Best of the Berkshires

Reader's Choice Awards

County Life

Best Town Mayor:

John Barrett of North Adams

What a difference a year makes ... The ever-popular Mayor Barrett took his title back from last year's winner, Gerry Doyle; Sarah Hathaway took her share of votes; and believe it or not, Doyle actually picked up a few of his own.

Best State Legislator:

State Sen. Andrea Nuciforo Jr.

(D-Pittsfield)

Andrea Nuciforo won this category again with Shaun Kelly coming in second. Third place went to Peter Larkin and fourth to Chris Hodgkins.

Best Politician:

William 'Smitty' Pignatelli

Smitty left the competition in the dust this year as he took home way over the majority of the votes. As a politician, he can really create loyalty in his constituents.

Louise Berrigan of Lenox says, "Smitty is a youthful, experienced leader. He wants the best for the county and works always to that goal. Intelligent and sensible."

Best College:

Berkshire Community College

Berkshire Community College wins for the second year in a row. Finally we can give the school some positive press! In spite of the complex administrative issues plaguing the school, the students and the community obviously stand behind it. Again, Williams College was a respectable second.

Best non-profit organization:

American Red Cross

This was a new category in 2002, but it was no contest. Maybe we've realized a new appreciation for the efforts of the American Red Cross because they overwhelmed the competition. Other notable organizations were: the United Way and the Salvation Army.

Best radio station:

WBRK-FM 'Star 101.7'

This marks the station's sixth win in a row. Live 105.5 was a distant second. Helen Cornellier of Peru says "I've listened to WBRK for over 50 years and find it gives me a good variety of entertainment plus all the news."

Best DJ

Rick Beltaire

And the dizziness continues. Rick Beltaire slipped past Joanne Billow to take the 2002 win. Billow won last year, Beltaire won the year before, and Billow won the year before that. Either way, it's clear to us vote-counters that these two are the cream of the crop in radio broadcasting. Kelly Blau of Pittsfield says, "Rick Beltaire is no shock jock. He has a smooth, mellow voice and silly jokes and puns. He is a gentle wake-up call."

Best place to get a pet:

Berkshire Humane Society

The Berkshire Humane Society flew past the competition to take the win this year. Maybe it has something to do with people saving these poor animals from an uncertain or unpleasant end. J. Shields of Lenox says the people of the Humane Society are "a group of dedicated, creative volunteers and employees that provide a caring, ever-evolving and soon to be, state-of-the-art animal shelter."

Food & Drink

Best restaurant:

Kneebone's Steakhouse

Eagle readers voted for almost 80 different restaurants in this category. If nothing else, the Berkshires can claim to have a plethora of diverse and enjoyable restaurants. Kneebone's Steakhouse eased past the competition. Dakota and the South Mountain Grille (last year's winner) were relatively close behind. Barb Genzabella of Hinsdale says of Kneebone's "They have great choices, always cooked to perfection just the way you want it. The value of their signature steak is outstanding. The piping hot baked potato is a winner!"

Best Italian restaurant:

Jimmy's

Jimmy's in Pittsfield won for the fifth time, with Mazzeo's close behind. Trattoria il Vesuvio got its share of votes as well. Judy Sayers says Jimmy's has "great food and service with a great personal touch by the owner, every time!"

Best Chinese food:

Panda House

Third-place winner from last year, Panda House shot past last year's winner, Luau Hale, to claim the title. The Panda Inn was a close second. Anne St. Cyr of Pittsfield says Panda House has "delicious food in a clean atmosphere."

Best sushi:

Bizen Gourmet Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar

Bizen took over this new category with Shiro only six votes behind. Another popular sushi hangout is Kintaro in Great Barrington.

Best Steakhouse:

Dakota Restaurant

The Dakota may have lost its title as the Best Restaurant but Eagle readers still remain faithful to the cozy steakhouse. With the new addition of the category of Best Steakhouse last year, Dakota has dominated this category for the second year in a row. Fred Billieux of Pittsfield voted for the Dakota Restaurant because of its "food preparation, service and atmosphere."

