Notable local finalist for 2017 James Beard Awards

The finalists for the food world's Oscars, the 2017  James Beard Awards were announced today and two standouts from Baltimore made the list.

First, Cindy Wolf as Best Mid Atlantic Chef - she is so good she gets nominated every year and she is due, do you hear me James Beard Award committee! Chef Wolf has been at the culinary helm of the ForemanWolf Restaurant Group - Charleston, Petite Louis, Cinghiale, Johnny's,  and Bar Vasquez.

Under the category of Personal Essay - our newly transplanted Brooklynite Allison Robicelli whose story In Sickness, in Health, in White Castle on website Food52 has garnished a big nod and nomination.  She and her husband owners of the well-known Robicelli's Bakery came to Baltimore about a year ago. Since then they have been through a number of trial and tribulations, a lot reflected in the story.  What I have learned that Allison's creative wit and charm comes through even in the darkest of times.  Way to go Allison - Dining Dish is rooting you on!

Always making faces for the camera - Allison Robicelli with her husband Matt. 

Restaurant awards will be held in Chicago the beginning of May and the media awards at Chelsea Pier in New York.

Restaurant Association of Maryland announces finalist for 2017 Stars of the Industry

This is a ride-by post, a simple cut an paste of those in the restaurant industry who have garnished the notice of the general public and are finalist in the Restaurant Association of Maryland's 2017 Stars of the Industry Awards. You as the public get to vote who walks away with the award. 

Voting is open March 8-29, 2017 for the statewide Stars of the Industry Awards celebrating Maryland’s most elite restaurants and hospitality professionals. The dining public can vote for their favorites online at marylandrestaurants.com/awards and on Facebook, facebook.com/marylandrestaurants. 

Winners will be announced on Sunday, April 30th at the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Stars of the Industry Awards Gala – Cirque. Each winner will get statewide bragging rights and the opportunity to display their 2017 award-winning logo on their website, menus and other promotional materials. The following restaurants and restaurateurs have been nominated as the top finalists in each category:

Maryland's Chef of the Year, presented by Oracle:
1. George Batlas – Manor Tavern
2. Brigitte Bledsoe – Miss Shirley’s Café
3. Scott Chambers – La Ferme
4. Jeremy Hoffman – Preserve
5. Enzo Livia – Il Pizzico

Craft Brew Program of the Year, presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company:
1. The White Oak Tavern – Ellicott City
2. Tapp’d – Bethesda
3. World of Beer - Baltimore
4. Frisco Tap House - Gambrills
5. Oscar's Alehouse – Eldersburg

Maryland's Favorite New Restaurant:
1. Alchemy Elements – Bel Air
2. Sello’s Italian Oven & Bar – Ocean City
3. Duck Duck Goose – Bethesda
4. RockSalt Grille– Westminster
5. Slice New York Pizza- Towson

Maryland's Favorite Restaurant:
1. Iron Rooster – Annapolis
2. Madrones - Frederick
3. Mission BBQ – Statewide
4. Mon Ami Gabi – Bethesda
5. The Prime Rib – Baltimore

Maryland's Favorite Bar or Tavern:
1. Dock Street Bar & Grill – Annapolis
2. Fish Head Cantina – Halethorpe
3. Harborside Bar & Grill – Ocean City
4. Nottingham’s – Columbia
5. The Point in Fells – Baltimore

Heart of the Industry:
1. Garret Hadel (Bartender) - Jimmy’s Famous Seafood
2. Manny SanJuan (Manager) - Captain Dan’s Crabhouse
3. Hilary Hogarty (Server) - Elkridge Furnace Inn

Wine and Beverage Program of the Year:
1. Dry 85 – Annapolis
2. Jules – Ocean City
3. Bond Street Social - Baltimore
4. The Tasting Room – Frederick
5. Wine Market Bistro – Baltimore

And the winner is Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey

Baltimore’s newly based rye whiskey company, Sagamore Spirit, won two SIP Awards for their flavor profile and packaging; the Platinum Best in Class Award in the American Straight Rye whiskey category and a Gold Award in the Individual Bottle Design category.  Sagamore Spirit was one of 462 international brands presented to consumers in a double blind tasting.

