by contributor Wendy Gordon
Photo credit: Freddie Lieberman
It happens yearly just after the summer’s first blush. It’s the best chefs, restaurants, managers, etc., nominated by colleagues in the hospitality trade. It’s the annual RAMMY Awards—the Oscars of the DC restaurant industry bestowed on the best of…….by their own.
The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced the theme of this year’s festivities—“Restaurants in Bloom” at a party at Fujimar on Monday evening, amidst a backdrop of local wines, sushi and butlered hors d’oeuvres.
Abby Fenton and Scott Thuman of WJLA-TV; Kelly Collis, and Tommy McFly co-hosts of The Tommy Show on Fresh FM
“We’re excited, said new RAMW President, Kathy Hollinger. “I have always been a huge RAMMY supporter—I’ve gone the last 11 years in many different capacities. This year is going to be very exciting. We’re building on all the momentum of years past. This year’s theme of Restaurants in Bloom really speaks to what we’re seeing in this industry across the region and in the neighborhoods. It’s growing, its vibrant, and restaurants are really becoming the anchor in their respective locations.”
This year’s RAMMY Awards ceremony will take place on June 23rd at the Marriott Wardman Park with an estimated 1600 guests—DC restaurateurs, chefs and industry insiders. Nominees in 18 categories including Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, Rising Star Chef, best Beverage/Mixology Program will be crowned.
Why is this important? In DC alone, projected restaurant sales will top $2.6 billion, employ almost 50,000 people and number over 2000. The numbers are even higher in Maryland and Virginia.
“We’re really looking for everyone to participate in this era of renaissance in the restaurant industry,” Ms. Hollinger said. “In the last month we’ve added 20 new members, and will increase that as the years go on. “
Established in 1920, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington was formed to unite, represent and promote restaurants and the regional food service industry. Today, RAMW has more than 700 members in the District, Northern Virginia and Maryland and serves as the voice of establishments ranging from casual eateries to internationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants. For over 90 years RAMW has been “fighting for the right to eat, drink and be merry, hospitably, responsibly and profitably®.”
The mission of the Association is to represent and promote the food service industry in the Washington Metropolitan area through education, government relations, and socio-professional activities.
