2016 WINNERS
Uniquely Arizona – Home to some of the oldest documented food traditions, Arizona has a rich culinary past steeped in tradition. We are searching statewide for the restaurants that embrace not only the local food but are staples of the state.
Winner: Lon’s at the Hermosa
Finalists: Joe’s Real BBQ & The Stockyards
Top Chef – Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience.
Winner: Kevin Binkley (Binkley’s, Bink’s Midtown, Bink’s Kitchen + Bar, Cafe Bink)
Finalists: Cullen Campbell & Mel Mencias
Innovative Restaurant Concept – Recognizes a restaurateur or restaurant group who demonstrates that they don’t follow trends; they define them, setting the bar in restaurant operations and the overall customer dining experience.
Winner: Kai
Finalists:: Clever Koi & Ocotillo
Outstanding Multiple Location Restaurant – Honors a culinary concept with multiple locations, demonstrating exceptional achievement and commitment to excellence in marketing, menu design and customer service.
Winner: Nook Kitchen
Finalists:: Pita Jungle & Postino
Emerging Restaurant of the Year – Honors promising up-and-comers that demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguished themselves as pacesetters in food, beverage and service.
Winner: Ocotillo
Finalists:: Craft 64 Pizza & Flourish Restaurant
Restaurant Employee – Recognizes the front or back of house employee that has set the gold standard for exemplary customer service and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Winner: Laura Baldassarre, Employee (Wildflower Bread Company)
Finalists: Darryl Jansen (Joe’s Real BBQ) & Kevin Michael Lewis (Kai)
Premier Cocktail Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their cocktail program.
Winner: Counter Intuitive
Finalists: Bitter and Twisted & Market Street Kitchen
Premier Beer Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their beer program.
Winner: Culinary Dropout
Finalists: Four Peaks & Two Brothers
Premier Wine Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their wine program.
Winner: Southern Rail
Finalists: Lon’s at the Hermosa & Ocotillo
Good Neighbor – Recognizes the outstanding community leadership and exceptional devotion to making a difference in our neighborhoods and community at large.
Winner: Local First
Finalists: Joy Bus & Salut Kitchen Bar
Outstanding Food Truck – Recognizes outstanding achievement in mobile nourishment, operations and community development.
Winner: Chef Wade’s Bistro on Wheels
Finalists: Frites Street & The Rocket
Best Dish “Dessert” – Honors the restaurant that quite simply does it best.
Winner: Sumo Maya (Tres Leches)
Finalists: Butter Cake (Mastro’s) & All Desserts (Orange Sky)
Food Pioneer – Honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona.
Winner: Joe Johnston (Liberty Market, Joe’s Real BBQ, Joe’s Farm Grill)
Finalists: Kevin Binkley & Sam Fox