Best of 1996

People and Places

Best New Career for Pat Schroeder: Private Eye Reader's Choice: President

Best Celebrity Memento: Princess Di's Toilet Seat

Best Local Politician: Dennis Gallagher, Denver City Council Reader's Choice: Wellington Webb

Best Roy Romer Lookalike: Bill Hash, Sergeant-at-Arms, Colorado House of Representatives

Best Protest--Urban: McDonald's

Best Protest--Suburban: Len Aitken

Best Yuppie on a Harley: Ben Nighthorse Campbell for Banana Republic

Best Harleys and Indians: Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Museum

Best Pair of Blue Jeans: 1927 Levi's 501XX

Best New Colorado Holiday: Rockies Opening Day

Best New Colorado Law: House Bill 1220 Motor Vehicle Rental for the Blind Reader's Choice: 75 MPH Speed Limit

Best New Colorado Law that Didn't Pass: Bronco Beer Bust

Best Plea by a Movie Guy to the Colorado Legislature: Woody Harrelson

Best Appearance by a Local Band in a National Movie: Zuba

Best Appearance by a Colorado Dentist in a National Controversy: John McDowell

Best Local Event Dedicated to a TV Series: The Gathering

Best Use of Ozzy Osbourne T-shirts: Clothing for Bosnians

Best Appearance by Colorado Babes in a National Commercial: The Book Babes for AlphaHydrox

Best Appearance by a Dead Celebrity in a Commercial for a Colorado Product: John Wayne for Coors Light

Best Reference to Colorado in a Recent Movie: The Net Reader's Choice: Things to Do in Denver When You Are Dead

Best Performance by a Radio Talk-show Host in a Movie: Peter Boyles

Best New Radio Talk-show Host: Dani Newsum, KOA-AM/850

Best Local Radio Talk-show Host: Lou from Littleton, KOA-AM/850 Reader's Choice: Peter Boyles (KTLK)

Best Radio Voice: Cernir Arruda Bredan, KUVO-FM/89.3

Best Local Radio DJ: Rockfish, KBPI-FM/106.7 Reader's Choice: Frosty, Frank, and Jamie (KALC, Alice)

Best Radio Weather Report: Dave Granger's "Magic 8-Ball Weather", KTCL-FM/93.3

Best Unplanned Talk-radio Debate: Mike Rosen v. Pat Schroeder

Best Eyes in the Sky: Al Verley, KOA-AM/850

Best Play-by-Play Man: Drew Goodman, Prime Sports Network

Best TV Morning-show Host: Gary Shapiro, KUSA-TV/Channel 9

Best Local TV News Anchor: Mitch Jelniker, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Reader's Choice: Adele Arakawa (KUSA)

Best Local TV Weathercaster: Larry Green, KCNC-TV/Channel 4 Reader's Choice: Larry Green (KCNC)

Best Local TV Sportscaster: Tony Zarella, KMGH-TV/Channel 7 Reader's Choice: Ron Zappolo (KUSA)

Best Hair on a Local TV Personality--Female: Kathy Walsh, KCNC-TV/Channel 4 Reader's Choice: Adele Arakawa (KUSA)

Best Hair on a Local TV Personality--Male: Paul Joncich, KUSA-TV/Channel 9 Reader's Choice: Alan Gionet (KCNC)

Best Local O.J. Simpson Witness: John Gerdes

Best Local Bart Simpson Witnessed: Western Pacific Airlines

Best Defender of the First Amendment: Denver District Judge Herbert Stein

Best Place to Call When you Want to Marry your Cousin: Denver Clerk and Recorders Office

Best Guy to Find Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Panayoti Kelaidis, Rock Garden Curator, Denver Botanic Gardens

Best New Building: Denver Public Library, Valdez-Perry Branch Reader's Choice: Denver Public Library

Best Architectural Comeback: Air Force Academy

Best Office with a View: Aimcor

Best Rehab of a Modern Building: The Colorado Education Association Building

Best Rehab of a Historic Building: The Rio Grande Building

Best Last-Minute Save from the Wrecking Ball: El Jebel Shrine Temple

Best Thing About Ahnold Coming to LoDo: David Owen Tryba

Best Friend of Historic Architecture: Kathleen Brooker

Best Act of Kindness to Strangers: Chesney-Kleinjohn Apartments

Best Building Souvenirs: Gold from the Capitol

Best Safeway Makeover: Praxis Design

Best Place for Kids at the New DPL: Children's Pavilion

Best Place for Adults at the DPL: Second Floor

Best Suburban Library: Koelbel Public Library

Best Place to Find Culture in the Suburbs: Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities

Best Town that Time Forgot: Golden

Best Place to Smoke in Boulder: Terrace Restaurant

Best Tunnel Fission: Stapleton tunnel explosions

Best New Tunnel: Speer Blvd and 6th Ave.

