LET'S FACE IT: Sinning just isn't what it used to be. Take the infamous Seven Deadly Sins, for example: Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Pride, Anger, Sloth, and Envy. These days, they don't seem quite as deadly. Pride is now called "self-esteem." Gluttony is just a typical American diet. And Greed is rewarded with a government bailout.So this year, City Pages decided to take sin a step further and make virtue out of vice. In our 2009 Best of the Twin Cities issue, we celebrate everything that's sinfully good about the Twin Cities. Here you'll find the Thai restaurant worth lusting after, the athletes and artists we envy, the CD store we're greedy for. Sure, things get a bit naughty (Best Store for Sex Toys, Best Place to Break Up, Best Caramel Roll), but everyone deserves a few guilty pleasures.Judging by our Readers' Poll, plenty of Twin Citians agree. Thousands of you were all too happy to tell us your choice for Best Strip Club, Best Happy Hour, Best Pizza, and dozens of other temptations. You'll find the results on page 14 and throughout the issue.Still, we realize that not everyone is into sin, so we have something for you, too. For every one of the Seven Deadly Sins, there's also a Heavenly Virtue. Under each fatal transgression, our fallen angel from the cover will introduce you to its corresponding virtue, along with a bit of advice on how to assuage your guilt.For the rest of us, we have a garden of earthly delights to explore. In fact, why stop at just seven Deadly Sins—on the following pages you'll find nearly 300 things about the Twin Cities that are "to die for."The hell with Minnesota Nice. It's time for a little Minnesota Vice.

Credits
Model: Erin Gulbranson
Makeup and styling: Abigail Hilgendorf
Photos: Nick Vlcek
Thanks to: Will Cochran and Jerry Drexler