This year, we can gladly report from the number of completed online surveys that you do care. We are blown away that for the first time in a while the answers are far from predictable (except for the usual suspects in the Best Bagel, Best Furniture Store and Best Diner categories). And, at least in most cases, we're almost certain the results were by and large not wholly stacked (read that however you like).

Not that the poll was a complete success. It did highlight some ugly truths about this city that were probably better left unsaid. For instance, McDonald's is never a good idea for a first date, no matter how cheap it is. It will be your first and last date, guaranteed. You're also completely ignorant of what constitutes a "Middle Eastern Restaurant," confusing it with the dime-a-dozen shawarma stands. And as this is a local poll, it would be fantastic if just once Chapters was not your favourite book store.

Then again, nice job on ditching the big chains for local boutiques in the clothing department. Dalhousie got a lot of attention this year (Attic, Amuse, Soho Betty) and Value Village was nowhere to be seen in the Best Men's Clothing Store category. Also, the arts scene featured prominently as the Best Reason to Move Here (even if "utter boredom" was your Best Reason to Leave Here). And at least you have the sense to admit (or XPress has the balls to publish) the sad fact that the American Embassy, not the tragic City Centre building, is Ottawa's ugliest architectural eyesore.

Anyway, enough of us; this poll is about you. So read on and let us know what you think. Here's to another successful Best of Ottawa Readers' Poll!

FOOD AND DRINK

BEST ICE CREAM/GELATO

Pure Gelato (350 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions Piccolo Grande (55 Murray), Dairy Queen (all locations)

BEST BAGEL

Kettleman's Bagel (910 Bank)

Honourable Mentions The Great Canadian Bagel (all locations), Ottawa Bagelshop (1321 Wellington)

BEST APPS

The Manx (370 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions Khao Thai (103 Murray), Luxe Bistro (47 York)

BEST NACHOS

Mexicali Rosa's (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Blue Cactus (2 Byward Market), Royal Oak (all locations)

BEST PATIO

Heart and Crown (67 Clarence)

Honourable Mentions Black Thorn Café (15 Clarence), Mexicali Rosa's (1001 Queen Elizabeth)

BEST WINGS

Local Heroes (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Clock Tower Brew Pub (575 Bank), Hooters (355 Dalhousie)

BEST SANDWICH

DiRienzos Grocery (111 Beech)

Honourable Mentions La Bottega (64 George), Quiznos (all locations)

BEST POUTINE

Elgin Street Diner (374 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions New York Fries (all locations), The Works (all locations)

BEST PIZZA

Colonnade (280 Metcalfe)

Honourable Mentions Gabriel Pizza (all locations), Pizza Pizza (all locations)

BEST DESSERT

Oh So Good (25 York)

Honourable Mentions Memories (7 Clarence), Dairy Queen (all locations)

BEST BURGER

The Works (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Lick's (1788 Bank), Harvey's (all locations)

BEST REGIONAL BEER

Heritage

Honourable Mentions None. Most of you mistook this 'what' question for a 'where' question.

BEST PUB

The Manx (370 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions Heart and Crown (67 Clarence), Royal Oak (all locations)

BEST CHIP WAGON

The Blooming Onion (York and Dalhousie)

Honourable Mentions Sasha's (York, next to Zaphod's), Tzan's Wagon (Bank at Laurier)

BEST SUSHI

Kinki (41 York)

Honourable Mentions Sushi 88 (690 Somerset West), Wasabi (41 Clarence)

BEST AFRICAN

Horn of Africa (364 Rideau)

Honourable Mention East African Restaurant (376 Rideau)

BEST CARIBBEAN

Caribbean Flavours (881 Somerset West)

Honourable Mentions Savana Café (431 Gilmour), Caribbean Sizzler (133 Bank)

BEST CHINESE

So Good (717 Somerset West)

Honourable Mentions Shanghai (651 Somerset West), Jadeland (625 Somerset West)

BEST FRENCH

Le Jardin (127 York)

Honourable Mentions Le Metro (327 Somerset West), Henri Burger (69 rue Laurier, Gatineau)

BEST GREEK

Greek On Wheels (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Papagus (281 Kent), Greek Souvlaki House (1200 Prince of Wales)

BEST INDIAN

Haveli (two locations)

