With a theme focusing on Carnivale, the 2011 RAMMYS Restaurant Awards Gala brought together restaurateurs, chefs and foodies alike to celebrate D.C.'s culinary traditions at the Marriott Wardman Park Sunday night.

RAMW (the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington) hosts the annual event to celebrate the hard work and dedication of those individuals who make the Washington, D.C. region "a major global gastronomic destination," as the evening's program stated. 

Two Arlington restaurants were nominated for RAMMYS: The Liberty Tavern and EatBar. I'd also like to offer a huge shout-out to Harry's Tap Room for inviting Patch to attend this event as their guest.

Among the amazing food and drinks highlighting the culinary traditions of the Australia, Chile, Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Mexico and the U.S. Southern states, a greater theme was echoed throughout the night.

In her opening remarks, RAMW President Lynne Breaux hailed Washington for maintaining an exciting and progressive international culinary tradition, despite the economic downturn.

Chef José Andrés dedicated the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award to the city of Washington. Andrés is a critically acclaimed and renowned chef, the recipient of the 2006 RAMMY Chef of the Year award and the 2011 James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award, the highest honor a chef in America can receive.

He spoke of the dedication to excellence within the greater community of Washington.

“If I don’t please myself, it’s impossible for me to please you,” Andrés said in his acceptance speech.  

Speakers highlighted the collaboration between local restaurants and organizations whose goals are to improve the lives of people in the District. Restaurants coordinate with D.C. Central Kitchen to fight hunger while others have embraced anti-obesity programs and healthy eating initiatives. 

Both Breaux and Andrés, as well as many of the other award winners, credited the community nature of Washington as a critical ingredient in the recipe for success of restaurants in Washington.

Awards and Winners

Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award - Chef José Andrés (creator of Jaleo, Zaytinya, Café Atlántico and Oyamel).

Joan Hisaoka Associate Member of the Year - Ritz-Carlton Washington, D.C.

Neighborhood Gathering Place - Ted's Bulletin

Power Spot - Carmine's Penn Quarter

Hottest Bar Scene - Chef Geoff's Tysons Corner

Voter's Choice Favorite Restaurant - Carmine's Penn Quarter

Where Magazine Visitor's Choice Award - Old Ebbitt Grill

Restaurant Employee of the Year - Ryme Lansari, server Café Atlántico/Minibar

Restaurant Manager of the Year - Hans Olson, manager Clyde's Reston, VA

Pastry Chef of the Year - Chef Tiffany MacIsaac, Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Upscale Casual Restaurant - Tabard Inn

Rising Culinary Star of the Year - Chef Kyle Bailey, Birch and Barley

New Restaurant - Estadio

Wine Program - Taberna Del Alabardero

Beverage/Mixology Program - Founding Farmers 

Fine Dining Restaurant - The Source by Wolfgang Puck

Chef of the Year - Chef Todd Gray, Equinox

Click here for a complete list of nominees for each category.