Press Picks 2004

The best of Anchorage: The definitive survey

A few months ago, we sat around a picnic table throwing out ideas for new Press Picks categories. We've been running “the best of” issue for seven years now and wanted to freshen things up. Somebody suggested we ask readers to vote for the “Best Federally Funded Project.” You could argue that Alaska itself is a federal project, but there are plenty of smaller examples, too, such as a mothballed coal plant in Healy, the missile defense shield, or the train depot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. In fiscal 2002, the most recent year numbers are available, the federal government pumped $7.6 billion into Alaska. So we threw “Best Federally Funded Project” on the ballot and hoped you would respond.

A couple months before we counted the votes, I saw on the Internet an amazing illustration of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens riding the back of the Incredible Hulk down the steps of the U.S. Capitol. It looks like the cover of a comic book, and it was created by some of the biggest names in the business: Joe Quesada, editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics, penciled the illustration; Danny Miki, another well-known artist, inked it; and Richard Isanove did the colors. A Marvel spokeswoman says that a Stevens staffer asked for the illustration and it was presented to the senator last year at a Hulk party in Washington, D.C.

Stevens, who is known for his temper on the Senate floor, is a long-time Hulk fan. He's worn a Hulk tie for good luck while battling over hotly contested issues, like last year when he fought to open ANWR to oil exploration. With the Hulk dangling around his neck, Stevens told puny senators that those who vote against drilling in ANWR “are voting against me, and I'll not forget it.”

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When we counted this year's Press Picks ballots, we couldn't help noticing that Senator Stevens was responsible for many of your favorite federally funded projects, namely the train depot at the airport. In 1999, the little senator who could landed a $28 million federal appropriation to build the depot. Before ordinary Alaskans knew what was happening, the depot was under construction. Trains began pulling up to the airport last year, although the service is only for cruise ship passengers traveling between the airport and the towns of Whittier and Seward. We Alaskans don't get to ride the train, but we still respect the temperamental senator and his mighty power. Who else could deliver such a hulking project?

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Maybe next year U.S. Representative Don Young will take top honors for providing the “Best Federally Funded Project.” We could get an illustration of Don riding a Captain America motorcycle across a Knik Arm bridge.

We thank Marvel Enterprises for allowing us to print the Hulk/Stevens illustration. Congratulations to this year's Press Picks winners, and readers, thank you for voting. We'll celebrate the winners at a party in September. Stay tuned for details.

-Tony Hopfinger

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Eat This!

BEST DECK/PATIO - Overlooking Campbell Creek into the woods, the 30-table deck at “The New” Peanut Farm (5227 Old Seward Highway, 563-3283) tops this category once again. Second place goes to Snow Goose Restaurant & Sleeping Lady Brewery Co., which recently opened its second deck with an upper-level view of downtown Anchorage. Readers also like the patio at La Mex on Dimond Boulevard.

STAFF PICK - Like you, we hit the deck at the Peanut Farm and Snow Goose.

Best Breakfast - Evidently the town is divided on breakfast; strangely, each prize had a clear tie this year. The tie for first place between Snow City Café (1034 W. 4th Ave., 272-2489) and Leroy's (2420 C St., 279-6162) seems to depend on whether you're up all night or ready for a delightful brunch. Gwennie's and Jackie's Place tied for second, and Hogg Bros. Café and Judy's tied for third.

staff pick - We choose Snow City because their salmon patties are better than Mom's, but when we feel a little piggish, we hit Hogg Bros.

Best Burger - Tommy's Burger Stop (1106 W. 29th Pl., 561-5696), the tiny independent between a pawnshop and a liquor store, is your favorite because you can get all your shopping done after you eat. Tommy's has laid firm claim to the top spot, which it wrested last year from Arctic Roadrunner. Arctic Roadrunner came in second this year, despite serving a damn fine halibut burger and operating in Anchorage ever since people could wash their cars in Campbell Creek. Third place ended in a tie between Lucky Wishbone, (another historic Anchorage joint), and Long Branch Saloon, the place with the buns.