Best Wall of Heroes: Boulder County Sheriff's Dept

Best Brave Pig: Snort

Best Brave Dog: Dundee

Best Place to Find Rabbits in the Urban Jungle: Behind the Terminal Annex

Best Bat Fans: Colorado Bat Society

Best Birdhouses: Penthouses for Peregrines Project

Best Elephant: The Cedar Park Denver Urban Gardens

Best Leaf: The Castle Rock Fossil

Best Place to be Introduced to Denver History: Denver History Museum

Best Impromptu Jewish History Exhibit: Plaza Delicatessen

Best Up-and-Coming Neighborhood: Baker

Best New Park: Above the Speer Blvd tunnel

Best New Loft Project: The Overlook

Best Sign--Alcoholic: Vern's Restaurant and Lounge

Best Sign--Non-Alcoholic: "Travel by Train" Union Station

Best Scientific Hunk: Rob Kremer

Best Blaster of the Universe: Larry Esposito

Best Molecule: The Boulder Superatom

Best Undercover Law Enforcement: RTD Light Rail

Best Place to See the USA: Grant St. Plaza

Best Architectural Digress: Bail-Bondsman Row

Best Playground: Wyman Park at Wyman Elementary School

Best Use of a Historic Building: Palmer-Ferril House

Best Historic House: Joshel House

Best Historic Hotel: Hotel de Paris

Best Alternative to Rush Hour on Santa Fe: S. Platte River Dr.

Best Activity for Inmates: Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility

Best-Dressed Future Inmates: Clients of the Boulder Public Defender's Office

Best Legal Aid: Denver District Atty's Office

Best Place to Build a New Juvenile Jail: Cinderella City

Best Alcoholic Leverage: Turning beer into gasoline

Best Gas Station: Adams County Museum

Best Sneaky Vanity Plates: "Poor No"

Best Official Frightening Exhibit: Nat'l Eagle and Wildlife Property Repository

Best Unofficial Frightening Exhibit: Commerce City Library

Best Proof of the Power of Prayer: Mahmoud Abdul Rauf

Best Proof of the Power of Profits: Abundant Life Christian Center

Best New Religion: First Presleytarian Church of Elvis the Divine

SPORTS AND REC

Best New Public Gardens: Hudson Gardens

Best Get-Out-of-Denver-Fast Wilderness Hike: Herman Gulch Trail

Best Urban Scenic View: Cherry Creek Dam Road

Best Outdoor Basketball Court in the World: Mel Simon's House

Best Way to Leave your Cocoon: Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center

Best Place to Bug Out: May Natural History Museum of the Tropics

Best Easy Hike with Kids: Roxborough State Park

Best Use of Old Runways--While it Lasts: Lowry Air Force Base

Best Mountain Bike Trail: White Ranch Reader's Choice: White Ranch

Best Urban Bike Trail: Cherry Creek Reader's Choice: South Platte-Cherry Creek Trail

Best Roadside Urban Picnic: Creek Front

Best Martial Arts Dojo: Aikido Nippon Kan

Best Deals on Wheels: RTD's Annual Bike Drive

Best Stop for a Cyclist in Pain: Schwab Cycles

Best Egalitarian Bike Team: King of the Rockies Race Team

Best Family Fishing Spot: Pine Valley Ranch

Best Easy Access to a Mountain Lake for Fishing: Lake Jefferson

Best Women-Only Outdoor Classes: Wilderness Women Seminars

Best Women-Only Workouts: Women's Workout Co. 716-0150

Best New-age Workout: Shoshoni Yoga Retreat

Best Baywatch Imitation: Sunset Beach Fitness and Racquet Club

Best Health Club if you're Rich: Greenwood Athletic Club

Best Upscale Mountain Adventure: Hyatt Regency Beaver Creek

Best Downscale Summer Trip to the Mountains: Glenwood Springs

Best Flat-footed Ramble: Winter Park Showshoe Tours

Best Return to the Wild: Bluff Lake Wildlife Area

Best Inner-city Birding: City Park

Best Webbed Site for Hikers: Arapaho Nat'l Wildlife Refuge

Best Web Site for Hikers: Trails Illustrated Topo Talk Web Page

Best Armchair Excursion: Himalayan Explorers Club

Best Bowling Alley--Public: Lakewood Lanes Reader's Choice: Monaco Lanes

Best Bowling Alley--Private: Village Club

Best Lighted Alley: Brunswick Heather Ridge Lanes

Best Pool Hall: Shakespeare's

Best Public Tennis Courts: Washington Park

Best Audience Participation: Colorado Rapids Soccer

Best Fantasy Camp: Colorado Vintage Baseball Association Spring Training

Best New Golf Course: Fox Hollow at Lakewood

Best hole on a public golf course: No. 7, Indian Peaks Golf Course Reader's choice: The 18th on any

Best Hole on a Private Golf Course: No. 14, Cherry Hills Country Club Reader's Choice: No. 13, Arrowhead Golf Course

Best Place to Tee Off: Willis Case Golf Course

Best Classic Golf Course: Wellshire Golf Course

Best Cheap Ski Commute: RTD to Eldora

Best Luxury Ski Commute: Winter Park Ski Train

Best Ski Area for Snowboarders: Loveland Basin Reader's Choice: Loveland

Best Extreme Ski Run: East Face/North St. Pat's, Steamboat

Best Double-Diamond Ski Run: Highline, Vail Reader's Choice: Pallivicino, Arapahoe Basin

Best Blue Cruiser: Starfire, Keystone

Best Ski Run for Aging Knees: Cranmer, Winter Park Reader's Choice: Schoolmarm, Keystone

