Time Out rolls out restaurant awards

The Awards are modelled on London's Time Out Eating and Drinking Awards, the 'Oscars of the London restaurant scene'. For the first time, Dubai's hospitality industry will be awarded based on the selections of expert reviewers rather than on collected voting forms.

'These awards are based on quality not quantity. The Time Out team of editors and reviewers has unparalleled experience of the hospitality industry in Dubai, with over 500 reviews already published by the magazine and ten restaurant reviewers working on the editorial team conducting independent reviews. Time Out has a breadth of experience that is unparalleled,' said Justin Etheridge, publisher of Time Out Group, UAE.

The Time Out Restaurant Awards are made purely on the basis of merit and are based on the internationally acclaimed Time Out standards of review, which are based on anonymous reviews conducted by reviewers who pay for the food and drink they consume when reviewing restaurants. 'Our reviews are proudly and fiercely independent,' said Time Out Dubai editor Marcus Webb. 'And the Awards are based on that approach, standard and expertise.'

The Awards are set to take place at a glittering gala dinner ceremony to be held at Dubai's Grosvenor House Hotel on the 28th March 2006. Some 250 leading restaurateurs and hoteliers will gather for the event, which is set to establish new standards in the recognition and celebration of excellence in the culinary arts. The five-course dinner will be presented by Patrick Lannes, executive chef, Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House and Jean Luc Mocellet, executive sous chef, Le Royal Meridien and Grosvenor House.

'This is the first time that Dubai's hospitality industry is being recognized publicly in a process that is based on quality, on expert opinion and on the feedback of experienced restaurant reviewers and critics. A Time Out Restaurant Award will be a trophy worth having. This is not about volume, not about voting or waitresses pushing forms at people. This is about expert opinion and awards worth winning,' said a bullish Etheridge.