Was it your Mum? Nanna, Margaret Fulton? MasterChef??

The biennial Australian Food Media Awards are the industry’s highest national accolades. Nominations are presently open over 23 categories covering publishing, television, cable, print, radio and the web attracting entries from food communicators many of whom are household names.

In order to identify where the greatest Australian food influences come from, there is a People’s Choice category open to the public – the ardent home cook. Help the industry find the real domestic influences within today’s passion for things culinary and vote for who influenced your cooking. You can nominate your mother, brother, another relative, a friend, neighbor, a restaurant or a profiled chef or food book author – absolutely anybody you consider your own cuisine hero. Who deserves the credit the most for your ability and knowledge? Last year it was chef, author and tv series presenter Maggie Beer. It could be your choice.

Just go to www.foodprofessionals.org.au the website of the Australian Association of Food Professionals, follow the simple prompts and answer the following question “Who has influenced you the most about food and eating? Nominations close on the 31 July, so hit the website while you are still simmering your subject! There is a mama behind even the most high profile chefs, and remember Julie and Julia!

Sponsored for the first time by Saxa, the People’s Choice Award 2010, the winner will be announced at a the glittering Awards ceremony at Doltone House, Darling Island Wharf, Pyrmont on Saturday 28 October 2010. One successful nominee will win 2 tickets for the gala dinner and après drinks that evening. Go the website too for pricings on tables and individual seats. www.foodprofessionals.org.au