BEST OF ROCHESTER '06: Introduction 

Like a gift from the gods, behold these answers, your guide to local food, entertainment, shopping, and more

City readers, consider yourselves oracles.

            Back in the day --- and we mean back in the day --- when someone wanted direction in his life, he would consult an oracle. An oracle would use its connection to the divine (the supernatural, the godly, whatever) to offer some key advice.

            That's what you folks who participated in this year's Best Of Rochester did: you told us what you like, where to go, what to do, and who does it best. Truly, you're in touch with the Rochester gods (check out our little hometown pantheon on the next page).

            Hundreds of you answered the call and provided some great responses. Some of them surprised us --- no love for J-Mac? --- while others we kind of saw coming (that ferry sure left an impression). And you're a witty bunch, too; for some of more creative answers that had us shooting mead out our noses, check out our "best answers" section.

            Of course, the know-it-alls at City couldn't help but our 2 cents in. Our critics ferreted out some of the more obscure or random features that help to make Rochester great. Read on and never again wonder what those birds are doing in Mercury Posters, which musician possesses the best "guitar face," and what "huge" addition to the local commercialscape has us both rolling our eyes and silently clapping in admiration.

            Agree? Disagree? The best part of living in the computer age instead of the Bronze Age is that you can shoot us an e-mail at [email protected]. Did the voters get it right? Did our critics? Did we leave off a category you'd like to see next year? Let us know what you think.

            For now, strap on your sandals and check out this year's big winners. And --- wait, we're getting a premonition from the gods --- yep, we'll see you back here in 2007.