By Dan Reeves, Morgan Siem and Emma Powell
Things change — and some things stay the same, as we have learned over the past 10 years publishing Metro Magazine. And our annual MetroBravo reader poll, asking readers to vote on dozens of categories of goods and services, dramatically tells the tale.
With warp growth in the region, new winners won the hearts of voters in an instant. Yet, most of the quality mainstays held their ground and came up on top again — a real tribute.
In this issue we present Part One of the results — Food and Drink; Professional Services; People and Places; the Built Environment; Media; Resorts; and Travel. Sure enough, some things change and some things stay the same.
Next month, Part Two: Shopping and Retail; Home Life; Automotive; Health and Fitness; Education; and Tech Life. Stay tuned.
— Bernie Reeves, Editor & Publisher
FOOD & DRINK
Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Vivace, Raleigh
MetroBravo
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Lantern, Chapel Hill
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
New Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Coquette, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sitti, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Solas, Raleigh
Revolution, Durham
Romantic Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bonne Soirée, Chapel Hill
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Restaurant for
Take-Out
Standing Ovation
Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Pharaoh’s, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
PF Chang’s China Bistro, Triangle-
wide
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
Restaurant for Power
Lunch
Standing Ovation
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Glenwood Grill, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Midtown & Bar 115, Raleigh
Coquette, Raleigh
Restaurant for
Special Occasions
Standing Ovation
The Angus Barn, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Coastal Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Blue Moon Bistro, Beaufort
Dockside Restaurant & Marina, Wrightsville Beach
MetroBravo
Jerry’s Food, Wine & Spirits, Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Brasserie du Soleil, Wilmington
Port Land Grille, Wilmington
Outdoor Dining
Standing Ovation
Vivace, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
The Weathervane, Chapel Hill
Crook’s Corner, Chapel Hill
Deli
Standing Ovation
Village Deli, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Jason’s Deli, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Tropical Smoothie, Raleigh
McAlister’s, Triangle-wide
Coffeehouse
Standing Ovation
Starbuck’s, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Third Place Coffeehouse, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Cup A Joe, Raleigh
Caffé Driade, Chapel Hill
Sports Bar
Standing Ovation
Carolina Ale House, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Hi5, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Fox and Hound Pub and Grille, Raleigh and Wilmington
Tobacco Road Sports Cafe, Raleigh
Place with Best
Cocktail Menu
Standing Ovation
Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Vivace, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Lantern, Chapel Hill
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh
Caterer
Standing Ovation
LadyFingers Caterers, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Catering Company of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Catering Works, Raleigh
Chef Mario’s, Inc., Raleigh
Chef
Standing Ovation
Jason Smith, 18 Seaboard, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Ashley Christensen, Poole’s Diner, Raleigh
John Toler, Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Andrea Reusing, Lantern, Chapel Hill
Scott Crawford, Heron’s at The Umstead, Cary
Wait Staff
Standing Ovation
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Coquette, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Savoy, Raleigh
Heron’s at The Umstead, Cary
French Cuisine
Standing Ovation
Coquette, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Saint-Jacques French Cuisine, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bonne Soirée, Chapel Hill
Provence, Carrboro
Italian Cuisine
Standing Ovation
Vivace, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Casa Carbone Ristorante, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
411 West, Chapel Hill
518 West, Raleigh
Mexican Cuisine
Standing Ovation
Dos Taquitos Mexican Restaurant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Jibarra Modern Mexican Tequila Lounge, Raleigh
MEZ, Durham
Chinese Cuisine
Standing Ovation
Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Neo-China Restaurant, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
