Delighted Perthshire businesses returned from the Food Awards Scotland in Glasgow's The Marriott Hotel on September 26 - many of them triumphant again after the quiet times of the pandemic.
The glitzy event revealing the Food Awards Scotland winners celebrated professionals and establishments that continue to deliver great flavours and experiences to their customers.
The cut-glass trophies now displayed with pride at Perth ’s The Mexican, Aladdins Takeaway, 3G Catering and the Indian Cook School recognise outstanding hard work, dedication and determination.
A spokesperson for the Food Awards Scotland said: “It is true that Scotland combines tastes and flavours from all over the world, where visitors can find different restaurants, gastro pubs and bistros, to meet their needs.
“Creative Oceanic is proud to be part of this celebration and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their achievements.”
Takeaway of the Year Central was won by Aladdins Indian Takeaway, a popular food stop at 12 West Mains Avenue in Perth.
Aladdins has been rebuilding quality and confidence after a fire in September 2016 destroyed the premises. Manager Imran Mohammed said the takeaway team was delighted by the “fabulous” honour of getting the award, voted for by the public.
“We are all here to do the very best we can,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
Caterer of the Year - for the whole country - went to 3G Catering Services UK.
They were over the moon to clinch the same award they first took in 2019.
Based at a unit in Aberuthven, George Urquhart and the team set to putting on intimate dinner parties and fine dining at home to corporate celebrations, outdoor events and weddings.
They also provide professional catering at venues like Eatrium at the Mill Street Gillies store and a busy food offer at Auchterarder Bowling Club.
George told the PA he’d not expected to be receiving the award a second time and found it “mindblowing” when his company’s name was announced on Sunday. He said 3G Catering had spent the pandemic adjusting to new demands and barbecue events in back gardens had been a new area of expansion for his versatile team.
“We’ve come back stronger,” added George, who has added 15 new posts to the company.
The award for Best World Cuisine was back in the hands of The Mexican at 24-26 Atholl Street, Perth.
Owner Des Coburn was in fiesta mood when the PA dropped round to see his team marking the win.
The Mexican has been going for 11 years and won the same award for Best World Cuisine in 2019.
And in a final triumph for Perthshire ’s food offering, the accolade of Cookery School of the Year was taken by Praveen Kumar’s Indian Cook School.
The day courses in Indian cookery techniques, available in Perth for small groups in a real kitchen setting, won the same award in 2018.
