The night the NSW and ACT seafood industry were waiting for finally arrived on Saturday, 30 July,at the 2011 Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards, held at Sydney Town Hall.
As fourteen award categories were announced, all areas of the seafood trade celebrated with theirpeers, colleagues, friends and family.
Grahame Turk. managing director of Sydney Fish Market said, 'The finalists should all be tremendously proud of what they've achieved. The submissions received this year were all of a high standard, showcasing the world class seafood industry we have right here in NSW and the ACT. It is important to recognise the seafood industry as a whole, but tonight is particularly about ensuring leaders in the industry can be acknowledged for their hard work and outstanding achievements.'
Highly respected in the seafood industry for many years, Professor Robert E Kearney from the University of Canberra took home the highly prestigious 'Star of the Sea' award. As a passionate campaigner for the marine environment and sustainable fishing practices, Professor Kearney is an excellent role model for the industry. He received this accolade for his efforts in ensuring good science is always at the core of fisheries management and conservation, thereby maintaining a healthy and sustainable fishing industry and environment. He research and hard work is a significant contribution for the development of the seafood industry.
The 'Excellence in Environmental Practice' award was also a highlight. Broken Bay Oysters Association's ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship in the Hawkesbury River Estuary has helped the seafood industry tremendously. This company is a shining example of a problem solver industry can learn from. It is important to recognise those that take huge steps forward in ensuring industry longevity.
For an outstanding seafood dining experience make sure you visit Flying Fish Restaurant and Bar in Pyrmont and Fins Kingscliff who received the top honours in the Sydney and Regional 'Best Seafood Restaurant' categories. Or if fish and chips are more your thing, be sure to check out Bondi Surf Seafood at BondiBeach and Bub's Fish and Chips in Nelson Bay who were voted in as the people's choice award: 'Best Fish & Chips'.
In a battle of the apprentice chefs, Sam Smith from Pi/u at Freshwater won the 'Inspired by Seafood' award after going against seven others at the Seafood Showdown held at Sydney Seafood School last month. The winner impressed judges including top Sydney chef Sean Connolly; Markus Gerlich GeneralManager Australia of New Zealand King Salmon; Roberta Muir, Sydney Seafood School manager; and one of Australia's most recognised food, wine and lifestyle personalities, Lyndey Milan, to take home the title.
Guests at the Seafood Excellence Awards celebration were treated to a three course meal created by top Sydney chef Sean Connelly. The premium dining experience took guests on a seafood journey including some of the best flavours and ingredients Australian seafood has to offer. The menu started with tantalising entrees of Prawn cocktail and ceviche of Yellowtail Kingfish. Mains were a specially created 'Sydney seafood casserole' or steamed Snapper with buttered leeks and cauliflower veloute. For dessert guests enjoyed a delectable chocolate orange tart served with creme fraiche & orange salad.
Australian comedian, actor and writer Peter Helliar kept seafood's biggest names laughing throughout the evening as MC of the event.
Sydney Fish Market would like to thank all the wonderful sponsors that made the NSW Seafood Excellence Awards such a success. In particular, NSW Department of Primary Industries was not only the night's platinum sponsor but also the sponsor of the 'Excellence in Environmental Practice' award category. Regal King Salmon also made a significant contribution by sponsoring both the 'Inspired by Seafood' award category and delighting guests as the welcome drinks and canapes sponsor. Hot smoked Regal King Salmon vol au vent's and Regal King Salmon and quail egg turban's showed the versatility and quality of the Regal range, which went down a treat with guests.
Other award categories were sponsored by: De Costi Seafooods (Holdings) Pty Ltd - Best Supplier (Aquaculture) sponsor; NSW Food Authority -Best Supplier (NSW); Australian Fisheries Management Authority- Best Supplier (Interstate or Overseas); Commercial Fishermen's Co operative Ltd - Best Seafood Retailer (Suburban and Regional NSW); Viscount Plastics (Australia) Pty Ltd- Best Fish and Chips (Sydney); Moana Pacific Fisheries- Best Seafood Restaurant (Sydney); Gasoline Communications Group -Seafood Promotion Award; Fisheries Research and Development Corporation- Seafood Business Award; and last but certainly not least Charter Refrigerated Transport- Star of the Sea.