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Best of New Orleans® 2004

Best Deli, Best Liquor Store and Best Place to Buy Wine: Martin Wine Cellar

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Written by Shala Carlson, Andrei Codrescu, Frank Etheridge, Alison Fensterstock, Kandace Power Graves, Allen Johnson Jr., Eileen Loh Harrist, Lili LeGardeur, Katy Reckdahl, Alex Rawls, Sara Roahen, David Lee Simmons, Michael Tisserand and Ronnie Virgets.

Editorial assistance from Alison Fensterstock, Megan Graves, Jamal Jackson, Xiomara Myers, Ernest Svenson and Lance Vargas.

Best Place to Get a Martini

1. Bombay Club (830 Conti St., 586-0972; www.thebombayclub.com) -- The Bombay Club has over a hundred specialty martinis and a fine selection of vodkas and gins for those who like their martinis custom-made. More important than the recipes, though, are the bartenders, who have mastered the delicate science of mixing a martini.

2. Whiskey Blue (333 Poydras St., 525-9444; www.starwood.com)

3. Rasputin's Restaurant & Vodka Bar (333 Poydras St., 525-9444)

Best Place to Get Wine by the Glass

1. The Wine Loft (752 Tchoupitoulas St., 561-0116; thewineloft.net) -- With a knowledgeable staff, patrons can comfortably order from the menu of more than 80 wines sold by the glass. That, in tandem with the Wine Loft's bistro fare, has made it a hip Warehouse District destination.

2. Martin Wine Cellar (3827 Baronne St., 269-3792; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7300; www.martinwine.com)

3. Delachaise (3442 St. Charles Ave., 895-0858)

Best Place to Get a Cold Beer

1. Cooter Brown's Tavern (509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104; www.cooterbrowns.com) -- In the heat of late summer, a cold beer is almost as necessary as air conditioning. Cooter's keeps its coolers set at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is very cold indeed.

2. The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St., 891-1516; 5135 Canal Blvd., 488-4191; www.bulldog.draftfreak.com)

3. Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar (3636 Bienville St., 482-9120; www.liuzzas.com)

Best Beer Selection

1. Cooter Brown's Tavern (509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104; www.cooterbrowns.com) -- The wall-long cooler in Cooter Brown's has made more than one college student weep with joy upon seeing it. It houses more than 400 beers from around the world, and draft fans should be able to find a fresh adventure in one of Cooter's 40 beers on tap.

2. The Bulldog (3236 Magazine St., 891-1516; 5135 Canal Blvd., 488-4191; www.bulldog.draftfreak.com)

3. Lager's International Ale House (3501 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-9923; lagersmetairie.draftfreak.com/main.php)

Best Casino

1. Harrah's New Orleans Casino (512 S. Peters St., 533-6000; www.harrahs.com) -- This year, Harrah's opened the Earl Turner Theatre to bring Earl Turner and Las Vegas-style entertainment to the city. The Canal Street casino, with its vast expanse of slot machines and table games, has become a destination of choice for locals and visitors.

2. Treasure Chest (5050 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 468-6152; www.treasurechest.com)

3. Boomtown Casino (4132 Peters Road, Harvey, 366-7711; www.boomtownneworleans.com)

Best Live Music Venue

1. House of Blues (225 Decatur St., 529-2624; www.hob.com) -- House of Blues regularly features big-name talent in rock, world music, R&B and hip-hop, so its calendar is required reading each month. The main room is large enough to make shows feel like events, but concertgoers are never too far from the stage, making even an evening with hundreds of people feel intimate.

2. Tipitina's (501 Napoleon Ave., 894-8477; www.tipitinas.com)

3. Howlin' Wolf (828 S. Peters St., 529-5844; www.howlin-wolf.com)

Best Live Music Show in the Last 12 Months

Best Men's Clothing Store and Best Place to Buy a Men's Suit: Perlis Inc.

Photo by Donn Young

1. Prince -- Performing in the Superdome during Essence Festival this summer, Prince delivered a three-hour parade of his hits, showing a heavy debt to James Brown in the arrangements. He was not only musically generous but also affable, seemingly enjoying his time onstage as much as the full Dome enjoyed being there.

2. Eric Clapton

3. Shania Twain

Best Jazz Fest Performance 2004

1. Lenny Kravitz -- Closing the Acura Stage the first Saturday of Jazz Fest, Kravitz featured songs from his then-upcoming album, Baptism. He surprised the audience first with his recently straightened hair, then with a memorable set that veered bravely into jazz funk for a half-hour, generously letting the other band members take substantial solos. After following his personal muse down that alley, he rewarded his audience with his hits.

2. Bonnie Raitt

3. Wyclef Jean

Best Rock Band/Artist

1. Cowboy Mouth -- Cowboy Mouth has been raising hell for 14 years, and concerts still feel as much like tent revival meetings as rock 'n' roll shows. The new album, Live at the Zoo, recorded live at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo, captures the band at its wildest, and is the first to feature bass player Mary LaSang.

2. Better Than Ezra

3. Theresa Andersson

Best R&B/Blues Band/Artist

1. Irma Thomas -- The Soul Queen of New Orleans remains one of the city's most cherished musicians. Whether it's her yearly Mothers Day concert at Audubon Park or a show in her own Lion's Den, Thomas gives her fans the New Orleans favorites, with a warmth and spirit that comes from genuine trial and triumph.

2. Walter 'Wolfman' Washington and the Roadmasters

3. Henry Butler

Best Jazz Band/Artist

1. Kermit Ruffins -- The trumpeter's albums embody New Orleans' party spirit, and his Thursday night shows at Vaughan's have become an institution. Tourists from around the world make the trip to the Bywater bar, where they're rewarded with his imaginative, crowd-pleasing takes on jazz standards.

2. Jeremy Davenport

3. Astral Project

Best Cajun/Zydeco Band/Artist

1. Rockin' Dopsie Jr. -- From one of the best-known families in zydeco, Rockin' Dopsie Jr. is one of the most distinctive rubboard players in Louisiana. From his trademark cowboy hat to his wraparound shades, he is a memorable figure onstage, leading his band with James Brown-like athleticism.

2. BeauSoleil

3. Amanda Shaw

Best Brass Band

1. ReBirth Brass Band -- This year's ReBirth for Life features the band at its best, shifting effortlessly from memorable riffs to complex interplay between the horns, to call-and-response trade-offs, all over a consistently funky groove. With its tribute to the departed Tuba Fats, the album also has a timeliness not typically associated with the band.

2. Olympia Brass Band

3. Dirty Dozen Band

Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist

1. Juvenile -- Juvenile has a gift for bringing his younger days in the Magnolia Project to life in music with adventurous beats, as Juvie the Great, his 2003 Cash Money album, illustrated. On this year's Beginning of the End -- a collaboration with proteges Wacko and Skip -- he continues to show loyalty to his neighborhood with 'Nolia Chop.'

