I had the pleasure of attending The List Food and Drink awards last night, a pleasurable experience where wine and good conversation flowed. Now in its 14th edition, The List eating and drinking guide has become a popular guide for eating out in the Central Belt of Scotland.
Over 800 restaurants, cafes and bars are represented by The List and it is really pleasing to see the diversity and quality in Glasgow and Edinburgh's dining scene.
And so to the awards!
Edinburgh's restaurant of the year was named as The Kitchin. Well, who would be surprised at that? Carefully sourced, seasonal Scottish ingredients find their way onto a very pleasurable menu. Tom Kitchin managed to bag himself a Michelin star in double quick time and his restaurant and staff are a credit to him.
Glasgow's restaurant of the year is Bistro at One Devonshire Gardens. Again, wonderful ingredients, inventive dishes, attentive staff and Paul Tamburrini.
The Edinburgh newcomer of the year is Abstract. You might recognide the name, Loic Lefebvre, who appeared alongisde Gordon Ramsey in his 'kitchen nightmares' series. Well, word is that only sweet dreams will come from visiting Abstract on Castle Terrace. A wonderful addition to the fine dining club in Edinburgh.
Glasgow newcomer of the year is The Left Bank. In the words of The List, 'On Gibson Street, Hillhead, it is one of the most talked about newcomers in some time. There's often a heady buzz but it doesn't distract from a globally-influenced menu in a foodie neighbourhood that now offers no shortage of worthy places to go.'
Edinburgh budget restaurant of the year is First Coast, a great local bistro on Dalry road with great prices to match.
And Glasgow's buget restaurant of the year is 'the perennially popular Cretan taverna': Konaki, with a wide selection of Mediterranean Greek cuisine which is maredly affordable.
Thanks to everyone at The List.
