What was the best server you've ever had at a restaurant (or best service)?

[Amerigo Vespucci]

10. Lady named "Marty" at Rick's Swiss Chalet, Palo Alto, CA

This was when I was with my ex-girlfriend. Rick's was a favorite of my family so when my ex and I were together it became a favorite of ours as well. Marty was around our age, just very pleasant and efficient and likeable. We left her a 25% tip and as we were leaving stopped to speak with the Maitre D'. He was friendly in a very professional, somewhat stiff way...his name was Peter Steiner, perfect English with a very pronounced German accent.

ME: We wanted to speak with you about our waitress.

HERR STEINER, EYES NARROWING: Yes?

ME: She's the best waitress we've had in a long time. We really liked her a lot and she did a GREAT job.

HERR STEINER, FACE MUSCLES RELAXING AND SMILING: Thank you very much.

We went for dinner next week and Herr Steiner said "I'll seat you at one of Marty's tables."

She walked up and had a smile on her face from ear to ear. My mom was a waitress, so I always do my best to show respect, but when they are a pro like Marty and just a naturally sweet human being, I treat them like a family member. We loved the food, but it got to the point where we also looked forward to seeing Marty.

The owner of the restaurant...a member of the Hyatt family...passed away. The family made a decision to sell it. It was leveled to the ground and a Salvation Army location was built in its place. No idea what's there now...I literally haven;t driven down that stretch of El Camino in decades.