Best of 2005
What better way to start the year off than a Best of list.
And now, the long anticipated Best of 2005. Since this is my first ''Best of'' compilation, it would be fair to explain what I would consider the "Best". While bearing in mind that not all things mentioned are necessary the most luxurious or the most expensive, (for that list see Robb Report's Best of) they are in my mind the Best (for this year anyways) due to a variety of factors, most notably style, comfort, convenience, class, taste, beauty and value. So without further ado here is the Best of 2005.
Best New Artist - Ricky Fanté
Now tell me. What other young 20-something african-american artist is producing music like this? Reminiscent of that 60's r&b soul music which hits you like a groove from Otis redding, this young man belts out with a smokey voice the good stuff while other musicians his age are lost in the jungle of the overplayed hip-hop world. Old motown, soul, Isaac Hayesish, whatever you want to call it. Its good.
Best New Song - She Will Be Loved, Maroon5
When you have a guy singing "I don't mind spending everyday, out on your corner in the pouring rain" that sounds like pure desperation that Love can only define. Try the acoustic version and you'll have this song on repeat for hours.
Best New Concert - Pink Martini, Walt Disney Concert Hall
For a better explanation see previous post under ''What is Pink Martini". (The Boyz II Men show this year at the HOB came in a close 2nd.)
Best New TV Show - The O.C.
This category was a toss up between Smallville and The O.C. with The O.C. slightly edging out because of the familiar feel of the show. And now with the recent addition of Olive Wilde to the cast, that pushed it over to seal the deal in my book. Admittingly though I very rarely have an opportunity to watch any kind of television, except for the downloaded episodes on my laptop so take this all with a grain of salt.
Best New DVD - Firefly (TV Show)
Although not being a fan per se of Joss Whedon himself, this is one sci-fi show that caught me by complete surprise. Maybe it has in part to do with the beauty of the siren Morena Baccarin. But I think overall the space cowboy theme, along with the mandarin infused dialect and chinese subculture really make this show stand out in more ways than one. Look for Serenity to hit theaters later this year.
Best New Gadget - Apple iPod
Remember the Walkman of the 80's and the Discman of the 90's? Yes, I'm a bit behind the curve in only recently purchasing my 4th generation 40GB iPod from Apple but I'm quickly making up for lost time. Transferring songs from a massive CD collection seems to be the most daunting task, but everything else about the iPod screams cool. Used in conjunction with my add-on accessories from Griffin Technologies, the iTalk and iTrip, I'm now able to record up to 24 days of music straight, (if only my battery would last that long) and transmit my songs wirelessly to any nearby radio. Talk about cool!
Best New Book - The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Being an avid reader for all types of books including yes, magazines and other bible based publications, this year's unique book was The Time Traveler's Wife. The most appealing aspect, once you get past the constant flux between phases in time, is the underlying message of endless love conquering all. Being a true romantic at heart its nice to read a story where despite the grandness of time split like a giant chasm between their love, in the end something truly great that can only come from the heart will prevail.
Best New Movie - The Incredibles
Although I'm not entirely a fan of animation movies, I must say that this was one movie that hit me by surprise. Pixar has really outdone themselves this time, and it is so nice to see a superbly crafted movie truly fun for the whole family. A little bit of laughs, adventure, drama and suspense never before seen in an animation of this quality. What isn't there to like? Kudos to Pixar. (And I kick myself for not buying any PIXR stock. Doh!)
Best White Wine - V. Sattui Dry Johannisberg Riesling 2002
Personally I've been more inclined to whites than red's and this V. Sattui Riesling is no exception. Despite the unavailability of purchasing this wine through your local wine shop, (wines can only be purhased at the Winery in Napa, CA or online) this wine really stood out this year from other California Rieslings. Not too sweet, not too dry and nicely balanced, this selection is a good buy and a great deal.
Best Red Wine - Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 1998
Not being an oneophile and actually only consuming wine on an occasional basis I found this particular red quite enjoyable, finding hints of cherry and plum and only a bit of pepperiness. (A close 2nd is the 2002 Cline Cellars Red Truck. A blend of mourvedre, syrah and merlot, this wine is one you can have fun with and chug with the fellas over a big pizza.)
Best Jazz Club - Blues Alley (Washington D.C.)
This 40 year old jazz supper club is arguably the finest throwback to the jazz clubs of the earlier century as they come. With an intimate and gritty appeal that bursts with tones of trumpets and sax's galore, its no wonder that Dizzy found this place home. To listen to a live recorded session of one of the greatest modern female jazz singers, pick up Eva Cassidy's Live at Blues Alley.
Best Indian Restaurant - Bombay Club (Washington D.C.)
