Last night we went to the RAMMYS Nomination Party at the Hamilton to learn which DC restaurants were nominated this year for awards.

Each year, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington brings together chefs, restaurateurs and foodies to recognize the best of the best in the restaurant industry. The winners will be announced at its black tie gala June 7. We snapped its president, Kathy Hollinger, with Passion Food Hospitality’s Gus DiMillo.

Ripple and Roofer’s Union Chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley is nominated for Chef of the Year along with Del Campo’s Victor Albisu, The Partisan’s Nathan Anda and Ed Witt, Mintwood Place’s Cedric Maupillier, and minibar by Jose Andres’ Johnny Spero. She's with her restaurants' David Delaplaine and owner Roger Marmet.

Over 400 enjoyed smoked salmon and caviar with avocado mousse from Crane & Turtle, and quinoa with pomegranate, pickled shallots and pistachio from Republic. Here, Everyday Casual Restaurant of the Year nominee DGS Delicatessen’s Nick Wiseman is bookended by Toki Underground’s Erik Bruner-Yang and TheListAreYouOnIt’s Nycci Nellis.

There are 20 award categories in culinary excellence, such as Best New Restaurant: Crane & Turtle, Fiolo Mare, The Partisan, Republic, and TICO; and Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Marcel’s, minibar by Jose Andres, Rasika, The Restaurant at Patowmack, and Trummer’s on Main. Here, the Nationals’ Andrew McCarthy, and Events DC’s Chinyere Hubbard and Greg O’Dell.