View the August issue here!

Letter from the Editor

There’s a reason why award shows are a national phenomenon.

Even if you don’t want to care and try not to pay attention, it’s hard not to feel something when you hear a small movie you loved unexpectedly pulled out a win, or more often, that huge franchise you hate pulled out a dozen wins. 

We root for the things we love to get the recognition they deserve, and that’s really what Best of the West is all about. Whether you agree with the results or not, it all says something about West Michigan and its culture and the thousands of people who voted. It’s a chance to have a discussion about who really “deserves” to win, and why.

We’re in our fourth year of doing this and it just keeps on growing. Even in an age of information overload and political upheaval, people still find time to care about their favorite restaurants, breweries and hair stylists. I think it’s because those are the experiences that make life worth living, so of course we’d have a strong opinion on them.

So go ahead, look through the results and feel free to discuss them however you like. With 140 categories, you’ll probably see some of your favorites at the top. You’ll also probably look at certain categories and think, “Seriously? What the hell?” I know I did! That’s why we write staff picks. To be fair, if we expanded the “winners” from the top three to top five or 10, you might see more of your faves up there. Let’s be honest though, this issue is already big enough.

To all of our winners: Congrats! You’ve clearly earned some time in the spotlight. To everyone who was hoping to win and didn’t quite get there, just remember: There’s always next year, and getting the word out on social media never hurts.

’Til next time, 
Josh Veal, Managing Editor

On the Cover: Best of the West: The Winners Issue

Scene: What's Going on, Potshots, Biz Beat, Style Notes: Live a Little

Sounds: Walk the Beat, Beach House, Deadflower, August

est of The West Winners Issue: Music Winners, Cultural Arts Winners, Dining Winners, Drinking Winners, Night Life Winners, Services & People Winners, Shopping Winners

Dining & Drinking: Ginza Shushi & Ramen, Rake Beer Project

Revue Arts

Visual arts, classical and jazz music, theater, arts event previews and more. (See the center of this issue)

- July 2019: The Pet Isuue
- June 2019: The Music Issue
- May 2019: The Drinking Issue
- April 2019: West Michigan Dining Guide
- March 2019: The People Issue
- February 2019: The Cheap Issue
- January 2019: 50 Things to Do in 2019
- December 2018: Rearview Mirror
- November 2018: Holiday Gift Guide
- October 2018: The Beer Issue
- September 2018: The Arts Issue
- August 2018: Best of the West
- July 2018: Summer Fun Issue
- June 2018: The Music Issue
- May 2018: Wine & Spirits Issue
- April 2018: Food Issue
- March 2018: Cooking Issue
- February 2018: Wintertime Blues
- January 2018: Revue turns 30

- December 2017: Guide to the holidays
- November 2017
- October 2017: The Beer Issue
- September 2017: The Arts Issue
- August 2017: Best of the West winners
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