There’s a “Most Beautiful” list for just about every other industry, so why not the food and beverage industry? This was the question asked — and answered — earlier this month as DC Industree, an events based industry brand, made its inaugural ’60 Stunners’ announcement, along with a celebration, of course, at STK in Dupont Circle.
Months of consideration led to a decision to select 60 local “professionals who best represent DC’s cream of the crop based on physical attributes, personality, and dedication to their craft,” according to industree’s Mary Kong-Devito, and according to her colleague, Alisia Golden: “We really wanted to shine a light on all of the people who bust their ass all day… and look great while doing it.”
From high-level chefs to hostesses, general managers, food truck operators, and small-batch producers, these stunners span the spectrum, highlighting and honoring some of the hottest industry professionals in the region.
The 60 Stunners finale party included a special mention of the selected ‘Top 10 Stunners’ announced live at the event (to take winning Grand Marnier shots!) along with unveiling photos from an exclusive shoot hosted by the W Washington DC.
The Top Ten were announced as follows:
- 10. Alex McCoy (Duke’s Grocery)
- 9. David Mazza (Taylor Gourmet)
- 8. Robert Yealu (Independent Food & Beverage Professional)
- 7. Caroline Blundell (Ripple)
- 6. Makoto Hamamura (Crane & Turtle)
- 5. Eamonn Fetherston (Rappahannock River Oysters)
- 4. Che Ruddell-Tabisola (BBQ Bus)
- 3. Joe Ambrose (POV at W Washington DC)
- 2. Doron Petersan (Sticky Fingers Sweets & Eats)
- 1. A TIE!! Ronald Flores (Art and Soul) & Ayeshah Abuelhiga (Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.)
The remaining list of Stunners includes:
- Chad Spangler (The Menehune Group)
- Rob Duncan (Dolcezza)
- Violeta Edelman (Dolcezza)
- Mo Cherry (Mason Dixie Biscuit Co.)
- Alli Sosna (MicroGreens)
- Sarah Gordon (Gordy’s Pickle Jar)
- Andrew Market (Beuchert’s Saloon)
- JP Fetherston (Southern Efficiency)
- Hollis Bradley Pica (STK DC)
- Hilda Staples (VOLT)
- Rachel Martin (Boxwood Winery)
- Carlos Castera (Jaleo)
- Elizabeth Parker (Rose’s Luxury)
- Derek Brown (Mockingbird Hill/Eat the Rich/Southern Efficiency)
- Tom Brown (The Passenger)
- Caitlin Roberts (Number 1 Sons)
- Trevor Frye (Dram & Grain)
- Ashley Vignola (Vignola Gourmet)
- Ari Wilder (Chaplin’s)
- Luke Holden (Luke’s Lobster)
- Burton Heiss (Nando’s Peri-Peri)
- Mare Lewicki (Daikaya)
- Aaron Silverman (Rose’s Luxury)
- Elizabeth Petty (Elizabeth’s Gone Raw)
- Gladys Abi-Najm (Lebanese Taverna)
- Louis Goral (Rural Society)
- Giueseppe Lanzone (Peruvian Brothers)
- Nora Pouillon (Restaurant Nora)
- Vicky Harris (CapMac)
- Kimberly Grant (ThinkFoodGroup)
- Matt Carr (Little Red Fox)
- Cizuki Seki (Izakaya Seki)
- Chris Vigilante (Vigilante Coffee)
- Brinn Sinnott (Le Diplomate)
- Sarah Spigelman (Jack Rose Dining Saloon)
- James Horn (Kapnos)
- Rob Saunders (STK DC)
- Brett Schulman (Cava Mezze Grill)
- Rachael Ewing (Ri Ra Irish Pub)
- Jesse Miller (Bar Pilar)
- Francesco Amodeo (Don Ciccio & Figli)
- David Guas (Bayou Bakery)
- Anne Marler (Little Serow, Komi)
- Scott Harris (Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.)
- Julie Nganele (Restaurants of Bryan Voltaggio)
- Johnny Spero (Minibar)
- Carolyn Stromberg (Righteous Cheese)
- Grace Miller (G by Mike Isabella)
- Michael Lastoria (&pizza)
*Photos credit Joy Asico, Asico Photo