Reader's Choice Awards

This week a number of local newspapers, including Malden Observer, Medford Transcript, Melrose Free Press, The Reading Advocate, Saugus Advertiser, Stoneham Sun and Wakefield Observer, had an insert for the Reader's Choice Awards. These awards, in over 70 categories, are voted on by the public and include numerous dining awards. The towns covered by the awards include Malden, Medford, Melrose, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham and Wakefield.

(The insert gives a URL of www.wickedlocalfavorites.com but if you go there it states it is under construction)

I read over the awards and was surprised by some of the results.

Liquor Stores: There is not a separate category for wine stores. There are a couple wine stores though on this list but there are a number of wine stores that are strangely absent from the list, including the Wine Shop of Reading, the OurGlass Wine Co. in Saugus and Grapevine Travelers in Saugus.

In the Dining categories, I was surprised how many chain restaurants received high votes. The Dockside, 99 Restaurant, Macaroni Grill, and Chilis all ranked high in various categories. In Reading, in the "Fine Dining Category" their #1 choice was the Macaroni Grill. I never considered them a Fine Dining establishment. In the category "Indian Restaurants", Felicias of the North End received an Honorable Mention. I thought they were an Italian restaurant? Did someone make a mistake? In the "Sushi" category in Stoneham, there is no listing for Kyotoya. Why not? In the "Steak" category in Stoneham, the #1 choice is the 99 Restaurant. Gaetanos and Felicias receive Honorable Mention. Why not a listing for Kromel's?

Pick up your local newspaper this week and check out the full list of Awards.