MEMBERS of the public are now able to vote for their favourite Italian business as the Scottish Italian Awards return for the third year running.

Following two hugely successful years Allied Irish Bank GB will return to present the awards.

The night will celebrate the country’s Italian community and highlight its ongoing importance in Scotland’s hospitality industry.

Voting is open today for the public to choose their winners from a range of categories.

Warren Paul, CEO and founder of the Italian Awards, is ecstatic to bring the Italian Awards back to Scotland following a very successful expansion into England earlier this year.

He said: “This year we're searching for that really authentic Italian taste and feel.

“We've altered several categories to reflect this and are really looking forward to the high level of dedication and skill we've seen in previous years.”

Last year’s awards saw almost 60,000 votes cast from across the country and 70 businesses celebrated becoming finalists at the Gala Final in November.

Award organisers Paramount Creative are confident that this year's awards will be even bigger.

Categories this year include Best Pizzeria and Best Geleteria which will look at the quality of food and service offered.

Organisers are also looking to celebrate smaller locations, with a new category devoted solely to restaurants with fewer than 50 seats.

Best Newcomer has also been added to the list which aims to welcome new businesses and ventures that have added something exceptional to the Scots-Italian community.

Toni’s Pizzeria in Giffnock picked up this award last year.

Celebrity chef and restaurateur Aldo Zilli will also be welcomed back to oversee the judging in both Best Pizza and Best Chef categories.

Last year Aldo was “amazed at the passion chefs showed for their craft here in Scotland.”

This year the Best Pizza final, won last year by La Favorita Delivered will return to New Concept Kitchens in Clydebank.

The Best Chef final will move to Tennent’s Training Academy and both will take place in October.

Public votes can be cast on the website until September 25 with the finalists being notified the next day.

Top venues will then be visited by independent judges who will be looking for the best of the best across all categories.

All finalists will be invited to the Gala Final at the Thistle Hotel on November 8.

The night will offer fabulous entertainment and beautiful food.

THE CATEGORIES
1. Best Deli/Café
2. Best Gelateria
3. Best Fish & Chips
4. Best Pizzeria
5. Best Pizza
6. Best Pasta
7. Best Wine List
8. Best Barista
9. Best Chef
10. Best Team
11. Best Marketing Team
12. Best Family Restaurant
13. Best Newcomer (Open Since Nov 2014)
14. Best Restaurant (50 seats & under)
15. Best Restaurant (50+ seats)
16.Best Italian Business