With 2009 in the books, it’s time for me to share with my readers my thoughts on the best places to eat over the last year. Without further ado here are my first annual Golden Belly Awards. If you know some restaurants you think should have won, please email me your picks or post them below in the comments section.

Best Breakfast/Brunch - 764 Restaurant - Executive Chef Mark Filatow has created an incredible breakfast/brunch menu to dazzle your tastebuds and all without breaking the bank. I highly recommend the Rosti with Tyroller Bacon. The service is also top notch. Honourable Mentions - The Bohemian Cafe, Wild Apple Restaurant and Lounge (Manteo)

Best Asian - Wasabi Izakaya - Wasabi Izakaya is far from your average Sushi place. This “Japanese Tapas” restaurant has its own unique take on Japanese cuisine and for the most part, they hit it out of the park. My personal favourite is the Okonomiyaki, which is a fried cabbage pancake, but be sure to try other Wasabi classics like Ebi-Chilli-Mayo, Miso Black Cod, and the Sexy Dragon Sushi. If you’re ever lucky enough to be there when they have “Duck Sushi” on the specials list, order it immediately. It was absolutely incredible. I’d also recommend trying their cuisine with a glass (or bottle) of Tapestry from West Kelowna’s Little Straw Winery. It is easily my favourite wine to pair with Sushi and is very conveniently available at Wasabi. Honourable Mentions - Genji, Yamato (great food, but good luck with the service)

Best Indian - Da Tandoor - A month ago I would have probably given this award to “Chutney Cuisine of India”, but with Da Tandoor’s new digs, it was an easy choice. If you’re looking for value, try the lunch buffet where you get salads, an appetizer, rice, naan (who doesn’t love naan?), two vegetarian curries, and two meat curries for $10! If you are looking for dinner, there are no shortage of delicious Indian Fusion options on the menu. As weird as it may sound, once their sportsbar opens it will be a great place to catch a game while sipping a Kingfisher and snacking on some Pakoras. Honourable Mentions - Chutney Cuisine of India, Pakora Palace (not much to look at, but try the Samosas before you pass judgement)

Best Pizza Place - Bordello’s - This cozy pizza place above the venerable Sturgeon Hall is far and away the best pizza place in town and an easy choice for the 2009 Golden Belly. They serve true Italian style pizza in an incredibly intimate and authentic feeling environment (especially when you consider its above a bar). The combination of great food and great atmosphere make for a phenomenal dinning experience. Enjoy! Honourable Mentions - None

Best Steakhouse - Sal’s Prime - It’s no secret that Sal’s missed the mark when they first opened. They dramatically overestimated the Kelowna market and quickly fell out of favour with the public. By the time I reviewed Sal’s it was obvious that they had turned a corner and were doing things right. I’ve been back since and was not disappointed. Wine and Dine is a perfect chance for you to check out the Best Steakhouse in Kelowna. Honourable Mentions - The Keg, Ric’s Grill

Best Winery Restaurant - The Grapevine Restaurant (Gray Monk) - This was a tough call and it really came down to personal preference. The Grapevine and The Terrace (Mission Hill) both do almost everything perfectly. The food at both is impeccable, and the service outstanding. In the end I had to give the nod to The Grapevine because of their more relaxed atmosphere and their prices. In an ideal world, you’ll get the chance to try both and decide for yourself. Honourable Mention - The Terrace (Mission Hill)

Best Chain - Earl’s - It’s easy for foodies to turn up their noses at chain restaurants, but I think you need to approach everything with an open mind. To me Earl’s (and several other popular chains) manage to serve tasty food, with very good service (usually), and reasonable prices. If you’re going to Earl’s I recommend trying one of their pizza’s or their Jeera Chicken Curry. They also have an extensive and fairly well chosen wine list. Honourable Mentions - Moxie’s, The Keg

Best Pub - Sturgeon Hall - This one was also a pretty easy choice for me. Kelowna has lots of great pubs, but when you combine The Sturg’s legacy with its tasty grub it’s pretty hard to beat. Try there fries (easily among the best in town) and their “all dressed” wings and I promise you won’t be disappointed. Honourable Mention - Doc Willoughby’s

Best Mexican - Hector’s Casa - I’ve long been a fan of Hector’s Casa. They combine very good Mexican food with a festive atmosphere and extremely friendly staff (including Hector himself). Their patio, which many people don’t even know exists, is one of my favourite places to grab a drink in the summer. Next time you’re their wash down the Enchiladas Rojas with a Lime Margarita on the rocks. Honourable Mention - DJ’s

Best Upscale - Waterfront Restaurant and Winebar - Chef Mark Filatow takes the first and last Golden Belly awards of the year. Put simply, Waterfront Wines is the best place to get a meal in Kelowna. While not outrageously expensive, it does have a higher price point than most restaurants in town. I, however, have never been and not thought that I got every single penny’s worth. The food is as close to perfect as you can get, the service is attentive without being overbearing, and their wine selections are phenomenal. My favourites are the Tapas Plate and Flat Iron Steak. If you haven’t been before, what are you waiting for? Honourable Mention - The Vintage Room That’s it for this year’s awards. Let me know if there are any categories you’d like to see me add in the future. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!