Someone’s cooking here… and not just in the kitchen. Let’s raise a glass to the excellent servers, incredible managers and other outstanding front-of-house heroes who make our hospitality industry so award-worthy.
Ashwan Luckheenarain
Restaurant manager and wine buyer, Cómo Tapería
“Ashwan is a beam of light: the kind of hospitality pro who takes charge of the evening, fills your table with better dishes and drinks than you would have been able to pick yourself and does it all with a confident warmth.” —judge Maude Renaud-Brisson
Shirley Fong *not pictured
Server, White Spot
“There are unsung servers making a difference in ordinary, everyday restaurants and Shirley is one of them. Consistently cheerful, welcoming and sincere, she makes guests feel special, chats intelligently on many topics and does her job better than many who work in high-profile restaurants.” —judge Mia Stainsby
Chris Hashimoto
Server, Botanist
“Chris is one the best in the city. He is attentive and very accommodating to the guests at Botanist—the perfect host.” —judge Rob Feenie
Daniel Maguire
Server, Kissa Tanto
“Fun, charming and professional! He’s part of the Kissa Tanto family and makes you feel welcome and cared for whether he’s behind the bar making drinks or working the floor. Genuine to customers and passionate about the food they serve, he’s part of the reason I come and he makes the dining experience that much more enjoyable.” —judge Mijune Pak
Antoine Dumont
Owner and general manager, Magari by Oca
“Antoine conducts the compact room at Magari like a culinary André Previn—every plate, glass, customer and server is exactly where it needs to be to make the meal an exercise in casual perfection.” —judge Neal McLennan
Hannah Acton
Server, Burdock and Co
“Hannah epitomizes front-of-house excellence, seamlessly blending warmth and professionalism. With a keen eye for detail, she orchestrates a dining experience that feels both intimate and exceptional, leaving guests delighted and well-cared for.” —judge Sylvia Potvin
