Best of Charlotte 2009

Death, taxes and Creative Loafing’s annual Best of Charlotte issue — no matter the state of the union, these are the three constants in the lives of Charlotte citizens.

The economy might be in shambles, jobs might be drying up, and debts might be mounting, but Queen City denizens can count on this 22nd annual BOC edition to make their lives a little less stressful and a little more cheerier. Herein, both the critics and the readers offer their picks on the best the city has to offer, thereby providing consumers with some direction on how to spend their hard-earned dollars. And to lead the way, each section is introduced by CL’s own Golden Girl, an award personified and an apt symbol for demonstrating that, when it comes to quality, Charlotteans deserve only the brightest and best.

As always, this issue wouldn’t be possible without the combined efforts of various people: the vote tabulators, critics, salespeople, designers, writers, photographers, editors, bean counters and distributors.

But most of all, we’d like to thank the readers, without whom none of this would be possible.

Critics’ Panel / Copywriters: Matt Brunson, Nsenga Burton, Brittney Cason, Tricia Childress, Timothy C. Davis, Lynn Farris, John Grooms, Lindsey Grossman, Jeff Hahne, Carlton Hargro, Cheris Hodges, Kimberly Lawson, Scott Lucas, Anita Overcash, John Schacht, Samir Shukla, Perry Tannenbaum, Priscilla Tsai.

Editorial Assistants: Aviva Cantor, Kate Robinson, Christian Yoder.

Photography: Jasiatic, Catalina Kulczar-Marin, Angus Lamond.

Section Lead Photos: Catalina Kulczar-Marin.

Section Lead Concept / Art Direction: Juan Miguel Marin.

Golden Model: Quonesa Teone.

Stylist: Elizabeth Tolley.

Section Lead Venues: Stonewall Light Rail Station, The Smelly Cat, Neighborhood Theatre, Solstice Tavern, Pio Pio, Bella Ropa.

Design: Creative Services.