2021 CRAzies awards

LOUIS’ LUNCH, MILLWRIGHT’S ARE THIS YEAR’S TOP WINNERS

The Connecticut Restaurant Association hosted its annual CRAzies restaurant awards on Dec. 6 at Foxwoods, with a number of local restaurants walking away with the night’s top honors.

Millwright’s in Simsbury was named the 2021 Connecticut Restaurant of the Year while also claiming the top restaurant of the North Region of Connecticut. Rounding out the regional awards were Cheshire’s Viron Rondo Osteria for the South, Mystic’s Oyster Club in the East and Litchfield’s At The Corner in the West.

Louis’ Lunch in New Haven and Match Restaurant in South Norwalk also received special honors during the evening as they were both inducted into the Connecticut Hospitality Hall of Fame.

The event, which hosted over 1,100 members of the Connecticut restaurant community, aimed to help celebrate the industry during a tumultuous time plagued with “economic fallout.”

“There is still a great deal of work ahead to return our industry to full strength, making it once again the powerful economic engine that has historically accounted for nearly 10 percent of all jobs in Connecticut,” said Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch, in a press release. “The CRAzies once again showcased the exceptional talents our industry has to offer, and we look forward to building on this success each and every year as we encourage everyone in hospitality to take part in this annual celebration.”

Winner are chosen by a panel of media experts and past winners in addition to more than 10,000 online public votes.

Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media The landmark Louis’ Lunch, where the hamburger was invented, on Crown Street in New Haven.

Leeanne Griffin / Hearst Connecticut Media A strawberry champagne daiquiri at Red 36, Mystic. At left, Millwright's Restaurant and Tavern in Simsbury.

Winter Caplanson / For Hearst Connecticut Media