Restaurants up for awards

9:59am Monday 20th August 2007

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FOUR Trafford restaurants and a bar have been nominated for prestigious awards in five different categories of this year's Manchester Food and Drink Festival (MFDF).

One Six One on Ashley Road, Hale, is up for Bar of the Year against five others, which are all located in Manchester city centre.

DJ and entertainment manager John Cecchini said: "The fact that we're up against all those central bars was something we picked up on right away. It shows we're well thought of and that's a huge compliment. We do our best to provide a mixed bag of entertainment for a mixed demographic of ages 21 and upward."

In the Best Provision for Vegetarians category, three of the borough's restaurants found themselves nominated.

They are Indian restaurant Dilli on Stamford New Road in Altrincham, Samphire Fish Bistro on Victoria Road, Hale and Giraffe at the Trafford Centre, which is also up for the Award for Healthy and Sustainable Eating.

The proprietor of Samphire, Jeremy Al-Radhi, said: "We're delighted to have been nominated. Our emphasis is on fish dishes, which are the fruits of the sea and our vegetables, such as Samphire, are the fruits of the land."

Chef and director of Dilli, Ravi Bajaj, added: "We feel proud of achievements as we've been nominated three times before and never won, so hopefully this will be our year."

Isinglass Restaurant on Flixton road in Urmson is up for Restaurant of the Year.

Trafford Council is urging residents to vote for the borough's restaurants to raise business profiles and celebrate culture.

Cllr Mike Whetton, executive member with responsibility for arts and culture, said: "We have such a diverse range of food and drink. Our restaurants and bars provide strong competition for the city centre."

To vote go to www.foodanddrinkfestival.com and the winners will be announced on October 15.