DC's restaurant Oscars may be a few months away yet, but last night, a star-studded DC foodie crowd gathered at the Ritz-Carlton DC for the annual RAMMY nominations fete, celebrating the precursor to the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) awards party on June 6.
Selecting the RAMMY nominees, and ultimately the winners, involves four separate processes, two separate panel of judges, the voting public and, for just one award – the Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year – RAMW. Votes for the four publicly voted categories can be cast through a special ballot appearing in The Washington City Paper on April 29th or online at www.ramw.org.
The 2010 RAMMY Award winners will be announced at the RAMMY gala on June 6, 2010 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2010 RAMMY Awards is “We’ll Always Have… Restaurants,” and is a play on a famous line from the 1940’s movie Casablanca.
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Association Education Foundation to fund scholarships for culinary education students, enabling them to develop and expand their career opportunities in the restaurant industry.
Deacon highly suggests you check out these nominated spots now, because once they win the coveted RAMMY title, the rezzies will be increasingly difficult to get. Plus, who doesn't want to dine at one of the best spots in town, as recognized by the most knowledgeable DC industry insiders themselves?
This year marks the return of many old favorite categories, plus a new addition, honoring the area's best beverage/mixology program.
Fine Dining
The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates an unwavering standard of dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
2941, Falls Church, VA; Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC; Minibar by José Andrés, Washington, DC; The Oval Room, Washington, DC; The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington, DC
Upscale Casual
The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates a commitment to dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The dining experience may be more casual than Fine Dining, the price point lower, but the commitment to excellence is paramount. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
Central Michel Richard, Washington, DC; The Liberty Tavern, Arlington, VA; Proof, Washington, DC; Vermilion, Alexandria, VA; Zaytinya, Washington, DC
New Restaurant
A restaurant that must have been opened between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and service.
Bibiana, Washington, DC; Birch & Barley, Washington, DC; Bourbon Steak, Washington, DC; Eventide, Arlington, VA; Inox, McLean, VA
Chef
The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food, exhibits an ongoing commitment to the community and may be from any type of establishment. The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Bertrand Chemel - 2941, Falls Church, VA; Scott Drewno – The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington, DC; Daniel Giusti - 1789, Washington, DC; Vikram Sunderam - Rasika, Washington, DC; Haidar Karoum - Proof, Washington, DC
Rising Culinary Star
The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future. The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years.
Michael Isabella – Zaytinya, Washington, DC; Liam LaCivita - The Liberty Tavern, Arlington, VA; Shannon Overmiller - Majestic Café, Alexandria, VA; Nicholas Stefanelli - Bibiana, Washington, DC; Jon Mathieson - Inox, McLean, VA
Pastry Chef
The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef who prepares desserts and pastries and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry. The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee must have been a pastry chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Anthony Chavez - 2941, Falls Church, VA; Amanda Cook - CityZen, Washington, DC; Josh Short - Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Washington DC & VA; Fabrice Bendano - Adour, Washington, DC; Travis Olson - 1789, Washington, DC
Wine Program
The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program. The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
2941, Falls Church, VA; Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington, DC; Dino, Washington, DC; 701/Ardeo/Bardeo/Bibiana/Bombay Club/The Oval Room/Rasika, Washington, DC; Proof, Washington, DC
Beverage/Mixology Program
The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, creativity, clarity and value of its beverage program. The nominee’s beverage program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the restaurant experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009
Brasserie Beck, Washington, DC; EatGoodFoodGroup, Alexandria, VA; Founding Farmers, Washington, DC; PS7’s, Washington, DC; Tabard Inn, Washington, DC
Neighborhood Gathering Place
This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of quality and congeniality rooted in its neighborhood.
Bar Pilar, Washington, DC; Belga Café, Washington, DC; Cork, Washington, DC; EatBar, Arlington, VA; Kemble Park Tavern, Washington, DC
Restaurant Power Spot
This nominee is a top choice member restaurant, a spot to “see and be seen” with the movers and shakers on the national and local political and business scene. It best exemplifies “how Metropolitan Washington works.”
Art & Soul, Washington, DC; BLT Steak, Washington, DC; Bombay Club, Washington, DC; The Source, Washington, DC; Teatro Goldoni, Washington, DC
Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene
This nominee is a member restaurant or hotel bar that is innovative with an energetic scene (atmosphere, drink menu, etc.) with a hip and eclectic crowd and is a great people watching and meeting place.
Birch & Barley and ChurchKey, Washington, DC; Bourbon Steak, Washington, DC; Masa 14, Washington, DC; Posto, Washington, DC; POV, Washington, DC
Tickets to the RAMMYS may be purchased by calling 202.331.5990 or by e-mail at rammys@ramw.org.
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