Best Of Columbia 2010
By Anna Moeslein, Melissa Schupmann, Anita Neal Harrison & Jessica Perkins
Photos By L.G. Patterson
You came, you saw, you voted … and here are your picks for Inside Columbia’s 2010 Best of Columbia awards.
These selections are the result of nearly three months of reader nominations and voting. The process began last November with our call for nominations. We received thousands of nominations across the 56 categories. The people, places and things that received the most nominations moved on to the final ballot. During a six-week period from Dec. 7 until Jan. 15, readers flocked to our online ballot to cast their votes. In the end, we received ballots from nearly 5,200 readers and the vote total across all categories topped 177,000.
The results were sometimes expected, sometimes surprising, but always — and only — a reflection of reader opinion. Although the staff of this magazine would love to take the credit and sometimes gets the blame, these choices are all yours, Columbia. And as always, when we ask for your input, you gave us your very best.
Best TV Newscaster
Evening after evening, Columbians know they can turn to KOMU-TV news anchor Sarah Hill for a reliable dose of 5 p.m. news coverage. Hill, who is also a University of Missouri adjunct faculty member, has received many accolades for her excellent reporting, including eight Emmy awards, a National Edward R. Murrow Award and seven regional Edward R. Murrow Awards. In addition to delivering up-to-the-minute news updates, Hill writes and delivers the storytelling segment “Sarah’s Stories” each week and is the co-founder of the Central Missouri Honor Flight charity.
Silver: Michelle Linn (KMIZ-TV ABC 17)
Bronze: Jim Riek (KOMU-TV8)
Best TV Weathercaster
His soft-spoken demeanor and his accurate weather predictions have earned KOMU-TV’s weathercaster Dave Schmidt Columbians’ trust as a friendly face on our television screens in the evening. His wealth of experience is evident on the air when he calmly and confidently delivers pleasant and unpleasant forecasts alike — even the Missouri Broadcasters Association has taken note, honoring Schmidt with an award for the best weathercast in January 2008.
Silver: Eric Aldrich (KOMU-TV8)
Bronze: Sharon Ray (KMIZ-TV ABC 17)
Best TV Sportscaster
Whether die-hard Mizzou football fans or Hickman High School baseball buffs, Columbians tune in to KOMU-TV sportscaster Chris Gervino on Sunday nights for the latest stats and game highlights. Gervino first fell in love with Missouri sports as a college student at the University of Missouri, and luckily for us, it’s been one of his passions ever since. No matter how many games, meets and tournaments he’s covered, Gervino still brings a fresh perspective on Columbia’s athletics.
Silver: Eric Blumberg (KOMU-TV8)
Bronze: Rod Smith (KRCG-TV13)
Best Radio Personality/Team
It may be tough to get out of bed and get ready for work on some mornings, but KTXY-FM Y107’s Cosmo & JC are doing their part to make those first few hours brighter, more upbeat and a whole lot funnier. The pair livens up our morning commute with entertainment news bytes, fun contests, the scoop on upcoming events and, of course, some good laughs.
Silver: Simon Rose (KFRU-AM/KBXR-FM)
Bronze: Scotty & Carissa (Clear 99 KCLR-FM)
Best Newspaper Reporter
If it relates to Tiger football, Dave Matter’s got Columbia covered. The Columbia Daily Tribune’s MU football reporter digs up all the juiciest news even during the off-season, reporting on recruiting, training and other goings-on and delivering a much-needed football fix for Columbians suffering from tailgating withdrawal.
Silver: T.J. Greaney, Columbia Daily Tribune
Bronze: Caroline Dohack, Columbia Daily Tribune
Best Local Columnist
On Thursday afternoons, Columbians everywhere can be heard chuckling at the Columbia Daily Tribune’s “Smile Awhile” column written by the witty Irene Haskins. For 33 years and counting, Haskins has given us giggles over topics such as her wish list for Santa, her hatred of fruitcake, her ineptitude for dealing with this generation’s newfangled technology and the struggles of friendship with always-prepared perfectionists, all while demonstrating the universality of our insecurities, joys and fears.
Silver: Doug Pugh, Columbia Daily Tribune
Bronze: Bill Clark, Columbia Daily Tribune
Best Elected Official/Public Servant
As a sweet token of farewell, Columbians voted Mayor Darwin Hindman the city’s best elected official just one month before his fifth term expires in April, marking the end of 15 years spent serving Columbia’s residents. During that time, this U. S. Air Force veteran has been best known for advocating changes that promote healthier lifestyles such as opening new parks, preserving trails and making Columbia more bicycle-friendly. His absence in office will be felt by the city’s residents, but not to worry — we’ll surely see him tooling around on his bicycle about town for years to come.
