Meet the RAMMY Award Finalists: Jovana Urriola

The RAMMYs – the annual award ceremony hosted by D.C.’s restaurant association – are fast approaching. 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 Jovana Urriola.

An Atypical Path

Before coming to D.C. Urriola spent time as a private chef for actor Owen Wilson, running her own restaurant, competing in Top Chef, and winning D.C.’s embassy chef competition. She came to the District two years ago to help revamp the kitchen at Panamanian café Unido. She recently joined Colada Shop as its regional executive chef.

Culinary Style

Urriola specializes in Latin American cuisine with a Panamanian touch. “In Panama, we have a history of certain dishes,” says Urriola, “but my goal is to build a new tradition and new flavors on what we have.”

What’s On the Menu?

In her new role at Colada Shop, Urriola hopes to find a place for Panamanian cuisine alongside the Cuban sandwiches and empanadas on the menu. From her time at Unido, Urriola says to not miss the breakfast wrap, which has crispy rice, Panama-flavored kidney beans, bacon, and eggs.

One City To Rule Them All

Like many local chefs, Urriola says the best part of cooking in D.C, is the culinary diversity. Not only is it inspirational, says Urrioila, but it opens the door to working with and getting involved in other cultures. “I think it is wonderful to see how residents support these concepts and flavors.”

In It To Win It

This is Urriola’s first time being nominated. She says the award has special meaning because it would recognize the dream she had since she was a kid – bringing Latin flavors to the world. “Now I am someone who can share all the beauty of Panamanian and Latin cuisine with the world, not only for me but for all the immigrants here who are trying to put our culture on the map,” said Urriola.

😋 Inside Scoop: Where In DC Is Urriola Eating?

“My favorite spot is Queen's English!” says Urriola, noting that she often shares knowledge and techniques with her partner who bartends there. Her other favorites include Mi Casa and Izakaya Seki.