services at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium on behalf of Venues NSW and to have received such glowing endorsement by the catering industry of Australia.
“It is fantastic recognition for our catering team in NSW and a great reward for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at our major venues and events,” Mr Kerry said.
“This is especially satisfying given our teams were responsible for delivering food and beverages to the highest level at FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches played at Accor Stadium in Sydney, along with our other many sport and entertainment events.”
Mr Kerry paid special tribute to Group General Manager Food & Beverage Craig Menzies and General Manager Catering (NSW) Mark Adler, Executive Chef NSW Craig Veigel and the Meetings & Special Events team led by Dave Greselin who hosts the various events off the pitch, such as social, business, community and cultural events.
Mr Kerry also acknowledged the influence that Australian food icon and VenuesLive Culinary Ambassador Matt Moran AM has had on the quality of food on offer at VenuesLive-catered venues in Western Sydney.
“It has been a great honour to have someone of Matt’s standing in the industry work so closely with us over the past two years. He is a giant in the hospitality industry and a truly remarkable man,” Mr Kerry said.
Western Sydney restaurateur Steve Anastasiou of China Doll Sydney opened Chu in 2019 as part of the $10M West HQ dining precinct, which sits alongside the Sydney Coliseum Theatre.
West HQ chief executive Richard Errington said his team was thrilled to have received such an honor and said Chu had been committed to setting a high standard in the industry.
“Chu Restaurant by China Doll is just one of the jewels in West HQ’s crown of dining and entertainment venues and is an integral part of our commitment and success in becoming a complete destination for the residents of Greater Sydney,” Mr Errington said.
A full list of the award winners at the Restaurant & Catering 2023 Awards For Excellence can be found here:
Image: The VenuesLive team that took out three catering awards – including the prestigious Caterer of the Year title at the Restaurant & Catering 2023 Awards For Excellence.