The new rye whiskey born, where rye whiskey distillers had their home since the mid 1800’s, Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey brings back the American rye whiskey tradition.  From the pure naturally filtered spring waters, fed from a limestone aquifer, Maryland’s Sagamore Farm/ Sagamore Spirit has risen to wow whiskey drinkers

And the winners are

Being a big supporter of my hometown Baltimore it was a joy to see recognition for jobs well done recently handed out by the MADE: In America organization.  The city’s leading chefs created tasty morsels and Wit and Wisdom’s lead bartender created cocktails all reflective of the Foodways Award winners:

The American Treasures 2016 awardees in the Culinary Arts/Foodways:

·         Bourbon Barrel Foods, Louisville, Kentucky

·         J.M Clayton - Seafood, Cambridge, Maryland

·         Sagamore Spirit Rye Whiskey Distillery, Baltimore, Maryland

The 2016 American Treasures Awards were presented to the Nation’s top farmers, foragers and craft producers who were featured in a tasting created by the All American Chefs, chaired by Zach Mills, Executive Chef at Wit and Wisdom.

The Honorable Stephanie Rawlings Blake, Mayor of the City of Baltimore presented the inaugural Baltimore’s American Treasures Awards to individuals in recognition of their meritorious contributions to the city.

The Baltimore’s American Treasures Awardees are:

·         The Honorable Barbara Mikulski, United States Senate, Maryland

·         Dr. Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress elect

Also presented at the event was the prestigious American Benefactor Award to the Paterakis Family of Baltimore, Maryland for their support of the All American Chefs:

·         Zach Mills (Chair) Executive Chef, Wit &Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

·         Chris Amendola, Executive Chef, Waterfront Kitchen

·         Chris Becker, Corporate Executive Chef, The Bagby Group

·         Jerry Edwards, CPCE, Pres. and Corp Chef, Chef's Expressions

·         Chad Gauss, Chef/Owner at Food Market

·         Cyrus Keefer, Executive Chef

·         Jerry Pelligrino, Chef at Schola

·         Nicholas Sharpe, Executive Chef, Birch and Barley

·         Jonathan Levy, Lead Bartender, Wit and Wisdom, Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore

MADE: In America’s mission is to create and foster a business climate conducive to the free exchange of ideas and information to revitalize and sustain the competitiveness of American commerce and industry in a global economy. A non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, DC, MADE: In America serves businesses throughout the United States. The organization presents the American Treasures awards to individuals and organizations for significant and singular contributions that are shaping and transforming our Nation’s cultural heritage. Learn more at http://madeinamerica-usa.org/

Restaurant Association of Maryland announces Stars of the Industry 2016 awards

Each year, through restaurant goers based nominations in multiple categories in the food industry, the Restaurant Association of Maryland narrows it down to the finalists for recognition for a job well done. Who is the Chef of the Year, Craft Brew Program of the Year, Restaurateur of the Year, Favorite New Restaurant and more were announced this evening at the Stars of the Industry Awards Gala. 

The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel ballroom was packed with the who’s who in the Maryland restaurant industry, dressed to the nines indulging in tasty tidbits at the Spice of Life cocktail reception and then on the Moonlight in Morocco themed awards, dinner and dancing. 

The winners are:

Chef of the Year  Raynold Mendizabal – Urban Butcher
Craft Brew Program of the Year   Alewife – Baltimore
Favorite New Restaurant  Preserve – Annapolis
Favorite Restaurant  Lib's Grill – Perry Hall
Favorite Bar or Tavern   Jimmy's Famous Seafood – Baltimore
Heart of the Industry  Brendan McCool (Manager) – Victoria Gastro Pub
Wine and Beverage Program of the Year . Liquid Assets Wine & Martini Bar – Ocean City
Restaurateur of the Year David Dopkin – Miss Shirley’s Café – Classic Catering

Inducted into the Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor:

Maggie’s – Westminster

Rusty Scupper – Baltimore

Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grille – Ocean City

TJ’s of Calverton Restaurant – Beltsville

Western Sizzlin Restaurant – Cumberland

McCormick Cornerstone of the Industry Award:

Glory Days Grill – Statewide

Irish Restaurant Company – Annapolis

Tabrizi’s – Baltimore

Tino’s Italian Bistro – Columbia

Lifetime Industry Award – Rob Beall – Ledo Pizza Systems

Full Service Restaurant Magazine names local chef as "Rising Star"

Chef de Cusine, Zachary Leonardi,  at Reisterstown's Ristorante Firenze is named "Rising Star" by Full Service Restaurant Magazine.  Leaonardi is the youngest in the list of 40 rising stars nationally. Leonardi’s lineage includes a family of restauranteurs with his great-grandfather, grandfather, great uncle and father all being involved with a number of Italian-themed restaurants and pasta shops, and he naturally meshed in his new role with Ristorante Firenze, which recently celebrated its first anniversary. He is currently completing his culinary degree at Anne Arundel Community College.  