STAFF PICK - We like Tommy's, too, but Arctic Roadrunner got some votes for its burgers, creekside patio and giant condiment bar.

BEST THAI RESTAURANT - It has become painfully obvious that almost every Thai restaurant is named “Thai something.” This year, the perennial frontrunners swapped places. Thai House (36th St. and Old Seward Hwy., 563-8616) won first this year to reclaim the title it lost last year to Thai Kitchen, which came in a close second this time around. Siam Cuisine, a southside eatery, and Thai Town, new to the old Peggy's building in fabulous downtown Spenard, both made strong showings.

STAFF PICK - Thai Kitchen and Thai House were deadlocked even in our minds. Shine on, you crazy diamonds!

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT - Twin Dragon Mongolian Bar-B-Que, (612 E. 15th Ave., 276-7535) where you can see your food cooked right in front of you and eat as much of the buffet as you want, climbed a spot this year, ousting Panda Restaurant, last year's winner. Panda and China Garden tie this year for second, and China King ends up third.

STAFF PICK - Charlie's Bakery is the best and the only real Chinese restaurant in Anchorage. All the rest offer American similitudes, calculated to satisfy our cultural, environmental and biological lust for sugary deep-fat-fried deep fat.

BEST SANDWICH SHOP/DELI - Sis's Deli (5445 Old Seward Hwy., 562-3332) takes first, Middle Way Café takes a distant second, and Quizno's third. Atlasta Deli, last year's winner for the second year in a row, was nowhere to be seen.

STAFF PICK - We're all over the place, from Schlotzsky's to Carrs, Sarah's Sandwiches to AK Gourmet Subs.

BEST DESSERT - Your sweet teeth get rubbed like they like it at Double Musky Inn (Mile .25 Crow Creek Road in Girdwood), but Orso came in a close second for “the pie.” Orso doesn't even serve pie, so we think the chuckleheads who voted for that meant to laud its sinful cheesecakes. Simon & Seafort's took third.

STAFF PICK - Southside Bistro's Bananas Foster, Orso's chocolate cheesecake, and the “chocolate thing” at Simon & Seafort's scratch our various itches.

Best Italian Restaurant - Today's Pizza (4608 Spenard Rd., 248-6660) came out of nowhere to win in a Kennedy-esque landslide, but that's not to say that Romano's and Orso, the second and third runner-ups, are anything like Nixon. Romano's has all the traditional pasta and meaty favorites, but Orso isn't strictly an Italian place, despite its amazing Osso Bucco.

STAFF PICK - Little Italy, Villa Nova or Romano's when we just gotta mange.

Best Japanese Restaurant - Benihana Japanese Steak House ( 1100 W. 8th Ave., 222-5212), with its talented chefs, tableside grills and sometimes live music, is your favorite. Tempura Kitchen won second, and Yamato Ya took third.

STAFF PICK - Kumagoro makes the udon we crave, and we can't pass up the bait at Pete's Sushi Spot.

Best Mexican Restaurant - Year after year you've chosen all three La Mex locations (Dimond 344-6399, Downtown 274-7678, and Spenard 274-7511), and this year is no different. Coming in second was Gallo's, with its fabulous coconut margaritas, and third was everyone's favorite local, quick taco fix - Taco King.

STAFF PICK - Don Jose's and Pancho's Villa tied. We like the food at Jose's, but Pancho's has more kinds of tequila than we ever imagined. No tequila, no trabajo.

Best New Restaurant - Sushi Ya (1111 E. Dimond Blvd., 522- 2244) gets your vote as best new restaurant, with its edible art and specialty sushi rolls, such as the Viagra roll. You voted a chain, TGI Friday's, as the second best new restaurant, probably because you had a few too many Mudslides. Savannah Café,, a lovely tapas place, took third.

