Foodist Awards 2024 Winners
Cory Oppold took home Top Chef and Best Emerging Restaurant at the 2024 Foodist Awards
The Foodist Awards celebrate the finest culinary talents in Arizona, recognizing chefs, mixologists, restaurateurs, and artisans who excel in creativity and quality. These awards honor a diverse range of establishments, from local favorites to esteemed fine dining venues, reflecting the rich culinary landscape of the state. Finalists and winners are selected by a panel of industry experts under the auspices of The Arizona Restaurant Association. Congratulations to the 2024 winners!
FOOD & BEVERAGE
STANDOUT SIGNATURE DISH
Chula Seafood, Thai Peanut Poke Bowl
Fire at Will, Hush Burger – WINNER
Valentine, Elote Pasta
BEST DISH IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Bacanora, Baca Beans
Buck & Rider, Voodoo Fried Rice
CRUjiente Tacos, Grilled Street Corn – WINNER
BEST VEGAN DELIGHT
Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co., Vegan Bahn Mi – WINNER
Pita Jungle, Portobello Mushroom Pita Pocket
The Green Woodpecker, Hen of the Woods Mushroom Tacos
FAVORITE LOCAL CRAFT BEER
Barrio Blonde, Barrio Brewing Co. – WINNER
Mango Foxtrot, Cider Corps
Day Drinker®, Pedal Haus Brewery
MOST CREATIVE HANDCRAFT COCKTAIL PROGRAM
Across the Pond
Garden Bar
Quartz – WINNER
EXPERIENCES
OUTSTANDING BAR/NIGHTLIFE EXPERIENCE
Cham Pang Lanes
The Little Woody – WINNER
Quartz
EXCEPTIONAL CULINARY EXPERIENCE
Anhelo Restaurant – WINNER
Binkley’s Restaurant
Pa’La Wood Fired Cooking
BEST FOOD TRUCK EXPERIENCE
Baja Roots
Lobstar
Randizzle’s – WINNER
RESTAURANTS
PHENOMENAL FAST CASUAL CONCEPT
Joe’s Farm Grill – WINNER
Taco Boys
Taco Chelo
OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY GROUP
Cast Iron Concepts – WINNER
Genuine Concepts
THAT Place Projects
BEST WORLD FLAVOR
Belly Kitchen & Bar – WINNER
Feringhee Modern Indian Cuisine
Latha Restaurant and Bar
UNIQUELY ARIZONA
Bobby Q BBQ
El Chorro Lodge
Queen Creek Olive Mill – WINNER
EMERGING RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Chilte PHX
Course Restaurant – WINNER
Latha Restaurant and Bar
PEOPLE
RESTAURANT TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Carlos De La Cruz, CRUjiente Tacos
David Nguyen, Pho 43 Express
Walker Miller, Ling & Louie’s – WINNER
RESTAURANT MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Chadd Satterfield, 32 Shea – WINNER
Joanna McCarthy, The Joy Bus Diner
Terence Nowak, The Gladly
TOP MIXOLOGIST | BARTENDER
Adam Downey, Keeler Hospitality
Maxwell Berlin, Quartz
Moises Castro, Bacanora – WINNER
TOP CHEF
Alex Trujillo, J.T. Prime
Angelo Sosa, Tia Carmen
Cory Oppold, Course Restaurant – WINNER
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. Voted on by peers
Matt Carter, Fat Ox, The Mission, Zinc Bistro