Rammy nominations announced!

RISING STAR CHEFS ... Liam LaCivita, The Liberty Tavern; Jon Mathieson – Inox, Mike Isabella Zaytinya; Nicholas Stefanelli – Bibiana; Shannon Overmiller – Majestic Café. Photo by Michael Birchenall http://bit.ly/d6XeMU

On Tuesday, March 23, 2010, restaurateurs, celebrity chefs and key restaurant industry players flocked to The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC for a celebration as the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced the 2010 RAMMY Award Nominees. Hosted by emcees Nycci and David Nellis, hosts of Dishing it Out on Federal News Radio, Washington, DC’s only food and beverage centric radio show.

The nominees for the DC’s “Oscars” annual restaurant awards, aka the Rammys Winners from the following categories will be chosen by a panel of judges, and announced June 6. The following nominees are chosen by an anonymous panel judges comprised of  esteemed food/restaurant writers and critics:

Fine Dining: The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates an unwavering standard of dining excellence in food, service and ambiance.  The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009. 

• Fine Dining Finalists: 2941, Michel Richard Citronelle, Minibar by José Andrés, The Oval Room, The Source by Wolfgang Puck

Upscale Casual: The nominee is a member restaurant that demonstrates a commitment to dining excellence in food, service and ambiance. The dining experience may be more casual than Fine Dining, the price point lower, but the commitment to excellence is paramount. The nominee must have been in business a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.  

• Upscale Casual Finalists: Central Michel Richard, The Liberty Tavern, Proof, Vermilion, Zaytinya

New Restaurant: A restaurant that must have been opened between December 1, 2008 and November 30, 2009 and already distinguishes itself as a pacesetter in food, beverage and service.

• New Restaurant Finalists: Bibiana, Birch & Barley, Bourbon Steak, Eventide, Inox

Chef: The nominee is an executive chef or chef de cuisine who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.  The nominee displays a dedication to the artistry of food, exhibits an ongoing commitment to the community and may be from any type of establishment.  The nominee must have been a chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.

• Chef Finalists: Bertrand Chemel of 2941, Scott Drewno of The Source, Daniel Giusti of 1789, Vikram Sunderam of Rasika, Haidar Karoum of Proof

Rising Culinary Star: The nominee is an “up and coming” chef who demonstrates exemplary talent, shows leadership and promise for the future.  The nominee must have been based in the Metropolitan Washington area for a minimum of two years.

• Rising Culinary Star Finalists: Michael Isabella of Zaytinya, Liam LaCivita of The Liberty Tavern, Shannon Overmiller of The Majestic, Nicholas Stefanelli of Bibiana, Jon Mathieson of Inox

Pastry Chef: The nominee is a restaurant pastry chef who prepares desserts and pastries and demonstrates a high standard of excellence and culinary artistry.  The nominee serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.  The nominee must have been a pastry chef for the past five years with a minimum of two years based in the Metropolitan Washington area.

• Pastry Chef Finalists: Anthony Chavez of 2941, Amanda Cook of CityZen, Josh Short of Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Fabrice Bendano of Adour, Travis Olson of 1789

Wine Program: The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, clarity and value of its wine program.  The nominee’s wine program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the dining experience.  The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009.

• Wine Program: 2941, Michel Richard Citronelle, Dino, 701/Ardeo/Bardeo/Bibiana/Bombay Club/The Oval Room/Rasika, Proof

Beverage/Mixology Program: New for 2010! The member restaurant is distinguished by the quality, diversity, creativity, clarity and value of its beverage program.  The nominee’s beverage program best suits the cuisine and style of the restaurant while enhancing the restaurant experience.  The nominated restaurant must have been in operation for a minimum of two years by December 1, 2009

• Beverage/Mixology Program Finalists: Brasserie Beck, EatGoodFoodGroup (Eve, PX), Founding Farmers, PS 7’s, Tabard Inn

Manager: The nominee is a manager or general manager in the food service industry who displays the highest level of professionalism and leadership with a member business. This person must be an inspiration and mentor to all his/her co-workers displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image.

