[Sly Fox]

As the summer doldrums clearly have settled in, I thought it was time to bring this old favorite back out of mothballs. Every year, we have new candidates while others disappear into oblivion. Since I don't live in Virginia, I could use some help with suggestions and updates. Please list names of establishments and category.

[BJWilliams]

if there is a best ice cream category, Sweet Frog definitely should be considered

[jcmanson]

Sly, could you help us and post the categories? And last season's winners?

[SuperJon]

It's not like the categories or winners are in the thread under this one or anything. That would be too easy.

[Sly Fox]

[jcmanson]

Well excuse me from posting

[Sly Fox]

Please don't stop posting. We desperately need all the activity we can muster.

Now back to the topic at hand, what are the new contenders since last summer and what has bit the dust?

[BJWilliams]

Stikfire is gone, Sweet Frog (as I mentioned before), I dont know if SpringHill Suites was part of the 2010 voting, Hash House is gone...those are the only ones I can think of off hand

[Cider Jim]

I don't think Ranch BBQ was here a year ago, so I'd definitely add them to the list. And I don't remember seeing Gerald's on any of the lists, so I would add that restaurant, too.

[Purple Haize]

Best Kept Secret in the Lynchburg Area: Merrediths (pronounced Merita's) Restauran. Formerly in the PLAZA now off of Airport Rd in Madison Heights. Difficult if impossible to find better fried chicken. I LOVE my wife's meatloaf, but even on HER best day and Merrediths WORST day, Merredith runs laps around her. Home made mashed potatoes. Great green beans and Mac and Cheese (although the missus has her beat by a hair on that one!)
Some of you who want something catered for a football tailgate (hint) she is PERFECT!

My favorite pizza/italian place closed, but I think they have a place in near Randolph. Mario's Pizza.

Best Buffet goes to the Hibachi Grill (formerly RYANS) You can get "regular" buffet fair, select your own food for them to hibachi right in front of you and also sushi. I also like to go there b/c it makes me feel thinner compred to everyone else in the place!

Best Fancy Pants Restaurant. I am still loyal to Shoemakers, even though the menu has changed.

Best Hot Dog: Myrts footlong w/bacon cheese, chili, slaw and mustard

Best Girls Basketball Team: Lady Pioneers!

[ALUmnus]

"Merrideth" =/= "Merita"

[bigsmooth]

el mariachi- new mexican place downtown that replaced hash house. the dahila on bedford ave is a good eatery as well and has an excellent burger. maybe a new category for best "dive eatery"?? and if moore's country store hot dogs are not on the list it needs to be.

[jarodmt]

I LOVE SUNDAE GRILL... Well.. the red velvet and also rasberry choc-chip ice cream that is...

[ATrain]

Sweet Frog seems just like Frogurt in downtown Roanoke, and thus will have my vote.

[phoenix]

Was Hibachi Grill on the list last year? I don't remember, but it needs to be there this year (even though my wife doesn't like it.)

[Sly Fox]

What category would Geralds fit best?

I have started rolling out the categories. I'll add more over the next few days. The more folks that vote the more entertaining it can become. So step right up.

[Sly Fox]

2nd opportunity to suggest a category for Geralds or it will have to settle for an 'Other' vote.

I have just 5 more categories to add as I rush to get them up before I head overseas for a couple of weeks. If there are any more new categories that you'd like to suggest then I am all ears.

[Cider Jim]

I'd list Geralds as fine dining. It's certainly as good or better than the Depot.

Any thought to starting an ice cream/frozen yogurt category?

[Sly Fox]

Ice Cream/FroYo category is on the way.

I'll add Geralds to fine dining ... which means we'll be resetting the poll.

[Sly Fox]

I'll leave voting open until the end of the month once I return home. If we have any ties, we'll hold run-offs immediately there after.

[Sly Fox]

I'm back and ready to wrap this up. When the calendar clicks over to August 1st, voting is closed. If necessary we will have runoffs as in previous years.

[Sly Fox]

All three of the runoffs are being decided by just one vote or less. Be sure to cast yours in each race before we close things out.