Last night at The Hamilton, we got a taste of the creations that will be honored at the Rammy Awards Gala, taking place on June 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
“Burnt Eggplant” – Arroz
“Unaccustomed Earth” Cocktail with Veggie Straw – Petworth Citizen
Mezcal Cocktail – Espita
Taretar – Bresca
Mint Julep (tequila style) – The Royal
So who made the final cut? Drumroll please….
The 2018 Rammy Finalists are:
New Restaurant of the Year
- Arroz
- Bresca
- Chiko
- Del Mar
- Maydan
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
- Fiola Mare
- Masseria
- Rasika
- The Source by Wolfgang Puck
- Trummer’s on Main
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year
- Centrolina
- Clarity
- Iron Gate
- Maketto
- Sushi Taro
Casual Restaurant of the Year
- Daikaya
- Duke’s Grocery
- Royal
- Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse
- Timber Pizza Company
Chef of the Year
- Kyle Bailey, Salt Line
- Amy Brandwein, Centrolina
- David Deshaies, Central/Unconventional Diner
- Katsuya Fukushima, Bantam King/Daikaya/Haikan
- Rob Rubba, Hazel
Pastry Chef of the Year
- Fabrice Bendano, Le Diplomate
- Naomi Gallego, Neighborhood Restaurant Group
- Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream Bakeshop
- Pichet Ong, Maketto/Brothers and Sisters
- Erin Reed, Blue Duck Tavern
Rising Culinary Star of the Year
- Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan, Maydan
- Carlos Delgado, China Chilcano
- Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza Company
- Michael Rafidi, Arroz/Requin
- Russell Smith, Source by Wolfgang Puck
Wine Program of the Year
- Bourbon Steak
- Compass Rose
- Le Diplomate
- Range
- Trummer’s on Main
Cocktail Program of the Year
- Bar Charley
- Barmini
- Espita Mezcaleria
- Royal
- Petworth Citizen and Reading Room
Beer Program of the Year
- Brasserie Beck
- Owen’s Ordinary
- Republic
- Roofers Union
- The Sovereign
Service Program of the Year
- Bourbon Steak
- Le Diplomate
- Minibar
- Red Hen
- Tosca
Restaurateur of the Year
- Stephen and Mark Fedorchak, Liberty Tavern Restaurant Group (Liberty Tavern, Lyon Hall, Northside Social, Liberty Barbecue)
- Katsuya Fukushima, Yama Jewayni and Daisuke Utagawa, Daikaya Group (Daikaya, Haikan, Bantam King)
- Ari Gejdenson, Mindful Restaurants Group (Acqua al 2, Ari’s Diner, Denson Liquor Bar, Dock FC, Ghibellina, Harold Black, La Puerta Verde, Sotto)
- Jamie Leeds, JL Restaurant Group (Hank’s Cocktail Bar, Hank’s Pasta Bar, Hank’s Oyster Bar)
- Ype Von Hengst and Bob Giaimo, Silver Diner/Silver
Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year
- Atlas Brew Works
- Bluejacket brewery
- Ivy City Smokehouse
- Logan’s Sausage
- Right Proper Brewing Company
Manager of the Year
- Julio Amador, Cork Wine Bar & Market
- Daniel Coughlan, Compass Rose
- Matthew McQuilkin, Pizzeria Paradiso
- Heidi Minora, Commissary
- Adam Rigaa, Brasserie Beck
Employee of the Year
- Gerarda Lazo, Pizzeria Paradiso
- Sharon Rissal, Jaleo – Bethesda
- Pete Rymshaw, Salt Line
- Edgar Salvador, Centrolina
- Andrea Tateosian, Urbana
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year
- Coastal Sunbelt Produce
- Congressional Seafood
- Streetsense
- Trimark Adams-Burch
- USI Insurance Services
Favorite Fast Bites (Public Vote)
- G by Mike Isabella
- Moby Dick
- Shouk
- Stomping Ground
- Taco Bamba
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year (PV)
- Bar Charley
- Cheesetique – Shirlington
- Fare Well
- Right Proper Brewing Company
- The Daily Dish
Casual Brunch (PV)
- Ambar – Capitol Hill
- Ari’s Diner
- Tavern at Ivy City Smokehouse
- Maketto
- Vinoteca
Upscale Brunch (PV)
- Osteria Morini
- Seasons
- Sfoglina
- The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm
- The Source by Wolfgang Puck