Jackson Free Press

Tall and slender, looking for all the world like a red-headed poet who might have spent some time in the country, Barry Leach is one fine guitar player.

Whether he's playing his Guild acoustic, Fender Stratocaster or Epiphone Sheraton, his slender fingers fly up and down the neck, quickly pausing to vibrate the notes right out of the strings.

Dressed casually in hiking boots, jeans and a long-sleeved shirt over a white tee, Leach epitomizes the calm, cool collectedness of a professional at ease with his craft.

Having him in a duo or a group makes the talent quotient increase infinitely. Like Friday night at Hal & Mal's 25th birthday party, when Leach and Mark Roemer put on a grand acoustic set, Leach brought the crowd pure joy on "My Old School," an old Superband Wasteband tune, not to mention every song he sat in on. It was obvious to us that Roemer was as much in awe as we were—he'd reach across to Leach, huge smile plastered on his face, eyes shining—just to touch the fingertips of the master.

So, any time you hear that Leach is playing, whether it's with The Vamps, with eZra Brown or Raphael Semmes, no matter where it is, you'd best get your booty in gear and partake.

And Leach teaches others to play. He'd even take me as a pupil, said he could teach me to play the bass guitar. What he's looking for in a student: Someone who wants to learn—check. Someone not opposed to trying to figure it out—check. Someone who wants to learn how the guitar works—check. And someone who wants to learn how music works—check. Then I could sit in with Barry on guitar and eZra on the saxophone one night, then with guitarist, singer/songwriter Eric Stracener another night. You've done gone to heaven, gal.
—Lynette Hanson

Second place: eZra Brown
Third place: Eric Stracener
Good showing: Colour Revolt, Scott Albert Johnson, Sherman Lee Dillon

Best Live Band: Living Better Electrically
Let's be honest with ourselves for a minute: LBE throw such hellfire on stage nowadays that they could sleep with your girlfriend and you wouldn't even mind because 10 years from now you'll be trying to get on their VH1 rockumentary so you can brag about it. They just keep getting better.

The Vamps and the Rockwells tied for second place. In the free-for-all Jackson musical smack-down, these two commodities could be each other's polar opposites. Representing the long-time champion of tradition and tag-team "let your hair down" jazz, we have The Vamps. Through the ranks of young, fresh talented youth, The Rockwells are the pulse of the next generation. With an ear for the catchy uber-indie-underworld, they throw down on the tried-and-true with a pile-driver and a sleeper hold.

Jacksonians love a little free-form jam in their art. Ask a dozen people to describe Circus of the Seed, and you'll get at least 12 different reasons why they offer something for every taste. They surpass the sum of each part: jazz, rock, indie and funk. This amalgamation offers a wicked rhythm, complete with horns. Tickets to ride their exploration in sound come cheap.
—David McCarty and Herman Snell

Second place: The Vamps and The Rockwells (tied)
Third place: Circus of the Seed
Good showing: 930 Blues Café house blues band

Best Local Band Name: Living Better Electrically
If Living Better Electrically, Jackson's Best Local Band Name winner (again), was a woman, she'd be wearing leather pants with a steel-stud belt and have two broken nails on her left hand where she'd punched that jackass at Martin's in the mouth for trying to cop a feel. She didn't use her right hand—her good hand—because she was holding a Marlboro Red and a Pabst with it. Got it?

Aside from Prince, why is it that the British spell so much cooler than Americans? Second-place winner Colour Revolt's name alone makes one ponder its irony, its socio-political message. What is it exactly they are revolting against? The indie artists formally known as Fletcher took their name from the classic metaphysical and multi-dimensional tale by Edwin Abbott, "Flatland."

When third-place winners King Elementary were just babies, they were The Symptoms. With a massive record deal from Capitol and the leers of be-mini-skirted ladies 15 to 50 in their hip pocket, the new name announces the new truth: they are Jackson's crown princes of schoolyard rock'n'roll.
—David McCarty and Herman Snell

Second place: Colour Revolt
Third place: King Elementary

Best Hotel Bar: Fitzgerald's Lobby Bar, Hilton Hotel (1001 East County Line Rd., 957-2800)
Ever been in a Hilton before? OK, OK ... yes, the Hilton on County Line Road is Our Very Own and, hence, We Love It. MMMMMmmmm. But, of course, it's just like all the other Hiltons, with brass and stuff.

