BEST STEAKHOUSE
Here it is boys, heavy duty red beef. Out of all the contenders, it's the Plaza III for the Gold. If you're keeping track, this is number four in one category or another, so what else can we say except if you love great steak, perfectly done, come here. The Hereford House captures the Silver, its downtown, Leawood, and Lawrence locations filled with contented patrons who like the casual atmosphere and KC Strips so much that an Independence location will soon open. Collecting the Bronze in this hard-fought for category is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, where the melted butter on top of the prime steak served on a sizzling plate somehow doesn't even seem extreme.

BEST ENVIRONMENT (ARCHITECTURAL)
It takes more than food to feed the soul, and architecturally speaking, Kansas City has some arresting locations. Topping the list this year and winning the Gold for Ingram's readers is Pierpont's in Union Station. Soaring three story ceilings, a huge and elegant bar where bartenders climb a ladder to get the more esoteric bottles, and elegant but private booths create an ambience like no other. Lidia's Kansas City gained the Silver with its spacious interior and clever use of glass , wood, and brick. The Bronze award again goes to Rozzelle Court at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Its open piazza with tile floors, trees, tiny lights, and occasional fountain and statues put you, too briefly, in another country.

BEST BAKERY
Great bakeries are fewer these days, and Kansas City is lucky to have several which qualify. Ingram's readers again picked Napolean Bakery on Westport Road for the Gold with its classic French style delicacies, crusty breads, fabulous cookies. Winning the Silver is another long-time favorite, Andre's Confiserie Suisse, whose chocolate cakes and desserts are simply to die for. The Bronze goes to Waldo's McLain Bakery, owned by the third generation of the McLain family and home of the chocolate cup cookie.

BEST COFFEEHOUSE
Just good coffee isn't enough to be voted best coffeehouse. It's important that the atmosphere, comfy chairs, and lots of goodies accompany that steaming cup of joe. Doing it best here for the prized Gold award is the ubiquitous Starbucks with at least 14 locations around town. LattéLand Espresso, with two locations on the Plaza and many devoted fans, achieves the Silver with their commitment to quality coffee and unique new products. A new winner this year for the Bronze is the Broadway Café & Roasterie at Westport Road and Broadway, also locally owned. Their many enthusiasts love their on-site fresh roasted coffee, their homemade treats and their skilled baristas who make delicious coffee drinks and great expresso.

BEST PLACE TO EAT WITH A GROUP
It's not fancy, but it sure is good. Best for groups and winning the Gold is Stroud's, with lots of big tables and big food, including terrific catfish, chicken-fried steak, and cinnamon rolls. If you're with a health denial group, try the livers. Garozzo's wins in this category, too, for the coveted Silver award, and its cozy interior makes everyone feel like family. The more elegant Plaza III takes Bronze honors here due to its subdued environment where you can actually hear everyone in the party, great food and service.

BEST ETHNIC RESTAURANT
Moving up to the Gold this year is Garozzo's Ristorante near the City Market, on College Boulevard and in Independence. Long famed for its spiedini and heaping pasta specials, this classic Italian restaurant has well-pleased its patrons for years. Brand new on the list and vaulting to the Silver, is the always popular Lidia's in the Freighthouse District. Their pasta trio is filling and their $18 wine list is a sure winner. The Bronze this year goes to perennial favorite, Saigon 39, Vietnamese food with a flair. Their unassuming Westport place is always full of devoted fans of their authentic cuisine.

BEST CATERER
The best goes to the American Restaurant's American Catering. Its newest Gold award caps a climb in the last three years as their renown for both intimate and larger functions (up to 2000 people) spreads. The company touts its husband and wife team of Andy and Kathleen Jacot as the most experienced, proficient, and creative caterers in town. Earning Silver honors is Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue Catering, vaunting its abilities from a small party to 30,000 people, serving up its award-winning barbecue. The Bronze goes to Eddys' Catering, in business since 1933 and offering its services in everything from sales meetings to weddings and galas -- as well as being the in-house service for Bartle Hall.

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Chosen once again for the Gold, Stroud's Restaurant, with locations both North and South of the river, still says it "chokes its own chickens," serving the best pan-fried chicken in the Midwest. Its homey restaurants, friendly service, and family style mounds of chicken, potatoes, beans, have sated at least three generations in Kansas City. The Cheesecake Factory takes the Silver, catering to families plus everyone else. Big portions, fabulous choices, and friendly service characterize this much more than cheesecake restaurant. The Bronze goes to the Crayola Café in Crown Center, specially designed for children but appetizing to adults as well.