The upcoming World Restaurant Awards want to celebrate restaurants as a key element of culture, in the same way, cinema is one of them. With this in mind, and aiming to better reflect the true range and diversity of the international restaurant scene, Creative Director Joe Warwick and Chair of the judging panel Andrea Petrini designed a format of categories judged by an expert panel – much like those of the Academy Awards for the world of cinema. The categories, which will change each year in collaboration and consultation with the judging panel, are used to reward restaurants that excel in a field, specialty, detail. The launch edition will take place in Paris on February 18, 2019, and Sapori di Repubblica anticipated Italian nominations that will be considered in various categories.
‘Enduring Classic Exceptional‘ – restaurants open for at least 50 years: ‘Aimo and Nadia’, two-star historic Milanese restaurant; and ‘Caffè Sicilia’ (Syracuse), pastry-bistro that celebrated 126 years of activity.
‘Arrival of the Year‘ – new restaurants opened between September 2017 and September 2018: ‘Da Gorini’ (Forlì-Cesena) opened by a group of young friends.
l‘Ethical Thinking‘ – rewarding environmental and social responsibility: ‘Lanterna di Diogene’ (Modena), which employs people affected by Down syndrome, psychosis, and cerebral palsy; and ‘S’Apposentu’ (Siddi), Sardinian starred restaurant that defends the local tradition.
‘House Special‘ – restaurants defined by one particular dish: ‘ Pepe In Grani’ (Caserta), with its pizza called ‘Margherita Sbagliata’; and ‘ Lido 84’ (Brescia) with the ‘Cacio e Pepe in vescica di maiale’.
l‘Forward Drinking‘ – Focusing on fresh ideas in liquid refreshment: ‘Trattoria da Cesare at Casaletto’ (Rome), where the Vignoli family takes care of an impressive winery.
l‘No Reservations Required‘ – places where it’s possible to turn up without a booking: ‘ Retrobottega’ (Rome), well managed by two young chefs.
Ilona Catani Scarlett