We’ve saved the best for last.     That’s Best of the Bay, Bay Weekly’s 17th annual report on what, and who, gives you the most satisfaction in Chesapeake Country.     I love this issue because of its scope.     First, Bay Weekly’s Best of the Bay encompasses more than 200 ­categories ranging from Best Crab Soup, Best Overall Restaurant, Best Gift Shop, Best View and many more.

Greater Annapolis  

Welcome to Bay Weekly’s annual Dining Guide, a tour of good eats and good eating. In this special, you’ll visit the many restaurants, delis, groceries and seafood markets whose advertising in our pages brings you Bay Weekly 52 weeks of each year. Most are locally owned, and all are in our neighborhoods.     Each is unique in its offerings — from fin- and shellfish fresh from the Bay to fine beef to satisfying preparations and presentation whether home style or exotic to regionally famous wines and beers to inventive cocktails.

Check out Bay Weekly's exclusive Abraham Lincoln Gettysburg interview at http://youtu.be/9cGDFdAtGNU

   Azure          Fresh, local and sustainable have become bywords. But you might still be surprised to find native translations in a nationwide hotel chain: In that, Azure at the Annapolis Westin Hotel, takes the lead under the direction of chef James Barrett.

For 12 years now, we’ve asked you, dear reader, to weigh in on your favorite things here in Chesapeake Country and determine the Best of the Bay.     By no means a scientific study, this readers poll is more a reflection of your passions. You cast thousands of votes, and after long hours tallying the ballots, intern Rose Anderson had the winners.

Standing out as the Best of the Bay is no accident. Championship is essential, but it’s not enough.In a competition so wide, to stand out you’ve got to be a champion in your field — whether that field is Best Restaurant, Best Cheap Date, Best Place to People Watch or Best Place to Pick up Bay Weekly.  Just as important is the chemistry you spark with the voters, for it’s got to making energy to get out the vote — make that many votes — in your favor. What does it take to be Best of the Bay? 

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