THE Glenfiddich Awards, presented annually to practitioners in the food and drink publishing business, are known popularly as the Food Lovers' Oscars, and this year, in addition to the dozen accolades handed out by the committee of judges, they are seeking the support of members of the public to nominate two new prizes: Best Television Personality, for the person who most encourages interest in food and drink, and Lifetime Contribution, for the person who throughout their career has made a major contribution to the appreciation and enjoyment of food and drink.
All participants will be eligible to win tickets to the dinner and presentation on May 19th in the Natural History Museum, where Channel 4 will film the event. To have a chance to vote, call 00-44-171225 1100 for an entry form, or write to Glenfiddich Food and Drink Awards, 4 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3RA. I have no doubt that Myrtle Allen's name will be on many nomination forms coming out of Ireland for Lifetime Contribution, and it wouldn't be a minute too soon if the doyenne of Irish food was to be rewarded with a Glenfiddich gong for her life's work.