And the RAMMY nominees are ...

A day after the James Beard Foundation announced its regional and national nominees, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington announced its local award nominees at a reception at The Ritz-Carlton Washington. The winners will be announced June 29 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. Congratulations to all!

For some pictures of the nominees in group fotos check out my FOTO GALLERY.

Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
Citronelle
Equinox
Oval Room
Restaurant Eve
Vidalia

Upscale Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year
Oyamel
Poste Moderne Brasserie
Vermilion
Willow
Zaytinya

Neighborhood Gathering Place of the Year
Ardeo
Belga
Billy Martin's Tavern
Hank's Oyster Bar - DC
Mark & Orlando's

New Restaurant of the Year
Brasserie Beck
Central
Hook
Proof
The Source by Wolfgang Puck
Westend Bistro by Eric Ripert

Chef of the Year
R.J. Cooper, Vidalia
Todd Gray, Equinox
Michel Richard, Citronelle/Central
Robert Wiedmaier, Marcel's/Brasserie Beck
Eric Ziebold, CityZen

Rising Culinary Star of the Year
Nathan Anda - Tallula
Tony Chittum - Vermilion
Tony Conte - Oval Room
Joe Raffa - Oyamel
Barton Seaver - Hook

Pastry Chef of the Year
Heather Chittum - Hook
Michelle Garbee - Bastille
Kate Jansen - Willow
Melanie Parker - Equinox
Josh Short - Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Wine & Beverage Program of the Year
Dino
Mendocino Grille and Wine Bar
Oya
Passion Food Hospitality
Tallula/Eat Bar

Power Spot of the Year
Bistro Bis
Charlie Palmer Steak
Monocle on Capitol Hill
Oceanaire Seafood Room
Seasons at the Four Seasons

Hottest Restaurant Bar Scene of the Year
Brasserie Beck
Central
Poste Moderne Brasserie
Proof
The Source by Wolfgang Puck