2.(TIE) Master P and Ballzack

3. Mystikal

Best Acoustic/Folk Band/Artist

1. Jim McCormick -- McCormick's You Can't Drown Your Sorrows captures him with one foot in New Orleans and one foot in Nashville. His songs show a quintessentially New Orleanian love for the good times and a Nashvillian appreciation for the songwriting craft, but his live shows are definitely more roadhouse than Opry.

2. Andi Hoffman and the B-Goes

3. Spencer Bohren

Best Band That Doesn't Fit Any of These Categories

1. Bag of Donuts -- This cover band definitely doesn't take itself too seriously, with the whole band in costume, including a guitar player in a Kiss outfit -- right down to the Gene Simmons makeup. Playing hits from the '70s, '80s and '90s, and everything from cartoon theme songs to Metallica's 'Enter Sandman,' Bag of Donuts will do anything to entertain.

2. Bucktown All-Stars

3. Bingo!

FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

Best New Restaurant

Best Friend New Orleans Has in Washington and Best Local Liberal: Mary Landrieu

1. La Petite Grocery(4238 Magazine St., 891-3377) -- La Petite is a welcome, bistro-inspired addition to the always impressive Magazine Street row of gastronomy. Chef and co-owner Anton Schulte's reduction sauces are a delight, particularly grilled pork loin with choucroute in a caramelly Riesling-cider reduction. This is one delightful room with a view.

2. Cafe Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar(Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305)

3. Ralph's on the Park(900 City Park Ave., 488-1000)

Best Northshore Restaurant

1. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China(600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-626-4476; www.treyyuen.com/treyyuenmandeville.htm) -- The Wong brothers have dominated the Asian dining experience on the Northshore for years and we can see why. From an interior featuring rosewood ceilings and the mother-of-pearl dining chairs to signature dishes such as the fried softshell crab with Tong Cho sauce, Trey Yuen mixes sophistication with traditional Chinese and regional cuisines.

2. The Dakota Restaurant(629 N. Hwy. 190, Covington, 985-892-3712)

3. La Provence(25020 Hwy. 190, Mandeville, 985-626-7662)

Best Hotel Restaurant

1.(TIE) Cafe Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar (Loews New Orleans Hotel, 300 Poydras St., 595-3305) and Rib Room (621 St. Louis St., 529-7045; www.neworleansrestaurants.com/ribroom) -- Old shares space with new in this duel of the hotel restaurants, although one could argue Cafe Adelaide, from the Brennan family, speaks to the good old days. Among the many delights at this new restaurant in a new hotel is a variety of crepes that feature duck, portobello mushrooms and sun-dried cherries. At the nearly half-century-old Rib Room, there is always the namesake feast, but don't be surprised with a turf selection that includes Gulf shrimp over angel-hair pasta.

2. Grill Room(Windsor Court Hotel, 300 Gravier St., 523-6000; www.windsorcourthotel.com)

3. Rene Bistrot(Pere Marquette Hotel, 817 Common St., 412-2580; www.renebistrot.com)

Best Chinese Restaurant

1. Five Happiness(3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935; www.fivehappiness.com) -- Has it been only two decades that Five Happiness has been the pride of New Orleans' Chinese restaurants? 'Five Happy' can be relentless with any given type of food; witness the 14 different variations on shrimp, including Hunan, Cantonese and Moo Shu.

2. Trey Yuen Cuisine of China(600 N. Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, 985-626-4476; www.treyyuen.com/treyyuenmandeville.htm)

3.(TIE) China Rose(125 Robert E. Lee Blvd., 283-3333) and P.F. Chang's China Bistro(3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Lakeside Shopping Center, Metairie, 828-5288; www.pfchangs.com)

Best Italian Restaurant

1. Vincent's(4250 Hwy. 22, Pine Tree Plaza Shopping Center, Mandeville, 985-624-2300; 4411 Chastant St., Metairie, 885-2984; 7839 St. Charles Ave., 866-9313) -- Readers selected perhaps the definitive Italian restaurant in Vincent's. The Uptown location is the locus of Italian dining in Orleans Parish, from its fried calamari to its cannelloni built for two to that tart lemon ice.

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

3.(TIE) Andrea's Northern Italian & Seafood Cuisine(3100 19th St., Metairie, 834-8583; www.andreasrestaurant.com) and Tony Angello's Ristorante(6262 Fleur de Lis Drive, 488-0888)

Best Japanese/Sushi Restaurant

1. (TIE) Sake Cafe (817 W. Esplanade Ave., Kenner, 468-8829; 4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 779-7253) and Sake Cafe Japanese Restaurant (2830 Magazine St., 894-0033) -- Different owners operate the various Sake Cafe venues, but no matter where diners go, they can look forward to inspired Japanese cuisine and meticulously crafted sushi offerings.(And yes, all you returning New Orleanians, that's a former K&B store inhabited by the Uptown location).

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

3. Rock-N-Sake(823 Fulton St., 581-7253; www.rocknsake.com)

Best Latin American Restaurant

1. Garce's(4200 D'Hemecourt St., 488-4734) -- Garce's, just a stone's throw from Mid City Lanes and a few blocks off Carrollton Avenue, has become a reader favorite. We could coo over the typically delicious Cuban and Media Noche sandwiches, all pressed and tangy, but the fried Cuban steak with black beans and rice might be the shining star here.

2. Liborio(321 Magazine St., 581-9680)

3. Serrano's Salsa Company(4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Suite 36, Metairie, 780-2354)

Best Mediterranean Restaurant

1. Byblos(1501 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9773; 2020 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-9777; 3218 Magazine St., 894-1233; 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, Lakeside Shopping Center, 830-7333) -- The Byblos empire keeps expanding, and we couldn't be happier. This Middle Eastern favorite has a delectable variety, from the kafta kebabs and baba ghanoush to the crispy falafel and lamb taratour. Don't forget the tahini!

2. Mona's(504 Frenchmen St., 949-4115; 3149 Calhoun St., 861-2124; 3901 Banks St., 482-7743; 4126 Magazine St., 894-9800; www.shopno/monas.com)

3. Lebanon's Cafe(1500 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) -- This defending champ has something reassuring in its open-air kitchens; it's almost as if they want you to know from the get-go that you're in for authentic and very affordable Mexican fare. Many of the dishes are big enough to split(can you say 'Numero Tres'?), and the washing-down options include much-championed margaritas and sangria.

