Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2018 RAMMY Award Winners

Winners in 21 Regional Award Categories Announced

Washington, DC (June 10, 2018)—Top foodservice industry professionals and their fans gathered tonight at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 36th Annual RAMMY Awards as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced winners in 21 award categories.

The selection process for the winners involved two esteemed groups, the voting public and an anonymous panel of volunteer judges, consisting of food and dining journalists, educators and foodservice industry professionals. The voting public decided the winners in four categories: Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch, Everyday Casual Brunch and Favorite Fast Bites.

RAMW honored four additional members with the Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year, given to USI Insurance Services for exemplifying commitment to and support of RAMW, the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award, presented to restaurant founder and publican Daniel J. Coleman for his hard work and outstanding initiative that has increased the profile and success of the metropolitan Washington foodservice community, the Exceptional Leadership & Impact Award presented to José Andrés and Patricia Fernandez de la Cruz for their remarkable contributions to the Washington, DC region, and for their incredible efforts they have taken as citizens of the world, and the 2018 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award given to Tony and Joe’s, a Georgetown dining staple celebrating 30 years on the Washington Harbour. These awards were determined by RAMW’s Executive Committee.

The winners of the 36th Annual RAMMY Awards are:

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

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan, Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen, Maydan

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

Pastry Chef of the Year: Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream Bakeshop

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Masseria

New Restaurant of the Year: CHIKO

Chef of the Year: Amy Brandwein, Centrolina

For more information regarding the winners of these awards, visit therammys.org or email therammys@ramw.org.

The RAMMYS

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: Its restaurants.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.

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