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Regular readers will know that voting is underway for the Glasgow Restaurant Awards. If you have a favourite Italian trattoria; reckon you know the family friendly joint in town or simply have a great spot for breakfast then tell the organisers about it.

Already, over 6,000 votes have been cast by members of the public in the Glasgow Restaurant Awards and organisers are expecting a huge rush of support before voting ends on the 22 October.

Have your say

The awards, which are organised by the Glasgow Restaurant Association (GRA) in association with Glasgow: Scotland with Style, last ran in 2010 when over 16,000 votes were cast.

This year promises to be even bigger, boasting 19 categories of which 11 are voted for by the public, including; best new restaurant, Italian and breakfast. This year, the awards have been expanded to take in eight new categories including; best Maitre D’, family dining and posh nosh, as well as, the new Sprit of Glasgow award, which aims to recognise the extra mile that some in the culinary trade go to for the public.

Lively restaurant scene

GRA Chairman Ryan James said, ‘Glasgow has a lively restaurant scene, representing countries from all over the world. This is the public’s opportunity to let us know who their favourites are by voting online. Despite difficult economic times, Glasgow continues to open new restaurants each week. These awards are important in recognising the high quality of venues, food and staff that are abound in the city.’

After voting closes on Monday 22 October, the three venues with the highest votes in each category will be visited by members of the judging panel. The Awards ceremony will be held at the Citizen’s Theatre in Glasgow on Monday, 10 December. Over 450 guests, including the finalists of each category, are expected to be in attendance at the event, which is to be hosted by Michelle McManus.

The categories

This year’s award categories are:

Posh Nosh – sponsored by Inverarity Morton

Smart but Casual – sponsored by Inverarity Morton

Casual – sponsored by Paramount Design and Print

Family Dining – sponsored by Martin Aitken & Co

5pm Peoples’ Choice – sponsored by 5pm.co.uk

Best Newcomer – Sponsored by First Drinks Brand Ltd

Best Italian – sponsored by Conetta Wholesale

Best Breakfast – sponsored by Rodgers Butchers

Non-European – sponsored by Goldstar Chefs

Aspiring Front of House Manager – sponsored by City of Glasgow College

Young Apprentice Chef – sponsored by Unilever

Best Use of Social Media -sponsored by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau

Outstanding Maitre D’ – sponsored by Glasgow Service with Style

Best Kitchen Porter – sponsored by The Scottish Fishmonger

Greenest Restaurant -sponsored by Zero Waste Scotland

Overall Best Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Inverarity Morton

Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by The Cook School Scotland

Spirit of Glasgow – sponsored by Auchentoshan

Entrepreneurial Spirit of the Year – sponsored by Auchentoshan

Waddya waiting for? Get voting.