Best of Winnipeg

Our annual Best of Winnipeg survey is a group effort.

This year, things got rolling in January, when Uptown editor John Kendle consulted with the rest of the staff about which categories were worthy of inclusion before going ahead and doing whatever the hell he felt like (’cos he’s the boss). The result? The 95 categories that you now see before you.

Then it was your turn. For three months, any Winnipegger with a pen and some basic literacy skills or access to a computer had the opportunity to sound off about the people and places that make our city cool.

In early May, interns Robin Dudgeon and Joel Marcoux, with the help of Nick Luchak, Uptown’s new webmaster and Facebook guru, began tabulating the votes submitted by 846 people — because mindless, time-consuming grunt work is what interns do (and, in Nick’s case, because we here at Uptown use annual vote-counting duties as a form of hazing; welcome to the team, dude!).

For days, they painstakingly sifted through stacks of barely-legible, hand-written entries and stared at Excel spreadsheets. There was some occasional grumbling — particularly in response to the rather loose interpretation of ‘local’ exhibited by many voters — but it wasn’t all bad. On the heels of a pouty diatribe about hard-working, dedicated music writers getting no respect, Uptown staff writer and resident indie-music nerd Jen Zoratti was informed she placed third in the Best Local Journalist category. (She takes back everything and promises to let you buy her a drink the next time she runs into you at the Albert.)

After the official count was finished, it was time for more busy work. Top finishers were contacted, congratulated and photographed by Uptown photog Nick Friesen, who was happy to take a break from filming Canada’s next cult classic and enjoy the nice weather.

Next, addresses and phone numbers were confirmed, and 95 informative and entertaining blurbs were written and handed in — some even on deadline — by a crack editorial team comprised of staff John, Jen and Marlo Campbell — the staff writer who did not place in the Best Local Journalist category, despite her unwavering dedication to fighting the patriarchy and keeping you abreast of newsworthy events missed by mainstream media outlets (not that she’s upset or anything) — as well as freelance writers Taylor Burgess and Jared Story, and Robin the aforementioned intern (because hey, free labour!).

The finish line was near. Most spelling and grammatical errors were corrected (we hope) and our collective literary genius was handed over to Uptown art director Karl Thomsen, who used his Jedi-like mastery of graphic design to lay everything out in a way that not only made sense, but looked good, too. Indeed, the force is strong with Karl.

At last, our job is over. You now hold 2010’s finished product in your hands — unless, of course, you’re reading this online at www.uptownmag.com, in which case you might want to thank Mike Goreski of Mike Goreski Design, our elusive web host. (And, if you’re checking the results out on our new Facebook page, Nick wants you to know that he’d love to be your friend.)

We know that the results of this year’s Best of Winnipeg readers’ choice survey are sure to generate some lively debate and possibly some anger, but hey, don’t blame us — this is as much your baby as it is ours. Whether you agree or disagree, this survey reflects your opinions about the city we all call home.

Until next year’s poll, thanks for taking the time to be a part of the experience.

— Uptown staff

Here we go, people:

1. Best Service

1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Getting fine service is a fine line, but those at The Keg seem to do it pretty excellently. In a business meeting? They’re all business. Hanging out with friends? They’re all friendly. Breaking up with your boyfriend? Well, the servers won’t go as far as providing counselling, but they will sure as hell see it coming from a mile away and won’t interrupt.
2. Olive Garden
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Boston Pizza
   Several Winnipeg locations

2. Best Ethnic Restaurant

1. East India Company Pub & Eatery
   349 York Ave., 947-3097
   There’s no need to travel across the world for an authentic ethnic culinary experience — the Mehra family has been satisfying Winnipeggers’ cravings for traditional Indian food over 30 years, serving up mouth-wateringly good dishes that taste even better when enjoyed in East India Company’s absolutely gorgeous downtown restaurant, elaborately decorated with South Asian art.
2. Massawa
   200-121 Osborne St., 284-3194
3. Clay Oven East Indian Restaurant
   Several Winnipeg locations

3. Best New Restaurant

1. Kawaii Crepe
   201-99 Osborne St., 415-2833
   In addition to selling bubble tea in a million flavours, Kawaii Crepe has turned the traditional French breakfast dish upside down, offering sweet and savoury options, perfect for any time of day. Combinations include bacon and eggs, peanut butter and banana and chicken bacon ranch. Our favourite? The Uptown: citrus chicken, avocado, and mayo.
2. Segovia Tapas Bar and Restaurant
   484 Stradbrook Ave., 477-6500
3. Chop
   1750 Sargent Ave., 788-2015

4. Best Restaurant Atmosphere

1. Moxie’s Classic Grill
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Have you seen the Moxie’s Classic Grill TV spot? Nobody says anything in it — they just let the images of good food, good friends and good times do the talking. The Canadian restaurant chain offers an upscale yet relaxed dining experience in a sleek, downtown lounge-style setting.
2. Earls
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations

5. Best Place to Take a Date For Dinner

1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Who doesn’t like to be treated to a nice steak dinner at a classy joint? Unless your new main squeeze is a vegetarian — in which case, please refer to category No. 6 — they’ll be mighty impressed. The Keg serves up every delicious cut of meat just the way you like it — but there’s much more than just steak on the menu. Starters such as the baked goat cheese and succulent shrimp cocktail will set the tone for the evening, and the creamy crème brulée (shared with two spoons, natch) will end the evening on a sweet note.
2. Inferno’s Bistro
   312 Des Meurons St., 262-7400
3. Eat!
   274 Garry St., 949-1231

6. Best Menu

1. Moxie’s Classic Grill
   Several Winnipeg locations
   What do you get on a Moxie’s menu? A surprisingly broad variety of choices which help make this chain a popular, mid-priced restaurant for both young families and the twentysomething crowd. A $10 burger? Check. A kids’ menu? Check? Various chicken and pasta dishes? Check. There’s also fresh fish and a heckuva selection of salads. And don’t forget the extensive wine and beer list, including a couple of Moxie’s-only specialty brews.
2. In Ferno’s Bistro
   312 Des Meurons Rd., 262-7400
3. Eat! Bistro
   274 Garry St., 949-1231

7. Best Appetizers

1. Boston Pizza
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Oh, hell yes. Spinach and artichoke dip, breaded wings, cheese toast, bruschetta and more? Our mouths are watering just thinking about it all. Not only are Boston Pizza’s appetizers tasty, they’re also affordable (few crack the $10 mark).
2. Joey
   Various locations
3. Moxie’s Classic Grill
   Various locations

