Terrific tastes on offer

Rockingham’s impressive eatery scene has come to the attention of many food enthusiasts and culinary experts, with four restaurants in the area nominated as finalists for the 2018 Kleenheat Gold Plate awards.

The finalists were announced at an event earlier this month by the Catering Institute of Australia WA, which has conducted the awards since 1967 to reward excellence and encourage the endeavours of committed industry professionals by giving them a means of improving and promoting business.

Latitude 32 on Railway Terrace, Rockingham, has been nominated in three categories — licensed casual dining; steakhouse barbecue and grill; and excellence in health.

Kent Street Deli Rockingham is one of four Statewide restaurants nominated for best unlicensed cafe, while Rustico Tapas and Wine Bar is up against one other contender for best tapas/small plate.

Bayside Barista in Safety Bay joins six other nominees for best coffee shop.

Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the awards were aimed at finding and rewarding venues that were doing an outstanding job championing fresh seasonal and local ingredients from across the State.

“By choosing to buy local, consumers are not only supporting our State's food producers and businesses, but they can have confidence in the freshness and quality of our local product,” she said.

Award winners will be revealed at a gala event on October 29.