Finalists line up for top honours
The best of Scotland’s thriving food and drink scene has been revealed, says Sarah Devine
More than 210 top chefs, restaurateurs, bloggers and businesses watched on as broadcaster Stephen Jardine and fellow judges revealed the winners of The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards last week.
The glitzy event was held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre where Scotland’s gastronomic glitterati were treated to a drinks reception from Stirling Gin, Thistly Cross Cider and Stewart Brewing as well as a street food-themed three-course meal by Leith’s Catering.
Jardine said: “Following last year’s inaugural awards, this year we had hundreds and hundreds of entries from all over the country.
“Tonight, in this room, we have finalists from Orkney, Shetland right through to Galloway. Everybody who has made it to this stage tonight should feel incredibly proud.”
The second annual event saw celebrated chef Paul Kitching, owner of the popular 21212 restaurant in Edinburgh, scoop the award for best chef.
Judges were impressed by the level of skill shown in his cooking at the Royal Terrace restaurant and, as he was in the US on the night, he sent a video of thanks saying he was “over the moon” with the recognition.
Nairn’s Sun Dancer was the winner of the Hidden Gem category, which was voted for by The Scotsman readers.
The title of best newcomer was awarded to The Fishmarket in Newhaven, launched in April by the team behind fine dining seafood restaurant Ondine in partnership with fishmonger Gary Welch.
Glasgow’s Eusebi wowed the judges in both the best dining experience and best café categories.
Of the deli, Judge Nico Simeone, the inventive chef behind Six by Nico, said: “This is the best Italian food I’ve tasted in Scotland.”
The winners were chosen by a seven-strong judge panel, including BBC Masterchef winner Gary Mclean and manager at Dumfries and Galloway Food and Drink Lorna Young.
Entertainment was provided by singer Millie Mcginnes, winner of the inaugural Sing It to Win It Competition. n