44 VANMAG.COM MAY 2017
Patrick
Patterson A
Server, Giardino
Front-of-house veteran
Patrick Patterson is un-
questionably a server’s
server. As a member of
the top-notch team at
Il Giardino, he delivers
a consummate dining
experience, his love for
food as evident as his
sparkling wit and eff ort-
less charm. And, accord-
ing to one of our judges,
he goes out of his way
to ensure that each
restaurant visitor feels
special, “as if they were
guests in his own home.”
Lindsay Otto B
Manager, Bistro
Wa gon Rouge
Lindsay Otto’s eff ervescent
personality and million-watt
smile instantly put people at
ease when they walk through
the door of Bistro Wagon
Rouge. Her genuine love for
people, coupled with 17 years
of industry experience, helps
Otto keep the bustling no-
reservations neighbourhood
spot humming smoothly and
seamlessly. “She’s the glue that
holds all the pieces together,”
summarized one of our judges. AARON SACCOSherry Diggle C
Server, Nook
Manitoba-born Sherry Diggle tow-
ers behind the bar at Kits’s Nook
(yes, she’s well over six feet tall),
dispensing her considerable wine
knowledge as a certified sommelier.
Smart—with a wicked sense of
humour—she always knows just the
right beverage to go with that pizza.
Chen-Wei Lee D
Manager, Royal Dinette
A teenaged Chen-Wei Lee worked
his way up in restaurant kitchensfrom dishwasher to head prep
cook, but his desire to “help
shape people’s dining experi-
ences more directly” prompted
a shif t to front of house. As Royal
Dinette’s general manager, he
deftly conveys the narrative of a
meal, skillfully complementing
dishes with inventive wine pair-
ings. Lee’s impeccable profes-
sionalism, refined over 10 years
in the industry, “balances hustle
and volume with finesse,” says
one of our judges, while building
lasting relationships with guests.Jaier Vlessing E
Server, Gotham
Steakhouse
If there’s such a thing as a
classic steakhouse waiter, Jaier
Vlessing is it. He’s been taking
care of business at Gotham for
18 years, and the pride he takes
in putting on the white jacket is
evident in everything he does.
Beloved by the restaurant’s
family for his dry wit and the
way he delivers great experi-
ences to guests each time he
works, Vlessing is a true pro.Premier
Crew
Chefs get accolades,
owners (hopefully)
get profi ts, but it’s
the front-of-house
team who makes
sure that the diner
experience is just
so. And so here,
they get some of
our love.RESTAURANT AWARDS