2023 FOODIST AWARD WINNERS

The Foodist Awards recognize the most amazing tastes, faces and places in Arizona food and beverage. Awards are given to entries that demonstrate innovation, quality of execution, effectiveness and an influential impact on the culinary and hospitality industry.

The nomination process is open to the public. Finalists and winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts, organized by The Arizona Restaurant Association.

FOOD

STANDOUT SIGNATURE DISH – The dishes in this category have become synonymous with the restaurant, and are often the dishes that customers rave about and come back for. These dishes are the chefs’ creative expression and showcase their culinary skills. These dishes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, and are often a reflection of the restaurant’s concept, culture, and identity.

• Tomahawk Steak, Bacanoras
• Gnocchi, Merkin Vineyards Osteria
• Lobstah Roll, Nelson’s Meat + Fish

BEST DISH IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – These are dishes may play a supporting role to the main course, but are no less important in elevating the overall dining experience. They are often the unsung heroes of the menu, but they are just as crucial in making a meal memorable.

• After’Mac’ Mac & Cheese, Aftermath
• Yam Mamuang Boran (Green mango and shrimp salad), Lom Wong
• Potato Pureé, The Americano

MOST DELECTABLE DESSERT  – These desserts are the perfect way to end a meal and often leave a lasting impression on diners.  They are creations that showcase skill, creativity and artistry making the desserts both visually stunning and delicious.

• Mango Sticky Rice, Glai Baan
• Sticky Toffee Pudding, LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
• Strawberry Marzipan Shortcake, Sel

BEVERAGE

FAVORITE LOCAL CRAFT BEER – The winner of this category is a beer that not only has excellent taste but also provides an outstanding and enjoyable drinking experience, showcasing the richness and diversity of the local craft beer scene in Arizona.

• Refuge IPA, AZ Wilderness Brewing Co.
• The Joy Bus, Four Peak Brewing Co.
• Koffee Kolsch, Huss Brewing Co.

MOST CREATIVE HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL – This award recognizes the establishments that are pushing the boundaries of mixology and making their mark on the local cocktail scene. The finalists in this category showcase their bartenders’ creativity, technical skills, and use of unique ingredients and techniques to create truly memorable cocktails.

• 36 Below
• Century Grand (tie)
• Wren & Wolf (tie)
  

TOP ARIZONA BREWERY, WINERY OR DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE – The breweries, wineries and distilleries that are recognized in this category are not only known for their delicious products but also for their outstanding visitor experience, the level of education provided and the ability to create a memorable experience for the visitors.

• Cider Corps
• LVD Winery
• Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

RESTAURANT

BRUNCH WITH A PUNCH – Recognizes the brunch atmosphere and experience that actually makes people actually want to get out of bed on the weekends.

• Eggstacy
• Hash Kitchen
• Maple & Ash

EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE – Whether it’s at a sit-down restaurant, a catering event, or a pop-up dinner. This category recognizes the restaurants and culinary professionals that are providing an outstanding and memorable experience for their patrons, regardless of the format.

• Bacanora
• Café Monarch
• Christopher’s at the Wrigley Mansion

OUTSTANDING BAR/NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE – This award highlights the bars and nightclubs that offer a unique concept, theme, or atmosphere, as well as those that are known for their live music, DJs or other forms of entertainment. These establishments are not only a place to get a drink but also a destination for a night out and a great social experience.

• AZ88
• Platform 18 at Century Grand
• The Little Woody

PHENOMENAL FAST CASUAL CONCEPT – Honors restaurants that create unique and memorable fast casual dining experiences, and for their ability to balance speed and convenience with quality and taste, often with limited space.

• 3^rd Floor Smoke
• Chula Seafood
• Taco Chiwas

OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY GROUP – Recognizes groups that own and operate multiple restaurants, bars, or nightclubs in the state, and have demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguished themselves as pacesetters in hospitality space.

• Barter & Shake
• Common Ground Culinary
• Maggiore Group

BEST WORLD FLAVORS – This award category recognizes restaurants that specialize in a specific ethnic cuisine and have established a reputation for providing authentic and rich flavors through their menu offerings.

• CRUjiente Tacos
• Glai Baan
• Shimogamo

UNIQUELY ARIZONA – The nominees in this category showcase their creativity, use of locally sourced ingredients and dedication to honoring Arizona’s rich culinary traditions.

• Carolina’s Mexican Food
• Terra Farm + Manor
• The Farm at South Mountain

EMERGING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR – Honors new and up-and-coming restaurants in Arizona that have made a significant impact on the local dining scene. This category recognizes restaurants that have opened in 2022 and have quickly established themselves as top contenders in the industry.

• First & Last
• Lom Wong
• Tia Carmen

PEOPLE

TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR – Recognizes a front or back of house team member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing an outstanding dining experience for the customers.

• Aaron Suder, Liberty Station
• Ricky Cubillos, Platform 18 at Century Grand
• Hyatt Halum, Wildberries Café

MANAGER OF THE YEAR – Recognizes individuals who manage and lead the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and is responsible for ensuring that the restaurant runs smoothly, effectively and efficiently. They lead by example and foster an atmosphere of growth and learning for fellow team members, creating a culture of excellence that is reflected in the restaurant’s performance, and in the satisfaction of the customers.

• Joey Carzo, Outback Steakhouse
• Gerado Sanabria, LON’s at The Hermosa Inn
• Elsie Lee, The Vig – Fillmore

TOP MIXOLOGIST | BARTENDER – Honoring a bartender or mixologist’s ability to mix and serve drinks with precision, passion and creativity while providing excellent customer service. They have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication, and commitment to providing an outstanding drinking experience for customers.

• Abby Kate Larson, J&G Steakhouse
• Brenon Stuart, Those Pour Bastards
• Kyla Hein, Whining Pig

TOP CHEF – Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience. This individual has made a significant impact on the culinary scene in Arizona but still continues to  improve and develop their skills, and to make a positive impact on the restaurant and the community.

• David Bowman, Aftermath
• Jason Alford, Pa’La
• Rochelle Daniel, Atria

FOOD PIONEER – Lifetime Achievement Award. Honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona. Voted on by peers.

• Mark Tarbell, Tarbell’s