What the others don't have is Fitzgerald's, and even if they do—because, to be honest, I haven't actually checked all the other Hiltons—they definitely don't have the likes of Andy Hardwick and Joanna Parks in their Fitzgerald'ses. (Fitzgeraldi?) If you need a sultry drink of water to go with your mixed cocktail (consumed at whatever pace you think your circulatory can process), then the dulcet tones of Joanna Parks, particularly when mixed with some Raphael Semmes, has never made a Hilton lobby taste any better. (I've always wanted to write a line like that.) Seriously, it's good jazz and a wonderful way to end an evening, particularly when the Hilton isn't packed because there's a Forklift and Backhoe convention in town. (And, no, that's not a Sweet Potato Queen joke.)

The E-W lounge, of course, offers class, elegance and the best bar service on the planet, and some well-tinkled ivories. In fact, I fully expect that my eternal reward is a place in heaven just like the Edison-Walthall, complete with a dirty martini that doesn't give you a headache and Mel Torme (Torme, not Tillis ... that's an important distinction) at the microphone.
—Todd Stauffer

Second place: Edison Walthall Hotel (225 East Capitol St., 948-6161)
Third place: Hunt Club, Ramada Inn (1525 Ellis Ave., 944-1150)

Best Place to Drown Your Sorrows: Martins Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)
Martin's appears to have three shifts of customers. There is the crowd that comes in during the day, many of them retirees. Then there's the after-work and dinner crowd that comes in starting at 5. And finally there are the late-nighters, who start partying around 11. One thing you can count on is that every day of the year, Martin's will be open. Need a martini on Christmas Eve? This is your place. And the only night it closes before 2 a.m. is Sunday, when the doors close at midnight. If you want to drink and talk, you will probably find a conversation. If you want to sip in silence, that's OK, too. And the bartenders (Wade, Robert and Chubb) are friendly, professional and rarely mock a customer's choice of drink.
— Jack Leming

Second place: Fenians Pub (901 E. Fortification St., 948-0055)
Third place: Hal & Mal's Restaurant & Brewery (200 Commerce St., 948-0888)

Best No Cover Night/ Best Open-mic Night: Fenian's Pub (901 E. Fortification, 948-0055)
I've got a New York friend, Leo, whom I think of whenever I'm in Fenian's Pub. Not only would this native East Villager feel right at home wrapped up in Fenian's Irish ambience, but he'd be impressed by the authentic "boxsty" sandwich, thrilled at the cheap beer prices and overwhelmed by the bevy of attractive Southern women, especially during a rockin' Open Mic night. And he'd find down time between songs to say something snarky about how it's nice to get smacked in the face with a wall of smoke in an Irish bar—heck, the bars in New York are more like beer boutiques these days without the day-old cigarette smell and butts all over the bathroom floor ... but he digresses.

Fenian's is designed for tapping your shoes—not boots ... shoes—along with the strains of a nylon guitar or the warble of an over-eager student of the bluegrass tradition who probably should have been limited to two songs. Seriously, the scene is sometimes never better than Fenian's for Open Mic and the (always) No Cover shows, where you're almost guaranteed to see something just a little different from what other clubs and pubs in town have to offer. The fact that it's stumbling distance home for Belhaven and Belhaven Heights residents has a certain appeal, as does the fact that the kitchen stays open late. Fenian's is a constant presence in the Best Of ranks and fully deserving. It reminds me of that old Barbara Mandrell song—a little bit Celtic, a little bit rock n' roll.
— Todd Stauffer

Best No Cover Night
Second place: George Street Grocery (416 George St., 969-3573)
Third place: Hal & Mal's Restaurant & Brewery (200 Commerce St., 948-0888)

Best Open-Mic Night
Second place: Lyric Lounge at Santiago's Restaurant & Lounge (101 E. South St., 354-3030)
Third place: Martins Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)

