And the Winners are....
What makes for better beach reading than part two of the annual
MetroBravo awards? You can peruse the restaurants, public venues,
historical sites and sporting events that Metro readers voted best
in the area and still work on your tan.
If it is gustatory pleasure you seek, take a tip from fellow readers
and discover a charming hole-in-the wall or revisit a neighborhood
institution you had long forgotten. Whether you are looking for
- a new twist to a mundane lunch hour, a quick snack or romantic
meal, this month's awards reveal the best eateries for enticing
entres and where to tantalize your taste buds with your
favorite desserts.
Many professionals are making waves in the service industry. Tip
your hats to the specialized law firms, mortgage brokers and insurance
agencies that appear for the first time in the MetroBravo awards.
In the educational sector, voters displayed ample spirit for their
favorite daycare centers, universities and private schools. And,
as the winners in the automotive categories indicate, the race
for most luxurious car continues to heat up. Steer to the back
of the MetroBravo awards for the checkered flag results.
These MetroBravo results will add more sizzle to your summer if
you use them to your advantage. If you are looking for a fresh
idea for a night out on the town or an evening of romance, you
will re-discover North Carolina 's finest in these pages. Be sure
to savor these MetroBravo issues. Tips like these only come around,
well, once a year!
FOOD
Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Angus Barn, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
New Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Nana's Chophouse, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Zely & Ritz, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Cheesecake Factory, Raleigh
Restaurant:
Standing Ovation winner Bloomsbury Bistro makes its home in Raleigh
's Five Points, where readers are delighted every six weeks with
an innovative seasonal menu. Chef John Toler is an expert in French
cuisine and each menu reflects a range of creativity and classic
flavor. The comfortable atmosphere sets the restaurant apart from
flashy trends in dining and has earned Bloomsbury a host of regulars.
Chef Toler also offers cooking classes for the adventurous culinary
beginner. While the Bloomsbury experience grabs first place, local
steakhouses dominated the rest of the category. The Angus Barn,
a Raleigh staple for steak, took second place, followed by Sullivan's
in third.
Romantic Restaurant:
Southern charm and traditional elegance is a recipe for romantic
dining and our readers tracked down the very best. In historic
downtown Raleigh , a reservation at Second Empire takes first place
for a perfect dinner date. The restaurant, famous for the candlelight
ambience of the renovated Dodd-Hinsdale house, features classic
menu selections that will delight even the most discriminating
date. Romantics from across the state also travel to Fearrington
Village , where guests dine in one of four richly decorated dining
rooms at the Fearrington House Restaurant. If you're hungry for
more, the Fearrington House Restaurant and Inn welcomes guests
for romantic evenings or weekend getaways, even offering a cooking
school retreat. Best Restaurant winner Bloomsbury Bistro ranked
third for romance.
Romantic Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Fearrington House Restaurant,
Fearrington Village
Honorable Mention
Bloomsbury Bistro, Raleigh
Restaurant for Takeout
Standing Ovation
P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Raleigh and Durham
MetroBravo
Red Dragon Chinese Restaurant, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Figs Market, Raleigh
Restaurant for Power Lunch
Standing Ovation
Glenwood Grill, Raleigh
Lucky 32, Raleigh and Cary
MetroBravo
Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bogart's American Grill, Raleigh
Restaurant to Take the Kids
Standing Ovation
Applebee's, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Fat Daddy's, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Cheesecake Factory, Raleigh
Restaurant for Special Occasion
Standing Ovation
Angus Barn, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Coastal Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Dockside Restaurant & Marina , Wilmington
MetroBravo
Jerry's Food, Wine & Spirits, Wrightsville Beach
Honorable Mention
The Oceanic Restaurant, Wrightsville Beach
Ethnic Restaurant
Standing Ovation
Taverna Agora, Raleigh
MetroBravo
ShabaShabu, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
P.F. Chang's China Bistro, Raleigh and Durham
Outdoor Dining
Standing Ovation
The Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
The Weathervane Caf, Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Lucky 32, Raleigh and Cary
Specialty Food Store:
Discerning grocery shoppers are choosing to buy organic these
days, and MetroBravo voters were no exception. They, too, have
been seduced by the troves of farm-fresh produce and cases full
of chemical-free meats at Whole Foods and The Fresh Market, voting
these two stores their top choices for specialty fare. Those with
hankerings for Southern delicacies spoke up as well, giving Chapel
Hill 's A Southern Season Honorable Mention in this category.
