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About the section For the second year in a row, we invited you to tell us what you love about living in the mid-valley — and you responded with your votes. And so here are your Top of the Valley 2011 Readers’ Choice picks in 76 categories, everything from best bakery to the best reasons to live in Linn and Benton counties. During the period from Aug.26 until Oct.3 when the “Top of the Valley”polls were live on our websites, nearly 1,800 of you took the time to vote in at least one of the categories. The total of all votes: 60,462. In this special edition, we have grouped the categories by Top Shops, Top Bites, Top Nightlife, Top Places Top Accolades and Top Best of the Rest. We have featured a num-
ber of winners, most of whom took top honors in one or more categories in 2010. Right underneath the winner in each category you’ll find four “finalists”— the next four top vote-getters listed in the order of the number of votes they received. Because of ties, more than four finalists are listed in some places. We consider the midvalley a special place to live, in part because of our Top of the Valley winners and nominees. We thank them all. We also thank all those who voted, our advertisers and you, our Top of the Valley readers. We hope you enjoy the section, and that it helps you find things to do and places to explore in the mid-valley.
TABLE OF CONTENTS LISTINGS Top Shops . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6 Top Bites . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-10 Top Nightlife . . . . . . . . . .11-12 Top Places . . . . . . . . . . .12-13 Top Accolades . . . . . . . . .13-14 Top Best of the Rest . . . . . .15
FEATURES Best downtown business Block 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Best customer service Les Schwab . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Best Grocery Market of Choice . . . . . . . . . .4 Best Pets/Animal Supply Animal Crackers . . . . . . . . . .5 Best Hardware/Home Improvement/Decor Robnett’s Hardware . . . . . . . . . .6
Best Steakhouse or Barbecue Bo-Mack’s BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Best Pizza American Dream . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Best World Cuisine Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Best Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Local Boyz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Best Cocktail Vault 244 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Best Place to Go Dancing/Clubbing
Peacock Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . .12 Best Winery Willamette Valley Vineyards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Best Local Music Series River Rhythms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Best of the Rest Why we live here . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Nancy Raskauskas and Graham Kislingbury coordinated the planning for the “Top of the Valley.” Jeremy Reukauf administered the online voting. Pamela Sirianni designed the cover. Cyndi SprinkelHart and Scott Blair coordinated the advertising. The news staffs of the Albany Democrat-Herald and Corvallis Gazette-Times wrote the stories and took the photos.
ANDY CRIPE | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Kristen and Nick Arzner opened Block 15 in 2008 in downtown Corvallis. ‘We wanted to make a brew pub that really focused on the community,’ Nick said.
A love of food, beer and people “If you’re going to work, work your passion,” Nick said. He works alongside CORVALLIS — When brewmaster Steve van Nick and Kristen Arzner Rossem to create a tap list moved to Corvallis nine years fantastic; elevated pub said. Starting off with only 25 that changes periodically. ago, they noticed that the “It’s all about the beer and food,” Kristen, 29, said. employees, the brew pub city didn’t have a locally food, service and ambiance. After only three years of now boasts a staff of 65 and is owned brew pub. “We were blown away that feeding downtown Corvallis, regularly serving a full house If you don’t hit all three of those things you’re never goBlock 15 has swept four cate- on any given night. there wasn’t already one ing to be as successful,” KrisThe basement houses gories in the second annual here,” said Nick,32.And so Top of the Valley voting: Best more than 100 barrels of fer- ten said.“The newness is the duo,who both worked in menting beer, which is Nick’s over, but it continues to be an the food industry for about 15 Downtown Business, Best adventure.” labor of love. Microbrew, Best Happy years,decided to start one in Hour, Best Place to Gather. the town they had grown to Block 15 also came in seclove. ond, five points behind “We wanted to make a brew pub that really focused Sybaris restaurant of Albany, for Best Overall Restaurant. on the community,” Nick “We love food, we love said. And so in 2008 the couple beer and we love people. We’re fortunate to be able to created Block 15, a brew pub work with all of those at 300 S.W. Jefferson Ave. things,” Nick said. that has thrived at creating The couple started the premium craft brews and restaurant in spite of friends menu items that include telling them it was a bad idea. locally grown ingredients. “They were wrong,” Nick “We call our food casually BY EMILY GILLESPIE TOP OFTHE VALLEY
Best Downtown Business: Block 15
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Still sprinting to their customers
Creative Crafts & Frame Shop (Corvallis) Finalists: Michaels, Joann Fabric and Crafts, Many Hands Trading, Fiber Nooks & Crannys Creative Crafts and Michaels got the same rankings in this category last year. After recently reopening on Circle Boulevard in Corvallis, Joann Fabric and Crafts, which also has a store in Albany, took third after not making it on last year’s list of finalists.
By CATHY INGALLS TOP OF THE VALLEY
ALBANY — Les Schwab’s trademark employee sprint to cars when drivers arrive is one of the many ways customers are made to feel that the company cares about them and their vehicles. Because of its friendliness and willingness to help, Les Schwab was voted in the Top of the Valley online poll the business that provides the best customer service in the mid-valley. “Running to a vehicle is a way we can get a good look at a car, get an idea of a customer’s needs, and it shows we can help,” said Alan Bakkala, assistant manager at the Albany Les Schwab Tire Center at 2925 Santiam Highway S.E. The whole concept of providing good customer service also shows “customers are being helped by people who are genuine,” he said. “We couldn’t do what we do if we didn’t enjoy our work. We don’t sell on price, but we sell on service. “You won’t find people who care more about their customers and the community than here,” Bakkala said. “It’s easy for employees to be friendly and helpful because we provide a happy work environment,” he said. “We have great benefit packages, a stable work place even in a problem economy and there are opportunities for promotion. Everyone starts working in the bays and are promoted for their hard work. Everyone has the same opportunity to get ahead.” To encourage customers to keep coming back and to entice new customers to
Best Arts and Crafts
Best Books/Periodicals The Book Bin (Corvallis) Finalists: Grass Roots Books & Music,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library,Browsers’Bookstore Coming in second last year, The Book Bin rallied for a win over Grass Roots Books & Music, last year’s first-place winner in this category. Incidentally, the stores are less than three blocks away from each other in downtown Corvallis.
Best Customer Service Les Schwab Tire Centers MARK YLEN/TOP OF THE VALLEY
Jonathan “Stuey” Stewart takes off a tire at the Albany Les Schwab Tire Center.
Best Customer Service: Les Schwab Tire Centers become regulars, the company offers several services free of charge. Those include tire rotation, flat tire repair, air checks, tire balancing, and brake and suspension checks. Bakkala said women particularly appreciate Les Schwab because they like getting their questions answered and checks done at no cost. “Some women come in here almost with their guard up getting ready for bad news,” he said. “It
means a lot to them that we can go over things and often fix a problem at no charge.” There are 31 employees on hand in Albany to help customers. The center has three bays in the front, five in the alignment area and one for new battery installation. The company sells tires for just about every vehicle except bicycles and motorcycles. Customer service amenities extend to the
waiting area. Customers can relax with free popcorn, coffee and hot chocolate, and the television is always on. Sometimes the tire center serves almost like a chamber of commerce, Bakkala said. “We get calls from people who don’t live here asking about places to eat and for directions.” Those traveling in other cities have called their hometown Albany Les Schwab to report a problem with their tires.The Albany store will notify the nearest Les Schwab center to go and help. Les Schwab trucks also are available to replace problem tires on area road-
ways. In Albany, there is one tire center, Lebanon and Sweet Home has one each, and in Corvallis there are two.
