The 44th RAMMYS, held on June 29, showcased the power of the local food and beverage industry in Washington, D.C. The event, which took place at Arena Stage and The Anthem in Southwest D.C., celebrated the industry’s role in building community, promoting diversity, and providing a welcoming space for all.
A Celebration of Diversity
According to Martel Stone, chef de cuisine at Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi, the restaurant industry is a key part of what makes D.C. a vibrant and diverse city. ‘I think what’s so special about the 250 years is that it started with a gathering… and that connects directly to the core of what a restaurant is. It’s a gathering place. It’s a place for celebration. It’s a place for exchanging ideas. It’s a place for discovery,’ Stone said.
District Mayor Muriel Bowser also emphasized the importance of the restaurant industry in showcasing D.C.’s diversity. ‘Washington, D.C. has always been a city where cultures, traditions, and people from across the country and around the world come together, and that is reflected in so many aspects of our life in D.C., especially in our food,’ Bowser said.
EAT250: America at the Table
As part of the semiquincentennial celebrations, Bowser and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) collaborated on ‘EAT250: America at the Table,’ a citywide initiative that brought together chefs, embassies, museums, libraries, and communities across the District from June 14-28. The initiative celebrated the cultures, communities, and culinary traditions that shape the American dining experience.
The RAMMYS, centered on the theme ‘A Seat for Everyone,’ served as a reminder of the important work happening to provide great food, drinks, and experiences for all those living in and visiting the D.C. area. Ricardo Johnson, executive vice president and chief growth officer at Carefirst BlueCross BlueShield, emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. ‘It’s a reminder that progress comes from what we choose to do for one another, and making sure no one is left behind. When everyone has a seat at a table, communities grow and they get stronger,’ Johnson said.
At Dōgon, the goal is to create a dining experience that serves as a ‘cultural connector for Washington, D.C.’ The restaurant’s menu is designed to celebrate the many cultures that make up the city, with a focus on Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Stone explained that the team is committed to using local ingredients and creating a menu that reflects the diversity of the city.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
