
Announcing the
2023 Tasty Award Winners
This year’s Tasty Awards garnered overwhelming participation, with over 350 responses received across 19 award categories. The local community and visitors alike eagerly engaged in the voting process, making their voices heard in support of their favorite restaurants, chefs, bartenders, and personalities. The event was co-presented by Destination Downtown Haverhill, a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting its vibrant culinary scene.
The Tasty Awards Committee, comprising industry veterans including Jimmy Carbone, Melissa Seavey, Jennifer Matthews, and Eva Montibello, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Their dedication and expertise were evident in the event’s seamless execution and the recognition of deserving winners.
Looking ahead, the Tasty Awards Committee is committed to enhancing the event’s inclusivity and accessibility. In the coming year, they will provide restaurants with voting kits upon request, streamlining the voting process for all. Additionally, all Tasty Awards promotional materials will be available online for restaurants to download and print as needed, ensuring a unified celebration of Haverhill’s culinary excellence. Thank you for participating in the 2023 Tasty Awards! See you next year!
Media Coverage: WHAV








One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of outstanding personalities and establishments in various categories. Among the top honorees were:
Most Amazing Restaurant Owner (Top FOUR Restaurant Owners)
- Denise-Matt Gaiero, Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Mags-Michael Conneely, Peddlers Daughter
- Katerina-Anthony Tomacchio, Loaded
- Michael J Eras, Roasted Coffee Bar
Best Chef
- Sacha Talarico, Peddlers Daughter
- Adam Maslowski, Keon’s Bistro (runner up)
Most Creative Chef
- Kevin Murphy, Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Christopher Cole, Tap Brewing Company (runner up)
Most Memorable Staff Personality
- Kit Leahy, Peddlers Daughter
- Jhonny Naranjo, Casa Blanca (runner up)
Best Vibe
- Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Barrios Haverhill (runner up)
Best Barista
- Paris Kiriakou, Drop Café
- Sydney Stewart, Battlegrounds (runner up)
Favorite Bartender
- Matt Holbrook, Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Michael and Stef, Tap Brewing Company (runner up)
- Jason Tufts, Butch’s Uptown (runner up)
Best Signature Cocktail
- Sassy Pineapple, Barrios Haverhill
- Silver Jamaican, Grande Mexico (runner up)
Best Beer Selection
- Tap Brewing Company
- Hidden Pig (runner up)
Favorite Regular (Bar Stool Hero)
- Al Disalvo
- Tim “Tornado” Comeau (runner up)
Best Pizza Spinner
- Angelo Asprogiannis, La Pizza Di Forno
- Alex Demorla, Crusttown (runner up)
Tastiest Dessert
- Tiramisù, Joseph’s Trattoria
- Boozy Milkshakes, Stacks (runner up)
Around the World – Favorite Cultural Cuisine
- Wang’s Table
- Tawa Tandoori (runner up)
Customer Choice (restaurant)
- Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Peddlers Daughter (runner up)
Customer Choice (personality)
- Denise Gaiero, Gs Texas Southern Flare
- Kit Leahy, Peddlers Daughter (runner up)
The 3rd Annual Tasty Awards also marked the introduction of new award categories in 2023, reflecting the evolving culinary landscape and its diverse offerings:
Favorite Vegan or Vegetarian
- Hummingbird Nutritious Eats
- Barrios Haverhill (runner up)
Best Takeout Restaurant
- Loaded
- Wang’s Table (runner up)
Best Casual Restaurant
- Tap Brewing Company
- Roasted Coffee Bar (runner up)
Most Creative Menu
- Loaded
- Barrios Haverhill (runner up)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Eva Montibello, (617) 669-7181
eva@alphaeconsulting.com
3rd Annual Tasty Awards Celebrate
Haverhill’s Culinary Excellence
Haverhill, August 31, 2023 – The Tasty Awards Committee is thrilled to announce the resounding success of the 3rd Annual Tasty Awards. This event brought together the finest culinary talents and establishments in Haverhill to celebrate their remarkable contributions to the local dining scene. The awards ceremony occurred on Tuesday, August 29th, with doors opening at 5:30 pm at Barrios, Haverhill. The event was a night to remember, with guests treated to a delectable spread of chips, salsa, and queso, a true testament to Barrios’ reputation as an exceptional host.
