And the Restaurant Winners Are ...

THE HOUSE WAS PACKED at the Marriott Wardman Park last night for the annual RAMMY awards dinner for the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington. But this year was special: The association, which represents D.C.'s restaurant and food service industry, celebrated its silver anniversary.

As usual, the public got to vote on a few awards. The winners:

Neighborhood Gathering Place: Sonoma, Capitol Hill
Hottest Bar Scene: Zaytinya, Gallery Place
Power Spot: Georgia Brown's, McPherson Square
People's Favorite: Lebanese Taverna (multiple locations)

Juried awards went to the following restaurants and individuals:

New Restaurant: Rasika, Penn Quarter
Fine Dining: CityZen, Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Informal Dining: Tallula, Lyon Park

Chef of the Year: Cathal Armstrong, Restaurant Eve
Restaurant Employee of the Year: David Voorhees, waiter, 2941
Pastry Chef of the Year: Huw Griffiths, Tabard Inn
Wine and Beverage Program of the Year: Restaurant Eve
Restaurant Manager of the Year: Ellen Kassoff Gray, Equinox
Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Nathan Beauchamp, 1789