Created by Richmond Magazine in 2012, the Richmond region’s dining awards were named for master chef Paul Elbling, the chef and owner of the long-closed La Petite France restaurant.
Sixteen judges from outside Richmond visited the nominated restaurants in January and February. The lead judges who helped decide the winners included Philadelphia Inquirer food and beverage critic Craig LaBan; Hanna Raskin, food and beverage critic for The Post and Courier in Charleston, S.C.; and chef and restaurateurs Scott Drewno, Josh Perkins and Ferhat Yalcin.