8. Best Burger

1. VJ’s Drive Inn
   170 Main St., 943-2655
   When a tiny, locally owned burger joint can survive in the competitive, corporate-dominated fast-food business for 52, count’ em, 52 years, you know its burgers are good. Damn good, in fact. Everything at VJ’s is homemade, which is probably why loyal fans can’t get enough. With an exterior and overall vibe straight out of the ’50s, this place is cash-only and take-out-only, although you’re more than welcome to sit down at one of the conveniently located picnic tables and enjoy all that sloppy goodness right there.
2. Daly Burger
   619 Corydon Ave., 284-4944
3. George’s Burgers & Subs
   Several Winnipeg locations

9. Best Local Pizza Restaurant

1. Santa Lucia
   Several Winnipeg locations
   The Simeonidis family has been pleasing pizza lovers since it opened its first location in Thompson, Man. back in 1971. Since then, Santa Lucia has earned a rep for having the best Greek and Italian cuisine in the city, and has expanded to include locations in Fargo, N.D., and Morris, Man.
2. Little Pizza Heaven
   120 Osborne St., 777-5255
3. Boston Pizza
   Several Winnipeg locations

10. Best Steakhouse

1. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Year after year, The Keg takes this category and to the steakhouse chain we say, "Well done!" Or rare, medium, medium-rare (it’s really up to you). For an upscale-yet-casual meat-and-potatoes meal that won’t break the bank, The Keg is the go-to steakhouse for ordinary Canadians.
2. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
   1 Lombard Ave., 942-1000
3. Rae & Jerry’s
   1405 Portage Ave., 783-6155

11. Best Fine Dining

1. 529 Wellington
   529 Wellington Cres., 487-8325
   We may have to retire this category. Again, 529 Wellington captures the No. 1 spot for fine dining in the ’Peg — and we can’t say we’re surprised. Located in an elegantly restored 1912 mansion overlooking the Assiniboine River, the food served here is absolutely divine (seriously, even the french fries taste like they’ve been sprinkled with magic). And 529 serves Canadian Prime, the best available beef in Canada, meaning only the finest, juiciest cuts will arrive on your plate.
2. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
   One Lombard Pl., 942-1000
3. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations

12. Best Late-Night Dining

1. Johnny G’s
   177 McDermot Ave., 942-6656; 172 Main St., 943-1072
   Many a life has been saved on Saturday and Sunday mornings by heading to Johnny G’s after the bars close on Friday and Saturday nights. Burgers, clubhouses, chicken and fries (with gravy, chili or as poutine) are the staples here, and wise Winnipeg nightcrawlers know that a bite at Johnny G’s is preventive medicine that’s as good as two Advil and a glass of water.
2. Papa George’s
   93 Osborne St., 452-6044
3. Salisbury House
   Seven Winnipeg locations

13. Best Breakfast/Lunch

1. Stella’s Café and Bakery
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Stella’s can be summed up as a bunch of hippies serving yuppies. While an average breakfast with coffee is just over 10 bucks, some of the breakfast specialties offered here (baked eggs, omelettes, Mexican breakfast) are well-worth both the cost and the time you’ll spend waiting in the line that’s normally out the door. Even the toast and jam is to die for. And, since all locations are open pretty late, you can grab breakfast at a time of day when getting a beer to go with it wouldn’t be taboo.
2. Cora’s Breakfast & Lunch
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Pancake House
   Several Winnipeg locations

14. Best Ice Cream/Gelato

1. Bridge Drive-In
   766 Jubilee Ave., 475-6850
   The BDI is a Winnipeg institution — and for good reason. Not only is it located a stone’s throw from a pedestrian bridge that provides picturesque views of the Red River, it offers 11 flavours of soft ice cream, served in any combination and with any kind of topping imaginable. Then there are the concoctions that have made the BDI famous — in particular, the Goog Special: an upside-down blueberry shake topped with banana slices, chocolate fudge sauce and whipped cream that, should you be able to finish it, will leave you feeling sick but oh so happy.
2. Nucci’s
   643 Corydon Ave., 475-8765
3. Sargent Sundae
   2053 Portage Ave., 832-5021

15. Best Food Cart/Wagon

1. Smoke’n Bob’s Hot Dogs
   When you think of summer, you think of hot dogs, which is why Smoke’n Bob’s has been camped out in front of the Canwest building at Portage and Main for about as long as we can remember. Apparently, we’re not the only ones who choose to indulge...
2. Goldie’s
3. Mini Donuts

16. Best Patio

1. Bar Italia
   737 Corydon Ave., 452-1929
   On a sunny Saturday afternoon or a hot summer’s evening, Corydon Avenue is all about the foot traffic and from your seat on the Bar Italia patio, you can ogle cute (insert sexual preference here) as they walk by licking gelato. Throw in some alcohol, street musicians and a few friends, and you’ve got the best parking space in town.
2. Tavern United MTS Centre
   260 Hargrave St., 944-0022
3. Saffron’s Restaurant
   681 Corydon Ave., 284-2602

17. Best Neighbourhood Pub

1. King’s Head Pub & Eatery
   120 King St., 957-7710
   Friendly staff, a massive beer selection, bathrooms that don’t require you to ‘hover’ — there are many reasons the King’s Head is Winnipeg’s most beloved pub. In the winter, it’s a cozy place to catch up with friends over a pint and some delicious traditional English and Indian grub. In the summer, the patio is the place to see and be seen in the Exchange District, especially during the Jazz Fest and Fringe season.
2. The Toad in The Hole Pub & Eatery
   112 Osborne St., 284-7201
3. Lo Pub
   330 Kennedy St., 957-5872

18. Best Beer Selection

1. King’s Head Pub & Eatery
   120 King St., 957-7710
   You don’t go to the King’s Head for Blue or Canadian. This is a pub for true connoisseurs — you can get 27 different beers on tap here, from Boddington’s and Newcastle Brown to Heineken and Hooegarden; there are even six local brews from Fort Garry and Half Pints. If you insist on mainstream fare, the bartenders will probably be able to scrounge up a Coors Light or two — but the scowls of your tablemates might put you off.
2. Luxalune
   734 Osborne St., 453-0222
3. The Toad in the Hole Pub & Eatery
   112 Osborne St., 284-7201

19. Best Wine List

1. 529 Wellington Steakhouse
   529 Wellington Cres., 487-8325
   To go along with some of the city’s finest dining, 529 has one of the city’s the best, and most extensive wine lists. It might have to do with the fact that 529 employs Christopher Sprague, one of only 14 qualified sommeliers in Manitoba. If you’re looking to impress or looking to treat yourself (and possibly a date), this is the place. Remember, 529 is fancy. We’ve heard bills running upwards of $300, and sometimes more. But that all depends on which wine you want from 529’s cellar — which is unparalleled.
2. The Keg Steakhouse & Bar
   Various locations
3. Mona Lisa Ristorante Italiano
   1697 Corydon Avenue, 488-3684

