Once again, you’ve answered our call. More than 600 people sent in C-VILLE’s “Best Of” ballots, providing invaluable assistance to our Native Guide as he sought out the greatest among the great, the best among the brightest here in Charlottesville. Naturally, there are many familiar favorites along with a few new faces, some select puns and one a propos reference to Sandra Bernhard.
ENTERTAINMENT
ART GALLERY
McGuffey Art Center
The McGuffey collective, housing many of the city’s visual veterans and offering regular open-studio hours, edged out galleries such as its former tenant Second Street Gallery and the now-departed Nature Visionary Arts. And with the inaugural run of its “Spotlight” series, the art center now opens its doors more than ever to the viewing public, ensuring its juggernaut status for years to come.
MOVIE HOUSE
The Jefferson Theater
The Downtown landmark dating from 1901 may not win for best sound system—but whether it’s the appeal of watching an art-house flick surrounded by early-20th-century murals and frieze work, or seeing major releases for a mere three bucks, the second-run theater is first in your hearts.
PLACE TO DANCE
R2
Rapture’s floor faced its closest competition from Club 216 and Fridays After 5. Other contenders were the new Satellite Ballroom and Outback Lodge’s Gothic dance party, The Dawning.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Walnut Creek Park
This 480-acre jewel, open 365 days a year with bike trails, a boat launch, fishing and even summer canoe rentals, is one of Albemarle County’s best open spaces.
OUTDOOR EVENT OR FESTIVAL
Fridays After 5
Despite having a makeshift Garrett Street location for the first half of the Fridays season, the Downtown concerts showcasing your favorite local groups and the occasional rock ‘n’ roll dinosaurs withstood challenges from county fairs and a spring parade named after a certain tree. But as its new home, the open-air Charlottesville Pavilion, brings even bigger names to ticketed events, locals may start to wonder: Will the free outdoor series continue its “Best Of” winning streak next year?
SWIMMING POOL
ACAC
Its Adventure Central water park, off Four Seasons Drive, offers three outdoor pools, water slides and what the website calls a “park-like setting” (perhaps a tad euphemistic, considering the preponderance of pavement around the pool). The gym’s flagship facility at Albemarle Square also has an indoor pool for ACAC’s more exercise-minded members.
LIVE MUSIC VENUE
Starr Hill Music Hall
At three times Starr Hill’s size, and with heavy hitters already playing there, can the Charlottesville Pavilion be far behind Starr Hill in next year’s balloting? Either way, the trophy will end up in the same case, as music mogul/hyperactive developer Coran Capshaw operates both venues.
ROCK MUSICIAN/ BAND
Dave Matthews Band
In last year’s race, C-VILLE broke with tradition by naming Monticello Road the best local rockers—let’s face it, they needed the press more. This year’s race saw The Road closing the gap against the veteran front-runners. But with a newly released album (Stand Up) to promote, and the growing possibility that they may soon return to local stages, we’ll give DMB its just desserts this time. Coming in third were UVA-based psychedelic art-rockers Fountainhead. Bon chance à la prochaine, fellas.
FOLK MUSICIAN/ BAND
Terri Allard
Being a full-time mom evidently has
no effect on Allard’s stage energy as
she claims yet another victory, defeating newlywed runners-up Paul Curreri and Devon Sproule.
CLASSICAL MUSICIAN/ BAND
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Carl Roskott leads CUSO in its seasonal concert series of orchestral masterworks at Old Cabell Hall, which took first chair in the contest against UVA’s many choral groups.
BLUEGRASS MUSICIAN/BAND
Hackensaw Boys
We might expect a letter or two from diehard bluegrass buffs about declaring this neo-Appalachian outfit the winner. But nomenclature aside, The Hacks’ populist approach is as grassy as it gits in our voters’ eyes. The local twangers-turned-Nettwerk-recording-artists are moving full steam ahead with the recent release of their fourth album, Love What You Do.
JAZZ MUSICIAN/BAND
John D’earth
Seeing the UVA brass-master play Thursday nights at Miller’s is a must for fans and students of modern jazz. And at least one noted local jazz player voting in our poll “trumpeted” his colleague’s work as co-leader of the Thompson D’earth Band.
WORLD BEAT MUSICIAN/BAND
Darrell Rose
The contest between traditional African percussionist Rose and his frequent collaborator on guitar, Corey Harris, was a close one. But with a single vote separating the two, the ever-present skin-man can sound his own “Best Of” drumbeat for a second year running.
