Top DC, NoVA Restaurant Award Winners Named

WASHINGTON, DC — The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced the winners of the 2018 RAMMY Awards, aka the Oscars of the DC restaurant world, at a special gala held Sunday night.

The RAMMY awards celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington's greatest assets: its restaurants. According to a statement, the awards honor "the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region's restaurants and foodservice community."

The 36th annual ceremony was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Without further ado, here are this year's winners:

• 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

The winners were selected by a panel of judges that includes food and dining journalists, educators and foodservice industry professionals.

The voting public decided the winners of four categories: Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch, Everyday Casual Brunch and Favorite Fast Bites.

RAMW is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the DC metro area.

Congrats to all the winners!