The Blackwater Cafe has been a big winner two years in a row, sweeping in 12 Best of SML awards this year.

Tom Gordon, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Lynn, said the restaurant they bought in 2005 beat its record. Last year, The Blackwater Cafe received 10 "Best Of" awards.

"I think there are probably four things I would attribute it to," said Tom Gordon. "One, we have a great staff. They all bought into our vision, which is to provide a total dining experience.

"Two, we have a passion for what we do. Three, being self-critical. You never stop trying to be better. ... Four, listening to the customers. If we don't listen, we're not meeting their expectations."

After acquiring the restaurant, the Gordons installed a fireplace and two stained-glass windows, which were crafted by their daughter, Miranda.

"We wanted it to feel really warm and homey," said Tom Gordon.

He believes these extra touches helped capture the Platinum for Best Restaurant Atmosphere.

"The atmosphere really starts at the front door because we greet everyone who comes in," said Gordon. "My job is to make you feel like you had a really great experience."

The atmosphere the Gordons have created resulted in Gold for Best Place for a Romantic Meal. The Blackwater Cafe features mood lighting and intimate corner tables for couples.

Gordon said a couple can enjoy a romantic dinner including entrees, dessert and wine for about $60. The cost, he said, can go up or down depending on which entree or wine they choose.

The restaurant received six awards directly related to food, something Gordon attributes to the food being made on location.

"Our focus is on freshness and quality," he said. "Everything is prepared fresh."

The Blackwater Cafe received the Platinum for Best Seafood. Gordon said the fish is often flown in from Australia and Honolulu via FedEx.

"They'll catch it on Wednesday morning, and it will be on your plate Thursday night," he said.

Gordon credits their Gold for Best Steak to the restaurant's exclusive use of certified Angus beef.

The dishes are prepared under the hand of Chef Mark Crim, who received the Platinum for Best Chef after only working at the restaurant since April.

"We hired him because he had the same philosophy that we did about listening to the customers," said Gordon. "He's a very good listener about what people want. ... He's very creative in the kitchen, and I think he wants to please his guests."

Crim will alter recipe ingredients at the diner's request and also will create dishes for those who have special dietary needs.

Crim is the mastermind behind the desserts at The Blackwater Cafe, which earned the Silver for Best Desserts. He makes them all, from pies and cakes to creme brulees and puddings, from scratch.

For alcoholic beverages, the restaurant received three awards: Gold for Best Wine Selection, Platinum for Most Comprehensive Drink Menu and Platinum for Best Bartender.

Gordon said his daughter, Miranda, attended bartending school in 2006 and created a lot of the drinks on the menu. Fridays and Saturday are Martini Nights, where she features 10 martinis at $3 a piece. She changes the selection periodically and makes others at request.

The wine selection also varies.

"We have a selection that covers the U.S., Italy, Australia and South America," said Tom Gordon. "We've made a lot of changes to our wine list based on customer suggestions."

The biggest change was the inclusion of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. Gordon said he originally omitted the wine, because it is fairly common and he wanted to offer something a little different. But after many customers requested it, he added the white wine to the menu.

The award that surprised Gordon was Platinum for Best Kept Secret: The Blackwater Cafe's breakfast. While the morning menu also received the Platinum for Best Breakfast, he was pleasantly surprised to hear it had received two awards for the morning meal.

The restaurant began offering breakfast in May, with a menu that ranges from a chef's omelette to scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns.

But of the 12 awards, Gordon said he's most proud of the Silver for Best Customer Service.

"I'd be disappointed if we didn't show up on the customer service list," he said. "That's what we strive for."

The Blackwater Cafe is located at 4730 Scruggs Road in Moneta. 721-4333. www.theblackwatercafe.com