Food-tastic!

THE PARTY The RAMMY Awards presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington is the event of the year for D.C. restaurants, and always a grand affair. Over 2000 industry professionals and food fans gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to celebrate 22 winners in categories from New Restaurant of the Year to Restauranteur of the Year. And this was one awards show where no one left hungry. Produced by RJ Whyte Events, the massive celebration featured a 32-foot raw bar from Congressional Seafood, 43 bars and six major food pavilions with international inspiration.

THE PEOPLE It was the hottest ticket in town, and this year’s RAMMYs attracted many familiar faces in politics and diplomacy including Ambassadors from the embassies of Argentina, Chile, Korea and Peru. News anchors Holly Morris and Eun Yang enjoyed the party after serving as presenters during the ceremony, and renowned DC chefs and restauranteurs Mike Isabella, Jenn Carroll, Kwame Onwuachi and Robert Wiedmaier were some of the notable names in DC dining.

BEST IN SHOW This year’s big winners included Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier for Formal Dining Restaurant of the Year, Le Diplomate for Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year and Maketto for New Restaurant of the Year. Chef Scott Drewno of The Source by Wolfgang Puck and Pastry Chef Alex Levin of Osteria Morini also received awards for their outstanding work. After all the awards were doled out, guests danced the night away to beats by DJ Neekola and stayed energized with coffee spiked cocktails.

Photography by Nick Klein