CRAZIES 2025 Event Guide

2025 CRAZIES Event Guide presented by:

CONTENTS SILENT AUCTION 3 TIMELINE 4 REGISTRATION INFO 5 PHOTOBOOTH INFO 5 RECEPTION INFO 6-7 DINNER INFO 8 DINNER TABLE PLAN 9 AFTER PARTY 10 PROGRAM 11 FAQS 12-13 FINALISTS 14-17 HONOREES 18 SPONSORS 19-20

RUN OF SHOW 4:45PM

REGISTRATION OPENS Presented by Toast Registration entrance at Premier Ballroom near Fox Tower casino floor.

5:00PM

RECEPTION OPENS Presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc. Mix & mingle while you experience food & drink samples, red carpet photobooth, sponsor lounges and more.

7:00PM

AWARDS DINNER BEGINS Presented by Performance Foodservice Enjoy a special dinner by the Foxwoods culinary team during the Awards program where winners are announced LIVE!

9:30PM

AFTER PARTY at High Rollers & Grace by Nia The celebration continues a few steps away at High Rollers - located in the Grand Pequot building. Follow the CRAZIES signs to get there!

Over 21 only, ID & CRAZIES wristband required for entry. The After Party is only open to CRAZIES ticket holders and is not open to the public.

REGISTRATION INFO Registration presented by

Check-In opens at 4:45pm.

Event entrance located in Fox Tower at the entrance of Premier Ballroom.

All ticket holders must check in at registration to receive your wristband and table assignment. If you have a table, you don’t need your whole team there together to Check-In. All names will be in our system.

You MUST be wearing your wristband to access the event, including the After Party.

CRAZIES is a 21+ event.

PHOTOBOOTH Photobooth presented by

Roaming Photobooth presented by

Stop by our CRAZIES photo booth to get your event photo in digital & print, or catch the Roaming Photobooth throughout the reception.

RECEPTION Reception presented by

5PM - 7PM | ​Premier Ballroom | Fox Tower All ticketed guests must check in at registration to receive their wristband.

You MUST wear your wristband to access the reception, dinner and after party. Check in opens at 4:45PM.

DRINKS 1741 Hard Apple Cider Avissi Prosecco Blue Law Bourbon Connecticut Distributors, Inc. Fruitful Mixology Giesen Joel Gott Cabernet Martignetti Opici Saratoga Spring Water The Long Drink Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Satielle Bars available throughout both function spaces

LOUNGES Doordash Imperial Dade Martignetti x Tito’s Pullman & Comley Sysco

RECEPTION Reception presented by

FOOD Gordon Food Service

Sysco

Tortilla chips, salsa, guacamole, street corn Duck fat bread pudding: dip, veg trays with assorted dips confit duck, cherry gel, duck skin bark Truffle cauliflower soup: PizzaMaster parsnip chips, charred leek oil Cheese & pepperoni pizza

The Chefs Warehouse

RATIONAL Seared duck Grilled New York strip Grilled vegetable bite Veselka pierogi Maple-apple pudding

Tomato baskets, prosciutto, mozzarella cheese, pesto, microgreens Fresh Macaroons

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES 360 Photobooth sponsored by Powerstation Events

Red Carpet Photobooth sponsored by Brescome Barton

Roaming Photobooth CRAZIES Sunglasses Take a selfie in the CRAZIES sunglasses and tag @craziesawards!

ALLIED SPONSORS 1741 Hard Cider Blue Law Bourbon Clover Fruitful Mixology

Gordon Food Service Liberty Bank Opici PizzaMaster

Saratoga Spring Water The Chef’s Warehouse The Long Drink The SEALS

DINNER Dinner presented by

STARTER Lobster Carpaccio Olive Tapenade, Mango, Poppy Seeds Honey Mustard Vinaigrette, Tarragon

ENTRÉE Short Rib Honey-Soy Glazed Potatoes, Mustard Greens, Roasted Vegetables

DESSERT Pavlova Lemon Curd, Strawberry Compote, Madeleine Sponge Cake, French Meringue, Crème Fraiche Chantilly Wines by Trinchero Family Estates

Water by Saratoga

The CRAZIES Awards Dinner commences at 7:00PM in the Premier Ballroom immediately following the Reception. Check your text messages or card for your table number.

Enjoy a three course seated dinner from the Foxwoods Culinary team during the program, where winners will be announced LIVE! Satellite bars will remain open throughout the dinner. The awards program will run for around 2 hours 15 minutes.

Click here to view the program.

For food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify your server.

TABLE PLAN STAGE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

28

27

26

25

24

23

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

15

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

56

55

54

53

52

51

50

49

48

47

46

45

44

43

57

58

59

60

61

62

63

64

65

66

67

68

69

70

84

83

82

81

80

79

78

77

76

75

74

73

72

71

85

86

87

88

89

90

91

92

93

94

95

96

97

98

112

111

110 109

108 107

106

105

104

103 102

101

100

99

113

114

115 116

117 118

119

120

121

122 123

124

125 126

140

139

138 137

136 135

134

133

132

131 130

129

128 127

142 143

144

145

146

147

141

Refer to the card given to you at check in or the boards on the entrances to the ballroom for your table assignment.