Silver: State Rep. Mary Still
Bronze: Boone County Commissioner Skip Elkin
Best Local Entertainer
Tom Andes’ music is so inspiring that the Missouri Contemporary Ballet has decided to choreograph its upcoming April performances to his compositions with plans to dance to live accompaniment provided by the Tom Andes Trio. Andes’ artistic mark can certainly be seen around the city — the vocalist/pianist performs at Murry’s three nights a week, often plays at University of Missouri functions, teaches music classes at Stephens College and even directs musicals there. Andes counts jazz, Latin jazz and blues as some of his musical influences.
Silver: Clay Cumbie, www.myspace.com/claycumbie
Bronze: Noah Earle, www.noahearle.com
Best Local Band
These guys are so stellar, they opened for Chuck Berry’s Columbia show last summer. Local six-man ensemble Chump Change Band came together in 1985 and has been jammin’ together ever since, appearing throughout the years with a dizzying number of blues gods, including Albert King, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown. The band’s brand of blues and R&B with a touch of jazz will carry you out of your seat on a wonderful musical journey. Chumpchangebluesband.com
Silver: Norm Ruebling Band, normrueblingband.com
Bronze: Man in the Ring, www.reverbnation.com/maninthering
Best Local Athlete
At the age of 14, we weren’t even allowed to drive our mothers’ cars down the street for ice cream from the convenience store. When native Columbian and NASCAR driver Carl Edwards was 14 years old, he was already winning dirt track car races in both Missouri and Illinois. Now Edwards is all grown up and a national star, competing in both the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the NASCAR Nationwide Series for the sixth year in a row. He’s often spotted doing a backflip off his racecar after a victory or, in his down time, riding his bicycle on Columbia’s trails.
Silver: Sean Weatherspoon, Mizzou football
Bronze: Danario Alexander, Mizzou football
Best Bartender
Katie Mericle of Tropical Liqueurs is the best darn pourer of those frozen Long Island Teas, Cherry Bombs and Rum Runners that this city has ever seen. She’ll check your ID, fill your cup with slushy goodness and have it back to you before you can say “Raspberry Lemonade.” Tropical Liqueurs: 515 E. Broadway, 573-442-8098; 3805 S. Providence Road, 573-256-7141
Silver: Matt Turner, Shakespeare’s, 227 S. Ninth St., 573-499-2454; 3304 W. Broadway Business Park Court, 573-447-1202
Bronze: Kenny Townsend, McNally’s, 7 N. Sixth St., 573-441-1284
Best Chef
When it comes to pleasing people’s taste buds, Scott Cleeton has a trick or two up those chef’s coat sleeves. Cleeton is the owner and chef of CC’s City Broiler, the upscale eatery known for its sumptuous steaks, delicious seafood and tasty salads, plus fine wines to pair with it all. His vision and culinary skills turned what was once just a dream into a reality: an appealing, softly lit restaurant worthy of even the fanciest date. 1401 Forum Blvd., 573-445-7772
Silver: Mike Odette at Sycamore, 800 E. Broadway, 573-874-8090
Bronze: Ben Clay at Les Bourgeois Bistro, 12847 W. Highway BB, Rocheport, 573-698-2300
Best Barber
Brad Holt’s customers leave with smiles on their faces and great haircuts crowning their heads. Holt, a barber at Tiger Barber Shop, regularly performs transformational acts of magic with his trusty set of tools: scissors, clippers and trimmers. Young or old, crew cut or faux-hawked, Columbians appreciate the quality of Holt’s service. 118 S. Ninth St.; 573-449-5951
Silver: Tom Lammers at Forum Barber Shop, 1400 Forum Blvd. Suite 8; 573-446-4844
Bronze: Darryl Isgriggs at Studio E, 10 W. Nifong Blvd., Suite D3; 573-442-0556
Favorite Hair Stylist
If you arrived at The Marc looking like a client of Edward Scissorhands and left looking like a model, we can bet Tia Brown has performed her scissor-snipping magic on your locks. As a hair stylist for 10 years, Brown knows how to change an unhappy client into a satisfied customer. From modern men’s haircuts to professional color, Brown’s ability to perform each trick of the trade at the highest level leaves her station with never an empty chair. 32 N. Eighth St., 573-449-7900
Silver: Amy Hemeyer at Studio E Salon, 10 W. Nifong Blvd., Suite D3, 573-442-0556
Bronze: Sam Brown at Sam Brown’s Barbering & Institute of Cosmetology, 1729 W. Broadway, Suite 5, 573-445-7311
Columbia’s Most Valuable Citizen
More than 10 years after his retirement from coaching the University of Missouri men’s basketball team, Norm Stewart still has a special place in Columbians’ hearts. The MU alumnus was named head coach in 1967 and continued leading the Tigers to victory until 1999, despite a bout with cancer during his career. His overall coaching record while at Mizzou was an impressive 634-333, and he has received many distinctions for his coaching including his induction into the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame.