Best restaurant for breakfast:

Misty Moonlight Diner

The Misty Moonlight Diner danced past Friendly's to claim this category for the second year in a row. It must be those unbelievably good blueberry pancakes. Claire E. Perrault of Chester says, "The whole crew makes you feel like family. The price is right and the food is great."

Best restaurant for dessert:

Friendly's

Ahh, the trusty old Friendly's comes back to win again after losing the title to The Pillars last year. Is there anything better than an early evening, after-dinner trip to Friendly's for a conehead? Apparently our readers know what this editor is talking about.

Best diner:

Misty Moonlight Diner

Misty Moonlight Diner sneaked past Kelly's to claim its second title of the year. Personally, this editor thinks the facade which includes black and white photographs of movie stars and the tile checkered floor make the diner's customers feel as if they have stepped into a time warp where they can sip on pop and remember simpler times. Whatever the diner's proprietors are doing is working. Kelly's Diner came in second and Miss Adams placed third. Bonnie Morse of Pittsfield enjoys Misty Moonlight because you can get "any item, any hour, any day. Breakfast for dinner. Dinner for breakfast."

Best fast food:

McDonalds

This is the third win in a row for McDonalds. Wendy's placed second and Burger King was a distant third.

Best pizza:

East Side Café

Berkshirites do love their pizza -- more than 25 restaurants were nominated but the clear favorite is the East Side Café with Tyler Street Pizza coming in second.

Best hot dog:

Teo's

It should be no surprise that Teo's cleaned up again ... this is their sixth win and no other restaurant came close to overtaking them. There is absolutely no contest here. Dean Todd of Pittsfield says, "It's the sauce that fires my spirit."

Best sub:

Angelina's Subs

Angelina's won for the sixth year in a row. It looked as if Subway may have pulled ahead at one point but the ever-popular Angelina's pulled it off in the end. Lisa Ali of Pittsfield says, "I've never met anyone who has visited or lived in the area that doesn't remember the wonderful taste."

Best bar:

Cim's Tavern

The enthusiastic patrons of Cim's voted their bar into first place again. Bucky's Tavern was only seven votes behind ...

Best ice cream:

Ben & Jerry's

This is the sixth win for Ben & Jerry's. As it was last year, Friendly's was close behind.

Best bakery:

Morningside

Morningside Bakery blew away the competition again this year; no other bakery came close to receiving the amount of votes Morningside received. And no wonder -- their cakes are superb. Jean Desrosiers of Pittsfield says "No one else comes close with freshness and taste."

Best donut:

Dunkin Donuts

As if we didn't know this! It is clear to all when we have to sit in traffic while the drive-through dominates First Street and Dalton Avenue. Maybe the owners could consider expanding to a larger building; don't worry, we'll follow.

Best bagel:

Bagels, too

Bagels, too is a six-time winner, for great fresh bagels baked right on the premises.

Best cup of coffee:

Dunkin Donuts

The worldwide chain dominates this category as well. However, there are a couple locally-owned coffeehouses worth mentioning: Juice & Java, Anna's Coffee Shop in Stockbridge, and Jake's.

Best supermarket:

Price Chopper

Price Chopper inched ahead of five-time winner Super Stop & Shop this year, which came in second. Harry's was third. Virginia DeLano says of Price Chopper: "Most friendly, best prices, good restaurant, drop off place for Styrofoam."

Best butcher:

Harry's Supermarket

This category replaced previous "Best meats" which Harry's dominated as well. Mazzeo's Meat Market at Guido's came in second here.

Best deli:

Samel's Deli and Catering

Samel's Deli and Catering blew away the competition again for the second year in a row.

Best fresh seafood market:

Masse's Seafood at Guido's

No one can touch Masse's Seafood. This is at least their second win in this category. Try the salmon roll-up; try the crab cakes. You can't miss. An anonymous entry said, "The best, freshest seafood and the manager, Stephanie, knows her seafood and is a fine cook. She makes a wonderful stuffed shrimp and salmon roll."

