The Arizona Restaurant Association has named the finalists for its 2016 Foodist Awards.
The finalists listed are essentially a who’s who of the state’s culinary scene.
Split into 13 categories, the finalists were chosen by a panel of food and beverage industry experts.
And the nominees are:
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)
The winner will be announced at the award ceremony on Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Showcase room located at 149 S. Farmer Avenue in Tempe.
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