This week we bring you the second set of finalists in SALIFE's Absolute Best Awards for 2022 in the categories of Absolute Best Food and Beverage Experience, New Product Innovation and Sustainability Initiative.

Following a round of public nominations, 33 finalists in 11 categories have been selected as this year’s finalists in SALIFE’s Absolute Best Awards for 2022.

These categories celebrate the Absolute Best Food and Beverage Experience, New Product Innovation and Sustainability Initiative.

Winners in each category will be announced at the SALIFE Absolute Best Awards event on Thursday, December 8, to be held at the iconic Adelaide Town Hall.

Congratulations to our next set of finalists:

Absolute Best Food and Beverage Experience, sponsored by 23rd Street Distillery

Based in the Adelaide Botanic Garden surrounded by exciting fresh produce, Restaurant Botanic is headed up by chef Justin James. Justin’s tasting menu is an exploration through the garden, with a focus on ingredients native to Australia.

Chef Jake Kellie has created a fiery welcome to all who visit his restaurant on The Parade, Arkhe. The hero of the restaurant is a two-and-a-half-tonne dual cavity wood oven, which brings a smoky char through Jake’s impressive menu.

Laura and Max Sharrad’s Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room is a delight before you even lift a fork. The studio gram-designed space on Leigh Street has New York/Italian-inspired vibes and a menu with plates to share and pasta you might not want to share.

 

Absolute Best New Product Innovation, sponsored by Design Furniture

A staple in South Australian beauty cabinets and many more around the world, Jurlique products are ever-reliable and their Rare Rose Face Oil is no exception. Their roses, grown on the farm here in SA, are used in the oil, extracted with clean, green methods. Glide it on for hydration, a bit of plumping or even to reduce stress.

Iconic South Australian brand Haigh’s Chocolates have partnered with Clare Valley indigenous food company Warndu to create the wonderfully inventive Haigh’s Chocolates x Warndu Artisan Chocolate Collection. Their new flavours include the delectable Dark Chocolate with River Mint and Milk Chocolate with Muntries and Honey.

Never Never Distilling Ginache Gin was this year named Australia’s best flavoured gin, with its fruity blast of berries. Grenache grapes are added to Never Never’s Triple Juniper Gin for a drink that can be served neat over ice, with a splash or tonic or in a spritzy cocktail.

 

Absolute Best Sustainability Initiative, sponsored by University Senior College Adelaide

Dulcie’s is a must-visit for any sustainable fashion fan. The wonderfully retro vintage shop is filled to the brim with vibrant patterns, gleaming glomesh and classic pieces with sophistication that can’t be dulled by the decades. Media personality Amanda Blair is the mastermind behind Dulcie’s, which began as a bus and can now also be found in bricks and mortar in Kidman Park.

Indigenous owned food and beverage company Something Wild Australia is all about bringing native meat, greens, fruits, herbs, spices and condiments to the market. Not only do they supply to many of Australia’s top restaurants, you’ll also find the brand, started by brothers Steven and Shannon Motlop and their family, at the Adelaide Central Market.

Ecolateral is a one-stop shop to fill your home, garden, pantry and wardrobe with things you can feel good about buying. The shop started in 1994 in Murray Bridge and has expanded to four store in Magill, Blackwood, Adelaide and Brighton.

Find out more about the SALIFE Absolute Best Awards.