To OX184 which last night played host to the launch party for the 23rd annual edition of The List Eating and Drinking Guide.
Focusing on Glasgow and Edinburgh, the 194 page guide covers slightly fewer than a thousand restaurants, bars, cafes, brasseries, bistros, burger joints and steakhouses.
Comprehensive
Having been involved in the early editions of the guide, this scribbler is hugely biased towards the publication. However, even taking my partisan feelings into account, it is still by far the most comprehensive directory of eating and drinking venues in the Central Belt.
As ever, the entries seldom offer much in the way of biting criticism but some canny reading between the lines will leave the astute browser in no doubt as to which places were considered duffers by the 80 strong team of reviewers. The outstanding venues are listed in the tip lists and hit lists.
Essential guide
Other than the fact that it is essential for anyone who likes eating out in Edinburgh and Glasgow, I’m not going to say much more about it. You should just go and buy a copy. In fact, buy several and give them to friends, family, loved ones and anyone who comes to visit. They cost £5.95 and they should be in the shops tomorrow.
Newcomers of the Year
What we will mention are the places which won the guide’s Newcomers of the Year awards. In Glasgow, Eusebi Deli and 111 By Nico were given the nod. The former for ‘bringing heritage, passion and dedication to Italian dining’. The latter for ‘inventive and affordable fine dining with a social conscience’. You can book into 111 By Nico through 5pm.
In Edinburgh, El Cartel Casera Mexicana and Edinburgh Food Studio took the honours. El Cartel was praised for ‘its energy, enthusiasm and sheer good fun’ while Edinburgh Food Studio was awarded for ‘deep engagement with our food and food culture’.
Smith and Gertrude, a cheese and wine bar, won the New Bar award in Edinburgh while the title went to six degrees north in Glasgow.
Special Achievement award
The Special Achievement award went to Edinburgh’s Malcolm Innes, the restaurateur who founded The Apartment, The Outsider and Ting Thai Caravan. Look out for his latest venture: WildManWood Pizza which is scheduled to open on Marshall Street soon.