Thirteen Establishments Recognized in NESCAFÉ Gold Spot Awards

CEBU, Philippines - Thirteen establishments were recognized as Manila’s best spots in their respective categories in the recently concluded Nescafe Gold Spot Awards 2009.  

Gold Spot is a project of Spot.ph and Nescafe Gold which aims to recognize the gold standard in Manila dining.  From October 5 to November 30, 2009, SPOT.ph solicited nominations for all 13 categories from our online community. Out of 541 nominees, 66 were short listed by the panel of judges. From December 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010, the public voted for the best restaurants through online and SMS.  

This year’s judges include Yummy Magazine Editor-in-chief Becky Kho, award-winning food blogger “Franco” of Table for Three Please, chef, entrepreneur and TV host Aileen Anastacio, food writer and trained chef JJ Yulo, chef and entrepreneur Him Uy de Baron, and award-winning actress and sophisticated eater Cherie Gil. 

Held at Encore at the Fort Strip, guests toasted to the winners with (menu). Establishments which received the most votes from the voting community and the highest score from the judges comprised the list of the Nescafe Gold Spot Awards 2009 winners:  

Best Japanese: Inagiku

Best Filipino: Abe

Best Italian: Paparazzi

Best Chinese: Shang Palace

Best Steak house: 22 Prime

Best Dessert Place: Cupcakes by Sonja

Best Delicatessen: Santi’s Delicatessen

Best Bar: Cav Wine Bar and Bistro

Best Buffet: Spiral

Best Service: Cibo Nuovo

Best Chain Restaurant: Cibo Inc.

New Restaurant of the Year: Lusso

Restaurant of the Year: Lolo Dad’s