Judges choose winners based on a variety of criteria, including management philosophy, staff training, service, list selection, recipe and menu development, creativity and innovation, promotional activities, special events, and ambience. Extensive materials are required to support each application. A panel of three top professionals in each category judges Santé Awards applications. Judges for last year's contest included:

• Megan Garrelts, executive pastry chef/co-owner, bluestem restaurant
• Scott Hunnel, executive chef, Victoria & Albert's
• Dean Thomas, past executive ehef, Barona Valley Ranch Resort & Casino

• Glenn Bardgett, CS,CSW, wine director, Annie Gunn's & The Smokehouse Market
• Rebecca Chapa, founder, Tannin Management
• William Eccleston, general manager/wine educator, Ristorante Panorama

• Jonathan Pogash, consultant
• Michael Waterhouse, partner, Drink Tank Ltd.
• Naren Young, consultant and journalist

• Beverly Morton Billand, owner, The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm