The top 30 finalists for Arizona Restaurant Association’s Foodist Awards’ 10 categories have been announced. (2014 marks the second-annual Foodist Awards.)
“We are never surprised by the innovation and talent consistently emerging in our state,” says Steve Chucri, president of Arizona Restaurant Association. “The nominations are always astounding – every single one worthy of the award. It was an incredible challenge for us to narrow down the finalists this year – I’m confident that both the industry and its fans will recognize the quality of the candidates in each category.”
The winners will be announced during an awards celebration at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia on April 24 starting at 6 p.m. The event comprises a cocktail reception, followed by a four-course dinner and awards program at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public; tickets can be purchased at www.foodistawards.com.
The 2014 Foodist Awards nominees:
Food Pioneer
• Sam Fox, FOX Restaurant Concepts
• Craig DeMarco and Lauren Bailey, Upward Projects
• Joe Johnston, Joe’s Real BBQ/Liberty Market
Top Chef
• Charlene Badman, FnB
• Cullen Campbell, Crudo
• Gio Osso, Virtù
Master Mixologist
• Stephanie Teslar, Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails and Hotel Palomar
• Andrew Record, Kadence Restaurant Group (Tucson)
• Micah Olson, Bar Crudo
Good Neighbor
• The Vig
• Upward Projects
• Community Kitchen
Emerging Restaurant of the Year
• The Henry
• The Original Chop Shop
• Gadzooks
Outstanding Restaurant Concept
• Proof
• POSH
• OHSO
Outstanding Food Truck
• Hao Bao
• Lobster Lady
• Nogales Hot Dogs
Outstanding Multiple-Location Restaurant
• Postino Wine Café (pictured)
• Mastro’s
• Pita Jungle
Uniquely Arizona
• Elote
• Cartwright’s Sonoran Ranch House
• Quiessence
Best Dish “Steak”
• Bourbon Steak
• Durant’s
• Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
2014 Foodist Awards
