It’s a fact many Novocastrians have known for some time. That the daring, modern Australian flavours coming out of the Flotilla kitchen are more than worth writing home about.
And now the Wickham-based restaurant can officially count itself among the best in the State after obtaining a coveted Hat in the 2023 Good Food Guide.
Flotilla, helmed by head chef Shayne Mansfield, was one of three Hunter Region restaurants newly awarded one hat status alongside Pokolbin favourites EXP and Yellow Billy.
Wine Country icon Muse retained its formidable two-star status, putting it well and truly on the map as one of the top places to dine in regional NSW.
In fact, it was a very strong showing for the Hunter with Bistro Molines, Margan, Muse Kitchen also retaining their one Hat status.
Hunter Culinary Association Chair Gus Maher said the strong showing for the region at this year’s awards was a testament to the talent and tenacity of the Hunter hospitality industry.
“After a couple of incredibly tricky years, the entire industry is so pleased to be able to get back to some sense of normality, and these world-recognised awards will really help give the industry the lift they need, and recognition they deserve,” he said.
“These chefs and restaurateurs have been incredibly resilient, and many have spent their time innovating to stay afloat and plotting how they could catapult themselves back into the spotlight with creative ideas to again tempt us all into dining out.”
A fact well evidenced by just a glance at Flotilla’s spring set menu which includes such beguiling dishes as shaved cuttlefish, scallops, roe cream, fermented pumpkin and melon, or slow braised pork with spent botanicals, cured yolk, smoked potato and gin blanc.