RAMMY Nominees, They’re Just Like Us: Rising Culinary Star of the Year

You already know that the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) has revealed the finalists for their 2023 RAMMY AWARDS. And, as we have been doing for the last month or so TheListAreYouOnIt.com has featured the nominees from an array of categories in our annual section: RAMMY Nominees “They're Just Like Us”. And we continue! This week we get all sugar and spice and everything nice with the Rising Culinary Star of the Year nominees:

It’s such an honor to be noticed by your peers. What does a nomination like this mean to you?

Marcelle Afram
Owner/Chef Shababi Palestinian Rotisserie Chicken

It's truly humbling and meaningful. Food has grown to be my medium in my strive towards advocacy and visibility for the Palestinian and transgender communities. In addition to advocating for change within our industry. My peers have been nothing but supportive in helping me amplify my voice. Their recognition of my food and cause means so much to me.

Masako Morishita
Executive Chef at Perry’s

I am honored and humbled to be one of the nominees for Rising Culinary Star of 2023.  This nomination means so much to me and all of the immigrant ladies out there chasing their dreams. My goal has always been to connect people, cultures, and souls through food and I hope to elicit the same happiness and joy in diners that I experience creating the dishes. I am proud that the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington has recognized my love and philosophy of cooking.

Kat Petonito
Executive Chef, The Duck & The Peach, La Collina, The Wells

To be noticed and recognized by my peers is such an honor and privilege, however to be nominated is about more than just me…it is a reflection of our team who continually strive for excellence daily. It is proof that providing a positive work environment focused on growth and creating a space where we empower our team to make the right decisions while also providing a safe space to fail is working. It's a reflection of us as a collective and a reminder of how lucky I am to have our team here with me day in and out because I know I cannot do this alone.

Alfredo and Jessica Solis
Chef-owners, Mariscos 1133, Anafre, Mezcalero, El Sol 

We're so honored to be recognized by our peers. We opened our first restaurant, El Sol, so many years ago and we're so proud of what our restaurants have grown into and how Washington has embraced us and our style of Latin cuisine.

Elias Taddesse
Chef/Owner of Melange and Doro Soul Food

It is a great honor and privilege to be nominated along these many talented chefs. It is deeply rewarding to be recognized for the hard work and passion we put towards our craft.