The ceremony will see Scotland’s top chefs, restaurateurs, bloggers and producers head to Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on Wednesday 1 November to find out which of them have been chosen by our readers and judges in recognition of their hard work and dedication within the industry.
The new event offers any company or person a chance to win one of our prestigious new awards.
Would-be winners may even nominate themselves – why be modest?
Jardine, one of Scotland’s best-known broadcasters, said: "Scotland is going through a food and drink revolution so it's only right we have an awards night to reflect that and recognise the amazing things happening here.
I'm delighted to be part of it and look forward to telling some great stories on stage on the big night of such an important and welcome addition to the Scottish awards landscape."
The former STV presenter launched Scotland’s first specialised food and drink media company, Taste Communications, in 2011, and is part of the current wave of Scottish industry professionals who are acting as ambassadors for Scotland’s growing food and drink scene.
Rebecca Thompson, events manager at The Scotsman, added: “We are absolutely delighted to have such an experienced figure on board as host for the evening, Stephen’s dedication to Scotland’s food and drink is readily apparent, not just in his column for the paper and his work with Taste Communications but also in his passion for the subject.
“As an experienced presenter with an in-depth knowledge of the field, he was the ideal candidate for our first ever Food and Drink Awards.”
There will be winners announced on the night in 13 categories across a broad range of subjects and sectors including Most Innovative Chef, Most Dedicated Blogger and Best Street Food producers.
These categories have been chosen to highlight the range and depth of the industry, not just in production and consumption but also in those places, experiences and people that really matter not just to the country’s food and scene but also to you, the reader.
Thompson added: “This really is your chance to shout about the individuals or companies that have made a lasting impression on you – and don’t worry, there is still plenty of time to nominate!”
Innovative dishes and products have been the hallmark of the recent culinary revival in Scotland and the awards seek to celebrate those
examples of food and drink which have wowed the audience and brought something new and unexpectedly enjoyable to their tastebuds with our Most Inspirational Creation award.
It could be anything from outrageous combinations – haggis-
flavoured chocolate, anyone? – and products – exotically flavoured gin, say – to fun dishes that challenge your perceptions, such as bacon doughnuts or salmon cheesecake.
The awards will also be your chance to nominate your favourite local – we want to find out what your local bar means to you and why it should win our Best Local Pub award.
Is it the second home where everyone knows your name, or just a great pub in your area that always serves the best pints, cares for its customers or offers great value?
To nominate, readers can head along to our award site at www.scotsmanfoodanddrinkawards.co.uk.
Along with the name of your nominee, we want to know your reason for choosing them.
The judging will be done by a panel comprising Scotsman staff and representatives from Scotland’s Food & Drink industry, following the nomination deadline on Friday 29 September.
The finalists will be announced a few weeks later.
Get nominating!
