A&J wins award for best brunch in DC area

A&J, a northern Chinese restaurant with branches in Annandale and Rockville, Md., won a 2022 Rammy Award, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) announced July 24 at a gala in D.C.

A&J won in the Best Brunch of the Year category. The Annandale location has been at 4316B Markham St. since 2000.

According to RAMW: “This awardee is a restaurant that demonstrates a high standard of dining excellence and service for its brunch in a formal, upscale, or casual environment. A & J is a cherished dim sum destination.”

“It was an honor to be nominated, but we were not expecting to win, so we were all pleasantly surprised,” said A&J co-owner Elaine Tang. “It is nice to see the restaurant association widen their scope and look to restaurants such as ours to be included in this year’s nominees. We have been working hard for years to make a good and consistent product that people continue to come back for.”

“What sets us apart is our staff’s dedication to providing a welcoming environment and consistent quality of food,” the Tang said. “We want all guests to have the same experience if they only come in once or if we see them weekly.”

The Best Brunch winner was selected by popular vote. The other nominees in this category were ala restaurant in Dupont Circle, Blend 111 in Vienna, Maialino Mare at the Navy Yard, and Nina May in Shaw.

The 2022 Rammy Awards also honored 10 long-time restaurants for reaching significant milestones, including Anthony’s Restaurant in Falls Church (50 years), Duangrat’s in Bailey’s Crossroads (35 years), and Mike’s American in Springfield (35 years).

This post has been updated to include comments from A&J.