Best of Clark County 2010
THE GROWTH OF A RELATIONSHIP
Listen up you sociologists, anthropologists and people-watchers: want to observe the evolution of a relationship? Watch a single break from their pack, seek another and eventually begin a courtship? See couples and families celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other milestones?
Want to see it all in one night? Then come to Beaches Restaurant & Bar, the top vote-getter in the happy hour, singles scene and date night restaurant categories.
First, if you want to meet someone, you have to get out of the house (or work) and be seen. What better time - and place - than a happy hour on the Columbia River? Beaches' happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm daily.
An often raucous atmosphere - which makes sense in such a popular space -- will at least make your group feel at ease to talk and laugh above your normal inside voices. Surroundings can provide great cover for the first stage of the relationship life-cycle: the hunt.
Life outside the spreading glass windows overlooking the River can be a perfect starting point for that first conversation. The party-atmosphere will often encourage an up-close-and-personal conversation. And what if that special connection isn't there? No worries, another potential pal might be standing right behind you.
Ah, but what if that connection is made? Beaches isn't just boisterous party-going, as the restaurant has installed sound paneling along the east end of the restaurant, away from the bar and the rest of the singles still looking for what you've found. There, the two of you can enjoy some calamari or chevre & spinach dip for starters while waiting for your meal to arrive.
Whether it's the dinner or pasta special of the night -- or perhaps a fresh fish dish is your desire -- you're sure to find just the right taste for the night. A variety of specialty desserts will help bring the evening to a close.
If that describes your evening at Beaches, it's one more successful relationship out the door.
Beaches Restaurant and Bar -- 1919 S.E. Columbia River Drive, Vancouver, WA, 98661, 360-699-1592
HAPPY HOUR -- Winner
RUNNERS-UP -- Tommy O's, Lapellah Restaurant, Big Al's, Brickhouse Bar and Grill, Top Shelf Martini Bar
SINGLES SCENE -- Winner
RUNNERS-UP -- Red Lion Inn at the Quay, Top Shelf, Big Al's
DATE RESTAURANT -- Winner
RUNNERS-UP -- Roots Restaurant and Bar, Lapellah Restaurant, Bones, La Bottega
BEER SELECTION: By The Bottle
While many of the top vote getters -- McMenamin's on the Columbia, Salmon Creek Brew Pub, Big Al's -- have more to offer than just beer, none could match the leading vote getter when it comes to just beer.
By The Bottle opened just over four years ago and started with 99 beers in their coolers. Makes for a catchy song, but BTB didn't want to be just catchy -- they wanted to be the premier specialty beer shop for Clark County. According to reader votes, they achieved their mission for their second, straight year.
Now, with over 1,000 brews to choose from, and a knowledgeable staff to help you choose, By The Bottle is filling a niche sought out by those from Seattle to Portland.
Cheers! Prost! Skoal! Salut!
WINNER: By The Bottle, 104 W. Evergreen Blvd. Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-696-0012.
RUNNERS-UP: McMenamin's on the Columbia, Salmon Creek Brew Pub, Big Al's
LIVE MUSIC (INDOOR), BEST BARTENDER: Brickhouse Bar and Grill
For a night on the town, you may go for drinks and then hear some music. This year, that night on the town can all happen at The Brickhouse Bar and Grill.
Although not as established as other venues in the area (Cascade Bar and Grill, Prairie Tavern, Jollie's Tavern, Red Lion at the Quay), the Brickhouse has quickly positioned itself as a music hot spot. The airy space -- which has been open less than a year -- rolls out the stage every Saturday and Sunday for shows.
And what better way to enjoy the music than with a pint of your favorite suds? With friendly and attentive staff, you shouldn't have to wait long to cool down. Nearly 40 beers (on draft, in cans or in bottles - including 22 ouncers), provide plenty of options to quench your thirst.
Certainly, other establishments (Beaches Restaurant and Bar, Top Shelf, The Rock Wood Fired Pizza and Spirits, Big Al's) offer good service, too. The Brickhouse is obviously doing something special.
Pretty darn good for the new kid on the block.
