Dan's Papers - October 3, 2008 - Voting for the Best

It's voting season all over the country. Here on the East End, however, voting started a little bit early with Dan's Papers' "Best of the Best 2008." This coveted contest has been going on for eight years and has become a hotbed of both competition and pride among business owners in the Hamptons. Unlike the current presidential election qualms, the fact that Hamptonites can see Rhode Island, Connecticut, Bermuda and even Africa from the top of the Montauk Lighthouse on clear days has not swayed any leanings.

Voting for the Best of the Best is almost a birthright for East End consumers. Taking place in the shadow of the busy summer season, this title offers a prestigious recognition for local companies and year-round leaders that bring us great food, service and shopping. Ranging from best acupuncturist to best crab cakes, and including best fried chicken, radio personality, interior designer and more, there's really something for everybody who contributes toward making the Twin Forks one of the most desired places in the country to live. With unstable fiscal times, failing banks and a possible $700 billion bailout by the U. S. government, the camaraderie engendered by Best of the Best binds our community together, and Dan's Papers is the only publication to offer it.

The voting polls opened on danshamptons.com three weeks ago and with over 10,000 votes in the three areas - Best of the Best North Fork, Best of the Best Montauk, and (general) Best of the Best - it's been the best turnout ever. What's most efficient about this voting process is that it's beyond democratic - it's super-sized. Imagine being able to write-in Congress, the Senate and the president without the presence of lobbyists, negative and false campaign ads about sex education and failed rhetoric concerning, "Oh, I'm sorry, what is the Bush Doctrine?" Without any of this regulation to slow down the gears, all that's left is the honest voice of the people. And Best of the Best voters cast their thoughts freely. There's a happiness that surrounds the Best of the Best and it's obvious when you walk through any Hampton village, as many winners post their framed certificates in window displays or right over the register to reassure consumers that their product or service is going to meet expectations.

Before looking at the winners list, here are some votes that provide a peek into what people are really thinking.

Best Phone. When I first saw this category I thought about the rivalry between BlackBerry users and iPhone junkies. Who would win? Or perhaps if we allowed text-in votes, the pretentious National Texting Championship weapon, LG, would win by a landslide. But people voted for their personal, home phone numbers just because the number combinations are cool and easy to remember. We know who you are.

Best Gas Company. Greatest response was, "No such thing."

Best General Store. One voter from Westhampton Beach responded, "We don't have one! Help!" A Rite Aid is nothing in comparison to the Whalebone Store.

Best French Fries. A very popular category. With hundreds of votes it's safe to say that you can get French fries almost anywhere in the Hamptons, from salty-fries giants McDonald's and Burger King to Bobby Van's steak fries and frise, it's practically FriesHampton.

Best Italian Food. Many votes but like true lasagna lovers, a few remarked, "Besides my house, none."

Best Late-Night Food. Apparently, I wasn't the only one confused here. There are only two places I know that are open late, late: Hess and Salivars. No wonder people questioned, "There's late-night food in the Hamptons???"

Best Liquor Store. "Any." Enough said.

Best New Restaurant. One person voted "None of them." Obviously he hasn't tried Indian Wells Tavern.

Best Electrician. "None."

Best Dog Groomer. "Sarah Palin." Maybe next year she'll win Best Elk Groomer.

Look for a big picture next week of 2008's Best of the Best winners and their plaques in front of Dan's Papers. Thanks for voting!