The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age’s Good Food Guide will be released later this year, as brands Citi and Vittoria once again commit as co-presenting partners.
“As Australia’s restaurant and bar scene re-awakens after an incredibly tough period of lockdowns, forced closures and capacity limits, the country’s most trusted and respected dining guide will return in November with two separate editions in NSW and Victoria,” said publishing director Trudi Jenkins. “The Good Food Guide team is looking forward to celebrating everything that is great about our dining scene, and helping readers discover the best of the best places to eat.”
The editions will showcase what makes Australia one of the most diverse and celebrated food and drink cultures in the world. Edited by Myffy Rigby with reviews by contributors including Sydney Morning Herald chief reviewer Terry Durack and The Age’s Gemima Cody, the process of reviewing has recently begun.
“Just as the hospitality industry has changed, so too has the Good Food Guide,” said Myffy Rigby. “In a refreshed overhaul of the guide, this year’s editions will focus on inclusion, not exclusivity. The scoring system has been updated to reflect today’s dining culture but, of course, the cherished Hats will still be awarded.
“With working from home being the new normal, many Australians have discovered more about dining in their local neighbourhoods. Our focus is covering a broad spectrum of eating experiences, from a solo bowl of peanutty khao soi at a Laminex table to sharing an elaborate hotpot or getting dressed-up for a fine-dining experience.”
These more accessible eating-out options will run alongside what readers have been accustomed to, with the top end of Sydney and Melbourne restaurants and bars being recognised.
The categories for award-winners have also been reimagined, with sommelier of the year updated to Drinks Professional of the Year to better reflect the changing face of the industry; the addition of Café of the Year, and a New Guard Award to better reflect the new wave of young professionals creating waves within the industry.
The SMH Good Food Guide and The Age Good Food Guide will be released in November.