The awards are widely recognized as a credible barometer for discerning diners seeking a quality dining experience. The selection criteria include quality and creativity of cuisine, service, wine list, décor and ambience as well as overall excellence and American Express card acceptance, with strong emphasis on maintaining high levels of consistency.
According to well-known restaurant critic, Victor Strugo, who headed up this year's judging panel along with respected 'foodie' Tamsin Snyman, the awards are more significant and relevant than ever before. He emphasized the need for greater recognition of excellence against a backdrop of increasing mediocrity in the South African restaurant industry. Bistro Sixteen82 received a special mention from Strugo who cited this popular, informal eatery as 'somewhat of a local' for him whenever he visits Cape Town.
Catharina's has for the sixth consecutive year received a top score in the annual Diners Club Wine list Awards (2011), this year as one of only 42 Diamond Award winners in the Western Cape to score more than 90%. It offers an expert wine pairing service and an award-winning wine list, which includes a selection of certified organic wines, as well as a superb selection of 'food' wines from the Steenberg and Klein Steenberg ranges.
Gaby Gramm, GM of the hotel, says, "Our drive is to make the hotel a world-class destination in all aspects and accolades such as this inspires us to continually improve on our overall service offering."
The awards add to the list of accolades received in 2011. These include Best Luxury Hotel in Africa by www.TripAdvisor.com and Steenberg Vineyards named as Global Winner Wine Tourism Services in the Great Wine Capitals' Best of Wine Tourism Awards 2011.
