The Source by Wolfgang Puck was named the “Fine Dining Restaurant” of the year, Todd Gray of Equinox  was selected as  “Chef of the Year”  and Carmine’s as the ultimate “Power Spot” at the 2011 RAMMYS award ceremonies, presided over by Lynne Breaux, president of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, on  Sunday night.

The black tie and mask carnival-themed gala at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel drew upwards of 2,000, including City Council Chair Kwame Brown and Council Members Jack Evans and Tommy Wells.

For the association’s biggest and most glamorous event of the year, the hotel’s grand ballroom was transformed with international food pavilions featuring cuisines from Australia, Mexico, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The RAMMYS recognize the professionals that comprise the restaurant and associate membership of Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington.

Chef of the Year – Todd Gray of Equinox in downtown, D.C.

Fine Dining Restaurant – The Source by Wolfgang Puck in Penn Quarter, D.C.

Power Spot – Carmine’s in Penn Quarter, D.C.

New Restaurant – Estadio at  Logan Circle

Neighborhood Gathering Place – Ted’s Bulletin on Capitol Hill

Hottest Bar Scene – Chef Geoff’s at Tysons Corner, Va.

Upscale Casual Restaurant – Tabard Inn near DuPont Circle

Rising Culinary Star – Kyle Bailey of Birch & Barley at Logan Circle.

Your Favorite Restaurant – Carmine’s in Penn Quarter.

Wine Program – Taberna Del Alabardero, downtown D.C.

Beverage / Mixology Program – Founding Farmers, downtown D.C.

Where Magazine Visitors’ Choice Award – Old Ebbitt Grill in downtown DC.

Restaurant Employee – Ryme Lansari, server, Café Atlantico/Minibar, Penn Quarter.

Restaurant Manager – Hans Olson, general manager, Clyde’s of Reston, Va.

Pastry Chef – Tiffany MaCisaac – Neighborhood Restaurant Group, DC & Va.

In addition, Chef Jose Andres of Jaleo, Zaytinya and other restaurants, was awarded the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award for his dedication and leadership in the industry.

The Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year honor went to The Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. in the West End.

 

[11]