The website, www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk, is ready to receive the public's vote for their favourite food and drink products and most outstanding restaurants and pubs in Kent. Whether people cast their vote in just one category, or all 12 categories of the competition, every single voter will be entered into a prize draw this year - with two winners enjoying an overnight stay and breakfast in the ABode Hotel Canterbury. People have until the 3 January to cast their vote. The three companies receiving the most votes from the public in each category will be shortlisted and go before an expert judging panel in January 2010, ahead of the 12 winners being announced at a awards ceremony in February 2010 at Leeds Castle. Last year saw The Mulberry Tree in Boughton Monchelsea pick up the coveted Kent Restaurant of the Year award, beating off stiff competition from Michael Caines at the ABode, Canterbury and Richard Phillips at Chapel Down, Tenterden. Julie Monkman, Produced in Kent's manager, said: "Consumers are increasingly tuned into the issue of being able to dine out and source quality food and drink 'in season', from local, sustainable sources. The fact that over 40 per cent more people voted last year, demonstrates that the Taste of Kent Awards are growing ever more prestigious and receiving county-wide recognition." The awards, now in its fifth year, are sponsored by SEEDA, Kent Life, WK Finn Kelcey, Kent County Council, Biddenden Vineyards, Bennett Opie, Barclays, Visit Kent, kff (kent frozen foods), Whitehead Monckton and Hadlow College.