🍍 Cory Oppold (left) of Course Restaurant in Scottsdale was named Top Chef and Matt Carter (right) of Fat Ox, The Mission, and Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale received the Food Pioneer Award (lifetime achievement award) at the Arizona Restaurant Association’s 2024 Foodist Awards. This year’s other winners:
Standout signature dish: Hush Burger, Fire at Will, Scottsdale.
Best dish in a supporting role: Grilled Street Corn, CRUjiente Tacos, Phoenix.
Best vegan delight: Vegan Bahn Mi, Arizona Wilderness Brewing, Gilbert and Phoenix.
Favorite local craft beer: Barrio Blonde, Barrio Brewing, Tucson.
Most creative handcraft cocktail program: Quartz, Phoenix.
Outstanding bar/nightlife experience: The Little Woody, Phoenix.
Exceptional culinary experience: Anhelo Restaurant, Phoenix.
Best food truck experience: Randizzle’s.
Phenomenal fast-casual concept: Joe’s Farm Grill, Gilbert.
Outstanding hospitality group: Cast Iron Concepts (Hush Public House, Fire at Will, and Bar Cena).
Best world flavor: Belly Kitchen & Bar, Phoenix and Gilbert.
Uniquely Arizona: Queen Creek Olive Mill.
Emerging restaurant of the year: Course Restaurant.
Restaurant team member of the year: Walker Miller, Ling & Louie’s, Scottsdale and Chandler.
Restaurant manager of the year: Chadd Satterfield, 32 Shea, Phoenix.
Top mixologist/bartender: Moises Castro, Bacanora, Phoenix.
