ENTRIES have started to flood in for the Scottish Italian Business Awards as members of the public begin to nominate their favourite restaurants and staff members.
The event, in association with The Herald, has been launched to highlight the contribution the Italian community makes to the Scottish hospitality industry.
The 18 prizes up for grabs are for categories such as best restaurant, barista, pizza, pasta and takeaway.
There are also gongs for Italian chef of the year and business of the year.
Warren Paul, event organiser, said the awards were a chance to recognise and raise the profile of the best Italian-owned businesses across Scotland.
Mr Paul paid tribute to the Italian community saying it is a "vital cog" in the overall make-up of the hospitality industry and runs thousands of excellent bars, restaurants and cafes.
The awards will be presented at the Glasgow Hilton, on Sunday November 10.
People can nominate their favourite businesses by completing a form at www.scottishitalianawards.co.uk.
Voting is open until September 30 with the five nominees from each category which receive the most votes going forward to a short list.
Celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli will work with the judging panel to help select the winners.
He said: "I am looking forward to judging the very best Italian venues in Scotland."
Glasgow Taxis has already commissioned a newly liveried Scottish Italian Taxi as part of build up to the awards.
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