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

3. Superior Grill(3636 St. Charles Ave. 899-4200; www.superiorgrill.com)

Best Neighborhood Restaurant

1. Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar Inc.(3636 Bienville St., 482-9120) -- We sometimes pause when trying to define just what exactly a 'neighborhood' restaurant is. When we're stuck, we just point out Liuzza's, with its period neon sign, tight-fit tables, veteran wait staff and beer(and root beer) by the bulbous, frosty mugs. The food? Sometimes we can barely get past that Italian eggplant casserole, but when we do, the choices get tough.

2. Frankie & Johnny's(321 Arabella St., 899-9146; www.frankyandjohnnys.com)

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

Best Seafood Restaurant

1. Deanie's Seafood(841 Iberville St. 581-1316; 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 834-1225) -- Whether it's the skyscraper seafood platters, the barbecue shrimp or those cute little boiled red potatoes, Deanie's is one of those iconic area seafood joints whose reputation crosses borders. Orleans Parish residents were thrilled that the Bucktown mainstay set up shop in the French Quarter more than two years ago.

Best Friend New Orleans Has in Baton Rouge: Mitch Landrieu

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

3. Bruning's Seafood Restaurant(1922 West End Pkwy., 282-9395)

Best Soul Food Restaurant

1. Praline Connection(542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934; www.pralineconnection.com) -- How many soul food restaurants in town have their own Web site? That's an indication of the widespread popularity of the Connection, which offers expert turns on classics such as red beans and rice and fried chicken. Don't miss the candy shop.

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

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

Best Steakhouse

1. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse(711 Broad St., 486-0810; 3633 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 888-3600; www.ruthschris.com) -- We could talk forever about the classic grilling technique with butter, or the traditional steak varieties(filet and petite filet, the New York Strip, the Cowboy Ribeye, the Porterhouse for Two, etc.). But there's much more, including the Classic Mixed Grill: a filet, marinated chicken breast and a choice of pork chop or andouille sausage.

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

3. Dickie Brennan's Steakhouse(716 Iberville St. 522-2467)

Best Tapas/Small Plate Restaurant

1. Vega Tapas Cafe(2051 Metairie Road, Metairie, 836-2007; www.vegatapascafe.com) -- The small plates craze has finally, belatedly hit New Orleans, but even a change of ownership hasn't stopped readers from continuing their appreciation of Vega. Longtime general manager Glen Hogh took over for Alison Vega, who opened the Old Metairie cafe in 1996. Hogh installed Michael Hampton as the chef, and the small plates at Vega continue to earn a big reputation.

2. Upstairs at Mimi's(2601 Royal St., 947-8015)

3. Hookah Cafe(1132 Decatur St., 566-7057)

Best Thai Restaurant

1. Bangkok Cuisine(4137 S. Carrollton Ave. 482-3606) -- Last year's runner-up is this year's winner. That's how tight the competition is in this category. What do you think tipped the scales this time? We're betting on the discovery of the peppermint chicken, with its light dashes of bamboo shoots, eggplant and fresh mint leaves.

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

3.(TIE) Cafe Equator(2920 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-4772) and Siam Cafe(435 Esplanade Ave., 949-1750)

Best Vietnamese Restaurant

1. Pho Tau Bay(113C Westbank Expwy., Gretna, 368-9846; 1565 Tulane Ave., 524-4669; 3116 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 780-1063; 216 N. Carrollton Ave., 485-SOUP) -- As this ever-increasing franchise proves, you cannot spell pho without Tau Bay, which recently delighted Mid-City residents by setting up shop in the old Cafe Indo location. Not only does Pho Tau Bay provide some of the lightest and freshest dishes in town, they also offer some of the most affordable.

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

3. August Moon(3635 Prytania St., 899-5129)

Best Breakfast Spot

1. Bluebird Cafe(3625 Prytania St., 895-7166) -- Rain or shine, they line up around the block for Bluebird's now-legendary offerings, whether it's the huevos rancheros or fresh pancakes. Other options include the Mediterranean sausage sandwich, with a spicy grilled sausage patty added to onions, peppers and melted cheese on a seeded bun.

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

3.(TIE) Betsy's Pancake House(2542 Canal St., 822-0213) and Trolley Stop(1923 St. Charles Ave., 523-0090; 614 Carrollton Ave., 866-9306)

Best Brunch

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- We all know the drill by now, right? Start with the Commander's Palace Bloody Mary, start nibbling on the eggs Sardou, then move on to the Muscadine and Chicory Coffee Lacquered Quail, and finish it all off with the Creole Bread Pudding Souffle. Yup, that's the traditional jazz brunch at Commander's, a local favorite.

2.(TIE) Brennan's(417 Royal St., 525-9711; www.brennansneworleans.com) and The Court of Two Sisters(613 Royal St., 522-7273; www.courtoftwosisters.com)

3. House of Blues(225 Decatur St., 529-BLUE/2583; www.hob.com)

Best Lunch Specials

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- Chef Tory McPhail continually challenges himself; after revitalizing the massive kitchen of the mothership of New Orleans restaurants, McPhail has restored lunchtime at Commander's to the experience it once was. And we're not just talking about the 25-cent martinis, either.

2. Bacco(310 Chartres St., 522-2426; www.bacco.com)

3. Semolina(Citywide; www.semolina.com)

Best Late-Night Dining

1. Camellia Grill(626 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9573) -- In a town that believes in tradition, nobody kicks it old school late at night(or anytime, for that matter) like Camellia Grill. Come for the most reliable burgers and the most entertaining wait staff in town.

2. Trolley Stop(1923 St. Charles Ave., 523-0090; 614 Carrollton Ave., 866-9306)

3.(TIE) Angeli on Decatur(1141 Decatur St., 566-0077), Huey's 24/7 Diner(200 Magazine St., 598-4839; www.hueys247diner.com) and La Peniche(1940 Dauphine St., 943-1460)

Best Place to Feed the Whole Family

1. Piccadilly Cafeteria(Citywide; www.piccadilly.com) -- Is there another cafeteria-style restaurant that packages its meals so relentlessly in order to save you a buck or two? We're stumped. Entree specials can come in groups of one, two or three. Kids' nights can include extras such as clowns or musicians, depending on the location.

2. Ryan's Family Steak House(5101 Lapalco Blvd., Marrero, 347-4811)

Local passions over public schools are reflected in the Best Public Spat and Best Local Scandal awards.

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

3.(TIE) King Buffet(601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-4383) and Pancho's Mexico Buffet(3780 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-2432)

Best Romantic Restaurant

1. Bella Luna(914 N. Peters St., 529-1583; www.bellalunarestaurant.com) -- Chef Horst Pfeifer could rightly be accused of being New Orleans' kitchen Cupid. The mood gets set immediately, along with the air of anticipation, as you wind your way to the elevator and up to the magnificent view of the Mississippi River. There's also the food, including the steamed Maine lobster tossed with calamari ink pasta. Now that's love.

