Welcome to the Best of New Orleans! Cover Story 08 27 02

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COVER STORY

08 27 02

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Readers' Poll Results

Best Late-Late-Night Club, Best Juke Box and Best Bar Munchies: F&M Patio Bar

Photo by Donn Young

ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE

Best Movie Theater

1. Canal Place Cinemas (333 Canal St., 581-5400)

2. AMC Palace Theatre 20, Elmwood (1200 Elmwood Park, Jefferson, 734-2020)

3. AMC Palace Theatre 12, Clearview (4486 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-1210)

Best Place to See a Play

1. Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre (616 St. Peter St., 522-2081)

2. Saenger Theatre (143 N. Rampart St., 524-2490)

3. Southern Repertory Theatre (Canal Place, 522-6545)

Best Local Actor

1. Ricky Graham

2. John McConnell

3. Flynn De Marco

Best Local Actress

1. Becky Allen

2. Janet Shea

3. Shelley Poncy

Best New Club/Bar

1. Club 360° (2 Canal St., 33rd floor, 595-8900)

2. Kim's 940 (940 Elysian Fields Ave., 944-9888)

3. Coyote Ugly Saloon (225 N. Peters St., 561-0003)

Best Dance Club

1. Bourbon Pub/Parade (801 Bourbon St., 529-2107)

2. Oz (800 Bourbon St., 593-9491)

3. Club 360° (2 Canal St., 33rd floor, 595-8900)

Best College Hang-Out

1. Bruno's (7601 Maple St., 861-7615)

2. The Boot (1039 Broadway St., 866-9008)

3. Fat Harry's (4330 St. Charles Ave., 895-9582)

Best Late-Late-Night Club

1. F&M Patio Bar (4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784)

2. Snake & Jake's Christmas Club Lounge (7612 Oak St., 861-2802)

3. Cat's Meow (701 Bourbon St., 523-1157)

Best Gay Bar

1. Oz (800 Bourbon St., 593-9491)

2. Bourbon Pub/Parade (801 Bourbon St., 529-2107)

3. Good Friends (740 Dauphine St., 566-7191)

Best Neighborhood Bar

1. St. Joe's Bar (5535 Magazine St., 899-3744)

2. (TIE) Molly's at the Market (1107 Decatur St., 525-5169); Mick's Irish Pub (4801 Bienville St., 482-9113)

Best Gentleman's/Strip Club

1. Gold Club (727 Iberville St., 524-4354)

2. Rick's Cabaret (315 Bourbon St., 524-4222)

3. Larry Flynt's Hustler Club (225 Bourbon St., 524-0010)

Best Sports Bar

1. Hooters (301 N. Peters St., 522-9222; 4748 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-0160; 2781 Belle Chasse Hwy., Terrytown, 393-7177)

2. Fox & Hound (1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 731-6000)

3. HyTopps (Hyatt Regency Hotel, 500 Poydras St., 599-4825)

Best Happy Hour

1. Superior Grill (3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200)

2. Bourbon Street Blues Co. (441 Bourbon St., 524-0094)

3. Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308)

Best Place to Dance to a Live Band

Best Place for Gourmet-To-Go: Foodies Kitchen

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

1. Mid City Lanes Rock 'N Bowl (4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3133)

2. (TIE) House of Blues (225 Decatur St., 529-BLUE/2583); Tipitina's (501 Napoleon Ave., 897-3943)

Best Ladies' Night

1. Live Bait (501-A River Road, Jefferson, 831-3070)

2. Kenny's Key West (3102 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 456-9500)

3. Madigan's (800 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9455)

Best Juke Box

1. F&M Patio Bar (4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784)

2. Clover Grill (900 Bourbon St., 523-0904)

3. Port of Call (838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120)

Best Bar Decor

1. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., W Hotel, 207-5016)

2. St. Joe's Bar (5535 Magazine St., 899-3744)

3. Napoleon House (500 Chartres St., 524-9752)

Best Bar Munchies

1. F&M Patio Bar (4841 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-6784)

2. Fat Harry's (4330 St. Charles Ave., 895-9582)

3. Lucy's Retired Surfers' Bar and Restaurant (701 Tchoupitoulas St., 523-8995)

Best Place to Shoot Pool

1. Fox & Hound (1200 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 731-6000)

2. Whitey's Pool Hall (3764 Derbigny St., Metairie, 833-9122)

3. Corner Pocket (940 Louis St., 568-9829)

Best Place to Get a Bloody Mary

1. Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308)

2. Pat O'Brien's (718 St. Peter St., 525-4823)

3. Commander's Palace (1427 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

Best Place to Get a Cosmopolitan

1. Red Room (currently closed)

2. Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308)

3. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., W Hotel, 207-5016)

Best Place to Get a Margarita

1. Vaqueros (4938 Prytania St., 891-6441)

2. Santa Fe (801 Frenchmen St., 944-6854)

3. (TIE) Superior Grill (3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200); Vera Cruz (7537 Maple St., 866-1736)

Best Place to Get a Martini

1. Bombay Club (830 Conti St., 586-0972)

2. Columns Hotel (3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308)

3. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., W Hotel, 207-5016)

Best Place to Get Wine by the Glass

1. Martin Wine Cellar (3827 Baronne St., 899-7411; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7300)

2. Commander's Palace (1427 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

3. Cellars of River Ridge (1801 Dickory Ave., Harahan, 734-8455)

Best Place to Get a Cold Beer

1. Liuzza's (3636 Bienville St., 482-9120)

2. The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St., 891-1516)

3. Cooter Brown's (509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104)

Best Beer Selection

1. Cooter Brown's (509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104)

2. The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St., 891-1516)

3. Lager's International Ale House (3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-9923)

Best Local Beer

1. Abita

2. Dixie

Best Golf Course: English Turn Golf & Country Club

3. Day's

Best Casino

1. Harrah's New Orleans Casino (512 S. Peters St., 525-6658)

2. Treasure Chest Casino (5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-8000)

3. Beau Rivage Casino (875 Beach Road, Biloxi, Miss., 228-386-7111)

Best Live Music Venue

1. House of Blues (225 Decatur St. 529-BLUE/2583)

2. Tipitina's (501 Napoleon Ave., 897-3943)

3. Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro (626 Frenchmen St., 949-0696)

