Angeleno Magazine's Restaurant Awards

The August issue of Angeleno magazine reveals their picks for the best of the LA restaurant industry. Here's what they had to say this year (with commentary on some from Yours Truly):

Restaurant of the Year: Pizzeria Mozza

I would have to whole-heartedly agree with this one. I've had two, incredible meals at Mozza since it opened and every morsel was absolutely mouthwatering. Congrats to Executive Chef Matt Molina and the rest of the crew (I mention Matt because it seems Nancy & Mario get all the press!).

Chef of the Year: Neal Fraser, Grace

I am a bit surprised by this, only because several trusted sources have told me that Grace's food has gone down in quality/taste in the last year. Personally, I think Grace is one of the better restos in LA but I have not been in a while.

Best New Restaurant: Fraîche

Runner-up: Catch
Runner-up: Abode
Runner-up: Hampton’s

Can't say I've been to any of the above but my sister and bro-in-law RAVED about Fraiche, and they are pretty picky.

Best New Chef: Josef Centeno, Opus Restaurant
Runner-up: Carolynn Spence, Bar Marmont

Awesome on both of these. I love Chef Centeno's food at Opus, and I have had the opportunity to try many of Carolynn's dishes at both the Bar Marmont and the Chateau Marmont. She has breathed new life into the place, I'm telling you.

Pastry Chef of the Year: Kristy Choo, Jin Patisserie
Runner-up: Adrian Vasquez, Providence

Wine Service of the Year: Sona
Runner-up: Rustic Canyon

Best Restaurant Design: Catch
Runner-up: Murano

Gastropub or Wine Bar of the Year: Tasca

Vanguard Award: Spago