Best Place to Hear a Band: Hal & Mal's Restaurant & Brewery (200 Commerce St., 948-0888)
True music connoisseurs are committed to supporting the best national and international performers, as well as the local up-and-coming next generation of superstars. Just trying to get a parking place on Commerce Street when Best of winner Hal & Mal's and runner-up Martin's have hot acts is a testament to their eclectic variety. Several nights a week you can hear the best in jazz, bluegrass, pop rock, Southern roots rock, hip-hop, indie, punk, new wave and other alternatives. You can vastly change what you're hearing by walking only a few feet between each of the Hal & Mal's rooms, or across the street to Martin's. Independent record companies and bookers all over the country know to call these venues and offer up their latest wares. As for third-place winner, George Street, I'm practically middle-aged, and I can't remember a time when it wasn't a primary Jackson institution (renovation down-time aside).
—Herman Snell

Second place: Martins Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)
Third place: George Street Grocery (416 George St., 969-3573)

Best Place to Shoot Pool: W.C. Don's (218 S. State St., 969-6962)
If we had the room, we all might like a pool table in our homes. The game rooms in W.C. Don's are so intimate you can catch up on the latest gossip, reading the graffiti-ed walls when it's not your shot. There are no lurkers looking across a crowded pool hall to see how good you are. It's this low-key private hang out vibe that makes W.C. Don's the number one place for pool. The Green Room, second best place to shoot pool, is more of an upscale locale that hosts tournaments. If you're interested in going pro as a pool-shooter, then the Green Room is the place to start around here. The general idea of a Jackson pool hall may elicit visions of mud-covered pick-up trucks and 50-cent draft. But on any given night you can be comfortable playing at Jokers Tavern, regardless of race, age or sexual preference. Between the jukebox and beer selection, it's all about providing something for everyone.
—Herman Snell

Second place: Green Room (444 Bounds St., 713-3444)
Third place: Jokers Tavern (4637 McWillie Dr., 981-3041)

Best Place to See State Legislators: Schimmel's (2615 N. State St., 981-7077)
Since Schimmel's is only a hop, skip and jump away from the Capitol, it only makes sense that our legislators would mosey on down there after a hard day of legislatin' to throw back a few with their friends … or enemies. Since I have started working down at the Capitol as the JFP legislative news intern, I have developed my own list of people that I would love to sit down with for a drink. Here they are: Ed Blackmon because he is witty and looks like the type of guy that would buy the whole bar a drink. Cecil Brown because he is always speaking on the floor and seems to know exactly what is going on with the budget. Steve Holland because he gives me some great quotes and is just hilarious. John Reeves because he seems to be pretty hardcore, and he is supposed to be very fiscally conservative (trying to understand him). Omeria Scott because she is the most charismatic, soap-box-holding black woman at the Capitol. Gloria Williamson because she is just flat-out wonderful and fights for what she believes in. Mike Chaney because is the go-to man with all these education reforms. And Stacey Pickering because I'm trying to figure out what all the fuss is with the Pickerings in this state. So head down to Schimmel's and see if you can catch any of these people during happy hour or for a Houserockers show. You never know.
— Brett Potter

Second place: Tico's Steak House (1536 East County Line Rd., 956-1030)
Third place: George Street Grocery (416 George St., 969-3573)

Best Biker Hangout: Hooters (4565 I-55 N, 981-0480)
Tuesdays are Bike Nights at Hooters—close to 100 bikers show up for it. I'm sure you've noticed the tons of bikes gleaming in the parking lot. Erika Tapia had been a trainer at Hooters for nine months. She says: "It's a really good hangout for crotch rockets and cruiser bikes. It's just a good place to come together and hangout and have a good time." She enjoys working bike nights, as the other Hooters girls do. Biker David pulls up on his Kawasaki ZX9R every Tuesday. He's been going for almost a year and says, "It's a lot of fun, and it's always a big group of great people."

Lastly, I must say that I dragged my friend Lizz along with me to eat some wings and check out the joint. Even Lizz said the wings were great, and the service is unmatched. Our waitress opened our ranch sauce, our ketchup bottle, and tore off individual paper towels for us after sitting down to tell us about the food, all with a smile. If you want some good wings and good biker company in a place with nice hardwood ... floors, then go to the Best Biker Hangout—Hooters.
—Brett Potter

Second place: Joker's Tavern (4637 McWillie Dr., 981-3041)
Third place: Shucker's Piano & Oyster Bar (116 Conestoga Rd., Ridgeland, 853-0105)

