CLIMAX of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival is the always the Gala Dinner with the announcement of the MFDF Awards winners. This years dinner, on Monday October 7, is extra special because it marks a return to the spectacular Grand Hall of Manchester Town Hall after several years absence.
The 2013 shortlist is equally spectacular, celebrating a a year of significant development for Manchesters national foodie reputation, in both high end dining and cutting edge casual operations.
A list of outstanding nominees has been chosen by the MFDF Judging Panel, made up of the regions leading food and drink critics and experts. Awards nominations will be posted on the MFDF website (www.foodanddrinkfestival.com) where theyll face the public vote.
The publics votes will be combined with scores from the judging panel obtained via mystery visits made between the announcement date and the Gala Dinner. The winners will be only be revealed at the MFDF Gala Dinner and Awards at the end of the 12-day festival (September 26-Oct 7).
And the nominations are (with last years winners not eligible in the same category this time):
Restaurant of the Year
Aiming to recognise the best dining establishments in Manchester in 2013. This category refers to venues visited primarily for a full dining experience featuring table service, alcohol licence etc.
Elegibility: They opened before April 1 2013.
The French at The Midland, City Centre.
Cicchetti, City Centre.
Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford.
Michael Caines Restaurant, Abode Hotel, City Centre.
Yuzu, City Centre.
63 Degrees, City Centre.
Last year: Aumbry, Prestwich.
Newcomer of the Year.
Recognising the best new dining and drinking establishments to open in Manchester.
Elegibility: They opened between July 1 2012 and July 1 2013.
The French at The Midland, City Centre.
Damson, MediaCityUK, Salford.
Artisan, City Centre.
Albert Square Chop House, City Centre.
Solita, City Centre.
Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.
Last year: Bakerie and Bakerie Tasting Store.
Pub of the Year
Recognising the finest pubs in the region, focusing on quality and range of ales/beers and atmosphere.
Eligibility: They opened before April 1 2013.
The Oasthouse, City Centre.
The Baum, Rochdale
The Magnet, Stockport.
The Eagle Inn, Salford.
Station Buffet Bar, Stalybridge.
Marble Arch, City Centre.
Food Pub of the Year
Recognising our regions gastro pubs a chance for pub restaurants to be recognised in their own category.
Eligibility: They opened before April 1 2013.
The Albert Square Chop House, City Centre.
Mark Addy, Salford.
The Red Lion, High Lane, Stockport.
The Parlour, Chorlton.
The Wharf, City Centre.
Hearth of the Ram, Ramsbottom.
Last year: Shouder of Mutton, Holcombe Brook.
Bar of the Year (sponsored by DesignMyNight.com)
Recognising the best drinking venues in the region that arent considered pubs.
Eligibility: They opened before April 1 2013.
Gorilla, City Centre.
Jackalope, Chorlton.
Australasia, City Centre.
Kosmonaut, City Centre.
Liquorice, City Centre.
Revolucion de Cuba, City Centre.
Last year: Liars Club, City Centre.
(Chef of the Year sponsored by R Noone & Son Ltd)
Aiming to recognise the most talented and outstanding work of chefs cooking in Greater Manchester kitchens his or her skill, menu, commitment and contribution to the dining scene.
Eligibility: They must have been working in the ssame restaurant for a least six months by the time of the Gala Dinner.
Adam Reid, The French, City Centre.
Mary-Ellen McTague, Aumbry, Prestwich.
Sam Everett, Harvey Nichols, City Centre.
Mike Jennings, Grenache, Walkden, Worsley
Robert Cox, Michael Caines Restaurant, ABode Hotel, City Centre.
Eric Moreau, 63 Degrees, City Centre.
Last year: Andrew Nutter, Nutters, Norden, Rochdale.
Cheap Eats of the Year
This award replaces our Casual Dining category. Recognising the best venues that are visited for a high value, casual eating experience.
Eligibility: They must have opened before April 1 2013.
Salvis, City Centre.
Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
San Juan, Chorlton.
Trove, Levenshulme.
Lilys, Ashton.
Luck Lust Liquor & Burn, City Centre.
Last year: Teacup, Manchester.
Coffee Bar or Tea Shop of the Year
Recognising the best coffee bars and teashops in the region.
Eligibility: They must have opened before April 1 2013.
Takk, City Centre.
Home Sweet Home, City Centre.
Macaroon, Rochdale.
Richmond Tea Rooms, City Centre.
Caffeine and Co, City Centre.
Coffee Fix, Gatley. Stockport
Last year: North Tea Power.
Family-friendly Venue of the Year
As usual, the Festival is asking the families of Greater Manchester to nominate in this category. There is no shortlist judged by the panel - the regions families simply need to nominate their own favourite family friendly food heroes via the Festival website.
Food and Drink Retailer of the Year
For the first time ever, the Festival is asking the Greater Manchester foodie public to tell us who they think is the very best food and drink retailer in the region. The panel would like to hear about the food and drink heroes in areas right across Greater Manchester. Votes can be cast via the Festival website, www.foodanddrinkfestival.com.
The Howard and Ruth Award for Outstanding Achievement
There is no shortlist for this category. The award aims to recognise an individual or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the dining scene over the last 16 years. Named in honour of the late Howard Raynor and Ruth Cooper.
Last year: David Fox and Nick Jeffries, Tampopo, Manchester.