Raise a Forkie to the award winners

The cuisine has been devoured, the votes counted and the winners announced in the inaugural Forkies Eat & Drink Awards. These venues are definitely worth checking out.

Tasty options at My T Burger at North Lakes.

Forkies fever has well and truly spread across the Moreton Bay Region during the past few months, with more than 50 cafes, restaurants and bars rallying locals to get behind their campaign to claim top prize in the inaugural Forkies Eat & Drink Awards.

Close to 10,000 votes poured in from local foodies, who ate and drank their way around the region. Their votes were used to determine the winners.

Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) chairman Shane Newcombe says after a month of fierce competition the votes have been tallied.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Valori Espresso and Gallery in Scarborough have taken out the top honour,” he says.

“The inaugural Forkies Eat & Drink Awards were delivered by the team at Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism, supported by Moreton Bay Regional Council, with a mission to showcase and celebrate the best of our booming hospitality industry.

Cuisine at Tempest Seafood Restaurant and Teppanyaki at Scarborough.

“The Moreton Bay Region is home to one of Australia’s fastest-evolving foodie cultures, and we wanted to celebrate the incredible restaurants, boundary-pushing cafes and quirky bars, in a fun and unique way.

“We were absolutely blown away with amount of support that this brand-new initiative received, not only from the businesses, but also the general public.”

The Forkies kicked-off with a call for local businesses to nominate themselves in 11 different categories.

It was then over to the general public to vote for their favourites.

The awards program attracted almost 10,000 online votes, with more than 1,000 votes received on just the first day of voting.

The Valori team took out the highest number of votes in the entire competition for the Espresso Yourself category, earning Valori the reputation as the official go-to caffeine fix destination for the Moreton Bay Region, along with the ultimate bragging rights.

“Winners are grinners, but for the team at Valori Espresso and Gallery — it appears they are always smiling,” Mr Newcombe says.

MEET TIM BATES FROM VALORI

Valori Espresso and Gallery's Tim Bates makes coffee. Picture: Dominika Lis

Not only did they win the best coffee hotspot, the Valori team were also crowned the winners of the Service with a Smile category, recognising their exceptional customer service.

As the overall winner, Valori Espresso and Gallery has won $1,000 cash, plus a $20,000 advertising package thanks to the Forkies’ media partners including Quest Community News, Bishopp Outdoor Advertising and Code Artists.

Dessert at Mon Komo Hotel.

MEET THREE VERY DIFFERENT WINNERS

OVERALL WINNER

Valori Espresso & Gallery

Espresso Yourself — Go-to Caffeine Fix

Category winner: Valori Espresso & Gallery

#2 Runner-Up: Lisa’s Willow Tree Café

#3 Runner-Up: The Old Corner Shop

Swipe Right — Best Tinder Date Venue

Category winner: Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen

#2 Runner-Up: Mon Komo Hotel

#3 Runner-Up: Bite Markets

Goodbye Home Loan — Most Delish Smashed Avo

Category winner: Evolve Espresso

#2 Runner-Up: Gather and Feast

#3 Runner-Up: Annie Lane Café

I’m So Fancy Put My Name in Bold — Best Venue To Get Dressed Up & a Little Bit Fancy

Category winner: Mon Komo Hotel

#2 Runner-Up: Ocean View Estates

#3 Runner-Up: Reid’s Place

Not All Heroes Wear Capes — Go-to Hangover Meal

Category winner: My T Burger

#2 Runner-Up: The Squealing Pig

#3 Runner-Up: Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen

Stop, Collaborate and Listen — Best Use of Local Produce

Category winner: Gather and Feast

#2 Runner-Up: Ocean View Estates

#3 Runner-Up: Tempest Seafood Restaurant & Teppanyaki Grill

It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere — Favourite Drinking Hole

Category winner: Brendale Brewing Co

#2 Runner-Up: Jumping Goats Bar

#3 Runner-Up: Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen

I Sea-Food and Eat It — Serving Up The Best Seafood Dishes

Category winner: Tempest Seafood Restaurant and Teppanyaki Grill

#2 Runner-Up: Ocean View Estates

#3 Runner-Up: Norths Leagues & Services Club

Service With A Smile — Best Customer Service

Category winner: Valori Espresso & Gallery

#2 Runner-Up: The Squealing Pig

#3 Runner-Up: Beardy’s Bar and Kitchen

#Fitspo — Go-to Venue to Nourish Your Body & Soul

Category winner: Gather and Feast

#2 Runner-Up: Annie Lane Café

#3 Runner-Up: Canter & Colt

Treat Yo’self — Go-to Sweet Treat

Category Winner: Samford Patisserie & Café

#2 Runner-Up: Mon Komo Hotel

#3 Runner-Up: Annie Lane Café