Family Restaurant picks up 2 Rockies

From a media release:

Family Restaurant: The Quons woks away with two Rockies at Banff World Television Awards

Chinese luck was in play at the Banff World Television Festival this week when Anaïd Productions’ Family Restaurant won the Grand Prize for Best Entertainment program—its second surprise triumph in as many nights.

One day earlier, the show won a Rockie Award as Best Lifestyle/Information program, nudging out such high-profile contenders as celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Canada’s own Steven and Chris.

“We were truly honoured,” says Series Producer Sophie Mardirossian, “just to be nominated alongside such amazing company. To win our category, and then top it off with a Grand Prize, is overwhelming.”

The series, which launched this past winter on Food Network Canada, tells behind-the-scenes stories of tradition and transition, along with generational mayhem at The Lingnan, a landmark Edmonton restaurant owned by the tireless, exuberant Quon family. The series began shooting with the traditional Big Luck Ceremony that heralds the start-up of important Chinese projects – an event which is paying off for all involved.

This year’s 130 category nominees, chosen from over 800 entries, represent 29 countries. Anaïd Productions is one of only five Canadian companies to receive a 2009 Rockie award, and one of two to receive a Grand Prize.

“The Lingnan holds an important place in Edmonton’s culture just as the Rockie Award is legendary in the world of television,” says Executive Producer Margaret Mardirossian. “We are delighted to share these two incredible prizes with the Quons as they opened their lives to us, giving us the flashes of mayhem along with the flavours of tradition, wrapped up in delicious bites of entertainment.

Georges Leclere, Director of the Banff Program Competition, comments “We are honored to present winners with the “Rockie”, the trophy that truly inspires excellence in international television and represents a great generation of promising producers and directors.”