The Arizona Restaurant Association’s 2016 Foodist Awards return this April for an evening of celebration, that recognizes another incredible year in Arizona’s culinary and hospitality industry. The Awards will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Showcase room located at 149 South Farmer in Tempe, and are attended by food and beverage industry professionals.

Presented by Young’s Market Company, the Foodist Awards recognizes and highlights the most amazing tastes, faces and places in Arizona food and beverage.

From sizzling southwestern to award-winning chef-owned dining rooms, the industry’s commitment to culinary excellence has made Arizona a delicious destination for travelers and foodies alike.

Finalists were narrowed down from publicly submitted applications by a panel of food and beverage industry experts. Winners will be announced post award presentation. The finalists for the 2016 Foodist Awards include:

  •   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. 

·      Joe’s Real BBQ

·      Lon’s at the Hermosa

·      The Stockyards

  •   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.

·      Joe Johnston (Liberty Market, Joe’s Real BBQ, Joe’s Farm Grill)

·      Kevin Binkley (Binkley’s, Bink’s Midtown, Bink’s Kitchen + Bar, Cafe Bink)

·      Sam Fox (Fox Restaurant Concepts)

  •   Top Chef – Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience. 

·      Cullen Campbell (Crudo/Okra)

·      Kevin Binkley (Binkley’s, Bink’s Midtown, Bink’s Kitchen + Bar, Cafe Bink)

·      Mel Mencias (Talavera)

  •   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.

·      Clever Koi

·      Kai

·      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.

·      Nook Kitchen

·      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.

·      Craft 64 Pizza

·      Flourish Restaurant

·      Ocotillo

  •   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.

·      Darryl Jansen, Kitchen Manager (Joe’s Real BBQ)

·      Kevin Michael Lewis, Sommelier & Beverage Director (Kai)

·      Laura Baldassarre, Employee (Wildflower Bread Company)

 

  •   Premier Cocktail Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their cocktail program.

·      Bitter & Twisted

·      Counter Intuitive

·      Market Street Kitchen

  •   Premier Beer Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their beer program.

·      Culinary Dropout

·      Four Peaks Brewing Company

·      Two Brothers Tap House & Brewery

  •   Premier Wine Program – Recognizes an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their wine program.

·      Lon’s at the Hermosa

·      Ocotillo

·      Southern Rail

  •   Good Neighbor – Recognizes the outstanding community leadership and exceptional devotion to making a difference in our neighborhoods and community at large.

·      Joy Bus

·      Local First

·      Salut Kitchen Bar

 

  •   Outstanding Food Truck – Recognizes outstanding achievement in mobile nourishment, operations and community development.

·      Chef Wade’s Bistro on Wheels

·      Frites Street

·      The Rocket

  •   Best Dish “Dessert” – Honors the restaurant that quite simply does it best.

·      Butter Cake (Mastro’s)

·      Orange Sky (All desserts)

·      Sumo Maya (Tres Leches)

For more information, visit www.foodistawards.com.