Best Way to Set the Kids Straight: Buffalo Ski Club

Best Ski School for Kids: Loveland Basin

Best Train Watching: Joint Line

Best Model Train Watching: Denver Society of Model Railroaders Association

Best Windsurfing Accessory: Windlines

Best Windsurfing--Rad and Adventurous: Chatfield Reservoir

Best Windsurfing--Motorless: Aurora Reservoir

Best Trail Races: Run With the animals

Best Fun Run: The Furry Scurry Reader's Choice: Bolder Boulder

Best Antidote to Cabin Fever: Barr Lake State Park

Best Antidote to Funplexes: Lakewood Historical Belmar Village

Best Beach for Transplanted Southern Californians: Cherry Creek State Park

Best Colorado Sports Plug: LL Cool J

Best Av: Patrick Roy Reader's Choice: Patrick Roy

Best Rockie: Ellis Burks Reader's Choice: Larry Walker

Best Rockie Rookie: Ryan Hawblitzel

Best Nugget: Antonio McDyess Reader's Choice: Dikembe Mutombo

Best Bronco: John Elway Reader's Choice: John Elway

Best Local Sports Team: Colorado Avalanche Reader's Choice: Colorado Avalanche

Best Local Sports Coach: Marc Crawford, Colorado Avalanche Reader's Choice: Marc Crawford

Best College Coach: Rick Neuheisel, CU Football

Best Pro Soccer Team: Colorado Foxes

Best DU Hockey Player: Antti Laaksonen

Best DU Baseball Player: Victor Moreno

Best CU Football Player: Koy Detmer

Best CU Sophomore Hoopster: Chauncey Billips

Best CSU Football Player: Damon Washington

Best Japanese Olympian: Yvonne Scott

Best Racing Greyhound: Oswald Cobblepot

Best Race-car Driver: Buddy Lazler

Best Tenth-Inning Watering Hole: Terminal Bar and Cafe

Best Batting Cage: Homers Batting Cages

Best Place to Pretend you're a Rockies Reliever: Speed Pitch at Coors Field

Best Monday Morning Quarterbacking: Lehrer's Printing and Office Supplies

Best Sign Held by an Avalanche Fan: "Florida, we gave you Klondike and Snow. We Keep the Stanley Cup."

Best Drink Dedicated to the Avalanche: Splinters from the Pine

Best Place to Put the Pepsi Center: Rocky Flats Reader's Choice: LoDo

Best Place to Put the New Broncos Stadium: Cherry Hills Village Reader's Choice: Up Bowlen's Ass

Best Way to Pay for the New Broncos Stadium: Other People's Money Reader's Choice: Pat Bowlen for Dollars

GOODS AND SERVICES

Best Free Service: Mile High Courtesy Patrol Reader's Choice: 16th St. Mall ride

Best Flee Service: Freedom Cab

Best Visa/MasterCard Vendor: Denver County Jail

Best ATM Machine: Denver Police Headquarters

Best Place to Cop Some Stuff: Colorado State Patrol Specialty Store

Best Delivery to your Door: Denver Art Supply Reader's Choice: US Postal Service

Best Delivery to their Door: Project Angel Heart

Best Way to Dispose of an Old Car: Boys and Girls Clubs of Denver

Best Place to Dispose of your Kids While Grocery Shopping: King Soopers

Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party: Golden Community Center

Best Not-too-Cute Children's Clothing: Ava Kids

Best Place for a Highland Fling: Things Scottish, Ltd.

Best Place to Get in the Game: It's Your Move

Best Gadgets for Kids: Into the Wind

Best Alternative to Toys 'R' Us: Ginger and Pickles

Best Antique Toy Trains: Olio's

Best Antique Real Trains: Colorado Railroad Museum

Best Junk-Cum-Antique Store: Stage Stop Antique Mall

Best Place to Buy Dirty Magazines: DIA Reader's Choice: Kitty's

Best Heavy Metals: OK Antique Plating Co.

Best Gargoyles: Enigma

Best Deal on Sewing Machines: Bernina Sewing Center

Best Place to Buy Quiana and Ultrasuede by the Yard: Hancock Fabrics

Best Bargains on Major Appliances: Sears Retail Outlet store

Best Bargains on Doc Martens: The Garment District

Best Place to Buy Cowboy Boots: Hills Bros. Boots

Best Place to Buy Athletic Shoes: Gart Sports

Best Place to Walk Out of: The Walking Co.

Best Ski-boot Fitters: Colorado Ski and Golf

Best Sports Equipment Deal: Boulder Sports Recycler

Best Snowboard Shop--Flatland: Colorado Snowboards

Best Snowboard Shop--Mountain: Underground Snowboard Outlet

Best Snowshoes: Redfeather Snowshoes, Inc.

Best Place for Rad Snowboard Clothes: Twist Snowboard Shop

Best Way to Look Sporting for Cheap: Hind Outlet Store

Best Place to Decorate your Head: The Art of Craft

Best Place to...Oh, it Probably Came to you Already: The Colorado Psychic Center Gift Store