Best Dance Club: Headliner's (6107 Ridgewood Rd., 957-6110)
This club must be in a winning location—last year it was called The Forum and won the Best of Jackson Dance Club award. Now, as Headliners, the club is filled with live music, dancing and dining—and attracts a mix of people from throughout the metro. The truth is that the club is really four in one. The first is Headliner's Live, where bands jam the night away. Then there is Banana Joe's Island party and the Cactus Cafe. There is also a Rascal's Comedy Club, featuring hilarious national , with a new act opening each Thursday night.The two runners-up represent other segments of Jackson's club-goers: from the gay club crowd that pile into Jack and Jill's to the hip-hop lovers who frequent Freelon's.
—Ayana Taylor

Second Place: Jack and Jill's (3911 Northview Dr., 982-5225)
Third Place: Freelon's Bar and Groove (440 N. Mill St., 353-5357)

Best Margarita: La Cazuela Mexican Grill (1401 E Fortification St., 353-3014)
When I decided to go see if La Cazuela did, indeed, deserve to be called the Best Margarita spot in Jackson, I took back-up (also known as a second opinion.) With money in our pocket and a thirst for the best margaritas on our tongues, my sister and I set off. The verdict? I couldn't even taste the alcohol over the smooth peach taste of my peach margarita, but I did start to feel it before I was halfway done. Nor could my sister taste anything through the perfect mix of strawberry, peach and lime of her fiesta margarita—at least we think that's what it was made of. The margaritas were starting to kick in by the asking-how-this-was-made point. And that, my friends, is the sign of a good—no, the best—margarita. Go see for yourselves.
—William Patrick Butler

Second place: On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina (6352 Ridgewood Ct., 977.9447)
Third place: Cozumel Mexican Restaurant (various locations)

Best Beer Selection: Lager's World Grill and Draft Emporium (6111 Ridgewood Rd., 956-3416)
Walking into the winner of Best Beer Selection in Jackson—Lager's—I couldn't escape the feeling that I was in one of those pre-fab chain restaurants. Why must they all have those "quaint" faux old-fashioned lamps on the outside? The décor is eclectic, to say the least (giant T Rex skull, flying machine and a 1940s-style robot). Most importantly, its beer list is downright encyclopedic. The long line of taps behind the bar confirms that this is best place in Jackson for beer connoisseurs. Maybe it's a little too close to County Line Road to feel authentic, but Lager's offers an amazing selection of beers from around the world at reasonable prices. Just don't try to pull any of the books off of the wall. They're all glued together.
—Stuart Rockoff

Second place: Martins Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)
Third place: Hal & Mal's Restaurant & Brewery (200 Commerce St., 948-0888)

Best Wine Selection: Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar (I-55 N, 4500 I-55 N., 982-8111)
Bravo! wins the Pick 3 with a first place in the wine category. A Wine Spectator award winner since 1997, Bravo! offers more than 400 labels, including a generous number of wines by the glass with different ones highlighted nightly. Special dinners with wine flights are popular and sell out quickly. One caution: The bartenders are relatively well-informed about the cellar, but the wait staff is not.

Schimmel's and Nick's tie for second place in the wine category. Nick's offers an excellent mix of white, red, sparkling, dessert, domestic and imported. Almost as impressive as the list at Schimmel's is the large cellar enclosed by a glass wall and visible from the dining room.

Third choice is Char (sister to Amerigo). Char sells more wine than any other restaurant in Mississippi, and they do it with a limited list. These people find out what their customers want and they give it to them—no nightly specials and no happy hours. The food's good, too.
—Andrew Scott

Second place: Schimmels (2615 N. State St., 981-7077) and Nick's (1501 Lakeland Dr., 981-8017) (tie)
Third place: Char Restaurant (142 Highland Circle, 956-9562)

Best Martini/Best Drink: Elixir Restaurant & Bar (4800 I-55 N, 981-7896)
During the '90s, vodka outpaced gin nearly 4 to 1. Thanks to the re-emergence of the mid-century leisure attitude and style, gin is back and has a few new friends in tow. Elixir is the ideal place to (re)introduce your palette to the crisp, clean hedonism that is gin. Martini aficionados will appreciate a perfect cocktail whether shaken, stirred, dry and/or dirty. Gin not your thing? Not a problem. There are plenty of vodka alternatives and an extensive list of flavorful beverages now often called "martinis" including: the 401(k), a Kahlúa concoction that complements the chocolate fondue; the Mississippi Martini, think sweet tea with a kick (add Crawfish Wontons to make it Southern and sophisticated); the green apple-flavored Sir Isaac Newton is yet another favorite. On the non-martini side, Elixir seems to be the only place in town to get a good mojito—the minty Cuban rum drink that is a favorite of our editor. Consider it a mint julep with a Caribbean flair.