Silver: Cindy Mustard, Executive Director, Voluntary Action Center
Bronze: Mayor Darwin Hindman
Best Of Columbia General Excellence Award
This restaurant has won a slew of categories this year, so it’s not surprising that Columbians have awarded Flat Branch Pub & Brewing for just being all-around generally excellent. It’s known for its in-house brewery, but the menu is just as worthy of praise. Try the freshly baked beer bread, a delicious combination of what Flat Branch does best — food and beer. 115 S. Fifth St., 573-499-0400
Silver: Murry’s, 3107 Green Meadows Way, 573-442-4969
Bronze: CC’s City Broiler, 1401 Forum Blvd., 573-445-7772
Best Place For Al Fresco Dining
On a warm night, there’s nothing better than sitting around outside with close friends sipping on a cold beer. Columbians agree, voting the outdoor beer garden at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing as their favorite place for dining al fresco. The large tables allow for easy conversation with a large group, and the overhead white lights give a more intimate feeling. Get out of the confines of a stuffy booth and pick the fresh open air of a beer garden at night. 115 S. Fifth St., 573-499-0400
Silver: Sophia’s, 3915 S. Providence Road, 573-874-8009
Bronze: Les Bourgeois Bistro, 12847 W. Highway BB, Rocheport, 573-698-2300
Best Barbecue Restaurant
It may not operate out of a palace, but Buckingham Smokehouse BBQ is the restaurant of choice when it comes to savory, mouth-watering barbecue. In the mood for ribs? Buckingham offers racks that will put any other rib joint’s baby-backs to shame. How about some pulled pork? Buckingham’s slow-cooked, flavor-filled option will have you clamoring for another round. With an outside eating area and drive-through lane, Buckingham also offers the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the food you love. 3804 Buttonwood Drive, 573-499-1490
Silver: Smokin’ Chick’s BBQ, 4603 John Garry Drive, 573-256-6450
Bronze: Bandana’s BBQ, 1705 N. Providence Road, 573-256-2229
Best Place For Breakfast
Don’t let the long lines outside Ernie’s Café and Steakhouse on weekend mornings deter you. The wait is never long — and even if it were, it’d be worth it. The staff at Ernie’s is quick on its feet. They refill coffee before it has time to get cold, juggle plates on both arms, take orders, and still hold a full conversation with every customer. There aren’t many seats, but sitting shoulder to shoulder and bonding with strangers is part of the charm. What makes it the best place for breakfast? The answer is simple: a full plate of delicious eggs, bacon, and hash browns doesn’t empty your wallet. 1005 E. Walnut, 573-874-7804
Silver: Lucy’s Corner Café, 522 E. Broadway, 573-875-1700
Bronze: Café Berlin, 220 N. Tenth St., 573-441-0400
Best Place For Burgers
Beef lovers beware: You may not be able to control your taste buds after a single bite of one of Booche’s famous burgers. Named one of the top 25 dishes in USA Today’s “Down Home Dining” project in 2005, Booche’s hamburger brings a nationwide notoriety to the heart of Ninth Street. With billiards, beer and competition-killing burgers to keep us entertained, what more could Columbians ask for? 110 S. Ninth St., 573-874-9519
Silver: Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, 115 S. Fifth St., 573-499-0400
Bronze: Billiards on Broadway, 514 E. Broadway, 573-449-0116
Best Place For A Business Lunch
The long workday is a little easier to get through when you’ve had one of Addison’s Super Deluxe Happy Fun Time Burgers. Addison’s offers a diverse menu that would please anybody at the office, and everything there is seriously delicious. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, so you can talk about portfolios and resumes with your boss or skip the office politics and dive into art history, discussing the paintings that line Addison’s walls. 709 Cherry St., 573-256-1995
Silver: Flat Branch Pub & Brewing, 115 S. Fifth St., 573-499-0400
Bronze: Murry’s, 3107 Green Meadows Way, 573-442-4969
Best Coffeehouse
From open until close, Kaldi’s Coffee House is a revolving door of students and locals alike looking to get their caffeine fix. Some people come for a quick espresso on the run while others settle in for hours studying for finals or gossiping with friends. Order a turtle latte and a homemade gooey butter bar, bring a good book and get comfortable — once you’re here, you won’t want to leave. 29 S. Ninth St., 573-874-2566