Finalists: Dutch Bros. Downtown Corvallis, Market of Choice, First Alternative Co-op, Grass Roots Books and Music Mid-valley Les Schwab Tire Centers were voted the business that offers the best customer service, a new category this year. A close second was Dutch Bros. in downtown Corvallis followed by Market of Choice, also in Corvallis. There were 127 nominations in this category.
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TOPSHOPS Best Clothing Kohl’s (Albany) Finalists: Second Glance, Sibling Revelry, Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx The Albany department store took home first place, but Sibling Revelry, an eclectic downtown Corvallis women’s clothing store, wasn’t far behind.
Market of Choice in the Corvallis Crossing Shopping Center was busy during its opening day last October. Market of Choice is the winner of Top of the Valley awards for Best Grocery and Best New Business since August 2010.
Best Downtown Business Block 15 Finalists: The Inkwell Home Store, Many Hands Trading, Grass Roots Books & Music and American Dream Pizza In one of the closest outcomes in the Top of the Valley competition,Block 15 edged The Inkwell Home Store by two votes. Both are downtown Corvallis businesses.
Best Eco-Friendly Business First Alternative Co-Op (Corvallis) Finalists: Gathering Together Farm, Market of Choice, ReStore, Earth Smart Store First Alternative Co-op, which has been in business for 41 years, ran away with a repeat win in this category.
Best Grocery Market of Choice (Corvallis) Finalists:First Alternative Co-op, Trader Joe’s,WinCo,Fred Meyer This was a pretty competitive category, but in the end, Market of Choice pulled away from last year’s winner, First Alternative Co-op, to secure the win.
20124414 2 X Li5.50 ‘The best of both worlds’ Ashbrook Best Grocery: Market of Choice Independent ANDY CRIPE |
By SARAH PAYNE TOP OF THE VALLEY
CORVALLIS — “Food for the way you live” is Market of Choice’s motto, and if you shop there, chances are you live well. From an extensive selection of fresh produce — conventional and organic — to a deli section replete with cases of fine cheeses, savory deli meats and a tasty bevy of pre-made food, to basic groceries, Market of Choice seems to have have something to fulfill every kind of grocery need. Market of Choice has barely been in Corvallis for a year — it opened at the end of October 2010 — but has won the 2011 Top of the Valley awards for “Best Grocery” (2010 winner First-Alternative Co-op finished second this year) and “Best New Business since August 2010. The two major honors came as a pleasant surprise to assistant store manager Casey Capell.
“I figured we were new and so we’d have to earn the customers,” Capell said. “We still have to earn every customer we get, but we’re kind of just doing the same thing we always do by providing the best service and having the best product that we can.” Market of Choice has been owned and operated by the Wright family since 1979, when Richard Wright Sr. opened his first grocery store in Cottage Grove. Since then, the single store has expanded into a corporation, Market of Choice Inc., and eight now features eight stores in Corvallis, Eugene, West Linn, Portland and Ashland. Although it is a corporation, Market of Choice still strives to benefit
the local community — buying and selling local produce, giving back to FOOD for Lane County — as well as make greener choices, such as eliminating plastic grocery bags and reducing the amount of store energy by using energy-efficient electrics. But it’s the attention to detail that really makes Market of Choice stand out, from the friendly customer service to the welcoming atmosphere, right down to the quality product. It also bridges the gap between fresh, sustainable products and more conventional products. “We provide a certain base of shopping that maybe has been lacking in Corvallis,” Capell said. “It has the co-ops, which are great, and it has your conventional-based stores, but we can offer the best of both worlds. That’s our goal at least, to provide both.”
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Supporting responsible pet ownership BY CANDICE RUUD
Market of Choice (Corvallis) Finalists: Market of Choice, Yogurt Extreme, Laughing Planet, Terminus, Limeberry It’s been a good year for Market of Choice,which also won the Best Grocery category. (See story on Page 4)
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CORVALLIS — When the recession hit Oregon in 2009, Animal Crackers wasn’t hurt by the tough economy that shuttered so many businesses — in fact, the store expanded. “Business has been really steady throughout (the recession),” owner Kate Lindburg said. Located on Northwest Kings ‘We are Boulevard just north really of Northfocused west on pet Buchanan nutrition. Street, AnWe like to imal Crackers make sure was the people are runaway choosing choice for anithe best best mal/pet products for supply this their pets.’ year. LindKATE LINDBURG, ANIMAL CRACKERS burg, who OWNER opened the high-end pet shop in 1994 with her husband, Jim Dagata, said that’s because the store has a focused mission: to support responsible pet ownership. “That means doing the very best to take care of an animal, and treating it as part of your family,” Lindburg said. Lindburg moved to Corvallis to get her master’s in microbiology from OSU. While she didn’t end up working in a lab, she said her science background has aided her in purchasing the highest quality pet food
Best New Business
Best Music/ Entertainment River Rhythms (Albany) Finalists: Gracewinds, Cloud 9, Bombs Away, LaSells Stewart Center and Happy Trails. Each summer about 30,000 people attend River Rhythms, which also won for Best Local Music Series after taking top honors in 2010 for Best Outdoor Concert Venue. (See the story on Page 14)
Best Home Repairs Robnett’s Hardware (Corvallis)
AMANDA COWAN | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Animal Crackers employee Erika Phillips arranges shelves in the Corvallis store Oct. 24.
Best Pets/Animals Supplies: Animal Crackers and understanding what the ingredients mean. “We are really focused on pet nutrition,” Lindburg said. “We like to make sure people are choosing the best products for their pets.” When Animal Crackers took over the space previously occupied by Yogurt Hill in early 2010, the shop gained 800 square feet of retail space. They used part of that to become a satellite adoption center for Heartland Humane Society.
Finalists: Petco,Coastal Farm, Denson Feed and Seed,SafeHaven Humane Society Animal Crackers is a repeat winner in this category.
In a snug and brightlylit room in the corner of Animal Crackers, eight cats from Heartland spend their days climbing cat furniture and stretching as they wait to be adopted. “Adoption varies,” Lindburg said. “Sometimes one or two will be adopted per month, sometimes it’s
eight or nine.” As Animal Crackers has become increasingly woven into the Corvallis animal community, its has also received help from local vets. West Hills Animal Hospital has sent staff over to train Animal Crackers staff, especially in caring for small animals, and Willamette Veterinary Hospital has provided medical care for the cats that are brought in from Heartland. Winning the Top of the Valley award reaffirmed to Lindburg that the business is on the right track. “It’s a nice affirmation that we’re reaching people
the way we want to reach them.”