Best Illusionist: Charlee Deaton, Kroma Design

Best Place to Get Waisted: Uzi

Best Free Postcards: Wahoo's Fish Tacos

Best Place to Buy Postcards: Avant-Card

Best Place for the Masses to Learn Italian: Macaroni Grill

Best Paper: Two Hands Paperie

Best Newsstand: Johnny's Newsstand Reader's Choice: Newsland

Best Outlaw Fantasy Bookstore: Paladin Arms

Best Animal Bookstore: Barr Lake Nature Center

Best Used Books: Broadway from 1st to Alameda Aves. Reader's Choice: Ichabod's

Best Literary Ties: Denver Public Library Store

Best Place for Best Sellers: Media Play

Best Place for Best Smellers: Pampered Pets

Best Estate Planning for Animals: Humane Society of Boulder Valley

Best Daycare for Dogs: Doggy Day Camp

Best Dog Bathhouse: Mutt Puddles

Best Dog-Poop Salute: Cheeseman Park

Best Dog Tutor: Barbara Handler

Best Dog Biscuit Bakery Named After a Cat: Cosmo's Dog Biscuit Bakery

Best Doggy Tuneup: The Alpine Animal Hospital Southwest

Best Body Tuneup: The Oxford Aveda Spa and Salon and Athletic Club

Best Personal-Care Products: Aveda Environmental Lifestyle Store

Best Hair to Dye for: Dewey's Salon

Best Dreadlocks: The Cutting Edge

Best Place to Buy Nudie Ice Cube Trays: Fish Head Soup

Best Place to Shop on Christmas Eve: Tattered Cover LoDo

Best Judaica: Boutique Judaica

Best Place to Find your Own Path: Denver Brick Co.

Best Place to Buy Cut Flowers: Fresh Flower Market Reader's Choice: Lehrer's

Best Bouquets for Hay Fever Sufferers: Candy Blossoms

Best Gardener's Shangri-la: Wild Flowers

Best Swap Group for Green Thumbs: Gardener's Exchange

Best Perennial Bedding Plants: Al Pine's

Best Place to Buy a Christmas Tree: Elmer's Clean Up Service

Best Reptile Purveyors: Jersey John's Pet Supply

Best Place to Buy a Feathered Friend: Colorado Seed and Pet

Best Buffalo Clothing: The Legacy Collection

Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make her Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Retail: Fashion Nation

Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make her Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Discount: Repeat Boutique

Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make Him Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Retail: Groovalistic

Best Place for Clothes that Won't Make Him Look Like a Middle-Aged Yuppie--Discount: American Aces

Best Mall: Cherry Creek Reader's Choice: Cherry Creek

Best Hole-in-the-Wall Boutique: Eccentricity

Best Upscale Boutique: Barbara and Co.

Best Place to Buy Costumes for a Jane Austen Party: Come-Hither

Best Consignment Shop: Persnickity's

Best Place to Buy Buddhist Jewelry: Tibet Colorado

Best Place to Buy a Birthday Present for a Gay Guy: Heaven Sent Me

Best Monthly Parking in LoDo: Central Parking

Best Validated Parking in LoDo: Wynkoop Brewing Co.

Best Place to Fix your Ticker: All Hours Clocks and Watches

Best Place to Buy Tupperware that's Mot a Tupperware Party: ARC Thrift Store

Best Gate Expectations: Alameda Ornamental Iron

Best Sneaky Service: Mate-Check Investigations

Best Yellow Pages Ad: Atomic Bail Bonds

Best Place to Get Worked Over by a Russian: IZBA Spa

Best Place to Buy a New Guitar: Aurora Pawn Shop and Music

Best Place to Buy an Old Guitar: House of Music

Best Place to Tickle the Ivories: Keyboard Exchange, Inc.

Best Hardware Store: Valore Hardware Co.

Best Superstore: Barnes and Noble Booksellers Reader's Choice: Super K-Mart Center

Best Pharmacy: Tobin's Pharmacy

Best Newspaper Readings for the Blind: Radio Reading Service of the Rockies

Best Tours for the Handicapped: Tourmaster Services, Inc.

Best Internet Service Provider: Colorado Supernet

Best Driving Lessons: Internet Store

Best Local Web Page: Find-A-Grave, www.orci.com/personal/jim Reader's Choice: Bluebird Theatre

Best Local Literary Web Page: www.altx.com

Best Computer Repair: Computer Alliance

Best Place to Buy Software: Incredible Universe

Best Mobile Computer Lab: CompuKids

Best Local Virtual Catalogue: Ronnie Cramer's Cult Film page, http://sepnet.com/rcramer/

Best Recycling Service: Triangle Recycling Reader's Choice: King Soopers

Best Pop Stop: Marshall Liquors Parking Lot

Best Place to Rope a Stogie: The Smokers Inn

Best Airline: Frontier Reader's Choice: United

Best Airport: Colorado Springs Municipal Airport

Best Airport Vendor: DIA Conoco Reader's Choice: The Body Shop

Best Wacky Hospital Scrubs: Crazy Scrubs, Inc.

Best of Both Medical Worlds: American Holistic Center

Best Soul Searching: Soul Strollin': Denver's Black Entertainment Guide

Best Place to be Cool in the Suburbs: Black and Read

Best Video Store: The Video Station

Best Place to Buy New CDs: Wax Trax

Best CD Store Expansion: Twist and Shout

Best Place to Buy Used Records: Jerry's Record Exchange

Best International CDs: Tower Records

Best Used Jazz CDs: Doubleplay Records

Best Holiday Gifts for Movie Buffs: Mayan Theatre

Best 16th Street Mall Vendor: Mardi Gras Market Reader's Choice: Tristan, the 50 cent Hot Dog Man.

Best Place to Buy Girl Scout Cookies: My Brother's Bar

Best Grocery Store: Leever's Foods Reader's Choice: King Soopers

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Best Free Entertainment: Ruby Hill on the 4th of July Reader's Choice: People's Fair

Best Place to Blow your Own Horn: Greek Theater, Civic Center Park

Best Gang Bangers: Boulder Creek Drum Circle

Best Arts Festival: Chile Harvest Fest Reader's Choice: Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Best Alternative Arts Festival: Left Bank Fest

Best Mural: 3776 Walnut St. Reader's Choice: Five Points Media

Best Yard Art: 1659 Gilpin St.

