OutSmart's Gayest & Greatest
Your indispensable low-down on the who, what, where of Houston's gay and lesbian community

Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the gayest and greatest of them all?

Oh my God, did I just get stampeded by 3,000 drag queens in Carmen Miranda outfits? Just kidding. But here we present for your pleasure OutSmart's fourth annual roundup of all that we hold most dear in our fabulous Houston queer community. We polled you wonderful readers, plus added in a few more special choices of our own. Enjoy!

Contributing writers are Clarence Bagby, Caroline Burum, Blase DiStefano, Jeffrey Downs, Joy Fajardo, Steven Foster, Shane Hennessey, Ed Marx, D.L. Murphy, David Parnell, Lilly Roddy, Ann Walton Sieber, Chris Sill, Sandy Stutz, Pete Szatmary, Craig Thistleton, and Scooter Workinger.

DIVINE DINING

READERS' CHOICE Best New Restaurant: Sonoma (runner-up: Barnaby's) In the beige mosaic tile lobby, the only clue you have to what goes on just above your head is a curvy, swervy, translucent paper and pink-lit sculpture-chandelier. But once you take the stairs, passing rusty glowing glass sconces, you discover the smash of style the lobby only hinted at-the very thing that has made Sonoma a fascinating, sexy, delicious haute cuisine hybrid-a new millennium supper club. Dim lights, arresting artwork, circle booths, and see-me center tables are intriguingly bookended by the city glow from an enormous deck outside and the spotlights of a grand stage within. Sonoma boasts some of the best service in the city (we're gonna miss Julie more than we can say), and tastiest, savviest fare served in romantic, almost glamorous surroundings. The portabello mushroom nachos are the stuff of miraculous legend and the champagne risotto chicken is a rich, indulgent masterpiece. Cocktails are served 1920s stiff, the food sublimely served and prepared, and Sonoma (on California, get it?) features one of the best wine lists in the city. The only beef? The music. From big bad jazz combos to (con)fusion guitarists, Sonoma's stage is begging for the perfect accompaniment to the impeccable everything else-one sensual chanteuse and her key-fondling piano man, cooing about the lush life, stormy weather, and the one that got away. Deservedly, Sonoma takes the Best New Restaurant title. (Steven Foster)

Queerest Curse: That Place On Alabama Museum. That South American place. Podmore's. That new place. And a few other poor unfortunates who decided to make the charming two-story villa on Alabama across from the Menil and catty-corner from the Houston Center for Photography, this arty location is the Blair Witch coven HQ of Houston. Museum was an arty homo-friendly hideaway with killer cocktails and delicious dining. Its fate? DOA after a year. South American bistro? You'd think the Contras had attacked and taken no prisoners. Podmore's was horrendous, so that one was kind of expected. But what of the others? Will any intrepid toque dare to take this space and whip up a recipe that will break the curse? Somebody get the rainbow flag and the crucifix and start hailing Mary, Mary, because this place needs an exorcism worse than Trent Lott needs a heart transplant. (SF)

Most Missed: Toopees Boo-hoo. Sob, sob. This one really hurt. And, worse, for most of this year, on the way to Cactus to rent the latest hip vid, or stopping nearby at the ever-cool Alabama Ice House for a cold one, we were forced to drive by the tombstone location and miss the good thing that we had. (At least now there's another restaurant in the building.) From the food to the friendship, losing Toopees was like losing a limb. (SF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Vietnamese: Mai's (runners-up: Kim Son, Mo Mong) Despite the urban legendary golden rule (NEVER look in the kitchen when the doors swing open), Mai's has maintained its downtown charm and satisfying menu. While lunch is full of the usual casual suits and ties, it is the later, nocturnal hours where Mai's exudes her discreet urban seduction. Its diner-bright light is an Edward Hopper-esque beacon in downtown's darker edges and, once you step inside, you're greeted with a pleasant audio mix of whispered and guffawed conversation, the energetic hustle of efficient servers, and an intoxicating aroma of some of the best Vietnamese cuisine this side of the homeland. Oh, Mai, indeed. (SF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Italian: Riva's (runners-up: Michelangelo's, Macaroni Grill, Mia Bella, Vincent's) Under the gracious ownership of Michael and Joseph Siboyeh, Riva's has been staunchly supporting the gay community since they opened at this location. And supporting them back is nothing but a treat: The atmosphere is calming, the waiters very Montrose, the food is fresh and wonderful, and the sweet creations by pasty chef Pierre-Yves Lumbroso are delectable. I think of Riva's as a refreshing green plant, or an underwater boat-any image that conveys peace and healthy nurturing. Riva's is where I go when Baba Yega or Barnaby's just seem too hectic, I want more of a tete-a-tete. I walk in the door and they know to start grilling me their fat tasty salmon ringed in roasted veggies. I sit by the huge shady plate-glass windows, fascinating companion across from me, wine glass in hand...all is well again. (Ann Walton Sieber)

