THE BEST OF MANHATTAN 2008

We know the word "best" is a little presumptuous. And it's easy to run into trouble with superlatives, especially in a city with so much to offer. Nevertheless, we took a stab at it and compiled our annual "Best of Manhattan" list, an eclectic and wide-ranging catalog of goods, services, foods, drinks, places, people, ideas, events and anything else that tickled us pink. Alongside a few old standbys that deserve much praise, we hope to unveil some new ideas that will entice even the most experienced New Yorkers to venture outside their normal routines. But mostly, our "Best Of" choices are a celebration of all the quirky, chic, creative, delicious and funny things that make Manhattan the best of the five boroughs-and that's a superlative we can stand behind. Writers who contributed to this section include David Bardeen, Ernest Barteldes, Deborah Blumberg, James Caldwell, S. Edwards, A. J. Fox, Charlotte Eichna, Wendy Ilene Friedman, Anne Gehris, Michelle Hoos, Leonard Jacobs, Anna King, Patty Lee, Matthew Lynch, Jerry Portwood, Adam Rathe, Maggie Serota and Jane Warshaw. -Charlotte Eichna

BEST OF MANHATTAN: [ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT]

BEST OF MANHATTAN: [EATS & DRINKS]

BEST OF MANHATTAN: [CITY LIVING]

BEST OF MANHATTAN: [SERVICES]