Best Famous Artist Whose Time Has Come: Phil Bender

Best Place to Buy Museum-Quality Art: Deaccessioning Auction

Best Place to See Museum-Quality Art While Cashing Checks: UMB Bank Lobby

Best Place to See the Work of Artists who Have Been Arrested for Drawing: Sloane Gallery

Best Schlocky Show: Int'l Mona Lisa Mail Art

Best Designer Stamps: James Balog, US Endangered Species Stamps

Best Improvement of an Alternative Space: Pirate: A Contemporary Art Oasis

Best Art Opening: Saints and Sinners: Mackey Gallery

Best Installation Show: Virginia Folkestad's Vital Connections

Best Solo Show by an Emerging Artist: Bill Stockman's Sounding

Best Solo Show by a Local Artist: Dale Chisman Reader's Choice: Phil Bender at Pirate Gallery

Best Solo Show by an Out-of-Town Artist: Manuel Neri

Best Local Group Show: The Traveling Show Reader's Choice: Edge Invitational 1996

Best Photo Show: The Nude

Best Retrospective Exhibition: Roland Detre Retrospective, Inkfish Gallery

Best Museum Exhibit--Temporary: Pure Painting, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art Reader's Choice: Mongolia at Denver Art Museum

Best Outdoor Art Show: The Fragility of Permanence, Artyard Gallery

Best Blockbuster Exhibit: Real West, Colorado History Museum, Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum

Best Art Cooperative to Survive Against all Odds: Open Press

Best New Public Art--Indoors: Robert Motherwell, Denver Art Museum Reader's Choice: Lao-Tzu at Denver Public Library

Best New Public Art--Outdoors: Mark Suazo's "Lao Tzu", Acoma Plaza

Best Traditional-Style Art Show: Dennis Miller Bunker, Denver Art Museum

Best Art Save: Herbert Bayer's "Anaconda", Denver Art Museum

Best Art Loss: Dean Fleming's "Cube" Burns Park

Best Multicultural Exhibit: Latin American Women Artist's Show, Denver Art Museum and Museo de las Americas

Best View of New Mexico from Colorado: Impressions of the Southwest, Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanties

Best Show About the history of New Mexico: En Divina Luz: Penitente Moradas of New Mexico, Museo de las Americas

Best Caballeros and Lowriders: Carlos Fresquez

Best Black Art Gallery: Mosadi's Collections

Best Crafts Gallery: Boulder Arts and Crafts Cooperative

Best Effort to Preserve Traditions: Master/Apprentice Grant Program, Colorado Council on the Arts

Best Recycling of Local Art Talent: Debra Jordy

Best Local Dance Ensemble: Kim Robards Dance

Best Place for Seniors to Learn to Line Dance: North Suburban Medical Center

Best Storytime: Virginia Village Library

Best Poetry Readings: Toads in the Garden

Best Local Poet: Rawdon Tomlinson

Best Unlikely Spot for Poetry Performances: Soapy Smith's Eagle Bar

Best Poetry Performance: "Reign of the Scar Clan"

Best Experimental Theater Piece: Lucifer Tonite, CityStage Ensemble

Best Window on Another World: The Rez Sisters, Her Acting Group

Best Supernatural Performance: Beethoven 'N' Pierrot, Denver Center Theatre Co.

Best Transcendent Theater: The Three Sisters, Ad Hoc Theatre

Best Nasty Theater: My Sister in this House, CityStage Ensemble

Best Avant-Garde Approach to Historic Material: The Investigation, Director's Theatre

Best Brat Pack: SubUrbia, Theater on Broadway

Best Physically Challenging Performance: Brian Hill

Best Twisted Sister: Carla Kaiser

Best Family Show: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, The Physically Handicapped Amateur Musical Actors League

Best Eclectic Performer: Deborah Persoff

Best Supporting Actress: Leslie Hansen

Best Supporting Actor: Richard Nelson

Best Performance By an Actor: Kevin Bartlett

Best Performance By an Actress: Rebekah Buric

Best Performance by a Director in His Own Show: Frank Georgianna

Best Director: Anthony Powell, Denver Center Theatre Co.

Best New Additions to the Theater Scene: Chip Walton and Emily Newman Walton

Best New Play: James Cannon's Sports Talk 2000

Best Musical: Grand Hotel, Boulder Dinner Theatre

Best Operatic Musical: Three Penny Opera, Central City Opera

Best Jack-of-all-Theater Trades: Nicholas Sugar

Best Production: Galileo, Denver Center Theatre Co. Reader's Choice: Psycho Beach Party

Best of Show: Jamie Horton

Best Local Theater Company: Theatre on Broadway Reader's Choice: Theater on Broadway

Best Theater for Watching a Matinee Alone: Thornton Town Center United Artists

Best Movie Theater--Big-Screen: The Continental

Best Movie Theater--Neighborhood: The Esquire

Best Outdoor Theater: Boulder Almost Free Outdoor Cinema

Best New Concession Items: UA Greenwood Plaza

Best Cult Run: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Esquire Theatre