Silver: Lakota Coffee Co., 24 S. Ninth St., 573-874-2852
Bronze: Starbucks Coffee Co., 304 S. Ninth St., 573-442-5802; 3100 W. Broadway (Hy-Vee), 573-447-0133; 2901 W. Broadway, 573-445-0367; 2500 Broadway Bluffs Drive, 573-442-4951; N121 Memorial Union, 573-882-6603
Best Ice Cream
Trying to decide between Sparky’s innovative ice cream flavors is always a challenge. Luckily, free samples are here to help you decide. Don’t get too attached to your pineapple upside down cake ice cream, though, because Sparky’s changes up the menu often. Pick something with a local influence or order a white Russian milkshake (if you’re 21 or older). No matter the flavor you choose for your waffle cone, Sparky’s isn’t your average ice cream store. 21 S. Ninth St., 573-443-7400
Silver: Cold Stone Creamery, 904 Elm St., Suite 100, 573-443-5522
Bronze: Andy’s Frozen Custard, 610 Cooper Drive N., 573-442-8866
Best Asian Restaurant
Bangkok Gardens gives Columbia a taste of the exotic, from the art-adorned walls of the open mezzanine to the last bite of any number of delectable Thai dishes. The restaurant is home to local favorite Phat Thai, a meal comprised of rice noodles, egg, cabbage, bean sprouts and peanuts in a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce, and the No. 11 Coconut Curry, a creamy curry dish made up of bamboo shoots, chicken, sweet peas and other veggies. Mmm … 811 Cherry St.; 573-874-3284
Silver: HuHot Mongolian Grill, 3802 Buttonwood Drive; 573-874-2000
Bronze: Osaka Japanese Restaurant, 120-A E. Nifong Blvd.; 573-875-8588
Best Italian Restaurant
Casual enough to make you feel at home yet sophisticated enough to make dining out special, Sophia’s offers Columbians a chance to experience southern European cuisine in the heart of the Midwest. The menu features a variety of dishes ranging from traditional pastas and pizzas to an assortment of seafood options to satisfy your Italian food craving. While you may not travel outside the lines of Boone County, Sophia’s provides a taste of Italy that will take you to another hemisphere. 3915 S. Providence Road, 573-874-8009
Silver: Bambino’s Italian Café, 203 Hitt St., 573-443-4473
Bronze: The Pasta Factory, 1020 E. Broadway, 573-449-3948
Best Mexican Restaurant
Sizzling chicken and beef fajitas? Check. Free chips and salsa? Check. Scrumptious white cheese nacho dip? Super-cheap margaritas? Saucy enchiladas served with rice and beans? Yep, got those, too. It’s little wonder Columbians love El Maguey so much — the food is hot and satisfying and a meal there won’t break the bank, especially during the afternoon when a long list of lunch specials is available. 901 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-874-3812; 21 Conley Road, 573-443-7977; 504 Business Loop 70 W., 573-449-6558; 3101 W. Broadway, 573-214-2066
Silver: Taqueria El Rodeo, 805 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-875-8048
Bronze: Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 3306 W. Broadway Business Park Court, 573-445-2946
Best Place For Live Music & Dining
For a dining experience that will entertain as well as sate your appetite, visit Murry’s, where customers get the best of both worlds. For 25 years, Murry’s has been the place Columbians turn to for a reasonably priced, great-tasting meal in the midst of live jazz performances that keep us coming back for more. As a host of the “We Always Swing” Jazz Series’ “Sundays at Murry’s” concerts, owners Bill Sheals and Gary Moore open the typically closed-on-Sunday restaurant for performances that reiterate the theme of their motto “Good food, good jazz.” Murry’s delivers every time. 3107 Green Meadows Way, 573-442-4969
Silver: Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen, 1605 Chapel Hill Road, Suites B & C, 573-443-5299
Bronze: D. Rowe’s, 1005 Club Village Drive, 573-443-8004
Best Pizza
Shakespeare’s is the darling of the Columbia pizza world. It’s the go-to destination for locals, students and visitors alike looking for a tasty slice. Order the white crust or whole wheat, pick cheese or pile on the toppings — no matter what you choose, it’s good. You don’t even have to get out of your Snuggie to enjoy Shakespeare’s — you can stock up on their frozen pizzas and feast from the comfort of your own home. 227 S. Ninth St., 573-499-2454; 3304 W. Broadway Business Park Court, 573-447-1202
Silver: G&D Pizzaria, 2101 W. Broadway, 573-445-8336
Bronze: Arris’ Pizza, 1020 E. Green Meadows Road, Suite 102, 573-441-1199
