WASHINGTON — Maryland’s favorite restaurants, bars, craft brewers and Ocean City Boardwalk treats have been recognized with awards from the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
The awards, which have held by the industry group since 1954, were handed out Sunday at the Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel in Ocean City.
The Elephant, which serves “globally inspired” American cuisine out of a refurbished mansion in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, was named Maryland’s favorite new restaurant, which was reserved for restaurants that have opened within the past two years.
Sunset Grill in Ocean City, famed for its rooftop and upscale seafood menu, was named the overall favorite restaurant.
The awards are based on public voting via the association’s website. On its blog, the group said it had received more than 30,000 votes.
New this year were three Ocean City-specific categories.
Thrasher’s french fries were named “favorite boardwalk treat.” Voters chose the Crab Bag as Ocean City’s favorite crab house.
Whiskey and wine bar Rare & Rye was named Ocean City’s favorite new restaurant.
The Ale House in Columbia won the award for best craft brew program.
Bob Giaimo, co-founder of Silver Diner, was named restaurateur of the year, and George Batlas of the Manor Tavern in Monkton, Maryland, was named chef of the year.