A panel of top food critics and journalists from around the country personally tasted 70 dishes and beverages served by 77 participating restaurants and purveyors, scoring on taste, presentation, degree of difficulty and creativity. 

Dishes that qualified for awards were then designated Best in Show, Double Gold Medal, Gold Medal, Silver Medal, Best Dessert/Beverage and the first-ever Heritage Medal. 

The Heritage Medal is for the best dishes with ingredients that are indigenous, heirloom, low-water, desert-adapted or locally sourced (within a 100-mile radius of the restaurant) and thus more sustainable for Arizona. Climate-smart foods are essential for farmers, chefs and diners to support and expand for the future of our state.

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