The RAMMYs – the big annual award ceremony hosted by D.C.’s restaurant association – are this Sunday. We’re continuing our series on The RAMMYs Rising Culinary Star of the Year award finalists to see what they're cooking up and why they deserve to win. Next up, Chef Jennifer Castaneda-Jones.
Castaneda-Jones led the kitchen at the upscale French-Belgian restaurant Marcel’s before it closed earlier this year after 25 years. She has since taken up the reins at Apéro & La Bohème in Georgetown, serving up everything from French classics like Coq au Vin to modern American dishes inspired by director Quentin Tarantino.
Culinary Style
Castaneda-Jones says her Polish roots heavily influence her cooking, as did going to culinary school in Louisiana. “In Louisiana, I learned traditional French fundamentals that were influenced by Cajun/creole flavors.” Now, she says she is able to showcase her French cooking background at Apéro, while playing with her own creative style at its seasonal-themed tasting room, La Bohème.
One City To Rule Them All
“My favorite thing about the D.C. food scene is the ever-changing food dynamics,” Castaneda-Jones told us, remarking that there were always new restaurants to try and styles of cuisine to enjoy. She also likes how tight-knit and supportive the culinary community in D.C. is, which can be hard to find in a larger city.
😋 Inside Scoop: Where In DC Is Castaneda-Jones Eating?
When Castaneda-Jones lived in Adams Morgan, her favorites included The Game for spicy sisig and other Filipino classics, and Lucky Buns for their Hot Tiger Bun. But, for a fancy date night, Reverie and The Dabney are her go-to’s.
