2012 WINNERS

We knew you loved your coffee and the cafes you visit. We knew you loved cocktails and the restaurants/bars you patronize. We also knew you loved excellent service in the restaurants around the city. What we didn’t know, how passionately you would get behind nominating these tireless people in the food and drink service industry who work so hard in and around Vancouver.

We received a few hundred nominations for people all over Vancouver since our Barista, Waiter, Cocktail Maker competition launched last month. There can only be one winner in each category. Who did you choose as the numero uno? Who makes the best coffee, cocktails, and excels in service in our city’s restaurants?

THE TOP THREE ARE: (drum roll please…)

BEST BARISTA:   William Chu at WE. Coffee – 1696 Robson Street  Vancouver

BEST WAITER:   David Lew at Yew Restaurant — 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

BEST COCKTAIL MAKER:   Shaun Layton at L’Abattoir restaurant – 217 Carrall Street, Vancouver

I have also listed all of the people that were nominated in each of the categories as these people should all be recognized for the work that they do, day in and day out.

Baristas

Chelsea Schulz – Starbucks Chapters Metrotown

Ellen Kibble – Bump N Grind

Tommy Chong – Revolver Coffee

Jenny Jenny – Beaucoup Bakery

Kyle Straw – 49^th Parallel Coffee

Aya Garcia – JJ Bean at CBC

Aaron Kafka – Kafkas Coffee Tea

Clinton Barnum – Bel Café

Mark Siller – Take Five Café

Waiters

Mark Robinson – Incendio Gastown

Kelsey Butkus — Keg Steakhouse Thurlow

Jessica Blachut – Edible Canada

Iva Kapsikova – Campagnolo

Gavin Molloy – Famoso Pizzeria

Alisen Nicols – La Pentola

Ashley Thompson – Cotto Enoteca Pizzeria

Geri Kelly – Hy’s Encore

Dael Hennesey – Provence Marinaside

Cocktail Makers

Jay Jones – Market in Shangri-La

David Fisher — Uli’s Restaurant

David Wolowidnyk – West

Vince Mabanta – Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant

Chris Na – Bearfoot Bistro Whistler

Arthur Wynne –Union Bar

Colter Blonde – Libra Room

Cooper Tardivel – Hawksworth Restaurant

Shea Hogan – Bitter Tasting Room

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate the best of the best and congratulations to all who were nominated. Watch for interviews with each of the winners coming up soon.

By: Richard Wolak