RESTAURANTS in both Prestatyn and Towyn have made the list of finalists for a national award.

Patagonia Welsh Roots, on Prestatyn’s High Street, and CJ Taco, on Sandbank Road, Towyn, are two of 10 finalists in the running for Mexican restaurant of the year at the 2022 Welsh Restaurant Awards.

The winner will be revealed at an awards ceremony in Cardiff on Monday, November 7.

Patagonia Welsh Roots, a steakhouse, was opened in mid-2019 by Jamie and Julie Hyslop, and prides itself on using as much of the country’s own produce as possible.

A new 30-person outdoor area was also set up at the restaurant earlier this year.

Julie said: “We’re blown away by the social media response to the news that we have made it to the final; we are also super excited!

“We’re so thankful for the nominations and for the dedication of our team, who to continue to produce high-quality experiences that our wonderful customers keep returning for!”

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CJ Taco, meanwhile, was created during one of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020 by Craig Wilson and his fiancée, Jen.

A Mexican/Filipino restaurant which started as a takeaway service, this is the first award it has been in the running for.

Craig said: “Jen’s originally from the Philippines, and moved over here when she was 14. I’ve been a chef for 12 years, so we’ve just combined what we both know and put it together.

“We started from home during lockdown, and it’s just progressed from there.

“We were a bit surprised that we got through to the finals, because we didn’t even know who nominated us! It was quite a shock, but a pleasure to be nominated.”

For more on Patagonia Welsh Roots, visit: www.facebook.com/patagoniawelshroots.

To find out more about CJ Taco, go to: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100034999813993.