Readers share their love

What is the meaning of Carrot Top’s rise in the Best of Las Vegas readers’ poll?

Could it be an economic indicator? The stock and job markets will catch fire like his flaming red hair? (We fervently hope so.)

Could it be a sign of spring? You know, like that groundhog business? If you can see the shadow of Carrot Top’s flexing muscles it means a windy spring? (Like there is any other kind around here.)

Could it mean a change in the way we view humor? A longing for simple, literal props versus the “thinky,” analytical observation? (This is giving us a headache.)

Ah, heck if we know.

What we do know is that after a couple of years of creeping up in the poll, Carrot Top finally broke Rita Rudner’s stranglehold on the Best Comedian category. Maybe that’s why he spent so much time in the gym.

In any event, here is what you have eagerly awaited since January, when the first of three Best of Las Vegas ballots hit the street (or cyberspace, as the case may be).

Voting in the 29th annual edition of the readers’ poll took place from Jan. 10 through Feb. 1, attracting a total of 15,514 votes, up from 15,145 in 2009. Ballots were broken into three parts and presented three times per week for three weeks. A total of 182 decisions were possible. The Hotels and Entertainment categories received the heaviest voting. Again, most of the votes were made online at the Las Vegas Review-Journal Web site.

As always, it is possible to glean interesting things to ponder while looking at the readers’ results (you’re on your own to ponder our staff picks).

For instance, Dunkin’ Donuts came out of nowhere to chip the glaze off longtime champ Krispy Kreme for Best Doughnuts.

On the other hand, Olive Garden righted Earth’s orbit by retaking the Best Italian Restaurant category following an upset by a pair of Nora’s restaurants last year.

M Resort is impressive in its Best of Las Vegas debut, with wins for Best Locals Hotel and Best Buffet. And although it opened late in the year, CityCenter caught readers’ attention with the Latin-inspired restaurant Beso, no doubt helped by its celebrity owner, glamorous “Desperate Housewives” star Eva Longoria Parker.

It did not take readers long to notice the new eye-catching Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and vote it Best Nonhotel Architecture. But in that classic Best of Las Vegas conundrum, in which someone or something wins favorably in one category only to tank in its evil twin division, the Ruvo Center also scored a “win” for Ugliest Las Vegas Building.

Just as they welcome newcomers, it is a Best of Las Vegas tradition for readers to bid farewell to favorite people, places and things. This year, it is Bette Midler who ends her run at Caesars Palace with two suitable-for-framing certificates for Best All-Around Performer and Best Singer. Thank goodness she has the time now to consider where to display them.

While we try to keep things upbeat, sometimes the sadness just seeps in. This year, unemployment became the Worst Problem Facing Southern Nevada. It is evident in several categories that cost-cutting is under way.

And 2009 was a year for many forever goodbyes as the curtains closed on Danny Gans and Sam Butera, boardrooms left empty seats for Claudine Williams and Jeanne Hood, and our world became a little less colorful without Bob Stupak and James “Bucky” Buchanan. You all made a difference.

But we wouldn’t want to close without the prospect for joy. With no further suspense, the winners of our fabulous prizes:

Laura Nead of North Las Vegas is the winner of tickets for two to “Love”; Arlene Weisner of Las Vegas, two tickets to Cher; Cliff McLuskie of Henderson, dinner for two at Alex; Willard Morris of Henderson, dinner for two at Todd’s Unique Dining; Jay Fenster of Las Vegas, lunch for two at Triple George; Martha Hancock of Las Vegas, gift certificate to Fashion Show mall; and Jane Kirima of Las Vegas, a night on the town.

(Fair warning to Mayor Oscar Goodman: Carrot Top is right behind you for Most Colorful Las Vegan.)

Contact Patricia Morgan at pmorgan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0267.