By: Jennifer Duff
Capital Cooking Contributor
Hundreds
of the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area’s top restaurateurs, chefs and
key restaurant industry players gathered for the announcement of the nominees for the annual RAMMY awards by the Restaurant
Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW). The Nominations Party was hosted at The Hamilton LIVE and emceed by Kelly Collis and Tommy McFLY of 94.7 FRESH
FM. Restaurants, staff and Chefs were celebrated in
a number of categories ranging from Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year and New Restaurant of the Year, to Employee of the Year and Power Spot of the Year. Here’s a glimpse into some of
the nominees and their signature items featured at the nomination party.
Chef of the Year
This is definitely
my favorite award category, celebrating the culinary talents and artistic
vision of Chefs in the DC area. Nominees must display a
dedication to the artistry of food and must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.
The nominees for Chef of the Year include:
Tony Conte – The Oval Room
Haidar Karoum – Estadio/Proof
Tarver King – The Ashby Inn and Restaurant
Cedric Maupillier – Mintwood Place
Fabio Trabocchi – Fiola
Early in the evening, Chef Cedric Maupillier from Mintwood
Place was busy cooking lightly smoked salmon served over quinoa two ways
with merquén chili. Simple and clean
with a focus on flavor and presentation, this snack underscored the overall approach of Chef Meupillier,
who has noted "you eat first with your eyes." And to top
it off, Chef was super friendly and nice enough to pose for an impromptu “In
Bloom” photo.
Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene of the Year
Another fun category at the RAMMYS is Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene of the Year, highlighting bars that are innovative with a hip and eclectic
crowd.
The nominees are:
Bar Pilar
Fiola
Fuego Cocina y Tequileria
Hank’s Oyster Bar – Capitol Hill
Jack Rose Dining Saloon
And what goes better with a drink at a bar than a little bar bite? During the
reception we noshed on Taquitos de Atun
from Fuego. These mini tuna tartar tacos served with
avocado salsa de arbol were tasty and fresh, but a little heavy on the avocado.
New Restaurant of the Year
The category
for New Restaurant of the Year includes those notable restaurants that opened in 2012 (give or take a few months) and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in
food, beverage and service. I personally love the opening of new restaurants as it keeps things fresh and gives diners new tastes and creations to explore.
The nominees
for this category are:
Boqueria
DGS Delicatessen
Fuego Cocina y Tequileria
Mintwood Place
Rasika West End
Boqueria offered Montado de Boquerones during the reception – white anchovy over olivada picante and goat cheese. It was definitely an interesting amuse-bouche,
but it was a little too fishy/sardine like for my tastes.
We also sampled one of the delicious treats from DGS Delicatessen, their pastrami knish. Light and crispy, with a salty pastrami center
and a mustard sauce, this little potato ball was delicious. The potato dough was just the right amount of
filling to not overwhelm the pastrami center and wonderful complimented with
the mustard sauce.
Beverage/Mixology Program of the Year
This RAMMY award category recognizes restaurants that are distinguished by the quality, diversity,
creativity, clarity and value of their beverage programs.
The nominees include:
Birch and Barley/Churchkey
Bourbon Steak
EatGoodFood Group
Rasika
Room 11
During
the reception, mixologist Duane Sylvestre, from Bourbon Steak
was busy mixing up a refreshing cocktail featuring Makers 45, sour mix, lime
and mint. It was wonderfully smooth and
light, with the perfect balance of lime and mint for a fun spring
cocktail.
Overall, it was a fun and festive evening celebrating all those nominated for a RAMMY. Best of luck to all of the nominees and we look forward to celebrating the winners at the Restaurant Awards Gala, The RAMMYS, on June 23, 2013!
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