Living in near proximity to what is known as "Little India" I often find restaurants with an Eastern flair an enjoyable delight. The Bombay Club with its British Indian infused decor offers a variety of Indian dishes including a selection of tandoori meats. Found in the heart of Downtown D.C., this elegant restaurant will be sure to invoke the feeling of "old world" India with flavors that will definitely remembered.
Best Value Sushi Restaurant - Full Moon (Fountain Valley, California)
In two words, Hawaiian rolls. Where, this side of the Pacific, can you find such unique and exquisitely tasteful ahi/sake poke served maki style. Sure you can always head to Bruddah's in Gardena for the most authentic ''local grind'' or even to the more mainstream L&L's, The Loft or the newly established Shaka's in Artesia. But for cheap, tasty sushi run by a crew of Japanese surfers look no further than the brightness of the Full Moon.
Best Expensive Sushi Restaurant - Matsuhisa (Beverly Hills, California)
Nestled in the heart of tinseltown on ''restaurant row'' in La Cienega, Nobu Matsuhisa provides a unique culinary alternative with a touch of south-america, (Peru to be exact) to the traditional nigiri found everywhere. Although his empire is continuing to expand with Nobu and Matsuhisa in NY, for us locals heading to BH for something on his 25-page menu of lobster, beef carpaccio, yellow-tail and the list goes on and on is a treat worth taking even if only once. (If the quest for the perfect nigiri in the likes of blue fin maguro, unagi, tai, hamachi etc. are on your mind then I'd suggest Sushi Wasabi - Tustin, CA, Sushi Nozawa - Studio City, CA or Urasawa - Beverly Hills, CA according to my good friend the Magic Rat.)
Best Value Italian Restaurant - Little Italy's Kitchen (Hermosa Beach, CA)
With everything on the menu under $15 and surprisingly quite delightful with dishes that contain just the right amount of spices, this small family establishment which has been in business since 1949 serves up a variety of classic Italian favorites including mine, the Chicken Parmigiana.
Best Expensive Italian Restaurant - Il Mulino's (Las Vegas, NV)
Having had the opportunity to only try Il Mulino's once this past year, I still rank this place, housed in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on my Best of Italian list due in part to the great "Italian" service, homemade pasta and grappa, and the fact that I was able to attempt ingesting courses of langoustines, pasta, lamb chops, sea bass and a variety of other dishes that frankly should have been consumed sparingly over several days. Originally hailing from NY this place is all in all a classy joint in a my book and for a more formal review similar to my culinary adventure, check out this Chowhounders review.
Best "Coolest" Hotel - Delano Hotel (Miami, FL)
Walking through the lobby of Ian Schrager's Delano Hotel in South Beach, making your way through the floor to ceiling curtains that stream amongst massive pillars, you can't help but think to yourself "this hotel is so cool." With a vibe that feels something like a hip Hollywood party (think Mondrian or LA's Standard but more SB Chic) and rooms that are all "white", (yes the bed, towels, sheets, floors, tables and sofas) its no wonder that this hotel is host to a number of high profile soirees. Be sure to check out the life sized chess pieces in the rear while having a drink on the table “in” the infinity pool during your visit.
Best "New/Old" Watch Company - Officine Panerai
To set the record, yes I am bit biased because I own a Panerai Luminor Submersible, but that still doesn't discount the fact that these watches are beautiful, hot, and dealers just can't keep them around long enough. Coming in at an impressive 44mm, these watches, produced from a company originally established in Firenze (Florence, Italy) in 1860 and recently revived, exude an understated class and masculinity without crossing over into the bling crusted likes of Chris Aire's Traveler Timepiece. And although I aspire to be somewhat of a watch aficiondo, my divers timepiece receives actual fieldtime, being put to work in the underseas of the Pacific. Anyone up for a little diving?
Best Dive Spot - Shark's Cove (North Shore, Oahu)
Being an avid NAUI certified scuba diver for the past 10 years now, and having visited a few exotic locations in my time I really enjoy coming back to Shark's Cove at Kalalua Point. Besides having the crystal blue ocean with plenty of marine life including lobsters, turtles, corals and a variety of fishes at your fingertips, the ease of entry and the odds of having a perfectly beautiful day are hard to beat. (And even better, head over to Kua'Aina's in Haleiwa after a hard day's work for the best burgers East of the Pacific.)
Best Ski/Snowboard Resort - Whistler, British Columbia
Two mountains, 33 lifts, 7,000 acres, 200 trails. Need I say more?
Best Spa – Canyon Ranch SpaClub (Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, NV)
Described in latin as “sanus per aquam” or something we’re all familiar with as SPA. Now everyone needs a good massage now and then and when in Vegas, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub is the destination of choice for aching muscles and tired feet. Housed in almost 70,000 sq. ft., and providing a mirage of services including a 40ft indoor rock wall, the Spa affords an ample amount of relaxation and fitness offerings for both sets of clientele. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
And now, the long anticipated Best of 2005. Since this is my first ''Best of'' compilation, it would be fair to explain what I would consider the "Best". While bearing in mind that not all things mentioned are necessary the most luxurious or the most expensive, (for that list see Robb Report's Best of) they are in my mind the Best (for this year anyways) due to a variety of factors, most notably style, comfort, convenience, class, taste, beauty and value. So without further ado here is the Best of 2005.
