This year's Queensland Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards sees two of Spicers Retreats' restaurants merit the two chef hat accolade. The Long Apron at Spicers Clovelly Estate retains its two hatted status whilst The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat joins the prestigious two hatted ranks for the first time.

Spicers Executive Chefs, Cameron Matthews of The Long Apron and Daniel Jarrett of The Tamarind, are passionately committed to providing an exceptional dining experience for their guests and this hard work has resulted in Spicers restaurants now accounting for two out of the four restaurants in regional Queensland with a two hatted status.

The Long Apron brings a taste of Europe to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland whilst The Tamarind specialises in Modern Asian Cuisine. Jude Turner, co-founder of Spicers Retreats comments, “The Sunshine Coast is not often associated with fine dining but Spicers Retreats is attempting to change this one step at a time. We are delighted the French inspired cuisine of The Long Apron continues to impress and thrilled our efforts to provide an innovative Asian fine dining experience at The Tamarind has been officially recognised.”

The awards take into account; ingredients, taste, presentation, technique, value and consistency. This year it appears there has been significant weighting to the ingredient element, with restaurants operating on a sustainable and locally sourced philosophy cleaning up. This philosophy is whole heartedly embraced by Spicers Executive Chefs, with both Cameron and Daniel consistently championing the 'paddock to plate' practice.

Spicers Retreats is also bringing this philosophy to the heart of Brisbane with their 'Chefs in the City' series, showcasing food and techniques from each of their rural retreats.  Through these initiatives, Spicers is looking to add another hatted restaurant to their repertoire and push regional Queensland further into the spotlight at next year's awards.

For more information or to arrange interviews please contact Laura Prittie at Horizon Communication Group:

Laura@horizoncg.com.au / (02) 85725628 / 0415763473

About Spicers Retreats:

Founded in 2003 with Spicers Peak Lodge in the mountains of Queensland's Great Dividing Range, Spicers Retreats now boasts six award-winning destinations across South-East Queensland and one in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

Established by Graham and Jude Turner, co-founders of Flight Centre Pty Ltd, Spicers was born with a desire to share the unique Queensland experience. Each Spicers Retreat represents an escape into incredible landscapes, personalised service and attention to detail.

Every Spicers property is different, yet they all share a dedication to high quality accommodation and an authentic Australian style of hospitality. Spicers Retreats prides itself on its special brand of 'relaxed luxury' – where each property is an experience reflective of its particular location.

For more information, images or to book your Spicers experience visit: http://spicersretreats.com/