READERS' CHOICE Best Mexican: Cafe Adobe (runners-up: La Mexicana, Ninfa's, Pappasito's) This, the Cozumel of Queso Cuisine, is truly the place on HoMonday, where it's hard to tell which is more gloriously presented (the meals or the men); more potent (the margaritas or the men); or louder (the lisping crowd or the clothes they wear). No matter, this Mexican mecca is still king for south-of-the-border comfort food that is always consistent and never too challenging on the tastebuds. (SF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Chinese: Ming's Cafe (runners-up: Hunan Dragon, Kam's) Serving up stir-fries, crispy green beans, and killer egg rolls, Ming's has taken on landmark status in only four years: The late-night chopstick feast on their patio under the stars has become an essential part of the Montrose repertoire. Their staff always cheerful and welcoming, Ming's has endeared itself to the community-and many a GLBT organization has benefited from their donations. Located within a fortune cookie's throw of Montrose and Westheimer, the Ming's marquee provides a sometimes solemn, often cheeky commentary on Montrose life. 2703 Montrose, 713/529-7888 (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Greek: Niko Niko's Serving good hearty Greek food since 1977, Niko Niko's is the crossroads of Montrose, where you can see just about everybody pass through on a Saturday night, from Urban Animals, to hungry Pacific Streeters, to white-haired Unitarians. As hearty as Zorba the Greek, every item in the house is full of flavor, from the mousaka to the souvlaki. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Cajun: Ragin' Cajun It's Houston's authentic source of crawfish, red beans and rice, and everything you'd eat with Tabasco for more than 20 years. The atmosphere is so thick here, you could trick yourself that you'd just stepped in from the wharf, and they're gay-friendly to boot. When I asked where owners Frank Messina and Luke Mandola learned to cook Cajun, the answer I received was, "From their mommas." 4302 Richmond, 713/623-6321. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Thai: Thai Spice (runners-up: Bangkok Palace, Thai Pepper, Nit Noi) Thai Spice's serene second-story dining room and congenial balcony tables makes for a most ambient atmosphere. Located in a former bank building on the outskirts of the Village's sprawl, all the food at Thai Spice tastes fresh and intriguing, from the grilled tenderloin salad in ginger-lime sauce to the Pho Take seafood stew. (AWS)

Best Sushi: Cafe Japon Offers every seaweed, rice, seafood combo in your heart's desire, and they can all be requested in user-friendly terms, so no butchering of the Japanese language is necessary. Also, almost the entire restaurant is one big sushi bar, so there is no mistaking what is good here. (Joy Fajardo)

READERS' CHOICE Best Indian: Bombay Palace When you're in the mood for Houston's best sag paneer in an elegant setting, Bombay Palace is the place to go. The food is rich and redolent, the waiters courteous and elegant, the lights dim, the furnishings sumptuous and refined. The lunch buffet is a treat as well. However, look sharp, because of the encroach of the new Central Market, Bombay Palace is moving to 4100 Westheimer, across the street from their longtime location. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Vegetarian: A Moveable Feast (runners-up: Baba Yega, Hobbit Cafe, Souper Salad) With a good variety to choose from and food that is consistently sparkling with freshness, Moveable Feast's vegetarian cafeteria-style lunch (you pay by the pound) is the easiest and most delicious way to satisfy that healthy urge. Eat in their sunny dining area, the sky blue booths filled with interesting healthy-looking folks. (AWS)

Best Vegetarian You Might Not Know About: Quan Yin
Quan Yin is located at the corner of Bellaire and Wilcrest just outside the beltway. It is 100-percent vegetarian. They use no animal products whatsoever. And they have a wonderfully extensive menu of Chinese and Vietnamese choices. If you are looking for your favorite without the meat, they have it. One of the fun things is that the menu has pictures of what your food will look like. They have great lunch specials, close at 9 and are not open on Mondays. For a real treat, give them a try. (Lilly Roddy)