Best New Artist - Ricky Fanté
Now tell me. What other young 20-something african-american artist is producing music like this? Reminiscent of that 60's r&b soul music which hits you like a groove from Otis redding, this young man belts out with a smokey voice the good stuff while other musicians his age are lost in the jungle of the overplayed hip-hop world. Old motown, soul, Isaac Hayesish, whatever you want to call it. Its good.
Best New Song - She Will Be Loved, Maroon5
When you have a guy singing "I don't mind spending everyday, out on your corner in the pouring rain" that sounds like pure desperation that Love can only define. Try the acoustic version and you'll have this song on repeat for hours.
Best New Concert - Pink Martini, Walt Disney Concert Hall
For a better explanation see previous post under ''What is Pink Martini". (The Boyz II Men show this year at the HOB came in a close 2nd.)
Best New TV Show - The O.C.
This category was a toss up between Smallville and The O.C. with The O.C. slightly edging out because of the familiar feel of the show. And now with the recent addition of Olive Wilde to the cast, that pushed it over to seal the deal in my book. Admittingly though I very rarely have an opportunity to watch any kind of television, except for the downloaded episodes on my laptop so take this all with a grain of salt.
Best New DVD - Firefly (TV Show)
Although not being a fan per se of Joss Whedon himself, this is one sci-fi show that caught me by complete surprise. Maybe it has in part to do with the beauty of the siren Morena Baccarin. But I think overall the space cowboy theme, along with the mandarin infused dialect and chinese subculture really make this show stand out in more ways than one. Look for Serenity to hit theaters later this year.
Best New Gadget - Apple iPod
Remember the Walkman of the 80's and the Discman of the 90's? Yes, I'm a bit behind the curve in only recently purchasing my 4th generation 40GB iPod from Apple but I'm quickly making up for lost time. Transferring songs from a massive CD collection seems to be the most daunting task, but everything else about the iPod screams cool. Used in conjunction with my add-on accessories from Griffin Technologies, the iTalk and iTrip, I'm now able to record up to 24 days of music straight, (if only my battery would last that long) and transmit my songs wirelessly to any nearby radio. Talk about cool!
Best New Book - The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Being an avid reader for all types of books including yes, magazines and other bible based publications, this year's unique book was The Time Traveler's Wife. The most appealing aspect, once you get past the constant flux between phases in time, is the underlying message of endless love conquering all. Being a true romantic at heart its nice to read a story where despite the grandness of time split like a giant chasm between their love, in the end something truly great that can only come from the heart will prevail.
Best New Movie - The Incredibles
Although I'm not entirely a fan of animation movies, I must say that this was one movie that hit me by surprise. Pixar has really outdone themselves this time, and it is so nice to see a superbly crafted movie truly fun for the whole family. A little bit of laughs, adventure, drama and suspense never before seen in an animation of this quality. What isn't there to like? Kudos to Pixar. (And I kick myself for not buying any PIXR stock. Doh!)
Best White Wine - V. Sattui Dry Johannisberg Riesling 2002
Personally I've been more inclined to whites than red's and this V. Sattui Riesling is no exception. Despite the unavailability of purchasing this wine through your local wine shop, (wines can only be purhased at the Winery in Napa, CA or online) this wine really stood out this year from other California Rieslings. Not too sweet, not too dry and nicely balanced, this selection is a good buy and a great deal.
Best Red Wine - Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 1998
Not being an oneophile and actually only consuming wine on an occasional basis I found this particular red quite enjoyable, finding hints of cherry and plum and only a bit of pepperiness. (A close 2nd is the 2002 Cline Cellars Red Truck. A blend of mourvedre, syrah and merlot, this wine is one you can have fun with and chug with the fellas over a big pizza.)
Best Jazz Club - Blues Alley (Washington D.C.)
This 40 year old jazz supper club is arguably the finest throwback to the jazz clubs of the earlier century as they come. With an intimate and gritty appeal that bursts with tones of trumpets and sax's galore, its no wonder that Dizzy found this place home. To listen to a live recorded session of one of the greatest modern female jazz singers, pick up Eva Cassidy's Live at Blues Alley.
Best Indian Restaurant - Bombay Club (Washington D.C.)
Living in near proximity to what is known as "Little India" I often find restaurants with an Eastern flair an enjoyable delight. The Bombay Club with its British Indian infused decor offers a variety of Indian dishes including a selection of tandoori meats. Found in the heart of Downtown D.C., this elegant restaurant will be sure to invoke the feeling of "old world" India with flavors that will definitely remembered.