PF Chang’s China Bistro, Triangle-wide
Red Lotus Asian Kitchen & Bar, Chapel Hill
Tapas/Small Plates
Standing Ovation
The Red Room Tapas Lounge, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Glasshalfull, Carrboro
Honorable Mention
Humble Pie, Raleigh
Zely & Ritz Tapas Restaurant and Wine Bar, Raleigh
Sushi
Standing Ovation
Mura Japanese Restaurant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Waraji Japanese Restaurant, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sushi Blues Cafe, Raleigh
Shaba Shabu, Raleigh
Appetizers
Standing Ovation
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bonefish Grill, Triangle-wide
The Cheesecake Factory, Durham and Raleigh
Barbecue/Ribs
Standing Ovation
The Pit, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Allen & Son, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Danny’s Bar-B-Que, Cary, Durham and Morrisville
The Q Shack, Raleigh
Hot Dog
Standing Ovation
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Roast Grill, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Triangle-wide
Cloo’s Coney Island, Raleigh
Hamburger
Standing Ovation
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Char-Grill, Raleigh and Cary
Honorable Mention
Mojoe’s Burger Joint, Raleigh
Pharaoh’s, Raleigh
French Fries
Standing Ovation
Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
McDonald’s, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Char-Grill, Raleigh and Cary
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, Raleigh
Pizza
Standing Ovation
Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Lilly’s Pizza, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Piccola Italia, Raleigh
Cinelli’s, Raleigh
Capital Creations Gourmet Pizza, Raleigh
Steaks
Standing Ovation
The Angus Barn, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Ruth’s Chris, Cary and Raleigh
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bin 54, Chapel Hill
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
Seafood
Standing Ovation
42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Squid’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Fins Restaurant, Raleigh
Bonefish Grill, Triangle-wide
Oysters
Standing Ovation
42nd Street Oyster Bar, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Squid’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
Coquette, Raleigh
Dessert
Standing Ovation
Hayes-Barton Dessertery & Café, Raleigh
MetroBravo
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Heron’s at The Umstead, Cary
Honorable Mention
Sugarland, Chapel Hill
The Cheesecake Factory, Durham and Raleigh
Brunch
Standing Ovation
NOFO Café, Raleigh and Wilmington
Coquette, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Weathervane, Chapel Hill
Carolina Crossroads, Chapel Hill
Smoothies
Standing Ovation
Tropical Smoothie, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Keva Juice, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Planet Smoothie, Triangle-wide
Smoothie King, Triangle-wide
Eggs Benedict
Standing Ovation
Brigs Restaurant, Cary, Durham and Raleigh
MetroBravo
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
NOFO Café, Raleigh and Wilmington
Coquette, Raleigh
Fried Chicken
Standing Ovation
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ’n Biscuits, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Mama Dip’s Kitchen, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Smithfield Chicken ’N Bar-B-Q, Triangle-wide
Kentucky Fried Chicken, Triangle-wide
Margarita
Standing Ovation
Dos Taquitos Mexican Restaurant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Margaret’s Cantina, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
MEZ, Durham
Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide
Martini
Standing Ovation
Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Blue Martini Bar and Lounge, Raleigh
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
Bloody Mary
Standing Ovation
NOFO Café, Raleigh and Wilmington
Coquette, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Winston’s Grille, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
The Raleigh Times Bar, Raleigh
Cosmopolitan
Standing Ovation
Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Heron’s at The Umstead, Cary
Honorable Mention
18 Seaboard, Raleigh
Ruth’s Chris, Cary and Raleigh
Beer
Standing Ovation
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Carolina Brewery, Chapel Hill and Pittsboro
Honorable Mention
Carolina Ale House, Triangle-wide
Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom, Apex and Carrboro
Wine
Standing Ovation
West End Wine Bar, Chapel Hill
Glasshalfull, Carrboro
MetroBravo
The Angus Barn, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Heron’s at The Umstead, Cary
