Edinburgh - Arabstoday
Edinburgh\'s Castle Terrace was the big winner at the 2012 Scottish Restaurant Awards, picking up two accolades: Restaurant of the Year and Most Innovative Restaurant of the Year. The awards are the latest in a string of accolades for the Michelin-starred restaurant, co-owned by chef-patron Dominic Jack and Tom Kitchin, including last year\'s Newcomer Catey and Best New Restaurant at the Scottish Restaurant Awards. Commenting on the double-win, Jack said: \"Since opening 18 months ago we have been on an incredible journey and being recognised with two awards really is testament to the hard work of the talented team. \"There are so many great restaurants in Scotland so to be recognised as Restaurant of the Year is a true honour. Myself and the rest of the team at Castle Terrace have really grown in strength and confidence and as a result we aren\'t afraid to take risks and push boundaries.\" Meanwhile Jeff Bland, executive chef at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, home to the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, won the Chef of the Year award. Judges praised him for his use of local Scottish produce. \"From Perthshire girolles to Mull scallops, Scottish produce is at the heart of Jeff\'s menus and he\'s travelled the world telling other people just how good the food we produce in this country is,\" said food writer Jonathan Trew. \"As well as being an ambassador for Scottish produce, Jeff has done a huge amount in terms of training, teaching and mentoring other chefs who have passed through his kitchens and then gone on to great things. He is a deserved winner.\"