BEST FOOD TRUCK: Peruvian Point

There is something truly magical about a good food truck’s ability to take our taste buds to a another place right from the convenience of a familiar street corner, and our winners for Best Food Truck have proven that there is no need to travel all the way to Peru—or Portland for that matter—to find diverse and authentic street food at a reasonable price.

The votes are in, and the winner of Rogue Valley Messenger’s Best Food Truck category is Peruvian Point, located on the corner of 8th and Fir in Medford. Owner Christian Ainzuain has been bringing mouthwatering Peruvian dishes such as the delicious lomo saltado to Medford for three years now, and is about to open up a second location across from the Rogue Valley Medical Center this March.

Honorable Mentions went to the New American mobile kitchen, Fired Up, and the Waffle Sandwich joint, Ooblies; both located in Medford. (As well as one vote for “anything with tacos.”) ZAC MOREL

BEST LOCAL BREWERY: Caldera Brewery

The ever-popular Caldera rises to the top in this year’s readers’ poll, in part because they produce arguably the largest variety in southern Oregon, from light, clean and comparatively low-alcohol lagers, and up the ladder of increasing ABVs, IBUs and SRMs to culminate with hefty behemoths like the Old Growth Imperial Stout (8.8%, 100 IBU, 56 SRM). Dozens in-between include Vas Deferens, which retains a commanding 8.1% alcohol and vast complexity while backing off noticeably in bitterness and darkness. MAC GRAHAM

Honorable Mentions: Bricktowne Barrel House (Medford), Swing Tree Brewery (Ashland), Opposition (Medford)

BEST LOCALLY MADE WINE: Red Lily

In the increasingly crowded and top-notch world of Rogue Valley wines, Applegate’s Red Lily Vineyards drew the most votes. Inspired by Spanish varietals and styles, winemaker Rachael Martin captures their essence in sun-drenched thin, mineral-rich soils that enhance balanced acidity, structure and earthy elegance of the quickly-ripening fruit.  Recent Oregon Wine Experience Awards honor not just her “brooding, earthy Tempranillo,” but  also 2014 Stargazer Verdejo and 2013 dessert wine, Night School.  Their rustic, stylish facilities and tasting room, including the fantastic airy, light barn-stage, pulls in the people and rave reviews, while the half mile Applegate River restoration, undertaken in collaboration with the Freshwater Trust, showcases regional beauty and a commitment to water quality, aquatic habitat and environmental sustainability.

Honorable Mention: RoxyAnn Winery in its lordly location overlooking Medford and the Bear Creek Valley, features its recently released 2012 Claret, which owner/general manager Chad Day calls “possibly our best wine ever.” MAC GRAHAM

BEST COLD BREW:
Case
Honorable Mention: Limestone
One vote for “what is cold brew?”

BEST HANGOVER BRUNCH:
Over Easy
Honorable Mentions: Ruby’s, Smithfields

BEST RESTAURANT THAT IS GOOD FOR YOU:
Sauce
Honorable Mentions: MaMosas, Raw
One errant vote for “Red Lobster”

BEST COFFEE HOUSE:
Rogue Valley Roasters
Honorable Mention: Case

BEST DIVE BAR:
The Gypsy 
Honorable Mentions: Beau Club, Talent Club

BEST BAR:
Howie’s
Honorable Mentions: 4 Daughters (Medford), Brickroom (Ashland)

BEST BURGER:
Jaspers
Honorable Mentions: Immortal Spirits, In-n-Out

BEST CHEAP EATS:
In-n-Out
Honorable Mention: Taqueria Picaro

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT:
La Tapatia (Phoenix)
Honorable Mention: Mazatlan Grill (Medford)

BEST PIZZA:
Kaleidoscope
Honorable Mention: Jackson Creek

BEST HAPPY HOUR:
Porters
Honorable Mention: Shiki Sushi Bar

BEST ASIAN FOOD:
Bambu
Honorable Mention: Koke

BEST DESSERT:
Mix (Ashland)
Honorable Mention: Dairy Queen (hey, you voted, not us!)
And specific votes for Standing Stone’s marionberry pie, Caldera’s tiramisu, Belle Union’s mud pie

BEST ITALIAN FOOD:
Cicily’s (Medford)
Honorable Mentions: Vinny’s (Medford), Pasta Piatta (Ashland)