BEST OF THE BEAT

It’s that time again, when we present the winners of the friendly competition called The Best of the Beat . But don’t blame us – these are your choices for the absolute finest in people, places and things of the Upstate persuasion. With so much mediocrity passing for something more in the world today, it is refreshing to encounter that which is truly a cut above - and shine a spotlight on it to acknowledge the achievement. If you don’t agree with some of the choices – I certainly don’t – remember that democracy is a messy business. But this is how the votes were cast, and unlike some similar competitions, The Best of the Beat is not for sale. Never has been, never will be.

For two issues in November – and online for nearly a month - we ran a massive ballot soliciting your picks for everything from Best Pizza to Best Place For a Last Date. The response has been tremendous, with greatly increased on-line balloting swelling the vote totals well beyond anything we’ve experienced in the past. We’ve been busy counting the ballots, trying to figure out exactly who some of the more obscure choices might be. You voted, we counted, and the results are in.

For next year, we probably need to tweak a few categories. For example, is “Best Place To Sober Up” really that much different from “Best Place To Recover From Last Night”? Other categories like Best Doctor, Best Dentist, Best Teacher, etc. are hard to define, since most people vote for their own professional. Still, winners emerge in those categories so they will continue. Some of the responses were hilarious, such as the uncounted vote for Best Lawyer that read “some fat guy.”

Other comments were more on point, like the question why we didn’t list a separate category for Greer when we asked for your Best Restaurant or Bar in Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson? Good question and we will be sure to include such listings on next year’s ballot. To be sure, a number of Greer establishments are listed among the winners. The first year it opened, Gerard’s won the Best New Restaurant title. The influx of new eateries in Greer since them more than justifies a brighter place in The Beat sun for Greer.

Here are your 2007 choices for The Best of The Beat. Thanks to all who voted and come back next year. We’re The Beat – and we’re glad you’re with us. (James Shannon)