Best Revival Run: Taxi Driver, The Mayan Theatre

Best Revival House: Bluebird Theater

Best Movie Theater Revival: Cinderella Twin Drive-In

Best Film at the Denver Film Festival: From the Journals of Jean Seberg

Best Sleeper at the Denver Film Festival: Mother Dao, Turtlelike

Best pre- or post-movie watering hole: Piatti Ristorante

Best Campus Film Series: CU International Film Series

Best Filmic Provocateur: Joe Christ

Best Movie Soundtrack: City Lights, Colorado Symphony Orchestra

Best Music-Video One-Two Punch: Teletunes and Musiclink

Best Free Music--Classical: Lamont School of Music

Best Free Music--Jazz: City Park Jazz

Best Outdoor Music: Sunset Strolls in the Gardens, Denver Botanic Gardens

Best Local Rock Band: The Apples Reader's Choice: Big Head Todd and the Monsters

Best Local C&W Band: The Denver Gentlemen Reader's Choice: Rattlesnake Shake

Best Local Dance Band: Foreskin 500 Reader's Choice: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass

Best Local Rap Band: Deuce Mob Reader's Choice: Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass

Best Local Hippie-Hop Band: Pepperment

Best Hip-hop Video Show: Hip-Hop Madness

Best Local Ska Band: Judge Roughneck

Best World-Music Group: The Buzz Band

Best Native Sounds: Red Tail Chasing Hawks

Best Senior Composer: Jon Deak

Best Junior Composer: Jheremy Campbell

Best Classical Guitarist: Ricardo Iznaola

Best Choral Ensemble: Colorado Children's Chorale

Best Percussionist: Ty Burhoe

Best Local Jazz Band: Sam Coffman's Cat Unit Reader's Choice: Dotsero

Best a Cappella Group: Cool Shooz

Best Local Blues Band: The Lionel Young Band Reader's Choice: Stanley Milton

Best Local Rockabilly Band: The Dalheart Imperials

Best Local Singer-Songwriter: Sherri Jackson

Best Rock Album by a Local Band on a Major Label: 16 Horsepower, Sackcloth and Ashes

Best Rock Album by a Local Band on a National Indie Label: The Apples, Funtricknoisemaker

Best Local Recording: Won Lump Some, Clean Hits Reader's Choice: ADR "Walking in Sand"

Best Local Jazz Recording: Ron Miles, My Cruel Heart

Best Local CD Packaging: Meanface, Meanface

Best Local C&W CD: Slim Cessna's Auto Club, Slim Cessna's Auto Club

Best Local C&W Label: Bohemia Beat

Best Local Power-Pop Label: Not Lame Recording Co.

Best Concert: Steve Earle, Bluebird Theater, March 28, 1996 Reader's Choice: Children's Chorale

Best Club DJ: John Chamie Reader's Choice: DJ K-nee

Best Band Name: The Hate Fuck Trio

Best Spelling of a Band Name: Wryeteous Pybayk Jammbory

Best Band Name Change: The Damn Shambles

Best Rock Lexicographer: Hardrock Gunter

Best Denver Rock-Scene Survivor: The Rok Tots

Best MTV Survivor: Rebecca Blasband

Best Club Kids: The Sugar Twist Kids

Best Spectacle-Maker: Tom Headbanger

Best Answering-Machine Message: Timothy P. Irvin

Best Musical Return from the Grave: Tommy Bolin

Best Defunct Radio Station: KNRX-FM/92.1 (92X)

Best Folk-Music Club: Penny Lane Coffee House

Best Eclectic Club: Mercury Cafe

Best Punk Club: Lion's Lair Reader's Choice: Lion's Lair

Best C&W Club: The Grizzly Rose Reader's Choice: Stampede

Best All-ages Club: Club Synergy Reader's Choice: (america.)

Best After-hours Club: Club Synergy Reader's Choice: Club Synergy

Best Fifties Flashback: The Hi-Spot

Best Saturday Night Cruising Music: All Blues, KUVO-FM/89.3

Best Blues Club: Ebony Rose Supper Club and Lounge Reader's Choice: Ziggie's Saloon

Best Blues Jam: Brendan's Pub

Best Jazz Club: Vartan Jazz Reader's Choice: El Chapultepec

Best New Jazz Venue: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art

Best Jazz Radio Show: Andy O'Leary's Jazztown, KUVO-FM/89.3

Best Jazz Stop for Nonprofessional Musicians: The Colorado Jazz Workshop

Best-Booked Venue: Fox Theater And Cafe

Best Band to Cover "Jailhouse Rock" and Mean It: The Otter Popps

Best Use of a Sex Toy in Public: Fox Force Five

Best Gay Bar: Club Proteus

Best Straight Bar for Gays: (america)

Best Piano Bar for Bald Heads: Charlie Brown's

Best Piano Bar for Shaved Heads: Herb's Hideout

Best Wine List--Price: Enoteca

Best Wine List--Selection: Enoteca

Best Martini: Purple Martini

Best Breakfast Under $2: Denny's

Best Brunch Buffet: Fresh Fish Co.

