‘Birch & Barley – Churckey’
courtesy of ‘Daquella manera’
DC’s restaurant community gathered last night at the Marriott Wardman Park to celebrate their own in a black-tie 1940s-themed gala. The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington awarded the coveted RAMMY prizes last night before an audience of 1,500.
Scott Drewno from The Source by Wolfgang Puck garnered the Chef of the Year award, while Falls Church’s 2941 claimed the Fine Dining Restaurant award. 2941‘s Anthony Chavez would claim the Pastry Chef of the year award. Nicolas Stefanelli from Bibiana took home the Rising Star Award. Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Birch & Barley claimed the Best New Restaurant prize, while BLT Steak picked up the Power Spot name. Cork Wine Bar because DC’s new best Neighborhood Gathering Place, while Alexandria’s Vermillion captured the Upscale Casual restaurant award.
Surprising no one at all, the Birch & Barley/Churchkey claimed Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, thanks in no small part to Greg Engert’s excellent taste. Proof picked up recognition for their excellent wine program, while PS7’s just a few blocks up received the same nod for their mixology program.
Adolfo Cajchon from Seasons claimed Restaurant Employee of the Year, and Mark Politzer claimed Restaurant Manager of the Year for his work at Bourbon Steak. CoCo. Sala was voted Favorite Restaurant through online and newspaper polling.
Most interesting in this year’s awards: No honors for anyone in Maryland, nor were there any Arlington restaurants that picked up a nod in this year’s awards. Long Live the District! (Okay, and Falls Church and Old Town, too.)
I live and work in the District of Columbia. I write at We Love DC, a blog I helped start, I work at Technolutionary, a company I helped start, and I’m happy doing both. I enjoy watching baseball, cooking, and gardening. I grow a mean pepper, keep a clean scorebook, and wash the dishes when I’m done. Read Why I Love DC.
I should be as outraged as anyone Arlington was snubbed. But really, have any of Arlington’s top restaurants – new or existing – really brought it to the table this year in any way close to how Birch & Barley/Churchkey has? I’m really looking forward to their opening of the new Rustico in Ballston.