2. La Crepe Nanou(1410 Robert St., 899-2670)

3. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com)

Best Cheap Eats

1. Juan's Flying Burrito(2018 Magazine St. 569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave. 486-9950; www.juansflyingburrito.com) -- Always a strong contender, Juan's made the impressive leap from third to first this year. This scrappy burrito shop is one of the few places in town tough enough to name one of its items the Gutter Punk.(It tastes much better than it sounds.) Juan's rules.

2. 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; 12179 Hwy 90, Luling, 985-785-6836)

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

Best Low-Carb Menu

1. Subway(Citywide; www.subway.com) -- Not since Richard Simmons has one person been so symbolic about successful weight loss. Yup, Jared is a phenomenon, having put all his dieting eggs in the low-carb basket that is Subway's heart-healthy menu, which features salads and whole-grain bread.

2. Semolina(Citywide; www.semolina.com)

3. TGI Friday's(Citywide; www.tgifridays.com)

Best Menu for Vegetarians

1. Old Dog New Trick Cafe(closed) -- Whether in its French Quarter alley location or on Frenchmen Street, Old Dog New Trick was an institution for meat-avoiders (a rare though growing breed in this town).

2. Whole Foods Market(3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626; 5600 Magazine St., 891-9119; www.wholefoodsmarket.com)

3. Cafe Rani(2917 Magazine St., 895-2500)

Best Dessert Menu

1. Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro(2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955; 4517 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 454-7620; www.copelandscheesecakebistro.com) -- Do you have to even ask? Cheesecake rules the day at this mammoth temple to Al Copeland, who doesn't believe in doing anything small. Nearly 30 different types of cheesecake are joined by mammoth carrot cakes and other dessert options.

2. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com)

3. Palace Cafe(605 Canal St., 523-1661; www.palacecafe.com)

Best Buffet

1. Harrah's New Orleans Casino(512 S. Peters St., 533-6111; www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/nor/) -- The range of prices is as impressive as the range of food(starting with the $7.99 breakfast and topping out at the $18.99 Sunday champagne brunch). So are the seven stations ready to accompany as many as 400 diners. Don't believe us? How about Casino Player magazine, which also recently voted Harrah's 'Best Buffet.'

2. King Buffet(601 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 837-4383)

3. Nirvana Indian Cuisine(4308 Magazine St., 894-9797)

Best Wine List

1. The Wine Loft(752 Tchoupitoulas St., 561-0116; www.thewineloft.net) -- Two hundred by the bottle, 70 by the glass Š yup, The Wine Loft has a selection all right, as well as a reputation for quickly becoming one of the hot spots in the Warehouse District. The epitome of nightlife chic in New Orleans, The Wine Loft also features small plates to go along with that impressive vine variety.

2. Antoine's(713 St. Louis St., 581-4422; www.antoines.com)

3. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com)

Best Chef

1. Emeril Lagasse(Emeril's, Emeril's Delmonico, NOLA) -- A Massachusetts transplant of Portugese descent, Emeril Lagasse is the name and face of New Orleans cuisine. But it's not just Emeril's instant-classic interpretations of traditional local fare that endear him to readers. His charitable efforts through the recently formed Emeril Lagasse Foundation assist numerous community groups and causes, and his decision to keep his ever-expanding corporation a local enterprise makes him a hometown hero.

2. Susan Spicer(Bayona, Herbsaint)

3.(TIE) Tony McPhail(Commander's Palace) and Austin Leslie(Jacques-Imo's Cafe)

Best Service

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- There are plenty of reasons why Commander's is the place locals love to show off to visitors. The food and atmosphere are both New Orleans at its finest, but reliability is another factor. The Garden District landmark always delivers its high standard for service that ensures excellence every meal.

2. Galatoire's Restaurant(209 Bourbon St., 525-2021; www.galatoires.com)

3. Antoine's Restaurant(713 St. Louis St., 581-4422; www.antoines.com)

Best Dining Atmosphere

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- This jewel in the Brennan's crown is a stately Garden District landmark that evokes the perfect ambience for both romantic evenings and Sunday brunch for the entire family. With well-manicured gardens and classic decor, Commander's creates its own signature style.

2. Galatoire's Restaurant(209 Bourbon St., 525-2021; www.galatoires.com)

3. Bella Luna(914 N. Peters St., 529-1583; www.bellalunarestaurant.com)

Best Hornets Player: Baron Davis

Best Outdoor Dining

1. Martinique Bistro(5900 Magazine St., 891-8495) -- This intimate Uptown cottage sports a courtyard both stylish and gracious for local diners, but also lush and romantic enough for its island namesake. An unpretentious staff, great food and extensive wine list complete the experience.

2. Café Degas(3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635; www.cafedegas.com)

3. Court of Two Sisters(613 Royal St., 522-7261; www.courtoftwosisters.com)

Best Overall Restaurant

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- The Brennans obviously aren't resting on their laurels. You need to look no further than this list for reasons why Commander's Palace was again picked as the city's best restaurant. The restaurant won for best service, atmosphere, turtle soup and bread pudding.

2. Galatoire's Restaurant(209 Bourbon St., 525-2021; www.galatoires.com)

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

Best Deli

1. Martin Wine Cellar(3827 Baronne St., 896-7380; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350; www.martinwine.com) -- While it's hard to ignore the huge volumes of great wines at great prices at both Martin locations, the food speaks for itself. Whether you're in a hurry for gourmet-to-go or ready to dine in and relax, Martin offers a huge variety of soups and salads.

2.(TIE) Whole Foods Market(3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626; 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119; www.wholefoods.com) and Kosher Cajun New York Deli and Grocery(3510 Severn Ave., Metairie, 888-2010)

3. Foodies Kitchen(7457 St. Charles Ave., 865-8646; www.foodieskitchen.com)

Best Place to Get Barbecue

1. VooDoo BBQ(1000 E. James Blvd., St. Rose, 464-1880; 1501 St. Charles Ave., 522-4647; 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 283-8301; www.voodoobarbecue.com) -- VooDoo's popularity with local barbecue lovers is evident in the expansion to four locations from its original Uptown site in just two years. All draw crowds for barbecue staples such as wood-smoked pulled pork, beef brisket and pork ribs, a variety of housemade sauces, and slaw and baked beans.

2. Corky's Bar-B-Q(4243 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-5000; www.corkysbbq.com)

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

Best Place to Get Boiled Seafood

1. Deanie's Seafood Restaurant(841 Iberville St., 581-1316; 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; www.deanies.com) -- It's more than just a joke that the four seasons in Louisiana are oyster, crawfish, shrimp and crab. So, anytime of year is a good time to eat at either Deanie's location, where the kitchen places the perfect spice to heaping mounds of crawfish, crab and shrimp. Try and cool your mouth down with those lagniappe boiled potatoes.