Best produce:

Guido's Fresh Marketplace

This family business and Berkshire landmark (as seen on TV) is all about quality. You may pay a wee bit more, but trust me, it will be well worth it.

Best liquor store:

George's Liquor Store

George's wins for the second year in a row over Nejaime's which it beat out last year but the latter earned quite a few votes of its own.

Best wine selection:

Nejaime's Wine Cellars

Nejaime's is the traditional winner in this category. Raymond Callahan of Pittsfield says, "Their knowledge of all their wine stock and willingness to spend time with each customer is commendable."

Best caterer:

Nicholas Professional Catering

A first win for this North Adams company.

Goods &

Services

Best record shop:

Coconuts Music and More

Coconuts is a winner, as Coconuts or, as it used to be called, Strawberries.

Best video store:

Hollywood Video

Hollywood Video slipped behind Video Studio 12 last year but as we've said, a lot has changed since last year ... Hollywood Video won easily, taking more than three-quarters of the votes. And if you go into the store and they don't have one of their "promised-to-be-there-videos," you get the rental for free next time. That's quite a deal.

Best toy store:

KB Toy Works

The Berkshires' answer to FAO Schwartz -- kids and parents enjoy buying their toys here. KB Toys has conquered this category for years. Rocco DiNicola of Pittsfield says, "[KB Toy Works] is very generous to the community."

Best antique dealer:

Berkshire Hills Coins & Estate Jewelry

Thanks to the Antiques Roadshow on PBS, Berkshirites are sharper than ever in valuing their antiques, and in valuing their antique dealer. Peter Karpenski of Pittsfield says, "[Berkshire Hills] has an incredible selection of jewelry and very unique gift ideas."

Best housewares shop:

Home Goods

Home Goods takes the title again. And no wonder, they have pretty much everything you'd need and they are relatively inexpensive and accessible.

Best frame shop:

Michael's Arts and Crafts

Michael's came from the middle and overtook last year's winner, Pasko's.

Best gift shop:

Uniques

Uniques made quite the impression in last year's poll and it had only been open for a short while when it lost to Pamela Loring Gifts and Interior. But it was the clear favorite in this year's poll with Beartown Gifts a few votes behind. Maybe it's their catchy radio jingle ... "Uniques, Uniques." Robin MacPherson of Dalton says, "It's country, eclectic, contemporary, eccentric and all in a place where they remember your name and box and bow every purchase."

Best jeweler:

Crown Jewelers

Another win for Crown Jewelers. They were the readers'choice for jewelry in 1997 and their popularity continues into 2002. Pam Codey of Pittsfield says, "Paul, Tim and staff are wonderful. One never leaves Crowns without a smile."

Best bridal shop:

Deidre's

Deidre's, located right on North Street in Pittsfield, dominated this new category. Groom's Choice placed second and Bouvier's third.

Best appliance store:

Mike's Maytag

It was a close one. Mike's Maytag and Sears kept inching ahead of each other but in the end Mike's came out on top by only one vote. Alliance Appliance and Rex got their share of votes as well.

Best electronics store:

HBS Stereo Systems

We took this category out last year but still got inundated by loyal HBS customers. So this year, they're back and it's clear to us that their customers think they are by far the best stereo equipment store in the county.

Best computer store:

Staples

Staples has won this category for the second year. Their location and large inventory make them the best in the county.

Best office supply store:

Staples

Why go anywhere else? Staples rocks the computer, office world.

Best hardware store:

Carr Hardware

Carr Hardware is the winner for the sixth year -- no other store came close to catching them. Let's just hope their "loyal" customers stick with them now that the Big Boss in home repair has rolled into Berkshire Crossing. Wm. Furey of Pittsfield says, "They are very consumer-oriented, much more than most Pittsfield establishments."

Best women's

clothing store:

Filene's

Yet again Filene's department store dominated this category to take home its sixth win.

Best men's clothing store:

Steven Valenti's Clothing for Men

Valenti's cleaned up again, gaining more than double the votes for Filene's.

