You are here

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2022 RAMMY Awards Winner

July 24, 2022

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington Announces 2022 RAMMY Awards Winner
40th annual awards celebrates legacy and excellence in the region’s food industry

Washington, DC (July 24, 2022)—Restaurant industry professionals and their fans gathered tonight at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the 40th Annual RAMMY Awards as Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced winners and a range of special distinctions in a number of categories celebrating excellence in long-standing and pandemic-era categories that range from individual professional honors to accolades celebrating culinary concepts and service.

For 2022, the RAMMYS returned with a program of familiar categories honoring RAMW members, representing a year during which the industry rebuilt, recovered, and grew with new establishments. A selection of categories also spoke to pandemic-era aspects that both restaurants and diners have continued to enjoy and employ - all of which were decided via public vote earlier this year. Another carryover from last year, publicly voted categories were open to any foodservice operation in the region.

The winners of the 2022 RAMMY Awards are (*denotes publicly voted category*):

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Christian Irabien, Muchas Gracias

Pastry Chef of the Year: Francois Yann Buisine, Un je ne sais Quoi

Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Congressional Seafood

Employee of the Year: Herman Machado, The Salt Line - Navy Yard

Manager of the Year: Robert Heim, Shaw's Tavern

Service Program of the Year: Tail Up Goat

*Splendid Holidays at Home*: Unconventional Diner

*Hottest Sandwich Spot*: Mangialardo's 

*Favorite Gathering Place of the Year*: Casta's Rum Bar

*Favorite Fast Bites*: Little Miner Taco 

*Outstanding Pop-Up Concept*: Bun Papa

*Standout Family Meal Packages To Go*: 2 Fifty Texas BBQ

*Best Brunch of the Year*: A&J Restaurant

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Albi

Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ruthie’s All-Day

Wine Program of the Year: Queen’s English

Cocktail Program of the Year: Serenata

Beer Program of the Year: Quarry House Tavern

Chef of the Year: Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Cranes

New Restaurant of the Year: Daru

Restaurateur of the Year: Scott Drewno and Danny Lee, The Fried Rice Collective

The 2022 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award recipients were also honored, celebrating a significant number of years serving locals and visitors in Metropolitan Washington: 1789 and The Tombs (60 years), Anthony’s Restaurant (50 years), Bombay Bistro (30 years), Duangrat’s (35 years), El Tamarindo (40 years), Franklins (30 years), La Côte d’Or Café (30 years), Mike’s American (35 years), and Tabard Inn (100 years).

For more information regarding the 40th Annual RAMMY Awards and its winners, email therammys@ramw.org. Follow RAMW’s industry blog for regular updates and resources for the region’s restaurant and foodservice community.

The RAMMYS

Presented by Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the exceptional ability and accomplishments of the hard-working individuals and organizations of the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. Named the #1 Food & Restaurant event by BIZBASH Magazine since 2009, The RAMMYS celebrate one of metropolitan Washington’s greatest assets: Its restaurants.

Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW)

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Established in 1920, RAMW is an advocate, resource and community for its members. The Association works to promote and sustain the growth and development of the industry while providing its members legislative and regulatory representation, marketing and small business support, programming and events. RAMW strives to serve its members with professionalism and integrity, and provide them the training, education and support they need to grow a successful business.