Cakes/Pies
Visions of sugar plums danced in their heads. Okay that’s part of The Night Before Christmas story but there are many who dream of sweets. Sometimes it’s pure torture to have a sweet tooth. Imagine the agony of having to choose between strawberry tarts, double chocolate cheesecake, brownies, Ninamo bars, coffee cake, double chocolate fudge delight, apple pie the list is endless and if we continue, you may have a sugar high. No matter what way you slice it, voters in this category had their favourites. 
Avalon: Once again top honours goes to Michel’s Bakery. Dominion and Sobey's split the remaining votes to take second and third place honours respectively. 
Off the Avalon: For the ultimate in cakes or pies, voters in this region head to their nearest Sobey's. Second-place marks go to Chatman’s in Charlottetown, Marystown’s Mr. B’s takes home third. 
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Deli
As a child I watched my mother make her potato salad by painstakingly dicing the potatoes, hard-boiled egg and apples and gently mixing it all together with just the right amount of mayonnaise. She still makes it this way. While I love my mother’s method, in these busy times, I don’t always have time to make salads the way she used to. When I’m planning a big family duo, oftentimes I head to the nearest deli and pick up an assortment of salads, cold cuts and rolls. Viola a major spread without spending hours in the kitchen. More time to spend with the family. 
Voters in this category offer up their favourites, give them a try and see if you agree with their choices.
Avalon: For the best in deli, voters suggest you head to your nearest Marie’s Mini Mart. Second-place nod goes to Michael’s Bakery and Deli. A close third-place finish goes to Stockwoods.
Off the Avalon: Sobey's squeaks past Dominion to take top marks in this category. Third-place finish is awarded to Gander Co-op. 
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Doughnuts
Whether it’s a quick snack or a ‘stopper’ to a meal, a doughnut fits the bill. From sprinkled to jelly filled; from plain to toasted coconut; from dipped to fruit-filled, the varieties seem endless. The next time you want to sink your teeth into the sweetness of a fresh doughnut, be sure to give one of our Best of winners a try. You’ll be glad you did. 
Avalon: The hands-down winner is Tim Horton’s. 
Off the Avalon: For the best in doughnuts, voters in this region suggest Tim Horton’s as the best spot to head. Second-place honours goes to Sobey's while Coleman’s in Corner Brook collects the remaining votes for a third-place finish. 
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Fresh Produce
Canada’s Food Guide suggests we eat five to 10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s kiwi, strawberries, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots or potatoes, Newfoundland Herald voters want variety and freshness. For the best in fresh produce, voters in this category suggest one of these favourites.
Avalon: Sobey's takes the lead this year. Dominion pulls a second-place finish while Taylor’s rounds out the bunch in third spot.
Off the Avalon: The roles are reversed in this region. First-place honours goes to Dominion and Sobey's take second place. Third place honours goes to Co-op.
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Homebaked Goods
Unless you are Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart, you probably haven’t found enough time between work, children and extra curricular activities to make a huge batch of home-baked goods for your family to enjoy. When you are unable to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies or other family favourite, head to one of reader recommended specialists. 
Avalon: Bidgood’s is the favourite spot for home-baked goods. Serving up a second-place finish is Marie’s Mini Mart. Third-place marks go to Auntie Crae’s. 
Off the Avalon: When it’s the best in home-baked taste voters in this region want, they head to the Little Bake Shop in Grand Falls-Windsor. Danny’s in Stephenville takes home a silver finish. The bronze medallion is awarded to Sobey's. 
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Natural Foods
If you’ve ever read the ingredient list on many prepackaged items, you’d probably run scared at the lengthy list of preservatives and items you have no idea what they are. If you are in the market for some truly natural foods, Newfoundland Herald readers have some suggestions for you to try. 
Avalon: With more than half the votes, Auntie Crae’s takes home the gold this year. Healthy Choice takes second-place honours and Dominion rounds out the pack in third spot. 
Off the Avalon: Grand Falls-Windsor’s Scoop and Save bags first place on this year’s ballot. Second-place honours goes to Nan’s Pantry in Gander. Sobey's collects enough of the remaining votes for a third-place finish. 
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Seafood Shop
If it’s the best in seafood you want, then voters in this category have just what you are looking for. Whether it’s the freshest cod, salmon, scallops, shark, tuna, etc., give one of this year’s Best of winners a try.
Avalon: For the freshest catch of the day, readers suggest you head to The Fish Shop on Water Street. Second place is awarded to Taylor’s Seafood Shop. Bidgood’s takes home a third place finish on this year’s ballot. 
Off the Avalon: For the best in seafood, voters in this region head to their nearest Sobey's supermarket. Dominion reels in a second-place finish. Third place is awarded to Co-op. 
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