Best waiter: Beau Deida at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Beau at Palmilla gets the nod this year for best waiter in the South Bay. His smile and laugh are contagious and add levity this high-end Mexican spot. Racing around the restaurant, taking care of his guests with skill and joy, Beau removes any pretention that the sophisticated outfit might otherwise relay. You can tell that he loves his job and sincerely cares about making everyone who walks in the door as happy as he is. “ I love waiting tables because it gives me the opportunity to meet different people every day,” Beau says. “I always feel excited when I give somebody a dining experience like they have never had before…. I always treat people the way I would want to be treated.”
39 Pier Ave, HB. 310-374-4440. www.palmillarestaurant.com
Runner-up: Pat at Shade Hotel, 1221 N Valley Dr, MB. 310-546-4995. www.shadehotel.com