Best new local restaurant(s) of 2012?

[Robin Garr]

It's close enough to the end of the year to start making lists like this. Let's talk about our favorite new arrivals of 2012. What are yours? Extra credit for taking the time to tell us why.

I've added a poll covering 19 restaurants that opened this year or in a couple of cases (Silver Dollar, for example) very late last year so their impact really got rolling in 2012). Pick up to five, and let's see how the numbers roll.

Glad to see that Guaca Mole is getting its just reward. They certainly deserve it, the food and service are both wonderful and the space was remodeled very nicely. It will be fun to see how his next adventure does.

It seems a bit unfair since I haven't had a chance to try them all, but of course that didn't stop me

Guaca Mole-because Fernando and Cristina are the nicest people I know, the service is always pleasant and efficient, and the food is just stupid good. I can't wait for next summer when the Peach and Tomato special salad is available again.

Charim because the food tastes like the best Korean food I've had in other places and all the condiments are homemade, the service is helpful, and the setting is comfortable.

La Coop because it's so wonderful to have a real, delicious French restaurant downtownish and not in the middle of an airfield. (A little point shaved off for the insanely uncomfy chairs on the patio).

St Charles Exchange because it's open for drinks very late, the mixologists are fun, and I feel like a real adult there.

Did I miss the place to vote for Silver Dollar?

I might have voted for Decca- but I couldnt hear the question.

[Robin Garr]

Did I miss the place to vote for Silver Dollar?

D'oh! It's not there. I was conflicted because of it evidently being a late 2011 opening, and I guess when I had to make room for an "other," I lost it but neglected to take the reference out of the intro post.

Well, "other" is there for anyone who wants to vote for it, or for that matter, to cast early votes for Relish and 1860 Bistro, both of which came in under the wire for 2012.

Love Harvest but they have been open longer than that?!?!

[Robin Garr]

Love Harvest but they have been open longer than that?!?!

Oh, heck, you're right! I pulled up all my 2012 reviews to make that list, and somehow Harvest sneaked onto it, probably via a return visit to check out their brunch. You are correct, Heather, Harvest opened summer 2011. My bad, but it's okay, I guess, to give a shout-out to a favorite.

The poll is set up so changed votes are allowed, so anyone who'd rather back out of a Harvest vote in favor of a 2012 entry can still do that.