Any excuse to go to TAO Downtown is a good one, and the 3rd Annual New York Hospitality Alliance Awards, which pays homage to the best of the best in cuisine, cocktails and culture throughout the five boroughs, will be THE place to be at one of the biggest Manhattan hotspots on April 9th.
This must attend event for the hospitality industry will showcase the best in cuisine, cocktails and culture and pays homage to the restaurants, bars, nightlife establishments and professionals throughout the five boroughs.

The New York City Hospitality Alliance announced the honorees earlier this week for the major event which will take place between 6:30 and 10PM at TAO Downtown.
Restaurant honorees and awards include:
Big Apple Legacy Award – Goes to an individual whose success and influence will leave a long lasting impact on the NYC hospitality industry.
- Tracy Nieporent; Myriad Restaurant Group
I Love Bronx Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in the Bronx.
- Enzo’s, Liebman’s Delicatessen, The Original Crab Shanty
I Love Brooklyn Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Brooklyn.
- Diner, Hometown BBQ, Sunday in Brooklyn
I Love Manhattan Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Manhattan.
- Balthazar, Keens Steakhouse, The Red Cat
I Love Queens Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Queens.
- Don Peppe, Mu Ramen, SriPraPhai
I Love Staten Island Award – Goes to three favorite restaurants in Staten Island.
- COMMONS Café, Joe & Pat’s Pizzeria, The Stone House at Clove Lakes
True Taste of NYC Award – Goes to three iconic dishes served at three iconic NYC restaurants.
- Joe’s Pizza; Classic Cheese Pizza, Mamoun’s Falafel; Falafel, Lloyd’s Carrot Cake; Carrot Cake
City That Never Sleeps Award – Goes to three influential bars, clubs, cocktail bars or operators.
- House of Yes, Stonewall Inn, The Dead Rabbit
Back of House Award – Goes to three individuals who have achieved respect and excellence working in one or more jobs in a restaurant kitchen. (Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, etc).
Front of House Award – Goes to three individuals who have 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).
- Georgette Farkas (Rotisserie Georgette), Steve Morales (TAO Group), Susan Povich (Red Hook Lobster Pound)
Operations Award – Goes to three individuals who have 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).
- Katie Broad (Le Bernardin), Sam Goldfinger (Soho House), Susan Spikes (Hill Country Hospitality)
Hearts of Hospitality Award – Goes to three individuals who are recognized for excellence in the profession of human resources in hospitality.
- Elvira Ryder (Empowered Hospitality), Jonathan Moldenhauer (Major Food Group), Laura O’Neill (The Alicart Restaurant Group)
The Determination Award – Goes to three individuals who started at an entry-level job in the industry and are now in a leadership role.
- Ahmon Williams (Fausto), Emily Hilton (Bathtub Gin), Melba Wilson (Melba’s Restaurant)
The Next Generation Award – Goes to three up-and-coming or established movers and shakers who are still early in their hospitality industry career (Must be under 40 years old on April 9, 2018).
- Adam Landsman (Sunday in Brooklyn), Nicolas Jammet (sweetgreen), Will Guidara (Make it Nice Hospitality)
#HospitalityGuru Award – Goes to three restaurants, chefs, restaurateurs, nightlife operators or social media influencers with a social media presence that makes you drool, laugh, think and captures your attention.
- Barbuto (@barbutonyc), Food Baby (@foodbabyny), thirsty (@thirsty)
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.
- Wellness in the Schools
Fast Casual Award – Goes to three emerging or established fast casual restaurant concepts we can’t get enough of.
- Pasta Flyer, The Halal Guys, Xi’an Famous Foods
“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.

Tickets are now on sale to the event. General Admission tickets exclusive to restaurant, nightlife, hotel operators and their families are $250. Product/Service Provider tickets are $375 and industry packages which include 10 tickets and a digital advertisement on-site at the event can be purchased for $2,500. This is a standing room only event with non-reserved seating available for general admission ticket holders. Passed hors d’oeuvres and craft cocktails will be served.
To purchase tickets, or for more information about the New York City Hospitality Alliance Awards, please visit here.