SALVI’S Cucina, Rosso, Don Giovanni and Avalanche are among the shortlisted finalists in the first English Italian Awards, whose presentation dinner will be held in Manchester’s Palace Hotel Ballroom in Manchester, on Sunday October 4.
It’s an event celebrating the nation’s Italian restaurants, chefs and businesses, following the success of similar awards in Scotland. The finalists (which include Salvi’s Cucina pictured) have been chosen by public vote, but the winners in each category will be selected by a panel of industry judges, including celeb chef Aldo Zilli (pictured below).
Local finalists below (Manchester, unless otherwise stated):
Italian Chef: Stephen Hildebrandt (Rosso)
Best Pizza: Avalanche, Est Est Est, Slice Pizza
Best Pasta: Don Giovanni (Manchester)
Best Multi Operator: Gusto (Living Ventures), San Carlo Group, Piccolino (Individual Restaurants)
Best Family: Abruzzo (Macclesfield), Antonello’s (Bolton)
Best Newcomer: San Carlo Fumo, Gusto (city centre), Antonello’s (Bolton)
Best Barista: Mario Carenzi (Bellini’s Cheadle)
Best Team: Avalanche
Best Italian Restaurant – 50+ seats: Rosso, Ristorante Vesuvio (Worsley), Venetian Hideaway (Rambottom)
Best Wine List: Salvis Cucina, Venetian Hideaway (Ramsbottom)
Best Italian Restaurant – Below 50 seats: Salvi’s Cucina, Aquila (Macclesfield)
Best Business: Cabrelli Brothers, Max Italia (Bolton), Piccolino Group (Individual Restaurants)
Most Romantic: Don Giovanni, Al Fresco (Hazel Grove)
Best Café: Roma Caffè and Deli (Whitfield), Bianco Coffee Shop (Sale), Roma Caffè and Deli (Manchester)
Best Pizzeria: Slice Pizza