WOW! How far have we come!
Last year I ate at Esquire a few weeks after it opened. I can safely say it was THE best dining-out experience I have had in Australia. And possibly anywhere in the world. EVER.
Last night Esquire became the first Queensland restaurant to be awarded 3 Hats by the newly established Queensland Good Food Guide, taking its place alongside Sydney and Melbourne restaurant luminaries including Tetsuya's, Marque, Quay, Attica, Vue de Monde and more.
I was excited to be invited to the Queensland Good Food Guide Awards last night. Not because I work in the industry [I did once. As the world's worst waitress ever.]. Not because my friends were receiving awards. Not because I wanted to meet celebrity chefs.
I was excited because it gave me the opportunity to applaud the many, many hardworking restauranteurs, cafe owners, wait staff, sommeliers, baristas, chefs, cooks, dishwashers and all those others who have worked tirelessly to give Queensland incredible food experiences.
To all of you I say THANK YOU.
Books like this don't "just happen" - thanks to all those involved - the lovely Natascha Mirosch who edited this book [and who just tweeted is going out for one last lunch before starting the "mother of all diets" tomorrow!], brisbanetimes.com.au, all the reviewers [how do I get a job doing THAT?], and all the sponsors, including Citibank and Vittoria Coffee.
And to everyone like me, who loves food, loves dining out, loves sitting in a cafe for a sneaky coffee when you're meant to be working, all I can say is, how lucky we are in Queensland.
You can check out all the winners at the Good Food Guide website.
Make sure you grab a copy of the Queensland Good Food Guide [book, iphone app, digital version, e-book, or website subscription] and get eating!
Please make sure you tell me reader, what is your favourite place to eat in Queensland?