Best Live Music Show in the Past 12 Months

1. Prince

2. Stomp

3. Sandra Bernhardt

Best Rock Band/Artist

1. Cowboy Mouth

2. Better than Ezra

3. Bucktown All-Stars

Best R&B/Blues Band/Artist

1. Irma Thomas

2. Marva Wright

3. (TIE) Walter "Wolfman" Washington; Snooks Eaglin

Best Jazz Band/Artist

1. Astral Project

2. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers

3. Los Hombres Calientes

Best Cajun/Zydeco Band

1. Rockin' Dopsie Jr.

2. Rosie Ledet

3. Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots

Best Brass Band

1. ReBirth Brass Band

2. Olympia Brass Band

3. Soul Rebels Brass Band

Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist

1. Mystikal

2. Juvenile

3. Master P

Best Acoustic/Folk Artist

1. The Proud Marys

2. Spencer Bohren

3. Danny O'Flaherty

Best Band that Doesn't Fit Into Any of These Categories

1. Egg Yolk Jubilee

2. The Molly Ringwalds

3. Bag o' Donuts

Best Way to Improve Jazz Fest

1. Add a day/weekend

2. Change to cooler season

3. Allow ice chests

FOOD/RESTAURANTS

Best New Restaurant

1. Indigo (2285 Bayou Road, 947-0123)

2. Sugar Magnolia (1910 Magazine St., 529-1110)

Best Friend Louisiana Has In Washington: U.S. Sen. John Breaux

Photo by David Blumenfeld

3. Restaurant August (301 Tchoupitoulas St., 299-9777)

Best Neighborhood Restaurant

1. Katie's (3701 Iberville St., 488-6582)

2. Jacques-Imo's Cafe (8324 Oak St., 861-0886)

3. Franky & Johnny's (321 Arabella St., 899-9146)

Best Seafood Restaurant

1. Deanie's Seafood (1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 581-1316)

2. Sid-Mar's of Bucktown (1824 Orpheum Ave., Metairie, 831-9541)

3. Acme Oyster & Seafood House (724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200)

Best Italian Restaurant

1. Venezia (134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991)

2. Vincent's (4411 Chastant St., Metairie, 885-2984; 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313; 4250 Hwy. 22, Mandeville, 985-624-2300)

3. Impastato's (3400 16th St., Metairie, 455-1545)

Best Chinese Restaurant

1. Five Happiness (3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 488-6468)

2. P.F. Chang's China Bistro (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-5288)

3. Trey Yuen (600 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-626-4476)

Best Japanese/Sushi Restaurant

1. Shogun (2325 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-7477)

2. Sake Cafe (4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 779-7253)

3. (TIE) Kyoto (4920 Prytania St., 891-3644); Wasabi (900 Frenchmen St., 943-9433)

Best Vietnamese Restaurant

1. Lemon Grass (219 Camp St., International House Hotel, 523-1200)

2. Kim Son (349 Whitney Ave., Gretna, 366-2489)

Best Thai Restaurant

1. Basil Leaf (1438 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-9001)

2. Bangkok Cuisine (4137 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3606)

3. Thai Garden (1011 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-4804)

Best Mediterranean Restaurant

1. Mona's Cafe (3901 Banks St., 482-7743; 504 Frenchmen St., 949-4114; 3149 Calhoun St., 861-2124; 4126 Magazine St., 894-9800)

2. Byblos (3218 Magazine St., 894-1233; 1501 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9773)

3. Lebanon's Cafe (1506 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-6200)

Best Mexican Restaurant

1. Taqueria Corona (857 Fulton St., 524-9805; 1827 Hickory Ave., Harahan 738-6722; 3535 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5088; 5932 Magazine St., 897-3974)

2. Cuco's (1340 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-3322; 2766 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 393-7766; 5048 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-5005; 1300 Gause Blvd., Slidell, 985-641-4706)

3. Superior Grill (3636 St. Charles Ave., 899-4200)

Best Soul Food Restaurant

1. Praline Connection (907 S. Peters St., 523-3973; 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934; Armstrong International Airport, 466-1212)

2. Dooky Chase Restaurant (2301 Orleans Ave., 821-0600)

3. Dunbar's Creole Cooking Inc.(4927 Freret St., 899-0734)

Best Steakhouse

1. Ruth's Chris Steak House (711 N. Broad St., 486-0810; 3633 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-3600)

2. Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse (716 Iberville St., 522-CHOP/2467)

3. Crescent City Steakhouse (1001 N. Broad St., 821-3271)

Best Late-Night Dining

1. Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9573)

2. St. Charles Tavern (1433 St. Charles Ave., 523-9823)

3. La Peniche (1940 Dauphine St., 943-1460)

Best Breakfast Spot

1. Bluebird Cafe (3625 Prytania St., 895-7166)

2. Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9573)

3. Dot's Diner (2317 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 831-3681; 4150 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 833-9349; 6633 Airline Drive, Metairie, 734-0301; 10701 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 738-9678)

Best Place to Feed the Whole Family

Best New Club/Bar: Club 360�

1. Piccadilly Cafeteria (various locations)

2. Tower of Pizza (2104 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-9373)

3. (TIE) Cici's Pizza (3501 Chateau Blvd., Kenner, 464-4888; 4308 Judge Perez Drive, Meraux, 276-0404); Semolina (various locations)

Best Romantic Restaurant

1. Bella Luna (914 N. Peters St., 529-1583)

2. Cafe Degas (3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635)

3. Martinique Bistro (5908 Magazine St., 891-8495)

Best Cheap Eats

1. Dot's Diner (2317 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 831-3681; 4150 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 833-9349; 6633 Airline Drive, Metairie, 734-0301; 10701 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 738-9678)

2. Juan's Flying Burrito (2018 Magazine St.; 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-9950)

3. Manuel's Hot Tamales (4709 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-6616/2301)

Best Healthy Menu

1. Old Dog New Trick (517 Frenchmen St., 943-6368)

2. Whole Foods Market (3135 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946)

3. Foodies Kitchen (720 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9695; 7457 St. Charles Ave., 865-8646)

Best Dessert Menu

1. Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro (2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955)

2. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

3. Angelo Brocato's (214 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-0078)

Best Sunday Brunch

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. House of Blues (225 Decatur St. 529-BLUE/2583)

3. Mr. B's Bistro (201 Royal St., 523-2078)

Best Lunch Specials

1. Liuzza's (3636 Bienville St., 482-9120)

2. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

3. New City Diner (828 Gravier St., 522-8198; 1340 Poydras St., 561-0061)

Best Buffet

1. Harrah's New Orleans Casino (512 S. Peters St., 525-6658)

2. Kanpai (4116 Canal St., 483-0880)

3. Treasure Chest Casino (5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-8000)

Best Wine List

1. Brennan's (417 Royal St., 525-9713)

2. Antoine's (713 St. Louis St., 581-4422)

3. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

Best Chef

1. Emeril Lagasse

2. Susan Spicer

3. Kevin Vizard

Best Service

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. Brennan's (417 Royal St., 525-9713)