Finalists: Home Depot, Habitat for Humanity, Spaeth Lumber, Powell Construction It comes as no surprise that Corvallis’oldest continually running business — Robnett’s Hardware — would top its category. It’s also no surprise that its largest big box competitor — Home Depot — would come in second.(See story on Page 6)
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TOPSHOPS Best Salons/ Spas/Barbers
Robnett’s Hardware (Corvallis) Finalists: Home Depot, Inkwell, Jerry’s, Powell Construction The more than century-old Robnett’s beat out big name competitor Home Depot by 80 points. The repeat winner has been family owned and operated since 1893.(See story on Page 6)
A personal approach since 1893 CORVALLIS — Robnett’s Hardware has shown the mid-valley that bigger isn’t always better. The small town fix-it shop took Top of the Valley honors for Best Hardware/Home Improvement/Decor once again this year,beating out Home Depot by 80 votes.Robnett’s also took top honors in the Home Repairs category. The Second Street storefront has been a Corvallis fixture since 1855 when it was a mercantile store. It came in to current owner Tori Lockwood’s family in 1893 and has been family owned and operated ever since. “We work this every day,” said Lockwood, who runs Robnett’s with her husband, Scott. “We’re
D&B Bear (Corvallis)
Best Hardware/Home Improvement/Decor
JOY PARIANTE | TOP OF THE VALLEY
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offering that slips through the chain theaters’fingers.
Finalists:John & Phil’s,Crabtree Automotive,Gary’s Automotive,Les Schwab Ninth Street (Corvallis) D&B Bear won with a solid lead this year,dethroning John & Phil’s from the top seat it held last year.The other finalists weren’t too far behind,with only 10 votes separating second and fifth places.
Tori Lockwood, right, helps a customer Oct. 17 at Robnett’s Hardware in Corvallis. The store has been owned and operated by Lockwood’s family for more than a century. Lockwood hopes to pass it on to her son.
By JOY PARIANTE
Best Auto Repairs
know and trust. Lockwood explained that small town businesses allow for more of a personal experience for shoppers and owners, which are unlikely in a bigger town or bigger store setting. If someone forgets to do this to compete.’ It’s their wallet, Lockwood said just what we do.” With numerous home im- she’s OK with letting them provement store options in the pay next time they come in. “We’ve always felt like, if area and the popularity and we ever needed something convenience of online shopping,Lockwood definitely ap- or got in trouble, we could go to anyone (in Corvallis),” preciates the continued supsaid Lockwood, who raised port of the mid-valley. “We appreciate that peo- her son in Corvallis. “We’re there for each other, it’s a ple find us a good store to community.” come to,” Lockwood said. Lockwood is hoping her “We appreciate that the comson decides to carry on the munity keeps coming in and we hope we are providing the Robnett’s legacy for another generation. “We raised the services people need.” seventh generation down And part of what makes here, so we hope he has an the Corvallis community flock to Robnett’s is the interest in the business so hometown comforts of then we can retire,” she dealing with people they joked.
Best Hardware/Home Improvement/Decor: Robnett’s Hardware here, hands on, every day.” This personal approach allows Robnett’s to keep a finger on the pulse of Corvallis’ home improvement needs. The Lockwoods know when to bring in new products to spice up their inventory. They also pride themselves on competitive prices, quick service and speedy special orders from suppliers nationwide. These services are what secured the top spot for the store, but the Lockwoods don’t just roll out the red carpet during awards season. “We try to be this way all the time,” Lockwood said. “It’s not like we just say ‘we have
Best One-of-a-Kind Business Darkside Cinema Finalists: Many Hands Trading, Yogurt Extreme,Spearit Beads, Burst’s Chocolates This is a quirky category, and the winner certainly meets that requirement: a four-screen theater on the second floor of a former department store that shows foreign films, documentaries, independent productions and the occasional Hollywood
The Retreat (Corvallis) Finalists: Epic Day Spa, Suite 101 Salon, 14th Street Salon, Hair Body & Sole For the second year in a row, The Retreat takes the top honors in this category,although Epic Day Spa was only two votes behind.And with more than 80 businesses receiving votes,it just goes to show that if you want quality services and a little pampering,you can’t go wrong in the mid-valley.
Best Sports/ Outdoors/Recreation Peak Sports (Corvallis) Finalists: Big 5,Corvallis Cyclery,Play it Again Sports,Bike N’ Hike,Corvallis Knights Baseball The longtime outdoors fixture dominated this category, picking up the top honor for the second year in a row.
Best Thrift/ Secondhand Goodwill (Albany and Corvallis) Finalists: Second Glance, OSU Folk Club Thrift Store, Cat’s Meow, St. Vincent DePaul Last year’s winner fell to third, paving the way for perhaps the most well-known name in thrift stores to come in first.
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TOPBITES Best Bakery LePatissier (Corvallis) Finalists: New Morning Bakery, Great Harvest Bread Co., Rocket Queen Cupcakes, Market of Choice The French pastry shop LePattisier edged out 2010 winner New Morning Bakery for the top honor.
Best Breakfast The Broken Yolk (Corvallis) Finalists: The Original Breakfast, Sam’s Station, Gathering Together Farm, Sharon’s Cafe Runner-up last year, The Broken Yolk moved to the top of the list this time around, and The Original Breakfast in Albany went from from fourth place in 2010 to the No. 2 spot this year.
Best Burgers First Burger (Albany) Finalists: Block 15, Squirrel’s, McMenamin’s, Burgerville First Burger, one of the downtown Albany establishments owned by Matt and Janel Bennett, is a repeat winner. Of the 54 nominees, it is the only burger place that received more than 200 votes.
Best Chinese China Delight (Corvallis) Finalists: Queen’s Chopstick, China Blue, Ping’s Garden, King Tin For the second year, China Delight was tops among voters out of a crowded field of candidates.
Best Dessert Big River (Corvallis) Finalists: Francesco’s Gelato, New Morning Bakery,La Patissier,Rocket King Cupcakes Another repeat winner, Big River and its tempting dessert case of layer cakes, fruit tarts and decadent desserts was a runaway favorite.
‘We love to cook and bake’ By ALEX PAUL TOP OFTHE VALLEY
ALBANY — After just one bite of the homebaked cornbread served at Bo-Mack’s BBQ, Ruth Robinson of Jefferson was asking the server for its recipe. “It’s good, really good,” Robinson said. Robinson treated her children, Rachelle, 17, and Trevor, 13, lunch at ‘I think to the familypeople owned really want restaurant at 119 First a family Ave. E. for atmosphere the first on a and they time recent love coming Wednesday afternoon. here They because quickly rewe’re all alized why family.’ mid-valley voters KENDRA KNEBEL, picked the CO-OWNER OF restaurant BO-MACK’S BBQ as their favorite Steakhouse or Barbecue. Owners Dan and Kendra Knebel and their three oldest children, Malika, 23, Kahlil, 22, and Bo Mack, 21, have worked extremely hard over the last three years, building the business from scratch. Four younger children also help out when they aren’t being homeschooled. “I think people really want a family atmosphere and they love coming here because we’re all family,” explained Kendra, who is affectionately called “Mama” by staff and customers. “We love to cook and bake. The barbecue sauce was created by our son. Dad does most of the meat smoking.”
