The 2025 GOLDEN FORK Awards

I can’t believe another year is in the books, and it’s time to select the best of what I tasted over the past year. The end of 2024 also marks my 10th Anniversary since I began this journey to find the best dishes that Vero Beach and the Treasure Coast have to offer.
The past year was an exciting one for The Treasure Coast Foodie, packed with over 20 incredible events that brought food lovers together in unforgettable ways. Our Wine Education Classes and Walking Wine Tours with Lisa Hastings on Ocean Drive and in Downtown Vero Beach gave attendees the chance to explore and savor exceptional wines. The 2024 Treasure Coast MasterChef Dessert Competition highlighted the region’s finest pastry talents, while the Smoke & Sizzle Pitmaster’s Table with Pepper & Salt BBQ delivered bold, smoky flavors to barbecue enthusiasts. We also welcomed back competitive eating legend Randy Santel for multiple food challenges, thrilling fans with high-stakes culinary showdowns. Additionally, we filmed Season 4 of our foodie show, Holy Grail Eats, highlighting six more amazing local restaurants. The excitement continues as Season 5 has been approved, with filming set to begin in May for a Summer 2025 release!
That excitement all led up to the 2025 Golden Fork Awards, which took place just two nights ago. This prestigious event celebrated the best of the Treasure Coast’s culinary scene, recognizing outstanding restaurants, chefs, and dishes that left a lasting impression. For those who couldn’t attend, we’re thrilled to highlight this year’s winners and share the exceptional flavors and talents that made this event one to remember!
Now on to the awards! Let’s jump right in and see who this year’s winners are and see what I had to eat from the past year! Listed below are my Top 10 Best Dishes (in no particular order), Chef of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year, and People’s Choice winners. The winning dishes were selected from reviews or dining experiences we’ve had in 2024.
Top 10 Best Dishes

Armani’s Cucina – Vero Beach, FL – Mezzi Rigatoni Pomidorino

Butter Cup Bakery Cafe – Vero Beach, FL – Lemon Tart

Giorgio’s Pizzeria– Vero Beach, FL – Meatball Sandwich

Island Pig & Fish – Fort Pierce FL – Brisket Sandwich

Mai Thai Bistro – Vero Beach, FL – Poke Bowl

Tequila Azteca Mexican Restaurant – Vero Beach, FL – Ground Beef Enchiladas

Tribe Kitchen – Jensen Beach, FL – Coconut Cream Pop Tart topped with Ube Ganache, Macadamia Nut Crumble, and Mango Popping Boba

Pepper & Salt BBQ – Vero Beach, FL – Beef Ribs

Pusateri’s Chicago Pizza – Stuart, FL – Chicago Fire Pizza

Shakra’s Deli – Jensen Beach, FL – The Italian Combo Sub
and the Chefs of the Year award goes to. . .

Chefs Lisa and Anthony Damiano – Counter Culture Beachside – Vero Beach, FL
Last fall, I received a call that hit me hard. An opportunity had come along that they simply couldn’t pass up, and they were leaving Vero Beach for what seemed like the next exciting chapter in their journey. While I wanted to talk them out of it, I knew I had to wish them the best.
But then, just two months later, my phone rang again. This time, the news was different. That opportunity had fallen through, and they were on their way back home! Not only was I thrilled, but I knew Vero Beach was about to get back something truly special. They wasted no time planning their next steps, searching for the perfect location to continue sharing their culinary talents with all of us.
Fast-forward to today, and their doors are once again open, serving up the incredible plant-based & gluten-free dishes that made them stand out in the first place. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.
It is my absolute pleasure to once again announce our Chefs of the Year—Chef Anthony and Chef Lisa Damiano!
and the Restaurant of the Year award goes to. . .

Dinner Revolution – Vero Beach, FL
This year’s Restaurant of the Year is one that has consistently raised the bar, proving that passion, dedication, and incredible food create something truly special.
When they first opened on the south side of Vero Beach about five and a half years ago, the name caught our attention—so, of course, we had to check it out. From that very first visit, we were blown away. Word spread quickly, and before long, they became one of the hottest new restaurants in town.
Fast-forward to the fall of 2024, and big changes were on the horizon. After outgrowing their original location, they took a leap and moved to the heart of downtown Vero Beach in early September. This new space gave them room to expand, introducing lunch service while continuing their ever-popular dinner offerings. With a fresh, modern interior and thoughtful personal touches—including a stunning new floor—their new home perfectly reflects their vision. As a previous Restaurant of the Year winner, they have continued to impress, evolve, and redefine what a dining experience should be. And so, it is with great excitement that I once again announce Dinner Revolution as our Restaurant of the Year!
and the People’s Choice award goes to. . .

Island Pig & Fish
What do we have planned for the rest of 2025? You’ll just have to stick around and keep following us to find out!
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