🍍 Chris Bianco, Wren & Wolf, and Course Restaurant were among the honorees Monday night at the 11th annual Foodist Awards sponsored by the Arizona Restaurant Association.
Bianco, best-known for his iconic Pizzeria Bianco, received this year’s Food Pioneer Award, given to an individual for lifetime achievement.
Wren & Wolf was a double winner – for Standout Signature Dish (beef Wellington, pictured above) and Top Chef (Ivan Gonzalez).
Course, which focuses on five- and 10-coure tasting menus, was chosen for Exceptional Culinary Experience.
The full list of 2025 winners (who receive a Golden Pineapple trophy):
- Standout Signature Dish: Beef Wellington, Wren & Wolf;
- Most Crave-Worthy Burger: Double Burger, Bad Jimmy’s;
- Arizona Grown Purveyors: Hayden Flour Mill;
- Favorite Local Craft Beer: Spellbinder, Wren House Brewing;
- Most Creative Handcrafted Cocktail Program: Poppy’s Office;
- Outstanding Bar/Nightlight Experience: Barcoa Agaveria;
- Ultimate Patio Atmosphere: Lon’s at the Hermosa Inn;
- Exceptional Culinary Experience: Course Restaurant;
- Iconic Speakeasy Experience: Tell Your Friends;
- Top Sushi Restaurant: Uchi Scottsdale;
- Emerging Restaurant of the Year: Le Ame;
- Uniquely Arizona: Mariposa;
- Outstanding Hospitality Group: Genuine Concepts;
- Phenomenal Fast Casual Concept: Taco Chelo;
- Team Member of the Year: Avelina Young, El Charro Café, Yuma;
- Manager of the Year: Jacqueline Verge, The Americano;
- Top Mixologist/Bartender: Michael Hopper, Atria;
- Top Chef: Ivan Gonzalez, Wren & Wolf;
- Food Pioneer Award: Chris Bianco.
The Foodist Awards nomination process is open to the public. Finalists and winners are chosen by a panel of industry experts, organized by the Arizona Restaurant Association.
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