Vinnie’s Steakhouse & Tavern, Raleigh
NC Vineyard/Winery
Standing Ovation
Biltmore Estate, Ashville
MetroBravo
Duplin Winery, Rose Hill
Honorable Mention
Chatham Hill Winery, Morrisville
Childress Vineyards, Lexington
Breakfast
Standing Ovation
Brigs Restaurant, Cary, Durham and Raleigh
Elmo’s Diner, Carrboro and Durham
MetroBravo
The Flying Biscuit Cafe, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, Raleigh
Courtney’s Restaurant, Triangle-wide
Late Night Dining
Standing Ovation
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Big Easy, Raleigh
Coquette, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Raleigh Times Bar, Raleigh
Carolina Ale House, Triangle-wide
Specialty Food
Standing Ovation
A Southern Season, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Whole Foods Market, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
The Fresh Market, Triangle-wide
Trader Joe’s, Cary
FAVORITE BRAND OF:
Bottled Water
Standing Ovation
Le Bleu
MetroBravo
Deer Park
Honorable Mention
Fiji
Dasani
Beer
Standing Ovation
Miller Lite
Blue Moon
MetroBravo
Corona
Honorable Mention
Heineken
Yuengling
Vodka
Standing Ovation
Grey Goose
MetroBravo
Absolut
Honorable Mention
Ketel One
Skyy
Bourbon/Whiskey
Standing Ovation
Maker’s Mark
MetroBravo
Jack Daniel’s
Honorable Mention
Crown Royal
Woodford Reserve
Gin
Standing Ovation
Tanqueray
MetroBravo
Bombay Sapphire
Honorable Mention
Beefeater
Scotch
Standing Ovation
Dewar’s
MetroBravo
The Macallan
Honorable Mention
Chivas Regal
The Famous Grouse
Rum
Standing Ovation
Bacardi
MetroBravo
Captain Morgan
Honorable Mention
Meyer’s
Mount Gay
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Residential Real
Estate Company
Standing Ovation
Prudential York Simpson Underwood, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Fonville Morisey, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Triangle-wide
Commercial Real
Estate Company
Standing Ovation
York Properties, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Coldwell Banker Commercial Trademark Properties,
Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Carolantic Realty, Triangle-wide
Kane Realty, Raleigh
Coastal Real Estate
Company
Standing Ovation
Al Williams Properties, Atlantic Beach
MetroBravo
Intracoastal Reality Corporation, Wrightsville Beach and surrounding
area
Honorable Mention
Cannon & Gruber Realtors, Atlantic Beach
Beaufort Realty, Beaufort
Bank
Standing Ovation
Wells Fargo, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
BB&T, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
RBC Centura, Triangle-wide
Bank of America, Triangle-wide
Bank for a Loan
Standing Ovation
BB&T, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
RBC Centura, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Wells Fargo, Triangle-wide
SunTrust, Triangle-wide
Insurance Company
Standing Ovation
State Farm Insurance, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Nationwide, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Allstate, Triangle-wide
Farm Bureau, Triangle-wide
Mortgage Firm
Standing Ovation
Wells Fargo, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
BB&T, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Capital Mortgage, Triangle-wide
Brokerage Firm
Standing Ovation
Morgan Keegan, Durham, Raleigh and Wilmington
MetroBravo
Fidelity, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Charles Schwab, Chapel Hill and Raleigh
Accounting Firm
Standing Ovation
Cherry Bekaert & Holland, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Hughes Pittman & Gupton, LLP, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Ernst & Young, Raleigh
LAW FIRM FOR:
General
Standing Ovation
Poyner & Spruill, LLP, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan,
Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Williams Mullen PA, Raleigh and Wilmington
Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, Raleigh
Real Estate
Standing Ovation
Ragsdale Liggett, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Manning Fulton & Skinner, Raleigh
Clifton & Singer, LLP, Raleigh
Divorce
Standing Ovation
Wyrick Robbins, Yates & Ponton LLP, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Tharrington Smith LLP, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Ragsdale Liggett, Raleigh
Smith Debnam, LLP, Raleigh
Corporate
Standing Ovation
Williams Mullen, PA, Raleigh and Wilmington
MetroBravo
Poyner & Spruill, LLP, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Wyrick Robbins, Yates & Ponton LLP, Raleigh
Kilpatrick Stockton, LLP, Raleigh
Criminal
Standing Ovation
Cheshire Parker Schneider Bryan & Vitale LLP, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Tharrington Smith LLP, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Poyner & Spruill LLP, Raleigh
McMillan, Smith & Plyler, Raleigh.