READERS' CHOICE Best Swanky High-end Establishment: Cafe Annie (runners-up: Tony's, Mark's) When you want the very best, Cafe Annie delivers in every way. Out-of-this-world food (each dish is a work of art), the city's best wine list, and the impeccable service all add up to make this Houston's finest dining experience. Under the ingenious palate of master chef Robert Del Grande, Cafe Annie was named in the top three fine dining rooms in America last year. Houston's gay community knows a good thing when they taste it. (Chris Sill)

READERS' CHOICE Best Cheap Eats: Barnaby's (runners-up: La Jaliscience, Chef's Cafe) It's fast, it's funky, and it spans salmon to spaghetti (well, they call it Whole Wheat Pasta with Marinara, but we know the truth). Go visit Cuba, Jentry Nicole, and the gang...where else can you get food with an attitude? There are even two locations, now that the Shepherd store is open. (However, purists know that the Fairview location is the only true Barnaby's.) (Shane Hennessey)

Best 24-hour Restaurant: House of Pies When it is fondly referred to as "House of Guys," there is no other place for a gay person to nurse her or his impending hangover. It is the best place to network, because if you stay long enough to smoke a cigarette, you might catch the entire gay community pass through on a weekend night. Also, the waitstaff is ever-so-friendly, knows almost everyone by name...and is unshockable. There is always service with a smile even at 3 a.m. (JF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Coffee: Starbucks (runners-up: Lobo, Diedrich) I don't know anything about Starbucks's decaf mochas with a twist of whatever, but I do know that Starbucks (specifically the one on Montrose at Hawthorne) has one helluva good iced coffee. It taste like real coffee and is as strong as the odor of a person who doesn't use deodorant in Houston's heat...uh, maybe that's not such a good analogy. Let's just say that this java house, with a slew of gay clerks, is obviously gay-friendly, and I never fail to see gay clientele waiting in line for their buzz of the day. P.S.: Buy coffee for the whole office and watch the atmosphere change from gloomy to gay. (Blase DiStefano)

Best People Watching: Cafe Brazil With a relaxed atmosphere and live music every night, all sorts of people come here for a watering hole. Students, musicians, artists-all come to camp with their laptops and books and to soak up the vibes for inspiration and seek good conversation. (JF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Dessert: Lobo (runners-up: Empire Cafe, Crossroads) OK, readers, you're talking about the cakes and the pies, right? You are, right? Riiiiiiight. (SF)

NIGHTLIFE

Best Martini: Mo Mong
Escape the stress of the workday by stepping into the cool and relaxing ambiance of Mo Mong. On Wednesday evenings you're bound to make new friends in the cozy bar area where you'll find a mixture of young to middle-aged professionals sipping half-priced martinis. Add one of nine different flavors to your vodka and upgrade to Mo Mong's "famous Absolute-infused martinis." Charming manager Viet says, "Mo Mong creates a comfortable atmosphere for gay people that allows them to be themselves." Our advice: Upgrade the martini and bring a designated driver. (CS)

Best Vodka Martini: Made by Matthew Remington at Pacific Street
Matthew Remington has been bartending at Pacific Street since 1994. You can find him at the downstairs bar by the door to the patio. He is one of the friendliest, most engaging (and handsome!) bartenders in town. His skillfully-made vodka martinis are a guilty pleasure worth pursuing. So the next time you're at PS to dance and make merry, add a touch of sophistication by treating yourself to the greatest vodka martini in Montrose! (Jeffrey Downs)

Best Margarita: El Tiempo
Fresh lime juice, quality tequila, and the perfect frozen consistency are of the utmost importance when it comes to great margaritas. El Tiempo supplies all three with consistently great results in their standard frozen margaritas. While other cantinas may be more popular, they don't deliver the frozen goods on a regular basis. No melted ritas or sweet and sour mixes here! With locations at both 3130 Richmond and 502 Main, El Tiempo serves them up right...a la natural. (CS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Lesbian Bar: Club Rainbow (runners-up: Chances, The New Barn) Mix pumping dance music with a festive gay and straight clientele, throw in a sexy female dancer or two in an intimate club environment, and you have a recipe for the fun we call Club Rainbow. Pretty girls are definitely not in short supply here. Owner Alexis Wasifuddin raises the adrenaline by prowling the bar, mike in hand, daring patrons to take body shots off a provocative dancer. This bar is also cleaner and less smoky than most. (Sandy Stutz)

