Our BEST is back

It’s become an annual tradition to celebrate the best in the Capital Region. This issue marks our ninth edition of the Best of 225, and it just happens to be our largest issue to date. We had 4,286 local readers take the time to complete the survey, giving us 235,730 total votes. On behalf of our entire staff, I want to thank S.C.I. Research and Consulting, Inc., the independent research firm that manages the scientific survey and compiles the results. They are one of the best in the country. And thanks to you, the readers of this magazine who took the time to vote. This year we are featuring 55 categories ranging from retailers to food to festivals, and each includes the winners and runners-up as voted on by our readers. Look for the winners’ plaques displayed all over town. In addition, we asked a select group of local foodies to share some of their hidden gems. Congratulations to all the winners! Find out who won.

Baton Rouge recently put its best foot forward by hosting the Miss USA pageant, and it was a homerun for our city. Congratulations to Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, Mayor Kip Holden, Visit Baton Rouge CEO Paul Arrigo and all of the supporters and volunteers who not only made this possible but gave visitors an experience to remember. While city and state officials continue to tally the economic impact of the event for our city, the exposure of being televised in 70 countries worldwide has been invaluable and will further enhance our brand as a city. What this means, quite simply, is that we will see more opportunities in the future.

I am not a fan of bumper stickers on cars. For one thing, they provide too much pointless information. On a simple trip to the grocery store, I can learn what sports team a driver supports, what schools the children go to, the church the family attends, where they eat, clubs they belong to and even the driver’s political leanings. While one driver proudly announces “My kid is an honor student at such and such school” with a bumper sticker, there’s another car with a sticker that says, “My kid can whip your honor student.” Who comes up with this stuff?

As I was driving down Bluebonnet a few weeks ago, I turned onto Perkins Road, and in a matter of 20 minutes I counted 13 bumper stickers. One slow-driving van had that “How’s my driving?” sticker. Does he really want me to call that number? Another car had one that said, “I do whatever my Rice Krispies tell me to.” Really? Yet another one read, “I started with nothing and I still have most of it.” Wow. You can’t make up this kind of stuff.

I share this with you because if you pay attention, you can learn a lot of nothing. However, once in while, there will be a nugget of wisdom or a great observation like the one I saw later in the week: “CRITICAL THINKING—The Other National Deficit.” Now that is the truth.

It’s “swimsuit season,” but looking your best at the pool or on the beach is just one reason to exercise and eat right this summer. Staying healthy has so many benefits not only physically, but mentally and spiritually, too. When we are healthy, we feel better and live life with a more positive outlook. Every few months we publish tips and advice from 225‘s fitness contributor, Nickie Jordan. This month, Nickie tackles the topic of “cheat meals” and how to balance eating well with enjoying life—often a challenge with the bounty of delicious cuisine we enjoy here in south Louisiana. Read Jordan’s advice, and for more ways to get and stay fit, see our recent Health, Wellness & Beauty edition.

One of the most important skills young children can learn for both safety and fun is how to swim properly. This month we highlight two well-respected swim lesson programs and their instructors. First are Jan Ripple and Christie Myers, longtime friends and veteran swim teachers at Crawfish Aquatics. Read about them on page 40. Our Signature subject for July is Taylor Alexander. She launched the Tadpole Academy for teaching swimming skills to very young children, even infants. And even local musicians are getting in on the act. Read about the Thomas brothers and their efforts to raise money for Crawfish Aquatics swim lessons for underprivileged youth in the city.

Summers can be slower-paced here in Baton Rouge, with most of our major events happening in the spring and fall. But each July the art community explodes with creativity and excitement at the annual Art Melt gallery show and competition. This year, the event is held at the Louisiana State Museum downtown. Check out this awesome event on July 19 for an in-depth look at all of the talented artists that surround us in Baton Rouge and throughout the state. artmelt.org