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INTERVIEW WITH EDGAR SALVADOR, RAMMYS 2018 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR FINALIST

May 7, 2018

The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) presents Edgar Salvador, an Employee of the Year finalist for the 2018 RAMMY Awards Gala on June 10. The Employee of the Year award is given to someone who serves as a model employee by displaying outstanding service, an excellent work ethic and a positive image. This excludes managerial positions, giving house employees an opportunity to display their hard work. ​

Name and Position: Edgar Salvador / Server at Centrolina
I’m 23 years old. Born in VA, living in MD, working in DC. I’m a proud Latino and I’m a proud gay man.

How did you get started in the business? What was your first job in the industry and what did you learn from it? I got my start in the business through my best friend. He spoke to me about the creative things the chef was doing, the networking aspect and the financial opportunity that came along with it.​ My first job in the industry was as a busboy. I would’ve never pictured myself as the guy clearing other peoples plates but the job taught me how to be humble. It also improved my communication skills which are important in this country especially in the time we are in.

Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I hope to be conquering the world. I know it’s a very cliche thing to say, but I always like to go above and beyond in whatever I’m doing, whether that be in the food & beverage industry or in my personal life.​

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To always speak my mind. Everyone gets told that, but some people tend to shy away and not say what they’re really feeling and sometimes that can have a negative outcome. Saying what you need to say is such a liberating thing. It’s what’s helped mold me into who I am today.​

Why do you love working in restaurants? I love working in the restaurant industry because I love talking. The food is always a huge perk, but I just love the whole idea of communicating with people on a daily basis and providing them with information on things that they would’ve never imagined to be eating.​

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Besides being a server, I’d love to be in the entertainment industry, maybe a tv personality.

What is your favorite ingredient? My favorite ingredient, red pepper flakes. I love spicy food.​

What insider foodie tip do you have for diners? ALWAYS TIP YOUR SERVER. Unless you had the worst experience of your life, tip them. It’s how they make a living.

You’re hosting a dream dinner party. What three people would be at your table? That’s easy, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Ariana Grande. DUH!​

It’s the last meal of your life - what’s on your plate? Carne asada with pico de gallo, rice and homemade tortillas. You can’t go wrong with classic Latin food.​

What are your pet peeves? Bad hygiene. It’s not that hard to maintain it.​..