Michael Babin Wins RAMMY 2014 Restaurateur of the Year Award

Alexandria's own Michael Babin, co-owner of Neighborhood Restaurant Group, took home RAMMY's Restaurateur of the Year award for 2014, at the gala awards ceremony over the weekend.

Presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW), The RAMMY Awards Gala honors the abilities and accomplishments of the individuals and organizations in the region’s restaurants and foodservice community. 

Babin's restaurant group got its start 17 years ago in Del Ray, with the launching of Evening Star Cafe in 1997. 

(See a TV interview with Babin on WJLA here, after he was nominated.)

The group's Red Apron Butcher, Birch & Barley and Churchkey also took home awards. 

Red Apron Butcher, with one of its three location at Merrifield's Mosaic District, won Regional Food Producer of the Year.

Also in Northern Virginia, 2941's Caitlin Dysart won Pastry Chef of the Year. The restaurant is located in Falls Church.

Alexandria's Hank's Oyster Bar won Best Gathering Place but for its Dupont Circle location.

2014 RAMMY Award Winners

Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year: Fiola

Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year: Ripple

Everyday Casual Restaurant of the Year: Toki Underground

New Restaurant of the Year: The Red Hen

Chef of the Year: Haidar Karoum, Estadio, Proof, and Doi Moi

Rising Culinary Star of the Year: Michael Friedman, The Red Hen

Pastry Chef of the Year: Caitlin Dysart, 2941 Restaurant

Wine Program of the Year: Ripple

Cocktail Program of the Year: Jack Rose Dining Saloon

Beer Program of the Year: Birch & Barley / ChurchKey

Service Program of the Year: Blue Duck Tavern

Restaurateur of the Year: Michael Babin, Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Regional Food and Beverage Producer of the Year: Red Apron Butcher

Favorite Gathering Place of the Year: Hank’s Oyster Bar (Dupont Circle)

Upscale Casual Brunch: Mintwood Place

Everyday Casual Brunch: Pearl Dive Oyster Palace

Favorite Fast Bites: Amsterdam Falafelshop

Joan Hisaoka Allied Member of the Year: ProFish, Ltd.

Employee of the Year: Stelios Alexandris, 1789

Manager of the Year: Boo Young Kim, District Commons