Sales have tripled for a Callala Bay seafood restaurant after winning the prize for the state's best fish and chips.
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Organised by Seafood Industry Australia (SIA), Something Seafood in Callala Bay took out the NSW prize at the 2021 Great Australian Fish and Chip Awards last week.
Something Seafood owner, Jamie Parkinson, said customers have been travelling from Canberra and Wollongong to get a taste of their award-winning takeaway favourite.
"We've tripled our sales in the last two days," he said.
"We've had people come from Berry, all the way from Wollongong and even Canberra.
"A lot of people have told us they've come in because we won the award."
Jamie is ecstatic about winning the award and said it couldn't have come at a better time after a challenging couple of years.
"It's been tough with bushfires and COVID," he said.
"But now we're riding the wave, people are lining up out the front doors and coming to say congratulations."
While not giving away any secrets, he puts making the best fish and chips down to using fresh locally sourced produce.
The winners of the prize were announced last week, with the country's best fish and chippers in each state and territory crowned.
"In every town, across every state and territory, people spruik their fish and chips as number one," said SIA CEO Veronica Papacosta.
"So, we've listened to the people, and crowned the best fish and chip shops around the country."
There were close to 300,000 votes from the public, which was the most in the award's history.
Costa's Seafood Cafe in CapalabaI took out Queensland's title, Trident Fish Bar in Queenscliff took out Victoria's, Fraggles in Invermay took out Tasmania's, Fish out of Water in Hyde Park took out South Australia's, Pinjarra Fish and Chips took out Western Australia's, The Fish Shack in Civic took out the ACT's, and Frying Nemo Fish and Chippery took out Northern Territory.
The awards also highlight the importance of buying fresh, local, Australian seafood. It's important to always ask for Aussie seafood; even why you're buying fish and chips.
- Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta
Veronica said Australian seafood is one of the most sustainable protein sources in the world and called our fisheries management "world-class".
However, close to 70 per cent of seafood eaten in Australia is imported and she added it's important to chat to your server about where your seafood is from.
"Buying Australian seafood supports Australian fishing families and regional communities they operate in," said Veronica.
"And, the good news is, it's easy as to support them. You do it just by eating some great Australian fish and chips."
For more information visit: www.fishandchipawards.com.au
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