• Manager Finalists: Souheil Moussadik of CoCo. Sala, Ryan McCarthy of Passion Food Hospitality, Ashley Williams of Mie N Yu, Mark Politzer of Bourbon Steak, Fernando Contreras of KAZ Sushi Bistro

Employee: The nominee is a non-managerial employee of a member business who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image.  This nominee must have been working in the food service industry for a minimum of three years by December 1, 2009.

• Employee: Corina August of Mie N Yu, Joe Bolam of Urbana, Adolfo Cajchon of Seasons, Marco Guzman of Café Atlantico, Jose Orantes of Dino

The public at large will have the esteemed opportunity to weigh in and choose the winners in the following category with a special ballot appearing in The Washington City Paper April 29 or online at www.ramw.org:

Neighborhood Gathering Place: This nominee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of quality and congeniality rooted in its neighborhood.

• Neighborhood Gathering Place: Bar Pilar, Belga Café, Cork, EatBar, Kemble Park Tavern

Restaurant Power Spot: This nominee is a top choice member restaurant, a spot to “see and be seen” with the movers and shakers on the national and local political and business scene.  It best exemplifies “how Metropolitan Washington works.”

• Restaurant Power Spot: Art & Soul, BLT Steak, Bombay Club, The Source, Teatro Goldoni

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene: This nominee is a member restaurant or hotel bar that is innovative with an energetic scene (atmosphere, drink menu, etc.) with a hip and eclectic crowd and is a great people watching and meeting place.

• Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene: Birch & Barley and ChurchKey, Bourbon Steak, Masa 14, Posto, POV

The 2010 RAMMY Award winners will be announced at the RAMMY gala on June 6, 2010 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. The theme of the 2010 RAMMY Awards is “We’ll Always Have… Restaurants,” and is a play on a famous line from the 1940’s movie Casablanca. 1940’s era glamour will influence the décor and attire and infuse the evening with an air of intrigue. Tickets to the RAMMYS may be purchased by calling 202.331.5990 or by email at rammys@ramw.org.
 
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will benefit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Association Education Foundation to fund scholarships for culinary education students, enabling them to develop and expand their career opportunities in the restaurant industry.

Belga Cafe celebrates Belgium Independence Day

The District of Columbia’s first Belgian restaurant, Belga Café will celebrate the 178th anniversary of the day that Belgium attained its freedom from the domination of Netherland – July 21, 1931 with a fête of authentic food, beer, and entertainment to honor Belgian tradition, culture and independence.  

On Monday July 20th and Tuesday, July 21st, Belgium native, Belga Café’s Executive Chef, Bart Vandaele will host the biggest celebration in D.C., pouring over 135 Belgian beers in honor of Belgium’s independence, bringing a taste of his homeland to the district -‘Wit Lof From Belgium’.

On Monday, July 20  – Belga Café will serve as a U.S. brand ambassador of favorite Belgian brews such as Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden. In addition, Chef Bart will offer a feast of Belga’s Mussels from Brussels and the official launch event beginning at 5 p.m. for the return of Rodenbach and exclusive introduction of Palm Breweries Rasbieren. On Tuesday, July 21st, Belga Café opens at 11 a.m. to begin festivities and is open until 11 p.m., offering half-price Belgian draft beers.  While adults kick-back and enjoy a Belgium brew, kids can also enjoy festivities such as a petting zoo on Belga’s patio from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.  Little ones may pet and play with goats, pigs and ducklings bringing a fun and festive element to this Independence Day celebration. The celebratory day continues into the night as Belga Café’s patio doors open to an outdoor beer bar provided by Stella Artois.  For a $10 donation at the door, a distinct selection of Belgian brews will be offered unlimited ‘on the house’ beginning at 11 p.m.  In addition, Chef Bart will have a local DJ on hand to spin tunes beginning at 11 p.m., creating an atmosphere of fun for this fête of Belgian Independence.

Chef Bart is donating a portion of the funds received from the day of July 21st to the children’s charity Make-A-Wish Foundation, the international organization that grant the wishes and create once-in-a-lifetime experiences for children with life-threatening medical conditions in hopes of enriching the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Belga Café welcomes Washingtonians to join them for this celebration to honor Belgian tradition, culture and independence at the first Belgian restaurant in DC.

