THE theme is

Celebrating the quality and culinary diversity of the Gold Coast, hospitality professionals will converge on the The Function Centre, at Southport Sharks, on July 23 to see who the hotshots of our restaurant and catering scene are this year.

 A record number of nominations have been received in the award's 37 categories, from fine dining to catering.  Local winners will compete in the State Awards, to be announced at a gala dinner at Gianni Events @ Portside, in Brisbane, on September 17.

 Now in their 61st year, The Awards for Excellence are the most prestigious in the industry. Members of the public are invited to attend the award presentations and celebrate the unique culinary versatility of Queensland restaurants and produce. 

Restaurant & Catering Queensland chief executive officer James Visser says Queensland food service businesses are second to none.

"The Gold Coast is no exception in terms of product quality, service and value for money.

"Industry and consumers alike can look forward to another great awards night this year, celebrating the very best the region has to offer," he says.

Tickets are $145 per person and the dress code is black tie. Call (07) 5526 7833 to book. RSVPs before July 9.

Also at Southport Sharks this month, the club's Wine Fair presents a huge variety of wines from regional Australia - direct from the wineries. Learn about your favourites, experience new tastes and pick up a bargain.

With more than 80 wines to sample, the Wine Fair is ideal for businesses, with lucky door prizes, mixed purchasing options and cheese and antipasto tastings.

Pick up a free admission ticket from Fins Wine Cellar from July 1 to guarantee yourself entry.

The Wine Fair is on Sunday, July 22 (the night before the Restaurant & Catering Awards), at Southport Sharks.