Ristorante Firenze offers an upscale casual atmosphere with a diverse lunch and dinner menu that delivers a consistent Tuscan dining experience made from fresh ingredients. The restaurant is outfitted with a stylish bar/lounge with comfortable armchairs facing a ribbon fireplace and wide-screen television sets. Adult beverage offerings include creative hand-made cocktails, a premium wine list with more than 100 labels, and a diverse selection of bottle and draft beers. Free parking is available on a connected surface lot. 

Ristorante Firenze - 2 Hanover Road - Reisterstown Maryland 21136  410 394 5577

www.eatfirenze.com  @eatfirenze 

  

You get to vote for top chef, restaurant, brewery in Maryland - see the finalists

The general public are invited to vote for the their favorite restaurant finalist in the 2016 Stars of the Industry Awards. The dining public can vote for their favorites online at marylandrestaurants.com/awards. Voting is open March 9-30 2016 for the statewide Stars of the Industry Awards celebrating Maryland’s most elite restaurants and hospitality professionals.

As in years past, the winners will be announced at the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s annual gala, this year on May 1st - Moonlight in Morocco being held at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

The finalists are:

Chef of the Year, presented by Oracle:
1. Chris Amendola – Waterfront Kitchen
2. Stephanie Wilson – Vintage
3. Michel Tersiguel – Tersiguel's
4. Raynold Mendizabal – Urban Butcher
5. Ted Stelzenmuller – Jack's Bistro
Craft Brew Program of the Year, presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company:
1. The White Oak Tavern – Ellicott City
2. Harrington's Pub & Kitchen – National Harbor
3. Alewife – Baltimore
4. Pizza Tugos Taproom – Ocean City
5. Oscar's Alehouse – Eldersburg
Favorite New Restaurant:
1. Ananda – Fulton
2. Ristorante Firenze – Reisterstown
3. Preserve – Annapolis
4. Pistarro's Ristorante – Frederick
5. Encantada – Baltimore
Favorite Restaurant:
1. Founding Farmers – Potomac
2. Applebee's – Statewide
3. Andy Nelson's Barbecue – Cockeysville
4. Lib's Grill – Perry Hall
5. My Thai – Baltimore
Favorite Bar or Tavern:
1. Buffalo Wild Wings – Statewide
2. Jimmy's Famous Seafood – Baltimore
3. River Hill Sports Grille – Clarksville
4. Frank and Nic's West End Grille – Baltimore
5. Bull on the Beach – Ocean City
Heart of the Industry, presented by CohnReznick:
1. Brendan McCool (Manager) – Victoria Gastro Pub
2. Alex Osterhoudt (GM) – Rams Head Tavern
3. Ross Adams (Busser & Food Runner) – AIDA Bistro
Wine and Beverage Program of the Year:
1. Liquid Assets Wine & Martini Bar – Ocean City
2. Cunningham’s – Towson
3. Mrs. K's Restaurant & Barrel Bar – Silver Spring
4. VIN 909 Winecafe – Annapolis
5. Mutiny Pirate Bar – Glen Burnie

Restaurant Association of Maryland Gala Awards: Your votes count

The 75 year old Restaurant Association of Maryland, the statewide trade association for the restaurant industry, has just announced the nominees for the 2015 Stars of the Industry Awards. Winners will be announced at their 61^st Annual Stars of the Industry Gala – Havana Nights on April 12^th.  

Earlier this year, the general public sent in their nominations in seven categories. The Restaurant Association of Maryland just announced the finalist and opened up the voting to both industry professionals and the public.   Everyone likes bragging rights and for these restaurants, the wins are important, it reflects the consumers’ appreciation of their commitment to offering only the best that they put on their plates and in their glasses.  

Voting is open now through March 11 and you, John or Jane Q. Public, can now vote for your favorites online at marylandrestaurants.com/gala or on Facebook, facebook.com/marylandrestaurants.

