What do the Rammy award-winning restaurants have besides delicious food? They are some of the best places to see both pols and celebs out in D.C. On Sunday night, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington presented this year’s awards, which celebrate the best of D.C.’s restaurant scene. Here’s who you might run into at some of the winning establishments:
Carmine’s: This New York-turned-D.C. staple was the only restaurant to bring home two awards: favorite restaurant and power spot — both part of the People’s Choice awards. It has certainly earned its place as a power spot. The night before Elena Kagan became a Supreme Court Justice, she held a private dinner at the Italian eatery, using the private entrance to keep a low profile. House Speaker John Boehner is considered a regular. And this May, the Italian restaurant, known for its massive portions, marked hosting 200 political fundraiser since it opened last August.
The Source and Equinox: President Obama has taken Michelle Obama out for her birthday at both the Source, which won best fine dining establishment, and Equinox, whose co-owner chef Todd Gray received the Chef of the Year Award. Besides the Obamas, the Source has hosted events for pols, such as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid‘s book party back in 2008, and fed celebrities, like Pierce Brosnan and his wife in October 2010. Equinox has attracted the likes of Janet Napolitano, Lance Armstrong, Steve Martin and Emilio Estevez in recent months.
Old Ebbitt Grill: Its proximity to the White House and specials probably helped Old Ebbitt Grill receive the “Where Magazine” Visitors’ Choice Award. Speaking of visitors, we’ve heard of Tom Delay, Eliot Spitzer and Kathy Griffin all trying out the eatery. Comedian Stephen Colbert climbed the fountain in the back of Old Ebbitt at the Rally to Restore Sanity afterparty last October.
Hat tips were also given to Estadio, Tabard Inn, Founding Farmer’s, Taberna del Alabardero, Ted’s Bulletin and Chef Geoff’s Tysons Corner location as well as a handful of local chefs and restaurant employees.
