Times Food Guide 2012 launched in Hyderabad

Hyderabadis love their khana. And it shows in the way we celebrate good food.
At the Times Food & Nightlife awards 2012, that kicked-started with much fanfare on February 24, at ITC Kakatiya, a host of film personalities, fashion czars and the crème-de-la-crème of the city, walked down the red carpet to cheer the winners of the night and sample their award-winning fare.
As actor Siddharth walked up the stage to launch the much-awaited “Times Food Guide Hyderabad 2012”, the excitement in the air was palpable. “Purely on the merit of my gluttony, I have been invited to launch the Times Food guide... My reputation precedes me and for good reason,” the actor quipped. The evening just flowed on as T-town’s dazzling damsels, dapper dudes and celebrity guests handed over awards to the 32 winners picked from 27 categories for food ranging from desi to global, fiery to subtle, and every other imaginable flavor under the sun. With Anuj Gurwara emceeing the event, there was never a dull moment. He started off with requesting guests to put their phones on “Manmohan mode” and made a special appeal to Karnataka vasis in the audience to be discreet about what they are watching on their cellphones during the proceedings! The video bytes that were interspersed in between the awards presentation left the audience in splits. Soon, it was time to move the spotlight onto the winners. Rows of stalls with delectable fare left guests spoilt for choice. The Italian food court had the longest queue and so did the spicy Rayalaseema fare. Ending the gourmet journey on a sweet note were the tempting desserts ranging from Tiramisu to cheese cakes, gourmet ice-creams and our very own mithais. The awards were presented by title sponsor Seagram’s Blenders Pride, event sponsor KAFF Appliances, and supported by King-fisher.
New categories, new restaurants and new places to party at — the ‘Times Food Guide 2012’ has everything you need to know about eating out and partying in Hyderabad.
A Hyderabadi is known for his/her love for food. And going by the trends at the launch of the “Times Food Guide Hyderabad 2012”, it’s evident that Hyderabad’s appetite for good food just keeps growing. While local cuisine, like the much-loved biryani and haleem, whets Hyderabadis’ appetite, the international fare also tantalizes their taste buds. With a number of fine dining restaurants and nightclubs opening doors in the city, the gourmand’s platter is filled with a variety of delicacies. The winners of the Times Food and Nightlife Awards 2012 are divided into ‘star category hotel restaurants’ and ‘standalone’. Also, we always have our eyes, ears, especially noses, open to sniff out new aromas, and like to honor the newcomers who show the most promise — hence the ‘noteworthy newcomer’ award.
The standalone restaurants do not have the resources of star hotels and therefore cannot compete with them in terms of ambience and service. Thus, they are awarded separately by us to encourage such eateries to grow. The star hotel restaurants get to take home their awards, while standalones win theirs. Everyone is represented at the Times Food and Nightlife Awards. The best in the food and beverage industry may have taken their awards for this year home, but this shouldn’t stop you from voting on www.timescity.com. Log onto the site, and surf for your fave food joints and head to the most happening nightclubs around the city. And don’t forget to keep writing reviews on www.timescity.com. Your ratings will help in deciding next year’s winners.
Bon appetite!
Times food awards
Best North Indian
Kebabs & Kurries (star hotel)
Khaan Saab (standalone)
Best South Indian
Dakshin (star hotel)
Bhojanam (standalone)
Best South Indian (Tiffin)
Chutneys Coffee House (standalone)
Best Andhra/Rayalaseema/Telangana
Rayalaseema Ruchulu (standalone)
Best Hyderabadi
Jewel of Nizam (star hotel)
Kholani's Fine Dining (standalone)
Best Biryani
Paradise (standalone)
Best Haleem
Shah Ghouse (standalone)
Best Vegetarian
Abid’s Bistro (star hotel)
A la Liberty (standalone)
Best Confectionery
Labonel Fine Baking (standalone)
Best Bakery
Bread Talk (standalone)
Best Chinese
Oriental Blossom (star hotel)
Mainland China (standalone)
Best Pan-Asian/Thai
Syn Asian Grill & Bar (star hotel)
Best Italian
Via Milano (standalone)
Best European/Continental
So. Food & More (standalone)
Best All-Day Dining
Seasonal Tastes (star hotel)
Best Sunday Brunch
Aqua (star hotel)
Best Contemporary Indian
Haldi (star hotel)
Best Modern Global Cuisine
The Square (star hotel)
Best Coffee Bar
Le Café (star hotel)
Best Sweet Shop (Mithai & Snacks)
Bikanervala (standalone)
Best Ice creams/Gelato
Temptations (standalone)
Times Nightlife Awards
Best Bar
Marco Polo (star hotel)
Best Resto-Bar
Aqua (star hotel)
Best Pub
Cuba Libre (standalone)
Best Nightclub
Kismet (star hotel)
Best Bar with Live Music
Hard Rock Café (standalone)
Noteworthy Newcomer
Ohri’s Jiva Imperia (standalone)