3. Jacques-Imo's Cafe (8324 Oak St., 861-0886)

Best Dining Atmosphere

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. Bella Luna (914 N. Peters St., 529-1583)

3. Galatoire's (209 Bourbon St., 525-2021)

Best Outdoor Dining

1. Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal St., 522-7261)

2. Joe's Crab Shack (8000 Lakeshore Drive, 283-1010)

3. Martinique Bistro (5908 Magazine St., 891-8495)

Best Hotel Restaurant

1. Grill Room (300 Gravier St., Windsor Court Hotel, 522-1992)

Best Library Branch: Latter

2. Rib Room (621 St. Louis St., Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 529-7046)

3. Veranda (444 St. Charles Ave., Hotel Inter-Continental, 585-4383)

Best Restaurant with a View

1. Bella Luna (914 N. Peters St., 529-1583)

2. Indigo (2285 Bayou Road, 947-0123)

3. Riverview (555 Canal St., Marriott Hotel, 581-1000, ext. 5638)

Best Overall Restaurant

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. Brennan's (417 Royal St., 525-9713)

3. Galatoire's (209 Bourbon St., 525-2021)

Best Place for Gourmet-To-Go

1. Foodies Kitchen (720 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9695; 7457 St. Charles Ave., 865-8646)

2. Martin Wine Cellar (3827 Baronne St., 896-7380; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350)

3. Chez Nous Charcuterie (5701 Magazine St., 899-7303)

Best Deli

1. Martin Wine Cellar (3827 Baronne St., 896-7380; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350)

2. Foodies Kitchen (720 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9695; 7457 St. Charles Ave., 865-8646)

3. Whole Foods Market (3135 Esplanade Ave., 488-6946)

Best Shopping Mall Food Court

1. Lakeside Shopping Center (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-8000)

2. Riverwalk Marketplace (1 Poydras St., 522-1555)

3. The Esplanade (1401 W. Esplanade Ave., 468-6116)

Best Place to Get a Salad

1. Houston's (1755 St. Charles Ave. 524-1578; 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-2301)

2. Caffe Caffe (4301 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 885-4845)

3. (TIE) Italian Pie (various locations); Cafe Rani (2917 Magazine St., 895-2500)

Best Place to Get a Muffaletta

1. Central Grocery (925 Decatur St., 523-1620)

2. Napoleon House (500 Chartres St., 524-9752)

3. R&O Pizza Place (216 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 831-1248)

Best Place to Get Oysters On the Half Shell

1. Acme Oyster & Seafood House (724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200)

2. Felix's (739 Iberville St.; another entrance at 210 Bourbon St.; 522-4440)

3. Cooter Brown's (509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104)

Best Place to Get Barbecue

1. Corky's Ribs & Bar-B-Q (4243 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5000)

2. Voodoo BBQ (1510 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647)

3. Luther's (2750 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-6370; 4950 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 347-0624; 8740 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 277-8167)

Best Place to Get Pizza

1. Venezia (134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991)

2. Italian Pie (various locations)

3. Reginelli's Pizzeria (741 State St., 899-1414; 874 Harrison Ave., 488-0133; 5608 Citrus Blvd., Elmwood, 818-0111)

Best Place to Get Fried Chicken

1. Popeye's (various locations)

2. Chicken Box (2013 S. Claiborne Ave., 524-4269; 2130 N. Claiborne Ave., 943-5171; 5769 Crowder Blvd., 241-4259; 943 Whitney Ave., 227-8003)

3. Mr. Ed's Deli & Catering (4107 S. Carrollton Ave., 486-8889; 6015 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 736-0089)

Best Place to Get Gumbo

1. The Gumbo Shop (630 St. Peter St., 525-1486)

2. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

3. Mr. B's Bistro (201 Royal St., 523-2078)

Best Place to Get Turtle Soup

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

Best Place to Get a Martini: Bombay Club

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

2. Mandina's (3800 Canal St., 482-9179)

3. Brennan's (417 Royal St., 525-9713)

Best Place to Get Boiled Crawfish

1. Deanie's Seafood (1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 581-1316)

2. Franky & Johnny's (321 Arabella St., 899-9146)

3. Captain Sid's Seafood (1700 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-2840)

Best Place to Get an Oyster Po-Boy

1. Acme Oyster & Seafood House (724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200)

2. Deanie's Seafood (1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 581-1316)

3. Bozo's (3117 21st St., Metairie, 831-8666)

Best Place to Get a Shrimp Po-Boy

1. Deanie's Seafood (1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; 841 Iberville St., 581-1316)

2. (TIE) Danny & Clyde's (various locations); New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. (817 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-8580; 1005 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 734-1122; 6920 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-1272)

Best Place to Get a Roast Beef Po-Boy

1. Mother's (401 Poydras St., 523-9656)

2. R&O Pizza Place (216 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 831-1248)

3. Domilise's Po-Boys (5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126)

Best Place to Get a Meatball Po-Boy

1. R&O Pizza Place (216 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 831-1248)

2. Liuzza's (3636 Bienville St., 482-9120)

3. Domilise's Po-Boys (5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126)

Best Place to Get a Burger

1. Port of Call (838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120)

2. Bud's Broiler (various locations)

3. (TIE) Lee's Hamburgers (904 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 836-6804; 2100 Airline Drive, Kenner, 472-0966; 4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-0110); Camellia Grill (626 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9573)

Best Place to Get French Fries

1. McDonald's (various locations)

2. Rally's (various locations)

3. Houston's (1755 St. Charles Ave., 524-1578; 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-2301)

Best Place to Get a King Cake

1. Randazzo's (5001 E. Judge Perez Drive, Meraux, 279-7472; 801 W. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 271-7472; 3515 N. Hyllen St., 456-1476)

2. Haydel's Bakery (4037 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 837-0190)

3. Gambino's (various locations)

Best Place to Get Bread Pudding

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. Palace Cafe (605 Canal St., 523-1661)

3. Brennan's (417 Royal St., 525-9713)

Best Place to Get Creme Brulee

1. Commander's Palace (1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

2. Antoine's (713 St. Louis St., 581-4422)

3. Ruth's Chris Steak House (711 N. Broad St., 486-0810; 3633 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-3600)