Best New Restaurant Opened In 2009
Fresh from the farm: Broadway Brewery is the new spot in town for refreshing meals made from seasonal produce gathered from its three proprietary farms. Broadway Brewery prides itself on providing homegrown fruits and vegetables, and the beer menu offers diners a wide variety of specialty ale brewed by the brewery’s very own brewmaster, Paul Dickerson. For a taste of something new and a produce selection that won’t let you down, make your way down to Broadway Brewery. 816 E. Broadway, 573-443-5054
Silver: Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, 2531 Broadway Bluff Drive, 573-441-2341
Bronze: Ingredient, 304 S. Ninth St., Suite 101, 573-442-1502
Best Place For Sandwiches
If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, don’t settle for a few slices of bread and the same grocery store lunchmeat; treat yourself to the best in the business at Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. Not only do the sandwich masters prepare each sandwich fresh as you order it, but they also slice their meats, cheeses and produce daily to guarantee you get the quality of sandwich you deserve. From the “Hodge Podge” to “The Pizza Guy” to a twist on the classic grilled cheese, Pickleman’s offers menu items that will appeal to any customer looking for a quality sandwich. 1106 E. Broadway, 573-875-2400; 2513 Old 63 S., 573-886-2300
Silver: Sub Shop, 209 S. Eighth St., 573-449-1919
Bronze: Jimmy John’s, 1019 E. Broadway, 573-815-0043; 4008 W. Broadway, 573-256-1661; 212 Corporate Lake Drive, 573-499-4442; 912 Rain Forest Parkway, 573-256-7600
Best Place For Seafood
Like a little piece of New Orleans right here in Columbia, Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen has it all: kickin’ live music, a merry French Quarter atmosphere, appealing Cajun fare and Columbia’s favorite lineup of seafood. If you haven’t already, try the blackened tilapia with shrimp czarina in a cayenne lime cream sauce that’s at once spicy and creamy — it’s a dish Jazz customers order again and again. 1605 Chapel Hill Road, Suites B & C, 573-443-5299
Silver: CC’s City Broiler, 1401 Forum Blvd., 573-445-7772
Bronze: Chris McD’s Restaurant & Wine Bar, 1400 Forum Blvd., Suite 38, 573-446-6237
Best Place For Steaks
Ladies and gentlemen, they’ve done it again. For the fourth year and counting, CC’s City Broiler has taken the prize for Columbians’ favorite place to order steaks. Juicy and satisfying, the generous steaks at CC’s City Broiler will kick your hunger to the curb and delight your palate in one fell swoop (or perhaps a few trips of the fork). 1401 Forum Blvd., 573-445-7772
Silver: Murry’s, 3107 Green Meadows Way, 573-442-4969
Bronze: LongHorn Steakhouse, 31 Conley Road, 573-874-3000
Best Place For Sushi
Even those who are a little bit afraid of sushi will be pleasantly surprised by the rolls at Osaka Japanese Restaurant. For the timid, the California rolls and vegetable rolls are excellent choices: both are filled with rice and tasty veggies, and the California rolls contain tender, cooked crabmeat. More daring types can choose from a plethora of colorful offerings, including raw squid, sea urchin or yellow tail sushi. 120-A Nifong Blvd., 573-875-8588
Silver: Sake Japanese Bistro & Lounge, 16 S. Tenth St., 573-256-7252
Bronze: Jina Yoo’s Asian Bistro, 2200 Forum Blvd., 573-446-5462
Best Place For Vegetarian/Vegan Dining
Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café makes every effort to lessen its carbon footprint by recycling, composting and promoting environmental activism in our city. But you don’t have to know any of that to know that Main Squeeze serves superior food that also happens to be vegetarian and, oftentimes, vegan. Try the famed Buddha Bowl, a hot dish piled high with brown rice, tofu, scallions and other veggies in a sesame ginger sauce; then cool your mouth with the Strawberry Manilow smoothie. Delish! 28 S. Ninth St., 573-817-5616
Silver: Bangkok Gardens, 811 Cherry St., 573-874-3284
Bronze: Café Berlin, 220 N. Tenth St., 573-441-0400
Best Wine List
Complete with sparkling selections, dessert wines, “interesting whites,” “interesting reds” and bottles from faraway places, Hemingway’s Wine & Bistro has a wine list that positively dazzles. Parties of up to 16 can even enjoy superb food in the impressive Chef’s Cellar, an intimate room lined with a diverse range of wines and part of an artfully designed restaurant that is beautiful to behold. 3910 Peachtree Drive, Suite H, 573-443-2726