Best shoe store:

Jim's House of Shoes

Jim's House of Shoes can celebrate six years of being the reader's favorite in this category. Congratulations to them.

Best tattoo and

body art shop:

Crazy Chameleon

Finally the state has opened its doors (legally anyway) to a different kind of artist -- the tattoo artist. The past year has seen numerous tattoo shops opening in Pittsfield alone and the clear favorite is Crazy Chameleon which earned nearly 95 percent of the votes. Other shops mentioned were: Art N Soul II and Intradermal. Vincent English of Pittsfield says of Crazy Chameleon as best tattoo shop: "[They have] good customer service, clean sterile environment, top quality piercers and tattoo artists. I love the Crazy Chameleon!"

Best beauty salon:

The Clip Shop

Berkshirites are clear beauty shop dwellers -- 30 different salons were named and the competition was close. Last year's winner, Hair Express, placed second, only seven votes behind the Clip Shop.

Best barber shop:

Sim's Barber Shop

For the sixth straight year, Sim's is voted the best in the Berkshires.

Best drug store:

Brooks Pharmacy

Brooks Pharmacy was the clear preference with our readers as it has been for the past three years. CVS was second.

Best dry cleaner:

Royal Cleaners

Royal must've dusted itself off from last year's loss to Superior and gone for the gold to win this year. Superior fell into second.

Best photographer:

Rosanne M. Frieri

Last year's winner Sandy McNay dropped from the running altogether this year to make room for the 2000 winner Rosanne Frieri.

Best florist:

Jodi's Seasonal

This is Jodi's second win after moving past Viale's last year.

Best garden shop:

Agway Inc.

Last year's second-place winner took the lead over Ward's this year.

Best furniture store:

Paul Rich and Sons

This marks the sixth win for Paul Rich and Sons. Another example of a no-contest vote.

Best bank:

Greylock Federal Credit Union

The very satisfied customers at Greylock dictated another win for the credit union, just as they did last year. Lee Bank fell into second place again and Berkshire Bank placed third. Dorinda Shaw of Lee says of the Greylock Credit Union, "[I am] always greeted with a smile. Count on the same response in any situation.

Best Realtor (individual):

Joe and Diane Ziemiak

This husband/wife team has obviously put a lot of happy people into cozy new homes. Helen Randall of Cheshire says Diane Ziemiak is "very helpful and polite. She tries to find real estate you are looking for -- a lovely person."

Best realty company:

Re/Max Integrity Realtors

This was a close one -- Re/Max beat out last year's winner, Century 21, by one lone vote.

Best printer:

Impress Printing

Impress Printing came out on top again this year.

Best musical instrument shop:

Wood Bros. Music

This is the sixth year that Wood Bros. Music can claim this title. They must be doing something to keep their customers so happy.

Best carpet store:

Steven's World of Carpets

The satisfied patrons at Steven's have covered their cold bare floors with warm and cozy carpet against the Berkshire winters.

Best fuel oil dealer:

O'Connell Oil Associates

O'Connell raced to first place again this year with Clifford on its heels placing in second.

Best car wash:

Tyler Street Car Wash Center

Tyler Street beat out last year's winner Elm Street by only three votes. By the way, their new roof is a much needed improvement.

Best new car dealer:

Haddad Pontiac Toyota Buick Jeep Eagle Hyundai

Haddad rose from second place to claim the title this year from Johnson Ford which slipped into second. Bedard's placed third.

Best used car dealer:

Haddad Pontiac Toyota Buick Jeep Eagle Hyundai

Haddad continues to sweep through our car categories -- beating East Street Auto Mall in a close second and third place Johnson Ford.

Best auto repair:

Haddad Pontiac Toyota Buick Jeep Eagle Hyundai

Haddad took the title over 27 other car repair shops nominated. What can we say? They must be doing something right.

Best tire dealer:

Pittsfield Tire

This is the second win in a row for Pittsfield Tire.

