Who Is The Best Chef, Bartender, Server, Restaurant Manager In MD For 2022? Vote Online

MARYLAND — The Restaurant Association of Maryland recognizes chefs, servers, bartenders and managers of eateries around the state each year that have set the standard for service.

Online voting for the association's 2022 competition will determine the best in each category.

Voting is open until Feb. 28. Only one vote per person will be counted, according to organizers.

Here are the bartender of the year finalists:

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

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
• Gregory James of Stars Restaurant/Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels
• Rehan Khan of Umami Mediterranean Kitchen in Catonsville
• Matthew Oetting of Titan Hospitality in Crofton
• Zack Trabbold of The Local in Fallston

Here are the manager of the year choices:

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

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

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

Vote online here.

Winners will be announced at a gala on March 27 at Maryland Live!

The Restaurant Association of Maryland revealed this month that it has already selected three winners for lifetime achievement awards, who will also be honored at the gala:

• 2022 RAM Restaurateurs of the Year: Joe and Mary Barbera, AIDA Bistro & Wine Bar, Columbia
• 2022 Phillips Lifetime Achievement Award: John Minadakis, Jimmy's Famous Seafood, Baltimore
• 2022 Heart of the Industry Award: Roxanne Upole, general manager, Roy Rogers, Cumberland