Honourable Mentions Light of India (730 Bank), Ceylonta (403 Somerset West)

BEST ITALIAN

Fratelli (749 Bank)

Honourable Mentions Mama Grazzi's Kitchen (25 George), Vittoria Trattoria (37 William)

BEST JAPANESE

Kinki (41 York)

Honourable Mentions Suisha Gardens (208 Slater), Ichibei (197 Bank)

BEST KOREAN

Korean Garden (470 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions Seoul House (601 Somerset West), Restaurant Joy (315 Somerset West)

BEST MEXICAN

Mexicali Rosa's (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Pancho Villa (361 Elgin), Ahora (307 Dalhousie)

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN

Shawarma King (two locations) and Shawarma Palace (464 Rideau)

BEST THAI

Royal Thai (272 Dalhousie) and Green Papaya (260 Nepean)

Honourable Mentions Sweet Basil (1585 Bank) and Coriander Thai (282 Kent)

BEST VIETNAMESE

Pho Bo Ga (12 Lebreton North)

Honourable Mentions New Mee Fung (350 Booth), Saigon (85 Clarence)

BEST STEAK HOUSE

The Keg (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Hy's (170 Queen), Al's Steak and Seafood (327 Elgin)

BEST DINER

Elgin Street Diner (374 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions Zak's (14 Byward Market), Rockin' Johnny's (all locations)

BEST BAKERY

Rideau Bakery (two locations)

Honourable Mentions Boko Bakery (280 Elgin), Harvest Loaf (1323 Wellington)

BEST DELI

Dunn's (two locations)

Honourable Mentions La Bottega (64 George), Nate's (316 Rideau)

BEST VEGETARIAN

The Green Door (198 Main)

Honourable Mention The Table (1230 Wellington)

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

Bridgehead (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Second Cup and Starbucks (all locations)

BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE

Herb & Spice (two locations)

Honourable Mentions Natural Food Pantry (all locations), Rainbow Foods (1487 Richmond)

BEST SPLURGE

Beckta Dining and Wine (226 Nepean)

Honourable Mentions Milestones (700 Sussex), Sugar Mountain (all locations)

BEST CHEAP EATS

Govindas (212 Somerset East)

Honourable Mentions Elgin Street Diner (374 Elgin), New Mee Fung (350 Booth)

BEST ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT

Du Barry Buffet (343 Greber, Gatineau)

Honourable Mentions Govindas (212 Somerset East), Tucker's Marketplace (61 York)

BEST TAKE-OUT

Greek on Wheels (all locations)

Honourable Mentions So Good (717 Somerset), Shawarma King (two locations)

GOING OUT

BEST BARTENDER

Tanya (Swizzles Bar and Grill, 246 Queen)

Honourable Mentions Zaphod's staff (27 York), Avant Garde's staff (135 Besserer)

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Barrymore's (323 Bank)

Honourable Mentions Babylon (317 Bank), Capital Music Hall (200 Rideau)

BEST CLUB

Zaphod Beeblebrox (27 York)

Honourable Mentions Mercury Lounge (56 Byward), Surface (128 York)

BEST LOCAL BAND

The Architects

Honourable Mentions Buried Inside, Distant Society, For The Mathematics

BEST LOCAL DJ/ELECTRONIC GROUP

The Disorganised Crew (Pho, Linus, Chameleonic)

Honourable Mentions Trevor Walker, DJ Illo, If Then Do

BEST LOCAL SINGER-SONGWRITER

Kathleen Edwards

Honourable Mentions Ana Miura, Joel Martin

BEST LOCAL HIP-HOP/EMCEE

There was no one answer

Honourable Mentions Applied Science, Periodic Trends

BEST LOCAL ALBUM/EP 2005

This Is About You (The Architects)

Honourable Mentions The Reconstruction (Distant Society), Blankets (The Acorn)

BEST OTTAWA SHOW 2005

The Architects CD release party (September 2, Barrymore's)

Honourable Mentions Rolling Stones (August 28, Frank Clair Stadium), Broken Social Scene (July 9, Bluesfest)

BEST MOVIE THEATRE

ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions Silver City Gloucester (Blair and Ogilvie), Mayfair Theatre (1074 Bank)

