Following on the success of last year's GNR renewals, we engaged in a similar process this year. First, we sought volunteers from the board to aid in the evaluation process. These volunteers, along with the GNR Committee members, considered the list of GNRs up for renewal to determine which restaurants/resources either had decreased in quality or required more discussion before making a decision. At that point we invited several members of the community that had participated in the GNR discussion in the past to provide their input on renewals. In all, over 20 board members, including the GNR Committee, were involved in the process.
At every step of the process, the most important factor in making a determination was board posts. However, we also asked individuals to consider their recent experiences. We recognize that people do not feel compelled to post about every meal they have, particularly at old favorites where it can be hard to add something new to the discussion.
Based on that discussion, the following GNRs have been renewed through 2017.
Class of 2005
Al's Beef
Freddy's Pizza
Katsu
Lao Sze Chuan
Laschet's Inn
Manny's
Podhalanka
Riviera
TAC Quick
Class of 2007
Coalfire
Khan BBQ
Mario's Italian Lemonade
Old Fashioned Donuts
Paradise Pup
Smoque
Sol de Mexico
Stop 50
Vie
Wiener and Still Champion
Class of 2009
Al Bawadi
Argo
Bar Deville
Bari
Birrieria Zaragoza
D'Amato's
Delightful Pastries
Gaetano's Cafe
Hoosier Mama
Huaraches Dona Chio
JP Graziano
Nhu Lan
Northwestern Cutlery
Pastoral
Spice House
Class of 2011
Anteprima
Aroy Thai
Avli Estiatorio
Big and Little's
D'Candela
Edzo's Burger Shop
Great Sea
Kabul House
Mr. D's
Purple Pig
Ream's Elburn Market
Three floyds
Toons
Xoco
Class of 2013
Cafe Orchid
Da Rae Jung
Dancen
El Ideas
Ghareeb Nawaz
Go 4 Food
Monti's
New England Seafood
Scofflaw
Vera
From the feedback I received it's obvious that many people continue to visit and love so many GNRs even when discussion on the board has been quiet. The primary goal of this process was to determine if each GNR continues to do what made it special enough to be awarded. We will continue this process next year which will give even more board members an opportunity to participate in the renewal process. If there are any questions about the process or the GNRs in general, please feel free to pm me at any time.
-Onur, for the GNRs