EDITORIAL: Bringing out your best

Back in February 1982, still several years before explosive growth began hitting the Las Vegas Valley, an edition of the Review-Journal included a relatively modest feature, taking up just a single page.

It was titled, “Best of Las Vegas.” It was a whimsical readers’ poll — the brainchild of longtime Features editor Frank Fertado, who passed away in October — that included 50 categories in which Las Vegans could give their stamps of approval, for restaurants, entertainment and the like.

Much like the population here, Best of Las Vegas has exploded over the years, constantly adding new, intriguing and even unexpected categories. Last Sunday, the 34th edition of Best of Las Vegas was published, with more than 200 categories filling up an 80-page tabloid. Readers took advantage of voting options in a variety of platforms, submitting more than 260,000 votes via bestoflasvegas.com, the Best of Las Vegas mobile app or by text message.

Each category featured the readers’ top pick, as well as the top choice of your humble R-J correspondents. And of course, there were the ever-popular celebrity picks.

Best of Las Vegas has become a go-to source for locals and tourists alike to root out the best places to spend their food, entertainment and shopping dollars. From best chicken wings to best food trucks, best microbrewery to best tequila selection, best dive bar to best piano bar, and of course all the best shows, casinos and shopping — it’s all in there. What was once a simple one-page product has evolved into a massive undertaking by the editors and writers who compile the results and churn out the content.

But make no mistake, it’s you voters who make this happen. Best of Las Vegas is by the readers, of the readers, and for the readers. Thank you for your support. All the best.