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL 2005

Bluesfest

Honourable Mentions Jazz Festival, Ladyfest

BEST FILM FESTIVAL 2005

Ottawa International Animation Festival

Honourable Mentions One World Film Festival

BEST LOCAL FILMMAKER

Lee Demarbre

Honourable Mentions Brett Kelly, Dino Koutras

BEST MUSEUM

Museum of Civilization (Hull)

Honourable Mentions National Gallery of Canada (350 Sussex), War Museum (1 Vimy Place)

BEST SPORTS BAR

Local Heroes (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Marshy's Bar-B-Que and Grill (all locations), Don Cherry's (290 Rideau)

BEST GAY/LESBIAN BAR

The Lookout (41 York)

Honourable Mentions Swizzles Bar and Grill (246 Queen), The Edge (212 Sparks)

BEST LOUNGE/BAR

The Mercury Lounge (56 Byward Market)

Honourable Mentions Aloha Room (323 Bank), The Avant Garde Bar (135 Besserer), Helsinki (15 George)

BEST KARAOKE

Shanghai Saturdays (651 Somerset West)

Honourable Mention Dog and Pony Sound (491 Preston)

BEST COMEDY CLUB

Yuk Yuk's (88 Albert)

Honourable Mention Absolute Comedy (412 Preston)

BEST POOL HALL

Dooly's (2277 Gladwin Crescent)

Honourable Mentions MacLaren's (301 Elgin), Le Skratch (1642 Merivale)

BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION OF 2005

Mamma Mia! (NAC)

Honourable Mention 52 Pick-up (Ottawa Fringe Festival)

BEST LOCAL WRITER/POET

John Akpata

Honourable Mentions Megan Butcher, Suki Lee

BEST PRIVATE ART GALLERY

Artguise (590 Bank)

Honourable Mentions Pukka Gallery (1178 Gladstone), Toxic (2401 Bank), Dale Smith (137 Beechwood)

BEST LOCAL ARTIST

Amy Thompson

Honourable Mentions Howie Tsui, Carl Stewart

BEST LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Aaron McKenzie Fraser

Honourable Mentions Shawn Scallen, Alex Cairncross, Josh Brown

BEST GOLF COURSE

Emerald Links (Manotick Station)

Honourable Mentions The Marshes (320 Terry Fox Drive, Kanata), Pine View (1471 Blair Road, Gloucester)

BEST SKATE PARK

Legacy (101 Centrepointe Drive, or around there)

Honourable Mentions McNabb Community Centre, Orleans Sk8 Extreme Park (1490 Youville Drive)

BEST OUTDOORSY PLACE

Gatineau Park

Honourable Mentions Strathcona Park, Major's Hill Park

BEST SKI HILL

Mont Tremblant (2396 rue Labelle, Mont-Tremblant, QC)

Honourable Mentions Mont Ste Marie (76 chemin de la Montagne, QC), Camp Fortune (300 chemin Dunlop, Chelsea, QC)

BEST BOWLING ALLEY

Walkley Bowling (2092 Walkley Road)

Honourable Mentions Merivale Bowling Lanes (1916 Merivale, Nepean), McArthur Lanes (175 MacArthur, Vanier)

BEST THRILL RIDE/ADVENTURE PARK

The Super Ex (Lansdown Park)

Honourable Mentions Aventure Laflèche Adventure (255 route Principale, Val-des-Monts, QC)

BEST YOGA

Rama Lotus (340 Gladstone Avenue)

Honourable Mentions Santosha (205 Catherine Street), Upward Dog (413 MacKay Street)

SHOPPING SPREE

BEST OUTDOOR STORE

Mountain Equipment Co-Op (366 Richmond)

Honourable Mentions Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear (203 Richmond), Trailhead (1960 Scott)

BEST FURNITURE STORE

Ikea (2685 Iris)

Honourable Mentions EQ3 (1832 Merivale), Found Design (1090 Bank), Phillip Van Leeuwan (10 Byward Market Square)

BEST BOOK STORE

Chapters (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Octopus Books (116 Third Avenue), Collected Works (1242 Wellington)

BEST MAGAZINE RACK

Mags & Fags (254 Elgin)

Honourable Mentions Britton's (two locations), Chapters (all locations)

