Amid alcohol, music, rain, and a little glam rock style, the 2006 Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington awards — a/k/a the RAMMYs — were handed out last night at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Woodley Park. Fabio Trabocchi’s Maestro took home the Best Picture equivalent by winning the award for top Fine Dining Restaurant in the D.C. area, while tapas king Jose Andres earned Chef of the Year honors. Among the other victors were Komi’s Johnny Monis for Rising Culinary Star, 1789’s Zoe Behrens for best Pastry Chef, KAZ Sushi Bistro for Informal Dining Restaurant, the new Clyde’s of Gallery Place for Hottest Bar Scene, and Notti Bianche’s Danny Boylen for Manager of the Year, and Charlie Palmer Steak’s deep American wine list for Wine and Beverage Program.
Many wins — such as golden boy Monis’ and ubiquitous Andres’ — were unsurprising. A few wags around DCist’s table raised eyebrows at Clyde’s of Gallery Pace’s taking home Hottest Bar Scene honors. It’s a massive, well appointed, corporate-looking bar. But the public had spoken. And to be fair, Clyde’s is where many Washington chefs and food folks got their start. And let’s admit it, their American power food (steak, salmon, fries, and Scotch) is decent and the atmosphere is welcoming both to younger and older folks alike.
