First up: the 2013 James Beard Foundation Award nominees. The award is considered by many to be the highest honor in the restaurant industry, which covers everything from chefs and restaurateurs to architects and journalists (who are welcomed with open arms, all scathing reviews forgotten). DC made an impressive showing, claiming three of the five nominees for "Best Chef: Midatlantic"--Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve, Eat Good Food Group),Johnny Monis (Komi, Little Serow), and Vikram Sunderam (Rasika). Also, Jose Andres' Minibar is up for Best Design and CityZen for Outstanding Wine Program. Check out the full list of nominees here.
The local restaurant scene is also abuzz with news of this year's RAMMY nominees. The awards, presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), honor restaurants across 16 categories, three of which are judged by the public. You canvote onlineApril 4-18 for your picks for Neighborhood Gathering Place, Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene, and Power Spot of the Year. This year's theme, "Restaurants in Bloom," honors DC's growth as a dining destination. See full list of noms here.
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