Specialty Food Store
Standing Ovation
Whole Foods Market, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
The Fresh Market, Raleigh and Cary
Honorable Mention
A Southern Season, Chapel Hill
Deli:
Despite the proliferation of chain sub shops touting special sauces
and toasted sandwiches, it's nice to know that people still appreciate
traditional deli staples including salami, tuna salad and corned
beef. Metro readers just want sandwiches and salads prepared with
simple, fresh ingredients by Raleigh 's The Village Deli in Cameron
Village . Jason's Deli took second, and McAlister's Deli, which
just opened a location in the New North Hills, received an Honorable
Mention nod.
Deli
Standing Ovation
Village Deli, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Jason's Deli, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
McAlister's Deli, Raleigh , Chapel Hill, Cary and Wilmington
Coffee House
Standing Ovation
Starbucks Coffee, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Third Place , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Caribou Coffee, Triangle-wide
Wine Retailer
Standing Ovation
The Wine Merchant, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Total Wine & More, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Seaboard Wine Warehouse, Raleigh
Sports Bar
Standing Ovation
Carolina Ale House, Raleigh and Cary
MetroBravo
Fox and Hound English Pub & Grille, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Hi5, Raleigh
Best Cocktail Menu
Standing Ovation
Bogart's American Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Blue Martini, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Caterer
Standing Ovation
Ladyfingers Caterers, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Mitchell's Catering & Events, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Catering Works, Raleigh
Chef
Standing Ovation
Scott Howell, Nana's, Durham
MetroBravo
Ashley Christensen, Enoteca Vin, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bret Jennings, Elaine's on Franklin , Chapel Hill
Waitstaff:
Metro readers had good service and good steak in mind when they
cast their ballot for the best waitstaff. Steakhouses won across
the board, resulting in a tie for Standing Ovation between two
venerable Raleigh restaurants, The Angus Barn and Vinnie's Steakhouse.
The staff at The Angus Barn undergoes extensive training in order
to provide impeccable service. Vinnie's, too, will honor the requests
of even the pickiest eater. These restaurants will go the extra
mile for their customers, but there's nothing snobby about the
friendly, thoughtful service guests receive. Bravo winner Ruth's
Chris Steakhouse of Cary and Raleigh is also known for the utmost
in professionalism and privacy, accommodating any size party with
the same gracious attention. Elaine's on Franklin in Chapel Hill
won an Honorable Mention for their informed and personable staff.
Waitstaff
Standing Ovation
Angus Barn, Raleigh
Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Cary
Honorable Mention
Elaine's on Franklin , Chapel Hill
Appetizers
Standing Ovation
The Red Room Tapas Lounge, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Glenwood Grill, Raleigh
Enoteca Vin, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Applebee's, Triangle-wide
Barbecue:
Experts in Southern-style barbecue are quick to defend their home-style
favorites, and Metro Readers are no exception. Whether chopped,
sliced, or on spare ribs, the tang and spice of Carolina flavor
has won loyal fans all across the South. Our readers awarded the
top two slots to restaurants serving Eastern North Carolina-style
barbecue in vinegar-based sauce. Conveniently located all across
the state, Standing Ovation winner Smithfield 's restaurants serve
pork or chicken platters to North Carolina natives and tourists
alike. In Raleigh , Coopers has maintained a loyal following, keeping
diners happy with Southern fare since 1928. The servings are hearty
and always accompanied by hushpuppies, fried pork rinds and plenty
of sweet tea. In third place, Texas-style Danny's Bar-B-Q, with
locations in Cary and Durham , is our lone ranger for rib-lovers
who prefer a variety of rich sauces and smoked meats.
