Coastal Style magazine's annual reader poll named Blake Gilbert, a server at Bluecoast Seafood Grill + Raw Bar in North Bethany Beach, the best server in Sussex County.

"Blake is the epitome of professionalism in the hospitality industry," said Scott Kammerer, president of SoDel Concepts, which has 10 restaurants along the Delaware coast. "He's knowledgeable about the menu and the wine. He's able to tailor his service to each guest, so they have the best possible experience."

Gilbert is originally from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He vacationed to Bethany Beach as a child and later moved to the town in 1997 after attending University of Delaware.

"Blake can handle any situation with poise," said Shannon Colburn, director of operations for SoDel Concepts, who oversees Bluecoast. "He is the kind of server who can tell what a guest needs - another fork, more water, a sharing plate - often before they do. He is amazing to watch."