The Connecticut Restaurant Association (CRA) hosted its annual CRAzies Awards for 1,400 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. The event kicked off with a cocktail hour followed by a speech by Gov. Ned Lamont. Stamford’s Pellicci’s Ristorante and Manchester’s Shady Glen Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor were both inducted into the Hospitality Hall of Fame. Tony Pham and Rich Reyes of Mecha Noodle Bar and Eat Justice were honored as Restaurateurs of the Year. Sam Reyes of Mariposa Taqueria was awarded Bartender 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; Connecticut Distributors, Inc.; Brescome Barton; Pernod Ricard; The Hartford; DoorDash; SpotOn; US Foods; Opici Family Distributing; Tito’s Handmade Vodka; The Chefs’ Warehouse; and dozens of supporting sponsors and partners. The event benefited the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, the nonprofit 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the CRA.

Photos courtesy of the Connecticut Restaurant Association and GoNation.