The 2008 RAMMYs go to...

Despite the stuffy weather, more than 1600 curious guests gathered at the 26th annual RAMMY Restaurant Awards Gala yesterday to honor the cream of this year's culinary crop. Those who braved the weather were treated to the best of D.C.'s fine dining, all exemplifying the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington's commitment towards using regional and locally sourced ingredients, while still showcasing the city as a global dining destination.

But despite the glitz, glamor and grub, let's get to the true stars of the night: the winners.

Last month's James Beard Award winners Eric Ziebold and Central Michel Richard continued their success by taking the RAMMYs for Chef of the Year and Hottest Bar Scene of the Year, respectively. The Source by Wolfgang Puck earned New Restaurant of the Year, while Equinox and Poste earned awards for best Fine Dining and Upscale Dining. Notably, on the heels of recent talent shuffling, Hook's Barton Seaver won Rising Culinary Star of the Year and Heather Chittum won Pastry Chef of the Year.

As for the public voting categories, Hank's Oyster Bar, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and The Monocle on Capitol Hill all won RAMMYs.

A full list of winners is available after the jump. Congratulations to everyone; we're sure their respective dining rooms will be a bit more booked for the next few months ahead.

Photo by freakgirl