City scoops prizes at Italian Awards bash
THE cream of the Italian food and drink industry was celebrated at the Scottish Italian Awards, held in Glasgow last night.
Glasgow restaurants scooped top prizes in several categories as awards for wine, pasta, pizza, fish and chips and ice-cream were dished out.
Mediterraneo in the Merchant City won best pasta award, while West End restaurant La Lanterna took the best newcomer prize, with Celino’s in Partick the runner-up.
City centre café Singl-End, won the healthy dish of the year award.
The top prize, best restaurant, was won by Osteria in North Berwick.
Restaurateurs and staff from Italian businesses came from all over the country to the ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, for the fifth annual awards.
Aldo Zilli, ambassador for the Italian Awards, said: “Italian communities across the UK are a vital part of the hospitality industry and the Italian Awards provide opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contribution. I am proud to be a part of it. As a judge, I have met some very talented chefs and witnessed great development.”
Giovanni’s in Edinburgh won the best fish and chip shop while Trattoria Genova in Paisley took best trattoria.
Warren Paul, CEO and founder of the awards, said: “The Italian hospitality trade boasts some of the most innovative and committed individuals and some of Scotland’s most talented chefs.”