Fort Wayne faves (bleh)

Fort Wayne Newspapers, the parent company behind my newspaper, recently published a special section titled "Readers Picks Best Of." Despite the redundant name, I took great issue with some of the winners.

Residents were asked about their favorites in a variety of areas: mechanics, restaurants, clothing stores, coffee shops - you get the idea.

I try not to be condescending to my fellow Hoosiers. I realize it's cool in Chicago to poke fun of people who live in Indiana, but I've lived enough places to realize there are stupid, ridiculous, white trash people anywhere you live. Head about three miles inland from the paradise that is the Florida coastline, and you'll see what I mean.

But if I were traveling to Fort Wayne on business or pleasure? or looking to move here and picked up a copy of this section, I would probably vomit a little in my mouth.

I'm not just bitter that I wasn't chosen favorite newspaper columnist (Damn you Frank Gray!!) But here's what I'm talking about:

*There was actually a favorite gynecologist category. How have people been to enough gynos to choose a favorite here?

*Freakin' Chico's took the top spot in the women's clothing category. I know Michael Phelps' mom was recently here (Chico's spokeswoman) but I think that winner clearly spelled out the median age in Fort Wayne.

*Favorite downtown restaurant: Coney Island. For those of you not lucky enough to live in the Summit City, Coney Island is a hot dog joint. Chicago people: you'd probably hate it. As much as we revere our hot dogs in the Windy City, it's hard to make the switch to the Coney Island. They're hard to compare, because they're completely different: hot dog with a chili sauce, onions and mustard. I digress ... my issue is not with the food itself, it's that there are a host of downtown restaurants with better food and atmosphere I feel should've taken this prize. The end.

*Italian restaurant: Casa. OK, here I go. Fort Wayne peeps LOVE them some Casa. It's a chain Italian restaurant. A lot nicer than Fazoli's but, in my opinion, not that good. I realize I'm spoiled coming from a mom who made Italian food and a city with a enough dago's who know how to make real spaghetti and meatballs. This place has gravy that makes me want to puke. Every time I go, I usually get the salad, which is very delicious but deceivingly high in calories.

*Place for business lunch. Third place went to .... Penn Station. I don't think there any of these hot sub places in Chicago but think of taking a client to Quizno's and you get the drift.

*Best place to get a steak: Texas Roadhouse. Good restaurant but I can think of nicer places to get my meat fix than a chain.

:)