San Diego County chapter hosts 2011 Gold Medallion Awards
The California Restaurant Association (CRA) San Diego County chapter hosted its 27th annual Gold Medallion Awards Tuesday, San Diego’s most prestigious restaurant honors, at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. The industry awards gala is a highly celebrated peer-to-peer awards dinner in San Diego recognizing 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 upon 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. “This 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 Dan Sbicca, owner of Sbicca, for Restaurateur of the Year and Michael McDonald, executive chef at Top of The Market and The Fish Market, for Chef of the Year. Also honored were Southern Wine & Spirits San Diego 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 their excellence in their profession, their contributions to the hospitality industry, to the chapter and to the community.
The President’s Award, presented only four times in the past 20 years, went to Dan Shea of Donovan’s, in recognition and thanks for his unstinting commitment to the industry, the San Diego community and, most importantly, the military community.
The public also has the opportunity to vote for one award category, the Union Tribune People’s Choice Award. Votes were cast at eatoutsandiego.com, the new chapter website, for the favorite San Diego County restaurant. This year, the Union Tribune People’s Choice Award went to Cucina Urbana.
Two new awards for 2011 honored the hardworking staff in the front of the house and the back of the house. These awards went to Rhonda Morrow of Phil’s BBQ for the front of the house and Pablo Benitez of Blue Point Coastal Cuisine and Ariel Berdeja of The Cheesecake Factory for the back of the house.
Juan Ramos, a student at Garfield High School, was the proud recipient of the first Student of the Year award presented to a student showing leadership, exemplary citizenship, how they excel in their class and that they intend to work in the hospitality industry.
More than 1000 people attended the gala and auction, raising more than $120,000 in vital community funds, which the CRA San Diego County chapter proudly contributes to the following services:
• Foodservice equipment and supplies for 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.
Please see below for a complete list of categories and winners:
President’s Award
Dan Shea, Donovan’s
Chef of the Year
Michael McDonald, Top of the Market
Restaurateur of the Year
Dan Sbicca, Sbicca
Large Associate Member of the Year
Southern Wine & Spirits San Diego
Small Associate Member of the Year
Specialty Produce
Union Tribune People’s Choice Award
Cucina urbana
Best American
George’s Ocean Terrace
Studio Diner
Best Modern American Fine Dining
Bertrand at Mr A’s
Prado at Balboa Park
Best Asian
Taka Restaurant
Best Breakfast | Brunch
Café 222
Best Mexican Dinner House
Café Coyote
El Vitral
Best Sports Restaurant | Bar
Moondoggie’s Pacific Beach
Best Neighborhood
Kensington Grill
Sbicca
Best New Restaurant
Searsucker
Best Pacific Rim
Bali Hai
Best Pizza
Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza
Best Quick Service Chain
In-N-Out Burger
Best Seafood Casual
The Brigantine
Best Family | Casual Style Chain
Melting Pot Gaslamp
The Cheesecake Factory
Best Brewery
Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Best Hotel Restaurant Fine Dining
Kitchen 1540 at L’Auberge
Nine Ten at The Grand Colonial Hotel
Best Casual Italian
Old Venice
The Venetian
Best Italian Fine Dining
BICE
Cucina urbana
Best Mexican Quick Service
El Indio Mexican Restaurant
Best Hotel Restaurant Casual
Sheerwater at the Hotel Del Coronado
The Grill at the Lodge at Torrey Pines
Best BBQ
Phil’s BBQ
Best Burger
Corvette Diner
Best Casino Restaurant
Barona Resort & Casino
Best Caterer
Urban Kitchen Catering
Best Continental | French
Bleu Boheme
Best Ethnic
Indigo Grill
Best Seafood Fine Dining
Blue Point Coastal Cuisine
Best Steakhouse Casual
Gaslamp | La Jolla Strip Club
Best Bakery | Café | Dessert
Bread & Cie Bakery | Cafe
Best Steakhouse Fine Dining
Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop
Island Prime | C Level
Best Sushi
NOBU
Best Live Music Venue, Restaurant & Lounge Anthology
Best Pub/Bar
The Field Irish Pub & Restaurant
Best Night Club Restaurant & Lounge
Altitude Sky Bar at the Marriott Gaslamp
Best Wine Bar
Eno Wine Room
Gold Medallion Venue Partner 2011
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Gold Medallion Title Sponsor 2011
Sysco Food Services of San Diego