IN THE NEWS: The Washingtonian’s Todd Kliman reports on the closing of Butterfield 9 after eight years. This marks the second shuttering of a big-name restaurant in a week, following Colorado Kitchen. Both made The Washingtonian’s 100 Best Restaurants list this past January. washingtonian.com … The Washington Post’s Dan Zak spotlights Spike Mendelsohn, a near-finalist from the recently completed season of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and his upcoming restaurant, Good Stuff Eatery (303 Pennsylvania at Second Street SE, www.goodstuffeatery.com). Mendelsohn calls Washington D.C. the next big food city. … Tom Sietsema reviews Tackle Box (3245 M St. NW, www.tacklebox-dc.com), Indigo Landing (1 Marina Dr., Alexandria, www.indigolanding.com) and La Sandia (7852L Tysons Corner Center, McLean) and details the new Ristorante Tosca downtown (1112 F St. NW), while Good to Go visits Hinata Sushi Carryout (4947 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda). … Jane Black reports the departure of chef Barton Seaver from Hook, the sustainable-seafood restaurant in Georgetown that gained him national prominence. Seaver on [June 29] was named rising culinary star by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington for his work at Hook. washingtonpost.com …

The Washington Times’s Gabriella Boston reviews Italian spots, including A. Litteri Inc. (517-519 Morse St. NE; www.litteris.com). washingtontimes.com … Metrocurean.com reports the opening of Ray’s Hell-Burger, aka Ray’s Butcher Burgers. The burger shop is located in the same strip mall as Ray’s The Steaks at 1713 Wilson Blvd. … Metrocurean also reports, “The winners of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington’s annual awards were announced [June 29] in the packed ballroom of the Wardman Park Marriott. A panel of judges chose the following winners …
• New Restaurant: The Source by Wolfgang Puck
• Fine Dining Restaurant: Equinox
• Upscale Casual Restaurant: Poste Moderne Brasserie
• Chef of the Year: Eric Ziebold of CityZen
• Rising Culinary Star: Barton Seaver, formerly of Hook
• Pastry Chef: Heather Chittum of Hook
• Wine and Beverage Program: Passion Food
• Restaurant Employee: Joel Guagliano, Zaytinya
• Restaurant Manager: Molly McWhorter, Chef Geoff’s Downtown

The public chose these winners …
• Hottest Bar Scene: Central
• Power Spot: Oceanaire
• Neighborhood Gathering Place: Hank’s Oyster Bar, DC
• Voters’ Choice Restaurant of the Year: The Monocle

Ben’s Chili Bowl received an honorary RAMMY for its longevity, history and cultural significance to Washington. Jaleo received the Where Magazine Visitors’ Choice Award.”

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com

Filed under: Washington D.C. Restaurants | Tags: A Litteri Inc, Barton Seaver, Butterfield 9 closed, Good Stuff Eatery, Hinata Sushi Carryout, Hook, Indigo Landing, La Sandia, Rammy Awards, Ray's Hell-Burger, Ristorante Tosca, Spike Mendelsohn, Tackle Box |