BEST COMIC/GAMING STORE

The Comic Book Shoppe (two locations)

Honourable Mentions Silver Snail (391 Bank Street), Fandom II (162 Laurier West)

BEST CD STORE

Record Runner (212 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions CD Warehouse (three locations), Organised Sound (591A Bank)

BEST VINYL

Vertigo Records (193 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions Record Runner (212 Rideau), Birdman Sound (593 Bank)

BEST MUSIC STORE

Steve's (308 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions Songbird (388 Gladstone), Long & McQuade (2631 Alta Vista at Bank)

BEST MOVIE RENTALS

Invisible Cinema (319 Lisgar)

Honourable Mentions Blockbuster (all locations), Elgin Street Video (258 Elgin)

BEST VIDEO GAMES

Electronic Boutique (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Microplay (all locations), Blockbuster (all locations)

BEST HIGH TECH STORE

Future Shop (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Best Buy (all locations), PC Cyber (all locations)

BEST BIKE SHOP

Cycle Logik (358 Richmond Road)

Honourable Mentions Joe Mamma's (216 Pretoria), Pecco's (two locations)

BEST WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORE

Allegro (55-1/2 William Street)

Honourable Mentions American Apparel (Rideau Centre), Amuse (246 Dalhousie)

BEST MEN'S CLOTHING STORE

Norml (41-1/2 William)

Honourable Mentions Neon (45 William Street), Schad (527 Sussex), Harry Rosen (Rideau Centre)

BEST VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE

Ragtime (43 Flora)

Honourable Mentions Attic (203 Dalhousie), Value Village (all locations)

BEST BOUTIQUE

Amuse (246 Dalhousie) and Soho Betty (226 Dalhousie)

Honourable Mentions Frou Frou (11A William), Attic (203 Dalhousie)

BEST SHOE STORE

Top of the World (158 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions Aldo (all locations), Payless (all locations)

BEST JEWELLERY STORE

Magpie (two locations)

Honourable Mentions Bija Bijoux (1307 Wellington), Jubilee (all locations)

BEST TATTOOS/PIERCING

Planet Ink (306 Rideau Street)

Honourable Mentions Universal Tattoo (156 Rideau), Living Colour (412 Dalhousie)

BEST BEAUTY SALON/SPA

York Street Spa (11 York)

Honourable Mentions Saab (376 Bank), Salon Salwa (70 George)

BEST MASSAGE

Mahogany Spa (1261 Stittsville Main, Stittsville)

Honourable Mentions Soma (109 York), Elgin Massage Therapy Clinic (200 Elgin)

BEST FLOWERS

Tivoli (282 Richmond)

Honourable Mentions Scrims (262 Elgin), Langdon's (1400 Bank)

BEST ART SUPPLIES

Wallack's (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Loomis & Toles (all locations), Artguise (590 Bank)

BEST CAMERA STORE

Henry's (267 Bank)

Honourable Mentions Ginn (433 Bank), The Sony Store (all locations)

BEST GYM

GoodLife (all locations)

Honourable Mentions YMCA (180 Argyle), Florida Fitness (all locations)

BEST PET STORE

PetSmart (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Super Pet (1547 Merivale), Little Critters (Billings Bridge)

BEST CAR RENTALS

Enterprise (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Avis (all locations), Hertz (all locations)

BEST HEAD SHOP

Crosstown Traffic (593C Bank)

Honourable Mentions Smoke Signals (600 Rideau), Rock Junction (151 Rideau)

BEST LAUNDROMAT

Laundry Land (424 Churchill)

Honourable Mention Tang (609 Somerset West)

LOVE AND ROMANCE

BEST PUBLIC SEX

Parliament Hill

Honourable Mentions On top of Rideau Centre, Major's Hill Park

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

Shanghai (651 Somerset West)

Honourable Mentions Black Tomato (11 George), Beckta Dining & Wine (226 Nepean)

BEST FIRST DATE

Oh So Good (25 York)

Honourable Mentions Pizza, beer, concert, Degrassi (in that order); Shanghai (651 Somerset West)

BEST CHEAP DATE

McDonald's

Honourable Mentions Govindas (212 Somerset East), ByTowne Cinema (325 Rideau)