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

3. Galley Seafood Restaurant(2535 Metairie Road, Metairie, 832-0955)

Best Place to Get Barbecue Shrimp

1. Pascal's Manale Restaurant(1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877) -- Our readers have again decided that the original home to New Orleans-style barbecue shrimp is also the best. Servers at this Uptown spot tie a paper bib in preparation for splashes from a dish featuring a dozen shrimp that swim in an intensely flavorful peppered garlic butter sauce.

2. Mr. B's Bistro(201 Royal St., 523-2078; www.mrbsbistro.com)

3. Deanie's Seafood Restaurant(841 Iberville St., 581-1316; 1713 Lake Ave., Metairie, 831-4141; www.deanies.com)

Best Place to Get a Burger

1. Port of Call(838 Esplanade Ave., 523-0120; www.portorcallneworleans.com) -- While there are pizzas and salads on Port of Call's never-changed menu, the long lines appear nightly for one main reason: burgers that some call the best on the planet. While a few Monsoons(the Port's signature rum concoction) might produce such outbursts, it's hard to argue with the thick, juicy burgers cooked to order and piled high with grated cheese, huge onion slices and more.

2. Bud's Broiler(Citywide)

3. Lee's Hamburgers(103 Schlief Drive, Belle Chasse, 392-9922; 904 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 836-6804; 1042 Front St., Slidell, 985-641-6895; 2100 Airline Drive, Kenner, 472-0966; 4301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-0110)

Best Place to Get Fried Chicken

1. Popeye's(Citywide; www.popeyes.com) -- There's a reason why there seems to be a Popeye's on every corner in town -- fried chicken that beats out some serious competition. Whether you like yours spicy or mild, white or dark, Popeye's is the perfect call for picnics, Saints tailgates, hangovers and parties.

2.(TIE) Chicken Box(Citywide; www.chickenbox.com) and Jacques-Imo's(8324 Oak St., 861-0886; www.jacquesimoscafe.com)

3.(TIE) Dunbar's Creole Cooking(4927 Freret St., 899-0734) and Fiorella's Cafe(1136 Decatur St., 528-9566)

Best Place to Get Gourmet-to-Go

1. Foodies Kitchen(7457 St. Charles Ave., 865-8646; www.foodieskitchen.com) -- While Foodies now has only one location -- the original one in Metairie closed earlier this summer -- your favorite place for gourmet-to-go offers everything from Oktoberfest beer tastings to take-home Thanksgiving dinners. But for most days and most customers, it's where to stop in for dinners such as shrimp cabonara or salmon Arlene.

2. Whole Foods Market(3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626; 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119; www.wholefoods.com)

3. Martin Wine Cellar(3827 Baronne St., 896-7380; 714 Elmeer Ave., Metairie, 896-7350; www.martinwine.com)

Best Place to Get Gumbo

1. The Gumbo Shop(630 St. Peter St., 525-1486; www.gumboshop.com) -- The Gumbo Shop annually stakes its claim as our readers' favorite. The popular French Quarter restaurant tempts all tastes with several versions of the roux-based classic: an herb-infused chicken and andouille, seafood and okra, and the vegetarian gumbo z'herbes.

2. Liuzza's Restaurant & Bar(3636 Bienville St., 482-9120; www.liuzzas.com)

3. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com)

Best Place to Get Bubble Tea: Frosty's Caffe

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

Best Place to Get a Muffaletta

1. Central Grocery(923 Decatur St., 523-1620) -- Though, like most of local lore, there are questions about the true origins of the famed muffaletta, most believe that Salvatore Lupo invented the tasty sandwich at Central Grocery in the 1920s. Sliced into quarter wedges, muffalettas are piled high with salami, ham, mortadella, Emmentaler cheese and Central Grocery's famed olive salad.

2. Napoleon House Cafe(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 House(519 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-898-0667; 724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200; www.acmeoyster.com) -- Whether you're scoping the boats in Lake Pontchartrain, enjoying a day in the Quarter or relaxing in Covington, these chilled, choice oysters hit the spot.

2. Drago's Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar(3232 N. Arnoult Road, Metairie, 888-9254; www.dragosrestaurant.com)

3. Cooter Brown's Tavern(509 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9104; www.cooterbrowns.com)

Best Place to Get Pizza

1. Reginelli's Pizzeria(741 State St., 899-1414; 817 W. Esplanade Ave., Suite F, Kenner, 712-6868; 874 Harrison Ave., 488-0133; 3244 Magazine St., 895-7272; 5608 Citrus Blvd., Jefferson, 818-0111; www.reginellis.com) -- Reginelli's expanded to a fifth location this summer, opening in Kenner. Each store offers a variety of menu options, but most customers come in for the pizza, whether it's made to your order or a house specialty like the vegetarian Sun Pie, which combines pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, red onions, roasted red peppers and goat cheese.

2. Louisiana Pizza Kitchen(95 French Market Place, 522-9500; 615 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-5900; 2112 Belle Chasse Hwy., Gretna, 433-5800)

3. Rocky's Old New Orleans Bar & Pizza Joint(2701 Airline Drive, Metairie, 833-1288; 3222 Magazine St., 891-5152)

Best Place to Get Red Beans and Rice

1. Popeye's(Citywide; www.popeyes.com) -- Al Copeland's recipe for this local tradition results in hearty beans mixed in a thick stew of meats, seasonings and shallots -- plus a few secrets. 2. Dunbar's Creole Cooking(4927 Freret St., 899-0734)

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

Best Place to Get a Salad

1. Houston's(1755 St. Charles Ave., 524-1578; 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-2301; www.houstons.com) -- At either Houston's location, your salad can work as a starter or a meal unto itself. Tossed to order and guaranteed fresh, top choices range from Caesar to tuna sashimi to Jungle Thai Noodle

2. Cafe Rani(2917 Magazine St., 895-2500)

3. Whole Foods Market(3135 Esplanade Ave., 943-1626; 5600 Magazine St., 899-9119; www.wholefoods.com)

Best Place to Get Turtle Soup

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- Commander's prepares this Creole classic in a timeless fashion, never straying from the recipe featured -- along with the restaurant's other favorites -- in the cookbook Commander's Kitchen. It's considered a bit thicker in consistency than most others in town, and is of course served with sherry.

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

3. Palace Cafe(605 Canal St., 523-1661; www.palacecafe.com)

Best Place to Get an Oyster Po-Boy

1. Acme Oyster House(519 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-898-0667; 724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200; www.acmeoyster.com) -- At all Acme locations, there are several varieties of the oyster po-boy, including spicy options with a Buffalo-style sauce. All three use cornmeal breading for a crispy, fried oyster, but you'll have to head to the lakefront or Northshore to go large with the oyster loaf, which boasts two dozen oysters.