Best ... La Carte Brunch: Wellshire Inn

Best Power Lunch: Strings

Best Outdoor Patio: Rock Bottom Brewery

Best Place for Dinner After 10 p.m.: Pete's Kitchen

Best Dessert: Marie Callendar's

Best Children's Menu: Paul's Place

Best Thin Pizza: Anthony's Pizza

Best Thick Pizza: Beau Jo's

Best Hot Dog: Coors Field

Best Hamburger: Vic's Yankee Dollar Special

Best Fries: McDonald's

Best Wings: Hooters

Best Barbecued Ribs: Sam Taylor's BBQ

Best Chips and Salsa: Firehouse

Best Green Chile: Chubby's

Best Soft Chile Relleno: Las Delicias

Best Crispy Chile Relleno: Blue Bonnet

Best Burrito: Chipotle

Best Breakfast Burrito: Pete's Kitchen

Best Taco: Taco Bell

Best Fish Taco: Gustavo's Fish Tacos

Best Pasta Restaurant: Basil

Best Italian Restaurant: Carmine's on Penn

Best Chinese Restaurant: Imperial

Best Japanese Restaurant: Sushi Den

Best Thai Restaurant: Taste of Thailand

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: New Jerusalem

Best Fusion Restaurant: Firehouse

Best Romantic Restaurant: Cliff Young's

Best New Restaurant (since June 1995): Starfish

FOOD AND DRINK

Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Italian: Al Fresco

Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Chinese: Tommy's Oriental Food

Best Way to Flip Off the Food Police--Mexican: La Casa del Rey

Best Way to Recover from Flipping Off the Food Police: Mediterranean Health Cafe

Best Place to Binge and Purge: Bump and Grind

Best Place to Satisfy a Craving: Breakfast Inn Dinner Too

Best Table for Exhibitionist Sex: Finnegan's Pub

Best Table for Surreptitious Sex: Old Stone Church

Best Romantic Booths: Anastasia Vieux Carre

Best Romantic Restaurant: Tuscany Restaurant, Loews-Giorgio Hotel

Best Power Lunch: Ellyngton's

Best Bohemian Power Lunch: The Hornet

Best Place to Have a Business Drink: The Profile

Best Place to Meet a Rich Old Man: Mel's Bar and Grill

Best Old-Time Diner: The J&L Cafe

Best New Old-Time Diner: Matt's Diner

Best Place for Dinner After 10 p.m.: City Spirit Cafe

Best 4 a.m. Grub: Breakfast King

Best way to go home with a ball from Coors Field: Rocky Mountain Oyster Co.

Best Food Bargain at Coors Field: Buckaroos

Best Fast Food for Laid-Back Noshers: Caribbean Bakery

Best One-Stop Shop and Nosh: Lanie's Philippine Market & Kitchenette

Best Take-Out Dim Sum: Celestial Bakery

Best Place to Have it your Way: Cucina Leone

Best Left-Handed Compliment: Philadelphia Filly

Best Way to Kill Three Animas with One Fork: Bistro Adde Brewster

Best Goulash: Cafe International

Best Way to Quiche Cooking Goodbye: The Quiche Factory

Best Ceviche in a South American Nightclub: Los Cabos II

Best Place to Find Relatives of Your Meal Watching you Eat: The Italian Fisherman

Best Destination for the Mussel-Bound: Aubergine Cafe

Best Seafood Restaurant: Starfish

Best Breakfast Under $2: Bronco Burgers

Best Brunch Buffet: Ellygton's

Best ... La Carte Brunch: Kate's

Best All-you-can-Eat Deal: Mr. Panda

Best Vietnamese Buffet: Cafe Saigon

Best School Lunchroom: Eliot Street Cafe

Best Dinner Under $5: Chef's Noodle House

Best Take-out Picnic: Cucina Leone

Best Salad Bar: Gussie's

Best Downtown Salad Bar: Laughing Dog Market & Deli

Best Portable Vegetarian Lunch: St. Mark's Coffeehouse

Best Food Cart: Bento Bar

Best Caesar Salad: Bella Ristaurante

Best Organic Salad in a Pizzeria: Pasquini's Pizzeria

Best Salad Dressing: Cafe Brazil

Best Deviled Eggs: East Coast Italian Deli

Best Wings: Hot Wings to Go

Best Weck: Buffalo Wild Wings and Weck (BW3)

Best Sandwiches in a Coffeehouse: The Art of Coffee

Best Sandwiches: Wild Oats

Best Hot Dog: New York Delicatessen

Best Hamburger: Trinity Grille

Best Place to Buy Cheap Buffalo Stew: Mountain Man Steakhouse

Best Natural Meats: Coleman Natural Meats

Best Cheesesteak: Famous Philly Cheesesteak

Best Steaks: Beacon Grill

Best Mashed Potatoes Just Like Mom Makes: Jus' Cookin's

Best Mashed Potatoes Just Like Mom Makes if She's Julia Child: Papillon

Best Sweet Potatoes: NoNo's Cafe

Best French Fries: Annie's Cafe

Best Fried Chicken: New Orient

Best Chicken-Fried Chicken: Deno's 6 & 85

Best Chicken-Fried Steak: Mr. D's Restaurant and Lounge

Best Fried Catfish: A&A Fish Restaurant

Best Fried Rice: Princess Garden

Best Fried Anything: Yorkshire Fish & Chips

Best Fried Spaghetti: Apples Corner Brunchery

Best Plate of Spaghetti: Canino's Trattoria

Best Thin Pizza: 240 Union

Best In-Between Pizza: Angelo's Pizza Parlor

Best Thick Pizza: Pantaleone's

Best Minestrone: Pagliacci's

Best Lasagne: Dino's Italian Food

Best Pasta Deal: Cosolo's

Best Pasta Restaurant: Pastina

Best Italian Restaurant: Marsala's Ristorante

Best Barbecued Ribs: Sam Taylor's Bar-B-Q at the Links at City Park

Best Breaded Ribs: Golden Europe

Best French Toast: Diced Onions

Best Breads: Daily Bread Bakery & Cafe

Best Breadsticks: Bobby Dazzler

Best Challah Dough: The Bagel Store

Best Focaccia: Denver Bread Co.

