NISHA Katona, who is set to do for Indian food what Nigella Lawson did for chocolate cake, announced the winners of the Liverpool Food and Drink Awards last night.
Anyone would be forgiven for thinking this was some sort of silent rave as the movers, the shakers and the stirrers of the city’s bar and restaurant scene stood around, peering through the thick dry ice in this year’s venue for the event - “The Venue” - which is in the Liver Building. To complete the illusion, they were all drinking water, the beverage of choice for the evening.
The chap from Maggie
May's with Nisha KatonaHappily there was plenty of clarity on the podium. No time was wasted in getting down to business with Juliano Pereira of Hanover Street’s favourite currascaria de rodizio, Bem Brasil, taking the honours for Young Chef of the Year.
Good ole Maggie May’s, with its tins of scouse, Frank Carlyle and tarot card readings, left the hipster dives standing in the cafe/tea shop section and there was a double win for local restaurateur Vince Margiotta: his Sapporo Teppanyaki was voted most family friendly restaurant and neighbouring Il Forno was deemed to have the best customer service.
The Chocolate Cellar won the Best Producer, beating the Liverpool Cheese Company, and last but not least, Art School supremo Paul Askew was declared outstanding champion and pioneer of the scene.
Who won what
Hundreds of public votes were cast, say organisers SK events, and here’s the full verdict.
Young Chef of the Year: Juliano Pereira – Bem Brasil
Best Front of House: David Price – The Tavern Company
Outstanding Champion and Pioneer to Liverpool’s Food and Drink Scene: Paul Askew of The Art School
Favourite Restaurant: Lucha Libre
Best Pub/Bar: Salt Dog Slim’s
Favourite Café/Tea Shop: Maggie May’s
Producer of the Year: The Chocolate Cellar
Best Newcomer to Liverpool’s Food and Drink Scene: Button Street Smoke House
Most Family-Friendly Restaurant: Sapporo
Best Customer Service: Il Forno