STAFF PICK - Manrique's Brasserie got our nod because it has a rotating menu of interesting Caribbean, Spanish and Philippine-styled lunch dishes, and very polite, customer-oriented service, which is all too rare in Anchorage these days. Runners up were Café Savannah, Little New Orleans, and Mick's at the Inlet.

BEST PIZZA - A scandal! An upset! A big ol' cheesy pie in the eye of the Godfather of Anchorage pizzerias. Today's readers apparently prefer the less hectic, more personal attention they receive at Today's Pizza, (4608 Spenard Rd., 248-6660). A certain employee here who used to work there confirmed that Today's Pizza rocks. But, of course, Moose's Tooth came in at a close second.

STAFF PICK - We're still hooked on the Tooth.

BEST PLACE TO EAT FOR UNDER $10 - Why does anyone spend more than a Hamilton on lunch? You're just paying for garnish, man. Our fellow cheapskates voted Sis's Deli (5445 Old Seward Highway, 562-3332) tops for economical dining, followed by the warm, leaden goodness of Taco Bell.  Other favorites included Tastee Freez, Taco Del Mar and Thai Kitchen.

STAFF PICK - Though our seven-figure salaries keep us steeped in rare truffles and succulent roast duck, we still like to sample the simple fare of the common man. When we do, it's at Napoli's Pizza, Tommy's Burger Stop and Dynasty Gourmet Oriental Restaurant.

Best Steak House - Club Paris (417 W. 5th Ave., 277-6332) took its usual spot at the top of the steak lover's list. That's seven years in a row for the long-time downtown restaurant. Our readers also enjoy a steak at Sullivan's (corner of 5th Avenue and C Street) and The Peppermill (on C Street before International Airport Road). Double Musky Inn in Girdwood, usually a fixture in this category, is noticeably absent this year.

STAFF PICK - Club Paris, with its dim, cramped, old-school bar feeling has an iron grip on our hearts and puts tender, bleu-cheese-stuffed beef before our lips.

BEST WINE LIST - An old French proverb goes, “In water one sees one's own face; but in wine one beholds the heart of another.” We don't quite know what that means, but we're thinking that the mystery might be solved with a trip to the Corsair, (944 W. 5th Ave., 278-4502) which you say has the best wine choice in town to behold the heart of another. You say that Sullivan's and Orso also have good selections.

STAFF PICK - On those rare evenings when we aren't slaving at our desks slugging beer, we like to sip slowly at Southside Bistro.

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Listen Up!

BEST MUSIC VENUE - Chilkoot Charlie's (2435 Spenard Rd., 272-1010) and Bitoz Café (513 W. Fourth Ave) were at the top. Koots brought up cool headliners such as Cracker and Supagroup last year, but the real news is Bitoz. Once again, there's a safe haven for sweaty, under-age music fans who want to be entertained by musicians, rather than DJs.

STAFF PICK - Adults should go to Blues Central (825 W. Northern Lights Blvd. 272-1341), teens to Bitoz, and everyone should get their butts to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts as often as they can.

BEST COVER BAND - The island soul/reggae/rock fusion of H3 won hands down. Custom Deluxe and Dive Bar were second and third respectively.

STAFF PICK - We agreed with our readers on this one. H3 rocks! We also think listeners will appreciate Luminous Flesh Giants, Champaign & the Blues Mechanics and Ettinger.

BEST RADIO STATION - The hip alternative, 87.7 KZND FM “The End”, is the station most of our hip alternative readers turn their dials to. People keep talking about this station going away. The station's response? “We ain't going nowhere, baby.” Yep. Keep spinning the tunes, and keep supporting the local scene.

STAFF PICK - Our staff also listens to “The End”, but we're still a sucker for public radio, particularly 90.3 KNBA FM.

BEST ORIGINAL BAND - Bone Daddy took top honors. We haven't heard them yet, but their fans love them and they vote. Last year's winner, Delmag, was a close second, giving us an excuse to run their photo - again. New arrivals to this list were Stunt Cock and The Whipsaws. Hey Bone Daddy, if you're out there, send us a demo, a photo or at least a sticker for our car.

