2004 Readers Poll | 2004 Critics Picks | 2004 Index of Winners A casual glance at this year's Austin Chronicle Restaurant Poll results indicates that a few restaurants have shown evangelical zeal in getting their fan base to the ballot box some were so successful that I hope they're also supporting the political candidate of my choice in the fall elections. We've got new winners in several categories, repeaters in many, and one or two spots reclaimed by winners from previous years. It's always good to see some new blood. Once the readers have spoken, and Special Issues Editor Kate Messer, Assistant Listings Editor Diana Welch, and interns Zac Bleicher, Wells Dunbar, and Benton Heimsath have tabulated the ballots, it comes time for our resident Food critics to weigh in with their evaluation of the past year. Each time we have a Food staff meeting, I continue to be amazed at the diversity of our tastes, experiences, and backgrounds. This year is no exception: We've all got strong opinions, we don't necessarily agree with the readers, and we are no more of one mind about the local restaurant scene than we've ever been. I got together over coffee and pastries earlier this month with Mick Vann, MM Pack, Wes Marshall, Rachel Feit, Claudia Alarcón, and Barbara Chisholm, and we hashed it out. Our recommendations follow those of your fellow readers. We suggest that you spend the next 12 months trying them all. Let us know what you think again next May! – Virginia B. Wood |
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