The Webby Awards is an international award honoring excellence on the Internet. It was established nearly 20 years ago, back when the Web was just an infant and is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) — a 1,000+ member judging committee.

Of special interest to me was the Food & Drink award. The winner in this category was Max Brenner. As chocolate is one of my most favorite foods, this website winner wins my vote too! Not only was Max Brenner named the Best Food & Drink website in the 18th Annual Webby Awards; it won both the Webby Award (selected by IADAS) as well as the People’s Voice Award (nominated by IADAS and selected by popular vote). As a self proclaimed connoisseur of chocolate, it won’t surprise you that I have visited Max Brenner shops in NYC and Australia. They serve a morning bagel with peanut butter and chocolate that is to die for! If you haven’t had a chance to peruse their interactive website, take a moment and click here!

Also worthy of mention were the 9 honorees under the Food & Drink category:

Mario Batali: Operation: CMYK

Food.com: Scripps Networks Interactive

FoodNetwork.com: Scripps Networks Interactive

BakeSpace.com: BakeSpace, Inc.

Gramercy Tavern: Madwell

Blue Bottle Coffee: Dynamo

Saveur: Saveur

BaxterStorey for Rawnet

Sweetgreen for Sweetgreen

If you weren’t able to catch the Webby’s live, don’t despair. You can watch the Webby Awards on demand Tuesday, May 20th. This special showing will be hosted by Patton Oswalt, best known as Spencer Olchin in the sitcom The King of Queens, and for voicing Remy in the film Ratatouille. Visit www.webbyawards.com for the link.