Founded in 2008, the Chinese Restaurant Awards has grown into an influential event highlighting Metro Vancouver’s unique and exciting Chinese culinary scene. The Awards are considered the authority on everything Chinese food - serving as a restaurant and dining guide for local and visiting food lovers, and are divided into three components: Critics’ Choice Signature Dish Awards (awarded by a panel of distinguished food writers and industry influencers), Food Bloggers' Choice Awards (awarded by a panel of top ranking food bloggers) and the publicly-chosen Diner’s Choice Awards. In 2013 and 2014, Greater Toronto, another bustling hub for Chinese food, was selected to be part of the Awards. The role of the Chinese Restaurant Awards increased significantly when Canada officially received ‘Approved Destination Status’ from the Republic of China in June 2010. It is a well-known fact that wherever they travel in the world, Chinese people prefer to eat Chinese food. As discerning connoisseurs, they eagerly follow news of the best places to dine, news of top chefs or, now, the results of the Chinese Restaurant Awards.