The Courier’s inaugural Menu Food and Drink Awards went down a treat last night as the region’s finest hospitality figures were honoured.
Tayside and Fife’s top chefs, restaurateurs, drinks producers and up-and-coming talent received awards for their work during the glittering ceremony at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews.
The evening included a lavish five-course meal prepared by five local chefs, as well as musical entertainment by Lisa Fraser, Konrad and Star Club.
It is hoped that The Menu Food and Drink Awards will become an annual fixture on the region’s calendar.
Kim McMurray, events manager at DC Thomson, said: “It has been so exciting to organise this event, the first of its kind in the area.
“Food and drink is such a huge passion for a lot of people and it’s been great to see the quality of what we’ve got on our doorstep. All the entries really have been brilliant.
“Eden Mill created a limited edition beer called The Menu especially for this event.
“This hasn’t been like our usual awards ceremonies — it has been a real collaboration between ourselves, local businesses and colleges.
“We had students helping out on the night and we would like to thank them.
“We’d also like to thank all of the sponsors and everyone else who was involved  and made this event possible.
“Special thanks go to Martin Hollis, head chef at the Old Course Hotel, who worked together with all the chefs, and to Catriona MacInnes, acting editor of the Courier, for all the help.”
The meal starter was provided by Praveen Kumar, chef and proprietor of Tabla Indian restaurant in Perth. It was followed by a fish course by chef-patron Jamie Scott of The Newport Restaurant in Newport.
Graham Paulley, head chef at the Apex in Dundee, whipped up the intermediate course, which was followed by a main course by Mr Hollis.
A delicious dessert was served up by Eden Sinclair of Sinclair’s Catering.
The winners
Coffee Shop of the Year: KitschnBake
Street Vendor of the Year: The Cheesy
Toast Shack; Highly commended: Artisana
Vintage Mobile Tea Room
Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year:
Gordon’s Restaurant; Highly commended:
The Tayberry
Chef of the Year: Paul Newman, Thyme at
Errichel Restaurant
Farm to Fork Award: Ardross Farm Shop;
Highly commended: Puddledub
Local to Global: Mackays
New Talent: Lewis Pickett; Highly
commended: Euan Welsh
Craft Drink Producer of the Year:
Cairn o’ Mohr
Mixologist/Sommelier of the Year:
Julie Adamson
Pub of the Year: The Pitcairngreen Inn
Judges’ Choice, food and drink brand
ambassador: Mary Jane, KitschnBake
