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The second
British Curry Awards were held in September at Park Lane's Grosvenor
Hotel in front of a crowd of nearly 1200 restaurateurs and celebrities.
The serious
part of the evening came from founder Enam Ali who once again
attacked the government for their approach to immigration from
Bangladesh. He emphasised the importance of the curry industry to
Britain's economy and the need for a regular flow of staff from
Bangladesh who, although not conventionally qualified, understand the
ethos of the cuisine and the requirements of kitchen and front of house.
Entertainment
then lightened the mood before the expectant restaurateurs learned
who the judges had given this year's awards to.
Awards were
presented on a regional basis for the UK 's best curry restaurants
and the winners were: Britannia Spice ( Scotland ), Vujon (North),
Rajnagar Tandoori ( Midlands ), Juboraj Rhiwbina ( Wales ), Maliks
(South), Tamarind (London West) and Mehek (London East). In addition,
The Valley, Spice Merchant and The Cinammon Club were named as Most
Innovative restaurants of the year. The Newcomer of the Year Award
went to Ithihaas, and there were also awards given to Waitrose (Best
Starter), Asda (Main Dish), Sainsburys (Accompaniment) and Morrisons
(Side Dish) in a new best Supermarket Curry of the Year category.
Yorkshire-based Aagrah won the award for Best Restaurant Group.
Highlight of
the evening, apart from some excellent catering from Madhu's, was the
presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Madhur Jaffrey who
accepted the award from Enam Ali with dignity and emotion.
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