CRAzies Awards Winners 2025: Celebrating Excellence in CT's Culinary Community

The Connecticut culinary community came together this week to celebrate hard work, passion and excellence in the field. Each year, the CRAZIES recognizes the exceptional ability and talent of Connecticut’s hospitality community at this prestigious awards gala. With the help of an expert media panel and over 20,000 online public votes, the CRA was able to honor 21 coveted award winners from across the state. The event was attended by Governor Ned Lamont, who addressed the guests and offered words of support and encouragement to the industry.

“The 7th Anniversary of the CRAZIES Awards stands as another milestone moment for our association, for our industry, and for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents whose livelihoods are supported by hospitality,” said Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch. “The excitement and energy of bringing together 1,500 industry professionals once again highlighted the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community—an economic force that represents nearly 10 percent of all jobs in our state. The CRAZIES continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, passion, and dedication that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to elevating this celebration year after year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to be part of this annual tradition.”

One of the most significant awards of the evening was the Overall and County Restaurant of the Year Awards presented by Sysco. First, the association handed out winners from each of the eight counties around the state and the eight winners were – Community Table in New Preston (Litchfield County); Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien (Fairfield County); Le Mazet in West Hartford (Hartford County); Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven (New Haven County); Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland (Tolland County); Grano Arso in Chester (Middlesex County); ANYA in Thompson  (Windham County); and Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington (New London County). The overall winner who was named 2025 Connecticut Restaurant of the Year went to Community Table, earning the award over the other seven county winners and thirty-two total finalists.

Chef of the Year presented by Performance Foodservice went to Ashley Flagg from The Laurel in West Hartford. Flagg took home the top chef award over a stellar class of finalists, which also included – Ryan Carbone, Ore Hill & Swyft (Kent); Bolivar Hilario, Community Table (New Preston); Johan Jensen, Whitecrest Eatery (Stonington); and Christian Wilki, The Cottage (Greenwich/Westport).

Restaurant Newcomer presented by Toast went to Bar Bushido (Norwalk) and the Caterer of the Year presented by Powerstation Events was Riverhouse Catering (Haddam). The Service Team of the Year presented by Eder Goodman and Slocum & Sons went to The Wharf at Madison Beach Hotel (Madison), and the Bar & Beverage Team of the Year presented by Connecticut Distributors, Inc. went to I Know You Know (New Britain).

Pastry Chef of the Year presented by Clover went to Julien Tessier from Julien’s Farm Store (Granby) and People’s Choice presented by Foxwoods Resort Casino went to Dew Drop Inn (Derby). The Vendor of the Year presented by Pullman & Comley went to Athletic Brewing Company (Milford).

In addition to the voted award winners, the Connecticut Restaurant Association recognized Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta as the 2025 Restaurateur of the Year presented by US Foods. With eight locations across the state, Esaul has one of the largest full service Mexican restaurant concepts in Connecticut. He and his team are dedicated to elevating the public’s mindset of Mexican cuisine, especially with his special Vida dinner series at his Stamford location.

Spartan Restaurant & Bar (Waterbury) and Willimantic Brewing Company (Willimantic) were both inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame presented by GoNation. Connecticut’s Chief Marketing Officer - Anthony M. Anthony was recognized as the Friend of the Industry presented by RATIONAL USA for his dedication and commitment to Connecticut’s tourism industry.