5 Things We Learned at the RAMMYS

Kilts are in and some winners chose to attend the NBA finals instead of the restaurant industry’s biggest night, but these little factoids don’t paint the full picture of restaurant prom. Here are five things we learned at the 2015 RAMMY Awards put on by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).

1. DC Dining is an Economic Powerhouse

Photo credit: Chris Burch

Mayor Muriel Bowser dropped some economic knowledge on the crowd. According to Bowser, the hospitality industry is the second biggest employer in the District after the federal government. And, she expects restaurants to bring in $2.8B in revenue in 2015.

2. Mark Kuller's Legacy Will Last

Photo credit: Chris Burch

Jason Kuller reminded everyone with a moving tribute that restaurants are about people first. One of the finest of which was his brother Mark Kuller, who the DC dining community lost in October 2014. Mark’s son Max Kuller joined Jason on stage as they recounted Mark’s big personality and love for food, ending with a note that his presence is still felt in the details at his restaurants, Proof, Estadio and Doi Moi. Pictured: Jason Kuller makes remarks with Max Kuller standing by for support.

3. Newer Isn't Necessarily Better

Photo credit: Chris Burch

It came as a slight surprise when Pizzeria Paradiso (Georgetown) landed the best beer program prize over Bluejacket—a bright, shiny and new brewery from Neighborhood Restaurant Group. The Pizzeria Paradiso Georgetown location has been open since 2002. One important distinction is that Bluejacket is a brewpub serving its own creative beers, while Pizzeria Paradiso curates a thoughtful list of craft beers. With the growing number of brewpubs, perhaps a new category is in order. Pictured: The Pizzeria Paradiso team headed up by chef/owner Ruth Gresser.

4. Fine Dining Can Happen on a Farm

Photo credit: Chris Burch

The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm took the fine dining restaurant of the year award, beating out Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier and Rasika—two downtown, white tablecloth mainstays. “It took me a few punches to the leg by my sous chef to register that they called our name,” Tarver King, the chef at Patowmack, told us. Fine dining no longer fits into one well-defined box. Pictured: Tarver makes his acceptance speech with Patowmack Farm owner Beverly Morton by his side.

5. The Trabocchis Are Unstoppable

Photo credit: Chris Burch

Don’t open a new restaurant the same year as Maria and Fabio Trabocchi. The power couple has brought in RAMMYS for four years running (2012-2015). Fiola won best new restaurant in 2012; Fabio was recognized as best chef in 2013; Fiola got another nod this time as best formal fine dining restaurant in 2014; and Fiola Mare won best new restaurant on Sunday night. Pictured: RAMMYS gala chair Dave Moran, Maria Trabocchi, Fabio Trabocchi, and RAMW president & CEO Kathy Hollinger.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Washington, D.C. Newsletters
Related Stories

270-Unit Manassas Gated Community Sells: The D.C. Deal Sheet

BXP Closes In On Next D.C. Office Development As It Shrinks Assets

How Metropolis Is Bringing Parking Into The Future With AI And Recognition Technology

Montgomery County Approves 18-Month Data Center Moratorium

With New $250M Deal, Elme Is Fully Set To Liquidate

Simpson Thacher Appears In Talks For What Could Be One Of D.C.'s Largest Office Leases In 2026

Hines Nabs 4 Prince William Housing Sites: The D.C. Deal Sheet

AvalonBay Sells 217-Unit Community Next To Greensboro Metro

GSA Head Says Federal Government Has 'Place To Play' In Southwest D.C. Redevelopment

Downtown D.C. Office In Receivership Hits Market For Conversion

Nonprofit Takes On $105M Silver Spring Project: The D.C. Deal Sheet

Janeese Lewis George Wants To Stabilize Rent. The Question Is How