Manager Malika Knebel takes the order of Tracy Gravette of Albany and Jeff Vaughan of Eugene recently at Bo-Mack’s BBQ Restaurant on First Avenue in Albany. DAVID PATTON | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Best Barbecue or Steakhouse: Bo-Mack’s BBQ And, when the whole family is together, it’s not unusual for the kids to break out in song, especially if a customer rings a special cow bell. Kendra added another key to the food’s flavor is that, “We only use fresh ingredients. Our meats are never frozen.” It takes up to 18 hours to smoke a brisket, six to eight hours for a rack of ribs and 16 hours for pulled pork. “I’ve cooked for church weddings for years and they can have several hundred people,” Kendra said. “After we moved here from Roseburg, we were looking for a family business and the local chambers of commerce suggested catering for large groups. We started Gotcha Covered Catering in April
2008.” Kendra said the business took off and soon the family was serving up to 5,000 people and smoking 1,372 pounds of meat at a time. They opened Bo-Mack’s six months later and Kendra admits it was a steep learning curve. Dan said brisket is the most popular meat, but the rack of ribs has a growing
following. He uses a dry rub of special seasonings. Sauces range from mild to extreme in terms of spiciness and heat. “We actually have a customer who buys four racks of ribs at a time,” Kendra said. “People love the chicken because we marinate it.” Every meal comes with a hearty portion of freshly made cornbread — even if the order is a soda or coffee only. Side dishes alone would fill up any hungry farmer or logger. The dessert menu in-
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cludes a brownie earthquake, cherry surprise, strawberry shortcake and cobbler, but there’s also “whatever mama feels like making,” which is a big hit for many customers. The family is considering offering delivery in the downtown Albany area, Dan said. True to its family roots, Bo-Mack’s does not serve alcohol or sell lottery tickets. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The phone number is 541-791-7058.
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TOPBITES Best Drive-through Burgerville (Albany) Finalists: Dutch Bros., Hasty Freez, Coffee Culture, Carl’s Jr. Burgerville, where the fast food is made from fresh, local ingredients, rose to the top of the list this year among last year’s still-popular finalists.
Best Farmers’ Market Vendor or Food Cart Gathering Together Farm (Philomath) Finalists: Denison Farms, Creperie du Lys, Rocket Queen Cupcakes, Zia Again, the organic farm that’s a favorite with market regulars rose to the top of the list.
Best Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe (Corvallis) Finalists: Magenta,Aomatsu, Ricky’s Hawaiian Grind and Aqua. Local Boyz was the top votegetter for any category in the 2011 Top of the Valley Readers’ Choice Awards voting. The Corvallis restaurant garnered 503 votes, easily repeating as the winner in this category.
Best Indian Evergreen (Corvallis) Finalists: Nirvana,Clemenza’s Evergeen received the second most votes of all the restaurants that were nominated for Top of the Valley this year and repeated as the winner in this category.
Best Italian/Greek/ Mediterranean Clemenza’s Italian American Cafe (Albany) Finalists: Pastini Pastaria, Iovino’s, Carino’s, Natalia & Cristofero’s Despite two other restaurants in this category earning more than 100 votes, Clemenza’s held on to repeat as winner of this category.
Quirky creativity keeps it fresh By BENNETT HALL
On March 21, 2008, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama tried a slice of cheese pizza during a surprise visit to American Dream Pizza in downtown Corvallis. It’s too early to tell if President Obama will stop for another slice during the upcoming 2012 campaign.
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CORVALLIS — The job application at American Dream Pizza is a paper plate. “We tell them to put down their contact information and write something about themselves that explains why they should get the job,” said co-owner Mark O’Brien. “Some of the things that come back are the most fantastic works of art.” “One guy came back with a CD taped to a paper plate,” recalled Scott McFarland, O’Brien’s partner and mentor in the business. “It was a song he had written called ‘Hire Me.’” Yep. He got the job. That kind of quirky creativity is a big part of the vibe at American Dream, which once again claimed the Best Pizza title in this year’s Top of the Valley balloting. With two Corvallis locations — one near Oregon State University at 2525 N.W. Monroe Ave., the other downtown at 214 S.W. Second St. — it’s a local institution where the menu’s always evolving, the stereo’s always rockin’ and the staff wears T-shirts that proclaim Music Art Beer Pizza in big block type. “That’s kind of our mantra,” said McFarland, who opened the original American Dream with partner Sebastian Malinow in Northeast Portland in 1985. The two opened the campus-area location in Corvallis in 1989 (McFarland is the sole owner now), and McFarland part-
ANDY CRIPE | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Best pizza: American Dream nered with O’Brien to open the downtown Dream in 2004. Art is everywhere at American Dream, from the paintings on the walls (many of them by McFarland’s artist wife, Angela, who also helped design both restaurants) to the hand-decorated chairs to the rotating pizza-box art displays created by local schoolkids. The same creativity is displayed in the pizza, built on hand-rolled crusts with an ever-changing lineup of fresh ingredients. The Hoodoo You Love, one of the new offerings on the recently revamped menu, is a case in point: jerk chicken,
roasted potatoes, caramelized onions and pineapple. McFarland grew up in the restaurant business — his grandfather started Portland’s Caro Amico pizzeria, now owned by McFarland’s mother — and O’Brien grew up in American Dream. He started at the campus store in 1990 as a dishwasher and pizza maker, worked his way up to general manager and came in as a co-owner on the Second Street restaurant, which also houses a full bar. As an employee, O’Brien said, he always felt that his contributions were appreciated, and he
tries to cultivate the same sense of ownership in his own workers. McFarland said that’s always been part of his philosphy, and it’s paid
off for American Dream. “A lot of the things we’ve done here didn’t come from Mark or I,” he said. “It came from suggestions from people who work here.”
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Late Night Cloud 9/The Downward Dog (Corvallis) Finalists: Block 15, Vault 244, Magenta, Shari’s Owned by Central Linn High School alum Cloud Davidson, Cloud 9/The Downward Dog is known for its wide variety of late-night music.
Best Mexican/Latin American/Carribean La Rockita (Corvallis, Philomath) Finalists: El Sol de Mexico, Bombs Away, Los Dos Amigos, Taqueria Alonzo LaRockita, which has four locations in Benton County (three in Corvallis, one in Philomath), ran away with this category. It was one of the few restaurants overall to earn more than 200 votes.
Best Middle Eastern Al-Jebal Bazaar (Corvallis) Finalists: Crystal’s, Nearly Normals, LeCafe D’el Jebel In this new restaurant category,Al-Jebal Bazaar garnered nearly 200 votes.
