The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hugely impressive quality gave panel members a difficult time
The judges were hugely impressed by the quality of entries received for the Menu Awards 2020.
A large cross-section of Courier Country’s food and drink industry was well represented in each of the 11 categories, which made judging a tough process.
Ultimately, the judges were there to come up with a shortlist – and while tricky, it was great fun, too.
Courier restaurant reviewer Murray Chalmers said the judging process was a “real pleasure” and that he enjoyed discovering the back stories of entrants.
He said: “Many have very interesting stories behind them, often involving struggle, determination and downright bloody-mindedness.
“To have a vision for a business and see it translate to customers is such a rewarding thing.
“It was really hard to judge many of the categories and it was good to hear so many different opinions from the fellow judges.
“There was intense debate but no rows and we all managed to reach a happy consensus on all categories.”
Murray said the one thing that struck him during the judging process was the fact that, often, all it takes to get started in the food and drink business is a good idea.
“So many of the entrants were small, independent concerns, with little or no backing,” he said.
“And yet their ideas were great. Many of them took into account the social and environmental impact of their work, which was very heartening.”
Jamie Scott, head chef at The Newport Restaurant and a former MasterChef: The Professionals winner, said he thought the entries were of a “very high level” and a good variation.
He added: “Tay Country is on trend for pushing boundaries and evolving the already thriving food and drink sector.”
Martha Bryce, director of Soundbite PR, specialising in hospitality and food and drink businesses, agreed that the strength of this year’s entries made judging particularly tricky.
She said: “It was really encouraging to see so many entries in the Newcomer category: a sign if ever there was one that food and drink is really thriving across the region.
“I’m looking forward to the winners being revealed at the ceremony next month.”
Owen Hazel, co-owner of Jannettas Gelateria, said being on this year’s judging panel was a big privilege.
“Having the opportunity to see firsthand the vast array of amazing food and drink producers and what they are achieving is incredible,” he said.
“Scotland may be a small country but Courier Country is flying the flag for excellence.
“There are so many deserving businesses going above and beyond in this region, and that made it difficult as a judge to whittle down the entries.
“Well done to all who entered.”