The 2017 Foodist Awards are set to take place on October 19th, and you have the opportunity right now to nominate your Valley favorites.
All you need to do is head over to the nominations page and select the categories you want to nominate someone for. The process is simple and intuitive and could mean a huge difference for the nominee.
“Our industry is one that is ever-changing – new designs, flavors and visions seem to come about almost daily. It is only right that we keep the Foodist Awards – a true celebration of the industry’s visionaries – on trend with the rest of the industry,” said Steve Chucri, President and CEO of the Arizona Restaurant Association. “The Young’s Market Company’s new headquarters will be the perfect setting for such an evening in celebrating the best in Arizona’s food and beverage industry.”
Categories for the 2017 Foodist Awards include:
Uniquely Arizona | Home to some of the oldest documented food traditions, Arizona has a rich culinary past steeped in tradition. We are searching statewide for the restaurants that embrace not only the local food but are staples of the state.
Innovative Restaurant Concept | Recognizing a restaurateur or restaurant group who demonstrates that they don’t follow trends; they define them, setting the bar in restaurant operations and the overall customer dining experience.
Outstanding Multiple Location Restaurant | Honoring a culinary concept with multiple locations, demonstrating exceptional achievement and commitment to excellence in marketing, menu design and customer service.
Emerging Restaurant of the Year | Honoring promising up-and-comers that demonstrate exemplary talent, showcase innovation and have already distinguished themselves as pacesetters in food, beverage and service.
Outstanding Food Truck | Recognizing outstanding achievement in mobile nourishment, operations and community development.
Best Dish: Tacos | Honoring the restaurant that quite simply does it best.
Restaurant Manager | Recognizing the manager that has set the gold standard for exemplary customer service and leadership as well as enhancing the overall dining experience.
Restaurant Employee | Recognizing the front or back of house employee (non-managerial) that has set the gold standard for exemplary customer service and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Premiere Cocktail Program | Recognizing an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their cocktail program.
Best Cocktail | Raising a glass to the best cocktail made in Arizona. This beverage is an exceptional cocktail that is without a doubt delicious, garnished to perfection while pushing the limits with flavors.
Premier Beer Program | Recognizing an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their beer program.
Best Arizona Beer | Raising a glass to the best beer made in Arizona – from ales to malts, this beer is the best of the best from State 48.
Premier Wine Program | Recognizing an outstanding restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence and innovation in their wine program.
Best Arizona Wine | Raising a glass to the best wine made in Arizona – from rose to chardonnay, this wine is the best of the best from State 48.
Top Mixologist | Honoring an individual who is behind the bar, constantly raising the bar and setting trends in the beverage scene.
Best Overall Beverage Program | Recognizing a bar or restaurant that keeps their beverage menu edgy yet approachable embracing all things beverage – cocktails, spirits, wine and beer.
Top Partner to Our Industry | Honoring the company that serves our industry as a partner and resource providing exceptional products, service and/or solutions.
Good Neighbor | Recognizing the outstanding community leadership and exceptional devotion to making a difference in our neighborhoods and community at large.
Food Pioneer | Honoring a lifetime of outstanding culinary excellence that continues to educate, inspire, entertain and foster a deeper understanding of the culinary culture in Arizona.
Top Chef | Pays tribute to outstanding culinary excellence, breaking new ground with an innovative menu while enhancing the dining experience.
Last year there were over 200 entries, made by passionate diners. Let’s beat that number this year and widen the 2017 Foodist Awards nomination pool. So go, now, and vote for your favorites. You have until October 1st, so don’t delay! We’ll be sure to update you with the finalists as soon as they are announced!