The official launch of the Leicester Curry Awards took place today, with nominations now open for the public to support their favourite restaurants and takeaways in the first event of its kind.
The team at Pukaar News founded the awards in honour of the thriving and eclectic food scene that has grown from the city’s diverse population and strong Asian culture. Highlighting achievement in six categories, the aim is to put Leicester firmly on the map as one of the country’s most prized curry destinations, through a celebration of its multicultural heritage.
The culinary influences of the Indian subcontinent have been bringing the people of Leicester together for over 50 years. The city and its surrounding towns and villages boast a huge number of establishments dedicated to feeding a national obsession with curry, with no shortage of choice from time honoured traditional cuisine to fine dining with a modern twist.
Creative Director, Jennifer Morris, said: “We launched the Leicester Curry Awards to give well deserved thanks to our hard working restaurateurs and their staff, but also to highlight how far the culinary style has come over the years and how our diverse culture has influenced that.
“We live and work in a part of the country that continues to provide a shining example of multicultural unity. Our communities live side by side in a city they are all proud to be a part of. The things we share in common are a fantastic way to bring people even closer together and, if there’s one thing a lot of us love, it’s curry!”
The awards also hope to continue Leicester’s current run of success, building on the growth of city tourism and a shared sense of community pride among residents.
Romail Gulzar, Managing Editor of Pukaar News, said: “We’re proud and excited to present the first ever Leicester Curry Awards. We’ve seen some fantastic achievements across the city over the past couple of years and we want to continue this success. We think our rising culinary standards are worth celebrating and we invite the whole county to join us in doing so!”
Public nominations are being taken between now and February 2017 across the following categories: Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Best Pub Restaurant, Best Takeaway, Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year.
On nomination closure, a shortlist will be announced and opened to a public vote, the results of which will be added to the findings of an expert judging panel. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner ceremony to be held at the Athena on April 23rd, 2017.
For more information on the awards, or to place your own nomination, visit: www.leicestercurryawards.com
