Cuisine Buzz

And the winner is …

2005 “Stars of the Industry” Awards, honoring the Best in N.H. hospitality, were announced last month at the New Hampshire Restaurant and Lodging Association (NHRLA) dinner hosted at the Radisson in Manchester.

Charles Rolecek, owner of CR Sparks Restaurant in Bedford and the new Hanover Street Chophouse (ready in early December, he says) took the prize for Restaurateur of the Year.

Rolecek runs a tight ship where food quality and service are top-notch.

Other nominees included Alexandra and Robert Graf of the Alphorn Bistro in Danbury, and Paul and Eric Sorli and Scott Fisher of the Portsmouth Gas Light in Portsmouth.

The Grafs have brought Bavarian dining to the state, while the Portsmouth Gas Light restaurant has expanded with a wood-grilled pizza service on the lower level, fine dining on the next and a happening night club on the third floor.

The Dunaway Restaurant on 66 Marcy Street at Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth is now open for dinner in the building that was formerly the gift shop.

This latest Jay McSharry venture features the cuisine of Chefs Mary Dumont and Evan Hennesey. Hennesey is formerly of 43 Degrees North.

Susan Laughlin

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