Taxes
Standing Ovation
Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Manning Fulton & Skinner PA, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bailey & Dixon LLP, Raleigh
Hunton & Williams LLP, Raleigh
Best Car Wash
Standing Ovation
Bunkey’s, Cary, Raleigh & Durham
MetroBravo
Autobell, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Sudz, Raleigh
RESORT/TRAVEL/HOTEL
Airline
Standing Ovation
American Airlines
MetroBravo
Southwest Airlines
Honorable Mention
Delta Air Lines
US Airways
Car Rental Firm
Standing Ovation
Hertz Rent-A-Car, Triangle-wide
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Avis Rent-A-Car, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Alamo Rent-A-Car, Triangle-wide
Limousine/Car Service
Standing Ovation
White Horse Transportation, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Premium Service, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Supreme Auto Service, Raleigh
City Hotel
Standing Ovation
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
MetroBravo
The Renaissance at North Hills, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Siena Hotel, Chapel Hill
The Franklin Hotel, Chapel Hill
Coastal Hotel
Standing Ovation
The Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort, Wrightsville Beach
MetroBravo
Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, Atlantic Beach
Honorable Mention
Beaufort Inn, Beaufort
Hotel for Out of Town
Guests
Standing Ovation
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
MetroBravo
The Renaissance at North Hills, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill
Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham
Hotel for
Meetings/Conventions
Standing Ovation
The Renaissance at North Hills, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Hilton North Raleigh, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Raleigh Marriott City Center, Raleigh
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
NC Beach Resort
Standing Ovation
Bald Head Island
MetroBravo
The Sanderling Resort & Spa, Duck
Honorable Mention
The Ocean Club, Indian Beach
Figure Eight Island
NC Mountain Resort
Standing Ovation
Inn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville
MetroBravo
Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville
Honorable Mention
Chetola Resort at Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock
Golf Resort
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
MetroBravo
St. James Plantation, Southport
Honorable Mention
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Kiawah Island, SC
Grandover Resort, Greensboro
Resort Spa
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
MetroBravo
Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, Asheville
Honorable Mention
The Ocean Club, Indian Beach
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary
PEOPLE AND PLACES
Regional TV
Personality
Standing Ovation
David Crabtree, WRAL-TV5
MetroBravo
Larry Stogner, ABC 11
Honorable Mention
Bill Leslie, WRAL-TV5
Debra Morgan, WRAL-TV5
National TV
Personality
Standing Ovation
Charlie Gibson, ABC World News
MetroBravo
Katie Couric, CBS Evening News
Honorable Mention
Bill O’Reilly, The O’Reilly Factor
Meredith Vieira, The Today Show
Radio Personality
Standing Ovation
Bob Dumas, Bob and the Showgram, WDCG-FM
MetroBravo
Rush Limbaugh
Honorable Mention
Bill Jordan, Bill and Linda in the Morning, WRAL-FM
Linda Loveland, Bill and Linda in the Morning, WRAL-FM
Weather Personality
Standing Ovation
Greg Fishel, WRAL-TV5
MetroBravo
Elizabeth Gardner, WRAL-TV5
Honorable Mention
Mike Maze, WRAL-TV5
Chris Hohmann, ABC 11
Traffic Personality
Standing Ovation
Brian Shrader, WRAL-TV5
MetroBravo
Tika Lima, NBC-17
Honorable Mention
Vanna Fox, WRAL-FM
College Coach
Standing Ovation
Roy Williams, UNC Men’s Basketball
MetroBravo
Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University Men’s Basketball
Honorable Mention
Sidney Lowe, NCSU Men’s Basketball
Kay Yow, NCSU Women’s Basketball
Local Author
Standing Ovation
Nicholas Sparks
MetroBravo
Kaye Gibbons
Honorable Mention
David Sedaris
Lee Smith
Local Artist
Standing Ovation
Jason Craighead
Kyle Highsmith
MetroBravo
Stephen Moore
Honorable Mention
Bob Rankin
Louis St. Lewis
Local Politician
Standing Ovation
Beverly Perdue, Governor of NC
MetroBravo
Philip Isley, Raleigh City Councilman
Honorable Mention
Charles Meeker, Mayor of Raleigh
Tom Fetzer, Chairman of North Carolina Republican Party
Favorite Sports Team
Standing Ovation
Carolina Hurricanes
MetroBravo
UNC Tar Heels
Honorable Mention
NC State Wolfpack
Duke Blue Devils
Public Museum
Standing Ovation
NC Museum of Art, Raleigh
MetroBravo
NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Museum of Life and Science, Durham
Ackland Art Museum, Chapel Hill
Historic Site
Standing Ovation
NC Capitol Building, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Bentonville Battleground, Bentonville
