Look at at the Best of Buffalo issue as a kind of pep rally. It functions as a reward for our city’s old-timers, a shout-out to the newcomers, and a continuation of a winning streak for many others. (Yes, at this stage, a nominee is considered a winner).

There is no better category to illustrate this than the food and drink competition. Some win by a landslide, some by a nose, and while there aren’t many surprises among the final outcomes, what is often surprising is who didn’t get nominated.

Sharf's (photo by Rose Mattrey)

We always blather on about how great the food is here in Buffalo, what a great selection there is, and how Buffalonians just love their beer (and wine, and whiskey…). One need only skim through the categories to be reminded of those things. What tends to slip our minds is the sheer hard work that goes into opening, owning, and maintaining these sorts of businesses. The stress, the endless hours (owning a business can be like having a baby; when it needs you, you have to be there for it), the physical labor, the sales tax pile-ups, insurance, employee troubles, etc. In general, owning a business in the service industry means living with the uncertainty of being at the whim and mercy of your clientele, which is not always a comforting prospect—especially now.

Here is where the clientele has spoken—at least, those who talk to us— and what follows should bring pride to all the names on the list regardless of the final outcome. (The businesses that got the most votes will be announced in two weeks, Artvoice issue of May 7, but if you don’t want to wait to read about the first placers come to the Best of Buffalo Party at the Town Ballroom on Monday, May 4, at 6pm. It’s free.)

New to the list this year are of course the “Best New Restaurant” nominees (in alphabetical order): 31 Club, Encore, Merge, Tabree, and the Wine Thief. (The latter two are right next to each other on Elmwood—does that help business or hurt it? It’s an age-old debate.) We also have a few surprises from out-of-the-way neighborhoods in the form of nominees Sweetness 7 Cafe on Grant St. (“Best Coffee”), and Poppyseed Restaurant in Blasdell (“Best Salad”).

Always on the list are the venerable institutions we need not even name but wil anyway, like Mother’s and the Rue Franklin for “Most Romantic Restaurant;” the Anchor Bar and La Nova for ‘Best Wings;” Amy’s Place and Towne for “Best Diner;” Cole’s and the Roycroft Inn for “Best Brunch;” the Hamlin House and the Wellington Pub for “Best Fish Fry.” All of the above have been open for upwards of 20 years.

And not on the list this year? There are too many to mention, that for whaterver reason didn’t make our top five or simply didn’t get voted for at all. Think of all the little Latin places on the westernmost West Side, some of which make the best pastelillos and roast pork to be found. Or what about the terrific Cajun/Creole restaurants, like elegant, epicurean Shango (Main Street in University Heights) and spicy, speedy take-out joint Lagniappes (Allen Street)? Both are deprived of a nomination this year simply because we forgot to include the category. (Note to selves: next year, “Best Cajun.”)

Well, live and learn. And continue to support your candidates even after the “election” by patronizing these establishments. That’s first and foremost. Then go around telling everyone you know how great the place is.

Here’s to hoping not a single one of these nominees has to shut its doors in the next year. Or the next 10 years. Or the next 20…

—k. o’day

Best of Buffalo 2009 Nominations Mysteries of Buffalo • The Way We Eat • The Way We Drink Where We Shop • Our Kind of Music • These are Our People Our Culture, Great and Small • This is Our Town And the Winners Are...