The Foodist Awards is Upping the Monti

On April 25th, the Arizona Restaurant Association will present the first 2013 Foodist Awards hosted by the incomparable local celebrity Monti Carlo.

You may have first met her as one of the top four finalists on the most recent season of MasterChef or currently as the morning deejay on My 103.9 fm; she’s an all around the bee’s knees kind of gal and someone I’m so proud to call my friend. Monti will surely bring a flair that only she can to the event during the ‘roast’ of the 2013 Food Pioneer recipient.

In talking with Monti about gearing up for the event she said, “The chefs that we are honoring are masters of their craft. I’m completely geeked out about being in a room with that much culinary genius. I hope there’s snacks.”

The Foodist Awards strive to find the best of the best in the culinary world that embody the pursuit and achievement of excellence in the Arizona food scene. The newest sign of accomplishment in the culinary field are the Foodist Awards. From 6pm to 8pm the nominees and winners will be recognized and lauded at a celebratory ceremony complete with a swanky dinner at the Ritz Carlton.

The official awards of the ARA, the Foodist Awards showcase the restaurants, companies and talented people that are the very best in the industry. They will be recognized for their superior business acumen, demonstrated leadership and community contributions that help shape the culinary landscape of Arizona.

Finalists in each category are recognized for their passion, leadership and contributions to Arizona’s food community at large.

Foodist award categories include:

• Food Pioneer

• Top Chef

• Good Neighbor

• Master Mixologist

• Emerging Restaurant

• Outstanding Restaurant Concept

• Outstanding Food Truck

• Uniquely Arizona

• Multiple Location Restaurant

This year’s finalists’ quest for growth and knowledge set themselves apart as true leaders to the next generation of foodists. The most unique award of the night is a lifetime achievement award called “Food Pioneer,” and the winner will be subject to a comical roast, or light simmering by the event host.

The following chefs and/or restaurants are finalists for the First Annual Foodist Awards (listed alphabetically, honored in various categories). Winners will be announced at the Awards Dinner on April 25:

• Wildflower Bread Company
• Chef Justin Beckett, Beckett’s Table
• Chef Kevin Binkley, Binkley’s
• America’s Taco Shop
• Crudo
• Aaron Defeo, Casino del Sol
• Postino Wine Café
• El Chorro
• Emerson Fry Bread
• Barrio Cafe
• Chef Rita French, Province
• The Yard
• Macayo’s Mexican Restaurants
• Chef Razz Kamnitzer, Razz’s
• Searsucker Scottsdale
• Short Leash Hot Dogs
• Richie Moe, Citizen Public House
• Oregano’s
• Chef Jeremy Pacheco, LON’s at the Hermosa Inn
• Nogales Hot Dogs
• Playground
• Elote Café
• Clint Spotleson, Mabel’s on Main
• St. Francis

Tickets are $125 each and are on-sale now at aznow.biz/foodist-awards.