Monday Night, the DMV Got All Dorothied: RAMMYs 2026

Monday night, the DMV hospitality community got all Dorothied and made their way to Arena Stage for the 44th Annual RAMMYS Awards and what a night it was.

I have to say, I loved every minute of being on that stage. Carla Hall, Eun Yang, and little old me were among the presenters, and I had the absolute honor of handing out two of my favorite awards of the evening. Giving the Cocktail Program of the Year to Amazonia was a moment, that program is extraordinary. And presenting Chef of the Year to Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group? Loved seeing Chef Matt accept that award. It was a packed list of finalists, so well deserved.

Then it was over to The Anthem, where three floors of the DMV's finest ate, drank, danced, and and yes, sang their hearts out. Because Danny Lee was running the karaoke stage and it was an absolute smash hit. 

But more importantly, the winners. Congratulations to all.

44th Annual RAMMYS Winners

-Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Albi
-New Restaurant of the Year: The Occidental
-Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Perry's
-Chef of the Year: Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss, The Popal Group
-Restaurateur of the Year: Fernando González, 2fifty Texas BBQ
-Wine Program of the Year: Fiola
-Fast Casual Restaurant of the Year: Andy's Pizza
-Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year: Rose Nguyen, Rose Ave Bakery
-Service Program of the Year: Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
-Manager of the Year: Juan Ramirez, Bastille Brasserie & Bar
-Employee of the Year: Jose Luis Salgado, Zinnia
-Beer Program of the Year: Pizzeria Paradiso
-Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Martel Stone, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi
-Cocktail Program of the Year: Amazonia
-Casual Restaurant of the Year: Tsehay Ethiopian
-Hottest Sandwich Spot of the Year*: Joia Burger
-Favorite Gathering Place of the Year*: Old Ebbitt Grill
-Best Brunch of the Year*: Unconventional Diner
-Best Bar of the Year*: Service Bar
-Content Creator of the Year*: DCFoodGod, Tessa Alimahmoodi and Jason Fisher

*publicly voted category

RAMMYS Honors

Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award: Mayor Muriel Bowser
Honorary RAMMYS Award: Stratus Firm
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Events DC

Honorary Milestone Awards

Celebrating 25 Years: The Diner | Mezè Restaurant
 Celebrating 50 Years: Kramerbooks and All Day Cafe | L'Auberge Chez François | La Chaumière
 Celebrating 90 Years: Giant Food
 Celebrating 100 Years: The St. Regis Washington, D.C.