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The World Restaurant Awards has revealed the full line-up of all the award categories at its inaugural edition to due to be held in Paris, on 18th February 2019.
Fine Dining Lovers will be media partner of the new concept oscars style televised ceremony, that will present awards in 18 categories, divided into 'Big' and 'Small' plates, designed to capture the breadth and depth of the world's restaurant community.
While the 'Big Plates' awards nominate winners for more traditional categories like "Restaurant of the year" and "Arrival of the Year," 'Small Plates' has been designed to recognise contemprary culture by "acknowledging the pivotal role social media now plays in the restaurant world while, with tongue firmly in cheek, attempting to subvert current gastronomic fashion."
The categories will change each year in collaboration and consultation with the judging panel.
Food writers Joe Warwick and Andrea Petrini are the brains behind the glamarous new awards, in partnership with producers IMG. Judges include a 100- strong panel of some of the biggest icons in food, including big name chefs like Yannick Alléno, Elena Arzak and Alex Atala plus assorted international restaurant journalists.
Here are each of the awards up for the taking, divided between big plates and small plates, along with a description of each award.
Big Plates - 12 Categories
Restaurant of the Year
Chosen from the winners of the other 2019 'Large Plates'
Arrival of the Year
Restaurants opened between Sept 1, 2017 and Sept 30, 2018
House Special
Restaurants defined by one particular dish
Off-Map Destination
Remote restaurants where the journey to get there is a story
Original Thinking
Highlighting envelope-pushing creativity and artistic expression
Enduring Classic
Exceptional restaurants open for at least 50 years
Event of the Year
Recognising restaurant residencies and pop-ups
Atmosphere of the Year
Considering restaurant service, acoustics and overall ambience
No Reservations Required
For places where it's possible to turn-up without a booking
Ethical Thinking
Rewarding environmental and social responsibility
Forward Drinking
Focusing on fresh ideas in liquid refreshment
Collaboration of the Year
Rewarding restaurants for the way they work with suppliers
Small Plates - 6 Categories
Instagram Account of the Year
Picked from the restaurant world's social media platform of choice
Trolley of the Year
For those that believe table-side service should always be in fashion
Tattoo-Free Chef
For toque stars whose bodies aren't canvases
Red Wine-Serving Restaurant
For those who shun current fashion by still championing the red grape
Tweezer-Free Kitchen
Searching for a more hands-on style of plating
Long-Form Journalism
Because the world still needs in-depth restaurant writing