Culture

Best cultural attraction:

Tanglewood

This is the third straight win for Tanglewood and they should be proud -- in the Berkshires we pride ourselves on being the cutting edge in cultural activities and we have a lot of venues to brag about. They deserve it, everything about the place is impeccable. Randolph and Victoria Ross of Pittsfield say, "Let's face it, there just isn't anything quite like a gourmet picnic, a great bottle of wine, a blanket and listening to James Taylor in the summertime."

Best museum:

The Berkshire Museum

The Berkshire Museum won the title over other popular museums including the Norman Rockwell and Mass MoCA. Scott Hochfelder of Pittsfield says, "A treasure trove of diversity, a discovery zone for children of all ages. A mecca for sweetness and light."

Best art gallery:

The Clark Art Institute

The Clark Art Institute is another repeat winner, and why not -- the museum is exquisite and this summer's Vienna Project exhibits are worth a visit.

Best historical attraction:

Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Shaker Village wins this category again garnering more votes than other local favorites -- Arrowhead tied with Chesterwood for second place this year.

Best live theater:

Williamstown Theatre Festival

A new category this year, it was added in honor of all the wonderful and mesmerizing theater in the county. Tony-Award winning Williamstown took first place with the Berkshire Theatre Festival only one vote behind. Shakespeare & Company placed third.

Best place for concerts:

Tanglewood

No contest here. And how could there be? Tanglewood has expansive, green lawns, comfortable seating and ample parking. The acoustics in Ozawa Hall give performances a breathtaking effect.

Best movie theater:

Berkshire Mall Cinemas

With the Pittsfield Cinema out of business, the Berkshire Mall Cinemas have obviously been the favorite for North County dwellers. The Triplex in Great Barrington has a loyal following as well.

Best bookstore:

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

Barnes & Noble is the clear favorite in this category -- they won by an overwhelming margin. And they deserve it -- you can find just about anything you want there; buy a mochaccino, a good book and relax into an oversized armchair for an extended period. The local bookstores must be recognized as well: The Bookstore, The Book Shelf, The Bookloft and Papyri all hold their own. Mary Weary of Cheshire says, "They have everything you could possibly want and to fit all ages in a family."

Best singer/songwriter:

David Grover

Long-time local favorite, with kids and adults alike, David Grover beat out a list of 10 nominees to take first place. Check out David and his Big Bear Band! Folk music legend Arlo Guthrie is popular, too, as is relative newcomer Adam Michael Rothberg.

Sports &

Services

Best rainy day place for kids:

Busters Entertainment Center

Once again, Busters has dominated this category. The Berkshire Museum trailed in second.

Best fitness gym:

Berkshire Nautilus

Fourth-time winner, Berkshire Nautilus claims the title again. Their new digs over on Summer Street are said to be a substantial improvement. The Lenox Fitness Center placed second and Berkshire West fell into third. Michael Wheeler of Pittsfield says of Berkshire Nautilus as the best fitness gym: "New location with much more room, climbing wall, friendly and attentive staff, excellent location and it smells terrific!"

Best swimming:

YMCA

The YMCA must have a great pool -- they continue to dominate this category.

Best downhill skiing:

Jiminy Peak

Jiminy Peak took 70 percent of the votes from Brodie, Bousquet and Catamount.

Best golf course:

Taconic Golf Club

Once again, a sign of things shifting in the county. Taconic Golf Club didn't even place in the top three last year, yet they beat out all others to claim first place this year.

Best putt-putt

golf course:

Baker's Driving Range and Miniature Golf

Baker's wins again, tops in family entertainment.

Best sporting goods store:

Dave's Sporting Goods

They finally did it -- Dave's pushed Klein's out of the first place spot after five years.

Best bowling alley:

Ken's Bowl

Once again, Ken's Bowl rose to the top above all others including Imperial and Candle Lanes which tied for second.

Best place to buy a bike:

Plaine's Bike Ski Snowboard

Plaine's is the reader's choice for the sixth year in a row.

Best horseback riding:

Overmeade Farm

Six different farms were nominated here but Overmeade Farm is clearly the best of the best. Eastover and Jiminy Peak tied for second. Nicole Kellogg of Richmond says "Overmead Farm has the best instruction and family atmosphere around."