For a night of decadence, the perfect martinis and drink menu, swank decor, innovative food, and flawless bartenders/servers, Elixir is the place.
—Knol Aust

Best Martini
Second place: Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar, I-55 N, 4500 I-55 N, 982-8111)
Third place: Schimmels (2615 N. State St., 981-7077)

Best Drink
Second place: Bravo! Italian Restaurant & Bar, I-55 N, 4500 I-55 N, 982-8111)
Third place: Schimmels (2615 N. State St., 981-7077)

Best Club DJ: DJ Phingaprint, Freelon's Bar and Groove
(440 N. Mill St., 353-5357) and freelance
To mix vinyl and CD, here's what I think Fats Waller and Lenny Kravitz might say about DJ Phingaprint:

Phingaprint's mixin, it's really somethin'
The bass is thumpin, the speakers are blastin'
This club DJ is more than hot—Jackson is jumpin'

He is the chosen number one
Take a breath and have some fun
No music mixed will be the same
And he won't stop until he's done
But what he really wants to know is
Are we gonna go his way?
—Lynette Hanson

Second place: Allen, Jack & Jill's, (3911 Northview Dr., 982-5225)
Third place: Motown Brown, Santiago's (101 South St., 354-4030)

Best Bartender: Ryan "Chubb" Turman at Martin's Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)
Our readers have it figured out: The "best" bartender is the nicest. He (or she) is the one who not only knows your name and your drink, but puts his or her personal problems aside when they're behind the bar. When serving you, it's all about you. You are the center of a good bartender's attention.

Chubb Turman certainly fits that description, wherever he's tending bar (now he's at Martin's), as does third-place winner Jay Losset, who snuck in on this vote after only slinging brew for a few months at the Red Room. Which says something. As for second-place winner Cotton Baronich—well, he's a nice guy, too, but he also fulfills another definition for "best" bartender: the mythical guy who's been doing it forever, knows everyone and gets to be a bit damned cranky if he feels like it. The career bartender who has the dignity of a banker, the shrewdness of a poker champion and the reputation that makes for late-night laughs, whether you're sitting at his bar or someone else's.

Then there's Robert Arender: he's not only a bartender, he's a Jackson institution. And he is single-handedly responsible for jumpstarting Jackson's new status as an up-and-coming indie-music capitol. Cheers, gentlemen.
—Donna Ladd

Second place: Cotton Baronich at Edison Walthall Hotel (225 East Capitol St., 948-6161)
Third place: Jay Losset at the Red Room at Hal & Mal's Restaurant & Brewery (200 Commerce St., 948-0888)
Good showing: Robert Arender at Martins Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)

Best Jukebox: Cherokee Inn (1410 Old Square Road, 362-6388)
When the Cherokee left its old digs over on North State, a large part of the transplanted ambience was the jukebox. Shaped like a baseball diamond with 1st and 3rd bases squared off, a psychedelic-colored CD at 2nd base and the words Compact Disc in bold black, hippie-looking letters at home plate, the Cherokee's jukebox sits against the wall underneath a neon guitar, all pink and blue with Budweiser stretching the entire length of the guitar's neck.

Selections on Jackson's No. 1 juke box are listed on page after page, some on printed CD song lists, some written on those green and white Guest Check slips that Cherokee workers use to record your food and drink orders. Flipping the pages, you'll notice Jimi Hendrix, U2, Beanland with Duff Dorough, the Steve Miller Band, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Hank Williams Jr., Marvin Gaye, Steve Azar, Jimmy Buffet, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Nickelback, Jewel and Chris Gill plus Superband Wasteband. And that's just a few of the selections.
—Lynette Hanson

Second place: Peaches Café (327 N. Farish St., 354-9267
Third place: Waffle House (various locations)