Best Lesbian Bar, Wednesday Night: Bocado's Besides being one of the few places that does not count on a jukebox as the sole source of music, Bocado's is an upscale and stylish place to catch a few drinks after work and dance off some steam. Always hopping on a Wednesday night, besides a little too much Latin music, the DJ always rocks the house with a great dance selection. The crowd is polished and professional, and the scenery, wink, wink, ain't too bad. (JF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Drag Bar: EJ's (runners-up: Cousins, Rascals) Drag seems to be a somewhat politically incorrect term these days. Let's just say the best female impersonators can be seen one block north of Westheimer on Ralph Street. EJ's, a popular neighborhood bar, is the perfect venue for performers. Newly remodeled, it still maintains its intimacy between stage and audience. A fun spot to watch new talent emerge or view seasoned pros pick up fistfuls of ones. (Craig Thistleton)

READERS' CHOICE Best Dance Club: Rich's (runners-up: Pacific Street, Inergy) For over 20 years faithful denizens of the nightlife have turned to Rich's for the best in Houston night clubbing. Trendy, edgy, and always good for some late-night exploration, Rich's has never failed to live up to its reputation of having its finger placed firmly on the pulse of what's hip, cool, and classy. (David Parnell)

READERS' CHOICE Best Leather Bar: Ripcord (runner-up: Venture N) Every night of the week you can find men in Levi's, leather, or uniform. Monday night even gets the men down to their boxers for happy-hour prices. Friday and Saturday nights, you can take in the leather aroma till 4 a.m. The garden patio is always popular, and the local leather clubs guestbartend outside on Saturday nights. Should you forget to strap on your cod piece, you can pick up some new leather and accessories in the shop located inside the main bar. (Scooter Workinger)

READERS' CHOICE Best straight bar: Prague (runners-up: City Streets, Roxy, Griff's, Tonic) Once you get past the velvet rope, you're in for a treat. The "in" gay crowd has obviously discovered this trendy downtown club. Prague is almost as serious about its partying as any gay club could be, which adds to the gay-friendly environment. Only that infamous staircase that severely constricts the flow of the dress-to-impress crowd flaws the gorgeous interior. Advice on getting in: dress up and bring all your straight girlfriends with you. (CS)

Best Cigar Bar: Sambucca's Come only for the atmosphere and the cigar bar upstairs. The cigar bar is closed in by a wine colored velvet drape and welcomes the outcast with a well stocked humidor, leather couches, TVs, a bar, and checkerboard walls. The place for smokers to hang out and catch the jazz. (JF)

READERS' CHOICE Best after hours: Club Some (runners-up: Club Nsomnia, Ripcord) It's a Houston institution. A place where creatures of the night gather to dance till the sun comes up...and then some. Other after-hours clubs have come and gone but Some continues to attract the who's who of clubbing with its legendary music and DJs. From rave kids to drag queens, this late night favorite is truly one of Houston's best melting pots. Hours: Wed.ñSun., 1 a.m.ñdawn. (CS)

BEST COMMUNITY BIZ

Gayest & Greatest Music: Soundwaves "Blockbuster Music is now Wherehouse Music," the urban demo-friendly voice coos. "Oh, shut up, corporate crap," we reply. If we're not downloading Napster, we're riding Waves. This icon of musical independence has successfully stayed true to its one-note marketing tune-that one note being F(*#@ing)-sharp. From humble beginnings to a hugely successful regional chain, this gang of stores continues to supply the hottest tunes at the hippest prices. In-store signings (ground zero for the Pumpkins' last smash), magical murals (like local anime cult-fave ADV), thrilling threads (the place to go for BC Ethic and bowler-chic), superb surf stuff, blindingly cool eyewear, tasty timepieces, and, oh, yeah, CDs for cheap-there is no other music land than Soundwaves. (SF)

Best Place to Frame k.d. lang or Nathan Lane or...: Hollywood Frame Gallery OK, so the name makes it sound like it's a gallery of frames...which is not totally off the mark. It's just that in the frames are movie posters, lobby cards, and autographed stills, which are available for purchase. Also, if you want your poster or photograph professionally framed, the gay-friendly owners, Kathleen and Rick, can do it exquisitely. Oh, you can peruse through unframed movie posters and photos, also available for purchase. They're located at 2431 Bissonnet, 713/952-8885. (BD)

