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“We are grateful to host such a wonderful event,” said Chapter President Haley Wagner. “The Central Valley, and Fresno in particular, is a community where people cannot wait to check out the latest eatery to open its doors. Some of our best memories with family and friends are made in places where we’ve gathered for a great meal. That’s what Best of the Valley celebrates.”
Longtime Fresno restaurateur Jim Pardini received the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, and other local eateries were honored in more than 30 categories.
2016 Best of the Valley Category Winners
· Best Breakfast: Batter Up Pancakes
· Best Fast Food: In-n-Out Burgers
· Best Fast Casual Restaurant: The Habit Burger
· Best Asian Restaurant: Wassabi
· Best Mexican Restaurant: Casa Corona
· Best Family Dining: Westwoods BBQ & Spice Co.
· Best Fine Dining: Cracked Pepper Bistro
· Best Pizza: Me-n-Ed’s
· Best Sushi: Wassabi
· Best Winery: Engelmann Cellars
· Best Sports Bar: Dog House Grill
· Best Hotel/Casino Dining: Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino
· Best Italian Restaurant: The Annex Kitchen
· Best Newcomer: Riley’s Brew Pub
· Best Kept Secret: Chef Paul’s Cafe
· Friendliest Service: Starving Artists Bistro
· Best Watering Hole: The Mad Duck Craft Brewery
· Most Romantic Restaurant: Parma Ristorante
· Best Steak House: Ruth’s Chris Steak House
· Best Banquet: Love & Garlic
· Best Catering: Pardini’s Catering & Banquets
· Best Burger: House of Juju
· Best Sandwich: Sam’s Italian Deli & Market
· Best Craft Brewery: Sequoia Brewing Co.
· Best Country Club Dining: Copper River Country Club
· Best Indian Restaurant: Elephant Lounge
· Best Bakery: La Boulangerie
· Best Seafood: Pismo’s Coastal Grill
· Best Mediterranean: Mediterranean Grill & Café
· Best Barbeque: Dog House Grill
· Beverage Purveyor/Supplier of the Year: Valley Wide Beverage Company
· Purveyor/Supplier of the Year: Challenge Dairy
· Restaurateur of the Year: Jimmy Pardini
· Lifetime Achievement Award: Jim Pardini