That Guy: Simply - but maybe not scientifically - the best

Opinion

It's that time of year again, time for my Best-of Awards. My awards recognise excellence in a cross-section of fields.

I try to be as unbiased as possible, but as I don't tend to get out much, businesses at the Dominion Rd end of Mt Eden may appear more than those that aren't.

But I am confident that, in most cases, those most deserving of the award have won the award. And my decision is final.

Best 'Best of' retrospective in a print format

This year it goes to Metro magazine for its "Best of" retrospective expose. It was subjective, objective, and formed the template for what you are now reading. Its use of photos was clever and it helped you put a face to the name in many cases. Overall, the magazine was a little pricey for what you got, but it is just the "Best of" element that I would like to critique. Well done.

Best sports store in my local area

All Sports takes this one. The store gave me a great discount on a pair of cross-training shoes. It enabled me to kick-start my fitness programme, even if it didn't happen until November 28, but, for the record, I am hoping to roll this over into next year. Staff were helpful, not too pushy, and as far as I know didn't judge me when I went straight across the road to the bottle store after making my sporting purchase.

Worst sports store

Kenny's Sports, Parnell: Unlike All Sports in Dominion Rd, these guys just wanted to cash in on my unorthodox running style. They tried to sell me an extra shoe because I tended to have a bit more wear and tear on the heel of my left foot. Worse, I bought the spare left shoe, but it was the right one that ending up blowing out in the toe. Now I am left with two brand-new left-footed sports shoes. Apparently a company in Penrose is able to do shoe conversions - much like converting a right-hand-drive car from America into a left-hand-drive for the New Zealand roads. Of course, it would probably be easier to buy a new pair of shoes.

Best kebab shop

Once again it goes to Eden Kebabs in Dominion Rd. The kebabs just seem to get better each year. In his window he proudly displays all the positive reviews I have done in the past and often this has led to my getting discounted kebabs, occasionally even "on the house", though I always at least go through the motions of trying to pay in front of other customers. Once when I had spent all my money on a pair of cross trainer sports shoes at All Sports, he gave me a giant "works kebab" and said I could pay him when I was next walking past. It's this kind of trust that makes him so special. Staff are friendly, clean and make you feel like one of the family. Tell them I sent you.

Best TV channel

MySky.

Best piano tuners

As I've only got one piano tuner around I am going to have to give it to Middle C piano tuners just off Dominion. He did all I asked and his prices were fair - well itemised - and he was neat and tidy. He also came with good references. I don't actually have a piano but, if I did, he is certainly the man I would use to tune it.

Best internet provider

This would have to be John55 whose unsecured Wi-Fi network is somewhere near the top of New North Rd and has been providing me with fast broadband for most of the year. If he is downloading huge files, the system can slow down for us, but I suppose it must be the same for him when we are doing the same.