For more info: Located on Capital Hill’s Barracks 514 8th Street, SE; Washington, D.C.; 202-544-0100; www.belgacafe.com),Reservations are limited.  Please call to inquire!

Also celebrating Belgium’s Independence Day is Brasserie Beck in downtown, Washington, DC.

DC’s 1st Ever Kids’ Restaurant Week

Next week, Saturday, June 13 thru Sunday, June 21 local DC Area restaurants will participate in DC’s first ever “Kids’ Restaurant Week“ – joining Cookie + Gourmet Magzine’s new promotion that will allow families to enjoy dining out in some of DC’s best restaurants and enjoying a delicious three-course meal at a discounted price. At participating restaurants, kids ages 11 and under pay their age for prix-fixe menus; grown-ups pay $29. The deal will be offered from 5-7 p.m. each night.

Not only is this a fun family event, it is for a great cause. A portion of the proceeds from the Kid’s Restaurant Week menu will go to restoring the historic Eastern Market on Capitol Hill and to Miriam’s Kitchen, which provides free, high quality meals and support services to more than 4,000 homeless men and women in Washington each year.

See below for the list of participating restaurants and a description of their menu offerings for kids and adults. Click on the link to view the full menu.

Participating Restaurants include:

• Art and Soul
  • Some of Art and Soul’s special child-friendly dishes include PB&J Hoecakes and Turkey Burgers with Peas and Carrots (for ages 11 and under) and Asparagus Soup and Pecan Crusted Chicken for ages 12 and up, priced at $29.
  •  Chef de Cuisine Travis Timberlake will also participate in the kick-off event at the Eastern Markert, June 13 at 11 a.m. – where he will prepare two dishes from his kids restaurant week menu for a live audience.
  • Also check out their Baby Food classes! The Toddler food edition will be held June 20, 2009. Chef Travis Timberlake will explain the benefits of preparing homemade food for toddlers and will present ways to make mealtime more exciting for children in their terrible twos, including how to make nutritious foods into fun shapes like dinosaurs.  $35 per parent.
• Asia Nine Bar and Lounge
  • Asia Nine offers traditional Kids’ favorites such as chicken fingers, french fries, fried rice or spaghetti. Adults may enjoy Coconut Lime Shrimp, grilled pork chop, Korean Sizzling Beef, or fresh garden rolls. 
• Beacon Bar and Grill
  • This Dupont Circle neighborhood restaurant is modern and has a great atmosphere. Let the kids enjoy the high life at Beacon Grill. For this special week, the children’s menu includes 1st Course choices such as, Tomato & Noodle Soup with wagon wheel pasta, Chicken Salad with chicken nuggets and buttermilk dressing or “Tots & Dogs”, fried mash potato balls and mini dogs wrapped in puff pastry. Kids will love the traditional favorites next including Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Pot Other desserts are Fruit Smoothie and Ice Cream Sandwich.
• Belga Cafe
  • Belga Cafe for kids week offers alphabet tomato soup to start with Mac and cheese gratinée with country ham as the main course, or Belgian fries with chicken tenderloins and apple sauce. For dessert kids will love the waffle with chocolate and ice cream. Parents can enjoy Belgium favorites, Mussel Pot “Garlic Butter” with cream, celery butter and lots of garlic, fries and mayonaise or Grilled chicken with Belgian Fries and tomato salad.
• Cafe Du Parc
  • The regular children’s menu offered at this classic French Bistro includes Pasta with butter and parmesan cheese, a grilled Gruyere sandwiche, and ground beef steak. Their special Kids’ RW menu includes appetizers Tarte flambée Alsacienne, a thin bread  topped with smoked bacon,onions and fromage blanc or salad du parc with Boston lettuce, mâche, gruyère, hard boiled egg, avocado, red onions, croutons and bacon slivers. Les Entrees sont Le Croque-monsieur, Grilled ham and cheese sandwich with French fries or Le Poisson du jour, Fish of the day with vegetables. For dessert, Puff pastry filled with vanilla ice cream, served with a warm chocolate sauce.
• Dino
