Rajeev Valappanandiyil, team leader at Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab took home the Waiter of the Year award at the Caterer Middle East Awards 2013, held June 12 at Dubai's Ritz-Carlton DIFC.
Valappanandiyil took the winning accolade, sponsored by Du, for his dedicated efforts as team leader at the restaurant and his ability to upsell dishes at Al Mahara.
His commitment to his role secured the judges vote, as well as some outstanding achievements including being ranked number one among colleagues at the hotel’s annual knowledge assessment that covered a cross section of topics including food and beverage and general hotel information.
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“I really proud of all the F&B team. I’d like to thank all my colleagues and the management,” a thrilled Valappanandiyil told Caterer, shortly after winning the award.
He added: “The secret of being a good waiter is passion. I love what I do.”
Restaurant manager of Al Mahara Florian Lay added his congratulations to his colleague: “I am really proud of Rajeev he has done such an amazing job. I’ve never met anyone so dedicated to his work.
"He always goes the extra mile for his guests and there is no work that is too much for him. His guests love him; a lot come to Al Mahara just for him," he continued.
Valappanandiyil faced stiff competition from Justin Fortuin, captain waiter at Okku, who was Highly Commended by the judges for the rapport he has built with guests and long-standing regulars at the restaurant.
Other nominees in the shortlist were Aida Garcia, restaurant captain at Aspen by Kempinski; Nemencio Tuaton, head waiter at Crumbs Elysee, and Gilbert Amoguis, server at Frankie’s Restaurant.
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