Foodist 2023 Event Program

A R I Z O N A ’ S R E S TAU R A N T I N D U S T R Y AWA R D S

M O N DAY APRIL 24

2023 EVENT PROGRAM

HERE’S TO GOING

ABOVE AND BEYOND.

Congratulations to tonight’s winners from all of us at Shamrock Foods, the largest family-owned foodservice distributor in the West and proud sponsor of the 2023 Foodist Awards.

INGREDIENTS 4 Message from the President and CEO

of the Arizona Restaurant Association

6 Message from the Chairman 7 Association Leadership 8 Industry Partners 1 0 Evening Program 1 4 Event Partners & Sponsors – Special Recognition 3 0 Food Pioneer 3 2 Finalists

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ARIZONA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

C E L E B R AT I N G A R I ZO N A ’ S A M A Z I N G C U L I N A R Y TA L E N T

Every year the Foodist awards continue to grow and inspire so many talented people in our food industry. The chefs, mixologists, entrepreneurs and trailblazers of Arizona’s restaurant scene perform above expectations in setting new goals that are beyond measure for most. Tonight we celebrate this event as the “Culinary Oscars” and award the best and brightest as they make our beautiful state a destination for all to come, see and taste.

Our growth is meaningful and substantial. Our recent restaurant sales have totaled more than $21 billion dollars and we employ over 240 thousand people who bring their extraordinary talent to our kitchens, dining rooms, patios and bars each and every day. On behalf of the Arizona Restaurant Association Board of Directors, I want to thank you and congratulate you on a job well done and wish you every success. Thank you for celebrating with us this evening and for making a positive difference in our communities.

Steve Chucri 4

Arizona Restaurant Association, President & CEO

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE ARIZONA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT OF NIGHTS! W E C E L E B R AT E U S !

We honor and rejoice in our best and brightest stars not just for their culinary creations and achievements, but also for their resolve to “Make a Difference.”

Our Arizona restaurant industry is strong and vibrant. We build communities. All of our employees serve as our Ambassadors who are contributing members of our Society.

We champion diversity and multiculturalism through accessibility and quality of our offerings.

Our association (ARA) is in the forefront of representing the interests of almost 10,000 establishments through education, advocacy, insight and communication.

I thank each of you, my board colleagues, our illustrious CEO Steve Chucri and the team for the continued commitment, dedication, vision, innovation and passion to make Arizona a melting pot of world cuisines and a gastronomic paradise.

Let us transform our passion into purpose. Because WE CARE! Let us CELEBRATE as a FAMILY! Heartfelt thanks,

Raveen Arora Raveen Arora 6

Chairman of the Board of the Arizona Restaurant Association

ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

S

ince its earliest days, the Arizona Restaurant Association has been fueled by bold thinking and emerging ideas. When a small group of chefs and hospitality professionals came together in 1939 to create this organization, there was no recipe, no model – they relied on their vision. Today, we celebrate 84 years as an association providing services for our industry, with an idea that has evolved into a network of leading visionaries, fueling the state’s $21.6 billion vibrant culinary economy.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN Raveen Arora | The Dhaba I M M E D I AT E PA S T C H A I R W O M A N & E D U C AT I O N F O U N D AT I O N C H A I R W O M A N Kristina Rangel | Outback Steakhouse VICE CHAIRMAN Justin Cohen | Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row TREASURER Lorrie Glaeser | Streets of New York S E C R E TA R Y Stephen Roussel | The Capital Grille, Scottsdale

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristen Briede PF Chang’s

Matt Jacobson Sysco

Wendy Sanuik Swire Coca-Cola

Alicia Casale Murphy Cordier Casale Axel

Joe Johnston Joe’s Real BBQ | Agritopia Joe’s Farm Grill | Liberty Market

Thomas Smeriglio Heartland Payment Solutions

Beth Cochran Snooze AZ Eatery Terry Craig Jalapeño Inferno

John Junker St. Vincent de Paul Matt Derr Southwest Gas

Tyrone Hatch ECOLAB

Matt McMahon SK Oil Sales

Ryan Hibbert Riot Hospitality Group

Bernie Orsini US Foods

Josh Jacobsen Lucky Wishbone

Chelsea Reynolds Darden Restaurants

Thax Turner Shamrock Foods Jamie Thousand Satchmo’s Stacey Wopnford Kahala Brands Ian Yonushonis Crescent Crown Distributing

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INDUSTRY PARTNERS

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredibly generous and loyal supporters. It is through the generosity of community partners like this year’s sponsors and table hosts that enable the Arizona Restaurant Association to continue to ensure the prosperous future of this dynamic industry. With their continued support, and yours, together we will achieve even greater success.