Silver: The Wine Cellar & Bistro, 505 Cherry St., 573-442-7281
Bronze: Bleu Restaurant & Wine Bar, 29 S. Eighth St., 573-442-8220
Best Beer Menu
The handcrafted beers at Flat Branch Pub & Brewing are original and diverse, offering unique flavors for all palates. CoMo faves include the popular Honey Wheat, the amber-colored Katy Trail Pale Ale and the dark, roasty Oil Change Stout. Can’t pick just one? Get a sampler and taste them all. 115 S. Fifth St., 573-499-0400
Silver: Tin Can Tavern & Grill, 220 S. Eighth St., 573-777-8788
Bronze: Broadway Brewery, 816 E. Broadway, 573-443-5054
Best Happy Hour
It may be 5 o’clock somewhere, but when the clock strikes 4, Houlihan’s is where you need to be. With a happy hour lasting from 4 to 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing every day, you can find your dose of “happyness” in half-priced pitchers of Long Island iced teas, well drinks and domestic beers. Appetizers priced at just $6 during happy hour will keep your appetite in check while you put your worries to rest and affordably indulge in a night of carefree, casual dining. 2541 Broadway Bluff Drive, 573-815-7210
Silver: Addison’s, 709 Cherry St., 573-256-1995
Bronze: Tropical Liqueurs, 515 E. Broadway, 573-442-8098; 3805 S. Providence Road, 573-256-7141
Best Place For Girls’ Night Out
Let your hair down, kick off your high heels and let loose, ladies, because The Penguin Dueling Piano Bar has something special in store for you. With nightly piano players on duty to tap the keys to your every request, you can sing along to everything from the old classics of Journey to the current hits of Lady GaGa or Taylor Swift. You name it, they’ll play it with the fervor to get you and your friends in the singing spirit. 1025 E. Broadway, 573-449-8005
Silver: Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge, 38 N. Eighth St., 573-449-3838
Bronze: Tropical Liqueurs, 515 E. Broadway, 573-442-8098; 3805 S. Providence Road, 573-256-7141
Best Place To Buy Flowers
Magic awaits in My Secret Garden. Step inside this local shop to find flowers from around the globe, including roses from Colombia, orchids from Thailand and daisies from Israel. The selection always includes between 60 and 80 varieties of flowers, and all arrangements are custom made with input from the person ordering. No evil spell of silent treatment can withstand the power of flowers from this charming place. 16 N. Ninth St., 573-443-1546
Silver award: Hy-Vee, 3100 W. Broadway, 573-447-0133; 405 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-442-8595
Bronze: Kent’s Floral Gallery & Gifts, 919 E. Broadway, 573-443-0232
Best Place To Buy Gifts
It’s always a thrill for gift recipients to see a Poppy box appear. The signature, handmade flower on the box lets guests know a beautiful, handcrafted gift awaits inside. Will it be a piece of distinctive, artisan jewelry? Will it be a fun work of metallic art? Will it be a quirky stuffed animal for a child to love? The possibilities are delightful. 920 E. Broadway, 573-442-3223
Silver: Bluestem, 13 S. Ninth St., 573-445-2000
Bronze: The Butterfly Tattoo, 36 N. Ninth St., 573-443-6688
Best Place To Buy Hardware/Home-Improvement Items
Do-it-yourself home-improvement projects are intimidating enough. Who needs to search through aisle after endless aisle to find just the right bolt? Not customers at Westlake Ace Hardware! The store is small enough to get in and get out without getting lost, and there’s no bouncing between the staff of different departments. Whether customers need something from lawn and garden, general hardware, plumbing, electric, tools or housewares, the nearest employee can help them find it and get back to work. 1910 W. Worley St., 573-445-4012; 1900 Business Loop 70 E., 573-449-7277
Silver: Lowe’s, 201 Conley Road N., 573-499-6767
Bronze: Menards, 3340 Vandiver Drive, 573-474-1502
Best Place To Buy Home Furnishings/Accessories
The fantastic thing about Pier 1 is that it has everything for dressing up a home: furniture, dinnerware, accent pieces, wall décor, floral arrangements, rugs, window treatments — even home fragrance to make the home smell as nice as it looks. Shoppers seeking feedback and advice find a sales staff eager to help them put it all together inside the store. This is one of those stores that make spending — either on one’s own home or on gifts for others — fabulous fun.