Pizza American Dream Finalists: Cirello’s,Woodstock’s,Ciddici’s,Papa Murphy’s There are a lot of places to get a killer pizza in the mid-valley, but American Dream — a repeat winner — might be the only one where you can still get one with anchovies.It offers a staggering variety of toppings and combinations on a sturdy hand-rolled crust.(See story on Page 8)
Best Sandwiches Baguette (Corvallis) Finalists: Old World Deli, Big Town Hero, Natalia & Cristoforo’s, University Hero Thanh and Huong Hoang’s downtown Corvallis eatery features fresh-baked French rolls stuffed with spiced meat and veggie fillings inspired by traditional Vietnamese flavors.
‘From scratch with a lot of love’ BY STEVE LATHROP TOP OF THE VALLEY
ALBANY — For more than 27 years, Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant in Albany has offered customers a taste of the old country. Offering a unique taste to the mid-valley has been the trademark since Joseph and Matilda Novak opened as Novak’s Hungarian Paprikas in 1984. Since then the popularity of the eatery enabled Novak’s to move to a newer and bigger space in 2004. The original Hungarian recipes on the dinner menu as well as the large offering of baked goods are all straight from Matilda’s kitchen, according to daughter Karen Novak, who now manages the restaurant. “We have decided to stick with what we know over the years,” she said. “We know how to prepare Hungarian food from scratch with a lot of love.” A year ago Novak’s finished third in the Top of the Valley voting for World Cuisine but this year the restaurant was a convincing choice for the No. 1 one spot, winning by more than 40 votes. “It’s a real honor to be recognized by your neighbors,” Novak said. “I feel really good about that.” In 2009 the restaurant celebrated its 25th anniversary and a year later received a national distinction from the National Restaurant Association. Joseph and Matilda were recognized by that group with its Faces of Diversity American Dream Award celebrating diversity in the restaurant and food
Matilda, foreground, Karen and Joseph Novak at Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant, the 2011 Top of the Valley winner for Best World Cuisine. DAVID PATTON | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Best World Cuisine: Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant service industry. The restaurant wasn’t something originally in the Novak family’s plans. With twin daughters Karen and Matilda they came to the United States in 1957 to escape Communism in their native Hungary. Joseph, an engineer, worked in the aerospace industry and the U.S. space program. After he was laid off the family decided it had to do something. According to Karen, the family fell back on her mom’s abilities in the kitchen using old family recipes. Matilda still
works in the bakery creating desserts and pastries, and when he can, Joseph is out front greeting customers.
“People like that, and I’m trying to get out front more,” she said. “It’s something we’re known for.” Karen said it’s good to know that people appreciate how special the restaurant is. “It’s the only Hungarian restaurant in the state and one of only 11 in the entire country,” she said.“This tells us people recognize that.”
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TOPBITES Best Seafood/Sushi Aomatsu Japanese Restaurant Finalists: Tokyo Steakhouse, Aqua, McGrath’s, Momji Aomatsu topped its Japanese food counterpart located just blocks from it, Tokyo Steakhouse, winning the category for the second year in a row.
Local Boyz owners Roy and Kim Marchesi pose with a mixed plate at their Corvallis restaurant on Oct. 12.
Best Steakhouse or Barbecue Bo-Mack’s BBQ (Albany) Finalists: Block 15, Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe, Flat Tail Brewery, Murphy’s. Bo-Mack’s, which has seen steady growth since it opened three years ago, outdistanced all the competitors in this category. (See story on Page 7)
AMANDA COWAN | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Best Thai
Hawaiian fare on the mainland By RAJU WOODWARD TOP OF THE VALLEY
CORVALLIS — When Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe opened in 1993, it was a secret of some sorts — tucked between businesses at Cobblestone Square across Monroe Avenue from the Oregon State University campus. Nearly two decades later, it’s one of the mid-valley’s most popular restaurants. And we’ve got the numbers to back that statement. Local Boyz received the most votes (503) of any category in the 2011 Top of the Valley Readers’ Choice Awards. It easily repeated as the winner of the Hawaiian/Pacific Islander cuisine category. How popular is Local Boyz? It’s not uncommon to see hungry customers lined up outside the business 30 minutes before it opens. Kim Marchesi, who along with her husband, Roy, owns Local Boyz, said that customer loyalty has been vital to the restaurant’s success. “We have people tell us all the time that they come to Corvallis just for
Best Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander: Local Boyz Local Boyz,” she said. “It’s really amazing to hear things like that.” Stories of Local Boyz fans craving the Hawaiian-style food long after they have left OSU or moved miles away from Corvallis are plentiful. For example, Marchesi said there are OSU graduates living as far away as Spain, who make it a point to visit Local Boyz when they return to Oregon. Many former Oregon State University athletes choose Local Boyz to grab a bite to eat when they are in Corvallis to watch their former teams. Not surprisingly, Marchesi said OSU football game days are usually the busiest days of the year for Local Boyz. Students make up the majority of Local Boyz’ customer base during the
school year. Marchesi said older customers tend to take advantage of students being gone in the summer to visit the restaurant. She said the most popular item on their menu is the sweet shoyu chicken plate which comes with a side of rice and macaroni salad. “The sweet shoyu chicken is still the favorite, but some of the other plates are catching up,” Marchesi said. “Our mixed plate is pretty popular.” Local Boyz’ sauce, dubbed “da sauce,” is such a hit with customers that there are signs on the walls of restaurant reminding people not to steal “da sauce” bottles. Despite their restaurant’s popularity, the Marchesis have resisted moving to a larger location or opening another restaurant. They are thankful that customers aren’t deterred by the lack of seating or parking at times. “We wanted to stay small,” Kim Marchesi said. “Despite the horrible parking and the long lines at times, people still are coming here.”
Tarn Tip Authentic Thai Cuisine (Corvallis) Finalists: The Woodsman, House of Noodle, Thai Chili, KimHoa Kitchen Tarn Tip takes the win again this year.The category was competitive until the very end, when Tarn Tip started to pull away from challengers The Woodsman and House of Noodle.
Best Vegetarian Nearly Normal’s (Corvallis) Finalists: Cafe Yumm!, Laughing Planet, Sybaris, Magenta Nearly Normal’s, which has
been in business for 34 years, tops the category for the second year in a row.
Best World Cuisine Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant (Albany) Finalists: Magenta, Sybaris, Luc, Nearly Normal’s Novak’s earned a solid win, but the other restaurants in this category also did well with voters. (See story on Page 9)
Best Restaurant Sybaris (Albany) Finalists: Block 15, Luc, Del Alma and Big River Sybaris restaurant in downtown Albany, owned by Matt and Janel Bennett, won the top honor for the second year in a row. Block 15 finished five votes behind Sybaris for second place.
Best new restaurant Laughing Planet (Corvallis) Finalists: Del Alma, Terminus, Yogurt Extreme, Loafers (reopen) Laughing Planet had to fend off a serious challenge from Del Alma to take this category, but John Huyck’s latest venture has already won a strong following for its hearty burritos, creative bowls and hip scifi ambience. The former owner of Bombs Away Cafe has lined the walls of this renovated space in downtown Corvallis with original art and ’60s monster movie posters for a fun retro feel.
