The Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame has announced its 2014 winners. The list includes honorees in four categories: best chef, restaurateur, beverage master, and lifetime achievement.
See also: Here Are the Winners of the 2013 Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame
The awards have been presented annually by the Scottsdale Culinary Festival and the Scottsdale League for the Arts for more than two decades and are meant to "honor culinary forward-thinkers as well as hospitality movers and shakers for their dedicated passion and contributions to the realm of culinary arts." As always, the nominees were chosen by a voting body of peers, chefs, mixologists, organization leaders, board members, food critics, and food and beverage organizations.
See also: Here Are the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame 2014 Nominees
Here are the 2014 Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame winners:
Chef of the Year: Aaron Chamberlin (St. Francis & Phoenix Public Market Cafe) "The chef presenting the most breakthrough menu while offering outstanding execution across the board."
Restaurateur of the Year: Craig DeMarco & Lauren Bailey (Upward Projects) The restaurateur who exhibited exceptional operations, expansion (if applicable), and community development.
Beverage Master of the Year: Micah Olson (Bar Crudo) The mixologist, beverage director, or sommelier who exhibited outstanding leadership behind the bar or in the wine cellar.
Lifetime Achievement: Joe Johnston (founder of Agritopia, Joe's Real BBQ, and Joe's Farm Grill) The person who has exhibited long-term excellence in the Arizona culinary industry.
This year's inductees will be honored at the Scottsdale Culinary Festival's Wine Country Brunch on Sunday, April 13. They will each be presented with an Ed Mell-designed trophy and will receive $500 to be donated to the charitable organization of their choosing.
