One of the nations most respected and influential restaurant critics, Phyllis Richman, will be honored at the 26th Annual RAMMY Restaurant Awards Gala as the recipient of the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award.   

Richman will be presented the award in recognition of her leadership role in changing the dynamics of the Washington restaurant industry and putting it on the map with other top dining destinations like New York, Chicago and San Francisco.  Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) came out to toast Richmans accomplishments and support the industry, recognizing the important role restaurants play in the cultural and economic development of the DC region.   

Until 2000, Richmans writing was widely known but her identity was not.   

As The Washington Posts leading critic for 23 years, she wore disguises to keep her identity a secret so she could experience restaurants as a “regular guest.”  Her restaurant reviews were characterized as honest, accurate and descriptive.  At a time when metro area restaurants were burgeoning, she played a huge part in propelling Washington into a top food and restaurant destination.  Her freelance work also appeared in magazines such as Gourmet, Bon Appetit and Food Arts.  

After retiring, Richman kept busy writing a popular mystery series, in which the main character, Chas Wheatley, a Washington restaurant reviewer doubles as an amateur detective.  

The award, named for legendary Washington restaurateur Duke Zeibert, is presented by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington to an individual whose dedication and renowned talents have helped transform Washingtons restaurant scene into todays vibrant and thriving industry.  Richman will receive the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award at the group’s Restaurant Awards Gala on June 29 in DC.