The deadline to vote in our search for Michigan's Best Italian Restaurant is 10 tonight (Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017).
So far more than 10,000 votes have been cast in our 10 statewide polls where some tight races have emerged.
Others seem to be pretty much decided.
Who are the leaders?
How can you make a difference?
We'll get to that in a a moment.
Here's just a reminder that we're looking for restaurants that offer the best, overall experience.
The poll winners will be announced on Friday, Oct. 20, and our Michigan's Best Team (that's us - John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman) will be on the road to meet owners and managers, hear their stories and sample some great Michigan Italian cuisine.
Our official visits will begin on Monday.
VOTE
Go to the Polls here:
The leaders (as of 7:30 a.m. Oct. 19) in our regional polls:
Upper Peninsula
Casa Calabria in Marquette leads with 27 percent of the vote, followed by Alice's Restaurant in Iron River, Ralph's in Ishpeming and Barbiere's Villa Capri Italian Restaurant in Marquette.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Trattoria Stella in Traverse City leads with 28 percent, followed by Vivio's in Indian River and Trattoria Funistrada in Glen Arbor.
Ann Arbor Area
Paesano Restaurant (23 percent) recently passed Mani Osteria & Bar (15 percent); they are followed by Gratzi, and Silvio's Organic Ristorante e Pizzeria, which is coming on with several votes in the last day.
Bay Region
(Midland, Bay City and Saginaw)
This is a battle between Nino's Family Restaurant (40 percent) and Gulino's Pizza & Sons (36 percent). Both are in Bay City.
Detroit
(Metro area)
Buon Appetito in Romeo leads with 11 percent of the vote, followed by Cantoro Italian Market in Plymouth, Giovanni's in Detroit, Da Francesco's Ristorante and Bar in Shelby Township and Vince's in Detroit. More than 60 nominees.
Flint
Italia Gardens has 24 percent of the vote, but Latina's is coming on strong with 17 percent; Ruggero's is third.
Grand Rapids
Amore Trattoria Italiana in Comstock Park is a strong front runner with 28 percent of the vote, followed by Uccello's, Mazzo Cucina D'Italia and Osteria Rossa.
Kalamazoo/Jackson
Comensoli's Italian Bistro & Bar leads with 25 percent, followed by Kitchen House in Richland and La Cantina in Paw Paw. Bella Notte Ristorante is clearly the top choice in Jackson.
Lansing
Franko's in Webberville took over the lead yesterday and now has 26 percent of the vote; DeLuca's in Lansing and Cugino's in Grand Ledge are battling it out for second place and separated by only 1 vote.
Muskegon, SW Michigan and Lakeshore
Two Tonys Taverna Grill in Spring Lake (30 percent) took over the lead from Teddy Spaghetti's in Muskegon (25 percent). Brewster's Italian Cafe in New Buffalo and Tosi's in Stevensville are doing well in Southwest Michigan.
MORE INFO:
You are allowed to vote in all the polls. Also, you can vote every three hours. Polls will remain open until 10 p.m., Thursday Oct. 19, 2017.
Each winner is guaranteed a visit. In addition, Amy and I will pick additional finalists based on your passionate pleas, overall reputation and schedule, as time allows.
We're looking for more than just a pizzeria. We're looking for variety, homemade recipes and a memorable overall experience.
Our goal is to post a Top 10 list and other favorites in mid November.
Follow along on social media during our adventures across Michigan.
John Gonzalez on Twitter @michigangonzo, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
Amy Sherman on Twitter @amyonthetrail, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
We welcome your feedback. Email us if you have a favorite that we MUST visit. Tell us what makes it the best.
I am at gonzo@mlive.com.
Amy is at asherma2@mlive.com.