Best Convenience Store: Hollywood The Hollywood convenience store on the corner of Hyde Park and Montrose is more than a place to stop for cigarettes or a soda. For over 10 years it has been a business that openly encourages its gay clientele. Gay with capital "G," it offers one of the best selections of Pride jewelry and stickers I have seen so far, and carries numerous gay publications. You may also find a wide range of imported tobacco products, if your tastes lean to the exotic. With all the changes going on in Montrose right now, it's an affirming experience to pop in and see the gay community so appreciated. (JD)

Gayest Gallery in the Universe: Hyde Park Gallery In the heart of the Montrose bar scene, Hyde Park Gallery is delightfully gay. Owner Larry Iola has made this venue a must-see for both art fanciers and supporters of local color. This cozy two-story regularly hosts a surprising assortment of artistic stylings in the front two rooms. In the back, Larry's own one-of-a-kind masks compete for attention with costumed Ken (wannabe) dolls. Who could resist these pint-sized honeys? Hyde Park Gallery, 711 Hyde Park, 713/526-2744. (SS)

Best Cruising, Virginia Woolf-style: Book Stop Forget your smoky bar. Cruising for potential mates is best done from the balcony of the Book Stop's coffee shop. The aerial view makes it easy to spot cuties that can actually (a) read (always a good sign) and (b) share your interests. For success, target your prey, set down your drink, and nonchalantly pick up a similar topic book while moving into her/his section. "I've read that book," or "Is that one any good?" spoken softly with a smile usually works. (SS)

Best Resale: Buffalo Exchange It's thrift-store finds without having to waste time rummaging through mile-long racks of lavender-colored tights. The employees are entrusted fashion experts who filter through incoming clothes and only display what they think is up to season. They rarely go wrong: You can tell who works there when every customer is likely to comment on their outfit of the day with, "That is so neat!" (JF)

Best Website for a Nonexistent Organization: www.neosoft.com/~meeker "The Meeker Museum is a nonexistent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the pursuit of inner peace through movie stars" or so reads the first line of this site, which began as a tribute to B-movie actor Ralph Meeker and then somehow evolved into a tribute to dozens of other actors and trends you've somehow managed to neglect. Click on "inner peace" (at your own risk) and you may find the Creature from the Black Lagoon, or a salute to Steve Reeves, or, God help us, the "Wasp Woman." You can then visit the various galleries of the museum, among them: "Peyton Place Revisited"; "Human Sexuality in the 20th Century: What were we thinking?"; "Gun Control: We don't have opinions-we have photos!"; and "The Films of Conway Twitty." If you like movie stars, especially the lesser-known ones, you'll love this site. Informative and well-written with a wonderfully bizarre sense of humor, the site is the work of "curator" Jack (Varsi) Stalnaker. Some of you may remember his 1980s Showbiz column in the now-defunct TWT magazine. Check it out for something really different. (BD)

HARDWARE STORE SQUARE-OFF:
• Best Hardware Store (if you know what you're doing): Home Depot, North Loop This store features a wide selection, low prices, and knowledgeable personnel. Also, they don't sling the 'tude you get at the 610 and Fourness store (see below). (D.L. Murphy)
• Best Hardware Store (if you don't know what you're doing): Southland Hardware A real, live, old-fashioned hardware store. You either like what they have or go elsewhere. However, if you're clueless, or even semi-clueless, the advice you get is well worth the slightly higher prices and limited selection. (DLM)
• Best Hardware Store (to cruise in): Homo, oops, the Home Depot at 610 and Fourness. If you're femme, stand there and look clueless. If you're butch, wander around and watch out for the dazed-looking sisters. Just remember, at least half of them know more than you do, they just seem to be helpless. Sorry, boys, I just really don't want to know about you and hardware. (DLM)

READERS' CHOICE Best Gay Bookstore: Lobo (runner-up: Crossroads) For those who do not thrive on noisy, smoky bar scenes, Lobo on Montrose Boulevard is a wonderful alternative: a friendly neighborhood coffee shop. A staple in the community, Lobo provides a quiet social setting with comfortable easy chairs for enjoying a leisurely coffee or latte, some cake or pastry, and magazine or newspaper browsing. It is great for rendezvousing with friends, both old and new (cruising is permitted). The store offers books, magazines, cards, prints, gifts, and an extensive variety of videotapes. Visit it, you'll love it! (Ed Marx)