  • Dean Gold, Chef and Owner insists that kids eat healtily at his place. Oh no, kids will not be served frozen, premade chicken fingers. The Kids’ Restaurant Week menu includes a grilled organic cheese sandwich, polenta, and house made pasta with Kid friendly toppings, such as meatballs. Carmal Sundaes for dessert! Parents are offered their  regular “Restaurant Week Every Week” menu {three courses chosen from our full menu} for $29!
  • June 14 Dino is also offering a Kids’ Cooking class – kids will get to cut their own shapes of pasta and make their own lunch!  The class will run from 1 to 3pm and the adult chaperone will get a free glass of wine! Tickets for kids (ages 5 to 11) are $25, parents are free.
• Finn & Porter – Washington D.C.
• Firefly – DC
  • This urban neighborhood already offers an excellent kids menu. On the menu is a cheeseburger “bigger than your head”, mac n’cheese, BLT sandwich with veggie sticks. Special for kids’ restaurant week – guests can decorate their own cookie following their meal. (Cute!)
• Juniper at the Fairmont Washington DC
  • Juniper’s menu reflects their belief that Sitting down to dinner, at any age, should be an invitation to the fabulous banquet that is life. Their prix fixe menu includes several courses and an intermezzo, which is used to cleanse the palate. 1st Course, the Soup of the Day is served with locally sourced ingredients with herbs from our courtyard. Second course, the Courtyard Summer Salad includes Arugula, Cantaloupe, Prosciutto, Goat Cheese and Mint. Main courses offered are Oven Roasted Chicken with Warm Horseradish Potato Salad, Natural Pan Jus or “Pop Tart: with Pennsylvania Mushrooms, Brie and Seasonal Asparagus  in a Light Pastry Case. Juniper’s Dessert Sampler includes Lime Cheesecake Lollipop, Chocolate Pudding,
    Peach and Blackberry Cobbler.
• Lafayette Restaurant
• M Street Bar & Grill
• Mie N Yu
  • Take the kids on a journey across the world to experience international flavors, cooking styles and ingredients of Silk Road cuisine. Mie N Yu’s festive menu includes crispy calamari, tandoori chicken skewers with mint yogurt, duck tacos, an organic beef burger, and shrimp and mushroom fried rice. For the adults, enjoy Bombay peanut salad and chili infused crab cakes.
• Palette
  • Despite the sophisticated setting for kids – located within the Madison Loews Hotel, Chef Arnel Esposo has created a special Filipino treat for kids – “halo, halo” which translates to “mix, mix” kids which kids get to ‘play with their food at the table’.  This special treat is like a snow cone and kids will have the opportunity to mix in the ingredients they want included, like fruit or cookies, or candy. Sounds like fun and parents don’t get to scold their kids for playing with their food.
• Taberna del Alabardero
  • Kids can sample the world-class cuisine of Spain in old world ambiance. This Washingtonian Best Restaurant offers kids a the best in Spanish fare on their menu inlcuding, Quesos Españoles  con Manzana (Spanish Cheese and Golden Apple Slices), Pollo a la Parrila con Pure de Patata (Grilled Chicken with Mashed Potatoes) and for dessert, El Helado Payaso (the Clown Ice-Cream). Adults are offered choices of Grilled flank steak, or Grilled monkfish as entrees. 
• Wasabi
• Zola
  • Executive Chef Bryan Moscatello has created a special menu for the kiddies including, Alphabet Soup with chicken clear broth, roast chicken and vegetables; “Fried Rice” with creamy sausage risotto rolled in bread crumbs with tarragon dip; Hand Cut Semolina Noodles with Three Meat Bolognese veal, pork, braised short ribs and tomatoes, ricotta cheese, parsley oil; Valentine Farms Beef served with cheesy potato tots, Brussels sprout leaves, tomatoes, roast garlic,as well asFour Cheese Fusilli house-made fusilli pasta with a provolone, mozzarella, fontina and American cheese sauce. For dessert, Pastry Chef Christopher Kujala has created mouthwatering treats includingGlazed Chocolate Mousse with pears, hazelnut crunch, passion fruit sauce for the adults, and an Ice Cream Sandwich made with chocolate chip cookies, vanilla ice cream, and fudge sauce for the kids.

Stay tuned for my dining reviews with my son, Alexander who is 5 years old and is happy to finally go to a restaurant with Mama! 🙂 We are already booked at Zola and will most likely check out Dino’s cooking class!