WINNING a hat is glorious recognition for local chef Tony Worland.
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Mr Worland is the owner of Tonic Restaurant in Millthorpe, which this week won its first ever hat in the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide.
Tonic only opened for business in November last year.
Mr Worland said the awarding of the hat was fantastic recognition for hard work.
"It's a real morale boost.
"People often say 'it was lovely, thanks' at the end of a meal, but it's nice to get a boost from the critics," he said.
Tonic was joined by Orange's Lolli Redini as two of 17 regional restaurants in NSW to win one hat. It also gained one last year.
One hat commendations are awarded to restaurants which are "exceptionally good ... serving food that either is a great example of its style or attains unusual highs."
Orange's Selkirks was one of only four regional restaurants to be awarded two hats, which are reserved for restaurants that have "truly special food, with a magic to the space ... and great service".
Selkirks also gained two hats in last year's guide.
Mr Worland formerly worked for Lolli Redini head chef Simonn Hawke and Selkirks' owner Michael Manners.
He said his former bosses were supportive of Tonic's achievement.
"Everyone is happy with each other for winning the hats, and the more people from this area the better," he said.
"People in Sydney don't know about us unless something like this happens."
He said he appreciated the support Millthorpe residents had given to Tonic.