LIVE MUSIC PLACES
WINNER: Brickhouse Bar and Grill, 109 W. 15th St., Vancouver, WA, 98660, 360-695-3686
RUNNERS-UP: Cascade Bar and Grill, Prairie Tavern, Jollie's Tavern, Red Lion Inn at the Quay
BARTENDER
WINNER: Brickhouse Bar and Grill
RUNNERS-UP: Beaches Restaurant and Bar, Top Shelf, The Rock Wood Fired Pizza and Spirits, Big Al's
SPORTS BAR, FAMILY FUN VALUE: Big Al's
SPORTS BAR
WINNER: Big Al's: 16615 SE 18th St, Vancouver, WA, 98683, 360-944-6118
FAMILY FUN VALUE
WINNER: Big Al's
RUNNERS-UP: Christian Youth Theater, Firstenburg Community Center
LIVE MUSIC: Esther Short Park
The Clark County Amphitheater brings in the big names (Pearl Jam anyone?) while those looking for orchestras or a choral vibe might look up the Bravo! Concert Series.
It appears the top vote-getter, Esther Short Park, has something very special. Most of us enjoy bringing our blankets and chairs and settling in for a wide variety of music.
Maybe the weather has something to do with it. During the warmer months, Esther Short Park holds the Noon Concert Series, a free hour of music every Wednesday. Also popular are the Six-to-Sunset Concert Series, the Vancouver Wine and Jazz Festival and the Taste of Vancouver, to name a few others.
WINNER: Esther Short Park, 8th & Columbia, Vancouver, WA, 98660.
RUNNERS-UP: Bravo! Vancouver, Clark County Amphitheater
PLACE TO WATCH A MOVIE: Cinetopia
This might not be a fair fight. The Kiggins Theater is budget-friendly and has the homey feel of theaters of yore, though you have to wait for first-run movies. Some of us even prefer watching movies at home, but they still have to clean up all the dropped popcorn.
Cinetopia, however, has it all. The newest movies, even in 3-D. An upscale American grill restaurant and wine bar. Plus, in three of the eight theaters they'll even bring the food to you!
Everything is top of the line: screens, projectors, living room and private box seating. Even a gourmet popcorn bar!
A top-notch option for dinner and a movie. Enjoy the show.
WINNER: Cinetopia, 11700 SE 7th St., Vancouver, WA, 98683, 360-213-2800
RUNNERS-UP: Kiggins, Comcast On Demand
WINERY: Bethany Vineyard & Winery
Last year, a wine produced in Washington won the No. 1 "best wine" award in international competition sponsored by Wine Spectator magazine. Although the wine wasn't produced by a Clark County winery, it's proof that the state is world renowned.
"It means you can get the best wines in the world in our state," Bethany Vineyards & Winery owner Walt Houser has said. "We've known that all along."
Along with the Rusty Grape Vineyard and Confluence Winery, Bethany is leading the way in the growing wine industry in Clark County. Featuring free tasting every Saturday and Sunday; events like Southwest Washington Wineries' Valentine Chocolate & Wine Tasting provide plenty of opportunities to taste Bethany's creations.
Chocolate or cheese optional.
WINNER: Bethany Vineyard & Winery, 4115 N.E. 259th St., Ridgefield, WA, 98642, 360-887-3525.
RUNNERS-UP: Rusty Grape Vineyard, Confluence Winery
LOCAL TOURIST ATTRACTION: Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver topped the Vancouver Farmer's Market, the Chelatchie Railroad, Pearson Air Museum and the Ape Caves as the top tourist attraction in Clark County.
In fact, the Fort is considered such an integral part of the area, some people even want to rename the largest city in Clark County to reflect that history. But that's a discussion for a different time.
Cultural demonstrations provide a unique look at days gone by. Visitors can also wander in and out of several buildings, including a blacksmith shop, bake house and kitchen. During the summer, the historic site even hosts an 1860's-era, Vintage Baseball game, complete with period costumes and some odd period rules. Fun stuff for history buffs or anyone interested in the area's ancestors.
WINNER: Fort Vancouver, 1501 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA., 98661, 360-816-6230
RUNNERS-UP: Vancouver Farmer's Market, Chelatchie Railroad, Pearson Air Museum, Ape Caves
