Connecticut Restaurant Association Celebrates the Industry

In a gala of epic proportions, the Connecticut Restaurant Association hosted its annual CRAzies Awards for 1,200 industry professionals, friends and family members at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Dec. 5. Dozens of awards recognized the efforts of the state’s food and beverage professionals. Connecticut resident and internationally renowned chef, author, restaurateur and philanthropist Jacques Pépin was awarded the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees were Blackie’s Hot Dogs in Cheshire and Sally’s Apizza in New Haven. Phil Barnett and Mike Hamlin of The Hartford Restaurant Group were honored as Restaurateurs of the Year. A panel of more than 35 food writers, critics, bloggers and social media influencers convened to vote across all categories. The event was sponsored by Sysco; GoNation; Powerstation Events; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Performance Foodservice; The Hartford; Avissi Prosecco; Bacardi; Joel Gott Wines; Connecticut Distributors, Inc.; Seaglass Wine Company; Patrón Tequila; Brescome Barton; Bad Sons Beer Co.; Tito’s Handmake Vodka; Datapay; DoorDash; and dozens of supporting sponsors and partners. The 2022 ceremony was emceed by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut Executive Director Lawrence Cafero Jr. The event benefited the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation.

: The Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted its annual CRAzies Awards at Foxwoods Resort Casino on Dec. 5, welcoming more than 1,200 guests.

: Scott Dolch, President and CEO, Connecticut Restaurant Association.

: Lawrence Cafero Jr., Executive Director, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut.

: Gov. Ned Lamont addresses guests.

: 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award: Chef Jacques Pépin, second from left, with Chef Michel Nischa; CRA Board of Directors Immediate Past Chairman Dan Meiser: and CRA’s Scott Dolch.

: Chef of the Year: Renee Touponce, Oyster Club and Port of Call, Mystic.

: Vendor of the Year: Gulf Shrimp Company, Plantsville.

: Pastry Chef/Baker of the Year: Pierluigi Mazzella, Fatto a Mano, Monroe.

: Bartender of the Year: Sebastian Guerrero, Port of Call, Mystic.

: Server of the Year: Lamott Britto, Grano Arso, Chester.

: Caterer of the Year: DORO Catering & Events, West Hartford.

: Restaurant Newcomer: Materia Ristorante, Bantam.

: People’s Choice Award: Mecha Noodle Bar, multiple locations.

: Restaurant of the Year East Region (New London and Windham counties) and statewide winner: The Shipwright’s Daughter at The Whaler’s Inn, Mystic.

: Restaurant of the Year North Region (Hartford and Tolland counties): The Charles, Wethersfield.

: Restaurant of the Year South Region (Middlesex and New Haven counties): Tavern on State, New Haven.

: Restaurant of the Year West Region (Fairfield and Litchfield counties): Kawa Ni, Westport.

: Hospitality Hall of Fame: Sally’s Apizza, New Haven.

: Hospitality Hall of Fame: Blackie’s Hot Dogs, Cheshire.

: Restaurateurs of the Year: Phil Barnett and Mike Hamlin, The Hartford Restaurant Group.

: Friend of the Industry Award: Speaker of the House Rep. Matt Ritter. Accepting the award on his behalf was Franklin Perry II, Chief of Staff, Connecticut House Democrats with CRA’s Scott Dolch.

: Community Impact Leaders: CRA’s Scott Dolch with teams from Beanz & Co. Café, Avon; Coffee for Good, Greenwich; Craig’s Kitchen, Vernon; and RD86 Space, New London.