WASHINGTON — On July 30, the region’s top chefs, bakers, mixologists and restaurateurs gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C. for the 35th annual RAMMY Awards, often called “the Oscars of food.”
This year’s winners were selected by the voting public (in the categories of Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch, Casual Brunch and Favorite Fast Bites) and a panel of judges. Here are the winners of the 35th annual RAMMY Awards:
![](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dcbrau-e1439221020182.jpg)
WTOP File Photo/Courtesy DC Brau
![Cava Grill opened its first location in 2011 in Bethesda Row. By next year, the company predicts there will be close to 40 locations across the country. (Courtesy Cava Grill)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Cava330_4.1-1880x1254.jpg)
Courtesy Cava Grill
![Masseria is in D.C.'s Union Market district. (Photo Credit Scott Suchman)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Pergola-Area_Grupo-7_Photo-Scott-Suchman1-1880x1254.jpg)
Photo Credit Scott Suchman
![Hazel is the winner of New Restaurant of the Year at the 35th annual RAMMY Awards. (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Hazel.jpg)
Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel
![](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/dcbrau-e1439221020182-260x174.jpg)
![Cava Grill opened its first location in 2011 in Bethesda Row. By next year, the company predicts there will be close to 40 locations across the country. (Courtesy Cava Grill)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Cava330_4.1-260x174.jpg)
![Masseria is in D.C.'s Union Market district. (Photo Credit Scott Suchman)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Pergola-Area_Grupo-7_Photo-Scott-Suchman1-260x174.jpg)
![Hazel is the winner of New Restaurant of the Year at the 35th annual RAMMY Awards. (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)](https://wtop.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Hazel-260x174.jpg)
Employee of the Year: Joseph Cassis, PassionFish Bethesda
Manager of the Year: John Grace, The Hamilton
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Ryan Ratino, Ripple
Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: DC Brau Brewing Company
Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
Upscale Brunch of the Year: Convivial
Casual Brunch of the Year: Republic
Favorite Fast Bites of the Year: Cava Grill
Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Proof
Casual Restaurant of the Year: Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen
Beer Program of the Year: Jack Rose Dining Saloon
Cocktail Program of the Year: Kapnos by Mike Isabella
Wine Program of the Year: Charlie Palmer Steak
Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: Acme Paper & Supply Co., Inc.
Pastry Chef of the Year: Jemil Gadea, Masseria
Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: minibar by José Andrés
Service Program of the Year: The Source by Wolfgang Puck
New Restaurant of the Year: Hazel
Restaurateur of the Year: Ike Grigoropoulos, Dimitri Moshovitis, Ted Xenohristos, Brett Schulman, Cava Group, Inc
Chef of the Year: Tarver King, The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm