Calling All Foodies: Nominations Open for Restaurant Awards

Calling all foodies! The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is accepting nominations beginning today (Friday) for the 2014 RAMMY Awards. Nominations are open through Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Anyone can nominate a restaurant or person in any category. Last year, Maple Avenue owner/chef Tim Ma was nominated in the "Rising Culinary Star of the Year" category. Northern Virginia chef Scott Harlan of Green Pig Bistro, in Arlington, took home the award last year. Ma and Joey Hernandez have since opened Water & Wall in Arlington.

The annual RAMMY Awards Gala is the signature annual fundraiser for RAMW recognizing the best and brightest in the area’s restaurant industry. In 2014, the judging panel will select finalists from the pool of nominees, eventually awarding winners in 21 categories, including four to be chosen by public vote, at the 32nd Annual Gala to be held Sunday, June 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. This year RAMW will honor:

·         Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year

·         Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year

·         Everyday Casual Restaurant of the Year

·         New Restaurant of the Year

·         Chef of the Year

·         Rising Culinary Star of the Year

·         Pastry Chef of the Year

·         Wine Program of the Year

·         Cocktail Program of the Year (formerly Beverage/Mixology Program) 

·         Beer Program of the Year 

·         Service Program of the Year 

·         Manager of the Year

·         Employee of the Year

·         Restaurateur of the Year

·         Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year 

After nominations close and voting begins, the public will be voting on these categories:

·         Favorite Gathering Place of the Year

·         Upscale Brunch 

·         Everyday Casual Brunch 

·         Favorite Fast Bites 

The selection process for nominees and winners involves 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 will have the opportunity to vote online at washingtoncitypaper.com and on the websites of RAMMYS finalists. 

New categories this year include: 

Cocktail Program of the Year: awarded to a bar, restaurant, or other foodservice establishment with an exemplary cocktail program 

Beer Program of the Year: given to a restaurant, bar, brewery restaurant or brew pub with a diverse selection of high-quality beer.  

Service Program of the Year: honoring a nominee that demonstrates a high standard of excellence in service throughout the restaurant

Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: awarded to an exceptional food or beverage artisan that creates a product utilized by area chefs and restaurants

Favorite Fast Bites: for an operator in a fast-casual environment that demonstrates a dedication to great food and superb service 

Upscale Brunch and Everyday Casual Brunch: presented to two restaurants that demonstrate a high standard of dining excellence and service for their brunches, one in an upscale environment and the other in a more casual, everyday environment.

In addition to those eligible for online nominations, RAMW honors two additional members with the Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year, presented to an associate member who best exemplifies commitment to and support of RAMW, and the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award, given for dedication and leadership that has helped transform Washington’s restaurant scene into today’s vibrant restaurant industry.  These awards are determined by RAMW’s Executive Committee.

How to Nominate: To nominate an outstanding operator or professional in the area’s exceptional restaurant industry, use RAMW’s simple nomination form at eatsdc.org/nominations/ through midnight, the evening of Wednesday, Jan. 29.  

Finalists will be announced at a special event in March. 

More info here about 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 for four consecutive years, The RAMMYS celebrate one of Metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: its restaurants.