The premier event on the New York City tourism calendar took place last night at Tribeca Rooftop in Lower Manhattan. The 13th Annual Concierge Choice Awards (CCAs) attracted almost 300 of NYC tourism’s key players. Leaders from the restaurant, retail, nightlife, attraction, theatre, tour, and transportation sectors were all on hand to recognize excellent service provided to New York City visitors. Davler Media, publisher of City Guide magazine, joined with the community of New York City hotel concierges to present awards in 13 categories. The concierges receive feedback from millions of guest experiences, making them the most qualified people in the city to evaluate which companies consistently provide their guests with superior experiences. Tonight’s black tie dinner and gala also benefited charities the Les Clefs d’Or Foundation and Win. In addition, the evening honored Chef Sal Scognamillo of Patsy’s Italian Restaurant for his family’s 75 years of stand-out hospitality.
The CCAs were also an occasion to celebrate the strength of New York City’s tourism industry, projected to bring in a record 67 million guests in 2019. (Two decades ago, the city attracted less than half that number.) Tourism is responsible for more city jobs than the tech, creative, or finance fields. Half of all department store credit card sales come from tourists, as do 60% of Broadway and 70% of MoMA's. City Guide and Davler Media are proud to recognize the major players of this vital industry.
Broadway stars Erika Henningsen and Kyle Selig of the hit show Mean Girls headlined the evening entertainment. Award winners from 2018 joined with concierge hosts to congratulate the 2019 winners:
Best After Dark Experience: Sleep No More @ McKittrick Hotel
.jpg)
Best Cocktail Experience: Top of the Standard
Best Cultural Institution: Metropolitan Museum of Art
Best Family Friendly Experience (tie): National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey | The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Best New Restaurant: The Ribbon Midtown
Best Pre-Theater Dining: La Masseria
Best Restaurant Experience: Benjamin Steakhouse Prime
Best Specialty Retailer: Brookfield Place
.jpg)
Best Tour: Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
Best Tourist Attraction: Top of the Rock
Best Transportation Service: Paris Limousine
In addition to Sarabeth’s Central Park South winning the Best Restaurant Brunch Experience, there was a 2019 Concierge Choice Awards Community Choice Honoree. Sal Scognamillo, the chef, owner, and operator of Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, received this award, given every year to an individual who goes above and beyond in providing excellence to New York City, and who serves as a mentor and inspiration to fellow members of the community. Scognamillo is the third generation of his family to helm Patsy’s Italian Restaurant, known for its A-list crowd, classic atmosphere, hearty cooking, and hospitality that extends beyond regulars and celebrities to embrace visitors to the city. He appeared at the CCAs with his parents, celebrating 60 years of marriage, and his sons, who represent the fourth generation of Scognamillos at Patsy's.
Concierge Choice Awards
The Concierge Choice Awards were established in 2007 to recognize businesses in the hospitality industry that provide superior experiences to NYC visitors. Both businesses and concierges are invited to nominate firms for a Concierge Choice Award. The category selection and voting are open to more than 1,000 NYC concierges.
City Guide
Since 1982, Davler Media’s City Guide has been NYC’s leading media brand, helping tourists and locals find what to do and where to go through the nation’s largest weekly tourist magazine, digital media, concierge partnerships, and direct marketing. We are NYC’s go-to resource for events, with helpful tips on everything from new exhibits and unusual ethnic eats to best-of articles.
For more info, visit conciergechoiceawards.com.
