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Best of 2010: Top area restaurants for eating, drinking and relaxing

Restaurant writers look back at a year of yums

Sultan's Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 7305 Tylers Corner Drive in West Chester. Clockwise from left: Adana Kebab, Carrot Tarator, and Chicken Kebab. This restaurant is Teri Horsley's pick for the best taste of 2010.

Samantha Grier/Staff photo Sultan's Mediterranean Cuisine is located at 7305 Tylers Corner Drive in West Chester. Clockwise from left: Adana Kebab, Carrot Tarator, and Chicken Kebab. This restaurant is Teri Horsley's pick for the best taste of 2010.

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Updated 10:48 AM Friday, December 31, 2010

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. This year provided a cornucopia of crazy culinary conundrums, as Paula Deen was ripped off by her former housekeeper, Emeril Lagasse still had to hawk his wares on the Home Shopping Network, and Gordon Ramsay couldn’t get out of Hell’s Kitchen.

While it might not have been a great year for some of the world’s best chefs, it was a banner year for me and my dining counterpart, Sue Perine O’Reilly. We got to sample the best restaurants the area has to offer, with many of them being right here in our own back yard.

So as you kick off the new year, make it a resolution to try out some of the best of our best. You may find that your pants fit a little tighter, and your wallet may end up a little lighter, but you’ll definitely leave with a full belly and a happy heart.

Teri Horsley's menu

Best Ethnic — Sultan’s Mediterranean Cuisine — West Chester Twp.: Mehmet and Mustafa make everyone feel welcome as they immediately stop and greet you as you enter this Turkish restaurant. The food was fresh and the lamb was the best that I have ever eaten, bar none. Even though it was a bit expensive, the food, huge portions, sleek Turkish decor, and friendly staff make it a must try for any special occasion.

Best Decor — Mahogany’s in Hamilton: Entering Mahogany is like entering a chic jazz club. It’s contemporary, tasteful and it gives one the feeling that even if the food were bad (which it isn’t), the trip wouldn’t be a loss. Just soaking up the ambiance makes the trip to Mahogany’s a first-class experience.

Best Pizza (since I’ve visited a lot of pizza places) — Pisanellos in Franklin: It might be styled like a small town diner, but the creativity behind the pizza at Pisanellos, needs to be experienced . Ask for the specialty pizza menu that features things like turkey and dressing pizza, hamburger pizza and more.

Most Creative Theme — Grand Ole Pub in West Chester: Even if they aren’t Republican, politicos will enjoy the political theme of this newly opened pub. With the wall of presidents and the copies of the Constitution that are given to diners, a stop at the Grand Ole Pub will put most anyone in a patriotic mood.

Best Bar Food — Major Leagues in Hamilton: The outdoor deck, and the Dixie-Style hamburgers and deep fried Twinkies make Major Leagues the perfect stop for anyone looking to kick back with friends. In addition, If you stop in next 4th of July, you’ll probably see me there enjoying the best fireworks viewing spot in the city.

Best Outdoor Dining — Banana Leaf in Mason: The side patio at this Modern Thai restaurant so inspired me that I tried to recreate it at my home. Even though it’s small, the plants and ironwork make it an enjoyable space, suitable for fine dining or a cocktail with friends.

Best Home Style Cooking — again, Mahogany’s in Hamilton: As a food critic I hate to say it, but I typically don’t like Home Style food. I like fine, creative cuisine. The Shrimp and Grits at Mahogany’s combines the best of both, and for an interesting kick, ask for hot sauce to blend into the mix. It will make you want to slap your mama, it’s so darn good.

Best place for Families with Small Children — Flavors in West Chester: I don’t have small children, but if I did I’d head to Flavors so they could play with toys, watch videos and be generally entertained by the staff as I dined with my husband or friends.

Best New Menu — Ryan’s Tavern in Hamilton: A great update. The expanded menu at Ryan’s includes new favorites like a variety of chicken dishes, and steaks. Traditionalists will still be satisfied with their native favorites.

Best Dessert — (Tie) Lolita’s in Hamilton, Ryan’s in Hamilton: I don’t typically eat dessert but the Tres Leches Cake at Lolita’s is simply to die for. It’s sweet, it’s huge, it’s delicious and the hint of brandy in the sauce will make any dieter weak in the knees. As for Ryan’s Bailey’s cake, it should be bottled and sold as a cure for most any disease.

Best Service/Friendliest — Lolita’s in Hamilton: Lolita Bohn is one of the nicest restaurant owners I’ve ever met. Of course, she had me with the fresh chips and salsa as I entered the door. If you ever want to open a restaurant, Lolita’s sets the standard for just how friendly your staff should be.

Best Kept Secret — again, Flavor’s in West Chester: It sits behind Skyline on Ohio 747 and the fact that I hate hummus and yet I ate a lot of it, makes this the Best Kept Secret in Butler County.

Best Restaurant with a Cause — Matera Caffe in Franklin: The owner is sending part of her profits to help build schools for children in Honduras. She dreamed up the name, because of the movie, “The Passion of the Christ.” If you have a heart full of faith and charity, and you like café style dining then Matera’s is a must.

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