Barbeque
Standing Ovation
Smithfield 's Chicken N Bar-B-Q, Raleigh , Cary , Garner and
Fuquay-Varina
MetroBravo
Cooper's Barbecue & Catering, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Danny's Bar-B-Q, Cary and Durham
Hot Dog
Standing Ovation
Snoopy's Hot Dogs, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Pharoah's, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Cloo's Coney Island Hot Dogs, Raleigh
Hamburger
Standing Ovation
Char-Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Pharoah's, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Cook Out, Raleigh , Durham and Cary
Hardee's, Triangle-wide
Pizza
Standing Ovation
Lilly's Pizza, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Mellow Mushroom, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Capital Creations Gourmet Pizza, Raleigh
Steaks
Standing Ovation
Angus Barn, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Cary
Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern, Raleigh
Seafood
Standing Ovation
42nd Street Oyster Bar & Seafood, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Fins Restaurant, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Bonefish Grill, Cary
Oysters
Standing Ovation
42nd Street Oyster Bar & Seafood, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Tony's Bourbon Street Oyster Bar, Cary
Honorable Mention
Gino Russo's Oyster Bar and Restaurant, Raleigh
Dessert
Standing Ovation
Hayes Barton Caf and Dessertery, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Cheesecake Factory, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Mad Hatter's Bake Shop, Durham
Margarita
Standing Ovation
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Dos Taquitos Mexican Restaurant, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Martini
Standing Ovation
Bogart's American Grill, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Blue Martini, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
Bloody Mary
Standing Ovation
NoFo at The Pig, Raleigh
NoFo Market & Caf, Wilmington
MetroBravo
Dockside, Wrightsville Beach
Lucky 32, Raleigh and Cary
Honorable Mention
Bogart's American Grill, Raleigh
Cosmopolitan
Standing Ovation
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Bogart's American Grill, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Blue Martini, Raleigh
Wine
Standing Ovation
Enoteca Vin, Raleigh
MetroBravo
april&george art bar + wine gallery, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Angus Barn, Raleigh
Caffe Luna, Raleigh
Girls' Night Out:
Ever since the ladies of Sex and the City took hold
of Manhattan , women everywhere have been looking for new ways
to enjoy a night on the town. In Raleigh , there's something to
suit the Samantha or Charlotte in all of us. Glenwood South and
the downtown area offer more options than ever, ranging from a
crowded club or a hip, leisurely wine bar. For Metro readers, an
evening escapade starts with upscale restaurants with fine wines
and delectable eats for their outings. If you're feeling grown
up, first-place winner Sullivan's offers a traditional menu in
a sophisticated setting that easily accommodates large groups so
no one is left behind. Runner-up Enoteca Vin is hip, sleek, and
inventive with a premier wine list. The Honorable Mention goes
to trendy, Asian-inspired Lantern in Chapel Hill and its very cool
upstairs bar.
Girl's Night Out
Standing Ovation
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Enoteca Vin, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Lantern, Chapel Hill
Guy's Night Out
Standing Ovation
Thee DollHouse, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Vinnie's Steak House & Tavern, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Sullivan's Steakhouse, Raleigh
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Residential Real Estate Co.
Standing Ovation
York Simpson Underwood, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
The Preiss Company, Raleigh
Commercial Real Estate Co.
Standing Ovation
York Simpson Underwood, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Coldwell Banker Commercial, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Coldwell Banker Commercial Trademark Properties, Raleigh
Coastal Real Estate Co.
Standing Ovation
Intracoastal Realty Corporation, Wilmington , Wrightsville Beach
, Carolina Beach , Southport, Surf City and Topsail Beach
MetroBravo
Cannon & Gruber Realtors, Atlantic Beach
Honorable Mention
Al Williams Properties, Atlantic Beach
Bryant Real Estate, Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach
Bank
Standing Ovation
Wachovia, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
BB&T, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Bank of America, Triangle-wide
Best Bank for Loans
Standing Ovation
Wachovia, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
First Citizens Bank, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
BB&T, Triangle-wide
Insurance Company
Standing Ovation
Nationwide, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
State Farm Insurance, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Farm Bureau Insurance, Triangle-wide
Mortgage Firm
Standing Ovation
American Home Mortgage Investment Corp., Triangle-wide
Washington Mutual, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Countrywide, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
Southeastern Lending, Raleigh
Brokerage Firm
Standing Ovation
Scott & Stringfellow, Inc., Cary , Raleigh and Wilmington
MetroBravo
Wachovia Securities, Durham , Raleigh and Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Capital Investments, Raleigh
Hobgood Peatross Investment Group, Raleigh
Accounting Firm
Standing Ovation
Ernst & Young, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cherry Bekaert & Holland, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
KPMG, Raleigh
General Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Poyner & Spruill, L.L.P., Raleigh , Rocky Mount and Southern
Pines
MetroBravo
Manning Fulton & Skinner, Raleigh and Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Smith, Anderson , Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P.,
Raleigh
Law FirmGeneral:
North Carolina holds a high standard for legal education and the
firms in the state recruit plenty of homegrown advocates. Carolina
, Campbell , Duke, and Wake Forest grads fill the ranks of the
area's favorite firms. Metro readers recognized Poyner & Spruill
as Standing Ovation winner, with over 100 attorneys in its offices
across the region who are prepared to represent clients nationally
and across borders. The firm has grown from an evolution of partnerships,
tracing its roots back to 1883. Bravo winner Manning Fulton & Skinner
takes a comprehensive approach to its many specialty areas, incorporating
alternative dispute resolution as an option for clients. Smith
Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan also continues
to expand its roster of specialties and staff to maintain representation
powerful and accessible in the state.
