Despite the much-deserved win of fellow food blogger Joe at Portland Food Coma (whose wry writing about outlandish culinary adventures I greatly admire), I’ve been left scratching my head at many of this year’s Food & Drink winners of the Phoenix’s “best of.”

Very few of my picks prevailed.

But that’s not the problem, really. The problem is the too basic, outdated structure of the list itself. While some categories are widely obvious (Novare Res for “best bar and beer selection” – duh), most are just too damn broad.

I’ve argued before that sub-categories are needed (see my “best pizza” argument here) and Coffee By Design’s win for “best coffee shop” seals that deal for me. While their beans are good and I’ve been known to grab a latte on the go – ya’ll really think CBD deserves to beat Bard for coffee shop?

REALLY?

I’d pick CBD for “best coffee chain” or “best bean selection,” but for pure coffee shop atmosphere and barista skills? Bard – hands down.

I’m gonna hear it now from you Arabica people – and that’s kinda my point. . .

The list is simply too simple for the culinary nuances of Portland and the voracious opinions of its dining population.

And that is a shame.