Clarity Wins RAMMY For Best Upscale Casual Restaurant (ICYMI)

This story was originally published on June 11.

VIENNA, VA—A Vienna restaurant has received a 2018 RAMMY Award from Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW).

Clarity, a Vienna restaurant serving up New American cuisine, won Best "Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year." Another winner was Moby Dick House of Kabob, which claimed the title of "Favorite Fast Bites of the Year" and has locations in Northern Virginia.

The 2018 RAMMY winners were announced Sunday in 21 award categories. The RAMMYs honor restaurants and individuals from the foodservice community in a highly-anticipated awards ceremony every summer.

The winners were determined by public voting and a panel of volunteer judges consisting of food and dining journalists, educators and foodservice industry professionals. The voting public decided the winners in four categories: Favorite Gathering Place of the Year, Upscale Brunch, Everyday Casual Brunch and Favorite Fast Bites.

Four additional members received special awards determined by RAMW's Executive Committee. The Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year was given to USI Insurance Services for exemplifying commitment to and support of RAMW; the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award was presented to restaurant founder and publican Daniel J. Coleman for his initiative that increased the profile of the metropolitan Washington foodservice community; the Exceptional Leadership & Impact Award was awarded to José Andrés and Patricia Fernandez de la Cruz for their contributions to the DC region and efforts they have taken as citizens of the world; and the 2018 Honorary Milestone RAMMY Award was given to Tony and Joe's, a Georgetown dining staple celebrating 30 years on the Washington Harbour.

The 36th Annual RAMMY Award winners are:

• Upscale Brunch of the Year: Osteria Morini
• Casual Brunch of the Year: Ambar Capitol Hill
• Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: The Daily Dish
• Favorite Fast Bites of the Year: Moby Dick House of Kabob
• Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Gerald Addison and Chris Morgan, Compass Rose Bar + Kitchen, Maydan
• Beer Program of the Year: Owen's Ordinary
• Cocktail Program of the Year: Espita Mezcaleria
• Wine Program of the Year: BOURBON STEAK
• Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: USI Insurance Services
• Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Right Proper Brewing Company
• Employee of the Year: Andrea Tateosian, Urbana
• Manager of the Year: Heidi Minora, Commissary
• Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Clarity
• Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ivy City Smokehouse Tavern
• Service Program of the Year: minibar by José Andrés
• Restaurateur of the Year: Ari Gejdenson, Mindful Restaurants
• Pastry Chef of the Year: Tiffany MacIsaac, Buttercream Bakeshop
• Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Masseria
• New Restaurant of the Year: CHIKO
• Chef of the Year: Amy Brandwein, Centrolina

RAMW is the regional trade association representing restaurants and the foodservice industry in the DC metro area.

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