The best

Jun. 14, 2006

4:00 a.m.

This week, the Independent features our annual Best of the Triangle issue. But don't believe it--not because everything we highlight isn't great, but because there's so much good stuff in the Triangle one issue can't do it justice. That's why we offer readers the best things to do in the region every week: with arts coverage that highlights the best writers, filmmakers, visual artists, theater and dance; with music coverage that captures the breadth and depth of rock, traditional, blues, alt-country and classical music artists and offerings; with our Act Now listings of ways everyone can get involved in the community; and with more than 1,000 events a week in our Spectator arts and entertainment listings, our music calendar and movie blurbs and times.

The Best of the Triangle highlights some of the special people, places and things we might not have had a chance to write about the rest of the year. We do it in two parts--our picks (page 35) and those chosen by our readers (page 55). This year, the staff offerings are our personal favorites, things learned in collective decades spent living here--from the best milk to the best place to see critters to the best potluck supper. And more than 1,800 readers took the time over the last three months to fill out paper ballots and vote online for the places and services they like the best. That's an incredible turnout--a record for us--so look at our readers' choices to find out their picks for the best sushi restaurants, the best places to watch the World Cup and the best DUI lawyers, and lots more in between.

It's not the only time of the year we highlight the best of the best. Others include:

The Indy Music Awards. This year more than 5,000 people voted for their favorite bands and tunes. Check out the winners at www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A28060.

Annual Manual, a streetwise guide to having fun in the Triangle. Look for the stories in last year's Drinking Guide to the Triangle at www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Section?oid=oid%3A14678.

Our Citizens' Awards, given to people and groups that have made the Triangle a better place. See last year's winners at www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A25646.

And this is the last week we're taking nominations for our Indies Arts Awards, to be announced July 12, given to artists doing special work in the community. To make nominations and to see who's won in the past, go to www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/page?oid=32463.

And thanks to our readers and advertisers for making it all possible. You're truly the Best in the Triangle.