Welcome to the most exciting adventure we have ever undertaken as a city magazine — Inside Columbia’s first “Best Of Columbia” list. These awards were selected by our readers and represent the finest this city has to offer.

The voting process began last November, when we asked you to submit your choices in dozens of categories that included restaurants, shops, local attractions, artists and many more. Nominations flooded in by the thousands, and your choices appear on the pages that follow. We’ve also included a handful of staff favorites and invited some local celebrities to share their entertaining picks.

We’re proud of this list for many reasons, but here are just two: First, locally owned businesses won the lion’s share of the prizes, proving that there’s no substitute for the kind of friendly, personal service that our local businesses provide. Second, this is an honest list. We didn’t fudge the results to stroke our advertisers — our integrity is too important to us. Sure, there are plenty of our advertisers on this list but that’s simply because a high-quality publication is an attractive advertising vehicle for Columbia’s cream-of-the-crop businesses.

So buckle up and let us take you on a fun ride around Columbia. Trust us, we know what’s Best.

Read the entire BEST OF COLUMBIA 2007 list in the March issue of Inside Columbia magazine.

Best Brunch
If variety is the spice of life, then Boone Tavern’s brunch buffet is awfully spicy. This behemoth spread offers an array of favorites like fried chicken, Belgian waffles, meat-carving stations and made-to-order omelettes. A dessert table provides a sweet ending to your meal and just might be enough to send you into a food coma. Note to diners: Elastic pants are highly recommended.

811 E. Walnut St.,
442-5123
www.boonetavern.com

Best Bakery
Calorie-counters, beware. Take one step inside The Upper Crust bakery, and you will undoubtedly be tempted to splurge. This sweet Columbia staple opens its doors at 6:30 a.m., when the bread is warm and the aroma intoxicating. From rich brioche to sticky pecan rolls to the infamous “guilt, sin and damnation” cookies, these handmade treats are hard to resist. Toss your diet at the door.

3107 Green Meadows Way,
874-4044,
www.theuppercrust.biz; and two additional locations

Best Children’s Clothing
The Children’s Place will keep your little ones in style from birth to size 14. Especially adorable is the newborn line, which, with tiny cropped cardigans for girls and sporty striped sweatshirts for boys, absolutely guarantees coos from passers-by and friends. The store consistently develops new lines and styles inspired by the changing seasons and holidays, which is reason enough to head to the mall and pick up an Easter outfit that will make a child’s photo album oh-so-cute for years to come.

2300 Bernadette Drive,
234-2880,
www.childrensplace.com

Best Local Politician
The first, second, third and fourth times Darwin Hindman threw his proverbial hat into the ring for mayor of Columbia, all turned out to be charms. During his 12 years as mayor, Hindman has proven to be a capable leader and supported progressive policies in the city. Pedestrian facilities, a vibrant downtown, thriving arts and culture, ethnic diversity, and healthier living are goals Hindman has kept in clear focus during his tenure. When elections take place this April we’ll see if those gains ensure his winning streak continues for a fifth consecutive term.
Runner-Up: U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof, 9th District congressman

Best Appetizers
Addison’s may call itself an all-American grill, but its appetizers are anything but traditional. Diners at this local gem can whet their appetites with eclectic selections such as crab Rangoon dip served with veggies and wontons, crunchy tempura lobster ravioli, sweet potato chips and dip, or goat cheese and black bean quesadillas. With starters this good, don’t be surprised if you spoil your appetite.

709 Cherry St.,
256-1995,
www.addisonsophias.com/addisons

Runner-Up: Murry’s,
3107 Green Meadows Way,
442-4969

Staff Pick: Best Place To Start A Project You’ll Never Finish
Good intentions don’t always lead to successful home improvements, but you can’t blame Westlake Ace Hardware, where you’ll find the tools you need and the people who can explain how to use them. Even if you’ve reached the end of your honey-do list — as if that could ever happen — it’s fun to stroll down the aisles looking at the shiny new hand tools, brawny power tools, lighting, gardening supplies, paints, plumbing fixtures, fasteners, work clothes … if Westlake’s doesn’t have it, you probably don’t need it.

1910 W. Worley,
445-4012, and one other location

Best Place to Get a Massage
Cold Stone, Hot Stone, Cranial-facial, Sports, Shiatsu, Deep Tissue — those are just a few of the techniques offered by Riversong Spa & Salon. The most popular is the classic, hour-long Swedish full-body massage. But what you really knead is the romantic Couples Massage. Imagine the two of you in a private room, nekkid, getting all your parts oiled and manipulated. This could save a marriage or create one.
2100 Forum Blvd., Suite C, 447-1772,
www.riversongspa.com

1st Runner-Up: Massage Envy,
2703 E. Broadway, Suite 131,
446-3689, www.massageenvy.com

Best Surf, Turf & Service
It seems that CC’s City Broiler is quite the overachiever. Not content just to serve succulent, tender steaks, this Columbia treasure specializes in fresh seafood as well, and they serve it with a smile to boot. The intimate restaurant pairs decadent food with dynamite service, which is why it takes top honors in three different categories — Best Steaks, Best Seafood and Best Service. Carnivores will think they’ve died and gone to heaven once they cut into the succulent porterhouse or bone-in ribeye, while seafood fanatics will flip for the maple-glazed diver scallops or ahi tuna. No matter what you order, rest assured that the staff here will take care of your every dining need, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy one superb meal.

131 S. 10th St.,
875-2282,
www.ccscitybroiler.com