Toast to success! Wasabi Restaurant recognised in awards
WASABI Restaurant has claimed another prestigious award and proven in terms of talent, depth and diversity it's a long-term winner.
On Monday night, The Brisbane Times Good Food Guide Awards 2016 named the Noosa Sound waterfront restaurant the Santa Vittoria Regional Restaurant of the Year and once again secured its two-hat rating.
Wasabi Restaurant owner/manager Danielle Gjestland. (Picture: Geoff Potter)
"While we have a few new hats, we've also lost a couple," she said.
"The decision to take away hats is not made lightly and it's sad to see three well-established, highly respected venues losing hats."
After 12 years of award-winning operation, Wasabi Restaurant owner/manager Danielle Gjestland (pictured) could be called a veteran restaurateur but she believes success is not based on history.
"One thing we aim for is consistency - you are only as good as your last meal," she said, attributing the award to a great team effort.
"A whole show is not run by one person and in particular note the gifted duo of head chef Zeb Gilbert and sushi chef Jiro Nurmato.
"It's a good dynamic, Zeb grew up locally and understands the local produce, he basically does everything except the sushi."
Danielle said Jiro worked in a top-class, high-end Tokyo sushi restaurant before arriving at Wasabi in February 2013.
She was pleased to bring some good news to an industry that had recently suffered some hard knocks.
"It was great to be recognised and great for the staff to be recognised.
"In a crowd of such well deserving people - people I respect - it is such an honour to receive this award."
Wasabi serves a Japanese menu boasting a contemporary sensibility based on the purity of Japanese roots.
The menu showcases seasonal produce from their Pomona farm at Honeysuckle Hill, other regional ingredients and seafood caught daily from the local fishing fleet.
Wasabi restaurant Sunshine Beach Oysters on the half shell Photo Nicholas Falconer / Sunshine Coast Daily (Picture: Nicholas Falconer)
HAT RACK
Two hats:
- The Long Apron (Montville)
- The Tamarind (Maleny)
- Wasabi Restaurant & Bar (Noosa Sound)
One hat:
- Riverbar & Restaurant (Noosa Heads)
- Sails (Noosa Heads)
- Spirit House (Yandina)
Source: Sunshine Coast Daily, Gail Forrer, July 1st 2015
