The 2011 Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurant Awards recognise the Best Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Service Excellence and Top 10 restaurant, along with additional categories for Best New Restaurant, and the Boschendal Style Award for a restaurant with spectacular design.

This year, we will also honour the best:
Asian restaurant
Steakhouse
Italian restaurant
Country-style restaurant
Bistro

From this year, Eat Out editor Abigail Donnelly will be the only judge presiding over the awards.

Judging criteria:
Restaurants must have been open, with the same head chef, for a period of one year to be eligible for the Top 10. They are judged on a scorecard out of 100, on the following criteria:

Menu composition and seasonality /15 – choice, cooking techniques, dietary requirements, local ingredients, choice of fish, out-of-season ingredients
Presentation /15 – visual appeal, fits description, use of plate, garnishes
Taste /25 – execution of dish, balanced, flavours complimentary, texture
Value for money /5
Wine /10 – choice, other beverages offered, staff knowledge, pairing and value for money
Service /20 – reservation, arrival, staff attitude and knowledge, specials, wine matching, dietary requirements, extra mile, billing
Ambience /10 – includes considerations such as comfort level, cleanliness, cutlery, music and bathrooms.

The winners will be announced on Sunday 20 November at a glittering awards ceremony at the Rotunda at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay. The evening will start at 17h00 with champagne and canapés, followed by a four-course meal with wine pairing prepared by some of the country’s top chefs.

Tickets are limited and cost R1 000 per person. To book your ticket to Mzansi’s foodie Oscars, please contact Alicia Erasmus at alicia.erasmus@newmediapub.co.za or download the form here.