BREAKFAST: Fatty Patty's

Many cafés were nominated in the breakfast category this year, but none could top a plate of S.L.O.P.

Carol's Corner Café, Dulin's Village Café and Rosemary Café - along with Christine's - all received multiple votes for the best breakfast restaurant. It was Fatty Patty's, and perhaps their signature dish, that won over Clark County's stomach.

S.L.O.P (Super Large Oversized Portion) is so hefty, there are four different sizes to choose. The full order is served on a pizza pan, while the piglet size works for those smaller appetites. There are also half and quarter orders of the meal, which consists of hashbrowns, ham, tomatoes, green pepper and onions, grilled together with cheddar cheese and smothered in sausage gravy. They even throw in a piece of toast or biscuit on the side.

This little piggy has breakfast.

WINNER: Fatty Patty's, 10501 Ne Highway 99 #29, Vancouver, WA 98686, 360-574-4940.
RUNNERs-UP: Carol's Corner Café, Christine's, Dulin's Village Café, Rosemary Café

PASTA: Little Italy's Trattoria

For the best pasta, Clark County likes a little of the large (Old Spaghetti Factory, Olive Garden) and a little of the small (La Bottega). When readers find something they really like, they stick to it.

Little Italy's Trattoria, winner of Best Italian last year, offers "tastes and aromas from the old country" in a family-oriented, comfortable atmosphere. Ultimately it's the signature menu - authentic recipes made with fresh ingredients - that keeps their loyal clientele coming back to the two locations.

The "chef's favorites" include Baked Rigatoni, ground Italian sausage, marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese; and Lasagne Emigliana, a Northern Italy-style lasagne, layered with shredded beef loin, sausage, ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella and tomato sauce, baked then topped with more mozzarella.

WINNER: Little Italy's Trattoria, Downtown, 901 Washington Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-737-2363; Cascade Park, 204 SE Park Plaza Dr., Vancouver, WA 98684, 360-883-1325
RUNNERS-UP: La Bottega, Old Spaghetti Factory, Olive Garden

MEXICAN: Woody's Tacos

Open less than two years, Woody's Tacos has quickly established itself as the place to satisfy your Mexican food craving. Fish tacos are a favorite, though Woody's offers a wide array of meats, including chicken, beef, carne asada, roast pork in tomatillo sauce and chorizo. They also boast five types of salsa.

Burritos, quesadillas and tostados are staples of the menu, all coming with your choice of meats, beans, rice and salsa. Woody's can even come to you with an extensive catering menu.

WINNER: Woody's Tacos, 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 700, Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-718-8193
RUNNERS-UP: Provecho, Los Jalepenos, Cactus Ya Ya's

ASIAN CUISINE: Thai Orchid Restaurant & Sushi Bar

Even though this list invited votes from all of Clark County, a small, three-block area near Esther Short Park features two of the best Asian restaurants. Tiger's Garden, just north Esther Short Park- has plenty of fans. Yet it was Thai Orchid Restaurant and Sushi Bar that won for the second consecutive year.

Thai Orchid features over 50 dishes that appeal to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Readers enjoy the delightful atmosphere, punctuated by classical Thai and contemporary artwork. Voting may have been enticed by the newly introduced sushi bar, offering gourmet items without the gourmet prices.

But whatever it is, second-generation owner Kat Saenguraiporn has the 10-year-old restaurant on the right path. That path leads Clark County fans of Asian cuisine to downtown Vancouver.

WINNER: Thai Orchid Restaurant & Sushi Bar, 1004 Washington St, Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-695-7786
RUNNERS-UP: Tiger's Garden, Dok Koon Thai Cuisine

EUROPEAN: Gustav's

This is a new category for Best of Clark County and Gustav's is well-seasoned at what they do best: wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten and, of course, fondue.

While Gustav's surrounds you in an Alpine atmosphere, you'll dip bread cubes, sausage and pretzels into a simmering pot of Swiss cheese fondue. Remember to try the Dungeness crab and the roasted red pepper fondue, a local favorite.

Lest you think it's all about fondue, there are plenty of other European dishes to be had. English shepard's pie, braised lamb shank, roasted duck... and of course German potato pancakes round out the authentic dishes.

Just keep the yodeling to a minimum.

WINNER: Gustav's, 1705 S.E. 164th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98683, 360-883-0222.
RUNNER-UP: LLa Bottega

COMFORT FOOD: Bill's Chicken and Steak House

What is comfort food? Is it the tried-and-true that create a satisfying, home-cooked meal? Familiar tastes and combinations providing enjoyment with memories? Whatever your definition, there are several, locally-owned kitchens that will remind you of childhood favorites.

Fare at Fatty Patty's and Smitty's will surely take you back. This year, Bill's Chicken and Steak House is our readers' choice for time-tested classics. A Vancouver tradition since 1965, Bill's Chicken and Steak House offers seafood, sandwiches and, as the name implies, chicken and steak.

Bills' Chicken and Steak House also offers catering, meeting your banquet needs with a room for up to 90 people for a sit-down meal or 150 for a reception.

