Welcome to the magic kingdom [ INTRODUCTION ] BY ERIC REZSNYAK
Once upon a time (about two months ago) thousands of Rochesterians sat in front of magic boxes and selected their favorite people, places, and things in Greater Rochester. Our elves, imps, and fairies — especially the fairies — got to work counting the votes and now we can share their secrets: the Best of Rochester 2011. City Newspaper’s Best of Rochester issue continues to grow in popularity every year, and it’s always exciting for us to see how much readers get into it. This year’s readers’ poll was a real nail-biter. A few of the categories came down to the wire (fewer than 10 votes separated first from second place in at least one race), and the campaigning was particularly passionate in several categories (you guys really take your cupcakeries seriously). Please note that the winners in the 100 categories in our readers’ poll are solely decided by the voters — City Newspaper had no say in the results. If you disagree with the top honors post your favorites on this article at rochestercitynewspaper.com. City’s writers did have their say in our critics’ picks. This year our writers shared their favorite food, trends, arts collaborations, and insider tips, everything from zucchini fries to moderndance collectives. Then turn to page XX for funny outtakes from our readers’ poll primary ballot, with which some people have entirely too much fun. This year, one responder filled it out entirely in character as Hurricane Irene. And to think, we worried that a fairy-tale-themed issue might be too out there…
INSIDE
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RESTAURANTS
SHOPPING
MEDIA
LOCAL COLOR
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
NIGHTLIFE BEST ANSWERS & CREDITS
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