Ready your palates, your congratulatory applause and your finest disco garb; we proudly announce the 2015 Elby Awards and its nominees for excellence in the Richmond dining community.
The Studio 54-themed awards ceremony, to be held Sunday, Jan. 25 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, honors the individuals, organizations and restaurants that comprise Richmond's burgeoning culinary scene. New categories include Purveyor of the Year, Richmond Stalwart, Employee of the Year and more — and an expanded pool of both nominators and judges.
More than 40 industry professionals, food writers, critics and previous Elby winners nominated the individuals, programs and restaurants for the fourth annual Elby Awards. Teams of three well-qualified judges from outside the Richmond area will be assigned to determine winners in each category, excluding lifetime achievement, employee of the year and culinary students of the year.
Restaurant of the Year
Open a minimum of two years as of Nov. 1, 2014, this Richmond-area restaurant must excel in cuisine, service, consistency, quality and atmosphere, raising the bar in the dining community.
- Heritage
- Peter Chang China Café
- The Roosevelt
- Stella's
Best New Restaurant
Opened between Nov. 1, 2013, and Oct. 31, 2014, this restaurant has already established itself as a pacesetter, demonstrating both culinary prowess and promise. Service, innovation, and ambiance should all be taken into consideration.
- L'Opossum
- Lucy's Restaurant
- Metzger Bar & Butchery
- The Rogue Gentlemen
Richmond Stalwart
This area restaurant must have been open a minimum of five years as of Nov. 1, 2014, with the reliable combination of quality, atmosphere, value and conviviality that has come to represent the Richmond dining experience.
- Acacia mid-town
- Azzurro Restaurant
- Comfort
- Mamma 'Zu
Chef of the Year
A chef who has held a culinary leadership position a minimum of five years as of Nov. 1, 2014; known for food artistry, excellent standards and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.
- Walter Bundy of Lemaire
- Dylan Fultineer of Rappahannock
- Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt
- Joe Sparatta of Heritage
Rising Culinary Star
A chef or sous chef with extraordinary talent, who shows leadership and promise.
- Brittanny Anderson of Metzger Bar & Butchery
- Mike Braune of Secco Wine Bar and The Roosevelt
- Aaron Hoskins of The Rogue Gentlemen
- DeAndre Wilson of Rappahannock
Employee of the Year
Exclusive of the chef and sous chef, this is an individual who is integral to the success and atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Kirby Baltzegar of Dutch & Co.
- Dare Jearman of Pasture
- Dave Martin of Millie's Diner and Perly's
- Michael Verner of Heritage
Cocktail Program
This establishment must have clarity and originality in its program, which also best suits the restaurant's style and cuisine.
- Heritage
- The Rogue Gentlemen
- The Roosevelt
- Saison
Wine Program
A restaurant or wine bar showcasing a diverse and comprehensive selection with a focus on value and staff education.
- Acacia mid-town
- Can Can Brasserie
- Secco Wine Bar
- Tazza Kitchen
Beer Program
A restaurant-brewery or gastropub with a high-caliber, wide selection of beer and an informed staff, as well.
- Brew American Gastropub
- Capital Ale House
- Mekong
- Saison
Purveyor of the Year
A farm or other agricultural organization providing quality, reliable fresh ingredients for Richmond-area restaurants and/or markets.
- Autumn Olive Farms
- Manakintowne Specialty Growers
- Tomten Farm
- Victory Farms
Innovator
An individual making a lasting impression in the Richmond region and beyond, this person's game-changing ideas and practices are forging new territory in the dining community.
- Travis Croxton of Rappahannock
- Evrim Dogu of Sub Rosa Bakery
- Owen Lane of The Magpie
- Travis Milton of Comfort
The 2015 Elby Awards will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Early-bird $75 tickets are on sale through Dec. 12.