DJ
Quarter-Roy
By DJs, we meant, of course, the hardworking figures keeping parties pumping from behind the stereo at many local nightspots. Regular Mas mixer Quarter-Roy (a.k.a. Patrick Jordan) snags his second win this year over club fixtures Stroud and DJ Frank Rivera. But with Quarter-Roy’s recently announced retirement from the turntables (or was that just a ploy to make us want him more?), there could be new room at the top next year.
ARTIST
Monty Montgomery
The founder of Cilli Original Designs and CODG gallery, Montgomery is sharp and focused, yet full of energy and ideas, much like the brightly colored, pop-influenced paintings he produces. He also offers his own clothing line. Runners up were oil-painter Robin Braun and watercolorist Lee Alter.
AUTHOR
John Grisham
The quixotic individual who wrote “Not John Grisham” couldn’t cancel out the best-selling author’s supporters, who bestowed on him 100 votes more than his nearest competitor, poet Rita Dove.
KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
Virginia Discovery Museum
Parents and kids both can appreciate the educational fun at the Downtown museum’s exhibits, like the current “Circus! Many Faces, Many Places.” Runners-up were Planet Fun and the Charlottesville Ice Park.
TOURIST DESTINATION
Monticello
Our Native Guide had absolutely no trouble finding this place, and apparently neither do you when it comes to entertaining visitors.
RETAIL
PLACE TO WORK OUT
ACAC
Long live the king!
SHOE STORE
Scarpa
We reported last year that Scarpa might face competition in the designer shoe market from its newly opened sister store, Great State Of. In fact, it was another newcomer, Garrett Street’s Sweet Beets Shoes, which posed the biggest challenge to the North Barracks Road “shoetique,” though Scarpa still enjoyed a comfortable lead.
TATTOO/PIERCING PARLOR
Acme Tattoo
The best tattoo parlors may offer none of the ambiance of a good hair salon, boutique or resort. But we’ll gladly give good ink to Acme, your favorite place for that other type of pampering—the painful type—conveniently located on Elliewood Avenue, near all the student bars so you don’t even have to make a special trip.
JEWELER
Angelo
Shine on, you crazy diamond stores: Local ring peddlers like Andrew Minton, Hebblethwaite, Keller & George, Reines and Tuel all received strong support. But Lee Angelo Marraccini’s Downtown business took home the gold again.
DRESS SHOP
Eloise
Mother-daughter team Cyd McClelland and Amy Kolbrener operate the Water Street favorite. As for the Miss Congenial-ity award, it’s anyone’s guess, with Dixie Divas, Levy’s and Pearl all vying for second place.
PLACE TO BUY JEANS
Gap
Apparently, the denim-lifestyle purveyor’s decision to axe “too old” Sarah Jessica Parker from the ad campagin didn’t have any influence on you jeans-wearing readers (what-ever!). Still, others resisted the machine and cast their vote for Judy B., the local boutique that, thanks to owner Judy Bushkin, made famous the phrase “Do these jeans make my butt look famous?”
SPA
Oasis Day Spa and Body Shop
Hair salons, massage parlors, boutiques and resorts all pamper you. But a good spa takes a little from each of these. Oasis presents a remarkably mellow and relaxed environment considering its central Water Street location. Body wraps, facials, waxings, manicures and deluxe skin-care products are just a few of its offerings. Runners-up were the Boar’s Head Inn and Rio Road’s Escapes.
VINTAGE CLOTHING
Bittersweet
While many businesses are setting up in the “warehouse district” south of Downtown, Shannon Iaculli’s trend-setting second-hand shop seems an especially fitting choice for Second Street’s rehabbed Glass Building. Everything about the place screams hipster—including recent commercials by local guerilla filmmaker John St. Ours.
ATHLETIC OUTFITTERS
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
Save all those “athletic supporter” jokes. When people around here think athletics, they think climbing and trekking and kayaking, and for another consecutive year that adds up to BRMS in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. Runners-up include Downtown Athletic and arriviste monolith Dick’s.
DRY CLEANERS
Brown’s Dry Cleaners
With four locations across the city, it’s no wonder Brown’s cleans up every year! You also like “green” dry cleaners Terra Bella and Rudy’s.
BARRACKS ROAD STORE
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Yes, it’s a big bad chain store, and no, you don’t care. Not only that, you love it! Or is that leaf it?
