Laundry 43 hangs others out to dry in Gold Plate win

Capes restaurants shone brightly at one of the State’s biggest industry award ceremonies this week after three establishments each took home a Gold Plate and two others were named finalists.

Laundry 43 in Busselton claimed the award for best licensed casual dining restaurant in a regional area at the 50th annual 2016 Kleenheat Gold Plate Awards in Perth on Monday.

Manager Karis Silke said it was the first time Laundry 43 had entered an award and credited the Statewide win to the commitment of the restaurant’s employees.

“I just can’t thank the staff enough,” she said.

“This award is a reflection of their dedication and hard work.”

Head chef Nathan Thomas said the award-winning menu was inspired by local, seasonal produce and everything on the menu was prepared in-house.

Another Gold Plate winner was Flutes Restaurant in Wilyabrup, named best restaurant or cafe within a winery in a country area.

While the award marked a second Gold Plate for Flutes, proprietor Francois Morvan said he was still in shock.

“All the staff were there to accept the award and we were very excited,” he said. “We were not expecting it because the competition was very tough.”

Flutes Restaurant was also a finalist in the licensed casual dining, tourism restaurant and excellence in health categories — the last of which was taken out by Piari and Co in Dunsborough.

Piari and Co was also a finalist for wine list of the year and licensed casual dining in a regional area.

Other finalists included The Studio Bistro for licensed casual dining and Rivendell Restaurant for restaurant or cafe within a winery, both located in Yallingup.