Maria Watson runs Gordon’s Restaurant with rooms in Inverkeilor with son Garry. She recalls the moment they discovered they had won the coveted Restaurant of the Year Awards in 2018’s inaugural Menu Food and Drink Awards at the Old Course St Andrews.
“We were so honoured to win – it was just great,” she beams. “We’ve been here a lot of years and it was good to know that we’re still the number one restaurant for the area.”
Maria urges anyone involved in Courier Country’s food and drink scene to enter 2019’s awards while there’s still time. “You may be busy but sometimes you have to shout and tell everyone what you’re doing,” she says. “Entering also gives you a chance to assess where you are with your business, and will showcase what you have – your passion and commitment will shine through.
“We have some of the finest produce and the best ingredients in the world and the Awards are a chance to highlight the effort that goes into that, not only by those in the forefront but also the people behind the scenes,” she continues.
The Menu Food and Drink Awards will be held at the Old Course Hotel on March 28. Following on from the success of 2018’s inaugural awards, the five-course gala dinner, with each course cooked by a top local chef, is set to be a glitzy affair so don’t miss out – make sure you get your entry in while there’s still time. The closing date for entries is this Friday, January 11, so there’s still time to get your entry in – you’ll find the categories and details for how to enter below. And don’t forget – it’s free to enter.
Categories
Coffee Shop of the Year
The judges will look for the coffee shop which is best able to create an outstanding customer experience — a warm welcome, high quality coffee and/or tea plus a range of other drinks, tasty food made from fresh, local produce, all served with an excellent level of customer service.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Style and experience
Value/affordability
Customer service
Accessibility and facilities
Quality of offering
Street Vendor
of the Year
Good food on the go has become an important part of modern living and as such the demand for street food and impromptu pop-ups has never been greater. The judges will be looking for someone who’s bringing something unique to the table.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Innovative concept and product offering
Vehicle/pop-up design and branding
Use of local produce
Customer service
Overall presentation
Restaurant of the Year: Sponsored by Highland Game
This venue should be the very best of Scottish hospitality and cuisine; displaying the use of fresh and local ingredients with flair, imagination and expertise. Diners will not hesitate to travel many miles for this dining experience.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
An exciting and innovative menu which stands out from competitors
Emphasis on local produce or ingredients
Extensive wine list or drinks menu
Décor/ambience
Customer Service
Chef of the Year: Sponsored by Sodexo
The Chef of the Year is someone who has devoted him or herself to the cause of serving the best possible food. They will demonstrate technical ability, use of seasonal ingredients, an understanding of how flavours work together and a flair for presentation. Above all, we are looking for passion – that magic ingredient that defines true greatness in the kitchen.
Entries should come from all areas of the hospitality business, including hotels, restaurants and pubs.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Chefs are invited to submit a menu consisting of three courses. The judges would like a description of the menu detailing:
Concept
Sourcing
Balance
Seasonality
Farm to Fork Award – Food & Drink: Sponsored by Food from Fife
Entries are welcome from producers of fruit, vegetable, eggs or meat. Judges are looking for individuals or businesses with the ability and vision to produce and market quality food and drink products in this region. These are growers and producers who are passionate about what they do and who have the talent and skill to grow, develop and market an outstanding and commercially scalable food and drink product.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Brand concept and development
Commitment to highest production standards
Market penetration
Commitment to sustainable practices in production
New Talent (Rising Star)
This category is open to anyone who works in the sector and is open to any person aged between 16 and 25 on December 31 2017
The judges are looking for someone who combines raw talent with real skill passion and promise.
Individual could either enter themselves or be nominated by an employer, colleague or mentor.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Proof of contribution to the workplace
Performance excellence
Commitment to personal development and progression
Passion for chosen path
New: Best Craft Beer
This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market. Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible; sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Consistent innovation
Product placement in the market
Commitment to the local supply chain
Strategy for growth
New: Best Craft Distiller
This category is open to any independently owned business that can demonstrate success in the market. Judges will be looking for a commitment to locally sourced products where possible; sustainable practices and robust processes and a sound marketing strategy.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Consistent innovation
Product placement in the market
Commitment to the local supply chain
Strategy for growth
New: Cocktail Bar
of the Year: Sponsored by Eden Mill
This category is open to independent or hotel bars. Judges will be looking for a bar with a good ambience and knowledgeable staff who have a strong customer focus. Expertly made signature cocktails and a good knowledge of spirits are essential.
Entries will be judged by the following criteria:
Depth of knowledge of drinks being served
Commitment to customer service
Signature cocktail
New: Best Newcomer: Sponsored by Avian
A producer, a retailer or food/drink service outlet displaying excellence in the use of local food and drink products or a service provider making a significant contribution to the success of the sector. Judges will be looking for businesses that have great potential to further contribute to the local food and drink economy or enhance the perception of the region’s food and drink.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
Successes to date
First impressions
Originality
Pub of the Year
Nominees are accepted for fantastic pubs /pub restaurants across Courier Country which have created a distinct and high quality offering for their customers.
Common to all finalists will be great standards of customer service, an understanding of the market and a good range and standard of drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, The Pub of the Year shall also have a character and charm that makes a visit enjoyable and memorable.
For a full list of categories and information on how to enter go to www.themenufoodanddrinkawards.co.uk – closing date for entries – Friday, January 11, 2019.
For tickets to the event, contact Kim McMurray at kmcmurray@dctmedia.co.uk
