(Vancouver, BC) – Craig Stowe, Director of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, unveiled the categories and introduced the judges for the second annual Edgewater Casino Chinese Restaurant Awards (CRA) at a luncheon co-hosted by Tourism Richmond, held today at the Jade Seafood Restaurant in Richmond. “These are the first awards of its kind in North America to recognize the excellence of Chinese culinary arts by awarding also particular dishes, not just restaurants. This cuisine exerts an important influence on the culinary culture of Metro Vancouver and is one of the reasons Vancouver is recognized world wide as the Chinese gourmet capital outside of China. We could not have been more delighted by the success of the first year,” says Mr. Stowe. “More than 7,000 diners cast their ballots last year. The dining public, from high-school students to elders, discussed the merits of the restaurants and preparation of various dishes. Given the level of last year’s interest, and with HSBC Bank Canada and Tourism Richmond on board as our partners, we are expecting even greater public participation this year.”

 

download (Food Media) English press release in word format

download (Local /Community News Media) English press release in word format

download Critics’ Bios in word format

download Awards Categories in word format

 

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Group Photo of CRA team with CRA 2010 Partners From Left to Right: Brenda Lo(Vice Chair of Judging Panel of CRA 2010),  Jocelyn Hsiung(VP of Retail Branch Network for Metro Vancouver for HSBC Bank Canada), Stephanie Yuen(Chair of Judging Panel of CRA 2010), Michelle Dunn(Director of Communications, Tourism Richmond), Craig Stowe(Director of the Chinese Restaurant Awards)

 

Group photo of the CRA 2010 Judging Panel (Nathan Fong & Iris Yim were absent) From Left to Right: Brenda Lo(Vice Chair of Judging Panel of CRA 2010),  Stephanie Yuen(Chair of Judging Panel of CRA 2010), Judges: Lee Man, Conrad Leung, Margaret Gallagher, Brendon Matthews

 

The CRA are divided into two components: The Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards and the HSBC Diners’ Choice Awards.

For the Critics’ Choice Signature Dish component, the judging panel is comprised of food professional and journalists who possess a strong knowledge of Chinese cuisine. “They have to understand the cooking methods, history and traditions of Chinese food,” says panel Chair, Stephanie Yuen. “This is really important. It creates a level judging field where they all share the same criteria.” Upon joining the panel, each judge receives a directory of the more than 400 Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver. By mid September, they have submitted three to five nominees for each category. Then all the judges go out and taste each other’s recommendations. This goes on through November, when they meet to vote on the 25 Gold and 25 Silver Signature Dish winners.

The HSBC Diners’ Choice Awards allows the public to also participate. Jocelyn Hsiung, VP of Retail Branch Network for Metro Vancouver for HSBC Bank Canada expressed, “HSBC is excited to be supporting such a community and cultural oriented event.” She added, “The great choice of authentic Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver is definitely something Vancouverites should be proud of.”

From the original list of nominees and other suggestions by the judges, 20 restaurants are selected to be included in each of the 15 different award categories. The public votes on-line for its choices. Voting is open as of today at www.votedinerschoice.com and continues until November 15th.

The winners will be announced on January 27, 2010. An Awards Ceremony will be held at the Edgewater Casino’s Stadium Club on April 13, 2010.

The public are encouraged to start dining and cast their votes.

The CRA wishes to thank the following partners who make the Awards possible: Edgewater Casino, HSBC Bank Canada, Mercedes-Benz, Tourism Richmond, CBC TV and Radio, China Eastern Airlines, Heineken, Underwater Harvesters Association, Klip Magazine, 818Channel, Edible-Britishcolumbia.com, Westca.com, Aperture Photography, Chinese Canadian Chefs Association and the Vancouver Multicultural Society.

For more information on the Edgewater Casino Chinese Restaurant Awards: www.chineserestaurantawards.com
To cast your vote: www.votedinerschoice.com
For updates, visit the CRA’s Facebook page

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