20. Best Place to Drink Alone

1. Home
   Turns out when Winnipeggers feel the need to indulge in a little solo boozing, the majority of us prefer to do it at home. Is this because we’re ashamed of our behaviour, or could it be that the experience of drinking at home offers what drinking at bars and pubs do not: our favourite alcoholic beverages, available at much more affordable prices than one finds at licensed, public establishments; privacy (who needs pants, anyway?); and the freedom to cry like a baby and/or sing along loudly with that Lady Gaga song we pretend we don’t like (at least, not while sober).
2. The Toad in the Hole Pub & Eatery
   112 Osborne St., 284-7201
3. The King’s Head Pub & Eatery
   120 King St., 957-7710

21. Best Bar/Lounge to Spend the Day In

1. Toad in the Hole Pub & Eatery
   112 Osborne St., 284-7201
   Whether inside or on the patio — an ideal vantage point for people-watching — the Toad is the perfect place to hang if you’re looking to spend the day drinking (and really, who isn’t?). Catch up with old friends in this popular Osborne Village pub, or make some new ones.
2. Bar Italia
   737 Corydon Ave., 452-1929
3. TIE: King’s Head/ The Lo Pub & Bistro/ Tavern United
   120 King St., 957-7710/ 330 Kennedy St., 957-5872/ several Winnipeg locations

22. Best Server

1. Greg McClelland (The Keg Steakhouse & Bar)
   What makes a good server? "Any good server, including myself, has to have the right timing and proper communication with their tables," Greg McClelland says. "A good server needs to be able to identify a table who wants entertainment as well as a table who wants an intimate alone setting. Lastly, to tie it all together, a good server needs to have the right product knowledge; you can’t sell what you don’t know!" When he’s not waiting tables, this 26-year-old works at the Royal Bank and for the Winnipeg Goldeyes. He also plays hockey at the Highlander on a team named the Gary Buseys, and is working towards a BA in Conflict Resolution from the University of Winnipeg.
2. Kim (The Keg Steakhouse & Bar)
3. Cody Watling (McPhillips Perkins)

23. Best Bartender

1. Jack Jonasson (The Lo Pub & Bistro)
   In addition to playing in a whole host of Winnipeg bands — most notably Novillero and Middle Names — Jack Jonasson is also the manager of the Lo Pub & Bistro, Winnipeg’s hippest hangout/indie rock venue. And he’s not one of those phantom club owners, either. Jack is a hands-on kind of guy, taking care of everything from pouring your drink to handling big important club manager stuff.
2. Dave (King’s Head Pub & Eatery)
3. Scotty Johnson (No establishment given)

24. Best Local Coffee Shop

1. The Fyxx Espresso Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Fresh, brewed coffee. Espresso drinks made to order. An awesome — and wittily named — lunch menu featuring homemade breads and some fantastic sandwich fillings (What’s Gotten India indeed...). The Fyxx is Uptown’s downtown office.
2. Tim Hortons
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Starbucks
   Several Winnipeg locations

25. Best Sushi

1. Wasabi
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Wasabi has three locations — one in West Broadway, one in Osborne Village and a new one on Taylor Avenue. Regardless of which one you choose to go to, you’ll find unique rolls that are as delicious to eat as they are beautiful to look at, great service and loads of hip, urban atmosphere.
2. Meiji Sushi & G Martini Bar
   454 River Avenue, 284-3996
3. Sushi Train
   1270 Pembina Highway, 452-0892

26. Best Vegan/Vegetarian

1. Mondragón Bookstore & Coffeehouse
   91 Albert St., 946-5241
   If the idea of consuming something that once had a face gives you the willies, rest assured that everything served at Mondragón is 100% animal product-free. A hang-out for radical rabble-rousers, this cosy Exchange-district café offers all-day breakfast and an assortment of soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as heartier fare such as rice bowls and its famous Southern-fried tofu.
2. Delicious
   1467 Pembina Hwy., 477-1530
3. Eat! Bistro
   274 Garry St., 949-1231

27. Best Perogies

1. Alycia’s
   559 Cathedral Ave., 582-8789
   Marion Staff first opened Alycia’s in 1977, and it wasn’t long before it became a Winnipeg institution. In addition to a faithful local fanbase, Alycia’s patrons include sports figures and movie stars. Whether you like them boiled or fried, with butter or with bacon, Alycia’s has got you covered,: it cranks out a whopping 1,000 dozen perogies a day for your dine-in or take-out pleasure.
2. Ann’s Perogy Palace
   413 Magnus Ave., 586-7842
3. Mom’s Perogy Factory
   832 Sinclair St., 334-6166

28. Best Dessert

1. Baked Expectations
   161 Osborne St., 452-5176
   Since 1983 Baked Expectations has been Winnipeg’s sweet-tooth satisfier. Located in Osborne Village, the ’50s-style diner serves up the best in tortes, cheesecakes, pies, cakes and shakes — and it’s open late, so you can feed your apple raisin pie addiction and carrot cake craving well into the evening. Baked Expectations also knows you can’t eat dessert all the time (believe us, we’ve tried) and offers a full menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, burgers, egg dishes and pasta.
2. Dessert Sinsations
   505 St. Mary’s Ave., 284-4661
3. Goodies Bake Shop Ltd.
   1124 Ellice Ave., 949-2480

29. Best Dance Club

1. Whiskey Dix
   436 Main St., 944-7539
   At its heart, Whiskey Dix is a country bar — but it’s country in a contemporary way, not the icky Jessica Simpson way. The interior of the club formerly known as The Empire is a sight to behold: the lounges! The multiple dance floors! The historic architecture! But the club’s hands-down best feature is its patio (sorry Whiskey Chix). In addition to two full-service bars and live DJs, the Dix patio also boasts a spacious multi-level wood deck that has both a dance floor and comfortable seating area. It’s the perfect place to get your groove on this summer.
2. Alive in the District
   140 Bannatyne Ave., 989-8080
3. Gio’s Club & Bar
   155 Smith St., 786-1236

30. Hottest Club Clientele

1. Whiskey Dix
   436 Main St., 944-7539
   It’s called Whiskey Dix after a place in New Orleans (there’s one in Philadelphia, too), but the risqué moniker doesn’t faze Winnipeg’s see-and-be-seen crowd. Check out the clothing, styles, smells and other, ahem, assets of the beautiful people clamouring to get inside on Friday and Saturday nights and you’ll understand why this Main Street hotspot won this category.
2. Alive in the District
   140 Bannatyne Ave., 989-8080
3. Republic Nightclub
   291 Bannatyne Ave, 510-9200

