In one of the most hotly contested categories to date, the Best Brunch Platinum Foodster Award for Best Brunch goes to Santiago’s Bodega. Taking the Gold Award is Two Chefs Seafood and Oyster Bar.

Only a few votes behind, Tap Room at Dubsdread came in third with Soco even closer for fourth place.

In all over 1200 votes were cast.

In placing his vote for the winning brunch, Mark Hirsekorn wrote: “Santiagos Bodega is hands-down the best! Best: food/drinks/ambiance/service!”

But many other voters were just as passionate about their favorites. You can read some of the comments that were left on the Best Brunch Foodster page — they might entice you to try something new.

And ready, set, go to start voting for our next category: Best Barbecue. But before you say to yourself that this one is a slam dunk, remember that the Foodster Awards are open only to restaurants with three or fewer locations. So as much as it is liked locally, 4 Rivers Smokehouse has grown out of Foodster eligibility. Bubbalou’s Bodacious Bar-b-q, too, is ineligible.

But there are several good local ‘cue-ers who do qualify, and they’re worth your attention. Not familiar with some of them? Get busy and start checking them out. Then come back and place your vote here.

Voting will continue through midnight July 19; the winner will be announced in the July 20 edition of Scott Joseph’s e-letter.