John Partington from Sugarvine.com emailed me today to say “Well done about being nominated for Best Restaurant in Hi-Life”. I had to read that email twice. Blink blink. Nominated? I called my sisters “Hey Helen, Janet – do you know we’ve been nominated?” Silence…. “No!” This banter went backwards and forwards. “Go on google and check it out”. 

Yes, its true, we have joined Hi-Life their members benefit from an exclusive 2 4 1 deal when they show their Hi-Life card. I was wondering who had nominated us? I googled and found an article on City Life….snippets of which are quoted below…..

“Manchester’s top restaurants are celebrating after being named as Best Restaurant nominees for the star studded Hi-Life Dining Awards 2009.

The annual awards – or the “HiLDAS” as they have become known – are hosted by the UK and Ireland’s largest and most successful dining club and Manchester has swept the board with nominations for the Best Restaurant categories.  

Choice, San Rocco, Livebait, Sweet Mandarin and Room have been nominated for the Best Manchester Restaurant category, and Gusto and Wagamama Printworks are shortlisted for Best Atmosphere.

The awards are decided on the basis of votes received from nearly 100,000 regular diners. An expert panel picks the final winners off the the shorlists. For the third year running, the glitzy ceremony will take place at the five star Hilton Hotel on Friday, January 30. It will be hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenters, Gordon Burns and Ranvir Singh. ”

Oh my, we were chosen by our clientele – thousands of whom walk through our doors. May I just say a huge thank you to our clientele – many of whom I am proud to call my friend. It is an honour to serve you our delicious food and keep you warm during these wintery days. Opening Sweet Mandarin is a dream come true for myself and my two sisters, Helen and Janet.  To watch our documentary on how we built Sweet Mandarin in 4 weeks (it used to be a derelict garage) in front of the beady ITV Granada television cameras – visit our website www.sweetmandarin.com and watch the programme on our home page. That’s what you call a rollercoaster ride!

Thank you Hi-Life and our wonderful clientele. Your vote is much appreciated.  To thank you – anyone who emails us at sweetmandarin@gmail.com will get a free privilege card and we’ll provide you with the exclusive perks and invites to our wonderful events (like our fabulous Chinese New Year party or our food and wine tasting events).

Wishing you Best Wishes and Sweet Dishes to You and Your Family

Lisa, Janet and Helen