BEST DATING SERVICE

PunkOttawa

Honourable Mentions Lavalife, CampusKiss

BEST SEX/EROTICA STORE

Venus Envy (320 Lisgar)

Honourable Mentions Adult Fun Superstore (1565 St Laurent), Classixxx (all locations)

BEST PEELER

Pigale (99 boulevard Gréber, Gatineau)

Honourable Mentions Barefax (27 York), NuDen (1595 St Laurent)

BEST SEXUAL POSITION

Doggy style

Honourable Mentions Girl on top, Reverse cowgirl

BEST KINK

Bondage

Honourable Mentions Nipple clamps, Whips, Ray Davies

BEST TURN ON

Kissing or biting

Honourable Mentions Waking up naked, Fred Flinstone costume, Female rubber masks

BEST SEX TOY

The Rabbit

Honourable Mentions Viggo Mortensen, Anal beads, A creative mind

BEST MUSIC TO HAVE SEX TO

Death from Above 1979

Honourable Mentions Junior Boys, Radiohead, Pee Wee's Big Adventure soundtrack

LOCALS AND LANDMARKS

BEST LOCAL HERO

Shawn Scallen

Honourable Mentions Max Keeping, Alex Munter

BEST LOCAL SPORTS HERO

Daniel Alfredsson

Honourable Mentions Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza

BEST LOCAL SCANDAL

The Sponsorship Scandal

Honourable Mentions Free crack pipes, Pesticide debate, Racial profiling

BEST FORGOTTEN LOCAL CELEB

Tom Green

Honourable Mentions Marlen Cowpland, Paul Anka

BEST LOCAL CAUSE

Humane Society

Honourable Mentions CHEO, United Way

BEST NEW THING TO OTTAWA

The War Museum

Honourable Mentions The Rolling Stones, Dany Heatley, Avant Garde Bar (135 Besserer)

BEST CITY COUNCILLOR

Clive Doucet (Capital Ward)

Honourable Mentions Diane Holmes (Somerset Ward), Alex Cullen (Bay Ward)

BEST REASON TO CHEER CITY COUNCIL

Bringing back plastic recycling

Honourable Mentions Proposing a pesticide ban, The O-Train expansion

BEST REASON TO JEER CITY COUNCIL

Failing to pass the pesticide ban

Honourable Mentions Transit fare hikes, tax hikes, "For [being] a lousy bunch of socialists"

BIGGEST EYESORE

The U.S. Embassy

Honourable Mentions The City Centre Building, The Spider (outside the National Gallery of Canada)

BEST HOOD

Westboro

Honourable Mentions Sandy Hill, The Glebe

BEST GRAFFITI

Berzerker

Honourable Mentions Pac Man (The Pink Ghost), Pat Thompson

BEST PUBLIC WASHROOM

Chateau Laurier (1 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions City Hall, National Arts Centre

BEST MEDICAL CLINIC

Apple Tree (all locations)

Honourable Mentions Centretown Community Health Centre (420 Cooper), Somerset West Community Health Care Centre (55 Eccles)

BEST DAY CARE

Glebe Parents' Day Care (17 Hopewell)

Honourable Mention Wellington Ward Child Care (258 Lisgar)

BEST ART CLASSES

Ottawa School of Art (35 George)

Honourable Mention University of Ottawa

BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION

CKCU

Honourable Mentions CBC Radio 1, CHUO, The Bear

BEST LOCAL TV STATION

A Channel

Honourable Mentions CJOH, Rogers

BEST LOCAL WEBSITE

PunkOttawa.com

Honourable Mentions OttawaXPress.ca, DogAndPonySound.com

BEST HOTEL

Fairmont Chateau Laurier (1 Rideau)

Honourable Mentions The Arc (140 Slater), The Westin (11 Colonel By)

BEST BED AND BREAKFAST

Carmichael Inn (46 Cartier)

Honourable Mentions Les Trois Erables (801 Riverside, Wakefield), Auberge McGee's Inn (185 Daly)

BEST RELIGIOUS LEADER

Rabbi Reuben Bulka

Honourable Mentions Father Joseph Moreau, Lucky Ron

BEST REASON TO MOVE HERE

It's beautiful and clean

Honourable Mentions The arts scene, The Sens, To quit having sex

BEST REASON TO LEAVE HERE

The utter boredom

Honourable Mentions The desolation, The politicians, Those fucking pink ghosts everywhere

 
 

		Write your comment on this article!