This year’s Tasty Awards garnered overwhelming participation, with over 350 responses received across 19 award categories. The local community and visitors eagerly engaged in the voting process, making their voices heard in support of their favorite restaurants, chefs, bartenders, and personalities. The event was co-presented by Destination Downtown Haverhill, a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting its vibrant culinary scene.
The Tasty Awards Committee, comprising industry veterans including Jimmy Carbone, Melissa Seavey, Jennifer Matthews, and Eva Montibello, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success. Their dedication and expertise were evident in the event’s seamless execution and the recognition of deserving winners.
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of outstanding personalities and establishments in various categories. Among the top honorees were:
Most Amazing Restaurant Owner (Top FOUR Restaurant Owners)
• Denise and Matt Gaiero, Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Mags and Michael Conneely, Peddler’s Daughter
• Katerina and Anthony Tomacchio, Loaded
• Michael J Eras, Roasted Coffee Bar
Best Chef
• Sacha Talarico, Peddler’s Daughter
• Adam Maslowski, Keon’s Bistro (runner-up)
Most Creative Chef
• Kevin Murphy, Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Christopher Cole, Tap Brewing Company (runner-up)
Most Memorable Staff Personality
• Kit Leahy, Peddlers Daughter
• Jhonny Naranjo, Casa Blanca (runner up)
Best Vibe
• Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Barrios Haverhill (runner-up)
Best Barista
• Paris Kiriakou, Drop Café
• Sydney Stewart, Battlegrounds (runner-up)
Favorite Bartender
• Matt Holbrook, Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Michael and Stef, Tap Brewing Company (runner-up)
• Jason Tufts, Butch’s Uptown (runner-up)
Best Signature Cocktail
• Sassy Pineapple, Barrios Haverhill
• Silver Jamaican, Grande Mexico (runner up)
Best Beer Selection
• Tap Brewing Company
• Hidden Pig (runner-up)
Favorite Regular (Bar Stool Hero)
• Al Disalvo
• Tim “Tornado” Comeau (runner-up)
Best Pizza Spinner
• Angelo Asprogiannis, La Pizza Di Forno
• Alex Demorla, Crusttown (runner up)
Tastiest Dessert
• Tiramisù, Joseph’s Trattoria
• Boozy Milkshakes, Stacks (runner-up)
Around the World – Favorite Cultural Cuisine
• Wang’s Table
• Tawa Tandoori (runner-up)
Customer Choice (restaurant)
• Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Peddler’s Daughter (runner-up)
Customer Choice (personality)
• Denise Gaiero, Gs Texas Southern Flare
• Kit Leahy, Peddler’s Daughter (runner-up)
The 3rd Annual Tasty Awards also marked the introduction of new award categories in 2023, reflecting the evolving culinary landscape and its diverse offerings:
Favorite Vegan or Vegetarian Restaurant
• Hummingbird Nutritious Eats
• Barrios Haverhill (runner-up)
Best Takeout Restaurant
• Loaded
• Wang’s Table (runner up)
Best Casual Restaurant
• Tap Brewing Company
• Roasted Coffee Bar (runner-up)
Most Creative Menu
• Loaded
• Barrios Haverhill (runner-up)
Looking ahead, the Tasty Awards Committee is committed to enhancing the event’s inclusivity and accessibility. In the coming year, they will provide restaurants with voting kits upon request, streamlining the voting process for all. Additionally, all Tasty Awards promotional materials will be available online for restaurants to download and print as needed, ensuring a unified celebration of Haverhill’s culinary excellence.
For more information about the Tasty Awards and a complete list of winners, please visit https://haverhilleats.com/ or contact Eva Montibello at eva@alphaeconsulting.com or (617) 669-7181.
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Photos:
In all: Alexandria Eberhardt, Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Matthews, L’Arche Boston North; Jimmy Carbone, Craft Haverhill and Destination Downtown Haverhill
• Paris Kiriakou, Drop Café, Best Barista
• Jhonny Naranjo, Casa Blanca, Most Memorable Staff Personality (runner up)
• Best Owners: Denise and Matt Gaiero, Gs Texas Southern Flare; Michael Conneely, Peddler’s Daughter; Anthony Tomacchio, Loaded
• All Winners, is a photo of all of the winners who were in attendance