148

AFTER PARTY

Presented by

NEW After Party experience: access the entire party through High Rollers - located in the Grand Pequot building. Enjoy the night your way with multiple ways to celebrate! Follow the CRAZIES signs to get there!

The After Party is only open to CRAZIES ticket holders and is not open to the public. You must show your CRAZIES wristband and ID for entry.

21+ only.

VIP tables are available to purchase on the door, as well as bowling lanes - first come, first serve.

PROGRAM

Click here to view this year’s CRAZIES Awards Program, including timeline of awards presentations, honoree recognition, a list of all finalists and messages from our generous sponsors.

FAQs

​ Where in Foxwoods are the CRAZIES Awards held?

The Reception and Awards Dinner are in the Premier Ballroom, located in Fox Tower, followed by the After Party at High Rollers & Grace by Nia, located in Grand Pequot Tower. Click here for Foxwoods Property Map. Where is parking available?

We suggest parking at the Fox Tower garage or valeting at Fox Tower.

The garage and valet are both free, with tipping suggested at valet. More information on parking HERE. When can I check into my hotel?

If you booked in the CRAZIES room block (Fox Tower Hotel), check in starts at 4PM. Rooms may be available earlier on a first come first serve basis. Please allow yourself extra time to get checked in as the reception opens at 5PM. How do I access my tickets, and get my table assignment and event wristband?

All registered guests must check in at Registration for access to the event. Registration is located by the casino floor outside of Premier Ballroom. Registration opens at 4:45PM. To check in, simply provide your name, company or phone number to confirm your tickets and table assignment. Ticket holders will receive a wristband which gives you access to the CRAZIES reception, awards dinner and after party.

Are tickets available at the door?

No, tickets must be purchased in advance. At this time, the 2025 CRAZIES is SOLD OUT and online ticketing is closed. If you would like to join the waiting list as tickets may become available, please email us at barry@ctrestaurant.org.

Can I book VIP tables for the After Party?

Yes, VIP tables are available to purchase on the door, as well as bowling lanes - first come, first serve.

FAQs I am a Finalist/Honoree. What do I need to know?

Nominees and honorees should check in at registration. Please inform the person at registration that you are a finalist or honoree to receive your ribbon. You should have received an email with an overview of what to expect throughout the night. ​ Are hotel rooms available at Foxwoods?

The CRAZIES Room Block is in Fox Tower. You can also search other Foxwoods hotels for availability. Click HERE to search.

How do I bid on the Silent Auction?

You will have the option to enter your cell phone number at registration to receive event updates, including the link to the silent auction. To preview auction items or bid now, click HERE. Can I attend the After Party only?

The After Party at High Rollers & Grace by Nia and is open only to CRAZIES ticket holders. You must show your CRAZIES wristband and ID for entry. 21+ only. This event is not open to the public.

Is there coat check?

Yes, you can check your coats at Fox Tower Hotel front desk.

What is the dress code?

Dress to impress! Formal or cocktail attire.

Photography Notice The CRAZIES is an event where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. Your entry and presence on the event premises constitutes your consent to be photographed, filmed, or recorded.

Please contact us in advance if you have questions about this statement, or how media content may be shared.

2025 HONOREES CONNECTICUT HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME

SPARTAN RESTAURANT & BAR | WATERBURY WILLIMANTIC BREWING COMPANY | WILLIMANTIC

RESTAURATEUR OF THE YEAR

ESAUL RODRIGUEZ | PUERTO VALLARTA

FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY

ANTHONY M. ANTHONY CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | STATE OF CONNECTICUT

2025 FINALISTS VENDOR OF THE YEAR ATHLETIC BREWING COMPANY | MILFORD BELLA BELLA GOURMET FOODS | WEST HAVEN NIT NOI PROVISIONS | NORWALK RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT PARADISE | EAST HARTFORD STONINGTON KELP COMPANY | STONINGTON

CATERER OF THE YEAR BLEU CATERING | NEW MILFORD DISTINCTIVE IDEAS | BLOOMFIELD NIKKI GLEKAS COLLECTIVE | NORWALK RIVERHOUSE CATERING | HADDAM SMALL KITCHEN BIG TASTE | NORTH HAVEN

BAR & BEVERAGE TEAM OF THE YEAR BEAUTY & ESSEX | MOHEGAN SUN DRIFT | ESSEX HARTFORD FLAVOR COCKTAIL PARLOUR | HARTFORD I KNOW YOU KNOW | NEW BRITAIN PERFUSION BAR | NEWTOWN

2025 FINALISTS SERVICE TEAM OF THE YEAR DAVID BURKE PRIME | FOXWOODS GABRIELE’S OF WESTPORT | WESTPORT MAX’S OYSTER BAR | WEST HARTFORD THE WHARF AT MADISON BEACH HOTEL | MADISON VIRON RONDO OSTERIA | CHESHIRE

PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR JAMES ARENA | DORO RESTAURANT GROUP STACY D’ANGELO | ARETHUSA AL TAVOLO RAPHAËL DEQUEKER | RAPHAËL’S BAKERY JULIEN TESSIER | JULIEN’S FARM STORE CHELSEA TRIPP | KOUIGN BAKERY

CHEF OF THE YEAR RYAN CARBONE | ORE HILL & SWYFT ASHLEY FLAGG | THE LAUREL BOLIVAR HILARIO | COMMUNITY TABLE JOHAN JENSEN | WHITECREST EATERY CHRISTIAN WILKI | THE COTTAGE

2025 FINALISTS

RESTAURANT NEWCOMER BAR BUSHIDO | NORWALK BELDEN HOUSE | LITCHFIELD THE FOUNDRY | HARTFORD THE LAUREL | WEST HARTFORD ROLI | NEW HAVEN

PEOPLE’S CHOICE DEW DROP INN | DERBY PAUL’S PASTA | GROTON THE PO CAFÉ | WASHINGTON VALENCIA LUNCHERIA | NORWALK WOKE BREAKFAST & COFFEE | COVENTRY

2025 FINALISTS

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

BY COUNTY LITCHFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY TABLE | NEW PRESTON GEPPETTO OSTERIA E BISTECCHERIA | TORRINGTON LOST FOX INN | LITCHFIELD MATERIA RISTORANTE | BANTAM

FAIRFIELD COUNTY 29 MARKLE CT | BRIDGEPORT ALLIUM EATERY | WESTPORT ÇKA KA QËLLU | STAMFORD RESTAURANT L’OSTAL | DARIEN

HARTFORD COUNTY J. GILBERT’S | GLASTONBURY LE MAZET | WEST HARTFORD MÁNCORA RESTOBAR | HARTFORD VILLA MULINO RISTORANTE | AVON

2025 FINALISTS

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

BY COUNTY NEW HAVEN COUNTY CAFÉ MELBA | MILFORD FAIR HAVEN OYSTER CO. | NEW HAVEN GIOIA CAFE & BAR | NEW HAVEN HACHIROKU SHOKUDO & SAKE BAR | NEW HAVEN

TOLLAND COUNTY CAMILLE’S WOOD FIRED PIZZA | TOLLAND OCHO RIOS GRILL | VERNON PHOLY | VERNON TRATTORIA DA LEPRI | ELLINGTON

MIDDLESEX COUNTY THE ESSEX | OLD SAYBROOK GRANO ARSO | CHESTER OSA | MIDDLETOWN RIVER TAVERN | CHESTER

2025 FINALISTS

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

BY COUNTY

WINDHAM COUNTY ANYA | THOMPSON HARP ON CHURCH | WILLIMANTIC HEIRLOOM FOOD COMPANY | DANIELSON TRIGO WOOD FIRED PIZZA | WILLIMANTIC

NEW LONDON COUNTY 374 KITCHEN + COCKTAILS | NIANTIC NANA’S BAKERY & PIZZA | MYSTIC THE PORT OF CALL | MYSTIC WHITECREST EATERY | STONINGTON

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSORS

DINNER SPONSOR

AFTER PARTY SPONSORS

REGISTRATION SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSOR

PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

KICKOFF SPONSOR

RECEPTION LOUNGE SPONSORS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS ALLIED SPONSORS

VOTING SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR

DIAMOND SPONSORS 85th Day Food Community 374 Kitchen + Cocktails | Flanders Fish Market Brown-Forman CBIA Chef Prasad | Gourmet United City Line Foodservice CLA ClarkHirth CohnReznick LLP Cr(EAT)e Restaurant Group CT DECD Dockside Brewery Ecolab Eversource Energy Falvey Linen & Uniform Supply Hartford Distributors Inc Intersect Public Solutions JMG Insurance Corp

Julien’s Farm Store Market Hospitality Group Martignetti Companies Mill Restaurant Group Molson Coors Beverage Company Powers, Griffin & Hill Restaurant Equipment Paradise Skurnik Wines & Spirits Spartan Restaurant Sprague Energy The Amber Room Colonnade The Brushmill by the Waterfall The Charles The Main Pub Trimark United East Vivid Marketing Agency Whitecrest Eatery

SUPPORTING SPONSORS BMI Carbone’s Hospitality CBIZ

Distinctive Pergolas DORO Restaurant Group Grey Sail Brewing Company J. Timothy’s Taverne

MyCTSavings OpenTable Toad’s Place

QUESTIONS? The CRA Foxwoods and volunteer teams will be available throughout the event to address any questions and concerns.​​

TAG US! We’d love to see your CRAZIES experience!

Tag us in your event photos @craziesawards on Instagram and Facebook!

Thank You to the Event Guide Sponsor:

Berlin Middletown Plainville Southington Wallingford

Click here to visit Sliders