The Oaks wins Midtown Magazine Diamond Award for Second Year for "Best Address to Live"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Raleigh—Midtown Magazine announced its fourth annual Diamond Award Winners, as chosen by readers, January 5th at Mura in North Hills.

During 2011 more than 5,000 readers cast online ballots for their favorites in categories including the best wait staff, the best spot for a power lunch, the best places to get pampered or coiffed and the best place to volunteer.  While many new businesses joined the winner’s list this year, like Lafayette Village,  Sparians Bowling Boutique, The Meat House, Dapper Style House and Vinos Finos y Picadas, there were many third- and fourth-time winners, including Skin Sense Day Spa, Charlotte’s,  Renaissance Dental Center, Elaine Miller Collection, Diamonds Direct Crabtree, Blue Water Spa and the event’s host, Mura.

The Oaks at Fallon Park was chosen “Best Address to Live” for the second year in a row.

“The Oaks at Fallon Park dominated the voting 2 to 1 over the nearest competitor in the Best Address (to Live) category this year. Clearly Midtown Magazine readers prefer the neighborhood’s convenient location near Five Points,” said Gina Stephens, Midtown Magazine Publisher/Partner.   “Honoring the winners of our Diamond Awards is a great way to kick-off the New Year! This year was incredible with almost 200 guests celebrating. It’s a great way to start 2012,” said Gina.  

The celebration included fresh sushi rolls and dumplings, champagne and numerous drawings for spa packages, flowers and a fabulous diamond pendant from Diamonds Direct Crabtree.  Each guest received a swag bag that included gifts from some of the winning businesses. 

 

The winners are:

Best address (to live): Oaks at Fallon Park

Best place for a romantic dinner:  Saint Jacques

Best spot for a power lunch:  Vivace

Best posh patio dining:  Lafayette Village

Best place to grab a beer:  Flying Saucer

Best place to get your caffeine fix:  Jubala Village Coffee

Best steak (Restaurant):  Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Best steak (DIY):  The Meat House

Best place to satisfy a sweet tooth:  The Cupcake Shoppe

Best take-out:  Antonio’s Gourmet Market

Best wait staff:  Second Empire

Winning wine list: Vinos Finos y Picadas

Most unique cocktail: Foundation

Most kid-friendly dining: Chick-fil-A North Hills

Best place for live music: North Hills Commons – Midtown Beach Music Series

Best spot for Wi-Fi:  Starbucks North Hills

Best place to read Midtown Magazine:  Panera

Best guys/girls outing:  Sparians Bowling Boutique & Bistro

Best place to watch the big game:  Fox & Hound Pub & Grill

Best place to wind down after work: Midtown Grille

Best place to sweat: O2

Best way to entertain the kids on a rainy day: Marbles Kids Museum

Best late-night spot: Dapper Style House

Best place to impress a date: Mura

Best place to see a show or flick: Regal North Hills Stadium 14

Best place to go outside of Midtown or on a weekend get-away: The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Friendliest customer service: Retail:  Savory Spice Shop   Office:  Renaissance Dental Center

Best place to find unique brands of clothing: gena chandler

Best shoes:  Main & Taylor

Best place to get your “bling”:  Diamonds Direct Crabtree

Best place to buy him/her a gift:  Hunt & Gather (Bernard St. & Glenwood Avenue)

Best place to buy flowers:  English Garden

Best place for a finishing touch to an outfit:  Charlotte’s

Best alterations: Lee’s Tailors

Best place to de-age: Von Kekel

Best place to get your smile on: Baker Cosmetic Dentistry of Raleigh

Best overall pampering: Skin Sense Day Spa

Favorite place for a blow out: Lux Salon

Most unique spa treatment: Synergy Spa

Best relaxation/waiting room: Blue Water Spa

Best place to get a new coif: Salon Blu

Best place to buy estate jewelry: Elaine Miller Collection

Best place to buy hottest “it” jewelry: Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

Best place to splurge: Saks Fifth Avenue

Best place to go in your running shoes: FS Series

Favorite people-watching spot:  North Hills Commons

Best place to walk the dog: Shelly Lake

Best place to donate your time:  Tammy Lynn Center