WINE STORE
Market Street Wineshop & Grocery
Market Street’s decisive lead over competitors might be attributed to owner Robert Harllee’s friendly personal touch, expertise, selection and a name that says it all—though with its second location near Whole Foods in Shoppers World Court, giving directions can get confusing.
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Whole Foods Market
The Texas-based, organic-friendly conglomerate was closely trailed in votes by Preston Plaza-based veggie sanctuary Integral Yoga, with some saying recent changes at IY had caused them to defect.
GROCERY STORE
Whole Foods Market
Having another store soon-to-open at Hollymead Town Center could give a much-needed boost next year to Harris Teeter, which followed Whole Foods in a close second-place.
FLORIST
University Florist
A rose by any other name is this repeat winner.
GARDEN STORE
Ivy Nursery
The greenly named town just west of Charlottesville on Route 250 seems a fitting locale for this seven-acre garden center with floral arrangements, landscape contracting, a Christmas Shop and, of course, plenty of shrubs and vines.
HARDWARE STORE
Martin Hardware Co.
Nuts, bolts, they have it all—and those are just the customers! But seriously, Martin’s, as we know it familiarly, must be doing something right, as it consistently beats out Lowe’s.
TOY STORE
Shenanigans
Stocking toys for every kid from the teeniest newborn to the brainiest ’tween, including plenty of stylish Euro playthings (Brio, Playmobil, etc.), this North Barracks mainstay took first place for another year. But with its respectable showing as a runner-up, Alakazam, new to the Downtown Mall, seems to have worked some magic of its own this year.
CD STORE
Plan 9
Coffee shop, in-store concerts, frequent-buyer discounts, hipster t-shirts, smarty-pants advertising, a great used selection and two locations—what’s not to love? Bonus for you trivia buffs: Plan 9 from Outer Space is the name of a 1959 film by weirdo director Ed Wood, who scrapped the original title Grave Robbers from Outer Space. And music fans have thanked him ever since.
YOGA STUDIO
Studio 206
Increasingly, local spaces are hopping on the yoga bandwagon—even the Central Library now hosts regular classes in “ninja yoga.” But the ones who started the boom, Chris Friedman and her gang of more than 20 instructors in yoga, Nia, Pilates, dance and more, still reign over the rest from two locations on Market Street and Monticello Road.
FURNITURE STORE
Under the Roof
You were expecting “Under the Board-walk”? Charlottesville loves its modern, Euro furniture.
ANTIQUE STORE
Circa
If that perfect conversation piece you’re looking for isn’t in your crazy packrat relatives’ attics, try the Allied Street shop, boasting a constantly changing inventory full of surprise finds, from Elvis busts to typewriters, radios, furniture and other curiosities.
BIKE SHOP
Performance Bicycle Shop
Performance takes the yellow jersey trailed by Blue Wheel and, in a tie, Extreme Sports and Basic Cycles.
USED BOOK STORE
Daedalus Bookshop
As The Washington Post discovered in a March profile of local shops, Charlottesville truly is a haven for inexpensive and slightly used reading material. Books (numbering approximately 100,000) fill nearly every available corner of the three-storey Daedalus, making it quite easy to lose yourself both figuratively and literally.
PLACE TO RENT MOVIES
Sneak Reviews
Whether you prefer Sarah Bernhardt or Sandra Bernhard, the Ivy Road store has the ticket, celebrating all things cinematically obscure in artsy, foreign and independent film.
CATERER
Hot Cakes
Sweets may be the starting point for this Barracks Road shop, but its catering menu also offers salads, stews, casseroles and ample hors d’ oeuvres.
REAL ESTATE AGENT
David Sloan
The word is still out on whether Sloan can cut you a better deal than the rest on buying or selling that million-dollar Albemarle home. But if you want a dealer who makes you feel at home, the Roy Wheeler agent is your man. Most anyone in town recognizes the Sloan name from the recently closed Millmont restaurant that bore it for more than 20 years, which he and his father co-founded. Sloan, a Charlottesville native and former UVA athlete, also officiates lacrosse games.
DOWNTOWN STORE
Cha Chas
Apparently many Downtown shoppers are in need of rhinestone-encrusted cat’s eye sunglasses and novelty bartender sets. And they know just where to go to get them!
CORNER STORE
Mincer’s UVA Imprinted Sportswear
The 57-year-old former tobacco shop still “corners” the market when it comes to UVA memorabilia.
