The 4th Annual NYC Hospitality Alliance Awards

The New York City Hospitality Alliance, a not-for-profit association representing restaurants and nightlife establishments throughout the five boroughs, hosted the 4th Annual NYC Hospitality Alliance Awards at TAO Downtown last night.

The event showcased the best in cuisine, cocktails, and culture and paid homage to NYC's restaurant and nightlife establishments and professionals that have made an impact on the city's amazing hospitality industry.

Over 800 industry leaders turned out to celebrate including New York City Nightlife Mayor Ariel Palitz, Myriad Restaurant Group Partner and the man behind NYC Restaurant Week Tracy Nieporent and Celebrity Chef Marcus Samuelsson.

NYC Hospitality Alliance Executive Director Andrew Rigie and President and chef/owner of Melba's Restaurant in Harlem, Melba Wilson, co-hosted the evening and gave out over two dozen awards during a private reception before the party kicked off.  The night featured some of TAO's dinner bites, Asahi Beer, Tito's cocktails and wine from Rodney Strong Vineyards.  the Café Wha? band took the stage and brought down the house, playing classics and today's hits for a uproarious crowd.

Restaurant honorees and awards included:

I Love Bronx Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in the Bronx.

• Moss Café, Bronx Havana Café, Trattoria Tra Di Noi

I Love Brooklyn Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Brooklyn.

• Bogota Latin Bistro, Olmsted, Tanoreen

I Love Manhattan Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Manhattan.

·         Magnolia Bakery, Peasant, Rainbow Room

I Love Queens Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Queens.

• Adda, London Lennie's, Bungalow Bar

I Love Staten Island Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Staten Island.

·         Vinum, Corner House BBQ, Vida

True Taste of NYC Award – Goes to an iconic dish served at an iconic NYC restaurant. 

• Veselka; Pierogies

City That Never Sleeps Award – Goes to an influential bar, club, cocktail bar or operator. 

• Blue Note

Back of House Award – Goes to an individual who has achieved respect and excellence working in one or more jobs in a restaurant kitchen. (Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, etc).

·         Dan Kluger (Loring Place)

Front of House Award – Goes to an individual who has achieved respect and excellence working in one or more jobs on the dining room floor of a restaurant. (Manager, Maitre d', Sommelier, Server, Bartender, etc).

• Tezra Bryant (Alacrity Associates / Sylvia's Restaurant)

Operations Award – Goes to an individual who achieved respect and excellence working in one or more operation level jobs for a single unit or restaurant group. (COO, CFO, F&B Director, etc).

• Timothy Meyers (RH Rooftop)

Hearts of Hospitality Award – Goes to an individual who is recognized for excellence in the profession of human resources in hospitality.

• Jackie McMann Oliveri (Gato & Bobby's Burger Palace) 

The Determination Award – Goes to an individual who started at an entry-level job in the industry and is now in a leadership role.

• Jakeline Pereira (SA Hospitality)

The Next Generation Award – Goes to an up-and-coming or established mover and shaker who is still early in their hospitality industry career (Must be under 40 years old on April 29, 2019).

• Simon Kim (Cote)

#HospitalityGuru Award – Goes to a restaurant, chef, restaurateur, nightlife operator or social media influencer with a social media presence that makes you drool, laugh, think and captures your attention.

• Gennaro Pecchia (@MenWhoDine)

Philanthropy Served Here Award – Goes to a charitable organization whose work helps to make the neighborhoods of NYC a more hospitable place- with a focus on working with the restaurant and hospitality industry.

• Billion Oyster Project

Fast Casual Award – Goes to an emerging or established fast casual restaurant concept we can't get enough of.

• Num Pang

"The Alliance Awards give us an opportunity to recognize and honor the remarkable people and businesses that contribute so much to our city and make New York City the hospitality capital of the world," said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance.

Sponsors included Four Star: Asahi Beer; E.B. Cohen; Fox Rothschild LLP; Imperial Dade; Pesetsky & Bookman; Rodney Strong Vineyards; Yelp for Restaurants. Three Star: I. Halper, Paper & Supplies, Inc.; Micros Retail Systems, Inc.; La Croix Sparkling Water and White Claw Hard Seltzer.