2. Domilise's Sandwich Shop & Bar(5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126)

3.(TIE) Casamento's Restaurant(4330 Magazine St., 895-9761) and R&O Pizza Place(216 Old Hammond Hwy., Metairie, 831-1248)

Best Place to Get a Shrimp Po-Boy

1. Domilise's Sandwich Shop & Bar(5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126) -- The ladies behind the counter at this Uptown diamond in the rough work fast and furious to feed the crowds hungry for their po-boys. The crisp, expertly fried shrimp are piled on French bread in generous portions and accented with a tangy red house sauce that sets Domilise's apart from the competition.

2. Acme Oyster House(519 E. Boston St., Covington, 985-898-0667; 724 Iberville St., 522-5973; 7306 Lakeshore Drive, 282-9200; www.acmeoyster.com)

3. Danny & Clyde's(Citywide; www.dannyandclydes.com)

Best Place to Get a Roast Beef Po-Boy

1. Mother's Restaurant(401 Poydras St., 523-9656) -- Roast beef debris, the sizzled specks of meat that fall off while the meat cooks, is a welcomed addition to Mother's long list of popular po-boys; however you slice it, roast beef, coupled with gravy, is simply the best.

2. Parasol's Restaurant & Bar(2533 Constance St., 899-2054)

3.(TIE) Domilise's Sandwich Shop & Bar(5240 Annunciation St., 899-9126) and Russell's Short Stop Po-Boys(4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-3211)

Best Place to Get a French Fry Po-Boy

1. Russell's Short Stop Po-Boys(4041 Williams Blvd., Kenner, 443-3211) -- A local delight that would have Dr. Atkins spinning in his grave, the French fry po-boy is a carb bonanza. Russell's is famous for many of its po-boys, including the roast beef and meatball, but ask for your French fried one doused in housemade gravy and it's a true treat.

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

3. Danny & Clyde's(Citywide; www.dannyandclydes.com)

Best Place to Get a King Cake

1. Randazzo's Goodchildren Bakery(801 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 271-7472; 1615 E. Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, 279-7472; 5001 E. Judge Perez Drive, Violet, 279-1834; www.kingcakeexpress.com) -- You don't have to go to Chalmette to enjoy Randazzo's king cake during Carnival -- the local favorite is sold everywhere from PJ's Coffee & Tea to K-Mart, and is shipped across the globe. Options range from the cinnamon-topped traditional to the Grand Marshal, which features cream cheese, strawberry, apple and cherry.

Harrah's New Orleans Casino, which now features performer Earl Turner, wins Best Casino.

Photo by Greg Miles

2. Gambino's Bakeries Inc.(3240 S. Carrollton Ave., 485-0171; 5242 Elysian Fields Ave., 288-4262; 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 885-7500; 300 Lapalco Blvd., Gretna, 391-0600; www.gambinos.com)

3. Haydel's(4037 Jefferson Hwy., 837-0190; www.haydelbakery.com)

Best Place to Get Bread Pudding

1. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com) -- The uniqueness and popularity of Commander's top desert item becomes obvious when your servers ask early on in the meal if you'll be ordering it later. The question is a necessary one, as each order takes 20 minutes to prepare before the rich treat is doused in whiskey sauce table-side.

2. Palace Cafe(605 Canal St., 523-1661; www.palacecafe.com)

3. Bon Ton Cafe(401 Magazine St., 524-3386)

Best Place to Get Pecan Pie

1. Camellia Grill(626 S. Carrollton Ave., 866-9573) -- The adventures in ordering that help define Camellia Grill allow you to strut your stuff and earn immediate respect. Locals in the know request a 'chocolate pecan pie, flipped on the griddle, ice cream on top,' and enjoy their hot, sweet and delicious treat as tourists around them burn with envy.

2. Commander's Palace(1403 Washington Ave., 899-8221; www.commanderspalace.com)

3. Praline Connection(542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934; 901-07 S. Peters St., 523-3973; www.pralineconnection.com)

Best Place to Get Key Lime Pie

1. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville(1104 Decatur St., 592-2565; www.margaritaville.com) -- While it's a live music venue raucous enough to please any Parrot Head, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville is also a restaurant with an extensive food menu. Its service as a portal to the islands is cemented in the key lime pie, which is made with real key lime and whipped cream atop a Graham cracker crust.

2.(TIE) Clancy's Restaurant(6100 Annunciation St., 895-1111) and Houston's(1755 St. Charles Ave., 524-1578; 4241 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 889-2301; www.houstons.com)

3. House of Blues(225 Decatur St., 412-8068; www.hob.com)

Best Place to Get Bubble Tea

1. Frosty's Caffe(3400 Cleary Ave., Metairie, 888-9600) -- The friendly folks behind Frosty's helped introduced New Orleans to what is now a bona fide national phenomenon -- bubble tea. The drink comes in cute Hello Kitty-inspired cups and features tapioca pearls floating in any of nearly 80 flavors, such as the popular mango.

2. Z'otz(2003 Royal St., 943-9689)

3. Rosie Lea's Bubble Tea Cafe(7638 Maple St., 861-4450)

Best Sno-Ball Stand

1. Hansen's Sno-Bliz Sweet Shop(4801 Tchoupitoulas St., 891-9788) -- With national recognition such as a feature on National Public Radio and several magazine write-ups in recent years, the word keeps spreading about this beloved local institution. The Gerard family business is a tradition for many locals, who can't wait for summer's heat to enjoy snowy ice soaked in homemade syrups.

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

3. Sal's Sno-Ball Stand(1823 Metairie Road, Metairie, 666-1823)

Best Coffeehouse

1. CC's(900 Jefferson Ave., 891-4969; www.ccscoffee.com) -- Located on one of the city's most bustling corners, this CC's is not only popular in terms of real estate but also because of its sunny, open atmosphere inside and tables outside. The coffee is complemented by teas imported from around the globe, plus a variety of bagels, muffins and desserts.

2. Rue de la Course(the location formerly at 3128 Magazine St., 899-0242)

3.(TIE) Fair Grinds Coffee House(3133 Ponce de Leon St., 948-3222; www.fairgrinds.com) and PJ's Coffee & Tea(5432 Magazine St., 895-0273; www.pjscoffee.com)

Best Place to Get Pastries

1. Maurice's French Pastries(1114-A S. Carrollton Ave., 866-7052; 3501 Hessmer Ave., Metairie, 885-1526) -- Maurice's is where New Orleanians go for everything from the perfect wedding cake to a sweet tooth-soothing treat. Maurice's pastry chef Jean Luc specializes in German pound cakes, kugelhopf, with flavors including white chocolate and wild blueberry. A variety of fruit tarts are also popular.