READERS' CHOICE Best Antique Store: River Oaks Antique (runners-up: Rosenkavalier, Texas Junk Shop, Heights Antiques) Roger Howard got into the antique business some 20-plus years ago, when he inherited a house in Kansas and all its contents, including a lot of glassware. When he sold the items, he was "shocked" at the prices paid, he says in his dry way, and an antique dealer was born. Roger opened the River Oaks Antique Center two years ago (in the unlikely location of a former Academy surplus store), and since then has held fundraisers for Annise Parker and several community organizations. (C. Bagby)

READERS' CHOICE Best Grocery Store: Kroger (runners-up: Whole Foods, Randall's) The place to shop and meet your friends. Kroger has been such a mainstay in the Montrose community, it is hard to imagine shopping elsewhere. I clearly remember one day I was there, standing in line behind a gay couple, a lesbian couple, and two drag queens. And me the TG at the end. I knew I was in my neighborhood. (LR)

READERS' CHOICE Best Gym: Fitness Exchange (runners-up: YMCA, Bally's) Fitness Exchange has been voted best gym since we started the Gayest & Greatest poll four years ago...and no wonder, for this is the Montrose gym. Everyone in the neighborhood goes here, from the serious body sculptors to the queens just in to chat and spectate. Gay-owned and -operated for 23 years, Fitness Exchange offers massive amounts of high-tech equipment and an assortment of classes. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Best Hairdresser: Will at Supercuts (runners-up: Robin Duncan, Robinhoods, Jon Hendersen) Will Fingleman has been cutting hair at Supercuts for the past six years. Even though he's only one of two gay hairstylists over there, he has a huge loyal following who just keep telling their friends, who tell their friends, who tell.... Sounds like more gets told than just teasing tips, as the cutting chair conversation ("I don't like to call it gossip," Will says) can get pretty spicy. "You hear a lot of things first before everyone else hears them," he says. "You know, it's such a small community. The grapevine either starts or ends with me." (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Most Supportive of the Community/Best Real Estate Agent: Suzanne Anderson Properties (Supportive runners-up: Lobo, Gallery Furniture. Real estate runners-up: Richard Hill, Paul Stanley) Suzanne Anderson is the winner of two awards this year. As the first real estate agent to advertise to the lesbian and gay community, she was also the first to openly advertise to the transgender community. She is a past president of LiB (Lesbians in Business), and has made her offices available as a meeting place for the LGBT community. Her accolades could fill this page. And the most supportive thing that she did was to put her money, business, and reputation right out there. She paved the way so that it was easier for others to follow. (LR)

OUR FAVORITE PEOPLE

READERS' CHOICE Favorite Athlete: Cynthia Cooper (runners-up: Sheryl Swoops, Jeff Bagwell) I can't think of another athlete-male or female-who has worked harder and accomplished so much as Cynthia Cooper, who retired in glory after leading the Comets to their fourth straight WNBA Championship this season. Coop didn't pick up a basketball until she was 16 years old, played street ball in California, won a scholarship to USC (a reminder that she played in the deep shadows of Cheryl Miller and the McGee sisters), started playing overseas in 1986 for 11 years in Europe, played on two U.S. Olympic teams (winning a gold and a bronze), quietly entered the WNBA in the inaugural year in 1997, and the rest is history! She is an incredibly gifted athlete and has fought through much adversity to accomplish her awards. Most people would have hung up their shoes and moved into a new career. Coop was motivated by the diversity (on and off the court) and rose to the top. She is a unique role model who has lead many young girls and women to strive for their personal goals in life. Coop has had an incredible impact on the city of Houston, the state of Texas, and the country! You go, GIRL!! I hope Coop and the WNBA office have plans for her to stay in the game at some capacity. She will be missed. (Caroline Burum)

Best Up-&-Coming Activist: Jessica Redman Jessica Redman is the third transgendered person to be elected to the board of the Houston Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. As a radio advertising executive, she was instrumental in getting radio ads pulled when inappropriate remarks were made about Houston City Councilmember Annise Parker several months ago on one of the AM radio stations. She has also done a great job this year chairing the Caucus Fundraising Committee. (C.Bagby)