Best Karaoke: Martin's Restaurant & Lounge (214 S. State St., 354-9712)
Much has changed on karaoke night at Martin's since 2003. There's been a new infusion of talent. The sound system is better. Matt Collette has replaced brother Mike as the emcee. (Sadly, this has reduced Matt's time onstage.) But Martin's is still the karaoke king, for the third year in a row. The mix of performers and material has become more diverse. ("Daydream Believer," anyone?) Performers also mix comedy into their performances, some of it intentional. If anything, the audience has become friendlier. There is still a smattering of good-natured heckling, especially of the regular performers. The audience even sings along on some songs now, but that might just be the whiskey talking.
— Buck Weaver

Second place: McB's (815 Lake Harbour Dr., Ridgeland, 956-8362)
Third place: The Horseshoe Bar (5049 Highway 80 W., 922-6191)

Best Casino for Gaming: Ameristar (Vicksburg)
Ameristar, as much as any casino can or should, holds a dear spot in my heart. It's where I take my Mama on the outings she so enjoys. We're both fond of a machine called "Tiki Torch." Sometimes, with a 40-cent bet, I've managed to win $50, a play that includes a nice drum beat as the machine counts up the winnings. "Tabasco" is another one we like. It's especially great when the three chefs line up in the center of the reels. Once they've concocted a delectable dish as the reels spin, head chef Claude adds enough Tabasco to blow your head off—his often does as the video plays out, all to the sounds of a Cajun fiddle. "Price Check," a sort of handyman-goes–to-the-hardware-store scene, is complete with a handyman's crack-in-the-butt when he leans down to fix stuff. One other machine with great music is "Money to Burn." When you hit it big, "Fire" by Earth, Wind & Fire blares.

There's some nifty ones at the Pearl River Resort, too, where we prefer the Golden Moon's roomy ambience to the close quarters of the Silver Star.
—Lynette Hanson

Second place: Pearl River Resort (Choctaw)
Third place: Beau Rivage (Biloxi)

Best Casino for Shows: Beau Rivage (Biloxi)
Big-name entertainers your obsession? Here's a list of those scheduled for the upcoming months at the winner of Best Casino for Shows: David Copperfield, Al Jarreau, Diana Ross, Carrot Top—well, he's big somewhere—Robert Plant, Natalie Cole, Liza Minnelli—didn't she just go into the hospital?—Larry the Cable Guy, and I'm not kidding—Placido Domingo! That takes us through April. Many of these events have pretty good prices on their Room & Show Packages, too. If you're just hankering for a shorter drive, head over to Vicksburg and the Bottleneck Blues Bar or the Cabaret Lounge at Ameristar. You can catch acts—like Meet the Press, Anson Funderburgh, 24/7, BB Secrest and the Rockin' 88s—playing music that's great to dance or gamble to. And third-place finisher Pearl River Resort provides nightly music at the Silver Star and the Golden Moon, as well as special events now and then, like their recent Al Green show.
—Lynette Hanson

Second place: Ameristar (Vicksburg)
Third place: Pearl River Resort (Choctaw)

Best Category We Left Out: Best Bookstore, and More
The public has spoken. More of you wanted Best Bookstore (Lemuria outdistanced Choctaw Books) to be a category next year than any other suggestion. And did those suggestions ever run the gamut.

Some categories involve employment. You want Best Chiropractor; I think everyone who works for Dr. Leo Huddleston voted for that one. Best Server, Waitress, Wait Person (Ann at Hal & Mal's already got a vote as did Janis Boersman). Best Publisher, our own Todd Stauffer; Best Editor, our own Donna Ladd. Best Local Cashier with Nancy at Super D Meadowbrook getting the nod. Other jobs to be recognized include Nicest Bar Staff to Obnoxious Drunks, Cutest JFP Writer, Best AM Radio Preacher, Best Pornographer, Cutest Business Owner, Hair Stylist (Casey Hales at Reflections, thank you very much) and Sexiest Bartender—no one was named, drat it.

Many suggestions involved other people, places and things found in most cities this size—Shoe Store, Clown, Smoke Shop, Local 5K Run (Watermelon Classic), Local Band Album, College, High School, Belly Dancer, Outdoor Store, Grocery Store, Gay and Lesbian Clubs, Ice Cream, Gift Store, New Church (that one went to The Journey), Place to Get Your Car Repaired, Comedian, Filmmaker, Kids' Event, Produce, Iced Tea, Onion Rings and Neon Sign.

