And The RAMMY Goes To: This Alexandria Restaurant Manager Was Named Best In Region

WASHINGTON, DC —Alexandria restaurant manager Juan Ramirez was recognized as restaurant manager of the year at this year's regional restaurant industry awards, the RAMMYs, on Monday.

Fans of Ramirez and the restaurant he runs, Bastille Brasserie and Bar, cheered the honor on social media.

Presented by the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, the RAMMYs recognize excellence across the region's restaurant and foodservice industry in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. A RAMMY is considered one of the hospitality industry's highest regional honors.

Monday night's awards ceremony at Washington's Arena State was the 44th annual celebration of industry standouts.

The night was otherwise a pretty quiet one for Northern Virginia restaurants, with the area's only other representation being Andy's Pizza. It was recognized as best fast casual restaurant of the year and has locations in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria and McLean.

Check out Ramirez' work at Bastille Brasserie and Bar at 606 N. Fayette Street in Alexandria.

Other Winners

Matt Conroy and Isabel Coss of The Popal Group earned Chef of the Year honors after being finalists in the category a year ago. The Popal Group operates 5 restaurants in Washington, DC: Lutèce, Pascual, Lapis, Lapop and Maison Bar à Vins.

Albi was named Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year, adding another accolade for chef-owner Michael Rafidi. The Occidental captured New Restaurant of the Year honors.

The RAMMY Awards are presented annually by RAMW to recognize outstanding achievement throughout the Washington metropolitan area's restaurant industry. In addition to judged categories, several fan-favorite awards are determined through public voting. The awards also support the RAMW Educated Eats Foundation, which provides workforce development and education initiatives for the hospitality industry.

Winners were selected following a competition that began with 190 semifinalists announced in March before being narrowed to 95 finalists.

See the full list of winners here.

Check out some other superlative Alexandria restaurants here.

See who's joining the Alexandria restaurant scene here.