Harvard Square's popularity was demonstrated this week as nineteen local businesses were named "The Best of Boston 1999" by Boston Magazine. The publication awards prizes in 350 different categories each year.

Two local bookstores won recognition for their reading programs, with Harvard Book Store taking home the award for best reading series and Grolier Poetry Book Shop winning the award for best poetry store and readings.

Harvard Book Store Manager Isabella Reitzel said the quality of the series' speakers have made the program a success.

"What distinguishes our series is that we get the best scholars and writers," Reitzel said. "We're really proud of the caliber of our guests."

In the past, the program has featured renowned Harvard faculty, including DuBois Professor of the Humanities Henry Louis Gates Jr., Professor of Geology Stephen J. Gould and Plummer Professor of Christian Morals Peter J. Gomes.

Grolier Poetry Book Shop--which won the awards for best poetry store and readings--has also maintained a close relationship with Harvard, and has held readings for local poets including Donald Hall '51. The readings were usually held in Adams House and the Sackler Museum for the last eight years, according to Louisa Solano, the store's owner since 1974.

"I'm most proud about the award for the best readings," said Solano, who is also a member of Adams House Senior Common Room. "A lot of people start out here."

Chocolatier L.A. Burdick also earned recognition for this year's best chocolate. James Bergin, manager of the European-style shop also serving teas, coffees, hot chocolate and homemade Austrian pastries, said he was not surprised by the honor.

"The quality of the chocolate makes it special," Bergin said. "They are very delicate and are made with superlative and beautiful ingredients. The chocolate speaks for itself."