Swindon’s Jewel in the Crown restaurant, was last night named best South Asian restaurant in the country after winning the Newby Teas Tiffin Cup 2010.
The final of this annual competition took place at Bellamy’s restaurant in the Houses of Parliament with a competitive cook off from 11 finalists from across the country. The winner prepared its Chef Special dish presented in a gigantic pumpkin that wowed the judging panel.
The event, supported by Newby Teas, is organised by local MPs who nominated the best restaurants from their constituencies. The judging panel was made up of a number of special guests such as celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott, Masterchef 2010 winner, Dhruv Baker, and Celebrity Masterchef 2010 winner, Lisa Faulkner, who marked each contestant’s specialities.
Mr Muzammil Ali from Jewel in the Crown said: “Being named the best South Asian restaurant in the country is the best recognition anyone in this industry could aspire to.
“The fact that we were judged by chefs with such reputation makes the award even more important to us. We pride ourselves in good quality and authentic food and we hope to maintain these high standards. This is good news not only for us but for Swindon, putting it at the centre of the food map.”
Chair of the Tiffin Club, Keith Vaz MP, said: “Curry has joined roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, fish and chips as one of Britain’s favourite meals. We are delighted that Jewel in the Crown restaurant has been crowned the Newby Teas Tiffin Cup champion 2010 tonight. It will without doubt confirm Swindon’s constituency’s place on the culinary map.”
Celebrity chef and chair of the judges, Ainsley Harriott commented: “We have been impressed by the very high standards of the competition. All 11 finalists prepared superb South Asian dishes with interesting and inspiring twists. We felt the winning restaurant really made its mark with its pumpkin presentation but not only that, the dish was exquisite and wonderfully flavoured.”
The money raised at the final cook-off dinner will be donated to charity, World Vision, which works with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.
For more information visit: http://www.newbyteas.co.uk/newby-teas-tiffin-cup.php
