Sunday night I had the honor of attending the 2011 Rammy Awards. The Rammy’s are the Academy Awards of the local cuisine scene and are coveted by local and national noteworthy chefs.
The annual black tie event is sponsored by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington and is a who’s who of Washington foodies, critics and chefs. This year’s theme was “Carnevale de Cuisine” and a carnevale it was.
Photo Courtesy of Revamp.com
The evening started out with cocktails and oysters with more than 1,500 guests looking to see and be seen, followed by the award presentations with opening remarks by RAMW’s Lynne Breaux and Kris Rohr, and then topped off with dancing and delectable gourmet delights with inspired flavors from Chile, Mexico and Australia just to mention a few.
My favorite was the fresh ceviche from Chile and a spicy corn cake from Mexico with a creamy vegetarian sauce to die for. But the highlight of the evening had to be Todd Gray winning Chef of the Year. With 10 prior nominations and a stellar reputation he is kind of like the Susan Lucci of the RAMMYs. Other highlights included José Andrés winning the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. The DZ award recognizes someone in the restaurant community who has had a great impact on the industry and it is an impressive honor to receive.
Author, Michelle Schoenfeld (far right) enjoying The Rammys with friends.
I was personally pleased to see one of my favorites, Wolfgang Puck’s The Source grab an award and, although I am not hugely connected to the DC wine scene, it was also nice to see Taberna del Alabadero win the Wine Program Award.
For a complete rundown of winners, including Best New Restaurant check out the list below.
The 2011 RAMMY Award Winners:
Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award – José Andrés
Joan Hisaoka Associate Member – The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC
Neighborhood Gathering Place – Ted’s Bulletin, Washington, DC
Power Spot – Carmine’s, Washington, DC
Hottest Bar Scene – Chef Geoff’s – Tysons Corner, McLean, VA
Your Favorite Restaurant – Carmine’s, Washington, DC
Where Magazine Visitors’ Choice Award – Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington, DC
Restaurant Employee – Ryme Lansari – Café Atlantico/minibar, Washington, DC
Restaurant Manager – Hans Olson – Clyde’s of Reston, VA
Pastry Chef- Tiffany MacIssac – Neighborhood Restaurant Group, DC & VA
Upscale Casual Restaurant – Tabard Inn, Washington, DC
Rising Culinary Star – Kyle Bailey – Birch & Barley, Washington, DC
Best New Restaurant – Estadio, Washington, DC
Wine Program – Taberna del Alabardero, Washington, DC
Beverage/Mixology Program – Founding Farmers, Washington, DC
Fine Dining Restaurant – The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington, DC
Chef of the Year – Todd Gray – Equinox, Washington, DC
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Bon apetit!
Michelle Schoenfeld, “Beauty Buzz” expert for DC on Heels and co-owner of Renu Medspa and Plastic Surgery
301.652.RENU (7368)
www.renudc.com
Michelle Schoenfeld
