“I take Italian food and keep it in its raw state but elevate it presentation-wise without complicating it or losing flavor,” Brandwein explains. “There is something inherently captivating about Italian flavors with an artistic and modern edge, while still being fresh and natural.”

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Brandwein and her flagship restaurant (Centrolina) have earned many accolades, including being a James Beard Award nominee for four consecutive years (2020, 2019, 2018, 2017) in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category and three consecutive nominations (2020, 2019, 2018) for Upscale Casual Restaurant of the Year by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington RAMMY Awards. In 2018, Brandwein won Chef of the Year at the RAMMY Awards. Additional RAMMY Award nominations include Chef of the Year (2018, 2017, 2016), and New Restaurant of the Year (2016), in addition to Rising Culinary Star (2007).