Gold Medallion Awards honor the best of San Diego’s restaurant industry

San Diego, Calif. – The San Diego County chapter of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted its 26th annual Gold Medallion Awards banquet, San Diego’s most prestigious restaurant honors June 1 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. The event is a highly celebrated peer-to-peer awards gala in San Diego that recognizes worthy and exceptional restaurants in the region. It is an opportunity for members to acknowledge their fellow restaurateurs for their business practices, concepts and achievements in more than 40 award categories. 

“Because these winners are nominated, and then voted on by their colleagues in the restaurant industry, the Gold Medallion awards are considered a huge honor by those who receive them,” said Fred Glick, president of the California Restaurant Association San Diego County chapter. “The event is a chance to recognize local restaurateurs and associates who have distinguished themselves through superior business practices, demonstrated leadership, and continue to influence the restaurant community and hospitality industry as a whole.”

The most distinguished awards went to Mike Rossman, owner of Terra Restaurant and Catering, for Restaurateur of the Year and Jim Phillips, executive chef at Barona Resort and Casino, for Chef of the Year. Also honored were the San Diego Convention Center as the Large Service Provider of the Year and Specialty Produce as the Small Service Provider of the Year. The individuals and companies were honored for excellence in their profession, their contributions to the hospitality industry, to the CRA San Diego County chapter and to the community.

The Union Tribune People’s Choice Award, which is voted on by the general public, went to Cucina Urbana.

Nearly 1,100 people attended the gala and auction, raising more than $50,000 in vital community funds, which the CRA San Diego County chapter proudly contributes to the following services:

  • Foodservice equipment and supplies to the culinary arts programs at Morse, San Diego, Mira Mesa and Garfield high schools.
  • Donations to San Diego State University Hospitality and Tourism Management Program.
  • Educational seminars and classes to the local industry.
  • Advocacy to protect and promote the restaurant industry through local legislation and cooperation with other local organizations.

Following is a complete list of categories and winners:

Chef of the Year
Jim Phillips | Barona Resort & Casino
Restaurateur of the Year
Mike Rossman | Terra Restaurant & Catering
Large Associate Member of the Year
San Diego Convention Center
Small Associate Member of the Year
Specialty Produce
Union Tribune People’s Choice Award
Cucina Urbana
Best American
George’s Ocean Terrace
Best Modern American Fine Dining
Bertrand at Mr A’s
Best Asian
Nobu Gourmet Japanese Restaurant
Best Breakfast
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
Best Mexican Dinner House
Casa Guadalajara
Best Sports Restaurant | Bar
Seau’s the Restaurant
Best Neighborhood
333 Pacific
Sbicca
Best New Restaurant
Cucina Urbana
Best Pacific Rim
Roy’s
Best Pizza
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
Best Quick Service Single Concept Multi Location
In-N-Out Burger
Best Seafood Casual
The Fish Market
Best Family Style Single Concept Multi Locations
The Cheesecake Factory
Best Brewery
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Best Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant
Kitchen 1540 at L’Auberge
Best Casual Italian
Taste of Italy
Best Italian Fine Dining
Acqua Al 2
Best Mexican Quick Service
El Indio Mexican Restaurant
Best Hotel Restaurant Casual
The Grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines
Best BBQ
Phil’s BBQ
Best Burger
Burger Lounge
Best Casino Restaurant
Barona Resort & Casino
Best Caterer
Urban Kitchen Catering
Best Continental | French
The Bungalow
Best Ethnic
Indigo Grill
Best Seafood Fine Dining
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Best Steakhouse Casual
Bully’s East
Best Bakery | Café | Dessert
Bread & Cie Cafe
Best Steakhouse Fine Dining
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House
Best Sushi
Nobu San Diego
Best Sunday Brunch
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Best Live Music Venue & Restaurant & Lounge
Anthology
Humphrey’s By the Bay
Best Pub & Bar
The Field
Best Night Club Restaurant & Lounge
Stingaree
Best Wine Bar
The Cask Room
Gold Medallion Venue Partner 2010
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Volunteer of the Year Award
Janis Palmeter | US Foodservice San Diego
Gold Medallion Title Sponsor 2010
Sysco