Real Estate Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Kennedy Covington , Raleigh
MetroBravo
Smith, Anderson , Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan, L.L.P.,
Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Manning Fulton & Skinner, Raleigh and Wilmington
Divorce Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Rosen Divorce, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Manning Fulton & Skinner, Raleigh and Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Hedspeth Law Firm, PLLC, Raleigh
Corporate Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Poyner & Spruill, L.L.P., Raleigh , Rocky Mount and Southern
Pines
MetroBravo
Maupin Taylor, P.A., Raleigh and Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Womble Carlyle, Raleigh
Criminal Law:
Formed in 1964 by classmates from the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill as a home-grown law firm that accepted even non-paying
clients, Tharrington Smith has evolved into a high-profile legal
powerhouse. One thing has not changed throughout this firm's trajectory
to the top: its roots. Looking over the impressive roster of attorneys
at Tharrington Smith, you'd be hard-pressed to find the handful
who weren't born and bred in North Carolina or who did not attend
law school at Chapel Hill (including the firm's most famous alum:
former trial lawyer, U.S. senator, and vice-presidential nominee
John Edwards). This might be why Metro readers recognized Tharrington
Smith as the best criminal law firmwho better to defend our native
sons than the native sons (and daughters) themselves?
Criminal Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Tharrington Smith, L.L.P., Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cheshire , Parker, Schneider, Bryan & Vitale, Raleigh
Tax Law Firm
Standing Ovation
Bailey & Dixon, L.L.P., Raleigh
MetroBravo
Manning Fulton & Skinner, Raleigh and Wilmington
Honorable Mention
Maupin Taylor, P.A., Raleigh and Wilmington
EDUCATION
Private High School :
As college admission becomes an increasingly competitive process,
many parents look to private schools to help prepare their kids
for the tough road ahead. All three of the Bravo winners boast
impressive college acceptance rates and emphasize a well-rounded
education as the key to college preparation. Readers recognized
Saint Mary's, located on a historic campus in downtown, as the
best private high school. Founded in 1842, Saint Mary's has remained
a single-sex boarding school for girls in grades nine through 12.
The program at Saint Mary's builds each student a MAP (My Achievement
Plan) from the ground up, using the resources of an established
curriculum, facilities and mentors or counselors to guide each
student through personal and academic goals. Second-place winner
Cary Academy opened in 1997, but offers a technological edge with
over 800 computers networked on campus. North Raleigh's Ravenscroft
School , a reincarnation of the original school on Tucker Street
near downtown, took Honorable Mention.
Daycare Center
Standing Ovation
KinderCare, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Primrose Schools, Triangle-wide
Honorable Mention
The Goddard School , Apex and Cary
Kindergarten
Standing Ovation
Ravenscroft School (K-12), Raleigh
MetroBravo
Emerson Waldorf School (K-8), Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
Aldert Root Elementary School (K-5), Raleigh
Private Lower School
Standing Ovation
Ravenscroft School (K-12), Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cary Academy (6-12), Cary
Honorable Mention
St. Timothy's School (K-8), Raleigh
Private High School
Standing Ovation
Saint Mary's School (9-12), Raleigh
MetroBravo
Cary Academy (6-12), Cary
Honorable Mention
Ravenscroft School (K-12), Raleigh
Private College
Standing Ovation
Duke University , Durham
MetroBravo
Meredith College , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Davidson College , Davidson
Public College
Standing Ovation
North Carolina State University , Raleigh
MetroBravo
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Honorable Mention
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Party School
Standing Ovation
East Carolina University , Greenville
MetroBravo
North Carolina State University , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
OUT IN THE PUBLIC
Public Museum
Standing Ovation
NC Museum of Art , Raleigh
MetroBravo
NC Museum of History , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
NC Museum of Natural Sciences , Raleigh
Historic Site
Standing Ovation
Tryon Palace , New Bern
MetroBravo
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Honorable Mention
Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks
Charity Event
Standing Ovation
Triangle Wine Experience, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Jimmy V Celebrity Golf Classic, Cary
Honorable Mention
A Shopping SPREE!, Junior League of Raleigh
Cultural Event
Standing Ovation
The Nutcracker, Carolina Ballet, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Playmaker Repertory Company's Ball
Honorable Mention
Celebrate! Arts NC State Gala, Raleigh
Park to Take Kids
Standing Ovation
Pullen Park , Raleigh
MetroBravo
William B. Umstead State Park , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Shelley Lake , Raleigh
Place to Propose:
Bachelors, listen up. You no longer have to search for the perfect
place to pop the question. Metro readers have tracked down a few
key locations with just the right amount of romance and spontaneity
to make it memorable. Not surprisingly, the winners this year reflect
some of the state's most beautiful outdoor spots. If you're considering
tying the knot with a college sweetheart, you're in luck. Our Standing
Ovation winner, the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham , won the hearts
of brides- and grooms-to-be regardless of their alma mater. For
pure romance, it's hard to beat the beaches on the North Carolina
coast, the runner-up choice. If she's a Carolina girl, she'll still
be swept off her feet with a proposal at the Old Well in Chapel
Hill , our Honorable Mention winner.
