The packed RAMMYs award gala at the Washington Convention Center. (Photo by Travis Mitchell)
An impressive slice of Washington’s food and hospitality roster gathered last night for the 36th annual RAMMY awards, an event recognizing some of the top talent in the region’s restaurant world. Winners ranged from Chiko’s fusion fast-casual eats to the polished fine dining of Masseria and the culinary duo of Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan of Compass Rose and Maydan.
Celebrating was foremost on the agenda, but the evening did not shy away from some of the top-of-mind issues facing the industry. Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington President and CEO Kathy E. Hollinger took a moment to lobby against Initiative 77, which would eliminate the tipped wage credit in favor of minimum wage, in the upcoming June 19 election.
“The folks pushing this are not our people. They’re not even from D.C. And they’re not our government,” she said. “They are completely out of touch with our market.”
Initiative 77 is a nuanced issue, but it was one of many topics that seemed to unify winners, nominees, and attendees in the room. Other heavy topics included a heartfelt tribute to restaurant industry lives lost over the past year, including a nod to chef and journalist Anthony Bourdain, who took his life last week in France. There was a feeling of camaraderie among the attendees throughout the evening, with many speakers echoing the need to support one another in what can be an industry full of highs and lows.
The evening also included a recorded video message from chef José Andrés, who was recognized for his humanitarian work in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.
After nearly two hours of speeches and awards, the celebrating began with plenty of food, cocktails, and dancing. Read on for the complete list of winners.
A few caveats to keep in mind: winners must be paying members of RAMW to be nominated, previous winners cannot be nominated again in the same category for five years, and certain categories require restaurants to be open a certain number of years to be eligible. A public online vote decided the winner in four categories (Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch, Casual Brunch and Favorite Fast Bite) and a panel of anonymous judges decided the rest of the winners.
Rising culinary stars of the year Chris Morgan, left, and Gerald Addison of Maydan and Compass Rose
Here are the complete list of this year’s winners:
New Restaurant of the Year: CHIKO
Chef of the Year: Amy Brandwein, Centrolina
Pastry Chef of the Year: Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream Bakeshop
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Masseria
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan, Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen, Maydan
Upscale Brunch of the Year: Osteria Morini
Casual Brunch of the Year: Ambar Capitol Hill
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: The Daily Dish
Favorite Fast Bites of the Year: Moby Dick House of Kabob
Beer Program of the Year: Owen’s Ordinary
Cocktail Program of the Year: Espita Mezcaleria
Wine Program of the Year: Bourbon Steak
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: USI Insurance Services
Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Right Proper Brewing Company
Employee of the Year: Andrea Tateosian, Urbana
Manager of the Year: Heidi Minora, Commissary
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Clarity
Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern
Service Program of the Year: minibar by José Andrés
Restaurateur of the Year: Ari Gejdenson, Mindful Restaurants
