Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards 2011

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Taking out the top gong for 'Restaurant of the Year' was none other than the seemingly unstoppable Andrew McConnell. His Midas touch for restaurants has seen him take each restaurant in his charge from strength to strength (Circa, the Prince; Three, One, Two; and Cumulus Inc. to name a few). He has now completed the triple by adding the Gourmet Traveller 'Restaurant of the Year' to his rapidly-growing swag of awards, including The Age Good Food Guide's 'Best New Restaurant' and 'Chef of the Year'.

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Boasting a CV that puts most chefs to shame, it's no wonder Dan Hunter's Royal Mail Hotel has taken out the award for 'Regional Restaurant of the Year'. Honing his skills in some of the best restaurants in Spain, Hunter now delivers a contemporary dining experience characterised by poignancy and a connection with the produce he uses.

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Proving that being busy is no excuse for poor service, Peter Sullivan has taken out the award for 'Maitre d of the Year', despite working in not one but two top-class restaurants. Matt Moran may be the more recognisable face of the Sydney and Brisbane outposts of Aria but this award proves that Sullivan is the oil that keeps this machine running smoothly.

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It is no surprise that 1889 has taken out the 2011 title for 'Wine List of the Year'. One of the pioneers of Wolloongabba's recent gentrification, 1889 is a veritable treasure trove for those with a keen eye for a good drop of vintage.

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Opening its doors at the start of the year, Ortiga has quickly become a roaring success in Brissie. The pet project of restaurateur Simon Hill and head chef Pablo Tordesillas has already gained a slew of loyal fans, topping off the year by taking out the award for 'New Restaurant of the Year'.

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After the tragic demise of his flagship restaurant the Grange late last year, it's fantastic to see Cheong Liew getting the recognition he so richly deserves, being honoured with this year's award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Industry'. The Grange may be six feet under but Liew is rumoured to be moving to the culinary capital to take up residence as the executive chef at the Botanical in South Yarra. The restaurant doesn't open until October but when you combine the artistry of Liew with the refined dining precinct of South Yarra only good things can happen.

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Grabbing the nod for 'Best New Talent' at this year's awards, not to mention proudly flying the flag for WA, was up and comer Matt Stone. His work has launched the eco-friendly and aptly-titled Greenhouse straight to the top of the dining scene in Perth.

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This year's award for 'Sommelier of the Year' could go to none other than Franck Moreau. Creating a wine list to match Peter Doyle's stunning mod-Oz cuisine at est. requires the best sommelier in the business. Luckily, they have him and the award to prove it.

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It will come as no surprise to anyone who has been to Eau-De-Vie that the sleek and intimate little speakeasy has nabbed this year's nod for 'Bar of the Year'. From the polished service to the stellar wine list and eclectic cocktails, it s everything you want from a great wine bar.