Here Are the 2019 Rammy Awards Winners

Last night the local dining community honored its own at the 2019 Rammy Awards. The annual gala, hosted by trade group the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, recognizes the hospitality venues chosen by its panel of anonymous judges and members picked by public vote.*

The winners of the 37th Rammy Awards include:

Chef of the Year: Kyle Bailey, The Salt Line

New Restaurant of the Year: Spoken English

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: The Source by Wolfgang Puck

Restaurateur of the Year: Michael Friedman, Mike O’Malley, Colin McDonough, and Gareth Croke, Redstone Restaurant Group (All Purpose, Boundary Stone, The Red Hen)

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Iron Gate

Casual Restaurant of the Year: Royal

Service Program of the Year: Ambar - Clarendon

Upscale Brunch of the Yea: Unconventional Diner

Casual Brunch of the Year*: Compass Rose Bar & Kitchen

Favorite Gathering Place of the Year*: Open Road

Favorite Fast Bites of the Year*: Taco Bamba Taqueria

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Kwame Onwuachi, Kith/Kin

Pastry Chef of the Year: Ana Deshaies, Unconventional Diner

Beer Program of the Year: Republic

Cocktail Program of the Year: barmini by José Andrés

Wine Program of the Year: Maxwell Park

Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: The Veritas Law Firm

Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Ivy City Smokehouse

Employee of the Year: Valentine King, Hummingbird Bar and Kitchen

Manager of the Year: Donna Seal, Oceanaire

John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award: Claude Andersen, Clyde’s Restaurant Group

Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award: Virginia Ali, Ben’s Chili Bowl/Ben’s Chili Bowl Foundation

Congratulations to all the winners.