Sunday, June 25, 2006

the 2006 rockin' RAMMYs..the Restaurant Awards winners are...

We arrived home seconds ago from this year's wonderful RAMMY's celebration and the food and wine were truly wondrous, and despite the heat and storms...we really were not very happy with the final winners. Hopefully someone will give the judges a boot and have some folks that LOVE food making the decisions in the future (and I say this a present member of the Gala Committee...although with this posting, they MAY kick me off!).

Neighborhood Gathering Place of the Year:EVENING STAR CAFE
Informal Dining Restaurant:KAZ SUSHI BISTRO..it's about time Chef Kaz got some recognition!
Hottest Bar Scene: Clyde's of Gallery Place
Rising Culinary Star: JOHNNY MONIS (Komi)
New Restaurant of the Year: BLACKSALT (a truly wonderful find)
Pastry Chef: Zoe BEHRENS, 1789
Wine & Beverage Program: CHARLIE PALMER STEAK
Power Spot: The Capital Grille
Employee of the Year: SANTOS FUENTES, Chef Goeff;s
Manager of the Year: DANNY BOYLEN, Gen' Mgr, Notte Bianche Where Magazine Visitors Choice: Clyde's
Favorite Restaurant: Sweetwater Tavern
Fine Dining: Maestro
Chef of the Year:Jose Andres (who was not there for the 2nd year in row)

A fun night, but can we PLEASE get new judges!