Call to forks for foodies

Published 8:30am 2 October 2020

The nominations are in, now it’s up to you – the locals – to vote for your favourite cafes, restaurants, clubs and pubs in this year’s The Forkies Eat and Drink Awards.

Voting opens on October 2 and will close on October 11. Winners will be announced on October 16.

One lucky voter will win $1000 cash and a $500 voucher to spend in their nominated favourite venue. And for those who have always thought they would make a good MasterChef judge, it is a chance to let their inner food critic run wild.

Last year, more than 50 cafes, restaurants and bars rallied locals to get behind their campaign to claim top prize in the inaugural awards.

Almost 10,000 votes poured in from locals and these were used to determine the winners.

They are being asked to do it again, supporting the region’s hospitality industry which has been doing it tough as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown and subsequent restrictions.

Backing a local

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) CEO Shane Newcombe says supporting local venues is the perfect way to show the industry some love, with more than $30,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.

“We’re thrilled to bring back The Forkies in 2020 and hope to turn a few frowns upside down, despite the tough year that many of our local businesses have experienced,” Mr Newcombe says.

“The Forkies is a great way to give our local businesses an excuse to brag about themselves and rally the support of the public. It’s a bit of fun and a great reminder for locals to buy, shop and support our local businesses.

“Thanks to our amazing media 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.”

Maturing foodie scene

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery says the region’s food scene has come of age.

“The level of sophistication and quality you’re seeing in our local food scene today would have been inconceivable a decade ago,” Mayor Flannery says.

“The fact that local foodies are still daring to push culinary boundaries is something worth celebrating, especially after everything the tourism and hospitality industry has been through in this pandemic.

“Council has refunded food licence fees to help businesses through this period, but what they really need is your support. So, give your favourite local café, restaurant, or watering hole the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an award in this year’s Forkies.”

The Forkies has 10 categories this year including two new-comers: Best family dining experience and Best dog-friendly venue.

To vote for your favourite and be in the running to win, visit moretondaily.com.au/forkies. Voting closes October 11.