by Susan Hamilton

BEST NEW RESTAURANT - Sam's on Regal - Sam's on Regal is a classic. The yummy food, personalized service and casual, neighborhood atmosphere at the upper South Hill eatery make for a winning combination with Inlander readers.

"We're unique in that everything is done fresh," says co-owner Dale Fruin as he braids a loaf of sun-dried tomato bread with parmesan and garlic-infused olive oil. Typical of Fruin's attention to detail, the bread will be baked in one of the restaurant's ovens with alder wood for a special home-baked flavor.

"We're small enough that we know our guests well and cater to their tastes," Fruin adds. The restaurant will even make dishes to order for customers with special needs. Now that's service.

Sam's sports a décor that's called "eclectic warehouse with a classy look," with open ceilings and a display kitchen. Customers enjoy conversing with chefs while their meals are being prepared. And chefs are free to leave the kitchen and talk with guests during dinner when meals are completed. How amicable is that?

Discriminating adults appreciate the upscale menu selections, like chicken breast stuffed with basil and goat cheese and drizzled with red pepper coulis. The wine list features fine wines as well as micro-brews. And Sam's has kid-friendly menu items, such as a corn dog with smiley fries or spaghetti marinara with homemade bread.

So what are some of Sam's customers' favorite dishes? Fruin says the seafood salad is definitely No. 1. In it, tender greens are topped with salmon, scallops and bay shrimp and sautéed with shallots and zucchini. Lemon pepper pasta with myzithra cheese, and hand-cut New York steak basted with cabernet butter are both popular items, too. Sam's also boasts "the best barbecue burger in town" with Chef Childers' own sauce. But Fruin says what makes Sam's great is "our great, gracious and supportive customers."

And what about Sam? Well, Sam is a dog. But don't expect to see the friendly but strong-willed Shar-pei in the restaurant. "He's not socially acceptable," Fruin says.

2nd: Staccato's

3rd: Quinn's