Popular New Norwalk Eatery Wins 'Restaurant Newcomer' Award

NORWALK, CT — A popular new eatery in Norwalk earned a "Restaurant Newcomer" honor at the Connecticut Restaurant Association's annual CRAZIES awards held at Foxwoods Resort Casino last week.

Bar Bushido, a new traditional Japanese izakaya from acclaimed chef and Taproot owner Jeff Taibe, officially opened on Wall Street in Norwalk back in January and has already received a warm reception from customers.

Bar Bushido offers two unique spaces in front and back of the restaurant where customers can dine, sip on expertly made cocktails and enjoy time with friends and family.

Community Table in New Preston, the Litchfield County Restaurant of the Year, won Connecticut Restaurant of the Year, and Ashley Flagg of The Laurel in West Hartford was named Chef of the Year.

Additional finalists for Restaurant of the Year included Fairfield County Restaurant of the Year, Restaurant L’Ostal in Darien; Hartford County Restaurant of the Year, Le Mazet in West Hartford; Middlesex County Restaurant of the Year, Grano Arso in Chester; New Haven County Restaurant of the Year, Gioia Cafe & Bar in New Haven; New London County Restaurant of the Year, Whitecrest Eatery in Stonington; Tolland County Restaurant of the Year, Camille’s Wood Fired Pizza in Tolland; and Windham County Restaurant of the Year, Anya in Thompson.

Other awards handed out on Dec. 8 included:

• Service Team of the Year: The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel, Madison
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Julien Tessier of Julien’s Farm Store, Granby
• Bar & Beverage Team of the Year: I Know You Know, New Britain
• People’s Choice: Dew Drop Inn, Derby

Previously announced awards include:

• Restaurateur of the Year: Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta, at multiple locations
• Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame: Spartan Restaurant & Bar in Waterbury and Willimantic Brewing Company in Willimantic
• Caterer of the Year: Riverhouse Catering in Haddam
• Vendor of the Year: Athletic Brewing Company in Milford
• Friend of the Industry: Anthony Anthony - Chief Marketing Officer, State of Connecticut

"The 7th Anniversary of the CRAZIES Awards Gala stands as another milestone moment for our association, for our industry, and for the tens of thousands of Connecticut residents whose livelihoods are supported by hospitality," Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch said in a news release. "The excitement and energy of bringing together 1,500 industry professionals once again highlighted the strength and resilience of Connecticut’s restaurant and hospitality community—an economic force that represents nearly 10 percent of all jobs in our state. The CRAZIES continues to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talent, passion, and dedication that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to elevating this celebration year after year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to be part of this annual tradition."

View all the winners and categories here.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch editors Rich Kirby and Richard Kaufman