Chef of the Year, presented by Oracle:
1. Michael Matassa – Alchemy, Baltimore
2. Jordan Lloyd – Bartlett Pear Inn, Easton
3. Geoff Tracy – Chef Geoff’s, Rockville
4. Fabio Mura – Grille 620, Ellicott City
5. Stephanie Wilson – Vintage, New Market

Craft Brew Program of the Year, presented by Evolution Craft Brewing Company:
1. Burley Oak Brewing Company – Berlin
2. Max’s Taphouse – Baltimore
3. Red Brick Station – White Marsh
4. T-Bonz Grille & Taphouse - Ellicott City
5. Victoria Gastro Pub – Columbia

Favorite New Restaurant:
1. Ananda – Fulton
2. Highland Inn – Highland
3. Iron Rooster – Annapolis
4. Lib’s Grill – Perry Hall
5. Touch of Italy – Ocean City

Favorite Restaurant:
1. Houlihan’s – Columbia
2. Jules Restaurant – Ocean City
3. Laurrapin Grille – Havre de Grace
4. Madrones – Frederick
5. Miss Shirley’s Café – Baltimore
6. Pasta Plus – Laurel

Favorite Bar or Tavern:
1. Birroteca – Bel Air
2. Dogfish Head Alehouse – Gaithersburg
3. Galway Bay – Annapolis
4. Kooper’s Tavern – Baltimore
5. River Hill Sports Grille – Clarksville

Heart of the Industry, presented by CohnReznick:
1. Julio Dupuy (Sous Chef) – Iron Rooster
2. Dennis Theriault (Manager) – Laurrapin Grille
3. Danielle Bloom (GM) – Schula’s Grill & Crabhouse

Wine and Beverage Program of the Year:
1. Bistro Blanc – Glenelg
2. Cunningham’s – Towson
3. Grapeseed American Bistro & Wine Bar – Bethesda
4. Red Red Wine Bar – Annapolis
5. The Wine Kitchen – Frederick

The 2014 Stars of the Restaurant Industry Awards Are Announced!

After 25,000 votes, the Restaurant Association of Maryland announced the winners of the 60^th Annual McCormick & Company Stars of the Industry Awards. The Gala Celebration and Awards presentation took place at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland.  Over twenty-five thousand members of Maryland’s dining public voted for their favorite Maryland restaurants and industry professionals.

Check out the winners HERE.

Winners of the 2013 Restaurant Association of Maryland's Awards

The Restaurant Association of Maryland’s Fire and Ice Gala was held this evening honoring restaurateurs and chefs. Awards were given out in multiple categories like your favorite restaurants, food trucks, wine and beverage programs, craft brews, favorite new restaurant and more.

As the glitzeratti of the food industry gathered in all their finery they were the ones served this evening. An extended reception of food by Baldwin’s Station, Birroteca, The Classic Catering People – Raw Bar, EVO Public House, Kloby’s Smokehouse, Molly Masons, Quench, The Rumor Mill Fusion Bar & Restaurant, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Shapiro’s Café.

Read the full story and learn who won HERE

Please VOTE FOR DINING DISH BLOG

I’ve been writing the Dining Dish blog for over seven years now and I consider the blog one of the forerunners in Baltimore.  My stories or posts have been about food in one form or another; raves, rants, reviews, recipes and reminiscences. It is a labor of love especially when I bring a smile to your face or brighten your table.

Voting – Won’t you please take the three minutes?

Baltimore Magazine was kind enough to nominate the Dining Dish blog in the Baltimore’s Best Blog and I’m truly honored.  I have some very tough competition, The Baltimore Sun’s Baltimore Diner by Richard Gorelick and other writers from the newspaper.

Baltimore Magazine Reader’s Poll is pretty easy to navigate. Name and e-mail address requested, then the categories with drop down menus or write in your own nominee.You need to vote in 10 categories. So pick your favorites or if you don’t know the Baltimore scene just make some choices. 

To vote click HERE

May I recommend my client Sotto Sopra in the Best Italian Restaurant category– they so deserve the recognition.  You can only vote once from a computer/e-mail address.

Dining Dish is in the drop down menu under the “Best Blog” category below the food nominations. I thank you for taking the time.  Voting ends June 15^th. 

May your plate always be full.

Dara Bunjon (aka Dining Dish)

Hobnob and rub shoulders with Maryland's top chefs and restaurateurs

The Restaurant Association of Maryland’s annual gala and awards is Monday, April 16th at Martin’s West Baltimore. A cocktail reception, dinner, awards and dancing fills the evening. Gala 2012 Pirate Siege is just that perfect night out to put on your best finery or Captain Hook outfit and eye patch.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Hobnob and rub shoulders with Maryland’s top chefs and restaurateurs

Chef of the Year, Favorite Restaurant, Favorite Bar - your votes decide.