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TOPNIGHTLIFE Best Microbrewery Block 15 (Corvallis Finalists: Calapooia Brewing Company, McMenamins, Flat Tail, 2 Towns Ciderhouse Block 15 won for the second year in a row in the category, but Calapooia was a close second.
Bartender Shaun Brown serves customers this month at Vault 244 in Albany. Vault 244 won Top of the Valley awards for Best Cocktail and Best Place to Take a Date.
Best Cinema/ Movie House Carmike Cinema 12 Finalists: Darkside Cinema, Pix Theatre, Regal Albany 7 Cinemas, Kuhn Cinema This one was close, with the top two contenders duking it out like a couple of heavyweights in a “Rocky”picture, but Carmike claimed the title in the end. Comfy chairs, tiered seating, first-run Hollywood features and 12 screens are a killer combination.
AMANDA COWAN | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Best Cocktail
‘I’ll just have a Lavender Lemondrop’ BY ANNEMARIE KNEPPER TOP OF THE VALLEY
ALBANY — When Vault 244 opened in 2009, the staff hoped the trendy bistro would be known for its signature martinis. With Top of the Valley voters choosing Vault 244 in the categories of Best Cocktail and Best Place to Take a Date, it looks as if the Lavender Lemondrop, Fire & Ice and Milli Vanilli have made an impression. Diners may add a mix of tapas or an entree to their drink selection, with food choices from low to moderate price points ($5-$27.) A variety of options exist for every palate, with the gorgonzola mac n’ cheese ($7), filet mignon ($25) and Parmesan halibut ($24) being popular choices. A cozy atmosphere, attentive yet unobtrusive staff and the funky former bank vault make Vault 244 a date setting that is sure to impress. Owner and operator Lane Brown explained the appeal. He said people come to Vault 244 for an upscale atmosphere without pretense. The food is well-reviewed and sells
Best cocktail: Vault 244 well, but what people leave talking about is the cocktails. “People think a martini is just vodka and olives,” Brown said. At Vault 244, a martini can be sweet, sour or savory, subtle or spicy. On any given night, some 20 martinis are available, along with eight classic cocktails, five dessert cocktails, eight house drinks on the rocks and five mojitos. Plus beer and wine. Brown said he thinks valley voters appreciate the consistently large drink selection as well as the attention to detail. He said while he encourages bartenders to experiment to come up with drinks, once one is established and on the menu, it must be prepared the same way each time. “Many drinks are not ‘rum and Coke, there you go,’” he said. “It’s very precise. A half-ounce this, a halfounce that in the wrong direction can create a totally different flavor profile. I want them to come in and get a con-
sistent drink every time.” Sometimes customers can be a bit too consistent. “People are not always adventurous,” he said. “They don’t even look at the menu, ‘I’ll just have a Lavender Lemondrop,’” he said. “I try to break down that wall.” Brown said he can sell 150 Lavender Lemondrops on a Saturday night, with the next most popular drink selling half that. But the No. 2 drink, Fire & Ice, is “creeping up” in popularity. It starts with vodka infused with Thai chili for one week, then water rendered from a cucumber. Add St. Germain, lemon, lime and simple syrup. The third most popular, Milli Vanilli, starts with an Effen black cherry vanilla vodka base, with simple syrup, lemon and pomegranate juice. “It’s like eating a melted cherry Popsicle,” Brown said. This winter, look for seasonal drinks like the pumpkin spice martini, Spanish coffee, hot toddy and hot buttered rum, he said. “Tour the vault” at the bistro’s website: vault244.com.
Vault 244 (Albany) Finalists: 101 Eat and Drink, Crowbar, Magenta, Downward Dog With nearly 50 cocktail options on any given day,there really is something for everybody at Vault 244,taking the title for the second year in a row.The Lavender Lemondrop is the No.1 seller,but Pearfection brandy is our favorite and the gin and honey Bee’s Knees is just that.(See story on this page.)
Happy Hour Block 15 (Corvallis) Finalists: Vault 244, Cloud 9/Downward Dog, Magenta and 101 Eat and Drink
Although all of the finalists were evenly matched as far as amount of votes, Block 15 pulled ahead of the pack with an extra boost to claim the title.
Best Live Theater/ Concert Venue Majestic Theatre (Corvallis) Finalists: Albany Civic Theater, Cloud 9, Montieth Park, LaSells Stewart Center The non-profit Majestic will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Aug. 5, 2013, thanks to dedicated volunteers and donors.
Best Place to Take a Date Vault 244 (Albany) Finalists: Sybaris, Luc, Magenta, Del Alma Take a cozy seat by the fire, enjoy a Fire & Ice martini and watch the sparks fly at this classy but not stuffy bistro at the corner of First Avenue and Broadalbin Street. Wins points for originality in the former bank setting, with funky food and drink options available in a range of prices. (See story about Vault 244 on this page. )
Place to Go Dancing/Clubbing The Peacock Bar & Grill (Corvallis) Finalists: Cloud 9, SubZero, Bombs Away Café, Riley’s Billiards Bar and Grill The Corvallis establishment won this category by over 100 votes. (See story on Page 12.)
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TOPNIGHTLIFE/PLACES Best Place to Do Best Museum Something You’ll Regret Peacock Bar & Grill (Corvallis) Finalists: Reser Stadium,El Presidente,Crowbar,OSU campus Are voters saying that dancing and clubbing can be regrettable experiences? In any case, the Peacock Bar & Grill blew competitors out of the water with 255 out of 719 votes in this category; first runner-up Reser Stadium got only 57 votes. (See story on this page.)
Peacock patrons enjoy a night of dancing on Oct. 7. The Peacock Bar & Grill won Top of the Valley awards for Best Place to Go Dancing/ Clubbing and Best Place to Do Something You’ll Regret.
