Server On The Avenue At White Marsh In Running For Best Of 2022

NOTTINGHAM, MD — The Restaurant Association of Maryland recognizes people who have set the standard for service in the industry across the state.

In January, the public nominated their favorites, and the association whittled down the nominees to a short list of finalists released this month.

Chefs, servers, bartenders and managers of eateries across Maryland made the cut, including one server at a restaurant in The Avenue at White Marsh.

Taylor Gale of Banditos is up for the title of the best server of 2022 in Maryland. Banditos opened on The Avenue in June.

“Taylor is a great server! She loves her job and has always been a team player," according to her nomination with the Restaurant Association of Maryland. "Taylor is constantly going above and beyond for her tables. Guests love her and keep coming back for her.”

Online voting will determine the winners and will take place until Feb. 28. Only one vote per person will be counted, according to organizers.

These are the finalists in the server of the year category:

• Taylor Gale of Banditos in White Marsh
• Amanda Wiley of Fallston Barrel House
• Anna Courtney of Westlawn Inn in North Beach
• Dana Saeed of Maggie's Farm in Baltimore
• Neddra Smith of Brass Tap (Baltimore and Annapolis)

Here are the bartender of the year finalists:

• Oskr Hernandez of Mucho Gusto in Bel Air
• Shelby Stange of Independent Brewing Company in Bel Air
• Jason Smith of Capital Grille in Chevy Chase
• Paula Marks of Kloby's Smokehouse in Laurel
• Paul Labele of Liquid Assets in Ocean City

The contenders for chef of the year are as follows:

• Greg Brown of the Land of Kush in Baltimore
• Eric Houseknecht of Thames Street Oyster House in Baltimore
• Rehan Khan of Umami Mediterranean Kitchen in Catonsville
• Matthew Oetting of Titan Hospitality in Crofton
• Zack Trabbold of The Local in Fallston
• Gregory James of Stars Restaurant/Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels

Here are the manager of the year choices:

• Joel Lichtenberg of Miss Shirley's Café (Annapolis, Baltimore, BWI)
• Kristen Oktavec of One Eleven Main in Bel Air
• Juan Francisco Lowman of White Oak Tavern in Ellicott City
• Paul Dendorfer of Blue Ruin in Cambridge
• Ajay Bhatia of Clyde's Tower Oaks Lodge in Rockville

Online voting started Feb. 14 and runs until Feb. 28.

Vote online here.

The Restaurant Association of Maryland will honor the winners at a gala March 27 at Maryland Live!

See Also:

• Banditos Opening Date Set In White Marsh
• Mexican Street Fare Coming To The Avenue At White Marsh