31. Best Club Theme Night

1. Readymix at Ozzy’s
   Thursday night dancing sure has changed in the Village over the past couple years, but Readymix is holding strong, still almost always packing Ozzy’s, located in the basement of The Zoo. The best parts about this indie/electro dance night are its downfalls: there’s almost no air conditioning so things get real sweaty real fast, there’s absolutely no reception down there so your friends on the outside have to come in.
   160 Osborne Street, 452-9824
2. ’80s — everywhere
3. No Country Monday, Palomino
   1133 Portage Ave., 772-0454

32. Best Live Music Venue (club or other)

1. Pyramid Cabaret
   176 Fort St., 957-7777
   The Pyramid is small enough for a cosy, intimate gig but big enough to accommodate a kickass dance party — and just dingy enough to make even the scruffiest rock ’n’ roller feel at home. This place doesn’t discriminate, either: over the years, it’s played host to local and touring acts specializing in everything from pop to punk to folk to electronica, a diverse range of well-known and up-and-coming talent that matches the eclectic decor (see: Egyptian-themed wall art meets giant disco ball meets street-light lamps meets inukshuked exterior brick wall).
2. The Royal Albert Arms
   48 Albert St., 943-8433
3. West End Cultural Centre
   586 Ellice Ave., 783-6918

33. Best Local Band

1. The Weakerthans
   Since forming in 1997, The Weakerthans and their hyper-literate folk-punk anthems — many of which have immortalized our, ahem, not-always-so-fair city — have earned a faithful legion of fans Need a reminder as to why The Weakerthans are among our most enduring hometown heroes? Check out the band’s recently released CD/DVD, Live at The Burton Cummings Theatre.
2. Jet Set Satellite
3. SubCity

34. Best New Local Band

1. The Lytics
   Hearkening back to hip hop’s golden era, The Lytics’ smart, positive lyrics and smooth sound brings to mind A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and Souls of Mischief. Not exactly a new group, The Lytics have been making music since 2003 but didn’t get around to releasing any until 2008, in the form of a self-titled EP. Last year, the foursome (Munga, Ashy, A-Nice and DJ Action Rick) released a full-length album, Big City Soundgirl, which has received both airplay and great reviews. Recently the band’s been on the road, playing Canadian Music Week in Toronto and shows in Whistler and Vancouver during the Olympics.
2. Kids on Fire
3. Filthy Animals

35. Best New Local CD

1. Young Kidd, 10X10
   In January, Young Kidd (aka Frankie Fontaine) dropped 10x10, an in-your-face record that deals with poverty, gangs and violence — issues the young local rapper knows all about. The son of an Aboriginal mother and a Jamaican father, Fontaine grew up in Winnipeg’s inner city, where he faced his fair share of struggles. Now, Young Kidd has emerged as a powerful, positive voice for his neighbourhood — and, thanks in no small part to Streetz 104.7, that voice is being heard.
2. Kids On Fire, Kids On Fire
3. Magnum K.I., Magnum K.I.

36. Best Winnipeg Record Label

1. Heatbag Records
   A street rap label from the real-life North End of Winnipeg, Heatbag has been turning it up and turning people on for nearly five years now. Artists such as Charlie Fettah, Jon-c, Brooklyn, Tha Rupness Monster and more bring a gritty realism to their rhymes, and the artists’ production values get better with each release.
2. Transistor 66
3. Smallman Records

37. Best Gym/Yoga Studio

1. YMCA
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Name recognition, tons of locations, and the Village People are probably why the YMCA beat out the world-famous Moksha, but then again, it does have its perks. There’s always a pool, weight room and steam room and, on the whole, it’s pretty affordable.
2. MokshaYoga
   2 Donald Street Unit 7, 452-5535
3. Shapes Fitness Centre
   Several Winnipeg locations

38. Best Place to Get Pampered

1. Ten Spa
   10th floor, 222 Broadway Ave., 946-6520
   Named for its location, the entire 10th floor of Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel, Ten Spa offers a full range of therapeutic and rejuvenating facial and body treatments, as well as a variety of massage and esthetic services. It also boasts a modern, co-ed reinterpretation of a hamam, a traditional Turkish bathing room featuring heated marble walls, floor and seating areas, and an air temperature kept between 45 and 50 degrees.
2. Giselle’s Day Spa
   30-166 Meadowood Dr., 253-0900
3. Urban Oasis Mineral Spa
   1445 Portage Ave., 783-8131

39. Best Club for Hookups

1. Palomino Club
   1133 Portage Ave., 772-0454
   The Palomino Club has been entertaining Winnipeggers for over two decades. There seems to be something almost every day of the week: Booty Shake Monday, Too Hot Tuesday, Ladies’ Night Thursday, TGIF Friday and, of course, all kinds of live entertainment.
2. Whisky Dix
   436 Main St., 944-7539
3. Tijuana Yacht Club
   1792 Pembina Hwy., 775-8791

40. Best Funky Jewellery Store

1. Silver Lotus
   111 Osborne St., 452-3648
   Once again, Silver Lotus takes the first-place necklace. The Osborne Village boutique is your choice for earrings, rings, watches, cufflinks and pendants, including a few exclusive designer collections, all in a wide price range. Silver Lotus also carries bags, wallets, shoes and even stylish water bottles. Now that’s what we call high-quality H2O.
2. Bijou Treasures
   190 Provencher Blvd., 233-9722
3. Soul Survivors Body Art
   118B Osborne St., 284-1173

41. Best Vintage Clothing Store

1. Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium
   216 McDermot Ave, 942-7992
   Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium is a Winnipeg institution — and it has earned the designation. Boasting an impressive collection of vintage clothing, accessories and jewellery (to rent or own), the Exchange District haunt is the kind of treasure-filled place that makes vintage aficionados swoon. Whether you’re looking for an authentic pair of ’70s Frye boots, a souvenir T-shirt from Lollapalooza 1994, an antique kimono or a fabulous 1920s stole, this is where you’ll find it.
2. Value Village
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Hungover Empire
   357 Langside St., 415-4864

42. Best Urban Men’s Clothes

1. Urban Bakery
   398 Portage Ave., 947-2664
   Urban Bakery is a clothing and lifestyle boutique that caters to the young, hip and urban Winnipeg crowd. Not only will you find the latest Stüssy stuff on the racks here, you can also check out the work of some of the city’s finest hip hoppers, pick up handbills for all the latest underground shows and parties, and even score yourself tickets to the city’s hottest clubs and concerts.
2. Hungover Empire
   357 Langside St., 415-4864
3. Hood Hop’rz
   1316 Main St., 219-8024