For 45 years, Bill's has served family and friends home-cooked meals away from home. A reader favorite still today.

WINNER: Bill's Chicken and Steak House, 2200 St Johns Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-695-1591.
RUNNERS-UP: Fatty Patty's, Smitty's

HAMBURGER: Burgerville

A lot of burger places have something setting them apart. Red Robin has nearly 400 locations across America. Five Guys Burger and Fries has the new-kid-on-the-block allure. Steakburger has mini-golf. McMenamin's on the Columbia has the view of the river and Top Burger is a Camas mainstay.

And Burgerville has…that sauce. Could that be why they were voted the best burgers in Clark County? Sure, they've also cultivated a culture of local, fresh tastes from our region. We all have our favorites, like the pepper bacon cheeseburger featuring Tillamook cheddar cheese or the Oregon Harvest burger. Who could turn down a Walla Walla sweet onion ring?

Still... that sauce is hard to forget.

WINNER: Burgerville, various locations
RUNNER'S UP: Red Robin, Five Guys Burger and Fries, McMenamin's on the Columbia, Steakburger, Top Burger

ICE CREAM/YOGURT: Ice Cream Renaissance

The votes came in all colors of the cool treat palette. Baskin-Robbins, Cold Stone Creamery and Sheridan's Frozen Custard all meet our craving for things cold and delicious.

It was the work of a single storefront that satisfied most wants and needs for a single scoop. Calling themselves "Vancouver's Hangout," it's clear Ice Cream Renaissance may need to change their motto to include all of Clark County. Featuring hand-crafted ice cream and sorbet, this is the second year in a row Ice Cream Renaissance has topped this category.

Along with other refreshments, ICR occasionally offers live music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hmmm, better make it two scoops.

WINNER: Ice Cream Renaissance, 2108 Main Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-694-3892
RUNNERS-UP: Cold Stone Creamery, Sheridan's Frozen Custard, Baskin-Robbins

DELI: La Bottega

La Bottega does several things well. Their deli brings folks in from all over Clark County... and beyond.

Offering a large variety of quality meats, imported cheeses, oils, vinegars, sauces, pasta and soups -- La Bottega can outfit your dinner at home or fill the ultimate picnic basket. Need a beverage that will complement your meal? La Bottega can has an impressive list.

WINNER: La Bottega, 1905 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-571-5010.
RUNNERS-UP: Rosemary Café, City Sandwich Co., Panera Bread Co., Anoush Deli International Food Market

FAMILY DINNER VALUE: The Old Spaghetti Factory

It was a busy day. Dinner isn't planned, much less started. Everyone's hungry. Where does Clark County go to feed the family and stay within their budget?

While readers chose many homegrown, smaller eateries for this year's list, when it comes to good food and value, Applebee's and Sweet Tomatos are often mentioned. But most of you piled into the family hauler and went to The Old Spaghetti Factory.

The OSF offers their famous Complete Meals for easy ordering, with enough variety for everyone. Save some room after dinner; as the tasty bread, soup or salad and entrees can be plenty. A bowl of spumoni will be there at the end.

Plus, they clear the table and do the dishes.

WINNER: The Old Spaghetti Factory, 730 S.E. 160th Ave., Vancouver, WA, 98684, 360-253-9030
RUNNERS-UP: Applebee's, Sweet Tomatoes

HAPPY HOUR: Beaches Restaurant & Bar

See story in Nightlife & Fun

WINNER: Beaches Restaurant and Bar, 1919 S.E. Columbia River Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98661, 360-699-1592
RUNNERS-UP -- Tommy O's, Lapellah Restaurant, Big Al's, Brickhouse Bar and Grill, Top Shelf Martini Bar

TAKEOUT: Foody Blues BBQ

Not everyone needs four walls and a roof. A few don't even need a year-round fixed address. The elusive Foody Blues BBQ is a perfect example.

Found seasonally at The Vancouver Farmer's Market, Foody Blues watchers can also catch sight (and a bite) of the best takeout food at events around the area. Foody Blues' field book? Facebook.

Clearly, though, not having a set address hasn't hurt Foody Blues. Featuring beef brisket, pulled pork and smoked St. Louis-cut pork ribs (plus plenty of to-go containers) made them a readers' favorite. Wherever they roost, Foody Blues fans find them. Word on the street is they're working on their own pastrami.

No need for binoculars. Head down to the Vancouver Farmer's Market this weekend.

WINNER: Foody Blues BBQ, Vancouver Farmers Market; Esther Street between 6th and 8th, 360-450-9868.
RUNNERS-UP: : Burgerville USA, Thai Orchid Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Muchas Gracias Mexican Food

HOUSE SPECIAL: Mint Tea

House specials may be offered once a week or once a lifetime. Both Woody's Tacos and Linda's Homeplate offer a daily special in addition to their regular menus. It was Mint Tea's constantly rotating menu that earned the nod as the best house special.

Because, with a constantly changing menu, everything is a house special.

Recent dinner offerings included grilled Moroccan lamb kabobs and seared Arctic charr with a mango orange salsa. Each month, the dinner menu changes, but always offers meat, poultry, fish and vegetarian dishes.