Place to Propose
Standing Ovation
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens , Durham
MetroBravo
Beach
Honorable Mention
Old Well, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Place to go Dancing
Standing Ovation
The Longbranch Saloon, Raleigh
MetroBravo
Reds Beach Music, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Aura, Raleigh
Dance Studio
Standing Ovation
Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Durham and Raleigh
MetroBravo
Arthur Murray Studios, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Broadway Dance Project, Raleigh
Club to Hear Live Music
Standing Ovation
Cat's Cradle, Carrboro
MetroBravo
The Pour House, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Lincoln Theatre, Raleigh
Place to Walk Your Dog
Standing Ovation
William B. Umstead State Park , Raleigh
MetroBravo
Shelley Lake , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Lake Johnson , Raleigh
Sports Team:
With all the excitement that ACC basketball brings to the Triangle,
Metro readers were undoubtedly eager to cast their ballot for favorite
sports team. With so many local favorites in the running for the
NCAA championship, fans across the state were on the edge of their
seats all season long. This year the North Carolina Tar Heels earned
our number one seed for Best Sports Team. Surging back from an
8-20 season just four years ago, the Heels won the title of National
Champions with the hard work of stellar starters and the support
of all the fans in Carolina blue. ACC sports fans are also abuzz
about the changes ahead for Coach Amato's Wolfpack football, our
Bravo winner in this category. In third, the Carolina Panthers
have professional sports back on the map for North Carolina thanks
to recent comeback cat success.
Favorite Sports Team
Standing Ovation
Tar Heels
MetroBravo
Wolfpack
Honorable Mention
Panthers
Golf Course
Standing Ovation
Pinehurst, Pinehurst
MetroBravo
Prestonwood Country Club, Cary
Honorable Mention
MacGregor Downs Country Club, Cary
Raleigh Country Club, Raleigh
Sporting Event
Standing Ovation
Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball
MetroBravo
North Carolina State Univ. Football, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Durham Bulls, Durham
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Theatre Building
Standing Ovation
BTI Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Carolina Theatre, Durham
Honorable Mention
Paul Green Theatre, Chapel Hill
Commercial Building :
While Metro readers chat, they're sipping espresso at the new
icon of Glenwood South, Helios Coffee. The custom architecture
of this street side landmark has earned the building a Standing
Ovation for Best Commercial Building . The success of Helios is
a tribute to owner Gray Medlin's feel for the sophisticated taste
of the areathe shop itself is full of comfortable but chic decor,
monthly displays of local artists, as well as the delights of a
traditional coffee house. The intensive renovation project of the
American Tobacco Historic District in Durham earned second place
honors from our readers as it continues to develop innovative retail,
commercial and condominium space in Durham . The BB&T building
in downtown Raleigh won an Honorable Mention.