43. Best Urban Women’s Clothing

1. Hungover Empire
   357 Langside Street, 415-4864
   With tons of plaid and epaulets, one of Winnipeg’s newest boutique thrift shop focuses on the punk side of fashion — it was the store that took the Crypt’s stock when it closed down. Then again, since nearly everything is secondhand, it’s easy to put together your own, 100% individual look.
2. Out of the Blue
   103-99 Osborne Street, 475-9771
3. Urban Bakery
   398 Portage Avenue, 947-2664

44. Coolest New Clothing Store

1. Hood Hop’rz-Fumez
   1316 Main St., 219-8024
   Technically, Hood Hop’rz is more "newish" than new — this North Main store has already been open for more than a year — but clearly it’s got fans who love it. Co-owned by Ricky Acuna and Bryan Bashucky aka Bubblz, a hip hop/rap artist and co-founder of local label Heatbag Records, Hood Hop’rz sells denim, shoes and urban streetwear; lines such as Sean (Diddy) Combs’ Sean John, Beyoncé’s Deréon and Jay-Z’s Rocawear. It also carries an assortment of ‘smoking accessories’ (aka bongs) and an impressive selection of New Era caps.
2. Hungover Empire
   357 Langside St., 415-4864
3. Hush Clothing
   203-99 Osborne St., 474-1208

45. Best Place to Buy Jeans

1. Sargent Blue Jeans
   1136 Sargent Ave., 772-8145
   What’s the best thing about Sargent Blue Jeans? We’re not sure if it’s the stacks of jeans in every possible style and shade, tagged with reasonable prices, or the fact they’ll hem your jeans for free.
2. Warehouse One
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. The Gap
   Several Winnipeg locations

46. Best Outdoor Gear

1. Mountain Equipment Co-op
   303 Portage Ave., 943-4202
   If you’re the outdoorsy type, Mountain Equipment Co-op is your go-to destination for cycling, hiking, running, climbing, camping, winter and water sport needs. According to its website, 95% of MEC’s downtown location was built from reused or recycled material.
2. Cabela’s
   1300 Ellice Ave., 786-8966
3. Gord’s Cycle and Ski
   2 Donald St., 284-2952; 1765 Kenaston Blvd., 269-2952

47. Best Optical Store

1. Hakim Optical
   Several Winnipeg locations
   OK, so you were called Four Eyes and Window Face as a fourth grader. Then you got a little older and realized that glasses can actually make you look cooler — and, as Homer Simpson can attest, smarter. The trick is finding the right frames. The fine people at Hakim Optical understand that picking frames is a highly personal matter — they will be worn on your face, after all — and will advise you on the shape, size and colour that’s best for you.
2. Osborne Spectacle
   134 Osborne St., 477-1636
3. Pearle Vision
   Several Winnipeg locations

48. Best Skateboard/Snowboard Shop

1. Kings Skate, Snow & Surf
   750 Pembina Hwy., 453-7434; 1769 Portage Ave., 897-5464
   It takes its name from the old Portage Avenue cinema that was its first location, but now Kings is a two-location shop to stop at for skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing gear. Yes, there are surfers on the Prairies. No, we don’t know where they find surf here (although Lake Winnipeg can be pretty gusty at times).
2. SK8 Skates
   225-1 Forks Market Rd., 452-4802
3. Green Apple The Skateboard Shop
   836 Corydon Ave., 415-6026

49. Best Bicycle Shop

1. Gord’s Ski & Bike
   2 Donald St., 284-2952; 1765 Kenaston Blvd., 269-2952
   Having been in business for over 40 years, the people at Gord’s know how to treat you right. Whether you’re just starting to ride, you broke your bike "just riding along" or you’re looking to get the most serious of serious bikes, Gord’s helpful, knowledgeable staff is the best of the best.
2. Olympia
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Woodcock
   433 St. Mary’s Rd., 253-5896

50. Best Tattoo/Piercing Parlour

1. Soul Survivors Body Art
   118B Osborne St., 284-1173
   The perennial winner of this category has done it again! Soul Survivors offers all forms of body modification out of its subterranean Osborne Village studio. Its artists are super-friendly, highly skilled and committed to keeping you safe. In fact, in addition to having some pretty kick-ass ear modifications, Soul Survivors’ fearless leader Eric Johanson has been a tireless advocate for improving health standards in shops across the city.
2. Metamorphosis Custom Tattoo & Body Piercing
   101-290 McDermot Ave., 942-1565
3. Kapala Tattoo
   71 St. Anne’s Rd., 255-8897

51. Best Fetish/Sex Toy Shop

1. Discreet Boutique
   340 Donald St., 947-1307
   Vibrators, dildos, pumps, masturbators, strap-ons, blow-ups, beads, rings, glass toys, harnesses, gags, oils, lotions, dongs, C-rings, eggs, extensions, sleeves, novelties, edible underwear, videos, restraints, hoods, head gear, whips, clamps — Discreet Boutique has every sexual aid you can think of, and some you might not even be aware of.
2. Love Nest
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Lady Godiva Boutique
   1475 Pembina Hwy., 452-1100

52. Best Independent Video Store

1. Movie Village
   57 Osborne St., 477-5566
   In addition to the usual new releases and comedy/drama/action/horror sections, Movie Village has space dedicated to actors, directors, Canadian films, GBLT films, independent films, cult, classic, music and staff picks. And, if you have that porn again feeling, there’s a backroom dedicated to the dirty stuff. Sifting through 55,000 DVDs might seem daunting, but Movie Village’s smart set-up, friendly staff and computer catalogue make finding the film you’re looking for a breeze.
2. Video Cellar
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Blockbuster
   Several Winnipeg locations

53. Best Independent Music Store

1. Music Trader
   97 Osborne St., 475-0077
   Whether you’re looking to pick up the brand- new album by (insert obscure indie/noise/electropop/punk act here) or you’re on a quest to own everything — everything — Sonic Youth has ever recorded, Music Trader has got you covered. Looking to unload a few pre-loved gems? Take ’em down to the Trader to be appraised. And hey, don’t be intimidated by the hyper-knowledgeable music geeks in the ultra-cool T-shirts behind the counter — they won’t judge. To your face, anyway.
2. Into the Music
   B-245 McDermot Ave., 287-8279
3. CD Plus
   1630 Ness Ave., 775-8600; Garden City Shopping Centre, 334-6272

54. Best Used Bookstore

1. Aqua Books
   274 Garry St., 943-7555
   Owned and operated by the inimitable Kelly Hughes, Aqua Books has boldly and brashly become this city’s ‘little bookstore that could.’ Since moving to its present quarters, adding Eat! Bistro and becoming home to several ambitious reading series, writer-in-residence programs and now, the Kelly Hughes Live! talk show, Aqua is threatening to live up to its self-proclaimed status as ‘Winnipeg’s Cultural City Hall.’ Oh, it also sells used books. Lots of them. In good condition. For cheap.
2. Red River Books
   92 Arthur St., 943-9788
3. The Neighbourhood Bookstore & Café
   898 Westminster Ave., 772-0509

