Chef Ris Lacoste Wins Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award
On June 5, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) and industry peers, friends and family, celebrated Ris Lacoste of Ris, as the 2023 recipient of the Duke Zeibert Capital Achievement Award. “One of the most respected and dedicated chefs in the region, Ris Lacoste has earned a reputation built on genuine hospitality, mentoring the next generation of industry workers, and a true love for her team members and the guests she serves. Diners adore her use of high-quality ingredients, bold innovative techniques, and food that is both familiar and delicious,” Lacoste’s tribute stated.
The award was presented by RAMW President and CEO, Shawn Townsend at her eponymous restaurant, Ris. The evening’s emcee was Symone Sanders-Townsend. Tributes came from Gavin Coleman, Mike Curtin, Michelle Jaconi, Kathy Hollinger, and Ward 2 Council member Brooke Pinto, with a toast led by Tracy O’Grady. Symone read a letter of congratulations from Hillary Rodham Clinton, who dined at Ris often with her mother.
Named in honor of legendary Washington restaurateur Duke Zeibert, the award recognizes an individual whose hard work and outstanding initiative has increased the profile and success of the metropolitan Washington foodservice community and dining landscape.
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Linda Roth is Founder & CEO of Linda Roth Associates (LRA), a D.C.-based public relations & marketing firm that specializes in the foodservice and hospitality industries. Follow her at: @LindaRothPR, #LindaRothPR, or www.lindarothpr.com.