Observer Food Monthly Awards 2010

The Observer Food Monthly Awards are now in their seventh year and for those involved in food, one of these awards is much prized. To get the ball rolling, The Observer asks its readers to make nominations across a number of categories. That done, all those readers who have voted will be entered into a draw to win one of several special prizes, including a foodie weekend in Flanders and a six course dinner at Fifteen in Cornwall, amongst others. To find out more about the prizes, click here.

You have until midnight 25th June 2010 to place your votes.

THE JUDGES

Once all the nominations have been collected, judging will take place during July. As you would expect of The Observer Food Monthly, only the best judges are on the panel with the likes of Nigel Slater, Mariella Frostrup, Mark Hix, Thomasina Miers, Jay Rayner, Tom Parker-Bowles and other esteemed names rubbing shoulders. The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in October 2010.

THE CATEGORIES

Get your thinking caps on and nominate your favourite foodie discoveries, whether it's your local cafe, a celebrity chef or writer or producer of something delicious. The Awards aren't just about the achievements of others, readers have the chance to send in their own tried and tested recipes. Get voting now.

Best restaurant - Somewhere that you visit regularly or the perfect place for a special occasion. (Over £20 a head)

Best cheap eats - This could be your local cafe or curry house. As long as you can eat for under £15 a head, excluding drink, get voting.

Best Sunday lunch - What's your favourite place to eat Sunday lunch; the possibilities range from your local pub to a Michelin starred restaurant.

Best ethical restaurant - This is for eateries where food is sourced locally or even grow  their own.

Best place to drink - From idyllic country pubs to urban chic.

Best independent local retailer (shop or online) - This could be your favourite cheesemonger, butcher, baker, producer or deli, small food retailers that sell the very best produce.

Best food blog (UK based) - The internet has been awash with food bloggers this year, each craving for more attention, tweets and followers. Vote for the blogger you think is the most knowledgeable and informative foodie online.

Food personality - Who has done it for you on the foodie front this year? It could be the author of a much used recipe book, a tireless campaigner or an inspiring TV chef.

Reader's recipe - The Observer is asking for a recipe of your very own. You must have developed it yourself and recipe testers will decide which recipes make it on to the plates of the judging panel.

Reader's cocktail recipe - This is a new category. As above, the recipe must be of your own making and will be tested.

5 June 2010