Echo Readers Select 2015 Award Winners

By KJ Philp, May 2015 Issue.

An Echo tradition since 2006, the Readers’ Choice Awards were developed as a spinoff from the magazine’s Pride of Phoenix Awards that were, once upon a time, presented annually as part of the Phoenix Pride festival.

The Readers’ Choice Awards recognize community favorites in 25 categories – from local leaders and performers to places to wine and dine – all of which are nominated and voted on by you.

During this years nomination period we received more than 10,000 individual nominations totaling more than 700 nominees. Needless to say, the competition is fierce.

Then, with more than 2,500 total votes for our 125 finalists, we’re proud to report that 2015 was one of the most competitive and successful years to date.

Now, it is with great pride and undue respect that we introduce you to the 2015 Echo Readers’ Choice Award winners.

But first – we’ve said it before but bears repeating – thank you to all the nominees, finalists, winner, promoters, readers, voters and even the Susan Lucci’s. We couldn’t do it without you!

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The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

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I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

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Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

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