Best Sno-Ball Stand

1. Hansen's Sno-Bliz Sweet Shop (4801 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-9788)

2. Plum Street Snowball (1300 Burdette St., 866-7996)

3. Pandora's (901 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-8644)

Best Coffee House

1. Rue de la Course, Magazine and Louisiana (3128 Magazine St., 899-0242)

2. Starbucks Coffee Co. on Veterans (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-5257)

3. CC's Coffee House on Jefferson (900 Jefferson Ave., 891-4969)

Best Place to Get Iced Coffee

Best Live Music Show in the Past 12 Months: Prince

1. CC's Coffee House (various locations)

2. PJ's Coffee & Tea Cafe (various locations)

3. Starbucks Coffee Co. (various locations)

Best Place to Get Donuts

1. Krispy Kreme (825 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 779-9620)

2. Tastee Donuts (various locations)

3. Dunkin Donuts (148 Carondelet St., 524-7886; 1701 St. Charles Ave., 523-9796; 4015 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-3051)

Best Place to Get Ice Cream

1. Angelo Brocato's (214 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-0078)

2. Baskin-Robbins (various locations)

3. Haagen-Dazs (8018 Hampson St., 861-1005; 1 Poydras St., 523-3566; 621 St. Peter St., 523-4001)

Best Jazz Fest Food

1. Crawfish bread

2. Crawfish Monica

3. Meat pies

Best French Bread

1. Leidenheimer's

2. Binder's

3. La Madeleine (various locations)

Best Hot Sauce

1. Tabasco

2. Crystal

3. Louisiana

POLITICS

Best Local Legislator

1. U.S. Rep. David Vitter

2. U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu

3. State Sen. John Hainkel

Best New Orleans City Council Member

1. (TIE) Jay Batt; Oliver Thomas

2. Eddie Sapir

3. Jackie Clarkson

Best Jefferson Parish Council Member

1. Ed Muniz

2. Butch Ward

3. Aaron Broussard

Best Potential Gubernatorial Candidate

1. Mayor Ray Nagin

2. U.S. Rep. David Vitter

3. Suzanne Haik Terrell

Best New Job for Gov. Mike Foster

1. (TIE) Fishing guide; Harley-Davidson salesman

2. Public school employee

3. Wildlife and Fisheries official

Best Advice for Mayor Ray Nagin

1. Keep cracking down on corruption

2. (TIE) Repair streets/fix potholes; Stay focused on your agenda

Best Way to Improve Public Schools

1. Better teacher training and education

2. Clean house and start over

3. (TIE) Vouchers; Get rid of School Board

Best Reason to Give a Bouquet to the Legislature

Best Breakfast Spot: Bluebird Cafe

Photo by Tracie Morris/Young Studio

1. None

2. Increasing funding for public schools

3. Keeping the Saints in Louisiana

Best Reason to Give a Brickbat to the Legislature

1. Voting more taxes (cigarette, sales, state income tax)

2. Should pay teachers more

3. They're corrupt

Best Friend Louisiana Has In Washington

1. U.S. Sen. John Breaux

2. U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu

3. U.S. Rep. David Vitter

Best New Job for Harry Connick Sr.

1. Singer (nightclub, wedding, cabaret)

2. Roadie/manager/opening act for Harry Jr.

3. Grandfather

Best Public Spat

1. Al Copeland vs. Robert Guidry

2. Judge Ronald Bodenheimer vs. the FBI's "cooperating witness"

3. Mayor Ray Nagin vs. former Police Chief Richard Pennington

Best Local Scandal

1. Judge Ronald Bodenheimer

2. Canal Street brothel

3. Al Davis Sr. collecting inflated overtime

Best Lie From a Local Politician

1. Former Mayor Marc Morial: "I'm surprised about corruption in City Hall."

2. Col. Al Davis: "I didn't know my father got so much overtime."

3. Police Chief Richard Pennington: "I won't sling mud in the mayor's race."/"I have dirt on Ray Nagin."

Best Local Liberal

1. U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu

2. Former Mayor Marc Morial

3. Attorney C. Gary Wainwright

Best Local Conservative

1. U.S. Rep. David Vitter

2. Judge John Shea

3. Former City Council member Peggy Wilson

Best Community/Environmental Activist

1. Carlton Dufrechou and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (3 Lakeway, Ste. 2070, Metairie, 836-2215)

2. Gary Groesch and the Alliance for Affordable Energy (604 Julia St., 525-0778)

3. (TIE) Milton Cambre, wetlands restoration activist; Joe Cook and the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (P.O. Box 70496, 522-0617)

Best Watchdog

1. Rafael Goyeneche and the Metropolitan Crime Commission (1440 Canal St., Ste. 1703, 524-3148)

2. Richard Angelico, WDSU-TV (846 Howard Ave., 679-0600)

3. C.B. Forgotston, political critic

LOCAL LIFE

Best New Name for the Hornets

1. Jazz

2. Mosquitoes

3. Termites

Best Saints Player

1. Kyle Turley

2. Aaron Brooks

3. Deuce McAllister

Best Bookstore To Find Books by Local Authors: Maple Street Book Shop

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Best Brass Player

1. Mikko Sivonen

2. Steve Cheredaryk

Best Zephyrs Player

1. Jason Lane

Best Museum

1. New Orleans Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631)

2. National D-Day Museum (945 Magazine St., 527-6012)

3. Louisiana Children's Museum (420 Julia St., 523-1357)

Best Art Gallery

1. Arthur Roger Gallery (432 Julia St., 522-1999)

2. Carol Robinson Gallery (840 Napoleon Ave., 895-6130)

3. (TIE) Jonathan Ferrara Gallery (841 Carondelet St., 522-5471); Ogden Museum of Southern Art (615 Howard Ave., 539-9600)

