Chef of the Year
JUDGING - 20% WRITTEN SUBMISSION / 80% PRACTICAL COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND INTERVIEW
ELIGIBLE FOR ENTRY INTO THE AHA NATIONAL AWARDS
As part of the interview process for this category, candidates will be required to participate in a practical cooking element. An industry chef will come to the property and the candidate will then prepare one (1) dish of their choice and one (1) dish selected by the judge on the current restaurant menu. The practical cooking assessment will be required to take place in the nominee’s property kitchen followed by a sit-down interview with the judge.
The written submission should address the essential elements listed here plus the following:
CATEGORY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
- Please outline the dish and composition of the Chef’s choice dish.
- Please attach the full current menu on offer at the property.
Categories
PROPERTY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The following categories are judged by written submission. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
PEOPLE AWARDS
The following categories are judged firstly by written submission, and then by an interview. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category.
Applicants are awarded on their performance with the nominating property, over the qualifying period 1 January – 31 December 2025. The candidate must be available to appear for an interview via zoom between June - July 2026. Applicants require a minimum of 6 months employment with the nominating property.
EXPERIENCE AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection some which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
FOOD AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
ACCOMMODATION AWARDS
The following categories are judged 100% by anonymous site inspection, which require vouchers or funds to be provided to cover the cost of judging. Entries are limited to ONE nomination per venue in each category:
Judging voucher information guidelines
OVERALL HOTEL AWARDS - nominations are not required
- People’s Choice Award
- Hotel of the Year - Accommodation Division
- Hotel of the Year - General Division