Foodist 2023 Event Program

CELEBRATING ARIZONA’S AMAZING CULINARY TALENT

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 Arizona Restaurant Association, President & CEO

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ARIZONA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT OF NIGHTS! WE CELEBRATE US!

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 Chairman of the Board of the Arizona Restaurant Association

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

Since 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

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRWOMAN & EDUCATION FOUNDATION CHAIRWOMAN

Kristina Rangel | Outback Steakhouse

VICE CHAIRMAN

Justin Cohen | Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row

TREASURER

Lorrie Glaeser | Streets of New York

SECRETARY

Stephen Roussel | The Capital Grille, Scottsdale

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kristen Briede PF Chang’s

Alicia Casale

Murphy Cordier Casale Axel

Beth Cochran

Snooze AZ Eatery

Terry Craig

Jalapeño Inferno

Tyrone Hatch

ECOLAB

Ryan Hibbert

Riot Hospitality Group

Josh Jacobsen

Lucky Wishbone

Matt Jacobson Sysco

Joe Johnston

Joe’s Real BBQ | Agritopia

Joe’s Farm Grill | Liberty Market

John Junker

St. Vincent de Paul

Matt Derr

Southwest Gas

Matt McMahon

SK Oil Sales

Bernie Orsini US Foods

Chelsea Reynolds Darden Restaurants

Wendy Sanuik Swire Coca-Cola

Thomas Smeriglio

Heartland

Payment Solutions

Thax Turner

Shamrock Foods

Jamie Thousand Satchmo’s

Stacey Wopnford

Kahala Brands

Ian Yonushonis

Crescent Crown Distributing

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.

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

EVENING PROGRAM

Celebrating Arizona’s Food & Beverage Evolution & Successes

COCKTAIL RECEPTION

WELCOME

Steve Chucri, President and CEO, Arizona Restaurant Association

CHAIRMAN REMARKS

Raveen Arora, The Dhaba

PLATINUM SPONSOR REMARKS

Marisa Erspamer, Shamrock Foods

AWARD PRESENTATION

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

STELLA ARTOIS AFTER PARTY

Rock Lobster

Every day, yum

Thank you for creating such a dynamic and delicious restaurant scene across Arizona. Congratulations to the evening’s honorees. Here are some money-saving tips to help everyone win all year.

• Replace a 2.6-gallon pre-rinse spray value with a 1.6-gallon low-flow model and save 22,000 gallons of hot water a year.

• Update from fluorescent lamps to LEDs and save 30% or more.

• ENERGY STAR® cooking appliances are up to 65% more efficient than standard models.

Find more restaurant-specific savings tips at aps.com/businessrebates.

FOR YOUR KITCHEN.

As a business owner you have a lot of choices to make to keep your restaurant running. Reliable natural gas service you can count on to fuel your kitchen takes one thing o your plate.

Southwest Gas is proud to fuel your restaurant safely, reliably and sustainably. Learn more at swgas.com/sustainability.

THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

SPECIALTY SPONSORS

ADDITIONAL FOOD PARTNERS

PRODUCTION PARTNERS

STAFFING 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® Visit SyscoFoodie.com/sustainable-agriculture to learn more about Sysco’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Sysco is a proud sponsor of the 2023 Arizona Restaurant Association Foodist Awards

Imagine a tech partner who does it all

go.heartland.us/sra

One provider, endless possibilities

Food truck or fine dining. One location or 20. Heartland offers a powerful suite of payroll, POS and payments solutions that seamlessly work together so you can run and grow your restaurant your way.

• Hire-to-retire people management tools

• Flexible software

• Faster, simpler restaurant point of sale

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.

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.

On average, managers spend 16+ hours a week on labor management tasks. Take back your time with the Restaurant Manager Toolkit from SpotOn.

You make it happen. We make it easier.

Technology Partner

2023 FINALISTS

2023 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.

CHEF MARK TARBELL

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.”

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.

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY ROCKSTARS

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.

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.

Lom Wong

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.

Tomahawk Bacanora

Lobstah Roll Nelson’s Meat + Fish

After’Mac’ Mac & Cheese Aftermath

Mango Sticky Rice

Glai Baan

Yam Mamuang Boran (Green Mango Shrimp Salad)

Sticky Toffee Pudding

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn

Potato Pureé The Americano

Strawberry Marzipan Shortcake

Gnocchi

Merkin Vineyards Osteria

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.

MOST CREATIVE HANDCRAFTED COCKTAIL PROGRAM

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.

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

The Joy Bus Four Peak Brewing Co.

Koffee Kolsch Huss Brewing Co. Wren & Wolf

Clean Simplified. Confidence Delivered.

Sink & Surface Cleaner Sanitizer

Reduces Risk:

 EPA-registered 2-in-1 no-rinse food contact cleaner sanitizer

 Kills the virus that causes COVID-19 in 15 seconds1

 Kills Norovirus, the common cold and flu viruses in 30 seconds1

Simplifies Procedures:

 Multi-use functionality and streamlined procedures simplify food code compliance

Ensures Compliance:

 Broad usage applications, including food contact surfaces and third sink sanitization

EPA-Reg No. 1677-260

Clean with confidence with a product that kills the virus that causes COVID-19 in 15 seconds1.

KITCHEN HYGIENE | MANUAL WAREWASHING

Henry+Horne is now joined with Baker Tilly. BETTER TOGETHER.

Helping your Arizona restaurant thrive is at the core of our business. We’re here for you.

Baker Tilly proudly supports the Arizona Restaurant Association and the 2023 Foodist Awards.

advisory.tax.assurance. | www.bakertilly.com

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.

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.

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.

Cider Corps

Bacanora

LVD Winery Café Monarch

Merkin Vineyards Old Town Scottsdale

Christopher’s at The Wrigley Mansion

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.

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 distinguish themselves as pacesetters in the hospitality-space.

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.

Barter & Shake Common Ground Culinary Maggiore Group

3rd Floor Smoke Chula Seafood Taco Chiwas

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.

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.

RESTAURANT 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

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

First & Last

Lom Wong Tia Carmen

RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR

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.

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.

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.

Joey Carzo Outback Steakhouse

Abby Kate Larson J&G Steakhouse

David Bowman Aftermath

Jason Alford Pa’La

Rochelle Daniel Atria

Jerry Sanabria LON’s at The Hermosa Inn

Brenon Stuart Those Pour Bastards

Elsie Lee The Vig – Fillmore

Kyla Hein Whining Pig

Drink beer. Give back.

to the 2023 Foodist Award recipients. This recognition of excellence reaches beyond Arizona, and puts our culinary scene on the map of future visitors.

If you’d like to find out more about pairing with Visit Phoenix to capture this audience of travelers, diners, foodies, bloggers and influencers, we have the perfect opportunity for you. Contact Katie Provot at kprovot@visitphoenix.com.

MIX THINGS UP

A world-class collection of New Zealand made tonic waters and mixers. All-natural, low sugar, and inspired by an authentic 1903 recipe.

“SALUT!” TO OUR RESTAURANT COMMUNITY! BELL BANK HAS A TASTE FOR HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES SUCCEED.