It's a time-honored principle in journalism: When you need information, you go to the best source available. So when Ingram's Magazine wanted to know where the best restaurants, entertainment and cultural amenities, and business services and products could be found in the Kansas City metropolitan area, we asked our readers.

The response to our third annual Best of Business Kansas City competition was overwhelming. But we had anticipated that, since Ingram's readers are among the most discriminating and market-savvy consumers in the region. An abundance of original ballots was returned, exclusively distributed among Ingram's subscribers. Then the process of determining our winners began.

The Best of Business Kansas City awards are an aggressive expansion of Ingram's Silver Ladle Awards. Now in its 13th year, the Silver Ladle Awards have proved so popular among restaurants and consumers alike, that we've expanded the competition and included more business and lifestyle areas of interest. The four categories that are rated in the annual Best of Business Kansas City Awards competition are as follows:

WINING & DINING
Ingram's 13th Annual Silver Ladle Awards
A perennial favorite among Ingram's readers because it honors the best establishments serving the finest foods and beverages in the metropolitan area. We cover the gamut in this category, from the best breakfast to the best place to dine after 10 p.m.—and everything in between.

ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE
Besides the great jazz and barbecue, Kansas City is rich in entertainment venues and cultural amenities. From the best place to view works of art to swinging a golf club, Ingram's readers share insightful lifestyle treasures that you should explore.

BUSINESS SERVICES
In the Heart of America, Kansas Citians pride themselves on hospitality and service. The attention to detail and red-carpet service are not reserved for out-of-town guests—it prevails every day throughout this community. This category focuses the spotlight on a broad expanse of businesses, from accountants to architects and from best employers to favorite, well...preferred law firms. We think you'll really enjoy learning of our readers' choices in these categories.

BUSINESS PRODUCTS
Small boutique stores mingle with world-renowned retailers to ensure you have the appropriate products for today's competitive business environment. The discriminating tastes of Ingram's readers are most evident in this highly competitive category, as they rank everything from men's and women's apparel to the best suppliers of corporate gifts. This category truly reveals insider information.

So, pitch those Johnny-come-lately guide books and newspapers. Our readers have tasted, tested and tried it all. For 27 years, Ingram's Magazine has showcased the best in Kansas City. This year, we present it even better than our best last year.

We're Proud to Present The Best of Business Kansas City