Best Local Author

1. Anne Rice

2. Stephen Ambrose

3. Ronnie Virgets

Best Library Branch

1. Latter (5120 St. Charles Ave., 596-2625)

2. Main (219 Loyola Ave., 529-7323)

3. Jefferson Parish Eastbank Regional (4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 849-8816)

Best Playground

1. Metairie (1521 Palm St., Metairie, 838-1035)

2. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

3. Girard (5300 Irving St., Metairie, 838-1038)

Best Elementary School

1. Audubon Montessori School (428 Broadway St., 862-5135)

2. St. Catherine of Siena School (400 Codifer Blvd., Metairie, 831-1166)

3. Newman Isidore School (1903 Jefferson Ave., 899-5641)

Best High School

1. Jesuit High School (4133 Banks St., 486-6631)

2. Benjamin Franklin Senior High School (2001 Leon C. Simon Drive, 286-2600)

3. Mt. Carmel Christian Faith Academy (2845 N. Roman St., 943-8960)

Best Place for Family Fun

1. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

2. Jazzland Theme Park (I-10 at I-510, 253-8000)

3. Audubon Zoo (6500 Magazine St., 861-2537)

Best Place to Picnic

1. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

2. Lakefront

3. Audubon Park (6500 St Charles Ave., 861-2537)

Best Place to Jog

1. Audubon Park (6500 St Charles Ave., 861-2537)

2. Lakefront

3. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

Best Place to Bike

1. Audubon Park (6500 St Charles Ave., 861-2537)

2. (TIE) Levee bike path; Lakefront

Best Golf Course

1. English Turn Golf & Country Club (1 Clubhouse Drive, 391-8018)

2. Bayou Oaks Golf Course at City Park (1040 Filmore Ave., 483-9397)

3. Eastover Country Club (5690 Eastover Drive, 245-7347)

Best Local TV Reporter Who Isn't An Anchor: Helena Moreno

Best Tennis Courts

1. City Park (Victory Ave., 483-9383)

2. New Orleans Country Club (5024 Pontchartrain Blvd., 482-4084)

3. Chateau Golf & Country Club (3600 Chateau Blvd., Kenner, 467-1351)

Best Park

1. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

2. Audubon Park (6500 St Charles Ave., 861-2537)

3. Lafreniere Park (3000 Downs Blvd., Metairie, 838-4389)

Best Place to Propose

1. Bella Luna (914 N. Peters St., 529-1583)

2. Commander's Palace (1427 Washington Ave., 899-8221)

3. Jackson Square

Best Place to Get Married

1. St. Louis Cathedral (615 Pere Antoine Alley, 525-9585)

2. City Park (1 Palm Drive, 482-4888)

3. St. Patrick's Church (724 Camp St., 525-4413)

Best Northshore Destination

1. Abita Brew Pub (72011 Holly St., Abita Springs, 985-892-5837)

2. Trey Yuen (600 N. Causeway Approach, Mandeville, 985-626-4476)

3. Dakota (629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-892-3712)

Best West Bank Destination

1. Bayou Segnette State Park (7777 Westbank Expwy., Westwego, 736-7140)

2. Boomtown Casino (4132 Peters Road, Harvey, 800-366-7711)

3. English Turn Golf & Country Club (1 Clubhouse Drive, 391-8018)

Best Carnival Day Parade

1. Rex

2. Zulu

3. Tucks

Best Carnival Night Parade

1. Endymion

2. Bacchus

3. Orpheus

Best Jazzland Ride

1. Mega Zeph

2. Zydeco Scream

Best Carousel Gardens Ride

1. Carousel

2. Train

3. Ladybug

Best Day Trip

1. Biloxi

2. St. Francisville

3 (TIE) Beau Rivage Casino (875 Beach Road, Biloxi, Miss., 228-386-7111); Pontchatoula

MEDIA

Best Radio Station

1. WWOZ 90.7 FM

2. WWL 870 AM

3. WCKW 92.3 FM

Best Radio Morning Show

1. Walton & Johnson, WRNO 99.5 FM

2. Andre Trevigne, WWL 870 AM

3. Morning Edition, NPR/WWNO 89.9 FM

Best Chef: Emeril Lagasse

Best Radio Afternoon Show

1. David Tyree, WWL 870 AM

2. Rush Limbaugh, WWL 870 AM

3. All Things Considered, NPR/WWNO 89.9 FM

Best Radio Traffic Watch

1. Lisa Bacques, MetroScan Traffic Network

2. John Bray, MetroScan Traffic Network

3. (TIE) Mike Weldon, MetroScan Traffic Network; Bob Frost, MetroScan Traffic Network

Best Local Radio Talk Show Host

1. Andre Trevigne, WWL 870 AM

2. Buddy D, WWL 870 AM

3. Rod Ryan, KKND 106.7 FM

Best Local Web Site

1. www.nola.com

2. www.bestofneworleans.com

3. www.insideneworleans.com

Best Local Publication

1. Gambit Weekly

2. Times-Picayune

3. New Orleans Magazine

Best Local Journalist

1. Clancy DuBos, Gambit Weekly

2. Chris Rose, Times-Picayune

3. Frank Donze, Times-Picayune

Best Local Columnist

1. Chris Rose, Times-Picayune

2. James Gill, Times-Picayune

3. Ronnie Virgets, Gambit Weekly

Best Local Music Journalist

1. Keith Spera, Times-Picayune

2. Scott Jordan, Gambit Weekly

3. Geraldine Wyckoff, freelance

Best Local Sports Writer

1. Pete Finney, Times-Picayune

2. Josh Peter, Times-Picayune

3. John DeShazier,Times-Picayune

Best Local Male TV Anchor

1. Eric Paulson, WWL-TV

2. Norman Robinson, WDSU-TV

3. Dennis Woltering, WWL-TV

Best Local Female TV Anchor

1. Angela Hill, WWL-TV

2. Sally Ann Roberts, WWL-TV

3. Karen Swensen, WWL-TV

Best TV Anchor Hair

1. Angela Hill, WWL-TV

2. Karen Swensen, WWL-TV

3. Bob Breck, WVUE-TV

Best Local TV Reporter Who Isn't An Anchor

1. Helena Moreno, WDSU-TV

Best Hotel and Best Hotel for Locals: The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

2. Stephanie Riegel, WWL-TV

3. Jennifer Huntley, WWL-TV

Best Local TV Weathercaster

1. Bob Breck, WVUE-TV

2. David Bernard, WWL-TV

3. Carl Arredondo, WWL-TV

Best Local TV Sportscaster

1. Jim Henderson, WWL-TV

2. Ed Daniels, WGNO-TV

3. Juan Kincaid, WWL-TV

Best Local TV Station

1. WWL-TV

2. WDSU-TV

3. WVUE-TV

Best Local Commercial

1. Frankie & Johnnie's

2. WWL-TV "Spirit of Louisiana"

3. New Orleans Saints

Best Locally Produced TV Show

1. Louisiana Jukebox

2. Fourth Down on 4

3. Phat Phat and All That

Best Reason to Have Cable TV

1. Better reception

2. Sex and the City

3. The Food Network

Best Publicist/P.R. Firm

1. Peter A. Mayer Advertising Inc. (324 Camp St., 566-1046)

2. LeBlanc & Schuster Public Relations Inc. (433 Metairie Road, Metairie, 833-5703)

3. Allan Katz, Katz & Columbus Inc. (814 Baronne St., 522-8777)

GOODS & SERVICES

Best Shopping Mall

1. Lakeside Shopping Center (3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-8000)

2. (TIE) The Shops at Canal Place (333 Canal St., 522-9200); The Esplanade (1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 465-2161)

