MS CONGENIALITY: Roxanne Huff would like nothing more than to pour you a drink at Dock Fore. Show her some appreciation.
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Best Bartender
ROXANNE HUFF has more than a couple things going for her. First off, she’s working at the best bar in Portland, Dock Fore, where it’s all about everyone enjoying each other’s company. Apparently everyone enjoys Roxanne as well and says that this two year veteran of the bar has a heart of gold. Everyone’s all like, “she’s so sweet” and “she’s so great.” There also seems to be a lot of buzz about her . . . personality. Sounds like she deserves it because she does the one thing you want your bartender to do: greet you by name and have your drink ready before you’ve taken your coat off. She works her personality from Tuesday through Saturday. See you there.
Dock Fore | 336 Fore St, Portland | 207.772.8619
Best Beach
There’s a rumor that OLD ORCHARD BEACH is getting a facelift. With condos cropping up all over, there’s a chance that Portland’s favorite beach may become an entirely new experience in the years to come. But for now, Old Orchard is filled with pure childlike fun and the kind of fun your mother said she never wanted to hear about. From salty, oily Pier fries and stomach-flopping turns on the mini-rollercoaster to boozy afternoons spent cooking in the sun and counting how many unfortunate Speedo wearers shuffle by your blanket, no summer is complete without a trip to OOB.
Old Orchard Beach | Grand Avenue, Old Orchard Beach
Best-Kept Secret
Portland Phoenix readers are cagey. How cagey? The winning Best-Kept Secret was a group of kept secrets, including the playful “Shh . . .,” the very clear “I’d have to kill ya,” and the obvious “Would it be a secret if I told you?” And Portland, you’re exactly right.
FRANCISCO’S AT THE BLUE HOUSE CAFÉ, the dinner half of the tiny world-cuisine-influenced restaurant across from Marden’s, won this category in 2005 and 2006 and came in second to general secret-keeping in this year’s voting. We therefore declare it is No Longer A Secret. You’ll have to spill the beans next year.
Francisco’s at the Blue House Café | 1081 Brighton Ave, Portland | 207.347.6196 | www.franciscosportland.com
Best Place to Get Pampered
There’s a spot on Fore Street where you can be pampered like a newborn Prince and feted like Marie Antoinette — an experience replete with dynamite services, soothing atmosphere, and, if you like, a bit of Chandon Sparkling wine with your house-created lunch. AKARI has a staggered pricing system for stylists, manicurists, and other pros (read: more experienced means more money), letting a day spent beautifying yourself fit in any budget. If you’re not that worried about money, see Christina Padilla for an affordable, expertly-executed cut (and great conversation) and Alisha Hartung for nearly pain-free waxing of all kinds (including all forms of manscaping, gentlemen).
Akari | 470 Fore St, Portland | 207.772.9060 | www.akarihairspa.com
Best Local Blog
Blogging is different than Twittering. WIL WHALEN, a/k/a DJ Kidbilly (a resident DJ at Springstreet), is a solid, human blogger. He writes about what’s on his mind, familiarly, intelligently, and with passion. Whalen’s themes often relate to pop culture, gay culture, and his infatuation with Madonna. But his best writing is about his connections with his family and friends. A June 16, 2006, posting about his father stands in poignant contrast to a heartbreaking posting from March 5, 2007, about his relationship with his siblings. His is what a blog should be.
www.wherethereswil.blogspot.com
Best Local Cause
Keep Portland local! Isn’t it nice to have a rallying cry everyone can get behind? Everyone except all those big-box chains that rule the world. Aren’t they having closed-door meetings right now deciding how to microchip us? Well, BUY LOCAL is on to something: support local entrepreneurs, encourage unique shops that give Portland character, and keep money circulating in our immediate economy. Check this out: for every hundred bucks spent at a local business, $45 of it stays right here compared to $14 remaining from national chain purchases. Sign me up for a T-shirt! Hey, where are these made, Bangladesh? Fret not, young activist, they’re American made.
www.portlandbuylocal.org
CORDLESS WITH ANY PURCHASE: JavaNet Café is where the wires disappear.
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Best Local Nonprofit
There’s no joking around with this one. The MAINE PARKINSON SOCIETY has been “dedicated to improving the quality of life of Maine people with Parkinson’s disease” since 1998. They provide resources for health services to learn more about medical, therapeutic, and social needs of people with the disease and they manage a fund that provides direct assistance to individuals and their families. It’s World Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month and the American Parkinson Disease Association is teaming up with the MEPS for the fifth annual Parkinson’s Awareness Conference. Anyone who is touched by the disease is invited to attend. Check the Web site for more info.
Maine Parkinson Society | 5 Bucknam Rd, Suite 1A, Falmouth | 800.832.4116 |
www.maineparkinsonsociety.org