Mavs achieve restaurant awards three-peat

GEELONG’s Mavs Greek Restaurant has won its third consecutive state gong at the prestigious Restaurant & Catering Australia (R&CA) Hostplus Awards for Excellence.

Owners Julia Rybova and Milton Mavromoustakos took home the Best Greek Restaurant of the Year for Victoria and Tasmania.

The awards recognise hospitality operators who consistently provide exceptional service and demonstrate culinary excellence in their respective fields.

The Little Malop Street establishment specialises in fresh, homemade Greek cuisine designed to share over a wine or cocktail, and is highly regarded for its moussaka, slow cooked lamb and stuffed meatballs with feta.

Mr Mavromoustakos said the team was thrilled with its third victory in as many years.

“It gives us motivation and power to continue. Even if we are the best, it gives us the will to continue doing what we’ve been doing so far.

“It’s great acknowledgement to show what we’ve been doing is the right thing,” Ms Rybova added.

The couple said key to their success is the quality of the food and service with a smile.

“We believe the traditional, homecooked food we serve is the best.

“Our mousakka is a huge favourite. Two customers have been coming for three years and six years…and they get it every single time.

“Our customer base is really family-centric. We love to serve them, we don’t see them as a dollar.

“We think one of the judges must have been Greek. Luckily, we hit the mark with the panel.”

Restaurant & Catering (R&CA) chief executive officer Suresh Manickam congratulated Mavs and the other state award winners.

“We are continually inspired by the passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication displayed by all those who contribute to the restaurant and catering industry.

“From chefs and restaurateurs to servers and suppliers, they all play a vital role in shaping the gastronomic identity of these regions and enriching the lives of their patrons.”

Mavs Greek Restaurant now has their eyes firmly set on taking home the Greek Restaurant category at the Nationals Hostplus Awards for Excellence on November 11.

Local winery Jack Rabbit Vineyard Restaurant Bellarine were also victorious at state level, claiming the Restaurant in a Winery category.

For more, head to www.rca.asn.au