29N STORE
Whole Foods Market
The grocery store managed to wipe that goofy grin off the face of last year’s winner, Wal-Mart.
CAR DEALER
Brown Automotive Group
We have it on good authority that you’ll love the service.
MECHANIC
Cole’s Import Specialist
Chris Cole’s Carlton Avenue shop, which last year tied with C’ville Imports, had just enough votes this year to take the lead.
BANK
UVA Community Credit Union
An exclusive, money-holding club of which only folks in Charlottesville and surrounding counties can be a part—no wonder we love it. The bank (in fact, a nonprofit cooperative) began in 1954 to benefit hospital workers and later all UVA employees. It received its community charter in 1997.
LOCAL COLOR
TEACHER
Greg Thomas
While Albemarle High School Band Director Thomas runs a tight ship, he also has a knack for bringing out the best in his students. The AHS Marching Patriots, wind ensemble, jazz, concert and symphonic bands continue to blow away statewide competitors with frequent “Superior” ratings. But like all great teachers, Thomas is humble about his achievements: “The main accomplishment… has nothing to do with trophies or competitions,” he says via e-mail. “I think our program has turned a ton of kids on to the aesthetic of rehearsing and creating high-quality music that that really goes beyond the trophy and the director. I am also very proud of the community service aspect of our program—we reach out to the community and play at events that involve us with larger causes—Martha Jefferson Hospital, retirement homes, Save the Fireworks, Tsunami Relief, Armed Forces Day, to name a few.”
TV PERSONALITY
Norm Sprouse
What sort of crazy weather will NBC 29’s forecaster pull out of his hat next? Stay tuned to find out. Runners-up included Sprouse’s NBC cohort Beth Duffy and, making her first ballot appearances, WCAV’s Lauren Knight.
RADIO PERSONALITY
WWWV’s Big Greasy Breakfast
Rick Daniels, Max “In the Morning” and company brought home the bacon, followed by WNRN’s Jaz Tupelo and WINA’s Dick Mountjoy.
PRINT JOURNALIST
John Borgmeyer
Wherever injustice and iniquity reign supreme in Charlottesville, look to the “tallest guy in the room” to uncover the truth. From humble Missouri beginnings, this national award-winner has risen to become C-VILLE voters’ most valued reporter. Runners-up were The Daily Progress’ Bob Gibson and Reed Williams, and C-VILLE’s Nell Boeschenstein.
PHILANTHROPIST
Dave Matthews
At its last meeting alone, Matthews and his bandmates’ Bama Works Fund approved grants totaling $217,561, adding to the more than $2 million they’ve given to mostly local charities since the fund’s inception. Take that, Monticello Road.
NOISEMAKER
Rob Schilling
We’ll wager our voters weren’t referring to Schilling’s 2003 album of gospel and contemporary Christian tunes, Sing A Psalm, but rather to the lone Republican City Councilor’s uncanny ability to ruffle feathers for City Dems. Former council candidates/music fans Waldo Jaquith and Stratton Salidis rounded out the top three.
WANNABE
Coran Capshaw
Developer. Restaurateur. Philanthropist. Manager. CEO. Gym rat. Party guy. Capshaw is a man of many hats and has a publicity photo to go with each.
UVA ATHLETE
Ryan Zimmerman
Even after breaking school records and recently becoming the most sought-after UVA baseball player ever to enter the major leagues (a first-round pick for the Washington Nationals), we’re sure Zimmer-man’s success will really hit home now.
PLACE TO WORK
UVA
But if stereos are your thing, also try second-place runner-up, Crutchfield.
PLACE TO LIVE
Belmont
Alternatively, this city neighborhood could have been dubbed Best Place to Triple Your Real Estate Investment.
PLACE TO READ C-VILLE
Downtown
With such a broad and varied field of responses, it may be possible to read your favorite local weekly at first-place winner Downtown, second-place winner Mud-house and sixth-place winner “on the john,” all in one fell swoop. Just remember to give the key back to the barista when you’re finished.
FOOD & DRINK
RESTAURANT
Zocalo
Last year’s Best New Restaurant, the Latin-fusion spot in Downtown’s Central Place still has the right recipe for success…and a pretty damn good mojito to boot. Runners-up were C&O and Mas.
NEW RESTAURANT
Cassis
Taking culinary ideas and a successful business model from his experiences working at previous “Best Of” darlings Bizou and Mas, chef and owner Sean Lawford has a lot of folks talking about his new French bistro on Water Street. Ryan Martin, owner of second-place contender Martin’s Grill, also has folks talking about his years of experience at Riverside Lunch. And…wait a sec…there’s a Bodo’s on the Corner now?
BREAKFAST
The Tavern
The real house of pancakes. A different specialty flapjack each month keeps people coming back, as does the unasssuming but steady service (“What’ll it be, hon?”) and humongous helpings. Other early-morning loves: Bluegrass Grill and Bodo’s.
BRUNCH
Blue Bird Café
Your love for this W. Main Street establishment didn’t fly the coop even when new ownership took over earlier this year. Bluegrass Grill made another appearance in the runner-up column (see “Breakfast”), and for the Ralph Lauren set Boar’s Head Inn was the best.
LUNCH
Bodo’s Bagel Bakery
That’s right. You heard it here first, folks—Bodo’s now has three locations.
DESSERT
Splendora’s Gelato Café
Yet another battle fought in the eternal struggle between ice cream and gelato. Truth is, our voters can’t get enough of either, naming fro-yo palace Arch’s in second and traditional ice cream parlor Chaps in third.
CUP OF COFFEE
Mudhouse
As usual, fans of the Mudhouse really poured out for this one. Maybe second-place winner Greenberry’s, with franchise locations open throughout the state, in Texas, Florida and soon, New Jersey, should look to opening a place on the Downtown Mall as well.
GOURMET TAKE-OUT
Hot Cakes
Tucked into Barracks Road and best known for decadent desserts, Hot Cakes also scores big for inventive salads and killer lasagna.
LATE NIGHT MENU
Littlejohn’s Delicatessen
After you drink all night, you can eat into the dawn at this 24-hour Corner institution. Even if you’re sober, or maybe especially if you’re sober, the Wild Turkey sandwich is worth gobbling down.
BAKERY
Albemarle Baking Company
Put down the Pop-Tart and pick up the Linzer Torte. Your palate will thank you.
PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
C’ville Coffee
Part of the appeal of Toan Nguyen and Betsy Patrick’s Harris Street business is that it’s the only wholesome place we know of to offer an “Adult Zone.”
SALAD BAR
Ruby Tuesday
Not a restaurant synonymous with healthy living—have you seen the 30-burger menu? But Ruby Tuesday’s 65 salad offerings topped both Whole Foods and Downtown’s Blue Ridge Country Store.
FAST FOOD
Bodo’s Bagel Bakery
We’re gratified to see the local guys take this one home, though the real shocker is how close Wendy’s, with only two locations in town, came to beating Brian Fox’s popular sandwich shop.
SERVICE
Zocalo
A man cannot live by bread alone—and a great restaurant’s food can only take it so far. No surprise that Zocalo’s fast and friendly service, even on busy nights, helps make it the best. Hamiltons’ and Bizou also earned high marks.
ASIAN
Thai ’99
Last year’s winner, Thai ’99 saw growing competition from Second Street’s Asian-tapas-fusion biz, Bang. Flaming Wok and Downtown Thai…er…thaied for third.
MEXICAN
Guadalajara
What’s not to love about endless refills on the chips and the super-frugal lunch special? Con mucho gusto.
SEAFOOD
Blue Light Grill
One of the few places to serve tuna-grade sushi on a Caesar salad. At the other end of the spectrum, Tiffany’s, once the only fancy restaurant in town, was a runner-up.
PIZZA
Christian’s Pizza
With more than 100 votes separating it from runner-up Mellow Mushroom, the Downtown restaurant known for heaping slices and gourmet toppings still has a secure lead—at least until Five Guys opens up its pizzeria (see “Burger,” page 39).
ITALIAN
Vivace
The Ivy Road escape was followed in votes by La Cucina and Carmello’s.
BURGER
Five Guys Burgers
The fast-growing Northern Virginia-based franchise with generously greasy burgers fit to eat right out of the bag proved a major upset for local competitors Riverside Lunch and Martin’s Grill. We must say, we’re even a little tickled by the thought of having our plaque grace the walls of the Barracks Road location, alongside Five Guys’ many Washingtonian and Zagat awards.
BBQ
Big Jim’s Bar-B-Que
Big Jim is the big man in town when it comes to barbecue, evidently, as he takes the lead for another year. Close on his heels are Jinx’s Pit’s Top in Belmont and Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford.
AFTER WORK WATERING HOLE
South Street Brewery
Somewhere between the Downtown Mall and your parking spot, thoughts of nachos and the taste of a Satan’s Pony inevitably will drift into your mind. Thankfully, South Street won’t be far. Runners-up were Miller’s and Rapture.
SPORTS BAR
Buffalo Wild Wings
You can see the big game from anywhere you sit on B-Dubs’ many televisions, which need no longer fear the competition from nearby second-place runner-up Sloan’s.
WINGS
Wild Wing Café
Buckets of ice-cold beer and a nice view of the train tracks enhance the sticky-finger experience.
DRAFT BEER SELECTION
Mellow Mushroom
Pity the poor keg-changer. Mellow Mush-room’s approximately 40 taps line the whole back of the bar. Runners-up were Michael’s Bistro and South Street Brewery.
WINE LIST
C&O
Here in the heart of Virginia wine country, selecting the right bottle can be a critical part of the fine-dining experience. The Downtown mainstay offering French country fare knows its importance and is ready to choose the right wine for the job. Runners-up were Tastings and Zocalo.
Worst of 2005
A highly subjective editors’ guide to local stuff that ain’t so great
Worst local phrase
“Coran owns that.”
First DMB, then Starr Hill…tomorrow, your soul. In Charlottesville, it’s all Coran.
Runner Up: “Dave Matthews worked/lived/picked his nose there.”
Worst thing said about our city
“Isn’t that in North Carolina?”
O.K., here’s the difference: Charlotte loves NASCAR, Charlottesville loves itself. Any questions?
Runner Up: “Charlottesville is ugly and its mother dresses it funny.”
Worst place to run into Chief Longo
The gym locker room.
Holy crap, that guy’s ripped!
Runner Up: In the back of his
squad car
Worst place to wait in line
For a job at MusicToday.
Face it, you’re never getting one. And even if you do, you don’t get to hang with the band.
Runner Up: The Port-a-John line at Foxfield
Worst local collective personality trait
Smugness.
Admit it…we’ve all complained about that No. 1 rating, but secretly we really want to believe it’s true.
Runner Up: Narcissism
Worst place to wake up in the morning
The bar you sat at the night before.
You’re a lush, and it’s a problem.
Runner Up: A fraternity house on Rugby Road
Worst reason to wake up in the middle of the night
The train whistle.
All of Charlottesville’s old industries have been replaced with art boutiques and coffee shops. What are those trains hauling, anyway? Soy latté?
Runner Up: Realizing that you just finished your Ph.D. in English, you’re $50,000 in debt and the only job you can find in Charlottesville is serving cappuccino, which apparently gets delivered on a midnight freight train.
Worst place to get stuck at a red light
Hydraulic and 29.
Runner Up: Park and High streets
Worst place to speed
Earlysville Road.
It’s a long and winding road—and look out for those bikers!
Runner Up: Avon Street Extended
Worst intersection
Preston and Emmet at 5pm.
You can feel your life slipping away while you wait.
Runner Up: Hydraulic Road and 29
Worst-smelling place in town
Hogwaller’s disarming sewage-treatment aroma. Especially in the summer.
Runner Up: The corner of Market and Second streets on a hot Monday morning
Worst place to take a first date
A baby store. Need we say more?
Runner Up: The emergency room
Worst place to run into your ex
Anywhere Downtown before you’ve had your coffee.
Runner Up: OXO, where he is out with someone new and you are out with your parents.
Worst thing said about local girls
“You can’t get laid unless you drive a BMW.”
Damn those girls who come here from NoVA. Don’t they know local guys drive 10-year-old Volvos?
Runner Up: “Duke girls are hotter.”
Worst thing said about local guys
“They are a bunch of stuck- up, small-town hillbillies posing as refined, sophisticated urbanites.”
Runner Up: “Duke guys are smarter.”
Worst Wahoo nonsense
A capella groups.
This is not the 1920s and you are not cool, even in an ironic sense.
Runner Up: The UVA/Virginia Tech game. So many bad ties…
Worst Wahoo fashion trend
Those flipped-up collars.
The only consolation is that 10 years from now, when they see pictures of themselves in college, those fratastic fellas will be forced to confront the irrefutable evidence that they really were conformist preppy jackasses.
Runners Up: Vera Bradley quilted bags and flip-flops in January
Worst Wahoo phrase
“Academical Village.”
It’s a freakin’ campus. Get over it. And “academical” isn’t even a word!
Runner Up: “What would Mr. Jefferson say?”
Worst part of the student return
The fact that we get older, but they stay the same age!
Runner Up: Power-walking girlswith “UVA” imprinted on the bum of their shorts
Worst thing about local restaurants
A $23 entrée that doesn’t come with a salad.
Come on! This isn’t New York!
Runner Up: Tables reserved for “dining only.” Empty tables make your restaurant look bad.
Worst thing about local servers
When the wait staff is hotter than your date.
Runner Up: When the wait staff is hotter than you
Worst place to eat on the run
While streaking The Lawn.
Well, at least you won’t get ketchup on your shirt…
Runner Up: 29N. Because if you’re in a rush and eating in your car, you’re going to be late anyway.
Worst place to pass out
The free trolley.
When you wake up, you’ll still be stuck on W. Main Street.
Runner Up: The bathroom at Pen Park. We’ve been there. It ain’t pretty.
INDEX
Entertainment
Best Art Gallery
McGuffey Art Center
201 Second St. NW
295-7973
Best Movie House
Jefferson Theater
101 E. Main St.
295-3321
Best Outdoor Recreation
Walnut Creek Park
3750 Walnut Creek Park Rd.
296-5844
Best Outdoor Event or Festival
Fridays After 5
Best Swimming Pool
ACAC
200 Four Seasons Dr.
978-3800
Best Place to Dance
R2
303 E. Main St.
293-9526
Best Live Music Venue
Starr Hill Music Hall
709 W. Main St.
977-0017
Best Rock Music Band
Dave Matthews Band
Best Folk Music Band
Terri Allard
Best Classical Band
Charlottesville and University Symphony Orchestra
Best Bluegrass Band
Hackensaw Boys
Best Jazz Musician
John D’earth
Best World Beat Musician
Darrell Rose
Best DJ
DJ Quarter Roy
Best Artist
Monty Montgomery
Best Author
John Grisham
Best Kids Entertainment
Virginia Discovery Museum
524 E. Main St.
977-1025
Best Tourist Destination
Monticello
931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy.
984-9822
RETAIL
Best Yoga Studio
Studio 206
206 W. Market St.
505 Monticello Rd.
296-6250
Best Place to Work Out
ACAC
Albemarle Square Shopping Center
973-5856
200 E. Water St.
984-3800
Best Spa
Oasis
103 E. Water St.
244-9667
Best Tattoo/ Piercing Parlor
Acme Tattoo
9 Elliewood Ave.
293-6730
Best Jeweler
Angelo
220 E. Main St.
971-9256
Best Dress Shop
Eloise
218 W. Water St.
295-3905
Best Place to Buy Jeans
Gap
Fashion Square Mall
973-5026
Best Shoe Store
Scarpa
North Wing, Barracks Road Shopping Center
296-0040
Best Vintage Clothing
Bittersweet
313 Second St. SE
977-5977
Best Athletic Outfitters
Blue Ridge Mountain Sports
Barracks Road Shopping Center
977-4400
Best Dry Cleaners
Brown’s Dry Cleaners
510 Preston Ave.
296-6285
Additional locations on High Street, Millmont Street and Ivy Road
Best Hardware Store
Martin Hardware Co.
941 Preston Ave.
293-8171
Best Wine Store
Market Street Wineshop
311 E. Market St.
964-9463
Shoppers World Court
964-9463
Best Florist
University Florist
2123 Berkmar Dr.
973-1381
Best Health Food Store
Whole Foods
Shoppers World Court
973-4900
Best Grocery Store
Whole Foods
Shoppers World Court
973-4900
Best Toy Store
Shenanigans
North Wing, Barracks Road Shopping Center
295-4797
Best CD Store
Plan 9 Records
Albemarle Square Shopping Center
974-9999
1419 University Ave.
979-9999
Best Furniture Store
Under the Roof
1017 W. Main St.
977-0231
Best Antique Store
Circa
1700 Allied St.
295-5760
Best Bike Shop
Performance Bicycle Shop
Seminole Square Shopping Center
963-9161
Best Used Book Store
Daedalus Bookshop
123 Fourth St.
293-7959
Best Garden Store
Ivy Nursery
570 Broomley Rd.
295-1183
Best Place to Rent Movies
Sneak Reviews
2244 Ivy Rd.
979-4420
Best Caterer
Hot Cakes
Barracks Road Shopping Center
295-6037
Best Real Estate Agent
David Sloan
Roy Wheeler Realty Co.