1901 Bernadette Drive, 573- (573) 446-5075446-5075
Silver: Lifestyles Furniture, 63 E. Broadway, 573-874-1550
Bronze: Ashley Furniture, 5710 Bull Run Road, 573-777-1234
Best Place To Buy Wine And Spirits
By tapping Hy-Vee as the best place to buy wine and spirits, Columbians show an appreciation for options when it comes to alcohol. Hy-Vee offers more than 1,300 varieties of wine, 1,100 choices of liquor and 600 different beers. The selection might be overwhelming, if it weren’t for the knowledgeable Hy-Vee employees. They take classes so they can advise customers on the perfect bottle for their plans. 3100 W. Broadway, 573-447-0133; 405 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-442-8595
Silver: Top Ten Wines, 111 S. Ninth St., Suite 160, 573-442-2207
Bronze: Joe’s Wine & Spirits, 2001 Corona Road, Suite 201, 573-447-5637
Best Dry-Cleaning Service
Tiger Cleaners has earned its stripes removing spots. At any of the six locations in Columbia, customers get a competitive price, convenient service and a cleaning job that saves the clothes of even the clumsiest clients. 126 S. Eighth St., 573-442-6107; 3302 Broadway Business Park Court, 573-445-5657; 1608 Chapel Hill Road, 573-234-2528; 3905 Peachtree Drive, 573-442-6613; 3100 W. Broadway, 573-447-0133 (Hy-Vee drop-off); 405 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-442-8595 (Hy-Vee drop-off)
Silver: Robinson’s Cleaners, 1204 Business Loop 70 E., 573-875-2568; 21 Conley Road, Suite O, 573-442-8621; 3601 S. Buttonwood Drive, 573-442-8526; 2901 W. Broadway, 573-445-6712
Bronze: Concord Custom Cleaners, 2101 W. Broadway, Suite U, 573-445-1487; 204 E. Nifong Blvd., 573-442-3138; 2716 Paris Road, 573-474-8633
Best Place To Work Out
Wilson’s Fitness is strong in choices, offering strength and cardio training, soccer, indoor and outdoor swimming, and more than 300 group fitness classes, from body combat to yoga. Over the last few years, Wilson’s has spent about $3 million on state-of-the-art equipment, including cardio machines with their own iPod docking stations and TVs, and just last December, Wilson’s opened its sixth Columbia location in The District. That’s showing some muscle power! 2902 Forum Blvd., 573-446-3232; 111 Orr St., 573-777-6700; 203 E. Leslie Lane, 573-443-4242; 2900 Forum Blvd., 573-449-2606 (Females in Training & Missouri Athletic Center); 4600 Forum Blvd., 573-499-1488 (Beach Club)
Silver: MU Student Rec Complex, MizzouRec Services & Facilities, University of Missouri campus, 573-882-0369
Bronze: The ARC, 1701 W. Ash St., 573-874-7700
Building With The Best Architecture/Design
Who could imagine the skyline of Columbia without the dome of Jesse Hall? Photographers and other artists have captured this 1893 University of Missouri landmark in just about every conceivable circumstance: There are images of Jesse at night, Jesse in all four seasons, Jesse with clouds, Jesse in the sunshine, Jesse and The Columns, even Jesse in the snow behind a real Bengal tiger — and the mediums Jesse’s form has graced are just as endless, ranging from molded chocolate to ties. To Columbians, Jesse Hall is always beautiful because it looks like home.
