THE awards, the local food scene's equivalent of the Oscars, was held for the eighth year at the Ritz-Carlton Millenia on Saturday. The three-hour luncheon attended by 268 members of the food and beverage industry was graced by Mr Gan Kim Yong, acting Minister for Manpower.
Les Amis' trophies include Restaurant of the Year for Les Amis in Shaw Centre, Sommelier of the Year for Mr Timothy Goh of Les Amis, Restaurant Manager of the Year for Mr Royston Soo of Au Jardin in Cluny Road and Wine List of the Year for Au Jardin. Mr Tay Jun Yang, a commis sommelier with Les Amis, also won a wine scholarship to spend a week at the renowned Bodegas Torres winery in Spain.
It was sweet victory for the group which has not picked up more than three awards a year, since it last won five prizes in 2004.
Winners are determined by a three-round process, which begins with 250 gourmets here picking their wine and dine favourites.
The list is further whittled down by 100 jury members to three or four finalists in each category. The winners are then picked by a panel of 50 connoisseurs.