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Honorable Mention
The Mordecai House, Raleigh
Joel Lane House, Raleigh
Charity Event
Standing Ovation
Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, Cary
MetroBravo
Race for the Cure, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Summer Salute, Clayton
Junior League of Raleigh, A Shopping SPREE!, Raleigh
Cultural Event
Standing Ovation
A Christmas Carol; Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Memorial
Auditorium, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Broadway Series South, Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Artsplosure, downtown Raleigh
American Dance Festival, Durham
Dance Club
Standing Ovation
Solas, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Red’s Beach Music, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Hi5, Raleigh
The Longbranch Entertainment Complex, Raleigh
Dance Studio
Standing Ovation
Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Raleigh
Honorable Mention
North Carolina Dance Institute, Raleigh
Triangle Academy of Dance, Cary
Club to Hear Live
Music
Standing Ovation
Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Pour House, Raleigh
Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh
Golf Course
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst No. 2, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Prestonwood Country Club, Cary
Honorable Mention
Falls Village Golf Club, Durham
MacGregor Downs, Cary
Movie Theater
Standing Ovation
Regal North Hills Stadium 14, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Rialto Theatre, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Regal Crossroads 20, Cary
Regal Raleigh Grande Stadium 16, Raleigh
Place to Hear Jazz
Standing Ovation
Bogart’s American Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Amra’s, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Raleigh
Irregardless Café, Raleigh
Place to Hear Rock
Standing Ovation
Cat’s Cradle, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh
The Berkeley Café, Raleigh
Sporting Event
Standing Ovation
Carolina Hurricanes, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball
Honorable Mention
The Durham Bulls, Durham
Carolina Panthers, Charlotte
Local Band
Standing Ovation
The Dune Dogs
MetroBravo
Bill Leslie & Lorica
Honorable Mention
The Embers
The Proclivities
Local Musician
Standing Ovation
Tift Merritt
MetroBravo
Chris Boerner
Honorable Mention
Bill Leslie
Jeanne Jolly
New Watering Hole
Standing Ovation
Solas, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Boylan Bridge Brewpub, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Busy Bee Cafe, Raleigh
Ben’s Place, Raleigh
Foundation, Raleigh
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Theater Building
Standing Ovation
Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham
MetroBravo
Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Meymandi Hall, Raleigh
Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill
Campus Building
Standing Ovation
Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham
MetroBravo
Global Building, UNC, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Bell Tower, NCSU, Raleigh
Harrelson Hall, NCSU, Raleigh
Corporate Building
Standing Ovation
RBC Plaza, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Quintiles, Durham
Honorable Mention
SAS Campus, Cary
Wachovia Building, Raleigh
Outdoor Concert Venue
Standing Ovation
Koka Booth Amphitheatre at Regency Park, Cary
MetroBravo
Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
NC Museum of Art Outdoor Amphitheatre, Raleigh
North Hills Concert Series, Raleigh
Local Skyscraper
Standing Ovation
RBC Plaza Building, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Wachovia Building, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
West at North Building, Raleigh
University Tower – “The Blue Pickle,” Durham
Coolest New Condos
Standing Ovation
Greenbridge Condos, Chapel Hill
MetroBravo
222 Glenwood, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
140 West Franklin, Chapel Hill
New Development:
Residential
Standing Ovation
Cameron Pond, Cary
MetroBravo
Hasentree, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Ramblewood, Raleigh
Multi-Use
Standing Ovation
Oberlin Court, Raleigh
MetroBravo
North Hills East, Raleigh
Standing Ovation
East 54, Chapel Hill
MEDIA
Fiction Book
Standing Ovation
The Twilight Saga, Stephenie Meyer
MetroBravo
Water For Elephants, Sara Gruen
Non-Fiction Book
Standing Ovation
Holy Smoke: The Big Book of North Carolina Barbecue, John
Shelton Reed, Dale Volberg Reed, William McKinney
Online News
Standing Ovation
WRAL.com
MetroBravo
CNN.com
Honorable Mention
FOXnews.com
NYTimes.com
Online Weather
Standing Ovation
WRAL.com
MetroBravo
weather.com
Honorable Mention
weatherunderground.com
Online Sports
Standing Ovation
WRAL.com
MetroBravo
ESPN.com
Honorable Mention
SI.com
FOXsports.com