STAFF PICK - Delmag and T.S. Scream tied, proof that either we're not hip to new bands or that we're loyal. Other nominees were Rebus, Joey Fender and The 55's, and Stubby's Crack Co.

BEST RAPPER - Monty “Poppa Cap” Pulu, a bass player and one of the rappers for Koots' regulars, Custom Deluxe, easily won this category, which many voters assumed also includes national acts. Other local vote-getters include Dave Stafford, Joker the Bailbondsman, AK MCs and homeboy in the McDonald's commercial.

STAFF PICK - Yo, check this out … o one, two … o one, two … t turn my voice up. Oh, sorry. We were too busy getting ready to bless this microphone to choose a favorite MC.

BEST SINGER - Colleen Coadic, Jared Woods and Joey Fender finished neck-to-neck-to-neck. A three-way tie! Monty Pulu of Custom Deluxe and Melissa “Jazz Mom” Bledsoe-Fischer were right behind them. A whole bunch of people threw their votes away on the likes of Rob Halford and Brittany Spears - great singers, sure, but shouldn't you be telling Tiger Beat and Kerrang?

STAFF PICK - The consensus was Jared Woods, but we also like Soul Man Sam, Evan Phillips and Jody Mills.

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Shop Around!

BEST BOOKSTORE - Title Wave Books (1360 W. Northern Lights Blvd, 278-9283). Wow, just as the whole country goes chain, the independent bookstore wins again, big time. And how could it not? They're everything that a good book store should be. They've got great books, an awesome staff and great readings. Barnes & Noble came in second.

STAFF PICK-Most of the staff concurred, but we like Cook Inlet Book Company, too.

BEST CAR DEALER - Apparently, the idea of dropping your car off for someone else to sell is working. U Park We Sell (135 W. Dimond Blvd., 336-7275) takes home the gold this year with another used car lot. Lyberger's (9530 Old Seward Hwy., 349-3343) comes in second. (Keep the potatoes and bananas coming, guys!) Last year's winner, Alaska Sales and Service, takes a close third.

STAFF PICK - We also picked used car lots.

BEST CAR REPAIR SHOP - The grease monkeys down at Able Body Shop (111 E. Dowling Rd., 563-3344) must have really stepped it up this year. They take first in this category with their close neighbors, Borman Auto Repair, (1950 E. Dowling Rd., 561-3090) taking second. AAA-1 Subaru came in third. Since when does a Subaru need repairs?

STAFF PICK - We also like AAA-1 Subaru. Could it be because there are three Subi's in our parking lot?

BEST GYM - This category may be new on the ballot, but you folks know what you like. Alaska Club locations won by a long shot, but Pete's City Gym (435 W. 10th Ave., 276-6351) gets a second place mention. Powerhouse Gym took third.

STAFF PICK - We're gonna agree with you on this one. The Alaska Club seems to have monopolized the weight-training world. But the Great Outdoors work, too, if you're into that whole fresh air, natural daylight thing.

BEST VETERINARIAN - The votes were scattered far and wide. VCA Animal Hospitals got the most votes. Hillside Pet Clinic was a few votes behind.

STAFF PICK - Despite the constant presence of dogs in the office, only a few of us had anything to say in this category. Some mentions are The Pet Stop, VCA Alpine and Dr. Scott Rapp.

BEST FLORIST - The reigning queen of all things green will hold the crown for yet another year. Bagoy's is who comes to mind when the word “Best” is uttered. Action Florist made second.

STAFF PICK - We agree.

BEST INDEPENDENT CLOTHING STORE - The Look (570 E. Benson Blvd., 278-5665), has taken this category for the last three years, and with good reason. They've got more kick-ass shoes, sleek tops and slinky skirts than you can shake a sexy bra at. Readers also liked shopping at Brewster's and Subterranea.

STAFF PICK - We're with the readers on this one.

