D.C.’s James Beard nominees

It’s about time the haters acknowledge that D.C. *is* a meals city, as we’re well-represented within the newest batch of James Beard Award nominations. 

Who made the lower: The District’s heavy hitters together with RIS, Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster, and Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit obtained nominations. 

However the judges weren’t afraid to enterprise into the ‘burbs to seek out standouts there too – like Season 12 “High Chef” competitor Pleasure Crump of Fredericksburg’s American farm-to-table restaurant FOODE, which opened in 2011.

• And baker Kareem Queeman, who’s competed on a number of cooking reveals, together with Meals Community’s “Beat Bobby Flay” and opened his first brick-and-mortar Mr. Bake bakery in Riverdale final August.

Right here’s the total checklist of native nominees. 

💫 Excellent Restaurateur: Michael Reginbogin and Jason Berry, KNEAD Hospitality + Design (MI VIDA, Lil’ SUCCOTASH, and GATSBY), Washington, D.C. 

💫 Excellent Chef: Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster

💫 Excellent Restaurant: RIS

💫 Rising Chef: Elias Taddesse, Mélange

💫 Finest New Restaurant:

💫 Excellent Pastry Chef or Baker: Kareem Queeman, Mr. Bake, Riverdale

💫 Excellent Wine and Different Drinks Program: Flight Wine Bar

💫 Excellent Bar: Allegory

💫 Finest Chef Mid-Atlantic: 

• Pleasure Crump, FOODE, Fredericksburg
• David Deshaies, L’Ardente
• Rahman “Rock” Harper, Queen Mom’s Fried Rooster, Arlington
• Enrique Limardo, Seven Causes
• Peter Prime, Bammy’s
• Michael Rafidi, Albi
• Ryan Ratino, Bresca
• Omar Rodriguez, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana
• Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit