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The Alive just published their list of the “Best of Columbus 2009″, which includes the best in dining, shopping, city life, and nightlife. Strangely, we’re only two months into 2009, so plenty of new restaurants, shops, and entertainment options are sure to emerge as fan favorites over the next 10 months. Quite a few of their “bests” align with some of our Best of 2008 results.
So, what do you think of The Alive’s results?
This list is always off on so many things, it should be hottest in Columbus because its is really about what is popular rather than what is best. Best example was Haiku winning sushi. Haiku isn’t even in the top 5 for taste and when if you look at overall value its ranks near the bottom. I like most places that made the list but they are rarely the “best”.
Although not directly related, they also have an interview with TornAngel in the same Columbus Alive issue -
http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2009/02/26/ca_s_rack.html?sid=108
Columbus Alive is supposed to be Columbus centric, yet so many chains win their “best of” awards (or at least are considered runners up). That sort of bothers and annoys me. I feel they should be turning inward, and focusing on what’s special and unique about this city — there’s certainly plenty.
I agree with jkostelac and wayfarer…… a lot of it is what’s ‘popular’, not what’s the BEST. I like Haiku but there is no way it’s better than Akai Hana…..no way! And what’s up with Spinelli’s Deli? It is okay but is definitely NOT the best sandwich in town!!! Cafe Corner BY FAR has the best sandwiches….where else can you get a Fig and Proscuitto, Pesto Avocado, the Tapeno (fresh mozzarella, house made olive tapenade, procuitto, house made basil pesto on grilled old world bread- my favorite!), a sicillian grille (ridiculously good sandwich) or Puebla BLT sandwich (a nice twist on the classic BLT, which they have as well) ? If that doesn’t suit your fancy, you can build your own, anyway you like it. Choose any meat (turkey, ham, pastrami, raost beef, corned beef,etc…) any cheese, and veggie, any sauce and your bread or wrap of choice. You can get a grilled cheese with tomato soup or a huge fresh salad. A beet and boursin sandwich or a turkey & goat cheese wrap. A gyro or a chimichurri steak. A cuban or mediterranean tuna salad. Or if you just want turkey and provolone, you got it! Roast beef with a little horseradish? No prob! And don’t get me started on breakfast all day. I’ve had Spinelli’s breakfast but I can make the same thing at home. It’s good, but just okay. Cafe Corner has killer omelets (want egg whites? no problem), green eggs and ham (sooo good), awesome breakfast burritos (veggie or meat), the best egg and cheese sandwiches, a truffled egg sandwich and my all-time fave, the country egg sandwich. Or if you just want a classic meal with eggs, toast, bacon/sausage and has browns, they have that too. The french toast and hens in a basket are damn good, too. Yes, I know the menu well but it’s because I’ve tried just about everything and have loved all of it. They run daily specials a lot, too, and those are always deelish. All I am saying is that when Cafe Corner is making food like this, how can Spinelli’s beat them as best sandwiches? It’s crazy talk! I used to go to Spinelli’s all of the time, and like it just fine, but ever since the Cafe Corner opened, there is just no comparison, none at all. I wish success to Spinelli’s, and all other local businesses, but if you haven’t been to Cafe Corner, then you are missing out BIG TIME, my friends! These guys have it right and I hope next year they take that #1 spot….they deserve it! (But congrats on snagging #3, Cafe Corner) Spinelli’s as the best sandwiches? Aaaaaaaahahahahaha. Too funny!
We already know why the results are the way they are (or should).they’ve been getting better, but at the same time I think it explains why I heard a co-worker singing praises for Applebees.
Columbusite Says:
We already know why the results are the way they are (or should).
We do? I don’t. But now I’m curious.
Clearly, these are a matter of taste. Some I found hard to believe (Brioso and Yeah Me Too not making the top three in coffee? Inconceivable!). Others will probably make me revisit places I’d crossed off my list (Marcella’s lasagna, when I had it, was so subpar that I haven’t been back, but the writeup suggests that I may need to give them another chance).
I was also very dissappointed that the Alive Best Of Columbus poll had so many national chains as opposed to local places. You can get Taco Bell or White Castle anywhere, but you can only get Tip Top or Buckeye Donuts in Columbus. Not to mention, both places serve excellent food for good prices.
Personally, I think Buckeye Donuts is the best place for late night eats, not to mention truly fabulous and hilarious people watching.
I could do without the chains in the best of Columbus, too. However, I have no problem with this being a *popularity contest*. There are reasons why places are popular — including taste (which is subjective). Re: Spinellis – not only does Spinelli’s Deli have some good food, but Joe is a really great guy who goes the extra mile for Columbus. I’m glad he won a category.
Well, this is a user-submitted survey. You can’t really fault The Alive for the results when it all comes down to what their audience is voting for.
I agree that it’s not Alive’s fault. Most people who don’t get around the city a lot aren’t even aware of some of the smaller, non-chain establishments.
Like pizza, for instance. In my book, Massey’s wouldn’t be in the Top 10 – but a lot of people like it and it is a Columbus-native and they voted for it. I don’t know how you could ever think it is better than Adriatico’s or a lot of other joints – but I find that most people have never heard of Adriatico’s.
jdog…how much did Cafe Corner pay you to post that? I get it you think they should have won but sheesh…
Just wanted to add too… I got a LOT of emails, tweets, facebook notifications, and everything else asking me to vote for them in the Alive poll. So part of it just feels like whoever had the most friends to cast votes for them. ;)
Yeah I don’t think it is Alive’s fault I would just petition them to make it “Hottest” and not “Best”.
don’t blame me I voted for Obama
We didn’t pay jdogg, but maybe we should. Thanks for the promotion. Congratulations to Joe and Spinnelli’s……off the topic but the Campus EGGS is up and running with dine-in until 5a……
They could always make it so that the options are Columbus-based.
columbusite wrote “They could always make it so that the options are Columbus-based.”
okay. so I don’t know how to quote yet. but i actually think the above idea would be a good one. it is, afterall, the best of Columbus. if we don’t have a good option, then ppl should say “hey! We need that!” and then maybe someone would open it.
I don’t think you can
Quoting coming as soon as I can find a working plugin for it. ;)