AND THE REST OF THE 2018 ORANGE COUNTY NOMINEES ARE . . .


RESTAURANTS AND CHEFS BRING SO MUCH JOY TO EVERYONE’S


HONOR THEM AND THAT WAS MY ORIGINAL INSPIRATION!”


WHERE WE CELEBRATE AND Javier Cuadra of Anaheim’s Urbana: “It’s an


incredible honor to be nominated and I’m humbled at the fact that it’s by the people’s choice. I have an amazing team which I am thankful for and they help me execute the unique concepts I create for O.C. foodies to enjoy!” Russ Bendel owner/partner with Olea, Vine and


The awards portion of the evening brings guests


to the Marriott ballroom with Master of Ceremonies Simon Majumdar of Food Network fame and KFI’s on-air food guru, Neil Saavedra, who will be roaming around the audience to get live feedback from the winners. Ballroom tables will be adorned with fresh crudité, dips, nuts and cheeses, artisan breads and desserts followed by the after party, which kicks off with dancing, mingling and more food and libations. The Rage Monthly spoke with Pamela Waitt, the


Executive Producer of the Golden Foodie Awards and President of the Orange County Restaurant Association to get a bit of insight on this year’s festivities. When asked about the Golden Foodie Awards


and how it was originally conceived, she offered “Everything is celebrated in a grand fashion nowadays. There are the Golden Globes, the Oscars and the music awards. It is only fitting we celebrate food and drink with a grand event as well. Restaurants and chefs bring so much joy to everyone’s lives, they deserve an event like Golden Foodie Awards, where we celebrate and honor them and that was my original inspiration!” Food lovers around the county voted for their fa-


vorites in August and the winners will be announced at the gala. To get a sense of the competition,The Rage Monthly asked the three Restaurateur of the Year nominees the same question: You have been nominated for a prestigious


GFA, how does it feel to have your efforts as a restauranteur acknowledged as one of the top three in Orange County by local food enthusiasts?


Ironwood:“I am honored to be nominated. I feel that this award is a group effort of not only myself, but the enormous passion of my business partners and our supportive spouses. We are committed to providing exceptional guest dining experiences and strive to do this daily while building the best teams around us.” Teresa Razo co-owner of Villa Roma and


Cambalache: “There are no words to explain the feelings and the gratitude in my heart. Beyond blessed and grateful for all the love and support from our community and our fans! Extremely proud of our entire team and my husband Chef Leo Razo for being such a passionate, dedicated and humble leader.”


The Golden Foodie Awards 2018 takes place on Sunday, September 30 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach.


For tickets and information, go to goldenfoodieawards.com.


CHEF OF THE YEAR Michael Rossi Blake Mellgren Noah Von Blom


LIVES, THEY DESERVE AN EVENT LIKE THE GOLDEN FOODIE AWARDS,


PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR Jamon Harper Dave Rossi Elyssa Fournier


BEST BRUNCH Taps Fish and Brewery Mix Mix Kitchen Bar Orange Hill


RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR Ross Pangilinan Shachi Mehra Peter Lai


FAVORITE FOOD INFLUENCER Connie Aboubakare - OC Comestibles Cathy Thomas - Cathy Thomas Cooks Edwin Goei - OC- Weekly


OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE Dave Hanna Bruno Serato Pascal Olhats


BEST DESSERT MENU Mixed Bakery AVEO Table Bar The RANCH Restaurant


BEST ENTREE Summit House Prime Rib AnQi Garlic Noodles The Ranch Cowboy Ribeye


BEST SERVICE AWARD Taco Rosa Vine The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar BARTENDER OF THE YEAR Lynette Lim Tanner Johnson Stacy Kelly


BEST COCKTAILS Blind Rabbit Urbana Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens


BEST WINE PROGRAM Selanne Steak Tavern The Winery Restaurant and Wine Bar Napa Rose


BEST BEER PROGRAM Iron Press Lido Bottle Works Provisions Market


BEST BAR PROGRAM Blind Rabbit RANCH Restaurant The Saloon Watertable


BEST NEW RESTAURANT Oak Laguna Beach Cambalache Olea


BEST LUNCH SPOT Taco Rosa Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens Sgt. Pepperoni


SEPTEMBER 2018 | RAGE monthly 55


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