Is this really the best we have to offer?

Hartford Magazine has released the results of their "Best of Hartford 2009" readers' poll, and judging from some of the trophy holders, it seems a few ballot boxes have been stuffed. 

Is On The Border Mexican Grill really the best Mexican food in Hartford County? Does Dunkin' Donuts really serve the best coffee, or the most convenient? And how can the Cheesecake Factory come in second in the category of "Best Dessert"?

I will cop to occasionally partaking in the food at these above-mentioned questionable winners. The truth is, though, I would never pick any of them as the best in their field. As I've learned in my short time here, the Hartford area has some very fine and authentic Mexican restaurants, and some great coffee houses. And, as rich and sweet as the cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory is, it's a boxed cheesecake that probably gets made at the actual Cheesecake Factory somewhere in the middle of nowhere (of course, I could be wrong. It could be made in-house from specific ingredients that are shipped from the Factory in the middle of nowhere).

Now, I'll admit that quite a few of the award winners are legit. Max Downtown for best overall restaurant, Bricco for best Italian, and Plan B for best burger all come to mind. But magazine awards like these are a great opportunity to shine a light on good, honest, local establishments. It's a real shame when they get hijacked by corporate entities.