Best Shopping Area

1. Magazine Street

2. (TIE) Maple Street; Lee Lane, Covington

3. Royal Street

Best Department Store

1. Dillard's (Oakwood Shopping Center, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 362-4800; Plaza Lake Forest, 5700 Read Blvd., 241-8121; The Esplanade, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-6050; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-1075)

2. Macy's (New Orleans Centre, 1400 Poydras St., 456-2297)

3. Saks Fifth Avenue (301 Canal St., 524-2200)

Best Men's Clothing Store

1. (TIE) Perlis (6070 Magazine St., 895-8661; 1281 North Causeway Blvd., Suite 6, Mandeville, 985-674-1711); Rubenstein Bros. (102 St. Charles Ave., 581-6666)

2. Brooks Brothers (365 Canal St., 522-4200)

Best Women's Clothing Store

1. Mimi (5500 Magazine St., 269-6464)

2. Nicole Miller (Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 828-1925)

3. Chatta Box (4114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-1527)

Best Children's Clothing Store

1. Gap Kids (Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-3807)

2. Chocolate Soup (2030 Metairie Road, Metairie, 837-8314)

Best Community/Environmental Activist: Carlton Dufrechou and the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation

3. Pippen Lane (2929 Magazine St., 269-0106)

Best Shoe Store

2. Nine West (Riverwalk, 1 Poydras St., 522-1581; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-6006)

3. Feet First (4119 Magazine St., 899-6800; 518 Chartres St., 566-7525)

Best Place for Evening Wear

1. Saks Fifth Avenue (301 Canal St., 524-2200)

2. Chatta Box (4114 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-1527)

3. Yvonne LeFleur (8131 Hampson St., 866-9666)

Best Place to Buy a Men's Suit

1. Rubenstein Bros. (102 St. Charles Ave., 581-6666)

2. Perlis (6070 Magazine St., 895-8661; 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 6, Mandeville, 985-674-1711)

3. The Men's Wearhouse (Oakwood Shopping Center, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 362-3114; 3033 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 837-4295)

Best Place to Rent a Tuxedo

1. Al's Formal Wear (1170 Terry Pkwy., Gretna, 392-8900; Oakwood Shopping Center inside Sears, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 364-8265; 3544 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-3545)

2. Perlis (6070 Magazine St., 895-8661; 1281 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 6, Mandeville, 985-674-1711)

3. John's Tuxedos (3200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 455-5353)

Best Place to Buy Lingerie

1. Victoria's Secret (The Esplanade, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-2045; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 831-9494; Riverwalk, 1 Poydras St., 525-6900; Oakwood Shopping Center, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 368-6877)

2. House of Lounge (2044 Magazine St., 671-8300)

3. Basics (802 Octavia St., 894-1000; 922 Royal St., 586-1140)

Best Place to Buy a Bathing Suit

2. Macy's (New Orleans Centre, 1400 Poydras St., 456-2297)

3. Hit Parade (741 Bourbon St., 524-7700)

Best Place to Buy Vintage Clothing

1. Funky Monkey (3127 Magazine St., 899-5587)

2. Second Glance Resale Shoppe (5050 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, 887-6070)

3. On The Other Hand (8126 Hampson St., 861-0159)

Best Thrift Store

1. Thrift City (4125 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-0736)

2. Goodwill (8710 W. Judge Perez Hwy., Chalmette, 277-7778; 41 Claiborne Square, Covington, 985-892-3937; 3156 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, 985-641-0754; 2525 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 467-7063; 1525 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 361-9805; 800 S. Clearview Ave., Metairie, 818-2150; 123 Robert E. Lee Drive, 282-7655)

3. Red, White & Blue Thrift Store (6601 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 733-8066; 5050 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 347-1512)

Best Toy Store

1. Toys R Us (3609 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-9513; 12250 I-10 at Bullard Plaza, 245-8697)

2. Big Life Toys (3117 Magazine St., 895-8695; 5430 Magazine St., 899-8697)

3. Le Jouet (1700 Airline Drive, Metairie, 837-0533)

Best Place to Buy a Wedding Gift

1. Coleman E. Adler & Sons (722 Canal St., 523-5292; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 523-5292)

2. Dillard's (Oakwood Shopping Center, 197 Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 362-4800; Plaza Lake Forest, 5700 Read Blvd., 241-8121; The Esplanade, 1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-6050; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-1075)

3. Macy's (New Orleans Centre, 1400 Poydras St., 456-2297)

Best Jewelry Store

1. Aucoin Hart (1525 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9999)

2. Mignon Faget (710 Dublin St., 865-7361; Canal Place, 524-2973)

3. Ramsey's Diamond Jewelers (5700 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-4653)

Best Jewelry Designer

1. Mignon Faget (710 Dublin St., 865-7361; Canal Place, 524-2973)

2. Aucoin Hart (1525 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9999)

3. Symmetry Jewelers (8138 Hampson St., 861-9925)

Best Cleaners

1. Metairie Cleaners (123 Focis St., Metairie, 835-7980)

2. Golden Cleaners (various locations)

Best Band that Doesn't Fit Into Any of These Categories: Egg Yolk Jubilee

3. De Luxe Laundry-Cleaners-Storage (5325 Canal Blvd., 488-7733)

Best Hospital

1. East Jefferson General Hospital (4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4000)

2. Touro Infirmary (1401 Foucher St., 897-7011)

3. Ochsner Clinic (1514 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 842-4000)

Best Hospital to Have a Baby

1. Lakeside Hospital (4700 I-10 Service Road, Metairie, 780-8282)

2. East Jefferson General Hospital (4200 Houma Blvd., Metairie, 454-4000)

3. Touro Infirmary (1401 Foucher St., 897-7011)

Best Health Club

1. Elmwood Fitness Center (1200 Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 733-1600; 701 Poydras St., 588-1600)

2. New Orleans Athletic Club (222 N. Rampart St., 525-2375)

3. Franco's Lakeview Athletic Club (111 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-8801)

Best Place to Take a Yoga Class

1. Elmwood Fitness Center (1200 Clearview Pkwy., Harahan, 733-1600; 701 Poydras St., 588-1600)

2. New Orleans Yoga Center (4842 Perrier St., 894-0024)

3. (TIE) Franco's Lakeview Athletic Club (111 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 286-8801); Audubon Yoga Studio (511 Octavia St., 895-8711)

