This past Monday at the Wine Cask the Santa Barbara Independent presented the Fifth Annual Foodie Awards. In its 5th year, this event helped kick off epicure.sb, a series of restaurant specials and food-focused events running through October. 

Matt Kettman and George Yatchsin of the Independent did a run thru of all the winners here:

Award: Behind the scenes baker award
Recipient: Ethnic breads

Peter Zadeh escaped Iran during war times, moving to Canada wherehe learned the trade of baking from his uncle, and eventually landed in SantaBarbara where he started Future Fine foods, and eventually bought out theEthnic breads brand and together with Sheldon Kaganoff continued baking andexpanding. Zadech estimates he does 85%of local baking around town according to (independent article). Not only does the bakery produce phenomenalproducts, they also treat their employees and customers kindly.

Award: “The Izzy” Lifetime Achievement Award
Recipient: Rose Café

The welcoming environment paired with a fantastictraditional Mexican cuisine provides for a win-win dining experience at RoseCafé. Agnes Guevara has been through itall, starting as a dishwasher, and then taking over the restaurant in the1940s. Since then, the restaurant hasbeen passed down through the family, and serves as a familial environment forcustomers as well.

Award: Gutsy Game Changer Award
Recipient: Santa Barbara Public Market

Opened in April, Santa Barbara Public Market has caught theattention of locals, and has taught shoppers a new way to shop. Visitors can visit the 16 different foodshops all in one place. Owner MargeCafarelli seeks to prevent SBPM from becoming another food court, and even startedthree of the businesses inside.

Award: Line Around The Corner Award
Recipient: Cajun Kitchen

Started in the 1980s, Cajun kitchen has expanded throughoutSB to five different locations. Familyowned and operated, the Jimenez family accredits their popularity and successto customer loyalty and hard work, not to mention great food.

Award: The Upbeat Beans Service Award
Recipient: Beth @Good Cup on the Mesa

Beth Flett has been working for 13 years at this coffee shopand continues to transform customer’s day with just a smile. She is able to multitask and appease customersdue to her kind nature, and is revered by customers and fellow employeesalike.

Award: We All Scream for Ice Cream Award
Recipient: McConnell’s Fine

For more than 60 years, Santa Barbara’s McConnell’s icecream has been making award winning ice creams. They have classic flavors, but also introduce new and seasonal flavors,creating their product with organic ingredients headquartered on Milpas.

Award: Funk Zone Epicenter Award
Recipient: The Lark

Opened in August of 2013, the Lark has grown in popularityand continues to be a go to restaurant in the Funk Zone, providing gourmet foodin a friendly environment. SherryVillanueva also is accredited with developing the Lucky Penny Bistro, Les MarchandsWine Bar & Merchant, and more.

Award: Haute Hipster Award
Recipient: Sama Sama

Opened in March of 2013, Sama Sama is a different kind ofIndonesian restaurant. Their unique food, environment and drink menuattract foodies from throughout SB to visit this Asian-urban restaurant.

Award: Old Town’s New Classic Award
Recipient: Goodland Kitchen & Market

The Goodland Kitchen & Market is a farm to tablerestaurant with a early 90s vibe located off Hollister Avenue. Complete with daily specials, servingbreakfast and lunch, it’s a local go to.

Award: Milpas Moves Up Award
Recipient: The Shop Café

This breakfast brunch restraint on Milpas draws in localswith its famous Mac on Crack and delicious food. Opening in December of 2012, the restaurantserves comfort food ranging to healthy options paired with an unforgettableexperience.

Award: Worth the Drive Award
Recipient S.Y. Kitchen

The Santa Yenez restaurant serves a full-equipped menu,paired with eight to nine tantalizing specials, which can make deciding ondinner a difficult task. Their seasonaloptions and Italian cuisine makes for a stand out restaurant serving delicious traditionalplates.

Award: CoastlineCreativity Award
Recipient: TomaRestaurant & Bar

It’s difficult to reserve a spot at the popular Toma Restaurant,which opened in April of 2013. TheItalian food, atmosphere, and well-trained staff provide a wonderful diningexperience. The combination of theirtalented servers and culinary staff, the Toma Restaurant offers an experiencethat will keep you coming back for more.

Check out the entire Independent Article here