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The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington just wrapped its RAMMYs nomination party this evening at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown D.C.
Y&H extends his congratulations to the following nominees for the annual award, which will be presented in a revamped format on Sunday, June 6, at the Marriott Wardman Park:
The 2010 RAMMY finalists
Fine Dining
The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates an unwavering standard of dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
Finalists:
- 2941, Falls Church
- Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington
- Minibar by José Andrés, Washington
- The Oval Room, Washington
- The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington
Upscale Casual
The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates a commitment to dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The dining experience may be more casual than Fine Dining, the price point lower, but the commitment to excellence is paramount. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
Finalists:
- Central Michel Richard, Washington
- The Liberty Tavern, Arlington
- Proof, Washington
- Vermilion, Alexandria
- Zaytinya, Washington
Neighborhood Gathering Place
This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of quality and congeniality rooted in its neighborhood.
Finalists:
- Bar Pilar, Washington
- Belga Café, Washington
- Cork, Washington
- EatBar, Arlington
- Kemble Park Tavern, Washington
New Restaurant
A restaurant that must have been opened between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and service.
Finalists:
- Bibiana, Washington
- Birch & Barley, Washington
- Bourbon Steak, Washington
- Eventide, Arlington
- Inox, McLean,
Chef
The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food, exhibits an ongoing commitment to the community and may be from any type of establishment. The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Finalists:
- Bertrand Chemel, 2941, Falls Church
- Scott Drewno, The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington
- Daniel Giusti, 1789, Washington
- Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington
- Haidar Karoum, Proof, Washington
Rising Culinary Star
The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future. The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years.
Finalists:
- Michael Isabella, Zaytinya, Washington
- Liam LaCivita, The Liberty Tavern, Arlington
- Shannon Overmiller, Majestic Café, Alexandria
- Nicholas Stefanelli, Bibiana, Washington
- Jon Mathieson, Inox, McLean
Pastry Chef
The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef who prepares desserts and pastries and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry. The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee must have been a pastry chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
Finalists:
- Anthony Chavez, 2941, Falls Church
- Amanda Cook, CityZen, Washington
- Josh Short, Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Washington and Virginia
- Fabrice Bendano, Adour, Washington
- Travis Olson, 1789, Washington
Wine Program
The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program. The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.
Finalists:
- 2941, Falls Church
- Michel Richard Citronelle, Washington
- Dino, Washington
- 701/Ardeo/Bardeo/Bibiana/Bombay Club/The Oval Room/Rasika, Washington
- Proof, Washington
Beverage/Mixology Program
The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, creativity, clarity and value of its beverage program. The nominee’s beverage program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the restaurant experience. The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009
Finalists:
- Brasserie Beck, Washington
- EatGoodFoodGroup, Alexandria
- Founding Farmers, Washington
- PS7’s, Washington
- Tabard Inn, Washington
Restaurant Power Spot
This nominee is a top choice member restaurant, a spot to “see and be seen” with the movers and shakers on the national and local political and business scene. It best exemplifies “how Metropolitan Washington works.”
Finalists:
- Art & Soul, Washington
- BLT Steak, Washington
- Bombay Club, Washington
- The Source by Wolfgang Puck, Washington
- Teatro Goldoni, Washington
Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene
This nominee is a member restaurant or hotel bar that is innovative with an energetic scene (atmosphere, drink menu, etc.) with a hip and eclectic crowd and is a great people watching and meeting place.
Finalists:
- Birch & Barley and ChurchKey, Washington
- Bourbon Steak, Washington
- Masa 14, Washington
- Posto, Washington
- POV, Washington
Manager
The nominee is a manager or general manager in the food service industry who displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership with a member business. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image.
Finalists:
- Souheil Moussadik, CoCo. Sala, Washington
- Ryan McCarthy, Passion Food Hospitality, Washington and Reston
- Ashley Williams, Mie N Yu, Washington
- Mark Politzer, Bourbon Steak, Washington
- Fernando Contreras, KAZ Sushi Bistro, Washington
Employee
The nominee is a non-managerial employee of a member business who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. This nominee must have been working in the food service industry for a minimum of three years by December 1, 2009.
Finalists:
- Corina August, Mie N Yu, Washington
- Joe Bolam, Urbana, Washington
- Adolfo Cajchon, Seasons, Washington
- Marco Guzman, Café Atlantico, Washington
- Jose Orantes, Dino, Washington