They say it happens in threes, and it certainly worked that way for Les Bistronomes on Monday evening.
The Campbell restaurant won three awards at this year's Restaurant & Catering Australia Hostplus Awards for Excellence in the ACT, taking out the Restaurant of the Year, Premium Dining of the Year and best European Restaurant.
And it's easy to see why. During his most recent critique of the restaurant, Canberra Times reviewer Chris Hansen said it was not only "the heart of Canberra's best French dining experience" but one of the city's best dining experiences full stop.
"There has always been a tension in French restaurant kitchens between tradition and innovation," he wrote.
"This restaurant moves from one to the other, and back again, with seamless effort."
Also a big winner at this year's awards was Hotel Realm in Barton, which was named the Caterer of the Year and the Wedding Caterer of the Year.
Restaurant & Catering chief executive Suresh Manickam congratulated each of the winners on behalf of the association, recognising their significant contribution to the Australian Capital Territory hospitality sector.
"We are continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication displayed by all those who contribute to the restaurant and catering industry," he said.
"From chefs and restaurateurs to servers and suppliers, they all play a vital role in shaping the gastronomic identity of this region and enriching the lives of their patrons."
Also being recognised on the night was Stella's By The Lake in Belconnen which won the Breakfast Restaurant and Cafe Dining awards. The Boat House took out Contemporary Australian Restaurant, while Meat and Wine Co won the Steak Restaurant award.
The Indian Restaurant award was taken out by Sweet Mahal in Amaroo, while the Italian Restaurant was awarded to Mezzalira Italian Restaurant.
The Restaurant in a Hotel/Resort award went to Diplomat Bar & Grill in the Ramada by Wyndham in Griffith, while Anatolia Mediterranean Restaurant won the Speciality Restaurant award.
Rounding out the restaurant portion of the awards was this year's Wine Bar award winner, Vincent.
When it came to catering awards Trippas White Group took out Education Caterer, for the work it does at Canberra Grammar School, while the National Press Club won the Events Caterer award.
Established in 1922, Restaurant & Catering Australia is the national industry association representing the interests of more than 57,000 restaurants, cafés, and catering businesses across Australia.
