BEST MAHOGANY MASTERPIECE
Bar Delux
Hard to argue with a classy showstopper of a bar—all chandeliers and Deco stained glass—that doesn't think it's too fancy for Crispy Macaroni and Cheese with Whiskey Barbecue Sauce.
'08 Is Enough
The Year in Review
For better or worse, it's been an unforgettable year. Walk with us—won't you—through the best (and almost-bests) of the tumultuous months we hereby put to rest.
BEST USE OF THE GREEN CARD
Ecco
If you point your hybrid toward some organic gin and an energy-efficient dance floor, it's like you're instantly a better person. If that's even possible at this point.
BEST PLACE TO EAT RATTLESNAKE
Wurstkuche
It's not exactly a velvet-rope scene. But a roll-up-your-sleeves night with a cold one and a Rattlesnake, Rabbit and Jalapeño Sausage is memorable in its own way.
BEST NUMBERS GAME
XIV
Chef Michael Mina is here, and he brought a 35-course feast (fin squid, caviar parfait, shellfish, seafood, meat, cheese, more seafood) with him.
BEST ENGLISH DEBUT
Opening Night at Gordon Ramsay
The man himself was nowhere to be found, but we did find Spiced Pineapple Mojitos, lonely-looking women and a pig's head.
BEST FEUD
Wolfgang's Steakhouse
In this corner: Wolfgang. And in this corner... Wolfgang. In the end, though, turns out Beverly Hills is big enough for both Puck and Zwiener.
BEST FLOTATION DEVICES
Pamela Anderson's Estate Sale
And when Baywatch alumni decide to sell stuff, UrbanDaddy was here for you. Don't forget it.
AND THE REST...
VERSUS VS. THE CALENDAR
Versus
Didn't quite open when it was supposed to, then didn't quite stay open like it was supposed to. Oops. Fingers crossed for a proper rebirth in '09.
ALL THAT GLITTERS
24K
It's not that we have anything against this gold-dipped hideaway, really. We're just still a little bummed they didn't deliver on the gold-plated urinals.
DINING, OUT
Foxtail
Before long, the people wanted to dance instead of dine. So SBE obliged and cleaned out some tables. And the beat goes on...