Best Muffins: Rockies Deli & Bakery

Best Bagel: Moe's Broadway Bagels

Best Beignets: Lucile's

Best Cinnamon Rolls: Grandma's Oven Bakery/Cafe

Best Bakery: Child's Pastry Garden/Child's Pastry Shop

Best Cookies the Size of Hubcaps: First Colorado Muffin Co.

Best Apple Pie: Granny Scott's Apple Pie

Best Carrot Cake: Mama Pirogi's & Other Pleasantries

Best Cherries Jubilee: Cafe Franco

Best Ice Cream Flavor: Ice Cream Makers

Best Dessert: Zenith

Best Guilt-Free Desserts: Sugar-Less Sensations

Best Quick Fix for Chocoholics: Russell Stover Candies

Best Microbrew Dessert: Really Stout Sundae, Denver Chophouse & Brewery

Best Local Microbrew: Railyard Ale, Wynkoop Brewing Co. Reader's Choice: Breckenridge

Best Local Microbrew--Scottish Ale: Road Dog Scottish ale, Broadway Brewing Pub

Best Local Microbrew--Pale Ale: Punjabi India Pale Ale, CooperSmith's Pub & Brewing

Best Local Microbrew--Lager: Long Iron Pilsner, Irons Brewing Co.

Best Local Microbrew--Stout: Golden City Oatmeal Stout, Golden City Brewery

Best Local Microbrew--Porter: St. Brigid's Porter, Great Divide Brewing Co.

Best Local microbrew--fruit: Blueberry Ale, Oasis Brewery

Best Local Microbrew--Wheat: Tabernash Weiss, Tabernash Brewing Co.

Best Microbrew Made by Rocket Scientists: Pumper Porter, Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant

Best Microbrewery to Visit with the Kids: Golden City Brewery

Best Brewpub: Broadway Brewing Pub Reader's Choice: Wynkoop Brewing Company

Best Root Beer: Phantom Canyon Brewing Co.

Best Place to get Juiced: Jamaica juice Co.

Best Lemonade: Mangia Subs

Best Shakes: Muddy's

Best Exotic Teas: Lost World Coffeehouse

Best Alternative Use of an Espresso Machine: The Newsstand Cafe

Best Espresso Con Panna: Full Moon Grill & Pasta

Best Cheap Grande Latte: Starbucks

Best Cup of Coffee: The Daily Grind

Best Coffee Cup: Gallery Coffeehouse

Best Wine-Tasting Room in an Art Gallery: Stoney Mesa Winery, Dia Star Colorado Artist Gallery

Best Beer Selection in a Liquor Store: Union Liquors

Best Beer Selection in a Restaurant: Old Chicago

Best Wine List--Selection: Today's Gourmet/Highlands Garden Cafe

Best Wine List--Price: Fourth Story

Best Wine List--by the Glass: Teddy Roosevelt, American Grille, Hotel Boulderado

Best Martini: Purple Martini

Best Classic Martini: Morton's of Chicago

Best Margarita: Croc's Cafe

Best Happy Hour Spread: Diamond Caberet Reader's Choice: Diamond Caberet/Sfuzzi's

Best outdoor patio: Rick's Blue Water Grill

Best Outdoor Patio with Bar: Lodo's Bar & Grill

Best Children's Menu: Paul's Place

Best Place to Let Kids be Kids: Grand Slam Sports Cafe

Best Place for a Hot Time: Calido Chile Traders

Best Solution to Hot Summer Weather: Paleteria La Mexicana

Best Chips and Salsa: Zolo Grill

Best Traditional Lenten Dishes: Rosa Linda Mexican Cafe

Best Place to Buy a Whole Cow's Head: Longmont Packing #1 Carniceria & Taqueria

Best Panaderia: Panaderia & Pasteleria Santa Fe

Best Green Chile: Johnnie's Market

Best Gringo Green Chile: Newbarry's

Best Menudo: Sidewinder Lounge

Best Taco: Las Palmas Jr.

Best Taco Bargain: Taco House

Best Budget Take-Out Tamales: Los Reyes Mexican Restaurant

Best Soft Chile Relleno: Rincon Tropical

Best Crispy Chile Relleno: 15th Avenue Grill

Best Burrito: Chipotle Mexican Grill

Best Breakfast Burrito: Krameria Cafe

Best Brains Burrito: El Taco de Mexico

Best Mongrel Burrito: Wahoo's Fish Tacos

Best Cheek-Meat Burrito: Taqueria Patzcuaro

Best Fish Taco: Jalapeno Mexican Grill

Best Fresh-Mexican Grill: Zuma

Best Asian Market: Little Saigon Supermarket

Best Chinese Restaurant: Golden Plate

Best Hot-and-Sour Soup: Little Yen King

Best Thai Restaurant: Taste of Thailand

Best Japanese Restaurant: Mori

Best Sushi High-Rise: Restaurant Japon

Best Vietnamese Restaurant: New Saigon

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: Jerusalem

Best Indian Food in a Coffee Shop: Maruti Gourmet Coffee

Best Indian Restaurant: MijBani

Best French Restaurant: The Savoy

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Best Cultural Center and Market: Old San Juan Groceries

Best Fusion Restaurant: Michael's of Cherry Creek

Best Restaurant Resurrection: Aritculate Cafe

Best New Restaurant: Starfish