WINNER: Mint Tea, 2014 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-699-4991
RUNNERS-UP: Linda's Homeplate, Woody's Tacos

BAKERY: Je T'aime

While more established bakeries like Larson's and Battle Ground Bakery received votes, readers have a new true love: Je T'aime.

Opened less than six months, Je T'aime ("I love you" in French) is established as an Uptown Village destination. Their rotation of surprises can include the sweet (chocolate marble mousse layer cake anyone?) and the savory (bacon, chevre, and baby spinach danish), Je T'aime bakes something for whatever mood you're in.

Not sure what mood you're in? Je T'aime's fare (also available at La Bottega and sister-establishment Mon Ami) is featured prominently in their front window.

Though your nose may make the decision for you.

WINNER: Je T'aime, 2413 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-597-3511
RUNNERS UP: Larson's Bakery, Battle Ground Bakery

CANDY: See's Candy

Sometimes, it's difficult to beat experience. Oh Fudge! And More by Daisy Maiz came on the scene fairly recently. The Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory became incorporated in 1982.

See's Candy has been selling chocolates since 1921. With their familiar black and white interior and candies on display- how many of us spend at least a minute to peruse nearly 100 different kinds of sweets? Since readers voted See's the top candy stop in Clark County, many of us do!

Trivia: The sparkling clean, black and white interior was designed to resemble the kitchen of founder Charles See's mother, Mary.

WINNER: See's Candy, Westfield Vancouver Shopping Center, 8700 N.E. Vancouver Mall, Vancouver, WA, 98662, 360-892-3389
RUNNERS-UP: Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

BAGELS: Sunrise Bagels & More

Like a spectacular sunrise, a fresh, chewy bagel can get the day off to a great start.
Clark County offers some special places to pick up a fresh bagel (Seize the Bagel and NW Bagels to name a few favorites). Add a sunrise and you really have something.

Sure, they have bialis, zippies, sandwiches and pastries. They named it Sunrise Bagels for a reason. With over 50 flavors to choose from -- and nearly 30 different cream cheeses and spreads -- you're sure to find a combination to your liking. The front counter showcases the many varieties, though most patrons already know what they want.

Grab a Wild Cheddar or a Fruitwave Cobbler and be on your way. At least until you come back for lunch.

WINNER: Sunrise Bagels & More, 808 Harney St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-750-1750
RUNNERS UP: Seize the Bagel, NW Bagels

PIZZA: Blind Onion Pizza & Pub

New York or Chicago? Thin crust or thick? Cheese or The Works? When it comes to Pizza, you can argue over just about everything.

The biggest controversy surrounds who makes the best pie in town. In the most hotly-contested Eats category, Leonardo's, Bortolami's, Juliano's- and 2008 winner, Vancouver Pizza Company, garnered many votes.

In the end, an onion bulb named Fred emerged as the winning mascot. The Blind Onion's pizzas all start with Fred's Red Sauce and a chewy, hand-rolled crust. Their pies are certainly descriptive: the Carnivore, the Vegetarian, the Breath-Buster to name a few. Of course, you can always create your own combination. Who knows, they may name it after you.

Every Tuesday offers free anchovies. As the menu says, "Smell the value!"

WINNER: Blind Onion Pizza & Pub, 2900 E Mill Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, 360-750-7490; 9230 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98665, 360-597-4898.
RUNNERS-UP: Leonardo's, Bortolami's, Juliano's, Vancouver Pizza Co.

HAWAIIAN/POLYNESIAN: Tommy O's Aloha Café

Hula Boy Charbroil and Patrick's Hawaiian Cafe were both born when their owners came from Hawaii to Vancouver. Both were prominent in our search for the best Hawaiian/Polynesian food.

And both were nudged out by Tommy O's.

Tommy O's fuses contemporary island fare with all that is local, creating meals that offer the best of the Pacific Rim. Lunch specials, traditional pupus (starters), various seafoods and favorites such as Tommy O's Kalua Pork, bring a little of the South Pacific to the Pacific Northwest.

Tommy O's offers an extensive catering menu that can be made tailor-made for your special event. How about a luau for your next gathering?

Mahalo!

WINNER: Tommy O's Aloha Café, 801 Washington Street, Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-694-5107
RUNNERS-UP: Hula Boy Charbroil, Patrick's Hawaiian Cafe

COFFEE SHOP: Java House

Nowadays, serving a good cup of joe isn't enough to be a top coffee shop. Mon Ami has held art exhibits, Old Town Battle Grounds has two meeting rooms and River Maiden Artisan Coffee offers "Coffee in HD."

The Java House now has their second-straight Best of Clark County award.

The independently-owned shop sells locally-roasted beans and offers free wi-fi. After 18 years of slinging espressos, lattes and the occasional straight, black coffee, the Java House constantly honed their operation. They developed the most important part of a coffee shop: customer loyalty.

Dedication to customers has kept them at the top of the Clark County coffee scene.

WINNER: Java House, 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-737-2925.
RUNNERS-UP: Mon Ami, Old Town Battle Grounds, River Maiden Artisan Coffee