Montgomery County Chef, Restaurants Win State Awards

BETHESDA, MD — Ashish Alfred, executive chef of Bethesda's Duck Duck Goose, is Maryland's 2019 Chef of the Year.

The award is one many the Restaurant Association of Maryland gives to the region's best industry leaders, restaurants, and bars at a gala each year.

The Chef of the Year honor typically goes to "an executive chef who demonstrates consistent standards of excellence, serves as an inspiration to other foodservice professionals, displays dedication to the artistry of food and exhibits ongoing commitment to the community," according to the trade association.

On Sunday, the award was given to Alfred.

"It's an amazing thing to be recognized," Alfred told Bethesda Beat. "You push your team and yourself to do the best you can do every day."

Alfred, 33, is executive chef and owner of Duck Duck Goose, a modern French-American restaurant located at 7929 Norfolk Ave.

Before opening Duck Duck Goose, Alfred was classically trained at the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan and worked at some of the best restaurants in the city, according to the chef's bio online.

Several other Montgomery County restaurants were honored at this year's gala. The honors include:

Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor 2019 Inductee
Celebrating its 19th anniversary, the Maryland Hospitality Hall of Honor was created to recognize those restaurants in Maryland that embody the spirit of the hospitality industry based on their longevity and overall contributions to their customers. Awardees have all been in business for at least 20 years.

• Tastee Diner - Bethesda

2019 Favorite Restaurant
A trendy spot or an old favorite that you return to time and time again.

• Clyde's - Chevy Chase and Rockville

2019 Favorite Fast Casual Restaurant
A favorite place that you love to stop to get a quick bite that blend quick service and traditional sit down restaurants.

• Moby Dick House of Kabob - Montgomery County

2019 Favorite International Cuisine Restaurant
A favorite restaurant that celebrates the world’s diverse culinary traditions- featuring international ingredients showcasing global flavor profiles.

• Honey Pig Korean BBQ - Rockville