An alternate pet store pick...     Just wanted to mention that any who really cares about their pets go to Critter Jungle (Hampton Park Plaza)... The staff there really know their stuff, it's a well-stocked family owned business with a variety of supplies for every type of pet (reptiles, birds, fish, cats and dogs and small animals). It's the thinking man's alternative pet store. Staff will take the time to answer any question you might have. They also carry a variety of frozen and specialty foods for cats and dogs with certain allergies. Definitely worth the trip from wherever you live! Check them out on-line: http://www.critterjungle.com/ As a long time customer, and parrot owner, they are the best kept secret in pet care and supplies.
Ana Bjermeland		July 5th, 2006
Best rapper or Ottawa's best kept secret     MounFOU is the best raper out here. If you need proof holler at me I'll send some of his tracks. PS: Great on the line up man, I'll make sure to check out some your recommanded spots!!!
Jay Thomas		August 15th, 2009
best indian restaurant     well, guys, believe me or, not...i tried this indian restaurant, called culinary india is the best amazing food.. everything is amazing clean.. great food pleasant service.. on 217 rideau street cheers
andy valiere		April 11th, 2009
Best Indian Restaurant     I'm kind of surprised when I see the best Indian restaurant in Ottawa is Haveli. I'v tried many restaurants in recent past times. I can guarantee you the Best restaurant in town is Diwali and I heard that this is a new restaurant and formerly it was Roses Cafe. I dont know about Roses, But when I tried the Dosa at Haveli and recently Diwali. Oh my good the food is really phenominal at Diwali and I definately rate this restaurant as number one. I tried Dosa, Butter Chicken and Lamb Khorma (This is the best in town).
Mike Fishers		June 5th, 2008
Tired     I'm tired of hearing of how good Colonnade pizza is. It is ok. Thats it. Ok. Where can you get better. Certainly not Gabriels, but try Parkwood hills foodland at the corner of Meadowlands and Fisher, it is well kept secret. Also try KS pizza at Albion and Bank. Then of course there is my mothers pizza which is much better than all of them, but i'm sorry that is for family only. Best deli. La Botega is ok but his uncle on Merivale has a much much better selection. Much better. Thats Nicastros. The best place for public sex. Well I can only think of the only place I ever had public sex. That would be this little park on Holmwood with my first sweetheart. Won't name her of course but she sure was a sweetheart. As for best councilor. Man oh man did the socialists come out on this. What are these people thinking. Doucet and Deans. Ouch. I guess these voters never heard of the term personal responsibilty. Ouch again. Finally, the best coffee. What a joke. Second cup, duh no. I would not waste my money on the first. People in this town don't know coffee. Best coffee. No question. None. Giovanni's on Booth. Not on Preston. Booth. Then try Cafe Roma on Preston. And Di Rienzo makes a great sandwich but try Cosenza on Preston too.
Tony Carlucci		May 26th, 2008
Best Chinese food...     I am Chinese and I can't understand why So Good is voted the best Chinese food. No Chinese eat at So Good! Haven't you folks gone to the restaurants next to So Good, such as Chu Shing, Yangzhe, New Great Wall. In the east end, there is Mandarin Ogilvie Restaurant. In Kanata area, there are Rideau Restaurant and Fortune Express. In the centre, there is Lichee View. So Good is never in the recommended list by Chinese community. Hey folks! What are you eating? Don't tell me you just eat modified Chinese food! For Japanese food, why Kinki is voted the best. This is only a place for drinks. Even the sushi at Loblaws, Sobeys, Farmboys, Independent tastes much better at Kinki.
Ah-Lee Wong		January 29th, 2006
Some of the votes are bizarre!     I hve lived in Sandy Hill for most of my life and find it one of the most ideal neighbourhoods in Canada having lived in Toronto (Rosedale) and Montreal (Westmount) and Vancouver (downtown). Strathcona Park must be arguably one of the most beautiful URBAN parks in Canada situated as it is beside the Rideau River and having two wading pools, the royal swans and plenty of other ducks and waterfowl, and one glorious fountain at the Laurier Avenue East end of the park. Also, Sandy Hill is home to about 40 embassies and to see all those flags flying gives one a sense that Ottawa is a cosmopolitan city and also the capital of Canada. Why some people chose Gatineau Park is beyond me because it is difficult to access if you do not drive and has very restrictive rules courtesy of the fascist NCC. To observe soccer and football players and baseball being played