Trio to represent region in Italian awards

THREE Italian food firms from Dumfriesshire have made the finals of this year’s Scottish Italian Awards. They are celebrating a hat-trick of nominations at A Crolla and Sons in Lochmaben, which is up for Scotland’s Best Family Run Business, Scotland’s Best Team and Scotland’s Best Gelateria. Benvenuto Takeaway in Dumfries is hoping to do the double with shortlists in the Scotland’s Best Pasta and Scotland’s Best Tiramisu categories. Also heading to the awards ceremony will be the team from Minaudough’s Neapolitan Pizza in Lockerbie, who are up for Scotland’s Best Pizza. And they will face their competitors in a live cook off ahead of the main event. The Italian awards are described as the Oscars of Italian food and hospitality. Awards director Warren Paul said: “We’ve been inundated, so making it to the finalist spots is a bigger honour than ever before. “It’s a privilege to be able to shine a light on lesser known or recently launched places and people of this quality all over Scotland – as well as the big names and old favourites which keep on delivering quality. “There’s amazing food being produced every day in every town, city, village even street in Scotland showcasing the best of Italy right here.” The gala final takes place on November 30 in Glasgow.