Gingham Wins 'Best Neighborhood Restaurant' in San Diego Magazine

The accolades continue to roll in for one La Mesa restaurant.

Gingham, the popular eatery, and one of celebrity chef Brian Malarkey's cadre of fabric-named establishments, was recently honored as the "Best Neighborhood Restaurant" in San Diego Magazine's 2012 Restaurant Awards.

According to the restaurant's website, more than 5,000 ballots were submitted for the awards. In addition, San Diego Magazine restaurant critic Troy Johnson named Gingham as the "Best BBQ," and chef Brian Malarkey won "Best Chef" for the second straight year.

As a way to say thank you to those that voted, and to celebrate the victory, Gingham will host a "Thank You La Mesa BBQ" on Saturday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m.

The lunch will feature happy hour prices on all drinks and a complimentary burger for the first 300 guests. 

Executive chef Ryan Studebaker said the event is a way to give back to the people who voted.

"[Being a neighborhood restaurant] is what we set out to do. That was the goal," he said. "I think people resonate with our food because its recognizable and makes them feel comfortable and homey."

Last month, the restaurant began a , featuring many more entrees than its previous lunch menu.