Attending the 2010 Savour Australia Restaurant and Catering Awards for Excellence on Monday night the Terracotta Restaurant was awarded for their outstanding service in the industry.

The Terracotta Restaurant was up against six other nominated businesses in the ACT/Southern NSW Award for Excellence Café Restaurant category, which included Jugiong’s Long Track Pantry.

Owners of the Terracotta Restaurant Michael and Ann Burns said they were up against a high standard of competition.

“I didn’t imagine for a minute that we could do better than some of the other nominees,” Ann said.

“We were very surprised on the night and this is good recognition for us as a business and for the town of Murrumburrah Harden.

“We are very proud of the staff and community who support us and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Ann and Michael both say they pride the business on top service, quality food and a friendly atmosphere.

“This award shows that we can hold it as good as our city counterparts and shows you don’t have to go to the city for a good meal,” Ann said.

“It also shows that we can survive in the bush and can survive in a small town.

“This award really was a dream come true.”

In previous years the Terracotta Restaurant has received Awards for Excellence in the fine dining category but with the change of hours and the restaurant now offering lunchtime café dining it was decided they’d select the café restaurant category.

The Terracotta was one of more than 90 restaurants and caterers recognised at Monday’s ceremony at the National Convention Centre in Canberra acknowledging excellence in food and service.

Joining the Terracotta Restaurant in the winners’ circle also showcasing the culinary talents of the bush was Wagga’s Roseleigh Manor, who was named the region’s Caterer of the Year and Wagga’s Thyme Out At The Manor restaurant.

All category winners including the Terracotta will now compete with venues from across NSW in the regional finals to be held in early October this year.

Restaurant and Catering CEO John Hart commented that the Awards for Excellence represent an important moment as the industry pauses to honour these outstanding venues who were reviewed on the whole dining experience rather than a single dimension.

The Awards for Excellence were judged by a team of 20 judges who anonymously visited the venues to determine the winners.

Restaurant & Catering represents 2,200 restaurants and caterers in NSW and the ACT.