One of the newest restaurants on the far south coast of NSW has joined the 'elite' in Australia's most prestigious restaurant awards.

Zanzibar Café, at Merimbula on the Sapphire Coast, was awarded a coveted chef's hat at last night's Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide awards - less than a year after it launched under new ownership.

Owners Huw Jones, 29, and Renée Loftus, 32, were in Sydney for the glamorous presentation ceremony - with Renée declaring she was so stunned as hope became reality with the announcement, she wanted to cry!

"We're really overwhelmed but so excited. I'm so thrilled for my hometown, because this is really special. It's so wonderful to receive something like this at any time, but extra special in such a short time.

"We remember when Joanna Savill [chief judge] came to Zanzibar earlier this year, and we were very nervous, but she was really lovely to deal with and very complimentary about what we are doing.

"Then when we received the invitation to the awards presentation, we certainly had our fingers crossed that we would get something, but you don't really know - do you - until they actually make the announcement.

"When you see the calibre of the restaurants that make this list, you can't quite believe that you're in the same company - but we are now, officially, and that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

"We want to thank our family and friends for supporting us in making our dream with this restaurant come true, and our loyal customers for having faith in us. We hope they'll all come in to celebrate with us."

Huw did his initial training at Brookvale TAFE on Sydney's northern beaches, and spent 18 months working at the famous and highly awarded Tetsuya's [two hats] as well as several other leading Sydney restaurants.

Renée grew up in Merimbula and has a long background in hospitality, gaining a deep knowledge of silver service and the wine industry along the way. The pair met when they were both working in the Margaret River wine region of WA.

They took over Zanzibar Café in November last year with the goal of offering fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere, and showcasing local produce from the Bega Valley and the waters of the Sapphire Coast.

Located on the far south coast of NSW, the Sapphire Coast is three hours' drive from Canberra via Cooma or a six/seven-hour drive from either Melbourne or Sydney.

There are several daily flights from Melbourne or Sydney via REX Airlines into Merimbula, and regular inter-city bus services.

More information on the area including accommodation details and bookings, are available by calling toll-free on 1800 150 457 or by visiting the region's website, http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/ http://www.sapphirecoast.com.au/


MEDIA CONTACT
Liz Swanton
P: +61 2 9771 1277
M: +61 417 232 643
E: lizswanton@hotkey.net.au
W: www.sapphirecoast.com.au