BEST FURNITURE STORE - Little Buddy is all grown up now, but his chairs still rock, according to you. Bailey's took first. Sadler's followed with a close second.

STAFF PICK - We like Metro and Scan Home.

BEST GROCERY STORE - Carrs wins this year. Former champion Fred Meyer fell to third place. We blame the remodels, which left the stores smelling of burnt rubber. On a happier note, New Sagaya took second.

STAFF PICK - New Sagaya is our favorite.

BEST HAIR SALON - Make no mistake: hair does make the girl (or guy), and Trendsetters (411 E. Northern Lights Blvd., 274-4247) is doing a lot of the making. Most readers trust them with their locks. Forget Me Not came in second.

STAFF PICK - We also go to Trendsetters. Chez Ritz and Sam at Stylized know how to snip, too.

BEST MUSIC STORE - Same as last year, blah, blah, blah, Mammoth is the best, yada, yada. Metro isn't bad either, and so on and so forth. If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

STAFF PICK - We like Metro and Mammoth.

BEST ADULT NOVELTY STORE - Maybe it's LaShoppe's southside location (305 W. Dimond Blvd., 522-1987), or maybe it's the raunchy video rentals. We think the fancy French name makes LaShoppe classy. They beat The Look this year, though last year's favorite came in a close second.

STAFF PICK - We'll stick with the legend. The Look has always done right by us.

BEST STEREO AND HOME ELECTRONICS STORE - You young punks think you run this town with your 8-tracks and your stadium speakers and your long hair. Get a job. The sea of sound systems at Best Buy (800 E. Dimond Blvd., 344-4409) keeps your beanbag chairs a-shaking and trailers a-rocking. Shimek's Audio Video, based in Anchorage for more than 55 years and a dealer of powerhouse home theaters, placed second, followed by local high-end electronics retailer, Pyramid Audio/Video.

STAFF PICK - What better way to enjoy the Chappelle's Show than with a Pyramid home theater?

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Walk of Fame!

BEST WAITER OR WAITRESS - Our own tendency is to vote for the most experienced waiters and waitresses we know, but our readers picked Nicole Moriarty at the Carousel Lounge (3206 Spenard Rd., 276-9166) by a landslide, and she can't be a day over 22. We didn't see any “Vote Nicole” yard signs on lawns around Spenard, so perhaps it was her smile. Second place goes to J.J. at Blues Central (825 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 272-1341), who is nominated by readers every year.

STAFF PICK - Jessica Leather at The Alley, (900 W. 5th Ave., 646-2222), and Tame Baldwin at Hogg Brothers Café (1049 W. Northern Lights Blvd., 276-9649).

BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR - Call us inflexible, but this one proved to be a little hard on us. Two of our top three winners - Cuban (en), and Glenda - couldn't be located, if they exist on this dimension at all. However, the limber Lynne Minton from the Inner Dance Yoga was easy to find. She's been helping you loosen up since 1982, and you love her for it.

STAFF PICK - We trust Louise Toft to help us twist our bodies like pretzels.

BEST LOCAL TV PERSONALITY - Why is it always weatherwoman Jackie Purcell of KTUU Channel 2? Weatherman Cary Carrigan came in second and Ty Hardt had a strong third-place showing, so it looks like the KIMO Channel 13 vote was split.

STAFF PICK - We all love Rebecca Palsha of KIMO Channel 13.

BEST LOCAL RADIO DJ - Smoking Joe and Crash at KBFX 100.5 FM tied for first, T-Man from KGOT 101.3 FM and Scott and Stu of KGOT's “Morning Zoo” were in the running. New to the list was Aaron Selbig at KRUA 88.1 FM.

STAFF PICK - We miss the rough-and-tumble East Coast accent of Mark Colavecchio, of the late, great “Bob and Mark Show”, which ended last winter. Our new favorite is David Sam at KNBA 90.3 FM, who plays great music and actually sounds Alaskan.

