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photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Best David and Goliath Story When it comes to beer, Missoula doesn’t mess around. Neither, apparently, does its breweries. On Dec. 20, Big Sky Brewing Co. filed a lawsuit in federal court against Anheuser-Busch, alleging that the brewing Goliath stole its trademarked meme, “Hold my beer and watch this,” for a Bud Light campaign directed by actor John Krasinski. The makers of Moose Drool and Scape Goat argued in the suit that they trademarked the slogan in 2009 and, as such, Anheuser-Busch unlawfully used it in a series of promotional videos released on YouTube. Krasinski, who’s best known for his role in “The Office,” created the Bud Light videos in an effort to, as The New York Times put it, feature “the opposite of what typically goes on in beer ads that celebrate dudes and bros.” In one video, titled “Nana,” an elderly woman celebrating her 100th birthday asks a partygoer to, “Hold my beer and watch this,” before feigning death. In the days after Anheuser-Busch released the videos, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal highlighted the series as an example of Anheuser-Busch’s increasingly contemporary approach to advertising. Locals, meanwhile, grumbled that the world’s largest brewer shouldn’t be allowed to get away with stealing from the little guy. And it didn’t. One month after Big Sky sued, Anheuser-Busch removed its “Hold my beer” videos. live tunes at the restaurant’s wine bar. The Red Bird: 111 N. Higgins, 549-2906, redbirdrestaurant.com
MI S SSO K N UL A Eco-friendly A Cleaners TH "Missoula's Clean Spots"
Finalists, Best Restaurant Wine List 2. Plonk: 322 N. Higgins Ave, 926-1791, plonkwine.com 3. Caffè Dolce: 500 Brooks St, 830-3055, caffedolcemissoula.com
Best Seafood
BEST DRY CLEANER BEST LAUNDROMAT
146 Woodford St. 728-1948
960 E. Broadway 728-1919
[26] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2014
Finn & Porter The difficulty and delicacy of oyster farming means these pearls of the seafood world can be pricey, especially when served raw and fresh and far from the ocean. At Finn & Porter, they’ve found a way to make their oysters affordable without compromising on quality. During Happy Hour, which runs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m., oysters are only $1.50 each. Though the price rises slightly during dinner, oysters are just the beginning of Finn & Porter’s expansive seafood menu, which also includes calamari, ahi tuna, shrimp and crab. And when your order is served to you while you look out on the Clark Fork, everything only tastes that much better. Finn & Porter, DoubleTree Hotel: 100 Madison St., 542-4660, finnandporter.com/missoula Finalists, Best Seafood 2. The Depot: 201 Railroad St. W, 728-7007, depotmissoula.com
3. Sushi Hana: 403 N. Higgins, 549-7979, sushihanamissoula.com
Best Steak Lolo Creek Steakhouse The debate rages on among grilling aficionados: Is it okay to cut into the steak to see if it’s done? Or is that a sinful slice that will allow the vital fluids to seep out? We don’t know, but the research at Lolo Creek Steakhouse is delicious. Enjoy a tasty adult beverage and admire the impressive collection of mounts while your steak sizzles on their massive 4-by-8 grill. And if you’re in the mood for something besides beef, they also offer seafood, chops and chicken, all prepared and served with the expertise that has kept them on top of the steak heap for years. Lolo Creek Steakhouse: 6600 Highway 12 W, Lolo, 273-2622, lolocreeksteakhouse.com Finalists, Best Steak 2. The Depot: 201 Railroad St. W, 728-7007, depotmissoula.com 3. The Pearl Cafe: 231 E. Front St, 541-0231, pearlcafe.us
Best Supermarket Best Retail Beer Selection Orange Street Food Farm Craig Holtet’s link to the Orange Street Food Farm goes way back—to before he was even born. His grand-