Look for these on the 2006 ballot. They just might be there beside Pick Up Joint, Nude Dance Club, Road Improvement, Alternative Entertainment Option, Place to Get a Bikini Wax and Best Booty. We shall see.
—Lynette Hanson

Previous Comments

ID

77981

Comment

cutest jfp writer - casey, right? ;)

Author

casey

Date

2005-01-27T09:31:30-06:00

ID

77982

Comment

Casey! I was about to confirm MY cuteness :) Split the difference? ;) This issue is FABULOUS. Picked one up on the way to work this morning.

Author

emilyb

Date

2005-01-27T09:44:58-06:00

ID

77983

Comment

Y'all both are cutie-pies. And the issue totally shines.

Author

Lynette Hanson

Date

2005-01-27T11:05:06-06:00

ID

77984

Comment

Can I be the "Best JFP Lush" or "Cutest and Lushiest Web Consultant"? ;-) And Nancy at Super D Meadowbrook truly is awesome! Actually, I adore that Super D and hope the rumors of a CVS coming to the area have no substance!

Author

kaust

Date

2005-01-27T11:15:58-06:00

ID

77985

Comment

i guess the issue might even be cuter than me and emily i'd vote for you in both of those categories, knol :)

Author

casey

Date

2005-01-27T11:21:19-06:00

ID

77986

Comment

You are all incorrigible. Self-absorbed snits. ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-01-27T11:22:38-06:00

ID

77987

Comment

Yeah, but highly creative ones, thank goodness. Reliable, too, which doesn't make them one bit boring although it could have done so.

Author

Lynette Hanson

Date

2005-01-27T11:24:31-06:00

ID

77988

Comment

oh i love the word incorrigible. especially when coupled with positively: "oh casey, you are positively incorrigible." next year i'm campaigning

Author

casey

Date

2005-01-27T11:24:48-06:00

ID

77989

Comment

Moi? Self-absorbed? I promise Casey and I would never fight over a mirror... But we might tag-team to push EmilyB outta the way! I saw that "Best Gay Bar" was listed as a "left out"... Ummm. Don't we only have three in the city? At least they'd all rank! Is that good or bad though? Also, I'm glad to see Cazuelas got best margarita... With "Buy 1, Get 1 free" nearly every night of the week (3-9), you almost don't care what they taste like! Needless to say, when I lived a block from there, they all knew me by name and still do. Heck, I've even learned a few non-vulgar Spanish on my 'rita ventures. Drinks and culture... Ahhh. The perfect concept! Now, if we could just get Jay to speak in French or German (reow), we'd have a lovely multi-cultural drinking extravaganza throughout the city.

Author

kaust

Date

2005-01-27T11:30:01-06:00

ID

77990

Comment

I love how mama-hen Lynette is getting y'all's backs. ;-) You know, I've encouraged campaigning from the very beginning of Best of: hats, buttons, signs, airplane flyovers. I hear Jen Barker is already kicking off her 2006 campaign for best bartender (or, best girl-about-town).

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2005-01-27T11:50:27-06:00

ID

77991

Comment

My dad asked me what "the catchy uber-indie-underworld" is and wanted to know if it's a good thing.

Author

Dent May

Date

2005-01-27T20:09:40-06:00

ID

77992

Comment

hahaha Knol and I won't fight over mirrors, but who knows what might happen as our powers are combined. Those 2-for-1 margaritas are a wonderful invention, for sure.

Author

casey

Date

2005-01-27T22:33:07-06:00

ID

77993

Comment

HA! Take my mirror? I think NOT! That's almmoosst like taking my lipstick and will not be tolerated. Vote for Emily. She puts the rrrr in incorrigible. And Knol, I know some vulgar Spanish that I can share on a need-to-know basis. There is a CVS rumor??? Good to know.

Author

emilyb

Date

2005-01-28T07:17:15-06:00

ID

77994

Comment

i affirm all the mentions of fenian's

Author

Matt Kilgore

Date

2005-02-02T21:48:49-06:00

ID

77995

Comment

Dent, Tell your Dad its the next best thing to off-kilter-alt.indie-psych-pop-electroclash. Herman the Hyphen

Author

herman

Date

2005-02-03T15:06:38-06:00