And the winners are …

Published 9:00am 16 October 2020

And the winners are …
Words by Kylie Knight

The votes have been counted and the winners declared in this year’s Forkies Eat and Drink Awards.

Burpengary’s Basil & Vine Italian Café won the Golden Forkie after it received the highest number of votes, when foodies were asked which venue they’d like to spend a $500 voucher.

More than 38,000 votes were cast across 10 categories in this year’s awards before voting closed on October 11.

It follows the nomination of more than 60 cafes, restaurants and bars throughout the Moreton Bay Region.

Foodies rally for their faves

Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism CEO Shane Newcombe says venues and foodies have embraced the spirit of the competition, with more $30,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs – not to mention some pretty impressive bragging rights.

“Thanks to our amazing partners, the overall winner will take home $2,000 cash as well as an advertising package that includes billboard advertising, a social media and brand package, videography and photography services as well as advertising in Dolphins News and on Moreton Daily,” Mr Newcombe says.

“Foodies have backed their favourite venues in record numbers, which is especially heartening during such a challenging year for the hospitality industry.

“We know our venues are among the best in the state and these awards have again turned the spotlight on the quality on offer right here in the Moreton Bay Region.”

Mr Newcombe thanked the Forkies Eat and Drink Awards’ strategic partners Moreton Bay Regional Council and University of Sunshine Coast, as well as media partners Triple M, B105, Bishopp, Studio Untitled, aOne Media Group and Dominika Photography.

Mayor Peter Flannery says today’s award winners have truly triumphed in the face of adversity.

“Frankly every business in our local hospitality businesses are deserving of an accolade in 2020, because they are the people who’ve helped Queensland defy COVID-19 and suffered enormously through the closure period,” Mayor Flannery says.

“Among those legends there are some remarkable achievers who’ve somehow managed to innovate and dig deeper to take our local food scene to another level.

“I want offer my humble thanks and gratitude for your commitment to the local hospitality industry and our region.

“Council has refunded two years’ worth of food licence fees to help businesses through this period, and we’re constantly looking at more innovative ways we can help our hospitality sector.

“This ongoing commitment to our local business will be driven through our new Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) which seeks to grow our economy to $40 billion, support 16,000 new businesses and create 100,000 new local jobs by 2041.
“But what businesses really need, is the support of locals. The best applause you can give your favourite local café, restaurant, or watering hole for their success in this year’s Forkies is your business. Every dollar, every coffee, every meal you buy is an investment in our economic recovery.”

One lucky voter, from the Redcliffe peninsula, has won $1,000 cash and a $500 voucher to spend at Suttons Beach Pavilion – his nominated favourite venue.

Café takes trifecta

In addition to winning the Golden Forkie, Basil & Vine Italian Café won the Best Caffeine Fix and Best Customer Service categories.

The family-owned business opened in 2018, with a focus on creating a place for family, friends and customers to enjoy traditional cuisine made from quality ingredients.

Meet the winners:

Planning a brunch, lunch, dinner or night out? Why not start with this list of outstanding venues from across the region? There’s a plenty to choose from and dining locally is the perfect way to support our region’s hospitality industry.

Overall Winners

1st - Basil & Vine Café

2nd - Redcliffe Farmers & Artisans Market

3rd - Beardy's Bar and Kitchen

  • Best Brunch
    1st - Sea Salt and Vine Café
    2nd - Annie Lane
    3rd - D-SOL Café
  • Best Caffeine Fix
    1st - Basil & Vine
    2nd - Lisa's Willow Tree Café
    3rd - Told You So
  • Favourite Drinking Hole
    1st - Eatons Hill Hotel
    2nd - The Belvedere
    3rd - Brendale Brewing Co.
  • Best Family-Friendly Venue
    1st - Redcliffe Farmers & Artisans Market
    2nd - Basil & Vine
    3rd - Sandstone Point Hotel
  • Best Hangover Meal
    1st - Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen
    2nd - The Squealing Pig
    3rd - CJs Pastries Woodford
  • Best Sweet Treats
    1st - Samford Patisserie & Café
    2nd - Basil & Vine
    3rd - Dayboro Bakery
  • Best Customer Service
    1st - Basil & Vine
    2nd - Beardy's Bar and Kitchen
    3rd - Lisa's Willow Tree Café
  • Best Use of Local Produce
    1st - Gather and Feast
    2nd - Annie Lane
    3rd - Ocean View Estates
  • Best Fish & Chips
    1st - Sandstone Point Hotel
    2nd - Suttons Beach Pavilion
    3rd - Tans Seafood
  • Best Pet-Friendly Venue
    1st - Redcliffe Farmers & Artisans Market 
    2nd - Canter & Colt
    3rd - Beardy's Bar and Kitchen

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