You might notice something different in the River Cities' Reader Best of the Quad Cities poll this year: For the first time, we're offering "staff picks" for certain categories.

This doesn't mean that we're invalidating our readers' choices. Rather, we're offering individual picks based on our experience, as a way to broaden the conversation a little. Sometimes the best things in our community are popular; other times, they need a little push to get the recognition they deserve.