The Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre (SCEC) has won gold for its superb food and wine service during the annual Fine Food Fair culinary challenge.
The Centre's team scored an impressive 96 per cent for their work in serving a three-course meal to 35 guests during the competition.
The achievement was particularly notable as the Centre's trio - Silvana Caruso, Swapneel Kotmire and Alex Asano - were paired with an external kitchen team they had not worked with before.
Food and Beverage Manager John McLean said it was the first time any of the Centre's team had entered the Fonterra Restaurant of Champions competition, held as part of the 2009 Fine Food Fair at the Centre from September 7-10.
The team was judged on their table settings and food and wine service skills, as well as their interaction with guests, the kitchen team and each other.
"The Centre has gained the reputation for delivering restaurant-quality service and food in a banquet environment, so this is a great win and demonstrates the strength of our commitment," Mr McLean said.
The Centre's culinary leadership has also been reinforced with the selection of two of its managers - Mr McLean and Catering Support Manager and Certified Sommelier William Wilson - as judges in external food and wine competitions.
Mr McLean joined seven other international judges earlier this month to judge the Australian round of the Global Chefs Challenge, staged by the World Association of Chefs Societies.
Meanwhile Mr Wilson will help judge the Wine Society's Young Winemaker of the Year Award in October.
Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said the Centre was proud that its managers had been selected to judge the events.
"It's fantastic that the Centre's staff are recognised for their expertise and can play an active role in nurturing others in their field," Mr van Amerongen said.
Image: The winning team with Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre Food and Beverage Manager John McLean. Top row, L-R: Swapneel Kotmire, John McLean. Bottom row, L-R: Silvana Caruso, Alex Asano
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