Golden Foodie Awards Return to Newport Beach September 28

Online, March 28, 2014 (Newswire.com) - The Golden Foodie Awards return to The Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach on Sunday, September 28. The red carpet gala honors the best food, drinks and chefs in over 25 categories, and offers guests interactive tasting experiences from the region's most innovative culinary minds.

Now in its third year, the Golden Foodie Awards recognize premier cuisine in Orange County through nominees determined by public vote. During the month of August, we encourage diners to dine out and then vote for Orange County's chef driven and/or independent restaurants. Participants can support their favorite chefs, foods, and drinks by voting online at http://goldenfoodieawards.com. Traditionally, the Golden Foodie Awards Guild selects winners for the categories of Golden Chef, Golden Pastry Chef, and Best New Restaurant Awards. For the first time ever, local chefs and restaurateurs join the illustrious panel. Industry professionals will now have the honor of participating in the selection process for their peers; the public will choose the winners in all other Awards categories.

"We're thrilled to create an opportunity for chefs and restaurateurs to
be involved in the voting process," shares Pamela Waitt, Creator of the Golden Foodie Awards and President of the OC Restaurant Association. "Allowing industry insiders to give accolades to one another will strengthen Orange County's celebrated culinary community. We're looking forward to the addition."

The GFA's will also introduce several new Guild members for the 2014 ceremony, including acclaimed author and one of Food Network's Iron Chef judges, Simon Majumdar. Joining him is Chris Christensen, award winning Senior Editor for Orange Coast Magazine, Chef Daniel Mattos, Director at the Culinary Arts & Hospitality Conservatory, Tony Reverditto, Food and Entertainment writer for Rage Magazine and Linda Kissam, travel food and wine writer.

The Golden Foodie Awards unite gourmands and industry insiders for a night of enticing bites and tantalizing cocktails from Orange County's finest restaurants (see full list below). The Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel's support has perpetuated the glamorous appeal of the event, and provides an ideal location for food lovers to congregate and acknowledge local culinary artisans.

"Fairmont Newport Beach is proud to host the Golden Foodie Awards for the third consecutive year," comments Karl D. Kruger, General Manager of The Fairmont Newport Beach. "Applauding culinary achievements is important, and our chefs and catering teams are dedicated to creating an atmosphere that reflects the efforts of those being honored."

Categories for the Golden Foodie Awards people's choice awards include Best Mexican, Italian, Seafood, Sushi, Indian, Vegetarian, French, Asian, Mediterranean, Californian, American, Steak, Burger, Pizza, Taco, Dessert, Wine List, Beer Menu, Happy Hour, Bartender/Mixologist, Cocktail, Food Writer, and new category this year, Food Talk Radio Show.  Additional special award categories voted by industry peers will honor Golden Chef, Pastry Chef and Best New Restaurant.

The Golden Foodie Awards champion both avant-garde innovators and masterful traditionalists. Connect with the GFA's for up to date details on voting, nominees and pre-ceremony events.  

Golden Foodie Awards would like to thanks its sponsors:
Fairmont - Newport Beach, Sub-Zero and Wolf, Melissa's Produce, Orange Coast Magazine, KTLA, 95.5 KLOS, 790 KABC Talk Radio, Celebrity Cruises, Chambord, Kean Coffee, Food Enthusiast, Greer's OC, KFI Radio the Fork Report, Patrуn Tequila, The District at Tustin Legacy, The ACE Agency, Code Four, Aloha POS.

http://goldenfoodieawards.com

Food and drinks that will be enjoyed at the Awards Gala on Sep 28th will include: 
Scott's Restaurant & Bar
Savannah Chop House
Hopscotch
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar
SOL Cocina
solita
LUCCA
Provenance
SeaLegs Wine Bar
Slapfish
Maro Wood Grill
WildFish Seafood Grille
Sadie Rose Baking Co.
Fresh Produce Bar by Melissa's Produce
Celebrity Cruise's Sangria
Patrуn Tequila Margarita Bar
Chambord Cocktails
La Crema Wine Bar
Selanne Steak House
Blue C Sushi
Casey's Cupcakes
Artisan Chocolates by Valenza Chocolatier
B. Toffee
Sub-Zero and Wolf Barbecue Station led by Executive Chef Brian Doherty of the Fairmont

ABOUT FAIRMONT NEWPORT BEACH
Nestled in the center of coastal Orange County and located just a stone's throw away from John Wayne/Orange County Airport, the Fairmont Newport Beach combines European traditions with California flair. Offering 440 luxuriously appointed rooms, including 54 exquisite suites, the hotel also features a roof-top pool complete with cabanas; a new fitness facility; a spa and salon; nearly 17,000 square feet of meeting space and over 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor banquet space; and award-winning dining at bambъ Restaurant.  For more information or for reservations, please call 1.949-476-2007 or 1.800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com/newportbeach.