Best Art Gallery The Arts Center (Corvallis)
ANDY CRIPE | TOP OF THE VALLEY
A good time for all Best Place to Go Dancing/Clubbing: Peacock Bar & Grill
regularly form along the block these nights. No wonder it took home Top of the CORVALLIS — To say the Peacock Valley’s award for Best Place to Go Bar & Grill has staying power may be Dancing or Clubbing for two years in a an understatement. row. Established in 1929,it moved to its But with much of the customer current location at 125 S.W.Second St.in 21 to locals age 70 or older. Downbase college-aged and sometimes in1952.Legendary Corvallis bartender Tom stairs, patrons can be found playing experienced with proper nightlife Conner,the namesake of Tommy’s pool, watching a televised sports Fourth Street Bar & Grill,ran the place conduct, the employees — 70 in total game or, later at night, watching live for several years and hung the well— take their jobs seriously; Mather’s music or singing karaoke. known “Tom’s Peacock Bar & Grill”sign. These folks are typically older than staff often sees the occasional In addition, owner Stephanie younger patron returning the followMather’s research uncovered that the those on the second floor — affection- ing day to pick up a forgotten credit ately known to Corvallis’ 20-somePeacock Bar & Grill was at one time a card,purse or cell phone,and they’re biker bar and even featured a bowling things as the “Top of the ’Cock” — grateful for the help. where a DJ plays loud dance music for alley on the first floor. “I’m glad people feel safe coming here a typically packed dance floor. But always either a restaurant or a and experiencing these things for the first Mather, who has owned The Peabar, Mather believes the Peacock Bar time,” Mather said,adding that learning cock Bar & Grill since 2005 and who & Grill has also never lost sight of the also owns Lebanon’s Peacock Bar & such etiquette is all part of maturing. community where it thrives. Grill East and Gator’s Pub & Eatery in But she hears kind words from others, “The thing it’s always been is very Tigard, says the bar can see up to too,especially OSU alumni who tend to Corvallis,” she said. 1,500 people on a typical Thursday, stop by for a $1.99 early bird breakfast. Part of that solid sense of identity Friday or Saturday night; lines of pamay be due to the bar’s diverse cus“People say, ‘I grew up here, and I trons waiting to be admitted to the tomer base, ranging from Oregon think it’s cool I can still come back State University students just turning second floor, where capacity is 300, here,’” Mather said. By GAIL COLE
TOP OF THE VALLEY
Finalists: Pegasus,Art in The Valley Gallery,LaSells Stewart Center, Interzone,New Morning Bakery The Arts Center, which will celebrate its 49th anniversary in January, ran away from the field this year, topping 2010 winner Pegasus.
Best Coffee Shops
Benton County Historical Museum (Philomath)
Finalists: Albany Carousel Museum,Hatfield Marine Science Center,Albany Regional Museum, Linn County Historical Museum Benton County was last year’s runner-up, but this year came out on top. The Albany Carousel Museum and the Hatfield Marine Science Center were in a close race, finishing second and third, with only one point separating them.
Place to be creative da Vinci Days (Corvallis) Finalists: Fall Festival, Pottery Place, Oregon Country Fair, Northwest Art & Air Festival. Oregon’s premier arts and science festival won this category by a wide margin. The 2012 da Vinci Days celebration is scheduled for July 20-22.
Best Place To Impress Out-of-Town Guests
Farmers Market on Coffee Culture (Corvallis) First Street (Corvallis) Finalists: Dutch Bros., the Beanery/Allann Bros., Boccherini’s, Starbucks With three Corvallis locations, Coffee Culture rose to the top in a competitive field of more than 30 nominees, edging 2010 winner the Beanery/Allann Bros.
Finalists: Sybaris, mountains/rivers/waterfalls, Vault 244, the Oregon coast, Riverfront Park in Corvallis Our voters like fresh, locally grown food that’s harvested in abundance in the fertile Willamette Valley.
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TOPPLACES/ACCOLADES
Honors keep rolling in
Otter Beach (Corvallis) Finalists: Osborn Aquatic Center, waterfront fountain, Cool! Pool, Oregon Coast Aquarium Summertime and water sports go together like ice cream and chocolate syrup.There’s always plenty of fun on tap at Otter Beach, this year’s winner,and the Osborn Aquatic Center,a close second.
BY STEVE LATHROP TOP OF THE VALLEY
TURNER — It’s been a banner year for Willamette Valley Vineyards and the Turnerbased winery keeps piling up the accolades. In early October the vineyard was honored as “Winery of the Year” by Wine & Spirits magazine. That honor came on the heels of being named “Oregon Winery of the Year” by Wine Press Northwest. So when the vineyard collected the Top of the Valley vote as Best Winery, it was continuing a 2011 trend. “We’re on a roll I guess,” said Libby Spencer, sales and operations manager for the winery which is a familiar site just off I-5 near Salem. “It is absolutely good news.” Local recognition is important to the winery, Spencer said. Founder Jim Berneau planted his first Pinot Noir grapes in 1983 and now has 350 acres of that variety. Of course, Willamette Valley Vineyards has expanded its production and features popular Rieslings and Pinot Gris as well. “Pinot is what we love,” Spencer said. “Our goal is always to produce a world class Pinot and to be good stewards of the land.” That stewardship is very important to Willamette Valley Vineyards. The winery has become a leader in sustainable initiatives. Its tractors are all fueled with bio-diesel and employees each receive 50 free gallons of bio-diesel to use in their own vehicles each
Best for Kids In the Summertime
Best Public Park Avery Park (Corvallis) Finalists: Corvallis Riverfront Park, Willamette Park, Central Park, McDonald Forest Named for Corvallis founder J.C. Avery, the beloved 75-acre city park with its vast rose garden and 1922 locomotive was the winner for the second year in a row.
Best Place to Gather Block 15 (Corvallis) DAVID PATTON/TOP OF THE VALLEY
Jim Bernau, president of Willamette Valley Vineyards, shows an environmentally friendly bio-cask for use in restaurants.
Best Winery Willamette Valley Vineyards month. The vineyard also is recycling cork, sending used cork to Western Pulp in Corvallis to make wine packaging material. More recently it pioneered stainless steel casks for restaurant use that replaces thousands of bottles, corks, labels and other materials. “I think that has a little bit of an impact on how we are perceived in the state,” Spencer said. Having a local connection is also important. Spencer said a third of all the wine the vineyard produces is sold in Oregon. “We have great accounts
in Linn and Benton counties,” Spencer said. “People like to drink fine wine made in their own zip code.” The company is involved in the community as much as it can be. The winery hosts some type of wine festival each month and its tasting room is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free and private tours are available daily. “Local community support means a great deal to us,” Spencer said. “We’re very proud of it and very grateful to be recognized.”
Finalists: Corvallis Farmers Market, River Rhythms, American Dream rooftop, Avery Park Up against some of Corvallis’ signature events and nooks, Block 15 won the Top of the Valley award for best place to gather just ahead of the Corvallis Farmers’Market.
Best Winery Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner) Finalists: Tyee Wine Cellars, Eola Hills, Lumos Winery and Spindrift Cellars It was a close race,with Willamette Valley edging out 2010 winner Tyee Wine Cellars.(See adjacent story)
Best Local Band Stairway Denied Finalists: Fate 55, Gumbo, Corvallis Community Band, Space Neighbors Stairway Denied is a Led Zeppelin tribute band from Corvallis led by founder and frontman Noah Stroup, who also took top honors for “Best Vocalist.”
Local music series River Rhythms (Albany) Finalists: DaVinci Days, Cham-
ber Music Corvallis,Corvallis Community Band Tuesday night at Central and Corvallis-OSU Symphony. River Rhythms, a summertime favorite in Albany since the early 1980s, wins by a landslide. (See story on Page 14.)
Best local theater group Albany Civic Theater Finalists: Corvallis Community Theatre, Willamette STAGE Company, Corvallis High School Theater and OSU Theatre Albany Civic Theater, in its 61st season, also won the honor in 2010. Its next show, “A Streetcar Named Desire,” opens Oct. 28.
