Katherine Country Club manager Frank Dalton and his chef David Read, with the 'Best Territory Club Bistro Dining' award.
SEVERAL businesses in the Katherine region have received accolades at the recent Australian Hotels Association Awards for Excellence, with Katherine’s very own Katherine Country Club being recognised for its quality bistro dining experience.
The Emerald Springs Roadhouse and Daly Waters Pub were joint winners of the award for Best Wayside Inn - a gong which Daly Waters Pub has received five times previously in the last seven years, while the Katherine Country Club has another award framed on its wall, after taking out the award for Best Territory Club Bistro Dining.
The club’s manager of 18 years, Frank Dalton, who was awarded Best NT Club Manager last year, said it was fantastic to receive such recognition for the business which he and his staff have put so much hard work into.
Mr Dalton said the award was especially gratifying given that those competing in the category were largely Darwin businesses, with the exception of one from Alice Springs.
The club rated excellently in the award criteria, which took into account the popularity of the venue, its ambience, comfort for customers, the quality of food and its presentation, the accuracy of dishes described on its menu and value for money.
Chef David Read said nine years creating dishes for Katherine’s diners and travellers passing through had taught him that good, simple food was the key to satisfaction.
Mr Dalton said the next frame they would like to add to the wall would be one for Best Environmental Practice – a fitting aim given the club’s recent grant of over $1 million to replant sections of the Katherine River area.