BEST LOCAL BARTENDER - Loyal customers of The Great Alaskan Bush Company (631 E. International Airport Rd., 561-2609) gave a landslide victory to Joey Broussard. “It's because he's one hard working person,” Bush Co. general manager Dawn Harris said. “In my eyes, he's the world's best bartender.” Other bartenders with respectable showings were Sol at the Pioneer Bar, “Everyone” at Chilkoot Charlie's, and “Anyone” at Al's Alaskan Inn.

STAFF PICK - Izzy at the Cheechako Bar (713 E. Fireweed Lane, 274-6132) is our favorite because his Irish coffee satisfies our sweet tooth and warms our tummies.

BEST LOCAL CLUB DJ - DJ Mike Holiday placed first for the second year in a row. DJ Ariel took second.

STAFF PICK - Our resident hip-hop aficionado, Kyle Hopkins, says you must check out DJ Solo & Systematic. These two play together and we think more clubs need to book them.

BEST LOCAL ACTOR/ ACTRESS - Alice Welling was your favorite. She's best known for her steady gig as Miss Spenard and a host of other characters in the Whale Fat Follies at Mr. Whitekeys' Fly By Night Club (3300 Spenard Rd.). Our runner-up was Brent Bateman. Last winter, Bateman played Brock in the Eccentric Theater Company production of Garson Kanin's play Born Yesterday.

STAFF PICK - Our hats go off to Alice Welling. Back in 1998, she played seven characters in Amy Bridges' The Day Maggie Blew Her Head Off. But this year she broke her arm falling on stage during the Whale Fat Follies. This is no sympathy vote - Alice was back on stage sporting a cast the very next night.

BEST LOCAL ARTIST - Such a wide canvas, so many colors, glazes and concepts, so many struggling to create. But a few artists did rise to the top. Alex Phillips captured the eye of many readers, as did Duke Russell, Lisa Ballard and Ted Kim.

STAFF PICK - We concur.

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Bottoms up!

BEST BAR - As soon as you get some shore leave, sailor, you're headed to The Great Alaskan Bush Company (631 East International Airport Road, 561-2609) for some breasts and booze. Perennial favorite Koots fell to second place this year, followed by Bernie's Bungalow.

STAFF PICK - If the teetotalers at the Press indulged in spirits, we'd buy a snifter at Bernie's or the Pioneer Bar.

BEST BAR FOR LIVE MUSIC - It's Chilkoot Charlies, (2435 Spenard Rd., 272-1010). Some of you must have fond memories of The Violent Femmes or Hells Belles, but we think Koots' house band, Janko Joe, also had something to do with this.

STAFF PICK - We like Koots too, but we want everyone to check out Blues Central and The Carousel Lounge.

BEST BAR TO GET DRUNK ALONE - Bitch wife giving you lip? Jackass husband parked in front of the PlayStation? Head down to the Carousel Cocktail Lounge (3206 Spenard Rd., 276-9166), Anchorage's top spot for solitary drinking. Employees promise a variety of characters from all walks of life. The owner of your runner-up, Long Branch Saloon, says his place is often the launching point for a night on the town.

STAFF PICK - Nothing beats getting smashed and pestering strangers at the Pioneer or Darwin's. Need a ride home?

BEST LOCAL BEER - No surprises here. Once again, Alaskan Amber frosts your mugs. You also like the variety of brews at Moose's Tooth.

STAFF PICK - The thing about Alaskan Amber is that it's brewery is in Juneau. Still, it ties for first among our local favorites, along with Moose's Tooth's IPA and Midnight Sun's Kolsch.

BEST STRIP CLUB - Anchorage saves its dollar bills for visits to the Great Alaskan Bush Company (631 East International Airport Rd., 561-2609), where up to 700 locals and tourists get an eyeful on any given Friday or Saturday night. PJ's (3608 Spenard Rd., 561-9017), also floats your boats.

STAFF PICK - The girls at Bush Co. must all be jelly, or things of that nature, because jam sure don't shake like that.