Best Value Sushi Restaurant - Full Moon (Fountain Valley, California)
In two words, Hawaiian rolls. Where, this side of the Pacific, can you find such unique and exquisitely tasteful ahi/sake poke served maki style. Sure you can always head to Bruddah's in Gardena for the most authentic ''local grind'' or even to the more mainstream L&L's, The Loft or the newly established Shaka's in Artesia. But for cheap, tasty sushi run by a crew of Japanese surfers look no further than the brightness of the Full Moon.
Best Expensive Sushi Restaurant - Matsuhisa (Beverly Hills, California)
Nestled in the heart of tinseltown on ''restaurant row'' in La Cienega, Nobu Matsuhisa provides a unique culinary alternative with a touch of south-america, (Peru to be exact) to the traditional nigiri found everywhere. Although his empire is continuing to expand with Nobu and Matsuhisa in NY, for us locals heading to BH for something on his 25-page menu of lobster, beef carpaccio, yellow-tail and the list goes on and on is a treat worth taking even if only once. (If the quest for the perfect nigiri in the likes of blue fin maguro, unagi, tai, hamachi etc. are on your mind then I'd suggest Sushi Wasabi - Tustin, CA, Sushi Nozawa - Studio City, CA or Urasawa - Beverly Hills, CA according to my good friend the Magic Rat.)
Best Value Italian Restaurant - Little Italy's Kitchen (Hermosa Beach, CA)
With everything on the menu under $15 and surprisingly quite delightful with dishes that contain just the right amount of spices, this small family establishment which has been in business since 1949 serves up a variety of classic Italian favorites including mine, the Chicken Parmigiana.
Best Expensive Italian Restaurant - Il Mulino's (Las Vegas, NV)
Having had the opportunity to only try Il Mulino's once this past year, I still rank this place, housed in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on my Best of Italian list due in part to the great "Italian" service, homemade pasta and grappa, and the fact that I was able to attempt ingesting courses of langoustines, pasta, lamb chops, sea bass and a variety of other dishes that frankly should have been consumed sparingly over several days. Originally hailing from NY this place is all in all a classy joint in a my book and for a more formal review similar to my culinary adventure, check out this Chowhounders review.
Best "Coolest" Hotel - Delano Hotel (Miami, FL)
Walking through the lobby of Ian Schrager's Delano Hotel in South Beach, making your way through the floor to ceiling curtains that stream amongst massive pillars, you can't help but think to yourself "this hotel is so cool." With a vibe that feels something like a hip Hollywood party (think Mondrian or LA's Standard but more SB Chic) and rooms that are all "white", (yes the bed, towels, sheets, floors, tables and sofas) its no wonder that this hotel is host to a number of high profile soirees. Be sure to check out the life sized chess pieces in the rear while having a drink on the table “in” the infinity pool during your visit.
Best "New/Old" Watch Company - Officine Panerai
To set the record, yes I am bit biased because I own a Panerai Luminor Submersible, but that still doesn't discount the fact that these watches are beautiful, hot, and dealers just can't keep them around long enough. Coming in at an impressive 44mm, these watches, produced from a company originally established in Firenze (Florence, Italy) in 1860 and recently revived, exude an understated class and masculinity without crossing over into the bling crusted likes of Chris Aire's Traveler Timepiece. And although I aspire to be somewhat of a watch aficiondo, my divers timepiece receives actual fieldtime, being put to work in the underseas of the Pacific. Anyone up for a little diving?
Best Dive Spot - Shark's Cove (North Shore, Oahu)
Being an avid NAUI certified scuba diver for the past 10 years now, and having visited a few exotic locations in my time I really enjoy coming back to Shark's Cove at Kalalua Point. Besides having the crystal blue ocean with plenty of marine life including lobsters, turtles, corals and a variety of fishes at your fingertips, the ease of entry and the odds of having a perfectly beautiful day are hard to beat. (And even better, head over to Kua'Aina's in Haleiwa after a hard day's work for the best burgers East of the Pacific.)
Best Ski/Snowboard Resort - Whistler, British Columbia
Two mountains, 33 lifts, 7,000 acres, 200 trails. Need I say more?
Best Spa – Canyon Ranch SpaClub (Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, NV)
Described in latin as “sanus per aquam” or something we’re all familiar with as SPA. Now everyone needs a good massage now and then and when in Vegas, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub is the destination of choice for aching muscles and tired feet. Housed in almost 70,000 sq. ft., and providing a mirage of services including a 40ft indoor rock wall, the Spa affords an ample amount of relaxation and fitness offerings for both sets of clientele. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
posted by Vision20 at 4:00 PM
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