55. Best Local Bookstore

1. McNally Robinson
   1120 Grant Avenue, 475-0483
   Let’s not dwell on the recent closure of McNally Robinson Polo Park. McNally’s Grant Park location has every classic or new notable book you could ever dream of, and plenty of nooks and crannies to sit and rad them in (you could probably spend an afternoon in the magazine section alone). That brand new literary up-and-comer that you’ve been eyeing would take three days to ship if you order it off the Internet. Chances are McNally’s got a copy or two in stock. Better go quick.
2. Chapters
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Aqua Books
   274 Garry Street, 943-7555

56. Best Music Equipment Store

1. Long & McQuade
   Stafford St. and Pembina Hwy., 284-8992
   Long & McQuade has your music equipment needs covered. Don’t know how to play an instrument? No worries: this full-service store also offers private lessons in guitar, drums, bass, double bass, piano, vocal, violin, brass, woodwinds and accordion. Yes, accordion. (It’s making a comeback.)
2. Mother’s Music
   661 Wall St., 783-6045
3. Quest Musique
   Several Winnipeg locations

57. Best Natural Food Store

1. Vita Health
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Vita Health has been family owned and operated for 70 years. Its seven Winnipeg locations have everything you need to build a better you: nutritional supplements. lotions, potions, herbs (no, not that kind) and lots of other products that will help you live a healthier, happier life.
2. Organza
   2A-230 Osborne St., 453-6266
3. Organic Planet
   877 Westminster Ave., 772-8771

58. Best Antiques/Old Stuff

1. Antiques & Funk
   474 Main St., 943-4782
   Looking for collectibles, memorabilia, books, art, antiques, home decor, furniture, trinkets, doo-dads and whatchamacallits? Get in touch with your inner hunter-gatherer at Antiques & Funk. The 2,000-square-foot space in the Exchange District is filled with funky finds — enough to make even an accountant look cool. Break away from boring.
2. Old House Revival
   324 Young St., 477-4286
3. Vintage in the Village
   194 Osborne St., 287-2278

59. Best Tailor

1. Tam Custom Tailor Shop
   802 Ellice Ave., 775-1160
   Vietnamese-Canadian Tam Nguyen is the owner of this unassuming Ellice Avenue shop, and has kept Winnipeggers looking good since he first opened Tam the Tailor in 1986. Tam Custom Tailor Shop has earned a glowing reputation for its custom-made menswear and has designed garments for Hollywood actors such as Philip Seymour Hoffman, Harvey Keitel, Kevin Pollak, Catherine Keener, Billy Zane and the late Patrick Swayze.
2. Garnet Tailoring
   42 Albert St., 947-9306
3. Stitch It
   Several Winnipeg locations

60. Best Hat & Bag Store

1. The Haberdashery Guys and Girls
   84 Albert St., 256-3758
   Hats are cool once again and The Haberdashery is your hookup. Now location in the Exchange, it sells high-end ballcaps, high-fashion women’s headgear (it can even special order) and high-quality men’s fedoras and derbies.
2. Lids
   St. Vital Centre, 257-7621
3. Boes Ltd.
   Several Winnipeg locations

61. Best Place to Buy a Fancy Dress

1. Cake
   264 McDermot Avenue, 415-0712
   Whether you need a new little black dress or something special just for wearing out this weekend, Cake is the place. Elegant, sexy, strapless, halters — Cake’s selection just about runs the gamut. Need a bridesmaid’s dress? Cake has those, too, so you won’t be stuck with some dress that looks as if it was plucked out of an ’80s teen movie.
2. Frockstar
   304-99 Osborne Street, 477-6489
3. Stella’s Bridal Galleria
   516 Portage Avenue, 453-9253

62. Best Neighbourhood to Live In

1. Wolseley
   Ah, Wolseley: home to a colourful assortment of old hippies, thirtysomething yuppies, cute kids, and feral cats, all living in beautiful harmony — in equally-as-beautiful character homes. Nestled up against the Assiniboine river and walking distance to Polo Park, this ’hood is known for its Halloween bounty — so good, people actually drive in from other parts of Winnipeg to trick or treat — as well as for its tree-lined streets, quirky gardens, hassle-free cycling (particularly on Sundays in the summer, when Wolseley Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic) and the inclusive attitude of its residents. Even mosquitoes are welcome.
2. Osborne Village
3. River Heights

63. Best Free Event

1. Canada Day in Osborne Village
   Winnipeggers love Canada Day. Many flock to The Forks to see fireworks and entertainment, but many also head to the Village for the Osborne Village Street Festival, which promises a wild time — complete with street vendors, extended patios, musicians, artists and booze.
2. Fringe Festival stage in Old Market Square
3. Jazz Winnipeg Festival stage in Old Market Square

64. Best Cultural Event

1. Folklorama
   A celebration of Winnipeg’s cultural diversity, Folklorama is the largest and longest-running multicultural festival in the world, first held in 1970 (one year before Canada adopted multiculturalism as official policy). Running for two weeks every August, nations from all over the world are featured in pavilions showcasing the country’s heritage, music, dance and food. The cuisine may be the best part of Folklorama: you can stuff yourself silly on Ukrainian kielbasa, Scottish haggis or roti from the Caribbean.
2. Winnipeg Folk Festival
3. Festival du Voyageur

65. Best Sports Complex

1. MTS Centre
   300 Portage Ave., 987-7825
   In addition to hosting events such as World Junior Hockey and the Brier, the sparkling 15,000-plus seat entertainment and sports facility is also the home of the Manitoba Moose (NHL franchise rumours aside, the MTS Centre is still Moose Country). Sports fans and music lovers alike can appreciate the excellent sight lines, the great acoustics — and the lack of a trough (ask a guy).
2. Highlander Sportsplex
   1871 Ellice Ave., 784-8888
3. Pan Am Pool
   25 Poseidon Bay, 986-5890

66. Best Place to People Watch

1. The Forks
   Ask a Winnipegger where you should go while you’re in town and The Forks will inevitably come up. The meeting place of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers was a natural rendezvous point for centuries for the area’s inhabitants and, ever since the old train yards were cleared and gentrified for the public in the late 1980s, The Forks has been a civic focal point Winnipeggers old and new, big and small, rich and poor.
2. Corydon Avenue
3. Osborne Village