in the field behind the Sandringham Apts. is to truly witness the diversity of this city and to see how good other nations are at soccer and rugby compared to our sorry Canadian competitors. To me, The Elgin Street Video Station is a gem. It has a gay and lesbian section, VHSs !!!!, cult and camp and "art" movies and the window displays are a gem. Rogers and Blockbuster and other commercial enterprises are sterile, appeal to the lowest common denominator (young men out for action films with plenty of violence, sex, and explosions), and the staff is insincere, unknowledgeable, and sometimes too preoccupied with dispensing soft drinks, chocolate bars, popcorn, potato chips, etc. to realise that they are purveyors of movies NOT pushing fattening snacks and such.
Timothy Wingate	{1 vote}	January 13th, 2006
Best reason to move here and to leave     I came here from Toronto four years ago. It is pleasant upon discovery. The town comes alive in spring and summer!! And this town has come a very long way even since I moved here. However, the Primary reason to get out is THE COLD. It is Way too COLD!! And the french language thing is a big problem for those who move here, immigrant or not. It is VERY difficult to get a job. But, all, in all it has been a learning challenge, so I very much look forward to leaving. I am moving back to warmer climes!! Best of the new Year to all in Ottawa!!
Elizabeth Smith		December 30th, 2005
Salons, poll rigging     Rarely do I ever treat myself but I do enjoy the occasional salon haircut. I don't remember who I voted for in that category this year (probably left it blank) but I wonder about the honourable mentions. Saab Salon's rosemary mint mini-facial is really relaxing but in the half dozen times I've gone in the last year and a bit, I haven't been able to get the same stylist twice. Quitting/getting laidoff seems to be a dangerously regular occurance there. I wonder how they keep their clientele. In terms of the rigging of the poll, although I'm sure it is done, i think it is more common that "contenders" encourage people to vote. many also have fans and customers so loyal such promotion is unnecessary. An interesting idea that Now Toronto does is offer Editors' Picks for certain categories in addition to the poll results. By doing this, readers looking for a good middle eastern restaurant (not a falafel joint) might find better answers than by relying on the poll alone.
Paul G		December 19th, 2005
B.O.O!!!     B.O.O. or Best of Ottawa if you prefer, is a pretty useful and neat way to measure the pulse of Ottawa. Sure, you can take for granted that place X is cooler than place Y but how do you know for sure? Which is the best place to have public sex in Ottawa? Who's the city's best bagel maker? There are some things that basic surveys miss (or pretend that they have) in the big papers so it's always nice to see the alt papers picking up the slack. Now, the next time I head off to Ottawa I've got an idea of what the 'real' Ottawa considers to be the best. Ok, not an exact science but still a very good indicator if nothing else.
Pedro Eggers	{1 vote}	November 27th, 2005
Dang, I Missed it This Time!     Congrats to XPress on another "Best of..." poll! I'm glad you could see that yes, we do care, & I'm glad you considered to be another "successful" poll! I am always more interested to see what the people themselves have to say, in addition to some regular columnist or critic. So thank you for giving us the opportunity. I'm just sorry I missed it. I keep trying to get Southern Cross up there for Best Mexican Food. I'll keep spreading the word -- they'll get there yet! And what a great surprise to see that "Best Bartender" is in a GLBT bar! Maybe the votes among non-GLBT bars were too spread out? So I hope next year, you'll add "Best Drag Show" to your list of categories! How about it?
Brad Thomas	{1 vote}	November 23rd, 2005
It's All About The Bills Baby.......     Express, like any other "business" has to pay the bills and it is a little interesting that the voting window was open only a few weeks yet, many businesses took out new or larger ads in this week's publication. How did they know they were the winners for the 7th straight year before the ad deadline? While I am generally pleased with the variety of advertizers that support Ottawa Express and their other publications, is the 2005 Best Of Ottawa Readers' Poll really accurate, or it more a reflection of back-scratching the companies that advertize within their pages? For example, if you polled an Ottawa Citizen or Ottawa Sun subscriber on their favorite local radio station, would the overwhelming majority say: CKCU? Or the same sex shop, hamburger joint or that doggie style is the overwhelming sex position? I'm not making any judgment on the merits of the poll, but if it is that earthshakingly accurate, how come there weren't any numbers of voters given? How many people actually responded?
