We know D.C. Get our free newsletter to stay in the know.
The event group and hospitality association Industree has narrowed down its list of “60 Stunners”—the most talented and attractive people in the D.C. food and drink scene—to 11 hotties. (Two people tied for the first place spot.)
And sorry, blondes, looks like this wasn’t your year. Also, women were greatly outnumbered by men on the list. Industree’s all-female team, who served as judges, selected only three women in the top 11. Industree founder Alisia Kleinmann says the judges, which included herself and three others, voted anonymously. Nominations from PR teams were not accepted.
As for how they came up with the ranking? Kleinmann says it was pretty informal. No structured rubric or scoring mechanism. “We wanted to highlight and promote the lesser known faces of the industry… Of course, the well known names had to come into play too,” she writes in an email.
Just as Miss America organizers emphasize the spectacle is a “scholarship program” not a “beauty pageant,” Kleinmann claims 60 Stunners isn’t just about a pretty face. “Alongside looks, we also took into account career, accomplishments/awards won, brand success, passion, dedication, background, social responsibility, and overall badassness,” she says.
The winners were announced at a Nov. 17 party for all the finalists at STK. Check out the ranking below.
1. (tie) Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. and Ronald Flores, Art and Soul
2. Doron Petersan, Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats
3. Joseph Ambrose, POV at W Washington DC
4. Makoto Hamamura, Crane & Turtle
5. Eamonn Fetherston, Rappahannock River Oysters
6. Che Ruddell-Tabisola, BBQ Bus
7. Robert Yealu, independent food & beverage professional
8. Caroline Blundell, Ripple
9. David Mazza, Taylor Gourmet
10. Alex McCoy, Duke’s Grocery (not pictured above; he was out of town)
Photo by Joy Asico, Asico Photo