2. La Madeleine(Citywide; www.lamadeleine.com)

3. La Boulangerie(625 St. Charles Ave., 569-1925; 3143 Ponce de Leon St., 940-0577; 4526 Magazine St., 269-3777)

Best Place to Get Ice Cream

1. Angelo Brocato(214 N. Carrollton Ave., 486-0078) -- Angelo Brocato is an air-conditioned step back in time, a local institution since its days in the French Quarter that still manages to serve Old World charm and classic ice cream parlor sentiment in Mid-City. Choose between favorites such as fruity gelatos, spumoni, tiramisu and cannolis.

2. Baskin-Robbins 31 Flavors Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt(Citywide; www.baskinrobbins.com)

3. Marble Slab Creamery(4201 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 887-2167)

Best Jazz Fest Food

1. Crawfish bread -- With Jazz Fest gracing us each year during the peak of crawfish season, it's no wonder why mud bugs feature in all your favorite three treats from the Fair Grounds. But John Ed Laborde's recipe, combining hand-made bread with four cheeses and spiced crawfish, toasted and served warm, takes top honors.

2. Crawfish Monica

3. Boiled crawfish

Best Hot Sauce

1. Tabasco -- A symbol of our state as much as cypress trees and dirty politics, the hot red peppers cultivated on Avery Island produce just the right spice. The McIlhenny family has for generations delivered a hot sauce considered essential to Louisiana cuisine.

2. Crystal Hot Sauce

Belladonna Day Spa wins Best Place to Get a Massage, as well as a handful of other categories.

Photo by Cheryl Gerber

3. Louisiana Hot Sauce

POLITICS

Best Local Legislator

1. David Vitter-- U.S. Rep. Vitter has won this category every year since 2001, topping all federal and state legislators in Louisiana. A conservative who earned his reform credentials as an often lonely champion of good government in the state House of Representatives, Vitter is now campaigning statewide for a U.S. Senate seat.

2. Mary Landrieu

3. Steve Scalise

Best New Orleans City Council Member

1. Jackie Clarkson-- There are seven to choose from. But a majority of our readers are wacky for Jackie. An irrepressible champion for a cleaner French Quarter and a well-paid, happy New Orleans Police Department, the Democrat from Algiers is a tireless worker for District C, our readers say.

2. Jay Batt

3. Eddie Sapir

Best Jefferson Parish Council Member

1. Jennifer Sneed-- A favorite among East Jefferson residents during her tenure in the state House of Representatives, newly elected parish council member Sneed has broadened her appeal and her constituency. A conservative Republican and former television journalist, she led the fight to defend term limits and reform the parish charter.

2. (TIE) Tommy Capella and John Young

3. Aaron Broussard

Best Local Figure Who Should Run for President

1. Ray Nagin-- Midway through his first four-year term, it's obviously an understatement to say that Mayor Nagin, a businessman and Democrat, is still popular with our readers. A majority thinks the self-styled 'turn-around artist' belongs in the White House! (And all his predecessor wanted was a third term as mayor.) The runners-up are actually on the Nov. 2 election ballot, but in races other than the one for president.

2. Bobby Jindal

3. David Vitter

Best Way to Improve Public Schools

1. Replace the school board-- Our readers' response does not bode well for the five incumbent members of the Orleans Parish School Board who are up for re-election in the Sept. 18 primary elections.

2. More parental involvement

3. Raise teachers' pay

Best Local Politician Deserving of a Bouquet

1. Ray Nagin-- It's not enough to nominate Nagin for president, our readers want hizzoner to receive a coveted bouquet from Gambit Weekly. Nagin's reputation as a foe of political patronage and corruption has clearly lengthened his political honeymoon.

2. Mary Landrieu

3. Jackie Clarkson

Best Local Politician Deserving of a Brickbat

1. Orleans Parish School Board-- The seven-member board is underpaid, overworked and apparently short of love and respect. Our readers opine that the board most deserves our brickbat.

2. Ray Nagin

3. Jackie Clarkson

Best Friend New Orleans Has in Baton Rouge

1. Mitch Landrieu-- The gregarious Democrat who served the city for years as a state representative, Lt. Gov. Landrieu is now just a heartbeat away from the governor's job. As the No. 2 executive in state government, he is working to develop tourism and health care-- two key components of the local economy.

2. Kathleen Blanco

3. John Hainkel

Best Friend Louisiana Has in Washington

1. Mary Landrieu-- Sen. Landrieu does the best job of bringing home the bacon, readers say. Landrieu has been campaigning relentlessly for millions of dollars in federal funds to restore our coastal wetlands, a natural barrier against hurricanes and flooding.

2. David Vitter

3. John Breaux

Best Public Spat

1. New Orleans School Board vs. Anthony Amato-- This summer's school board drama is the runaway favorite for best brouhaha. It started with the alleged plot by a board majority for the ouster of the popular school chief. In the ensuing public uproar, the Legislature passed a far-reaching law stripping the board of much of its power and making Amato one of the most powerful superintendents in the nation. Now the alleged plotters are battling for their political lives. Stay tuned.

2. Ray Nagin vs. black ministers

Commander's Palace wins Best Overall Restaurant, among numerous other awards.

Photo by Donn Young

3. Phil Capitano vs. Nick Congemi

Best Local Scandal

1. New Orleans School Board vs. Anthony Amato-- Is it a spat or a scandal? When it involves allegations of secret meetings, last-minute court orders, the alleged firing of a man just as he takes off for a family reunion, it's both.

2. Public school money misappropriation

3. Marc Morial investigation

Best Lie From a Local Politician

1. Marc Morial-- 'My administration was not corrupt.' The readers' dubious achievement award goes to the former mayor. Obviously, they are unconvinced by Morial's response to ongoing federal investigations that have brought his friends and relatives under scrutiny.

2. Orleans Parish School Board: 'We didn't try to fire Tony Amato.'

3. Kathleen Blanco: 'I will raise teachers' pay.'

Best Local Liberal

1. Mary Landrieu-- Talking about killing someone with praise. U.S. Sen. Landrieu has spent a lot of time and energy trying to position herself as a centrist, but our readers apparently feel there is something to love about both Mary and liberalism.

2. Mitch Landrieu

3. Ray Nagin

Best Local Conservative

1. David Vitter-- Louisiana's conservative for the new millennium, Vitter has won this category every year since 2000. A longtime opponent of abortion and taxes, Vitter has lately become a standard-bearer of another conservative cause-- opposing United Nations monitoring of American elections. You want more conservative cred? His support of President Bush's war on terror includes 'unshackling our intelligence community from the unreasonable restrictions Congressional liberals placed upon them in the past.'

