Keeping us on our toes

In 2006 we introduced you to the Best of 225 awards, which very quickly has become one of our most popular issues of the year.

Each year 225’s readers select their favorites in dozens of categories of restaurants, destinations, clubs and people. Each year we freshen up the categories and add new twists, but the goal remains the same: identifying the best Baton Rouge has to offer.

This year’s results prove Baton Rouge is no stagnant place, and that some new faces have quickly risen to become darlings alongside some longtime favorites.

For example, VooDoo Barbecue only opened a few years ago in Baton Rouge, yet this year rose to become readers’ favorite barbecue place. Similarly, Bumble Lane is a relative newcomer to Baton Rouge’s salon and spa scene, yet this year nabbed top honors as the favorite.

There’s no denying the popularity of some of the city’s oldest stand-bys. Places like Gino’s Italian, Superior Grill and Ruth’s Chris remain at the top of their game.

But a closer look at this year’s results proves no one can rest on their laurels, not even stalwarts. New blood, new ideas, new faces and new tastes continue to descend on Baton Rouge, altering the landscape of choices and bringing fresh competition. We say that’s a good thing for everyone. It keeps established businesses on their toes and constantly reconsidering their offerings to reflect what the market wants. New choices keep refreshing our culinary landscape. For us that means life in Baton Rouge stays interesting.

You’ll read all about the winners in this month’s cover story beginning on page 57, but you’ll also find some great alternatives in our comprehensive list of runners-up on pages 108 and 109. And for even more names and results visit our Web site at 225batonrouge.com.