67. Best Toboggan Hill

1. Westview Park (aka Garbage Hill or Green Hill)
   How do you achieve a successfully fun toboggan ride? Danger. Our beloved Garbage Hill is one of few places in Winnipeg that isn’t flat. In fact, its backside is quite the toboggan run — those tires are chained to the fence for a reason. Thrill-seekers should also watch out for gopher holes and broken glass. The hill, after all, is made of garbage.
2. Omand Park
3. Assiniboine Park

68. Best Place to Walk the Dog

1. Assiniboine Park
   "What’s that in your hand? Is that my leash you’re holding? Oh my God, does this mean we’re going for a walk in Assiniboine Park? I love that place! It’s got all those trees that I like to pee on! And sometimes I see that other dog — remember that dog I met that time? We sniffed each other and did some barking and then ran up to that guy on the rollerblades and let him pet us? Good times. Hey, maybe we should bring the frisbee so you can throw it and I can chase after it! Wouldn’t that be — SQUIRREL!! — whoa, sorry there, I got distracted. Hey, is that my leash?"
2. Kildonan Park
3. The Forks

69. Coolest Washrooms

1. Moxie’s Classic Grill
   Several Winnipeg locations
   It’s official: Moxie’s has the coolest cans in Winnipeg. Next time you’re looking to spend some quality time in the washroom, whether it’s ‘doing your business,’ or making yourself look pretty, the modern bathrooms at Moxie’s are the most stylish.
2. Earls
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Joey’s
   Several Winnipeg locations

70. Best Graffiti

1. Graffiti Art Programming Inc.
   109 Higgins Ave., 667-9960
   For the fourth year in a row, Graffiti Art Programming Inc. wins this category. In addition to graffiti art, traditional art, urban art, Aboriginal art and performance art all goes down within the walls of this not-for-profit community youth art centre. It seems Winnipeggers prefer this to illegal street art.
2. The Standard Tavern
   61 Sherbrook St., 415-4488
3. Osborne Village

71. Best Place to Go on a Date

1. The Forks
   No matter what season it is, The Forks practically guarantees a memorable date. In the summer, you can grab a drink or dinner on one of the patios, then take a romantic stroll along the river. In the winter, you can go skating (think of the body-contact opportunities!) and then sip hot chocolate while gazing into each other’s eyes.
2. Assiniboine Park Zoo
3. Corydon Avenue

72. Best Festival

1. Winnipeg Folk Festival
   Last year the Winnipeg Folk Festival expanded to five nights of concerts with the addition of a Wednesday show by Elvis Costello & the Imposters. And this spring, organizers announced a cap on daily attendance for the first time in the festival’s history. Jimmy Cliff has the Wednesday night spot this year, kicking off an extended weekend of listening, dancing and celebrating.
2. Festival du Voyageur
3. Folklorama

73. Best Day Trip

1. Grand Beach
   On some really hot days in late June or July do you ever get the feeling that Winnipeg is a ghost town? Well, chances are that everyone is either a) out at their cabin or b) driving to Grand Beach. If you’ve chosen to do the latter, congratulations! You’re in for one hell of a beach experience. You could people watch. Or you could go exploring as far down the beach as possible.
2. Gimli
3. Birds Hill Park

74. Best Wi-fi Hotspot

1. Starbucks
   Several Winnipeg locations
   Starbucks coffeeshops are here for you and your laptop. Create a starbucks.com account and get two consecutive hours a day of complimentary wi-fi — all while sitting in pleasant surroundings, enjoying a muffin and a grande iced caramel macchiato.
2. The Fyxx Espresso Bar
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Millennium Library
   251 Donald St., 986-6450

75. Best Bike Trails

1. Assiniboine Park
   If you prefer to bike leisurely among lush green trees and grass as opposed to racing down crowded city streets dodging potholes, cars and pedestrians, Assiniboine park is the place to go. (Please wear a helmet — just in case.)
2. Birds Hill Park
3. Eagle Head Lake Trail (btwn. Minaki, Ont., and Westhawk, Man.)

76. Best Building

1. Manitoba Hydro Place
   360 Portage Ave., 480-5900
   Located in downtown Winnipeg, the headquarters of Manitoba Hydro houses 1650 employees. Although it’s not the tallest tall building in Winnipeg (at 112.5 metres, it comes in fourth), it’s definitely the most energy efficient. Its state-of-the-art "breathing building" design allows for the flow of passive free energy and fresh air. Its shape and ceiling-to-floor windows enable natural light, its geothermal system provides heat or cold, its solar chimney allows natural ventilations, its, well it’s really a remarkable example of modern architecture, designed by Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects of Toronto.
2. Manitoba Legislative Building
   450 Broadway, 945-5813
3. MTS Centre
   260 Hargrave St., 987-7825

77. Best Place to Watch Sports

1. MTS Centre
   300 Portage Ave., 987-7825
   It appears Uptown readers prefer watching sporting events live as opposed to on the small screen (or perhaps were a little confused by this category). Still, as anyone who watched the men’s Olympic gold-medal hockey game at the MTS Centre in February can attest, watching ‘the Game’ on a giant screen with an arena full of revellers sure beats the hell out of watching it with your roommate on a 24-inch TV propped up by pizza boxes.
2. Boston Pizza
   Several Winnipeg locations
3. Tavern United
   Several Winnipeg locations

78. Best Place to Shoot Pool

1. Flea Whiskey’s Café and Billiards
   Erin & Portage, 775-2727
   The northeast corner of Portage Avenue and Erin Street is where you’ll find one of the most relaxed atmospheres in the city. The tables here are well-spaced (very important in a billiards room) and in tip-top shape, plus you can enjoy a beverage while you play.
2. Triple B’s Billiards Bar & Lounge
   121 Scurfield Blvd, 452-3222; 1873 Henderson Hwy, 339-0886
3. Bourbon Street Billiards
   241 Vaughan Street, 957-1293

79. Favourite Local Musician

1. JP Hoe
   Ah, the affable singer/songwriter JP Hoe. Known for hosting the JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Christmas Show, he justs gets better and better. While he hasn’t released anything since 2008, he is finishing up a new album. And, on June 3 he’ll be recording a live disc at the West End Cultural Centre.
2. Cory Anderson
3. Greg MacPherson

80. Best Local Filmmaker

1. Guy Maddin
   As eccentric as the city that is his muse, Guy Maddin has written and directed dozens of films since he quit his day job as a bank teller in the mid-’80s. Lucky for us he did: The Winnipeg-born 54-year-old has brought his surrealist sensibility to such titles as 1988’s Tales from the Gimli Hospital, 2003’s The Saddest Music in the World and 2007’s My Winnipeg, delighting fans and critics alike with each new project.
2. Mike Maryniuk
3. Matt Rankin

