See 2018 RAMMY Awards finalists for best upscale brunch, new restaurant, more

UPDATE 3/29/2018, 1:30 p.m.: The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington issued a statement on March 29, in light of the sexual harassment allegations against restaurateur Mike Isabella and several members of his leadership team.

Statement from the RAMMYS Judges Panel: The panel, with support from the RAMW Board of Directors, has decided that the following reevaluations are necessary in order to maintain the high standards that are associated with the nominations: The panel officially rescinds the finalist nominations for Arroz by Mike Isabella as New Restaurant of the Year and for G by Mike Isabella as a Favorite Fast Bites finalist. The judges will not add additional finalists to those two categories.

The panel will keep the Rising Star of the Year nomination in place for Michael Rafidi, former Executive Chef of Arroz and Requin. The judges decided that this category, based on individual talent and performance, is focused on the individual and can be evaluated separately from the restaurant(s) and or company of employment. Rafidi was not named in the lawsuit which brought these allegations to light.

WTOP’s story has been updated to reflect these changes.

WASHINGTON — “The Oscars of food” revealed the finalists for this year’s buzzy regional food industry awards Monday night.

The 2018 RAMMY Awards, presented by D.C.-area trade association Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, gives honors in areas such as manager of the year, best gathering place and upscale brunch, among many other categories.

The winners will be announced June 10 at the awards’ 36th annual gala.

The public can vote in these four categories to decide the winner: upscale brunch of the year, casual brunch of the year, favorite gathering place of the year and favorite fast bites of the year. Cast your vote online through April 30 at 5 p.m.

Here are the 2018 RAMMY Awards finalists:

Be the star of the Super Bowl party with our fried chicken sliders, wings and Brussels sprouts. Order online at rightproperbrewing.com/catering for pickup at #RightProperShaw. Don't forget your growler... $10 growler fills at both locations on Super Bowl Sunday!

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Just say when. #PastaForever

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Maketto on H Street NE — **Casual Brunch of the Year:** — Ambar Capitol Hill — Ari’s Diner — Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern — Maketto — Vinoteca (WTOP/Rachel Nania)

We are open today. Seriously. On a Monday. Come get your first biscuit of 2018.

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We’re running one of the bars at the @ramwdc #Rammys18 nominating party. This is our drink with #Linnie #Aquavit & #LilletBlanc

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Sometimes you just need to stop and smell the rosé. We love all three of our Georgian home wines equally, but this week we’re shining the spotlight on our Compass Rosé. Bright and juicy, supple and fruity, it’s the perfect complement to any of our dishes, but strong enough to stand on its own. The coolest part about it? That gorgeous label is a @janellewhisenant original.

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At The Salt Line, diners can expect an expansive outdoor dining patio and bar — both of which overlook the water — plus plenty of beer and a robust cocktail program. (Photo credit: Rodney Choice) — **Employee of the Year:** — Gerarda Lazo, Pizzeria Paradiso — Sharon Rissal, Jaleo, Bethesda — Pete Rymshaw, The Salt Line — Edgar Salvador, Centrolina — Andrea Tateosian, Urbana (Photo credit: Rodney Choice)

In 1991, a fine-dining chef opened one of the city's first Neopolitan-style pizza joints. Twenty-five years later, Pizzeria Paradiso is known for serving some of D.C.'s best pizza and craft beer. (WTOP File Photo/Courtesy Pizzeria Paradiso) — **Manager of the Year:** — Julio Amador, Cork Wine Bar & Market — Daniel Coughlan, Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen — Matthew McQuilkin, Pizzeria Paradiso — Heidi Minora, Commissary — Adam Rigaa, Brasserie Beck (WTOP File Photo/Courtesy Pizzeria Paradiso)

We're thrilled to be named the Best Steakhouse in DC in the "Best Of' survey for 2017 by @Washingtonian readers. https://t.co/4JPt2fWTNN pic.twitter.com/1VlHRtYI7j
— BOURBON STEAK D.C. (@BOURBONSTEAKDC) May 23, 2017

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#happy national pizza day #timberfam. If you are a #true #bodybypizza friend, we will see you tonight. #lovealways #everydayispizzaday #tonightisthenight

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**Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year:** — Fiola Mare — Masseria — Rasika — The Source by Wolfgang Puck — Trummer’s on Main (Courtesy Rasika)

Hazel is the winner of New Restaurant of the Year at the 35th annual RAMMY Awards. (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel) — **Chef of the Year:** — Kyle Bailey, The Salt Line — Amy Brandwein, Centrolina — David Deshaies, Unconventional Diner — Katsuya Fukushima, Daikaya Group — Rob Rubba, Hazel (Rey Lopez/Courtesy Hazel)

Our Smoked Spare Ribs 🍖 come paired with our signature Ivy City Smokehouse BBQ sauce. Mouth-watering, and right up your alley! Open 'til midnight.#ivycity #dcfoodie #dceats #smokehouse #bbqribs pic.twitter.com/UFRUXsdOfK
— Ivy City Smokehouse (@ICSHDC) March 7, 2018

Our co-owner Daisuke Utagawa wrote a ramen etiquette guide for @WaPoExpress. http://t.co/65LIZ7HNVY pic.twitter.com/vLSGCg6B8K
— Daikaya (@Daikayadc) May 21, 2015