BEST PLACE TO DANCE - What if two Anchorage gangs of disaffected, breakdancing youths - one led by a reluctant loner out to avenge his brother, the other headed by a cruel, Stanford-bound kid from the Hillside - settled their differences on the dance floor? What if, indeed. The only thing that's certain is that they'd do it at Chilkoot Charlie's (2435 Spenard Road, 272-1010). It's a community theater play waiting to happen.

STAFF PICK - There is a time and a place to bring our milkshake to the yard. That time is now. That place is Koots.

BEST JUKEBOX - Hankering for a hunk of classic rock? Try the Long Branch Saloon (1737 Dimond Blvd., 349-4142), where for a dollar you can play three tunes from the likes of Van Morrison, the Eagles or Bog Seger. “(We have) one disk that has some new stuff, but it hardly ever gets played,” said waitress/bartender Sandy Otto. The Trophy Lounge, the bar inside the Jewel Lake Bowling Center, placed second.

STAFF PICK - We usually split our quarters between the Pioneer Bar, Darwin's Theory and the Office Lounge (which, sadly, re-opened this year without a jukebox).

BEST MOVIE THEATER - Sure, Fireweed Theater has the pre-movie entertainment - skinny white kids stomping on that crazy dance arcade game - but it doesn't match the womb-like, big-box feel of your favorite cinema, Century Theatres (301 East 36th Ave., 929-3456). And proving that the holy trinity of pizza, beer and a movie is always a favorite, Bear Tooth Theatre Pub & Grill pulled a close second.

STAFF PICK - Century is cool, but places like Bear Tooth (1230 West 27th Ave., 276-4200) are what make it worth living in the big 'ol city instead of the Bush.

BEST LIVE THEATER - With its intimate black box theater, Cyrano's Bookstore & Off Center Playhouse (413 D Street, 274-2599), won your top honors, again edging the Alaska Center for Performing Arts. In third place, you chose the University of Alaska Anchorage. Not any specific venue, mind you, just UAA. Must be a lot of drama for your mama in those few dorm rooms.

STAFF PICK - Those of us not parked in front of the TV on our nights off love theater at Cyrano's.

BEST ART GALLERY - This year, Artique LTD, (314 G. St., 277-1663), was the place most of you went to get an eye-full, some culture and little decoration. You also like Arctic Rose and the International Gallery.

STAFF PICK - We like the Center for Contemporary Visual Arts in Alaska, and not only for its laborious name and its kickin' First Friday parties.

BEST COFFEE HOUSE - Kaladi Brothers has always ruled this category - that is until now. Sis's Deli (5445 Old Seward Hwy., 562-3332) must have quite the following. They won this year by a nat's hiccup. (That means it was close.) Your old favorite came in second.

STAFF PICK - We're sticking with Kaladi Brothers, especially the one on Northern Lights. Other favorites are Tundra Café,, Side Street Espresso and the evil donkeys at Bad Ass.

BEST PLACE TO PANHANDLE - When you're down on your luck and Dan Sullivan's puritanical eye isn't upon you, you head to Minnesota and Northern Lights to hold up your “Please Help” signs. People are also pretty generous at Dimond Boulevard and the Old Seward Hwy.

STAFF PICKS - When we're asking our brothers to spare a dime, we like to sit downtown on 4th Avenue. We love the tourists avoiding our pathetic gazes and the smug business owners telling us they're giving to charity instead.

BEST LOCAL SCANDAL - You guys are still pissed at the Murkowski family. For the second year in a row, you said the best scandal was Governor Frank Murkowski's decision to appoint his daughter, Lisa Murkowski, to finish his term in the U.S. Senate. Some of you thought Randy Ruedrich's troubles with the state and the Republican Party were worthy of the best scandal. Others believed Senator Ben Stevens created a scandal with his “Valley trash” comment. You also thought there was a scandal in Gerald Haynes's death at Chilkoot Charlie's last March.

STAFF PICK - Some of us grew up in the Valley, so it isn't surprising that we also smelled a scandal in the “Valley trash.”

BEST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL - Once again, Powerline Pass took top honors. People who love the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail insist on including it in this category.

STAFF PICK - We ride the new lift-served trails at Alyeska Resort (754-7669), because some of us hate pedaling uphill.

BEST HIKE - This is the first year for this category and not surprisingly, Flat Top is the most popular trek. It may not be the path less traveled, but the amazing view can't be beat. Sorry to the guy who voted “to my bedroom.” Better luck next year.

STAFF PICK - We like Flat Top too, but if you're not up for getting stuck behind little old tourists, try Wolverine Peak, Bird Ridge or Crow Pass.

BEST PUBLIC WASHROOM - The Sullivan Arena has the Best Public Washroom? Are you on crack? Have you breathed the humid, urine stench in these bathrooms during a sold-out Aces' game? The Hotel Captain Cook, last year's winner, trailed by a couple votes.

STAFF PICK - Trust us, the Sullivan has nothing on the Captain Cook's shiny, clean bathrooms.

BEST PARK IN ANCHORAGE - Whether for a music festival, an open space to let the kids run wild, or a great cliff to push your unwanted car over, Kincaid Park meets your needs. Another favorite is Valley of the Moon.

STAFF PICK - We are totally down with The Park Strip.

BEST PLACE FOR PUBLIC SEX - You prefer to get it on atop Flat Top. You also like parks and parking lots. Chilkoot Charlie's is a good place to get laid, too.

STAFF PICK - We've heard it's fun inside Nordstrom's dressing rooms.

Best Pool Hall - Anchorage Billiard Palace underneath Latitude 61 (4848 Old Seward Hwy., 562-4251). The Billiard Palace features beautiful, well-cared-for antique tables for all your shooting needs (including a table each for pocket billiards and snooker), racks full of straight house cues, plus a full bar and munchies from upstairs. Just don't forget to read the house rules when you get there, and for Pete's sake keep your drink off the tables.

STAFF PICK - When we like to shoot a few games, we go to the Billiard Palace. It makes us feel like a bunch of bigshots.

BEST PLACE TO SKI/SNOWBOARD - Like a little Disneyland on the slopes, the escapist heaven of Alyeska Resort (754-7669) wins in a landslide. Or avalanche, if you will. Hilltop Ski Area also drew a strong following, along with Hatcher Pass. A few of you crazy rascals even hit Bowman Willard Elementary School.

STAFF PICK - When we can afford it, we head to Alyeska Resort. Maybe we should check out that elementary school.

BEST PLACE TO MEET THE MAN/ WOMAN OF YOUR DREAMS - For three years now, you've gone to church to search for your soul mate. The Bush Company is almost as good of a place to score a lover. Where else is your soul mate hiding? At grocery stores, Chilkoot Charlie's and college.

STAFF PICK - We suggest a little section in the back of the Press titled Pressonals.

BEST SUGGESTION FOR GOVERNOR MURKOWSKI - Many of you don't like Frank Murkowski. Your suggestions bordered on the crude (telling Frank to “fuck off”) to the absurd (“Frank should get laid”). Most of you suggested that Frank should resign. The second most popular suggestion was for Frank to quit or retire. Others suggested that Frank learn to tell the truth. Some of you asked for Frank to stop messing with the Permanent Fund.

STAFF PICK - Frank, buy a toy jet.

BEST FEDERALLY FUNDED PROJECT - This new category pays homage to the federal government and Alaska's congressional delegation, and the successes and boondoggles they've given our great state. You say the Best Federally Funded Project is the railroad depot at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The glass-enshrined depot next to the airport parking garage is a testament to Senator Ted Stevens and his congressional might. You guys also liked other projects Stevens has supported, including the Whittier Tunnel and the missile defense shield. Go Uncle Ted!

STAFF PICK - Alaska.

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