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This year’s Fiesta! hosted a glittering awards night at Saltbush Bistro to announce the winners of the Culinary Competition, Olive Awards and Punter’s Pick.

Dustin Rodgers from Think Food Catering Service was named the Fleurieu Food Chef of the Year after battling with some tough competition in the Chapel Hill Gourmet Retreat Culinary Competition.

Dustin began his career in the Barossa Valley, but moved south to work with the team at d’Arry’s Verandah where he realised his passion for French cuisine. He has worked in several restaurants in the UK including the Michelin-starred Pied à Terre Restaurant. He now lecturers in cookery at Noarlunga TAFE and runs Think Food Catering Services.

Other winners of the Culinary Competition awards were:
• 2007 Apprentice of the Region – Louis Nikolic, Blues Restaurant
• Entrée Category Winner – Darren Knill, The Barn
• Mains Category Winner – Dustin Rodgers, Think Food Catering Service
• Dessert Category Winner – Dustin Rodgers, Think Food Catering Service

The People’s Choice awards recognised the Entrée of Darren Knill (The Barn) and the Main Course and Dessert of Jascha Manley (Waterside Restaurant Whalers Inn).

“The Awards Night is a great way to finish the month-long celebration,” says Pip Forrester, Chair of Fleurieu Food.

“It’s a chance to recognise the great work that’s being done across the region by chefs and producers. We’re also pleased to involve the public with the Punter’s Pick of the oils in the Olive Awards and the People’s Choice at the Culinary Competition.”

The Fiesta! Olive Awards judge olive oils from local producers and from around Australia. The judges last night awarded four Gold Medals – to Willunga Olive Farm, Hugo’s Winery, Coriole and Brian’s Gourmet Olives. Eleven Silver Medals and 17 Bronze Medals were also presented by the judges to olive oils, table olives and an olive tapenade.

The Punter’s Pick gives the people a chance to vote for entries in the Olive Awards. During October visitors to the Willunga Farmers market tasted seven oils and rated them in order of preference. In years past the punters and the judges have agreed, a trend not continued this year as the punters picked Diana Olive Oil, an oil awarded a silver medal by the judges.

The Fleurieu Peninsula Food Producer of the Year was awarded to Tori Moreton from The Producers. This award recognises leadership and support from food industry peers. Tori, the founder of Fiesta!, now the most significant food and wine festival in the region, has been recognised for her contribution to the food, wine and tourism industries of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

In her most recent business venture, The Producers, Tori and her partner David Arbon offer accommodation with a difference by inviting guests to get behind the scenes and join in winemaking, olive oil producing, pickling and preserving.

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