CATEGORY DESCRIPTIONS 2024

2024 Awards Categories

The fourteen Restaurant Categories and Individual Award Categories in this section are open to any RAMW member, in good standing, who meets all of the eligibility requirements of the category.

RESTAURANT CATEGORIES:

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of excellence in food, service and atmosphere and shows dedication to sophisticated culinary techniques in a fine dining environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year
The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of dining excellence and service in an upscale casual environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

 
Casual Restaurant of the Year
The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a dedication to dining excellence, service, and value in a casual environment. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

 
New Restaurant of the Year
A restaurant that must have opened between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and hospitality. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.

Wine Program of the Year
The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program.  The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience.  Wine bars are eligible for this category and will be judged based on the diversity and quality of their offerings. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff.  The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

 
Cocktail Program of the Year  
The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its craft cocktail program, evaluated separately from its beer, wine or other beverages. Nominees may be bars, restaurants, or any foodservice establishment with an exemplary cocktail program. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff.  The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

 
Beer Program of the Year
The establishment is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its beer program. Brewery restaurants and brewpubs are eligible for this category and will be judged based on the diversity and quality of their craft beer. The nominee continues to break new ground in the education of its staff. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

 
Service Program of the Year
This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of excellence in service across the restaurant – from the reservation process, to the host station, to every element of the dining experience. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW and must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES

Chef of the Year
The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of culinary excellence. The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food and may be from any type of establishment. The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

Rising Culinary Star of the Year
The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future. The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year
The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef or baker who prepares desserts, baked goods, or breads and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry. The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals. The nominee must have been a pastry chef or baker for the past three years with a minimum of one year based in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

Manager of the Year
The nominee is a non-owner manager or general manager in the food service industry who displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

 
Employee of the Year
The nominee is a non-managerial front or back of the house employee who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW, or be employed by a member business.

 
Restaurateur of the Year
The nominee must be a working restaurateur or restaurant group who sets high standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for a minimum of 5 years in the Metropolitan Washington area. The nominee must be a current member of RAMW.

PUBLICLY VOTED CATEGORIES FOR 2024:

For the 2024 awards, these five Publicly Voted Categories are open to any RAMW member restaurant, or foodservice business in the DC Metropolitan region who meets the general description of the category and is eligible for recognition. Five finalists will be chosen in each category by the RAMMYS judges panel. The winners will be chosen by a public vote.

Favorite Gathering Place
This nominee is a restaurant rooted in its neighborhood where guests come to eat, drink, and get together with friends over and over again. The great atmosphere - indoors or outdoors – and good vibes are as important as the food and drink. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023.

Best Brunch
The nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of dining excellence and service for its brunch in a formal, upscale, or casual environment. Brunch may be offered as full-service, buffet, or prix fixe. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023. 

Best Bar
The nominee is an establishment whose primary focus is beverages in a casual or upscale environment, with or without food. Patrons are there for the drinks, the atmosphere, decor, and the hospitality. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of one year by December 31, 2023. 

Favorite Fast Bites
This nominee is a delicatessen, quick-serve restaurant, bakery, mobile food vendor, or coffee shop (with food menu) that demonstrates a dedication to good food and good service in a fast-casual environment. The nominee must have been in operation for a minimum of one year as of December 31, 2023.

 
Hottest Sandwich Shop
This nominee is a casual restaurant, quick-serve, or mobile food vendor with a menu dedicated to creative and delicious sandwiches that demonstrate excellence and skill. The nominee must have been in operation for a minimum of one year as of December 31, 2023.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HONORS

Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year
The award is presented to an associate member who best exemplifies commitment to and support of RAMW. This award recipient is determined by the Executive Committee of RAMW.

Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award
The Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award is given for dedication and leadership that has helped transform Washington’s restaurant scene into today’s vibrant restaurant industry. This award recipient is determined by the Executive Committee of RAMW.

 
Milestone Award
Honoring long standing local restaurants that are celebrating a 25th, 50th, or 75th anniversary of being in business at the same location. The Honorary Milestone Award is bestowed onto only the Washington region’s most influential or beloved dining institutions that are celebrating milestone anniversaries. This honor is awarded by the RAMW Executive Committee and is only awarded in years when there is a noteworthy milestone. 

John G. Laytham Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award
The Exceptional Leadership and Impact Award is presented to individuals from the Washington, DC metropolitan region’s foodservice community who have made a sizable and lasting impact locally, nationally, or globally through their work and vision. Honorees range from industry changemakers, philanthropic leaders, community champions and mnay more who are making a difference in the lives of others.

The award was first given to José Andrés in 2018 for his humanitarian leadership efforts on a global scale. It was awarded in 2019 to Claude Andersen of the Clyde's Restaurant Group for his incredible dedication carrying out John Laytham's vision for more than 45 years, and as a leader in areas of culinary and hospitality education and workforce development over many decades

 Questions?

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