Best Barbershop

1. Canal Place Barber Shop (Canal Place, 522-4147)

2. Vincent's Barber Shop (2900 Metairie Court Pkwy., Metairie, 835-1835)

3. Head Quarters (900 Dauphine St., 522-2666)

Best Hair Salon

1. Paris Parker (4900 Prytania St., 891-8874; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 846-5256; The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., 568-1124; 4900 Hwy. 22, suite 1, Mandeville, (985) 845-4404)

2. John Jay (540 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 282-7234; 7600 St. Charles Ave., 866-2782; 3142 Pontchartrain Drive, Slidell, 985-646-0340; 3363 Severn Ave., Metairie, 889-1444)

3. H2O (441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377)

Best Day Spa

1. Belladonna (2900 Magazine St., 891-4393)

2. H2O (441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377)

3. Earthsavers (5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152)

Best Place to Get a Manicure

1. Belladonna (2900 Magazine St., 891-4393)

2. Earthsavers (5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152)

3. Paris Parker (1400 Annunciation St., 528-1962; 6505 Spanish Fort Blvd., 282-8166; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Lakeside Shopping Center, 846-5256)

Best Place to Get a Pedicure

1. Belladonna (2900 Magazine St., 891-4393)

2. H2O (441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377)

3. Earthsavers (5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152)

Best Place to Get a Massage

1. H2O (441 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4377)

2. Earthsavers (5501 Magazine St., 899-8555; 434 Chartres St., 581-4999; 3256 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-5152)

3. Belladonna (2900 Magazine St., 891-4393)

Best Tanning Salon

1. Planet Beach (various locations)

2. Bayou Beach (1820 Hickory Ave., Harahan, 734-0555)

3. Bask (5300 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-2275)

Best Body Piercing Studio

1. Rings of Desire (1128 Decatur St., 524-6147)

2. Electric Ladyland (8106 Earhart Blvd., 866-3859; 610 Frenchmen St., 947-8286)

3. Eye Candy (1578 Magazine St., 299-8222)

Best Place to Buy a Musical Instrument

1. Werlein's (3750 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 883-5060; 1152 Terry Pkwy., Gretna, 883-5090)

2. New Orleans Music Exchange (3342 Magazine St., 891-7670)

3. Guitar Center (1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 818-0338)

Best New CD Store

1. Virgin Megastore (620 Decatur St., 671-8100)

2. Tower Records (408 N. Peters St., 529-4411)

3. Wherehouse Music (various locations)

Best Used CD Store

1. CD Warehouse (3029 Magazine St., 899-9962; 700 Terry Pkwy., Terrytown, 433-0494; 2108 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 838-6048)

2. Wherehouse Music (various locations)

3. Mushroom (1037 Broadway St., 866-6065)

Best CD Store to Find Local Artists

1. Tower Records (408 N. Peters St., 529-4411)

2. Louisiana Music Factory (210 Decatur St., 586-1094)

3. Wherehouse Music (various locations)

Best Video Store for New Releases

1. Blockbuster Video (various locations)

2. Major Video (3020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 833-1768; 400 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 392-8257; 6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-7803; 4909 Prytania St., 891-8333)

3. Hollywood Video (2831 Belle Chasse Hwy., Terrytown, 394-6800; 2801 Magazine St., 897-1009; 8400 Morrison Road, 242-9663; 4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-3122)

Best Video Store for Classics/ Foreign Films

1. Blockbuster Video (various locations)

2. Major Video (3020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 833-1768; 400 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 392-8257; 6601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-7803; 4909 Prytania St., 891-8333)

3. Video Alternatives (4725 Magazine St., 891-5347)

Best Bookstore

1. Barnes & Noble (3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-4929; 1601 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146)

2. Maple Street Book Shop (7523 Maple St., 866-4916)

3. Borders Books & Music (3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-1363)

Best Bookstore To Find Books by Local Authors

1. Maple Street Book Shop (7523 Maple St., 866-4916)

2. Barnes & Noble (3721 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 455-4929; 1601 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 263-1146)

3. Borders Books & Music (3131 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-1363)

Best Travel Agency

1. Brennan Travel (433 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-3200)

2. Eagle Travel (3814 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-4462)

Best New Car Dealer

1. Lamarque Ford (3101 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-2500)

2. Sewell Cadillac Chevrolet GEO (701 Baronne St., 581-7585)

3. Crown Buick GMC (2121 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 455-6666)

Best Used Car Dealer

1. Crescent City Motors (3000 Tulane Ave., 827-1200)

2. Marshall Bros. Lincoln Mercury (4641 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-1680)

3. Lakeside Toyota (3701 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 837-6030)

Best SUV

1. Lincoln Navigator

2. Ford Explorer

3. GMC Yukon

Best Sports Car

1. Corvette

2. Porsche Boxster

3. Dodge Viper

Best Luxury Car

1. Mercedes S class

2. BMW 7 series

3. Lexus 450

Best Place to Buy Cheap Gas

1. Spur (various locations)

2. Danny & Clyde (various locations)

3. Sam's Club (1527 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 361-3966; 455 31st St., Kenner, 467-9677)

Best Bank

1. Hibernia Bank (various locations)

2. Whitney Bank (various locations)

3. Bank One (various locations)

Best Wireless Phone Service

1. Cingular (various locations)

2. Sprint PCS (various locations)

3. Suncom (various locations)

Best Local Internet Provider

1. Cox Communications (304-8444)

2. BellSouth ((800) 436-8638)

3. I-55.com (568-9719)

Best Newsstand

1. Lakeside News (17th Street at Severn Avenue, Metairie)

2. Sidney's News Stand (917 Decatur St., 524-6872)

Best Place to Buy a Computer

1. Best Buy (6205 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-0172; 1601 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 364-0411)

2. Gateway Country (4704 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-3857)

3. Comp USA (8855 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 468-3056)

Best Place to Buy a Stereo

1. Best Buy (6205 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-0172; 1601 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 364-0411)

2. Circuit City (6011 Bullard Ave., 245-6366; 4945 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 348-2279; 2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 712-1407; 100 Riverbend Drive, St. Rose, 467-3339)

3. Alterman Audio (3213 17th St., Metairie, 834-5400)

Best Place to Buy a VCR/DVD Player

1. Best Buy (6205 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 780-0172; 1601 Westbank Expwy., Harvey, 364-0411)

2. Circuit City (6011 Bullard Ave., 245-6366; 4945 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 348-2279; 2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 712-1407; 100 Riverbend Drive, St. Rose, 467-3339)

