Simon Wright has been appointed to edit the 2005 edition of Dining Out In Wales. He is currently leading a team of inspectors in compiling the second edition of the guide which comprises 150 of the best places to eat in Wales.
Published by the Welsh Development Agency, the aim of the publication is to draw the public’s attention to the best places to eat in Wales and to serve as an incentive to further drive up standards in Welsh restaurants.
Simon, who lives in Carmarthenshire, was previously editor of the AA Restaurant Guide and now works as a freelance food writer and consultant. Most recently he worked as restaurant consultant on the Channel 4 series Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares.
He says: “I think the WDA should be congratulated for its vision in understanding the role a good, independently inspected guide can play in contributing to the health of the restaurant industry in Wales. We will be working hard to build on the successes of the 2004 guide and to further strengthen the book’s credibility with both the public and the industry.”
Simon's team of experienced restaurant inspectors are currently carrying out 200 unannounced inspections for the 2005 edition of the guide, which will be launched on 19 November 2004 at the True Taste / Gwir Flas Wales Food and Drink Awards at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport.
Dining Out in Wales - New Criteria for 2005
Following the inaugural 2004 edition of Dining Out In Wales, the award system has been reviewed and revised and for 2005 and an additional award level of Gold Star has been added. The introduction of the Gold Star award level allows for the scheme to be stretched, giving greater clarity to the award levels for the consumer and giving the restaurants themselves a more realistic chance of advancement.
In 2004, the majority of establishments featured were listed as silver which had potential to confuse the consumer as it represented a very broad standard of restaurants. The revised criteria for each level will help resolve this and it will also improve the prospects for restaurants aspiring to achieve a higher award.
The Criteria
The True Taste brand celebrates Wales as the home of a modern food culture. It is built on authenticity, purity and quality and its brand values are integrity, expertise, naturalness and pleasure. Overall, Dining Out In
Wales restaurants should reinforce the True Taste message and offer a pleasurable experience for consumers.
Bronze: Ingredients will be carefully selected for quality with an emphasis on using fresh local produce. With minor exceptions most elements of the meal will be produced in the establishments own kitchen. Technical skills, timing, seasoning and the balancing of flavours will be competently handled. Dishes will be presented with care. Service will be prompt and enthusiastic.
Silver: The kitchen will display a clear commitment to obtaining and employing the very best of fresh ingredients with an emphasis on local seasonal produce. With few exceptions, all elements of the meal will be produced in the establishment’s own kitchen. Technical skills, timing, seasoning and the balancing of flavours will be consistently accurate. There will be an obvious understanding of classic techniques. Dishes will be presented with care and skill. Service will be attentive, well informed and enthusiastic.
Gold: Establishments will demonstrate a dedication to sourcing the best ingredients available with obvious attention having been paid to seasonality and the seeking out of top local produce. It is likely that all elements of the meal will be produced in the establishment’s own kitchen including stocks and patisserie. Technical skills, timing, seasoning and the balancing of flavours will be precise. There will be an element of innovation and a distinctive cooking style. Service will be professional, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Gold Star: The cooking will be of the very highest standard available in Wales and will compare favourably with the standards achieved in the best-rated establishments in Britain as a whole and more widely in Europe. Chefs will be committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients available in the marketplace and are likely to highlight the use of local ingredients of the very finest international standards. It is unlikely that these kitchens will buy in any pre-prepared produce whatsoever. Technical skills, timing, seasoning and the balancing of flavours will be flawless. The cooking will be informed, innovative and highly evolved in style. Service standards will equate with that offered in Britain’s most highly regarded establishments.
More details: Menna Evans, 01686 613175 or Mandi Wilson, 02920 828986