Best faith activists: Gail and Pat Rickey Gail and Pat Rickey have worked for several years as PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) activists in the Presbyterian Church. They have spearheaded the fund drive for a paid statewide position for More Light Presbyterians, the group working for inclusion of gays and lesbians in the Presbyterian Church. Pat recently spoke about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered youth issues at a Congressional hearing convened by Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee on mental health issues. (C.Bagby)

READERS' CHOICE Favorite Doctor: Dr. Shannon Schrader (runners-up: Dr. Patricia Salvato, Dr. Sandra Scurria) Devoting the last several years of his life to the medical needs of his patients, Dr. Schrader sets the highest standards for compassionate medical care. Not only is he a great GP, he's a super specialist in HIV, and from friends who've needed prostate exams, I hear the good doctor thankfully has warm hands. You can find him at the Southampton Medical Group off Greenbriar. (SH)

READERS' CHOICE Favorite Dentist: Bruce Smith (runners-up: Joseph Longoria, Randy Mitchmore) When my family dentist retired a few years back, I went to four dentists before I finally found Dr. Bruce Smith, and now I'm in dentist heaven. Unlike the other dentists I tried, Dr. Smith really seems conscious of providing the best care without extracting every last penny from my bank account. Dr. Smith's office is in a cozy blue house, furnished with antiques, with a large soft-focus portrait of him and his partner, Tony Carroll (runner-up for Favorite Therapist) greeting you when you walk in. You get tucked into his chair with a fancy lap rug, sunglasses put on against the glare, valium should you so require...you may actually look forward to going to the dentist. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Favorite Psychotherapist: Daniel Garces (runners-up: Tony Carroll, Jackie McNeill) Daniel Garces is a Montrose-based therapist who conducts both individual and couples counseling, plus a gay men's process group. He has also been active supervising, training, and instructing therapists at the Houston Galveston Institute, and as a writer, including a contribution to Men Like Us: The Complete Guide to Gay Men's Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Well-Being put out by the Gay Men's Health Crisis. In his work, Garces explores such relevant issues as the empowerment of coming out, getting away from a "heterosexual" mindset in dating and relationships, the possibility of "emotional monogamy" in open relationships, and how to develop life partners. (A.W.S.)

READERS' CHOICE Favorite Massage Therapist: Alan Davidson (runners-up: Molly Donovan, Paul Rutledge) Get naked and get on the table, folks. This is the best massage around. Alan will get out even the most deeply entrenched stress you might be holding in your body...and don't try to hide it, girls, cuz those strong fingers will find it. Your treatment at the palatial Fairview estate is top-notch and ripe with Alan's warmth and wit. He's been voted best massage therapist for years and you need to come find out why! (SH)

Favorite Yoga Teacher: Kay Westcott Yoga had always seemed like a good idea to me, but I just couldn't really get interested...until Kay Westcott's class. Kay's approach is relaxed and flexible, but also athletically challenging enough to keep my body interested-plus she believes that yoga should be made accessible to all, not just the moneyed linen-and-Lexus set, and sets her class fees accordingly. Mentored by Ernest Perez (the amazing owner of Ernest & Co.), Kay herself gave up a status-rich (but spirit-poor) career. She has quite a following of yoga monsters-as she affectionately calls her students-in the gay community. As one of Houston's few full-time yoga instructors, Kay teaches all over town, but her gayest & greatest classes are at the Fitness Exchange, Downtown Y, and the YWCA on Waugh. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Perennial Favorites:
Favorite Activist: Francisco Sanchez (runners-up: Ray Hill, Annise Parker)
Ultimate Gay Socialite: Grant Martin (runners-up: Scott Croswaithe, Janine Brunjes)
Pinkest Politician: Annise Parker (runners-up: Barney Frank, Dalia Stokes)
Best Place to Volunteer AFH, AssistHers, BeringOmega (runners-up: Lesbian & Gay Community Center, H.A.T.C.H.)

WILD ABOUT...

