Best Waiter


Important: This article was last updated on September 21, 2005. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.

  E-mail story   Print story



Readers' picks

Best Bartender
 Cat, The Poor House, Fort Lauderdale

Best Club DJ
 DJ Kid Fresh

Best Radio Personalities
 Paul Castronovo and Young Ron Brewer, Big 105.9

Best Athlete
 Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat

Best TV Personality
 Jade Alexander, WFOR-TV (Channel 4)
 
Les Raye Jr.
Buca di Beppo, 3355 S. University Drive, Davie, 954/577-3287, www.bucadibeppo.com

 Les Raye Jr. enjoys waiting tables because he has a flexible schedule, gets paid largely in cash and serves an occasional celebrity such as Vanilla Ice. His favorite part, though, is getting to know ordinary people and making them feel comfortable. At Buca di Beppo, large parties are the norm, and Raye doesn't focus his friendly service only on the person who will be paying the bill. He aims to keep everyone in the party happy, whether that means entertaining kids or joking with a senior couple, asking, "Is this your first date?" He knows the menu well, and his efficiency helps him provide quick service. For example, if diners at a table order a beer here and there, he'll suggest a pitcher, and he'll bring the dessert tray out for them to see while they are waiting for their entrées. That leads to happier customers -- and great tips.