BEST CHOICE FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION
Bella Milano 4525 West Wabash, 547-0011 The billboard at the corner of Wabash and Park reads: “Real chef, real dining, real good time.” And it seems that IT readers agree, choosing Bella Milano as the perfect choice for a special occasion.

Bella Milano combines delicious Italian dishes and a romantic, yet relaxed setting with a feel of fine dining, making it the ideal location for birthdays, anniversaries, or an evening out with that special person in your life. Preparing to celebrate its fourth anniversary, Bella Milano’s exquisite Italian dishes include its everpopular steaks, pasta, seafood and oven-baked chicken.

Coming in a close second is Ross Isaac, which offers a rustic-style atmosphere to accompany its fabulous American cuisine with a global influence. While walkins are accepted, owner and chef Sean Keeley strongly recommends reservations, particularly on the weekends and when legislators are in session. Third place goes to Saputo’s, the family-owned Italian restaurant that has been helping Springfieldians celebrate special occasions for decades.
Runner-up: Ross Isaac

BEST VALUE BUFFET
Golden Corral 1038 Le June Dr., 585-6830 Pull into the parking lot of the Golden Corral and you are greeted with an aroma that’ll make your stomach beg to be filled. Once inside, you are met with a spread of more than 100 tasty dishes, and they’re all yours for a mere $10 (dinner). With an average of 1,000 diners per weekday, and 1,500 per day on weekends, it’s safe to say that Golden Corral offers a lot of bang for the buck. Not only is it fit for a king, it’s fit to please the taste buds of your entire family.

But there’s one problem. Where do you start? Some take the traditional route, beginning with the salad and soup bars, which have several different types of soups and lettuce, 16 salad dressings, and enough ingredients to make any type of salad you can think of. Others head straight for the meat station to partake in the sirloin steak (fresh off the grill), carved ham, beef, pork roast, barbecue chicken and ribs. Golden Corral also offers fried chicken and meatloaf (two of the most popular dishes), shrimp, fried okra, pizza, salmon, shrimp linguini, and every vegetable under the sun. But save room for one of their many desserts.

Perhaps you’re craving Asian cuisine. Voters say that International Buffet — the second-place winner — and its traditional oriental dishes, including beef and broccoli, Mongolian beef, crab Rangoon, egg rolls, crab legs, and much more, are also worth the $10 (dinner). El Maya, with its authentic Mexican dishes came in third.
Runner-up: International Buffet

BEST SALADS
Bella Milano 4525 Wabash Ave., 547-0011 If you think salads are boring, Bella Milano is working to change your mind with their exciting and unique creations. Try the strawberry grilled chicken salad with poppy seed dressing for a slightly sweet flavor. You could also go with the safe bet — their popular Milano salad. It combines two kinds of lettuce, green onions, prosciutto ham, a blend of cheeses and their signature dressing. Head chef Lennie Ferrigno says Bella Milano’s salads stand out because of the top-quality, fresh ingredients. “Our salad is our main draw,” he says. “But the whole meal is a good experience.” The Olive Garden, with their endless soup, salad and breadstick deal, was another popular choice.
Runner-up: Pasta House