296-4170
Best Downtown Store
Cha Chas
201 E. Main St.
293-8553
Best Barracks Road Store
Barnes & Noble
Barracks Road Shopping Center
984-0461
Best Corner Store
Mincer’s
1527 University Ave.
296-5687
Best 29N Store
Whole Foods
Shoppers World Court
973-4900
Best Car Dealer
Brown Automotive Group
Route 250E
977-3380
Best Mechanic
Coles Import Specialist
1025 Carlton Ave.
295-2653
Best Bank
UVA Community Credit Union
3300 Berkmar Dr.
964-2001
Additional locations on Lee Street, Arlington Boulevard, High Street and Route 250
LOCAL COLOR
Best TV Personality
Norm Sprouse
WVIR NBC
Channel 29
Best Radio Personality
Big Greasy Breakfast
(Max and Rick)
WWWV-FM 97.5
Best Print Journalist
John Borgmeyer
C-VILLE Weekly
Best Philanthropist
Dave Matthews
Best Teacher
Greg Thomas
Albemarle High School
Best Noisemaker
Rob Schilling
Best Wannabe
Coran Capshaw
Best UVA Athlete
Ryan Zimmerman
Best Place to Work
UVA
Best Place to Live
Belmont
Best Place to Read C-VILLE
Downtown
FOOD & DRINK
Best Restaurant
Zocalo
201 E. Main St.
977-4944
Best New Restaurant
Cassis
210 W. Water St.
979-0188
Best Breakfast
The Tavern
Corner of Emmet Street and Barracks Road
295-0404
Best Brunch
Blue Bird Café
625 W. Main St.
295-1166
Best Lunch
Bodo’s Bagel Bakery
1418 N. Emmet St.
977-9598
505 Preston Ave.
293-5224
1609 University Ave.
293-6021
Best Dessert
Splendora’s
317 E. Main St.
296-8555
Best Late-Night Menu
Littlejohn’s New York Delicatessen
1427 W. Main St.
977-0588
Best Bakery
Albemarle Baking Company
Main Street Market
293-6456
Best Gourmet Take-Out
Hot Cakes
Barracks Road Shopping Center
295-6037
Best Cup of Coffee
Mudhouse
213 W. Main St.
984-6833
Additional locations in Bellair, Forest Lakes, Mill Creek and Pantops
Best Fast Food
Bodo’s Bagel Bakery
1418 N. Emmet St.
977-9598
505 Preston Ave.
293-5224
1609 University Ave.
293-6021
Best Salad Bar
Ruby Tuesday
Barracks Road Shopping Center
295-9118
Best Place to Take the Kids
C’Ville Coffee
1301 Harris St.
817-2633
Best Service
Zocalo
201 E. Main St.
977-4944
Best Asian
Thai ’99
2210 Fontaine Ave.
245-5263
Best Mexican
Guadalajara
801 E. Market St.
977-2676
395 Greenbrier Dr.
978-4313
2206 Fontaine Ave.
979-2424
Best Italian
Vivace
2244 Ivy Rd.
979-0994
Best Seafood
Blue Light Grill
120 E. Main St.
295-1223
Best Burger
Five Guys Burgers
Barracks Road Shopping Center
975-4897
Best Wings
Wild Wing Café
820 W. Main St.
979-9464
Best BBQ
Big Jim’s Bar-B-Que
2104 Angus Rd.
296-8283
Best Pizza
Christian’s
118 W. Main St.
977-9688
Best After Work Watering Hole
South Street Brewery
106 W. South St.
293-6550
Best Sports Bar
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
1935 Arlington Blvd.
977-1882
Best Draft Beer Selection
Mellow Mushroom
1309 W. Main St.
972-9366
Best Wine List
C&O
515 E. Water St.
971-7044
Out of the 614 valid Best Of ballots that we received, we picked 18 lucky entrants at random to receive one of our fabulous prizes. Pete Emerson, Joe Jenkins, Marissa Guillen, KeriAn Bicknell, Sarah Johnson, Jason Stanford, Katherine Jenkins, Kristin Cole, James Assante and Sumner Brown all took home $10 gift certificates to Downtown stationary store Rock Paper Scissors! Patty Cornell, Mark Quigg, Amy Matt, Kathleen McGreevy, Jon Zug, Emre Ilter and Gabrielle Mandell received $50 gift certificates to Barracks Road shoe store Great State Of! And Donna Mathes got really lucky as she gets a 20-gigabyte iPod from the fine folks at Crutchfield!