Commercial Building
Standing Ovation
Helios Coffee Company, Raleigh
MetroBravo
American Tobacco Building , Durham
Honorable Mention
BB&T, Downtown Raleigh
Campus Building
Standing Ovation
Duke Chapel, Duke University , Durham
MetroBravo
Saint Mary's Chapel, Saint Mary's School, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
North Carolina State University Bell Tower , Raleigh
Corporate Building
Standing Ovation
Progress Energy, Raleigh
MetroBravo
SAS Campus, Cary
Honorable Mention
Highwoods Properties-Smoketree Court , Raleigh
Outdoor Venue
Standing Ovation
Regency Park , Cary
MetroBravo
Alltel Pavilion, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Theatre In The Park, Raleigh
Public Building
Standing Ovation
North Carolina 's State Capitol Building , Raleigh
MetroBravo
The Governor's Mansion, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
J.S. Dorton Arena, Raleigh
Government Building
Standing Ovation
Legislative Building , Raleigh
MetroBravo
North Carolina 's State Capitol Building , Raleigh
Honorable Mention
The Governor's Mansion, Raleigh
Indoor Venue
Standing Ovation
RBC Center , Raleigh
MetroBravo
BTI Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Dean E. Smith Center , Chapel Hill
Building that Needs to be Razed
Standing Ovation
Raleigh Convention and Conference Center , Raleigh
MetroBravo
Harrelson Hall , North Carolina State University, Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Clarion Hotel State Capitol, Raleigh
TECH LIFE
Internet Service Provider
Standing Ovation
Road Runner High Speed Cable
Internet Service
MetroBravo
Earthlink
Honorable Mention
Bellsouth Internet Service
Cell Phone Service
Standing Ovation
Verizon
MetroBravo
Alltel
Honorable Mention
Sprint
INDULGENCES
Soft Drink
Standing Ovation
Diet Coke
MetroBravo
Coca-Cola
Honorable Mention
Pepsi
Beer:
With an onslaught of advertising, the big names in beer have brewed
one of America 's best-loved rivalries. The major brands compete
for name recognition by running clever ad campaigns that spark
catch phrases, dropped jaws, and always a few laughs. If you're
a fan of bawdy commercials, cheaper prices and fewer calories,
then you're not alone. Whether or not Metro readers are watching
their figures, refreshingly inexpensive light beers have become
familiar favorites at dinner parties and social events. This year,
domestic brands commanded the Metro market with no mention of their
imported peers. And while advertising competition has heated up
between Miller and Budweiser, Miller Lite stole the throne again
this year as our Standing Ovation winner. Michelob Light took a
surprising second and Bud Lite showed up for an Honorable Mention.
Beer
Standing Ovation
Miller Lite
MetroBravo
Michelob Light
Honorable Mention
Bud Light
Vineyard
Standing Ovation
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
MetroBravo
Shelton Vineyards, Dobson
Honorable Mention
RayLen Vineyards and Winery, Mocksville
Liqueur
Standing Ovation
Baileys Irish Cream
MetroBravo
Kahla
Honorable Mention
Amaretto
Vodka
Standing Ovation
Grey Goose
MetroBravo
Absolut
Honorable Mention
Finlandia
Bourbon/Whiskey
Standing Ovation
Jack Daniel's
MetroBravo
Maker's Mark
Honorable Mention
Crown Royal
Gin
Standing Ovation
Tanqueray
MetroBravo
Bombay Sapphire
Honorable Mention
Gilbey's
Scotch
Standing Ovation
Dewar's
MetroBravo
The Macallan
Honorable Mention
The Famous Grouse
Rum
Standing Ovation
Bacardi
MetroBravo
Captain Morgan
Jose Cuervo
Honorable Mention
Myers's
AUTOMOTIVE
Car Dealership
Standing Ovation
Johnson Lexus of Raleigh
MetroBravo
Fred Anderson Toyota , Raleigh and Sanford
Honorable Mention
Hendrick Hummer, Apex
SUV
Standing Ovation
Lexus
MetroBravo
Tahoe
Honorable Mention
Jeep
Sports Car
Standing Ovation
BMW
MetroBravo
Porsche
Honorable Mention
Audi
Van
Standing Ovation
Honda Odyssey
MetroBravo
Toyota Sienna
Honorable Mention
Chrysler Town & Country
Truck
Standing Ovation
Chevrolet Silverado
MetroBravo
Dodge Ram
Honorable Mention
Ford F-150
Sedan
Standing Ovation
Lexus
MetroBravo
Honda Accord
Honorable Mention
BMW
Luxury Car
Standing Ovation
Lexus
MetroBravo
Mercedes-Benz
Honorable Mention
Jaguar
Hybrid
Standing Ovation
Toyota Prius
MetroBravo
Honda
Honorable Mention
Lexus
Dealership for Service
Standing Ovation
Rick Hendrick, Triangle-wide
MetroBravo
Johnson Lexus of Raleigh
Honorable Mention
Weaver Brothers Volvo, Raleigh