2. Bobby Jindal

3. John Hainkel

Best Community/Environmental Activist

1. Carlton Dufrechou-- Three-peat! The executive director of Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation wins readers' raves for a third straight year. Under Dufrechou's leadership, the nonprofit citizens' group has strengthened its efforts to carry out its mission of restoring and preserving Lake Pontchartrain.

2. Ann Rolfes, Louisiana Bucket Brigade

3. Laura Maloney, Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)

Best Watchdog

1. Rafael Goyeneche-- The slimmed-down executive director of the Metropolitan Crime Commission repeats as our readers' favorite. The nonprofit MCC has recently partnered with the FBI to set up a corruption hotline in the state capitol, while maintaining a strong presence at its home base in New Orleans.

2. Gambit Weekly

3. Richard Angelico, WDSU-TV

LOCAL LIFE

Best Saints Player

1. Deuce McAllister -- Last season, Mississippi's Deuce McAllister established himself as one of the most dominant and explosive running backs in the NFL. For the past two seasons, he has rushed for 3,196 yards and 21 touchdowns. This year, he looks to anchor what should be a productive offense.

2. Joe Horn

3. Aaron Brooks

Best Hornets Player

1. Baron Davis -- You can't fault Baron Davis for any of the Hornets' post-season woes. Playing in obvious pain, Davis turned in heart-wrenching performances as it was one-series-and-out for the team in last year's playoffs. This year, the Hornets brought in new coach Byron Scott, and Davis looks to further establish his role as team leader, staying in town this summer to work out and assist Scott.

2. David Wesley

3. P.J. Brown

Best VooDoo Player

1. Aaron Bailey -- What a year for the New Orleans VooDoo! The city's Arena Football League franchise made the playoffs, and more importantly, energized a new fan base. An offensive specialist-- a position unique to Arena's high-flying style-- Bailey was known for making big plays and putting up big numbers.

2. Dan Curran

3. John Fitzgerald

Best Zephyrs Player

1. Taylor Buchholz -- The Zephyrs acquired pitcher Taylor Buchholz last November from the Phillies organization, and already the right-hander is a favorite with the fans. As of presstime, Buchholz's 2004 record was 6-7, with a 5.23 ERA.

2. Kirk Bullinger

Best Museum: New Orleans Museum of Art

3.(TIE) Phil Hiatt and Kyle Logan

Best Local Author

1. Anne Rice -- Her move this year from the Gothic confines of her Garden District home to suburban tranquility got people talking once again about the writer that Gambit readers hold closest to their hearts. Despite the relocation, as an author and a public citizen, Rice remains closely identified to New Orleans and its underworld.

2. Poppy Z. Brite

3. Andrei Codrescu

Best Local Visual Artist

1. James Michalopoulos -- The vibrant colors and surreal shapes of Michalopoulos' oil paintings manage to capture the mythic qualities of New Orleans. From his brilliant 2003 Jazz Fest poster of Mahalia Jackson to his signature architectural renderings, Michalopolous' work has a global reputation for honoring the elusive spirit of the city.

2. Frenchy

3. George Rodrigue

Best Local Photographer

1. Romney -- Romney stays busy with global clients that include models, rappers and corporations. An expert in fashion photography, Romney is a frequent contributor to the pages of Gambit Weekly.(Look at this week's cover shot for an example of his unique style.)

2. David Richmond

3.(TIE) Shannon Brinkman and Louis Sahoc

Best Museum

1. New Orleans Museum of Art(1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, 488-2631; www.noma.org)-- In addition to its impressive permanent collection, NOMA offers blockbusters such as this year's crowd-pleasing The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt. This fall, it presents a hometown hero in the American Folk Art Museum-organized retrospective of Sister Gertrude Morgan.

2. The National D-Day Museum(945 Magazine St., 527-6012; www.ddaymuseum.org)

3. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art(925 Camp St., 539-9600; www.ogdenmuseum.org)

Best Art Gallery

1. Arthur Roger Gallery(432 Julia St., 522-1999; 730 Tchoupitoulas St., 524-9393; www.arthurrogergallery.com)-- Now a quarter-century old, Arthur Roger Gallery is known for showcasing artists of local, national and international renown. In addition to contributing to art education projects in the greater community, the gallery's adventures have included shows of the photography of filmmaker John Waters.

2. Rodrigue Gallery(721 Royal St., 581-4244; www.georgerodrigue.com)

3. Cole Pratt Gallery(3800 Magazine St., 891-6789; www.coleprattgallery.com)

Best Library Branch

1. Milton H. Latter Memorial Library(5120 St. Charles Ave., 596-2625; www.nutrias.org)-- As you pass Latter Library by car or streetcar, you might think it's another gracious mansion on a hill. It is-- but it's a mansion filled with books. Latter has computers and other modern library trappings, but the real reason to come here is to sit in a comfy chair, pick up a book or magazine, and watch the rest of the avenue bustle on its way.

2. Jefferson Parish Library/East Bank Regional(4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, 838-1190; www.jefferson.lib.la.us)

3. Main Library(219 Loyola Ave., 529-READ; www.nutrias.org)

Best Place to Park Downtown

1. Canal Place(333 Canal St., 522-9200; www.theshopsatcanalplace.com)-- For catching a movie, going shopping in the mall or hitting the French Quarter, the covered parking at Canal Place is our readers' favorite. Validation is available for shoppers and moviegoers. Plus, the top floors afford a striking view of the Mississippi River.

2. Jackson Brewery(600 Decatur St., 566-7245; www.jacksonbrewery.com)

3.(TIE) Harrah's New Orleans Casino(512 S. Peters St., 533-6000; www.harrahs.com) and New Orleans Centre(1400 Poydras St., 568-0000)

Best Elementary School

1. Lusher Alternative Elementary School(7315 Willow St., 862-5110; www.gnofn.org/~lusher/)-- Recognized by the Kennedy Center for its infusion of the arts into its curriculum, Lusher also boasts strong academics and a diverse student body. And when spring comes around, its annual crawfish boil is an Uptown tradition.

2. Isidore Newman School(1903 Jefferson Ave., 899-5641; www.newman.k12.la.us/)

3. Edward Hynes Elementary School(990 Harrison Ave., 483-6100; www.hynesschool.org)

Best High School

1. Jesuit High School(4133 Banks St., 486-6631; www.jesuitnola.org)-- In its Mid-City location since 1926, Jesuit has some of the city's most loyal alums. The school's rigorous education standards, religious training, and extra-curricular and athletic programs continue to raise the bar for local private and parochial schools.

2. Benjamin Franklin High School(2001 Leon C. Simon Drive, 286-2600; www.nops.k12.la.us)

3. Isidore Newman School(1903 Jefferson Ave., 899-5641; www.newman.k12.la.us/)

Best Local College/University