3. Wal-Mart (various locations)

Best Bicycle Store

1. GNO Cyclery (1426 S. Carrollton Ave., 861-0023)

2. Bayou Bicycle (3534 Toulouse St., 488-1946)

3. Joe's Bicycle Shop (2509 Tulane Ave., 821-2354)

Best Sporting Goods Store

1. Oshman's Sporting Goods (5300 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-7791; 4329 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-4700; 2803 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Kenner, 464-5473)

2. Academy Sports & Outdoors (50 Westside North Shopping Center, Gretna, 363-8283)

3. Sports Authority (5151 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 734-7271)

Best Pet Groomers

1. PetsMart (1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 733-2016; 1321 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 263-0879)

2. Pet-A-Coat Junction (815 Focis St., Metairie, 835-9215)

3. Clip & Dip (1001 Metairie Road, 833-0099)

Best Pet Supplies Store

1. PetsMart (1000 S. Clearview Pkwy., Jefferson, 733-2016; 1321 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey, 263-0879)

2. Double M Feed Garden & Pet Supply (various locations)

3. Jefferson Feed Pet & Garden Center (4421 Jefferson Hwy., Jefferson, 733-8572)

Best Veterinary/Animal Clinic

1. Metairie Small Animal Hospital (101 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-4266)

2. Causeway Animal Hospitals Inc. (1315 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, 828-2700)

3. Airline Animal Hospital Inc. (4011 Airline Drive, Metairie, 834-4422)

Best Hotel

1. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (921 Canal St., 524-1331)

2. Windsor Court Hotel (300 Gravier St., 523-6000)

3. W New Orleans (333 Poydras St., 525-9444)

Best Hotel Lobby

1. Fairmont Hotel (123 Baronne St., 529-7111)

2. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (921 Canal St., 524-1331)

3. Windsor Court Hotel (300 Gravier St., 523-6000)

Best Hotel for Locals

1. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (921 Canal St., 524-1331)

2. Windsor Court Hotel (300 Gravier St., 523-6000)

3. W New Orleans (333 Poydras St., 525-9444)

Best Bed and Breakfast/Guesthouse

1. Lafitte Guest House (1003 Bourbon St., 581-2678)

2. The Melrose Mansion (937 Esplanade Ave., 944-2255)

3. The House on Bayou Road (2275 Bayou Road, 945-0992)

Best Divorce Lawyer

1. Stephen Rue (422 Derbigny St., Gretna, 362-4814; 3309 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-2400; 4004 Magazine St., 897-1003)

2. Donna Fraiche (601 Poydras St., 558-5102)

3. Eugene Redman (821 Baronne St., 522-3022)

Best Personal Injury Lawyer

1. Morris Bart (909 Poydras St., 525-8000)

2. E. Eric Guirard (833 Howard Ave., 433-3333 or 800-396-3333)

3. (TIE) Charles Verderame (3404 W. Esplanade Ave., 455-7292); Michael Hingle (201 St. Charles Ave., 523-6800; 3501 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 317, Metairie; 401 Westbank Expwy., Suite 201, Gretna, 362-3405)

Best Car Wash

1. Safari Car Wash (2200 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 833-9659)

2. Uptown Car Wash (5500 Tchoupitoulas St., 895-9700)

3. Halima Car Wash (5261 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-7442)

Best Auto Repair Shop

1. Philip Bonura Auto Service (1618 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 833-8584)

2. Doody and Hank's Complete Auto (719 O'Keefe Ave., 522-5391 or 524-0118)

3. Uptown Auto Specialist (501 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-8392)

Best Hardware Store

1. Harry's Ace (3535 Magazine St., 896-1500)

2. Harry's Ace (N. Carrollton Ave., 896-1540)

3. Mary's True Value (908 Bourbon St., 525-6279)

Best Florist

1. Villere's Florist (1107 Veterans Memorial Blvd., 833-3716)

2. Tommy's Flowers (1029 Chartres St., 522-6563)

3. Scheinuk the Florist (2600 St. Charles Ave., 895-3944)

Best Garden Center

1. Home Depot (various locations)

2. Perino's Garden Center (3100 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-7888)

3. Charvet's Garden Center (4511 Clearview Pkwy., Metairie, 888-7700; 123 Metairie Road, Metairie, 835-7700; 9101 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge, 737-7700)

Best Place to Buy Wine

1. Martin Wine Cellar (713 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7300; 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411)

2. Elio's Wine Warehouse (6205 S. Miro St., 866-1852)

3. Cellars of River Ridge (1801 Dickory Ave., Harahan, 734-8455)

Best Liquor Store

1. Martin Wine Cellar (713 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7300; 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411)

2. Dorignac's Food Center (710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-8216)

3. Elio's Wine Warehouse (6205 S. Miro St., 866-1852)

Best Candy Shop

1. Blue Frog Chocolates (5707 Magazine St., 269-5707)

2. Godiva Chocolatier Lakeside (1401 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 464-6422)

3. Southern Candymakers (334 Decatur St., 523-5544)

Best Neighborhood Grocery

1. Langenstein's (1330 Arabella St., 899-9283; 800 Metairie Road, Metairie, 831-6682)

2. Whole Foods Market (3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626)

3. (TIE) Zara's Food Store (2042 Prytania St., 523-3658; 4838 Prytania St., 895-0581); Meme's Market Lakefront (7041 Canal Blvd., 282-0317)

Best Supermarket

1. Sav-A-Center (various locations)

2. Dorignac's Food Center (710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-8216)

3. Winn-Dixie (various locations)

Best Bakery

1. Maurice French Pastries (3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 885-1526)

2. Gambino's Bakeries (4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-7500; 300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 391-0600; 2308 Piedmont St., Kenner, 467-9800; 3240 S. Carrollton Ave., 485-0171; 5242 Elysian Fields Ave., 288-4262)

3. La Madeleine (various locations)

Best Bakery in a Grocery Store

1. Dorignac's Food Center (710 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 834-8216)

2. (TIE) Sav-A-Center (various locations); Winn-Dixie (various locations)

3. Whole Foods Market (3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626)

Best Grocery Store to Buy Fresh Produce

1. Whole Foods Market (3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626)

2. Sav-A-Center (various locations)

3. Albertson's (1951 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, 340-0095; 3502 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 463-0830; 2851 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 433-4489)

Best Fruit and Vegetable Market Stand

1. Crescent City Farmers Market (200 Broadway St.; 3700 Orleans Ave.; 700 Magazine St.; 861-5898)

2. French Market (1241 Decatur St., 523-5172)