Eat the Vote

Photo by Emily Clack of Gina Chersevani's famous punch

Don't be the only one in the office on RAMMY Election Day without a coveted "I Voted" sticker! The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington encourages food-lovers to "Eat the Vote" and cast a ballot for the 2011 publicly voted RAMMY categories of Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, Power Spot and Neighborhood Gathering Place.

Public votes determine the outcome of several RAMMY Award categories, including: "Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, "Neighborhood Gathering Place,"and"Power Spot." During the week of 4/28 to 5/5, diners can "Eat the Vote" and participate in creative events full of food and cocktail specials and energetic fun with the nominees in these categories. Those who cast a ballot via smart phone while visiting participating nominee restaurants will be given an "I Voted" sticker so that they may proudly show the world their voice (and taste) has been heard.

Polls officially open at 12:01 a.m. on 4/28, and votes can be cast on washingtoncitypaper.com through 11:59 p.m. on 5/11. One vote is permitted in each category per individual email address. The ballots will be audited by Thompson Greenspon & Co. and the winners will be announced at the RAMMY Awards on June 26^th at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC.

'Eat the Vote' promotions include:

Bar Pilar (1833 14^th St. NW) is throwing a Neighborhood Block Party on 4/28 from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring cocktail specials, food specials, and the return of the famous photo booth. Photos will be free to all who vote for the restaurant.

Bastille (1201 North Royal St.) will be offering happy hour pricing all day and night on 4/28, cocktails will range from $6 to $6.50.

Bombay Club (815 Connecticut Ave. NW) is offering a $10 Power Cocktail throughout the week made with 2 oz. of Bank's Rum, .5 oz. of Orange Curacao, .75 oz of house made raspberry syrup and .5 oz. of fresh squeezed lemon juice.

Carmine's (616 E St. NW) will be hosting a Power Party from 4 to 7 p.m. on 5/5 featuring cocktail and appetizer specials; surprise "Power Guests;" tours of the restaurant's Secret Service entrance for all who vote; computers set up at the bar for patrons who wish to vote. 

Equinox (818 Connecticut Ave. NW) is hosting a Power Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. every night from 4/28-5/5, which includes cocktail specials and free bar munchies for those who have voted.

Masa 14 (1825 14^th St. NW) is offering a drink and food special at a discounted price of $10, includes Mango Mojito, Mojito Traditional, Spicy Tuna TemakiHand Roll and Mango Summer Rolls.

PS 7's (777 Eye St. NW) will be hosting a Voting Punch Party on 4/29 featuring master mixologist Gina Chersevani's famous punches at the discounted price of $7 each, as well as burgers and its signature flatbreads for half price.