I N D U ST R Y PA R T N E R S

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EVENING PROGRAM

EVENING PROGRAM Celebrating Arizona’s Food & Beverage Evolution & Successes C O C K TA I L R E C E P T I O N WELCOME Steve Chucri, President and CEO, Arizona Restaurant Association CHAIRMAN REMARKS Raveen Arora, The Dhaba PLATINUM SPONSOR REMARKS Marisa Erspamer, Shamrock Foods

AWA R D P R E S E N TAT I O N

Standout Signature Dish Best Dish in a Supporting Role Delectable Dessert Favorite Local Craft Beer Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program Brunch with a Punch Top Arizona Brewery, Winery or Distillery Experience Exceptional Culinary Experience Outstanding Bar/Nightlife Experience Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept Outstanding Hospitality Group Best World Flavors Uniquely Arizona Emerging Restaurant of the Year Restaurant Team Member of the Year Restaurant Manager of the Year Top Mixologist / Bartender Top Chef Food Pioneer

LIVE MUSIC HOST BMI & Live Nation

S T E L L A A R T O I S A F T E R PA R T Y Rock Lobster

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Every day, yum Thank you for creating such a dynamic and delicious restaurant scene across Arizona. Congratulations to the evening’s honorees.

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Congratulations to all Foodist Award nominees and winners!

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT PA R T N E R S & S P O N S O R S

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R

DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION

S I LV E R S P O N S O R S

S P EC I A LT Y S P O N S O R S

A D D I T I O N A L FO O D PA R T N E R S

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SPECIAL RECOGNITION

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A F T E R PA R T Y & LIVE MUSIC SPONSORS

PRODUCTION PA R T N E R S

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STA F F I N G SPONSOR

Sourcing with Purpose We will supply products responsibly by improving animal welfare in the foodservice industry; minimizing negative environmental, social or ethical impacts when sourcing products; and ensuring that human rights are respected in our operations, as well as the global supply chain.

Delivering a Better Tomorrow®

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SUPPORTING LOCAL RESTAURANTS. SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY.

US Foods® is one of America’s great food companies and a leading supplier to restaurants and foodservice operators. Working with food people and the communities they serve is our passion, and we understand the importance of making a positive impact where we live and work. US Foods is proud to help chefs and restaurateurs in communities across the country make it every day.

k Unloc r e w o P e h T psi of Pen p i h s r e Part Y WE’RE READ RE WHEN YOU A BENEFITS OF PEPSICO PARTNERSHIP Complete your registration to enjoy full access to PepsiCopartners.com.

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PARTNERSHIP IN A CLICK 1 Go to PepsiCoPartners.com or scan the code to go directly to the form

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3 Complete and submit the form, and a

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You all deserve some recognition Congratulations to the 2023 Foodist Award winners, and everyone who was nominated! Your heart and dedication build stronger communities and create memorable experiences every day.

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Congratulations to not only the Winners of Tonight’s Foodist Awards, but also to all the Employees, Managers, & Owners who rise to the challenge every day with a smile of hospitality, as well as relentless dedication to being the BEST at what you do.

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Success is sweet.

Recognition is sweeter.

Congratulations 2023 Foodist Awards Finalists.

You make Arizona a foodie destination.

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2023

FINALISTS

FINALISTS

2023 FOOD PIONEER L I F E T I M E AC H I E V E M E N T AWA R D Honors a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona.

C H E F M A R K TA R B E L L owns and operates Tarbell’s Hospitality, which encompasses Tarbell’s Restaurant, The Wine Store, T’s Wine Bar and T’s Catering. Through these entities he pursues his passion for gourmet cooking, wine education and fine dining, which began at a very young age.

When he was just 14 years old, he received a Jacques Pepin’s La Technique book. This gift ignited his interest in cooking and inspired his career, which began as a dishwasher when he was just 15 years old. He quickly moved on to become a chef and by the age of 18, Tarbell had completed a culinary apprenticeship at the Sonesta Hotel in Amsterdam, Holland.

A student of the Ecole du Cuisine La Varenne in Paris as well as the Steven Spurrier’s l’Academie du Vin, Tarbell moved to Arizona at the age of 23 and began working at The Boulders Resort, where he became the youngest food and beverages director of any Five Diamond property in the world. He worked there for eight years before pursuing his dream of owning his own restaurant. He opened Tarbell’s Restaurant in Phoenix in 1994, Barmouche in 1999, The Oven in Colorado in 2004, The Wine Store in 2013 and The Tavern at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 3 in Phoenix in 2014.

Tarbell has been nominated as Best Chef – Southwest by the James Beard Foundation and was nominated for a Rocky Mountain Regional Emmy for hosting Arizona PBS’ “Check Please Arizona.”