Silver: Memorial Union, University of Missouri campus
Bronze: Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway, 573-443-3161
Best Family-Friendly Attraction
When it comes to the best setting for family fun, nothing can compete with the great outdoors. At Stephens Lake Park, families can walk, bike, swim, fish, splash in a sprayground, sled, ice skate, swing, slide, have a picnic — or just play in the sun. There’s fun for every season, and spring is calling now! 2001 E. Broadway
Silver: University of Missouri sporting events
Bronze: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, 5901 S. Highway 163, 573-449-7402
Best Golf Course
Columbians say, “A challenge? Bring it on!” with their choice of Eagle Knoll Golf Club as the best local golf course. This is a course known for humbling golfers who have begun to think of themselves as masters, but the test of skill the course provides attracts those who are not faint of heart. It also makes Eagle Knoll a great course for tournaments. Add to the challenge an isolated, scenic setting that creates a feeling of getting away from it all, and it’s no wonder Eagle Knoll soars to top honors. 5757 E. Eagle Knoll Drive, Hartsburg, 573-761-4653 or 800-909-0564
Silver: The Club at Old Hawthorne, 6221 E. Broadway, 573-442-5280
Bronze: Columbia Country Club, 2210 N. Country Club Drive, 573-449-4115
Best Live Music Venue
Here in Columbia, music matters, so it’s a real matter of pride for The Blue Note to be voted the best place in town for live music … again. For 30 years, The Blue Note has attracted music lovers with acts that are consistently some of the best on the road. Recent improvements to the building are appreciated, but it’s the music that has Columbians singing this venue’s praises. 17 N. Ninth St., 573-874-1944
Silver: Jesse Auditorium, 409 Jesse Hall, 573-882-3781
Bronze: Mojo’s, 1013 Park Ave., 573-875-0588
Best Local Festival
Since the Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival started three years ago, it has consistently been Columbians’ top choice for best local festival, and new admission charges did not dampen its appeal. Such acts as Booker T. and the John Cowan Band, mouthwatering barbecue fare and a joyful ambience come together to create an atmosphere that celebrates diversity with togetherness, and that’s something Columbians love to root on.
Silver: True/False Film Festival
Bronze: Art in the Park
Best Place To Take A Tourist
With Missouri wines, Missouri beef and Missouri produce on the menu — and the Missouri River in view for diners — Les Bourgeois Vineyards offers out-of-towners a truly unique and local experience. That experience can include sipping wine in an A-frame overlooking the Missouri River, enjoying local cuisine in a family-oriented restaurant, tasting wines and browsing in an attractive gift shop, and taking in a variety of special events and festivals. 12847 W. Highway BB, Rocheport, 573-698-2133
Silver: The District, downtown Columbia
Bronze: The University of Missouri campus
Best Public Artwork
A horse is a horse unless, of course, it’s grazing outside Landmark Bank on Stadium Boulevard. Then it’s a beloved piece of artistic inspiration. The herd of eight horses standing in the expanse of green space adjacent to the bank is the creation of artist Doug Owen, who fashioned the horses out of found objects. Columbians have fallen in love with the sculptures and made them their own metallic pets. 202 N. Stadium Blvd. 573-499-7338
Silver: Sculptural mosaic benches, Broadway in The District
Bronze: Painted utility boxes, The District.
Best Auto Mechanic
It’s clear that Columbians appreciate great customer service. This year’s voters were so grateful for the top-notch service dispensed from Todd Lewis of Joe Machens Toyota-Scion, they named Lewis their favorite auto mechanic — despite the fact that Lewis is actually a service adviser, not a technician! Lewis’ kindness and professionalism while listening to customers’ car concerns, making recommendations and returning their vehicles is so noteworthy, voters eschewed the rulebook a little in favor of giving him the recognition he deserves. Joe Machens Toyota-Scion, 900 Bernadette Drive, 573-445-4450
Silver: Aaron Franklin, Joe Machens Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, 1911 W. Worley St., 573-445-4411
Bronze: Ross Mutrux, Mutrux Automotive, 2100 W. Rollins Road, 573-445-1070
Best Sports Bar
With more than 40 televisions, six of which are big screens, it’s nearly impossible to miss even a second of the big game at Trumans Bar & Grill. Combine this TV wonderland with generous portions and affordable food and drink prices, and it’s easy to see why Trumans takes the cake when it comes to choosing a sports bar. Half-price happy hours daily from 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight don’t exactly hurt, either. 3304 Broadway Business Park Court, 573-445-1669
Silver: D. Rowe’s, 1005 Club Village Drive, 573-443-8004
Bronze: Shiloh Bar & Grill, 402 E. Broadway, 573-875-1800
Best Place For Guys’ Night Out
When it comes to guys’ night out, Trumans Bar & Grill is a comfortable, wallet-friendly place where the boys can hang out and just be themselves. The multitude of televisions lining the walls mean there’s never too much pressure to keep up a steady flow of conversation, and the half-price happy hours from 4 to 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. to midnight daily makes any night a great guys’ night. 3304 Broadway Business Park Court, 573-445-1669
Silver: Quinton’s Deli & Bar, 124 S. Ninth St., 573-815-1047
Bronze: Club Vogue, 912 Business Loop 70 E., 573-442-7491