The inaugural Garden State Culinary Arts Awards candidate list has just been released, applauding the efforts of those involved in many different areas of New Jersey’s culinary industry.
Want to catch a glimpse of those who are up for the title of “Best Restaurant” and “Outstanding Chef” to see if your favorites made the list? Check out the roster of nominees:
Best Restaurant
This category covers restaurants in operation in New Jersey for at least five years that display overall excellence and consistency of quality in food, atmosphere and service and have set high standards in the industry.
Cafe Matisse, Rutherford
Cafe 2825, Atlantic City
Cucharamama, Hoboken
The Frog and the Peach, New Brunswick
Hamilton’s Grill Room, Lambertville
Indeblue, Collingswood
Peter Shields Inn, Cape May
Saddle River Inn, Saddle River
Serenade, Chatham
A Toute Heure, Cranford
Outstanding Chef
This category includes chefs working in a professional capacity in New Jersey for at least five consecutive years whose accomplishments have served to inspire, educate and set standards in both the state and the industry.
Scott Anderson, Elements and Mistral, Princeton
Andrew “Drew” Araneo, Drew’s Bayshore Bistro, Keyport
Joseph Baldino, Zeppoli, Collingswood
Thomas Ciszak, Chakra Restaurant, Paramus; Blue Morel, Morristown
Ryan DePersio, Fascino, Montclair; Battello, Jersey City; The Kitchen Step, Jersey City
Ariane Duarte, Ariane Kitchen & Bar, Verona
Shigeru Fukuyoshi, Sagami Japanese Restaurant, Collingswood
Lucas Manteca, The Red Store, Cape May Point
Juan Andres Placencia, Costanera Cocina Peruana, Montclair
Dan Richer, Razza Pizza Artigianale, Jersey City
Peruse the entire list of nominees via the Garden State Culinary Arts Awards Facebook page, and be sure to check back in April to see the top three vote recipients in each category. The ultimate winner of each group will be announced on May 6.
Congratulations to all of the nominees, and good luck!
- Photo: LibreShot