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FINALISTS

He has three Emmys for serving as host of AZ PBS’ “Plate and Pour” and has been inducted into the Arizona Hall of Culinary Fame twice — as “Outstanding Chef” and “Media Master.”

Over the course of his esteemed career, he has received more than 50 city “best of” and industry awards including “Best Restaurant” by Food & Wine Magazine. He has had the opportunity to personally prepare meals for music and entertainment legends, political figures and sports celebrities such as Muhammad Ali, Shep Gordon, Johnny Depp, Willie Nelson, Sammy Hagar, Woody Harrelson, Cheech Marin, Kris Kristofferson, Toby Keith, BB King, Maynard Keenan, Sheryl Crow, Bob Weir, Clint Eastwood and hundreds more.

Additional highlights of his career include competing in and winning Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” and serving as a reappearing chef on 3TV’s “Good Morning Arizona” for 15 years along with national programs including “Good Morning America” and “Today Show” in New York City. Other appearances include Fine Living, Lifetime and multiple Food Network programs.

Tarbell has appeared and cooked 11 dinners at the James Beard House and has been a wine judge at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition for 20 years. He has cooked for, and contributed to, hundreds of charities such as Share Our Strength, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Ryan House, SAARC, Taste of Tennis and C-Cap Arizona. He also serves on many advisory councils and boards including the Arizona Department of Education Advisory Council, the board of the Phoenix Art Museum, All Saints Day School Board of Trustees, the Phoenix Theatre State Chairman of American Institute of Wine and Food and Officer in the Chaine des Rotisseurs as L’ Order Mondial.

Tarbell spreads his love for and knowledge of all things food and wine through various outlets. He has been published in multiple local and national magazines including Wine Spectator, Wine & Spirits, Arizona Foothills magazine, in which he served as the weekly wine columnist from 1999 to 2007, and The Arizona Republic from 2007 through 2015. He also has served as a panelist and chef presenter at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, the featured chef at the Maui Wellness Symposium with Deepak Chopra, the Kapalua Wine and Food, the Telluride Wine and Food and the Hawaiian Food and Wine Festival.

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FINALISTS

M E E T T H E N E X T G E N E R AT I O N O F FO O D & B E V E R AG E I N D U ST R Y

R O C K S TA R S

STA N D O U T S I G N AT U R E D I S H 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 Bacanora

Gnocchi Merkin Vineyards Osteria

Lobstah Roll Nelson’s Meat + Fish

BEST DISH IN A SUPPORTING ROLE These 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 Yam Mamuang Boran Aftermath (Green Mango Shrimp Salad) Lom Wong

Potato Pureé The Americano

M O ST D E L EC TA B L E D E S S E R T 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

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Sticky Toffee Pudding LON’s at The Hermosa Inn

Strawberry Marzipan Shortcake Sel

FAV O R I T E L O C A L C R A F T B E E R 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 Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.

The Joy Bus Four Peak Brewing Co.

Koffee Kolsch Huss Brewing Co.

M O ST C R E AT I V E H A N D C R A F T E D C O C K TA I L P R O G R A M 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

Wren & Wolf

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

Eggstacy

Hash Kitchen

Maple & Ash

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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 visitors.

Cider Corps

LVD Winery

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE The nominees in this category are judged on their overall experience, including the quality of the food, the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, the atmosphere of the restaurant, the level of service, the variety of menu offerings, and the level of creativity and originality.

Bacanora

Café Monarch

Christopher’s at The Wrigley Mansion

O U T STA N D I N G B A R / 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

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Platform 18 at Century Grand

The Little Woody

P H E N O M E N A L FA ST C A S UA L C O N C E P T 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.

3rd Floor Smoke

Chula Seafood

Taco Chiwas

O U T STA N D I N G H O S P I TA L I T Y G R O U P Recognizes groups that own and operate multiple restaurants, bars, or nightclubs in the state, and have demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguish themselves as pacesetters in the hospitality-space.

Barter & Shake

Common Ground Culinary

Maggiore Group

B E S T W O R L D F L AV O R S 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

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U N I Q U E LY A R I ZO N A 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

E M E R G I N G R E STAU R A N T O F T H E Y E A R 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

R E STAU R A N T T E A M M E M B E R 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

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Ricky Cubillos Platform 18 at Century Grand

Hyatt Halum Wildberries Café

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R E STAU R A N T M A N AG E R O F T H E Y E A R Recognizes individuals who manage and lead the restaurant’s dayto-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

Jerry 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

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Congratulations to the 2023 Foodist Award recipients.

This recognition of excellence reaches beyond Arizona, and puts our culinary scene on the map of future visitors.

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