The 'Golden Foodie' Awards

Having been a food writer for The Rage Monthly for the last five years, my assignments have taken me to some of the most magnificent restaurants all over Southern California. As an Orange County native and resident, I was excited to discover that many of my personal favorite chefs and eateries within the region were nominated for the prestigious Golden Foodie Awards (GFA).

The GFAs were created to honor extraordinary culinary talent, while harnessing the collective power of the entire community and coming together to recognize local excellence.

Beginning Sunday, August 4, all interested Orange County foodie participants were given a month-long mission: To venture out and experience their favorite restaurants, dishes, chefs and cocktails. Categories changed each week, to encourage die-hard foodies to sample to as many establishments as possible during the month, at which point they then voted for their favorites on the Golden Foodie Awards website. The votes were tabulated and winners were honored in a sold out black tie gala awards show, which included dinner and cocktails, concluding with a night of dancing under the stars at the wonderful Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach.

On the night of the event, guests were greeted on the red carpet with Patron and Chambord cocktails, then led to a dazzling garden, graced with over 25 tantalizing foodie stations. Patron cocktails continued, with the additional option of red or white wines by La Crema and Jackson Estates. Also featured was Ritual Brewing's newest addition, a Golden Foodie Ale created exclusively for the awards event --�an effervescent golden ale inspired by Orange County's shimmering sunsets. The sounds of jazz by Nancy Sanchez flowed throughout, as guests supped, mixed and mingled, enjoying entertaining magic by Kiyan, all making for a indulgent, pre-show banquet.

I spoke with the creator and producer of The GFAs, Pamela Waitt, the President of Orange County Restaurant Association. She could barely contain her excitement. "The sold-out event has really evolved into something very special. We are attracting more prestigious entertainment industry people each year. For instance, the award statuettes are created by the same people who make the Golden Globe Awards and the video presentations were in the hands of the director of Hell's Kitchen."

After the lavish tasting of luscious cuisines and liberal libations from some of the best restaurants around Orange County, the audience and nominees were ushered into the spectacular Fairmont Hotel ballroom to enjoy the evening's reason for being -- the Foodie Awards ceremony. Guests were further indulged with a abundance of decadent desserts, along with fresh Kean Coffee, Patron XO, Chambord and Prosecco served during the lively awards show hosted by comedian, Frances Dilorinzo.

Presenters included Heather Dubrow and Vicki Gunvalson from The Real Housewives of Orange County, Wing Lam of Wahoo's Fish Taco, Tim Ryan COO of the Anaheim Ducks and many more.

Immediately following the show, guests cut loose during the evening's after-party to energetic tunes by DJ Cre-8. Extravagant goodies kept coming, right through the final phase of the evening including more Patron in the form of a muddle bar, a frozen igloo with tequila infused ice cream sandwiches from the famous brand's label.

With over 100,000 votes calculated in 25 categories, the 2013 Golden Foodie Award Winners are:

Best Mixologist: Dave Castillo, 320 Main
Best Happy Hour: Wildfish Seafood Grille
Best Cocktails: Hopscotch Tavern
Best Wine List: The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
Best Steak: The Ranch Restaurant
Best Beer List: Provisions Market
Best Burger: Mick's Karma Bar
Best Pizza: Pizzeria Ortica
Best Italian Food: Antonello's Ristorante
Best Tacos: Sol Cocina
Best Mexican Food: Matador Cantina
Best Sushi: Noguchi
Best Asian Cuisine: AnQi by Crustacean
Best American Food: The Ranch Restaurant
Best California Cuisine: SeaLegs Wine Bar
Best Vegetarian Cuisine: True Food Kitchen
Best Indian Cuisine: Clay Oven
Best French Food: Pinot Provence
Best Mediterranean: LUCCA
Superior Service: Villa Roma
Best Seafood: Slapfish
Most Delicious Dessert: Maro Wood Grill
Best New Restaurant: Arc Food & Libations
Best Food Writer: Cathy Thomas, Cathy Thomas Cooks
Golden Pastry Chef Award: Chef Rachel Klemek, Blackmarket Bakery
Golden Chef Award: Chef Alan Greeley, Golden Truffle