Best Fine Dining '97

Best Fine Dining

Janos
150 N. Main Ave.

READERS' PICK: Not even close. Our favorite local chef, Janos Wilder, may be the Susan Lucci of the Beard Awards, but he's Number One with us. His cozy Janos restaurant provides an unparalleled dining experience, on par with any of those signature, big-city restaurants nationwide. Brilliantly creative Southwest-inspired dishes and superlative service place Janos head-and-shoulders above the rest. We considered resisting the temptation of mentioning that Janos is being kicked out of its lovely historic, downtown location. But you can rest assured that the Tucson Museum of Art-owned tea room taking its place won't be winning any awards any time soon.

READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Anthony's in the Catalinas Restaurant, 6440 N. Campbell Ave. The view is great, the service extravagant and fawning, and the food has the kind of old-style fanciness and charm that'll sit well with mature diners and dedicated carnivores. At Anthony's, Porterhouse steak, duck a l'orange, and filet mignon are offered beside more up-to-date selections like pasta and Sonora chicken. During your meal, a stream of specialized silverware will arrive at your table, as well as a parade of different plates. It's like you're being asked which plate is the nicest. Go with it! The wine's relatively inexpensive at Anthony's, and ordering a bottle makes the rather baroque service more interesting; two bottles and it's downright amusing. This is the kind of place where you can order your dessert served flaming, and really, what could be better than that?

1998 Winner: Anthony's in the Catalinas Restaurant
1996 Winner: Janos
1995 Winner: Janos