Winners from the 38th Annual (Streamed) RAMMY Awards

Kathy Hollinger at the 34th annual (streamed) RAMMY awards

“We felt it was important to showcase the fortitude, leadership, and achievements we’ve seen among so many… Thank you for being there for us with your comfort, food, and kindness,” said Kathy Hollinger during the 38th annual RAMMY awards.

From a pre-show that featured cocktail demonstrations and videos from the evening’s beer, wine, and cocktail program finalists to a streamed after-party with music spun by DJ Neekola, the 2020 RAMMYs were an acknowledgment of the industry’s uncertainty, but within that context, galvanization. Because the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington couldn’t let the year go by without celebrating its resilient community.

The 34th annual RAMMY awards

Historically the RAMMYs are all about the accomplishments of the year before, but as more than 80 venues have already announced they will permanently shutter, Hollinger said it would be “ridiculous not to acknowledge the moment that we’re in right now.”

She described the future of the industry as “challenging, but hopeful,” and touted RAMW’s work to support it during these long months of the pandemic, including securing third party delivery caps and allowing beverage sales to-go.

Jummy Olabanji at the 34th annual (streamed) RAMMY awards

The black-tie event — for the few in attendance at the production studio in the Washington Convention Center — was also the site of Shawn Townsend’s announcement that the DC government would be offering a “Streatery Winter Ready Grant” of $6,000, available starting September 21st, for businesses to prepare their outdoor dining space for the upcoming season.

All the winners of the 38th annual RAMMY awards are:

 

Upscale Brunch of the Year: Trummer’s

Casual Brunch of the Year: All-Purpose – Shaw

Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: The Salt Line 

Favorite Fast Bites of the Year: Shouk

Service Program of the Year: St. Anselm

Beer Program of the Year: Roofers Union

Cocktail Program of the Year: Royal

Wine Program of the Year: Field & Main

Casual Restaurant of the Year: CHIKO – Capitol Hill

Employee of the Year: Yasmin Orozco, Taco Bamba Taqueria – Springfield

Manager of the Year: Jamal Flowers, Rocklands Barbeque and Grilling Co.  – Alexandria

Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Atlas Brew Works

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Three Blacksmiths

New Restaurant of the Year: Cane 

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Poca Madre

Pastry Chef of the Year: Paola Velez, Kith/Kin [now Maydan and Compass Rose]

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Angel Barreto, Anju

Restaurateur of the Year: Yama Jewayni, Katsuya Fukushima, Daisuke Utagawa, Daikaya Group

Chef of the Year: David Deshaies, Unconventional Diner