Steve Landry	{18 votes}	November 19th, 2005
Winners, Whiners and What?     As another year of reader polls comes to an end, we are posed with a question: does anyone really care? In cases of popularity contests- of course you do, we all do, it's human nature to want to be the best- and to know who the best is. What surprises me is the difference in article quality between each one of the winners. I understand that you don't have time to print an article for all the winners, but when you have selected certain winners to be "featured"- the quality of editorial/informational content should be the same. Or for that matter, you know who voted for these winners- send them back and e-mail to get comments on why their decision was the way that it was. We took the time to vote for them in the first place, we can take the time to tell you why. It seems that there is a level of favourtism that is both unexplained and unnecessary, and this threatens the integrity of your newspaper.
Moe L'Heureux	{3 votes}	November 18th, 2005
Yeah whatever...     Everybody has their opinions, but my main beef about this when is xpress going to give people enough time to vote? I got onto the site 2 weeks ago and there was no online ballot available. Was the voting only on for 2 weeks? Seems like it because 2 weeks prior to me attempting to voice my choices was the first time i saw the Poll being announced. You should give people 1 month, not a couple of weeks to do this. Some of us rather enjoying filling it out, but don't always have the time the check everything immediately in this computerized fast-paced age. We could have been on vacation in that two weeks which isn't fair. A month would be adequate so please entend the cut-off time next year. Oh and just who stuffed the ballot boxed this year to have the (must be a new group) Architects clean up in the ottawa music scene eh? I'll be going to check out their website to see if they rock or not. I know Buried Inside does and they can thank Xpress for the good exposure because of the article on them this year. Oops, Ana Miura slips to number 2 this year...ooooooooooooh...haha.
Ger Madden	{2 votes}	November 17th, 2005
Best Of 2005     I've allways enjoyed it when the Ottawa Xpress' Best of is anounced. As usual, my main disagreement is the use of " All Locations" I've often gone to an establishment in a city where there is more than one lacation and one stands out more than the other in taste and service. A case in point is the Colannade Restaurant. Their pizza is the best , but the Metcalfe location is so much better than the Kanata location. Some of the categories in the survey may be skued, but that is because of who is more willing to fill out the survey - Students- Certain restaurants and 24 hr dinners will get more of the votes because of this. By far the best burgers are not at The Works ( 3 locations )but with an extremely higher price point than either lick's ( 1 location ) or Harvey's ( Numerous locations ) I can't see it being that popular per location. Lick's tends to have the best burgers at the best prices , but with only one location , south on Bank Street, It was bound to not be number one. I will look over this list for the upteenth time to see if there are any jems to be found .
Bryan Murray	{3 votes}	November 17th, 2005
Best indian restaurant     i think for indian food Light of India is best. their food and service is realy good and best.
Deb Barnali		November 13th, 2007
Some uninspired or predictable choices...     Westboro?!? You must be joking. Sandy Hill and the Glebe?! Yawn. Stonebridge is the best golf course and community. Little India Cafe is the best Indian cuisine. And Westboro beach is the best place for public sex. Believe that.
Jim Bowers		January 27th, 2006
Love this Best of...     Just a quick comment about this Best Of... I think it is a great thing to do. I love Ottawa and this really helps plan a night out and not fussing around trying to find a kind of restauraunt or w/e. Keep up the best!:D P.S. Congrats NAT AND STEWART! (52 pick-up!) What an accomplishment! BEST THEATRE PRODUCTION OF 2005 Honourable Mention 52 Pick-up (Ottawa Fringe Festival)
Melanie Taylor	{1 vote}	November 19th, 2005
Don't you love it when....     practically everything you voted for wins? This year seems to be one of the best years for winners yet. I just have to shout out to my brother's band, The Architects, for rockin' the Best Album, Best Live Show and Best Band categories. These guys are awesome.
Lauryn Kronick	{4 votes}	November 17th, 2005

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