Watch Rhode Show Primetime Special

(FOX Providence) - On Thursday, July 28, The Rhode Show's Prime Time Special: Rhode Island Monthly's Best of Rhode Island celebrated the party of the year at the  Providence Performing Arts Center.

• Attached Video: In case you missed it, watch entire Rhode Show Prime Time Special from Rhode Island Monthly's Best of Rhode Island Party.

Every year, www.rimonthly.com recognizes the restaurants, salons and stores in the state that are at the top of their game. The issue serves as a guide for the best places in the state.

"It means that they are doing something really special," Rhode Island Monthly Editor Sarah Francis said.

The research behind narrowing down the selection is intense.

"We scatter all over the state and scout for great new places to eat and shopping finds and fun things to do," Francis said. "It's great. It's a lot of fun."

This year's issue was revealed at the party. All of the guests arriving on the red carpet knew they won an award, they just didn't know what it was.

"It's a really great party, its just a lot of fun on top of celebrating all of these winners," said Francis.

Publisher John Palumbo said the party was more than just a summertime event.

"Everyday we deal with the news of the day which is not always positive. The best of Rhode Island party its a tradition. Its a time where a lot of people come together and want to celebrate our state," Palumbo said. "At the party you see people walking around with the plaques under their arms. With the drinks in one hand the plaques under the arm and it never leaves their side and that's a pretty cool thing to see that without the state. You know you made an impact."

Each issue takes about a year to develop and dedicated readers use the guide as a way explore the state.

"There are over 300 winners. There's a lot of information in there. It's a lot of useful detail. We actually have readers who will take the issue and go through winner by winner and check everything out," said Francis.