MAN OF THE HOUSE: Tony Xavier of Chega (pictured)
The inimitable maitre d’ of Chega started in the restaurant biz at 13, at a time when most of his current-day competitors were probably busy playing Atari. Now, after a tour of town with stops at the kitchens of the (building formerly known as) SkyDome, University Club and Paese, Xavier’s settled in at the top of Hogg’s Hollow where he greets each customer with a smile — and exhibits his uncanny ability to remember their favourite dishes
WHITE-GLOVE WAITSTAFF: Auberge du Pommier
When manager Richard Arnold describes the service at Auberge as “stealthy,” he doesn’t mean Steven Seagal will be delivering your apps. He means your water glass will always be at least half full, but you’ll rarely notice it being filled, or that if you drop your fork on the floor, there’ll be a new one, mirror clean, on your table before you even notice it’s missing. The unfortunate part: it’s the things we probably don’t realize that set Auberge apart.
FIVE-STAR SOMMELIER: Sharon Correia of Paese
No one likes a wine snob. For that matter, no one really likes a jerk, either. Lucky for diners at Paese, top-notch sommelier Sharon Correia is neither of the above. She’s infinitely knowledgeable about her craft, supremely professional, but down-to-earth and calming in a way that puts the most frazzled of diners instantly at ease. She honed her craft as manager of Truffles at the Four Seasons, so we know we’re in good hands.