The Restaurant Association of Maryland has tallied all your suggestions for the 2012 Annual Awards Gala that is being held Monday, April 16th at Martin’s West.  They have narrowed each category down to five nominees and you get to vote for your favorites. New categories this year that takes a look at favorite food truck and craft brew programs.

Nominated for "Best New Restaurant"

Continue reading on Examiner.com Chef of the Year, Favorite Restaurant, and Favorite Bar – your votes decide#ixzz1mIRw0lAH

Cookbook Corner: IACP 2011 Cookbook Award Winners

Cookbook authors have two awards they seek - one by the James Beard organization and the 2nd, the International Association of Culinary Professionals. The awards for 2011 were  held Thursday, June 2nd in Austin, Texas.  For the avid cookbook collector these are the must haves for their cookbook shelves.

The top honors for Cookbook of the Year went to "Around My French Table: More Than 300 Recipes From My Home To Yours," by Dorie Greenspan.  The following awards were also presented in multiple categories: Cookbook Awards, Bert Greene Awards for Food Journalism, Food Photography and Styling Contest Awards, Awards of Excellence and Special Recognition Awards

Continue reading  Cookbook Corner: IACP 2011 Cookbook Award Winners

The best of the best - Restaurant Association of Maryland's 2011 winners

Executive Chef Brian Boston - Chef of the Year

This evening was the Restaurant Association of Maryland’s annual gala, an evening where the restaurant industry salutes and celebrates the business of feeding people from the corner luncheonette to the white linen tablecloth establishment. It is a night where the restaurateurs and chefs take the night off, get gussied up and let someone else do the cooking.

Continue reading:

The best of the best - Restaurant Association of Maryland 2011 winners

Restaurant Association of MD’s 57th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Gala

Forget the James Beard Awards, they will have come and gone. The place to be will be the Restaurant Association’s Speakeasy themed 57th Annual Stars of the Industry Gala. No need to pack your flask, prohibition is over and there will be plenty of food and drink. Grab your flapper or dapper Dan and come out for the Maryland foodservice all star gala. The public is CORDIALLY invited.

Continue reading on Examiner.com:

Restaurant Association of MD’s 57th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Gala

Which Baltimore top toques received recognition on the prestigious StarChefs website? - Baltimore dining

StarChefs.com, the award-winning online magazine’s CEO Antoinette Bruno came to Baltimore in July to meet the city’s culinary talent, taste their food and give them photo recognition on the website. To give you an idea of the impact and cache that StarChefs.com yields, the site receives 20 million hits /10 million pageviews/500,000 unique visitors per month.

Since 1995 StarChefs.com has been the guide for the foodservice industry and the food savvy. Read the full story and learn what Baltimore chefs received recognition:

Which Baltimore top toques received recognition on the prestigious StarChefs website? - Baltimore dining

How do restaurateurs & chefs celebrate? Join them, you are invited

Restaurateurs, chefs and suppliers from around Maryland are gathering to acknowledge and celebrate the best of the best at the Stars of the Industry Awards. The public is invited to come enjoy an evening of food, drink and celebration as the Restaurant Association of Maryland hosts this state’s version of the James Beard Awards.

Get the details how you can attend and a list of the nominees:

How do restaurateurs & chefs celebrate? Join them, you are invited

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Who will be Maryland's best chef, best restaurant, best bar? It is up to you to vote now

The Restaurant Association of Maryland announced this afternoon their nominees for the annual “Stars of the Industry.” The awards honor the Maryland hospitality industry’s best in categories such as Maryland’s Favorite New Restaurant, Chef of the Year, Caterer of the Year and more. Winners of these prestigious awards will be revealed at the 56th Annual McCormick & Company “Stars of the Industry” Awards Gala on Monday, April 26, 2010 from 6pm to midnight at Martin’s West in Baltimore

Check out the nominees and how you can vote:
Who will be Maryland's best chef, best restaurant, best bar? It is up to you to vote now

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Local chef semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards

If you don’t know what the James Beard Awards are let me tackle that first. In each industry like the films, music, Broadway shows there are awards. There are the Oscars for the movies, the Grammys for music, Tony’s for Broadway and then there is the James Beard Awards for the restaurant industry. At this time of the year the James Beard Foundation issues its list of semi-finalist for the top restaurateur, top restaurant, top chef, regional chefs, best service, best beverage etc. It is then narrowed down to finalist with the awards taking place in New York City on May 2nd.

Read the whole story and learn the Baltimore Chef semi finalist for the James Beard award. Local chef semi-finalist for the James Beard Awards


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