The 2024 Rammy Awards were just announced, recognizing the crème de la crème of Washington D.C.'s vibrant dining scene. Hosted by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), the big event took place on July 21 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center with a record 2,500 culinary enthusiasts in attendance.
Like a D.C. version of the James Beard Awards, the Rammys are bestowed upon rising star chefs, outstanding wine programs, exceptional staff, and, of course, top area restaurants. The primary winners must be RAMW members and are determined by an anonymous panel of judges in the food media and hospitality industry, but a slate of awards voted on by the public can be given to any area restaurant.
Several recipients of the Rammys’ Washington Monument-shaped glass trophies have already earned prestigious accolades, including Perry's chef Masako Morishita, Anju chef Angel Barreto and Peruvian tasting room Causa.
Here are the 2024 Rammy Award winners (* denotes publicly-voted categories):
New Restaurant of the Year: Ellie Bird
Cocktail Program of the Year: Silver Lyan
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Masako Morishita, Perry’s
Beer Program of the Year: Zinnia
Wine Program of the Year: Apero
*Favorite Gathering Place: Mi Vida
*Best Brunch: Duke’s Counter
*Best Bar: Bar Chinois
*Favorite Fast Bites: Fava Pot
*Hottest Sandwich Shop: Colada Shop
Casual Restaurant of the Year: La Famosa
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Lutèce
Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: Rochelle Cooper, The Duck & The Peach
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Causa/Amazonia
Chef of the Year: Angel Barreto, Anju
Restaurateur of the Year: Kyle Bailey, Jon Ball, Jeremy Carman, Gavin Coleman, and Paul Holder, Long Shot Hospitality
Employee of the Year: Michael Wyatt, Annabelle Restaurant
Manager of the Year: Victoria Gradia, KNEAD Hospitality + Design
Service Program of the Year: Reveler’s Hour
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School