2004 "RAMMY" Nominees and Winners

[Mark Sommelier]

My friend Roberto Donna won best chef!!

My friend Robert Wiedmaier won best fine dining restaurant!!

David Guas won best pastry chef.

Look at the website for the others. Some of them are real head scratchers.

[sara]

Mark, I don't see the winners listed on the website. Who won for Best New Restaurant?

[Vandyhoo]

Matchbox won best new restaurant!

[DonRocks]

Matchbox won best new restaurant!

Before anyone chimes in and screams FOUL!, Matchbox must be considered a hilariously great choice that thumbs its nose at convention and authority.

And congratulations to vandyhoo's brother, Graig Glufling, chef at Matchbox.

[DonRocks]

FOUL!

I'll post the list because I think people are interested in it. That said, I don't know a single restaurant professional who thinks these "awards" are anything more than a joke, a farce, a travesty, and a means to obtain a bit of free PR.

What does it even mean, "of the year?"

Here they are,

Rocks.

-------------

Neighborhood Gathering Place of the Year: Lebanese Taverna, DC

Hottest Bar Scene of the Year: Zola

Power Spot of the Year: The Palm, DC

New Restaurant of the Year: Matchbox

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Marcel's

Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year: Jaleo

Chef of the Year: Roberto Donna, Galileo

Restaurant Employee of the Year: Rod Wolfe, Finn & Porter

Pastry Chef of the Year: David Guas, Ceiba/DC Coast/TenPenh

Wine and Beverage Program of the Year: Kinkead's

Restaurant Manager of the Year: David Moran, Old Ebbitt Grill

Industry Ambassador of the Year: William and Patricia Anton, Anton Airfood,

Inc.

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Jonathan Krinn, 2941

RAMW Associate Member of the Year: Patterson//Smith Associates

Where Magazine Visitors Choice Award: McCormick & Schmick's Seafood

Restaurant

[Tweaked]

or isn't this an opportunity for the DC restaurant community to get together, have a few drinks, talk some shop, recognize some of the industry leaders in the area, and draw attention to the fine area independent restaurants as opposed to the big national chains...

[bilrus]

or isn't this an opportunity for the DC restaurant community to get together, have a few drinks, talk some shop, recognize some of the industry leaders in the area, and draw attention to the fine area independent restaurants as opposed to the big national chains...

Like McCormick and Schmicks?

[Tweaked]

Does the Where Magazine award really count? The only other chain restaurant is the Palm...the majority are all local chefs.

[danzig]

I must also give it up for Matchbox ( true I'm a friend of the chef for many years ) It's not a fine dining joint..but they do it well and without a lotta pretense...good on 'em