Why we love our 2014 Prestige Awards Winners

Dedication. Passion. Innovation.

All of our Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Award winners push the envelope to bring authentic culinary experiences to their consumers. On Tuesday, November 25 2014, we celebrated their passion and dedication. Here is a quick overview of our winners with links to their videos:

“Their dedication to Nova Scotia seafood and lobster, that’s what we want every restaurant in the province to do…they have the passion to bring the very best, they embody everything we’re trying to do and they do it organically.” – Janice Ruddock (Executive Director Taste of Nova Scotia)

Restaurant of the Year – Essence of Nova Scotia
Lobster Shack (Barrington Passage, NS)

“Something like the Prestige Awards directs all of our efforts, from small cafe to 400-seat dining halls to the same goal. After all, we are all on the same team. We all have a passion to represent Nova Scotia and show the world what we have to offer.” – The Brooklyn Warehouse Team, NS

Restaurant of the Year – Chef Inspired Casual Dining
Brooklyn Warehouse (Halifax, NS)

“A beautiful backdrop, lots of colour, lots of water, beauitful views, beautiful people. Lunenburg has definitely been an important part of Fleur de Sel.”  – Sylvie Ruiz Salvador (Co-Owner)

Restaurant of the Year – Chef Inspired Fine Dining
Fleur de Sel (Lunenburg, NS)

The perfect toast to Halifax and our maritime traditions – Olde Port of Halifax is a port-style cider matured in oak barrels for 4 years.

Innovative Product of the Year
Olde Port of Halifax, Tideview Cider (Annapolis Valley, NS)

“My philosophy is to let the grapes express themselves as much as possible – without having too much influence.” – Jurg Stutz (Grand Pré Wines, Winemaker)
Hanspeter Stutz (owner) is pictured above.

Producer of the Year
Grand Pré Wines (Grand Pré, NS)

“We are summer residents in Nova Scotia and in addition to Charlotte Lane being our favorite restaurant, Cora is our absolute favorite server. We are welcomed back by name and an embrace- but in addition to that, her knowledge of the menu and the food and wine and her deft service makes her a truly professional server.”   – Vera, NH (Consumer)

Server of the Year
Cora Beck, Charlotte Lane (Shelburne, NS)

“I am in love with this wine. Avondale Sky is quickly becoming my favourite winery in the province. A beautiful space with knowledgable staff. Bliss is a delightful wine that I am proud to serve to guests and to introduce visitors to, as well.” – Gillian Wesley (The Local Traveler)

Consumer Choice Product of the Year
Bliss, Avondale Sky Winery (Newport Landing, NS)

“Together, Lia and Michael have created an international event that brings recognition to our local food culture and community, while sharing our passion and products with the world.” – Janice Ruddock (Executive Director, Taste of Nova Scotia)

Gary MacDonald Culinary Ambassador of the Year
Lia Rinaldo & Michael Howell, Devour! The Food Film Fest