Categories
Submit nominations in the following categories:
he category is open to a manager of a bar – not a restaurant as well – in the Middle East. He should provide personalised service to customers as well as monitoring and motivating bar staff. S/he should be aware of the entire outlet’s operation and progress, and if the bar is based in a restaurant, must demonstrate ways in which she/he has contributed to the shared success S/he knows his/her regular customers, has a rapport with them Staff development should be on the top of their list S/he has to demonstrably improve operations during their time there through development of new menus, sourcing new products, and keeping an eye on trends, as well as save costs Regular rules apply: has to have been there for a year.
Open to any barista in the coffee industry working within the Middle East. Our Barista of the Year is someone who makes it a priority to stay up-to-date with current trends in their sector and customer preferences across the globe as well as in the local market. He/She can successfully demonstrate a strong knowledge of different coffee types and has shown creativity in drink creation and promotion.
Open to any bar in the Middle East that has been operational for at least 12 months. Our Bar Team of the Year is not necessarily the highest-earning outlet — although of course finances play a part, It is an outlet which has performed exceptionally, showing a significant improvement regarding profit margins, staff progression, menu development, innovative measures to promote cost-efficiency, clever marketing drives, reducing the staff turnover rate, increasing covers, or building repeat custom.
Open to any bartender working behind a bar in a Middle East outlet. In addition to being able to build a rapport with customers and having a thorough knowledge of the menu and ingredients used, our Bartender of the Year must be able to comfortably make recommendations and chat with customers, adapt to requests and be confident in up-selling.
This award is designed to recognise the growing sector that is casual dining in the region. We’re looking for table service restaurants, whether hotel or non-hotel based, with an average spend of AED 100 to AED 150.
The chief steward is the head of the stewarding department. He is responsible for the whole department – the productivity of the department, the quality of the service, the relationship of the staffs of the stewarding department with each other, and the relationship of the staff with the guests. The chief steward reports directly to the executive chef, and he also works closely with him.
Following much debate that events are all about the team rather than the individual, Caterer took the decision to open this category up to banqueting and events catering teams in the Middle East. We want entries from those who exhibit the core qualities to enable smooth-running, imaginative and innovative banquet catering.
This category is open to executive chefs, chef de cuisines and head chefs from any F&B outlet in the Middle East that operates as part of a hotel. Its income must contribute to the overall hotel operation. The Chef of the Year will be someone who has contributed both to the success of the outlet’s operation as well as the industry. Among his/her skillset will be significant culinary skill and innovation as well as sharp business acumen.
The outlet itself, even if based in a hotel, operates entirely independently in terms of its income, operating and marketing strategy. The award is open to any chef in the Middle East today, who is in charge of the kitchen — or kitchens — in a freestanding restaurant and plays a significant role in the day-to-day running of these premises.
(Commis 1-3 and Stewarding excluding Chief Steward) Open to any member of kitchen staff in the position of commis chef (1-3) all the way down to the most junior kitchen assistant. This category aims to recognise the ‘unsung hero’ of the kitchen —even if they are involved in banqueting or hygiene operations at a level equivalent in rank to a commis 1-3. Their hard work and quiet dedication makes operations run smoothly.
Open to any pastry chef currently working in the Middle East. A good pastry chef will demonstrate flair and skill in every sweet created; whether he’s/she’s creating 20 or 200. This category is open to pastry chefs of both stand-alone and hotel operations.
Open to any restaurant manager for any Middle East outlet. The Restaurant Manager of the Year considers and implements drivers to boost front-of-house business. As well as being a key figurehead to customers, he/she is also dedicated to ensuring his/her staff are trained up to the correct standards and offer a top service. Where a restaurant manager has contributed to boosting sales, tell us how.
Open to any hotel-based restaurant in the Middle East that has been operational for at least 12 months, this award wishes to recognise the efforts of an outlet which has performed exceptionally over the past year. While finances are important, positive growth can be translated in a number of different ways.
Open to any non-hotel restaurant in the Middle East that has been operational for at least 12 months, this award wishes to recognise the efforts of an outlet which has performed exceptionally over the past year. While finances are important, positive growth can be translated in a number of different ways.
This award is meant to reflect those individuals in the F&B industry who show innovation with creating new themes and/or brands and have launched them successfully in the Middle East. Individuals behind launching a minimum of two successful restaurants and bars will be lauded for their efforts in spearheading change and progress in the F&B industry in this region, and they need not stay behind the scenes anymore!
Open to any sommelier in the tea, wine or water industries working within the Middle East. Our Sommelier of the Year is someone who makes it a priority to stay up-to-date with current trends in their sector and customer preferences across the globe as well as in the local market. He/She can successfully pair appropriate beverages with food where necessary and is happy to work closely with the kitchen to ensure the success of related promotions.
This category is limited to waiter or waitresses working in a Middle East outlet. Hosts/Hostesses are not eligible to enter for this category. The award aims to recognise someone who excels in their role, aiding the smooth running of the outlet and enhancing the guests’ dining experience.
Event Details
Caterer Middle East Awards 2020
Venue: Dubai, UAE
Date & Time: Tuesday, 8th December 2020 07:00 PM