Richmond magazine proudly presents The Fifth Annual Elby Awards, a celebration of the Richmond region's dining scene!
To be held Sunday, Feb. 21, 2016 at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia. Tickets may be purchased here: richmondmagazine.com/elbystickets
The Fifth Annual Elby Awards will recognize a winner from every category, each with four nominees, all chosen by more than 40 industry professionals, Richmond region food writers, culinary instructors and food society members. (A tie in nominations resulted in five nominees within a given category.) Elby winners will be selected by judges who were not involved with the nomination process and are from outside the Richmond region.
And because half the fun of the awards show is the theme, we present Elbys en Blanc: Come dressed in your finest snowy whites. Think P. Diddy's White Party, Dîner en Blanc, The Guilty Remnant, the Backstreet Boys in heaven — you get the idea.
Savories will be provided by Culinard the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, Kitchen on Cary, and J. Sargeant Reynolds Center for Culinary Arts. Ticket sales begin Monday, Dec. 14.
Without further ado, here are the 2016 categories and nominees:
Restaurant of the Year
Open a minimum of two years as of Nov. 1, 2015, this Richmond-area restaurant must have excelled in cuisine, service, consistency, quality and atmosphere within the last year, raising the bar in the dining community.
- Acacia mid-Town
- Dutch & Co.
- Heritage
- Mamma 'Zu
- The Roosevelt
Best New Restaurant
Opened between Nov. 1, 2014, and Oct. 31, 2015, 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.
- Castanea
- Maple & Pine
- Rancho T
- Southbound
Chef of the Year
A chef who has held culinary leadership positions a minimum of five years as of Nov. 1, 2015; known for food artistry, excellent standards and serves as an inspiration to other food professionals.
- Brittanny Anderson of Metzger Bar & Butchery
- Joe Sparatta of Heritage
- Lee Gregory of The Roosevelt
- Owen Lane of Vagabond
Rising Culinary Star
A chef or sous chef with extraordinary talent, who shows leadership and promise.
- Aaron Cross of Rancho T
- Craig Perkinson of Southbound
- Mike Hill of Heritage
- Will Longoria of The Rogue Gentlemen
Server of the Year
This is a front-of-house individual who is integral to the success and atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Dare Jearman of Pasture
- Diana Mathews of Dutch & Co.
- Michael Verner of Heritage
- Susan Worsham of L'Opossum
Pastry Chef or Baker of the Year
A pastry chef or baker who demonstrates technical prowess, creativity and a masterful hand, transforming the oven into an art form.
- David Rohrer of WPA Bakery
- Drew Thomasson of The Rogue Gentlemen and Pizza Tonight Restaurant & Bar
- Evrim Dogu of Sub Rosa Bakery
- Olivia Wilson of Metzger Bar & Butchery
Cocktail Program
This establishment must have clarity and originality in its program, which also best suits the restaurant's style and cuisine.
- Pasture
- 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
- Amour Wine Bistro
- Barrel Thief Wine Shop & Cafe
- Curry Craft
- Secco Wine Bar
Beer Program
A restaurant-brewery or gastropub with a high-caliber, wide selection of beer and an informed staff, as well.
- The Answer Brewpub
- The Cask Cafe
- Mekong
- Saison
Grab & Go of the Year
This establishment must be exclusively a takeout, food truck, food cart or fast-casual operation, demonstrating skill and providing both service and high-quality cuisine regardless of spacial limitation.
- The Dog & Pig Show
- JKOGI
- The Naked Onion
- Stella's Grocery
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
- Rudy's Exotic Mushrooms and Produce
- Tomten Farm
- Victory Farms
Lifetime Achievement Award
An individual who has helped shape the dining community in some fashion. They have dedicated much of their life to the betterment of Richmond cuisine, supported local chefs and restaurants, and advanced the scene through their efforts.
- Dale Reitzer
- Jason Alley
- Jimmy Sneed
- Johnny Giavos
Stay tuned to Richmond magazine on Facebook and Twitter for updates on the event. Tickets may be purchased at richmondmagazine.com/elbystickets.