Best Place to Find Your Family: Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center It's all about community, and that's the numero uno objective at the Houston Lesbian & Gay Community Center. And of course having a blast while we're communing. Over two dozen community groups meet here, from Q-Patrol to the Lesbian Coming Out Group. The community center has initiated an excellent series of forums that have been setting the intellectual agenda for the Houston queer community, plus actively working at bringing all the diverse community organizations together, co-hosting events from Empower to the Harvey Milk birthday celebration. (AWS)

Best Drag queen, Joan Crawford-style: Joel Sandel in Die! Mommy! Die! Joel Sandel was to-die-for as Angela, the demented diva who schemes to kill her hubbie so she can run off to New York with her gigolo boyfriend in Charles Busch's campy spoof Die! Mommy! Die! which had its U. S. regional premiere at Theater LaB. Hyperventilating when piqued, cooing when aroused, and petulant when pressed, Sandel infused the aging chanteuse with the pluck of a Girl Scout and the high-handedness of a mommie dearest. And she bared lots of leg, too. Outsized yet sincere, she played the character "straight" to the hilt. (Pete Szatmary)

Best Production: Refuge at Stages Although Stages Repertory Theatre artistic director Rob Bundy is gay, his most insightful work is depicting the comically biting, emotionally tortured dynamics of heterosexual relationships in general-marriages, friendships, alliances-and of nuclear families in particular. This past season, through his sensitive probing, twentysomething playwright Jessica Goldberg's Refuge-a scathing yet sympathetic portrait of the dysfunctions of a nuclear family of generation Xers who're abandoned by their parents-was both social commentary and therapy session, Chekhovian rumination and Durang-like satire. The play sets up stagnant ambivalence without following through with it; Bundy, however, made the action ebb and flow like some psychic tide washing in and washing the drifting characters out. At his frequent best, Bundy motivates actors to shine brightly and burn deeply; here he was the mindful parent that the numbed yet throbbing offspring so conspicuously missed. (PS)

Gayest & Greatest Clothed Audience Listening (and Watching) Naked Boys Singing Bienvenue's rendition of the off-off-off-Broadway cult hit looks like it's heading for a Rocky Horrified run for perpetuity. But this guilty pleasure, universally lauded crowd- and-critic-pleaser has enjoyed several successful runs, thanks to a charming, cute, and charismatic crowd of choirboys who are as energetic as their audience is appreciative. (SF)

READERS' CHOICE Best Place to Find a Date: Crossroads (runners-up: JR's, Ripcord) From age 16 to 76, you can find a date at this local coffee shop and bookstore. You just have to pry that OutSmart they're pretending to read out of their hands-reading at Crossroads is mostly pretense, you know. Or, for you cell-phone queens, at least write your phone number in big letters on the back of your magazine. (SH)

READERS' CHOICE Gayest Weekend Getaway: New Orleans (runners-up: Austin Splash, Galveston) They don't call it the Big Easy because it's hard to get a date. Southwest and Continental have cheap airfares (most under $100) and dozens of flights to fit any schedule. Only 50 minutes out of Hobby and you're there. Hardly enough time to have three cocktails. The Crescent City has the best food you'll ever want to eat (try the alligator nuggets at Ralph and Kakoo's) and more partying per square inch than any place on the planet. If gay folks didn't invent Mardi Gras, then somebody's lying. Stay at the St. Pierre or the Ursuline Guest House, both in the Quarter and close to everything. (CT)

READERS' CHOICE Best Theater: River Oaks Landmark (runners-up: Alley, Angelika) If the Landmark decided to close, we'd just have to leave Houston. This beloved funky theater is that crucial to the essential spirit of our town. Built in 1939, and showing repertory and art films since the '70s, the River Oaks' downstairs auditorium is just about the only place left in town that feels like a real movie theater. Plus, under outgoing Landmark diva Sarah Gish's leadership, the RO was a huge supporter of the Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. (AWS)

READERS' CHOICE Most Fabulous Concert/Best Drag Queen: Diana Ross/Kofi Well, 15 people who paid $150 to see Ross love on herself thought so. This "reunion" tour that featured only one of the original Supremes was one of the summer's big busts. Ross herself even kept mum when promoters shut her down before her tour concluded. We're saving our hard-earned diva dollars for Tina's farewell. And speaking of divas, one of the true requirements for achieving divadom is aging well. Kofi, Best Drag Queen for yet another year running, has done this sublimely. Ageless skin, sparkling eyes to match her sparkling wit, and a still-shaking-'em-in-their-boots shimmy worthy of girls half her age, Kofi's still the strongest, blackest, most awakening D-cup of joe this side of Starbucks. (SF)

Favorite Part of OutSmart: Queer Quotes (runners-up: Astrology, News) Favorite Writer: Alan Davidson (runners-up: Blase DiStefano, Ann Sieber, Chris Sill)