81. Favourite Local Actor

1. Adam Beach
   Adam Beach is easy on the eyes and his resume is equally as impressive. In addition to starring in Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-nominated Flags of our Fathers and cult indie flicks such as Dance Me Outside and Smoke Signals, Beach has acted on TV shows such as North of 60, Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and, most recently, on the hit HBO drama Big Love.
2. Brennan Lumsden
3. Stephen Eric McIntyre

82. Favourite Local Actress

1. Shannon Jacques
   After graduating with an honours degree in theatre from the U of W in 2004, Jacques has been honing her craft as a film actress, scoring several small parts including an uncredited role in 2003’s Behind the Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three’s Company (she played a make-up artist). Last spring she appeared as a secretary in the made-for-CTV movie Elijah and recently she appeared in a couple short films — Drag Race and Contagious — both directed by Alf Kollinger. At the moment however, it seems Jacques is spending more time surfing than acting. A Facebook search revealed she’s now living in Sydney, Australia.
2. Anna Paquin
3. Nia Vardalos

83. Favourite Local Visual Artist

1. Katherine Bruce
   Local contemporary mixed-media artist Katherine Bruce is best known for her bright, bold abstracts and evocative landscapes. Born in New York City, Bruce spent her formative years in Winnipeg, earning a fine arts degree from the U of M. For the past decade, Bruce has called Winnipeg home, and has shown her work through numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout the city. Her collage, Princess Street Reflective, hangs in The Council Building at City Hall.
2. Arlea Ashcroft
3. Wanda Koop

84. Favourite Local Club/Party DJ

1. Marissa Boss
   Marissa Boss is the resident DJ at Cowboy’s Roadhouse, and this is the second year in a row that the 22-year-old Ukrainian dancer (she also teaches) has won this category — proving that she is, indeed, the Boss. Of the dancefloor, that is.
2. Mama Cutsworth
3. DJ Wizard

85. Favourite Local Photographer

1. Jesse Robinson
   This is the third year in a row that Mr. Robinson has taken the title of favourite local photographer, and this is the kind of stuff that Best of Winnipeg is made of. Try to Google search the guy, and you’ll find nada. You’ll have to find this North-Ender and his photographs the old-fashioned way — which is how Robinson takes his photos. No digital photography for this guy.
2. Pink Elephant
3. David Lewis

86. Favourite Radio Personality

1. Ace Burpee (Hot 103)
   As its jingle proclaims, the Ace Burpee show is indeed on the radio. Every weekday morning from 5:30 until 10 on Hot 103, in fact. As the titular star of that show, Ace helps Winnipeggers ease into their day by cracking jokes, discussing very important issues (such as what kind of pie is the best) and pointing out things that are awesome. You just can’t fake the kind of genuine enthusiasm for life that Ace brings to his job —especially at 6 a.m.
2. Miss Melissa (STREETZ 104.7)
3. Adam West (Hot 103)

87. Favourite Radio Station

1. STREETZ 104.7
   The new kid on the block — or should we make that the dial? — stole the top spot for Favourite Radio Station. Streetz 104.7 FM: Winnipeg’s illest urban, plays the best in Aboriginal and mainstream hip hop and urban music. You can also catch news, traffic and weather. Get acquainted with Miss Melissa Spence and J-Boogie in the morning, hang out with Jules Lafreniere and Sadie in the afternoon, and listen to Elie Keeper in the evening and Jeremy Harper on the weekend.
2. Hot 103
3. KICK FM

88. Favourite Local Journalist

1. Doug Brown (Winnipeg Free Press/CJOB)
   Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive tackle Doug Brown uses his experience on the field to write a weekly sports column for the Winnipeg Free Press. A five-time Canadian Football League all-star and the league’s Most Outstanding Canadian in 2001, Brown also hosts The Doug Brown Spin Zone, a call-in sports show which airs on CJOB 68.
2. Bartley Kives (Winnipeg Free Press)
3. Jen Zoratti (Uptown)

89. Favourite Local TV Station

1. CTV
   In addition to being the Canadian home for mega-hit American TV shows such as The Colbert Report, Gossip Girl, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost and The Vampire Diaries, CTV also showcases some killer Can-con, such as the police drama Flashpoint, starring former Headstones frontman Hugh Dillon. But the reason Uptown readers keep naming CTV their favourite TV station has a lot to do with its local newscast. Gord Leclerc and Maralee Caruso keep us informed — and Winnipeg’s sweetheart Sylvia Kuzyk keeps her eyes on the skies.
2. CBC
3. Global

90. Favourite TV Sportscast

1. CTV
   The station formerly known as CKY (these are still its official call letters) has always had a strong sports department. These days Shawn Churchill, Kevin Olszewski and Leah Hextall head up the station’s team, and they do a bang-up job of covering the local sports scene.
2. TSN
3. Sportsnet

91. Favourite Local Athlete

1. Cindy Klassen
   In 2009, Cindy Klassen scored silver in this category, but she’s back on top this year. Even though she didn’t reach the podium at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the Games definitely rekindled our love for her.
2. Jonathan Toews
3. Clara Hughes

92. Favourite Citizen

1. Dancing Gabe
   He dances at Moose games. He dances at Bomber games. He dances at Goldeyes games. He’s been doing his thing for so long, he used to dance at Jets games. He’s even danced in a music video (The Plot by local band The Filthy Animals). A devoted sports fan with boundless energy, (Dancing) Gabe Langlois can be seen busting out his own unique brand of moves at games and other events around the city. He’s also a walking example of how to be who you are and do what you love, no matter what anyone else might say.
2. Faron Hall
3. Lloyd Axworthy

93. Most Outrageous Winnipegger

1. Dancing Gabe
   What else can we say?
2. Peter Rygiel
3. Ace Burpee

94. Favourite Local Politician

1. Judy Wasylycia-Leis
   A sign of things to come? The civic election isn’t until Oct. 27, but Uptown readers have already cast their votes. Judy Wasylycia-Leis officially registered her campaign on May 3 and, given her political history, it looks like incumbent Mayor Sam Katz has a fight on his hands. Wasylycia-Leis was an MLA from 1986 to 1988 and an MP from September 1997 to April 2010.
2. Sam Katz
3. Jenny Gerbasi

95. Best Local Blog

1. winnipeglovehate.com
   Local photographer Bryan Scott invites you to look at "the most beautiful, most repulsive city in the world" through the lens of his camera. Born out of a passion for photography and architecture — and a love-hate relationship with Winnipeg — winnipeg love & hate offers a poignant, gritty and unflinchingly honest look at the Prairie town we call home.
2. ChrisD.ca
3. Pullteeth.net