Best Vocalist Noah Stroup Finalists: Jenna SummerSmith, Jonah Seitz, Audry Perkins, Gail Hazel Noah Stroup is a member of the rock trio Psuedo Boss and frontman for the popular Led Zepplin tribute band Stairway Denied, named Best Local Band.
Best Arts Nonprofit The Arts Center (Corvallis) Finalists: DaVinci Days, Albany Civic Theater, Corvallis Community Theater, Corvallis Fall Festival Established through the Corvallis Arts Council , the Arts Center opened in 1963 and was also last year’s winner. Its vision statement: “Arts at the Center of Life.”
Best Community Service Nonprofit Heartland Humane Society (Corvallis) Finalists: Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, SafeHaven Humane Society, Love in the Name of Christ, Community Outreach of Corvallis Heartland,which topped 2010 winner CARDVthis year,invites you to adopt an animal,foster an animal, invite a Humane educator to your school or organization,send your youngster to the Kindness Kids Club or to Camp Catnip,or shop or donate to The Cat’s Meow Thrift Shop.You can even browse the online database at www.heartlandhumane.org to find your new furry friend.
Best Chef Matt Bennett, Sybaris (Albany) Finalists: Ian Hutchings, Luc; Mitch Rosenbaum, Del Alma; J.C., Gathering Together Farms; Kimber Hoang, Magenta Bennett was named best chef last year, too. Anymore, we just salivate when we hear his name. For a grilled burger contest this summer, for instance, the man created a half-pound “Tim-Burger” with barbecued cabbage with bacon and onion, and a grilled poblano pepper stuffed with potato, carmelized corn and roasted pineapple. Need we say more?
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TOPACCOLADES The Crazy 8’s play during a 2011 River Rhythms concert at Monteith Riverpark in Albany. River Rhythms has won Top of the Valley honors for Best Local Music Series and Best Music/ Entertainment.
Best Bartender
Best Athlete
Julie Wong, Favorite Mistake (Albany)
James Rodgers
Finalists: Katy January, Aqua; Kinn Edwards, Del Alma; Andrew Brenneman, Vault 244; Jesse Brown, Sybaris. Does your bartender send you text messages asking how your kid did in the big game? That’s the kind of thing Julie Wong does over at Favorite Mistake in Albany to stay in touch with her customers. Owner Roger Nyquist says Wong uses social media to stay in contact.“She’s created her own little Julie Wong Favorite Mistake community,” he says.
Best Teacher Diane Crocker, Philomath Middle School
MARK YLEN | TOP OF THE VALLEY
Sounds of summer BY AMANDA ROBBINS TOP OF THE VALLEY
ALBANY — Twenty-eight years ago the then director of Albany Parks and Recreation, Dave Clark, wanted to find a way to bring the community together to a free event. His idea? River Rhythms. The concert series started rather small, showcasing mostly local bands during the grassroot movement. Since that first year, the concert series has changed drastically. This year it brought in an average of 6,000 people a night during the five concerts held at Monteith Riverpark. “The concert series has grown to incredible proportions since that first summer,” said Katie Nooshazar, the recreation manager for the city of Albany. River Rhythms still features bands, but they are not usually from the area. To allow for local and regional bands, the city started Mondays at Monteith. Another addition the concert series has been the children’s pre-concert art program. Nooshazar explained that the city wanted the concert series to engage every member of the community whether young or old. Kids and adults of all ages go out for just the art. “I think the community of Albany is very proud of River Rhythms,” she said.
Best Local Music Series: River Rhythms “It’s so well loved in the community.” River Rhythms is free to spectators. The series is sponsored by donations from local businesses and from spectators at the concerts. Organizers try to bring in several different kinds of music every year. “The goal is to expose people of all cultures to different cultures and different kinds of music,” Nooshazar said. She knows of a woman from Salem who goes to every concert. “Her family has a barbecue before every concert. It’s become a ritual for them.” Nooshazar said that those who enjoy River Rhythms can help by frequenting sponsors and thanking them for the support of the series. River Rhythms won the Oregon Festivals and Events Association awards in the past, but winning Top of the Valley is something the city of Albany cherishes. “We appreciate winning the OFEA award, but this is what is important. It’s like winning the people’s choice awards. The series belongs to the entire community and we couldn’t be happier,” she said.
Finalists: Sherwin Nordyke, Crescent Valley High School; Dave Dunham, Philomath High School; Colleen Works, Corvallis High School; Monika James,Albany Christian School; Elton Kikuta, Jefferson Elementary School; Eric Dazey, Corvallis High School Crocker is a popular, outgoing band teacher and directs well-attended plays. Nearly 130 other teachers were nominated.
Best Writer Bennett Hall Finalists: Jennifer Moody, Alison Ruch, Paul Turner, Kathleen Dean Moore. This was a close race,but GazetteTimes reporter Bennett Hall,who won for Best Journalist in 2010, edged Albany Democrat-Herald reporter Jennifer Moody by one vote for the top honor. All we can say is we’re grateful to have these two outstanding journalists on our staffs.
Best Artist Jan Roberts-Dominguez Finalists: Lainey Dyer, Kimber Hoang, Olufson Designs, Bill Shumway. The Corvallis-based painter, writer and cook defines Renaissance Woman. Her paintings often features images inspired by a fourth love: hiking. Paintings and prints can be found at her Stoneyburn Gallery at janrd.com.
Finalists: That Juggling Unicyclist Guy, Kevin Boss, Sick Town Derby Dames, Quiz. With last year’s title going to Jacquizz Rodgers, this is brother James’year.The senior wide receiver was out for nearly a year due to knee surgery, but has come back this season.Through Oct. 15, he had 195 career receptions for 2,260 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Best Coach Mike Riley Finalists: Pat Casey, Oregon State baseball coach; Craig Robinson, OSU basketball coach; Chip Kelly, Oregon football coach; Randy Nyquist, West Albany High School football coach; and Joe Fulton, Philomath High School cross country and track coach. Riley, now in his 11th season as OSU’s head football coach, was selected for the second straight year.
Best Local Person of the Year Mario Pastega Finalists: Cloud Davidson, Kimber Hoang, Janel Bennett, U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio. Mario Pastega,a beloved local civic leader,owned the Pepsi Cola business in Corvallis until selling it earlier this year.He has been involved in numerous charitable organizations,including the Mario and Alma Pastega House.He also sponsors the Golden Apple Awards for local teachers,and is one of the biggest fundraisers for Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Cloud Davidson, a local mover and shaker in Corvallis, owns Cloud 9 and Downward Dog. Kimber Hoang is a restaurateur who owns Magenta and has started a string of other Asian-themed restaurants in Corvallis. Janel Bennett co-owns a number of successful and award-winning restaurants in downtown Albany. Peter DeFazio is in his 13th term as Fourth District congressman.
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TOPBEST OF THE REST
Why we love living in the mid-valley By MIKE MCINALLY TOP OF THE VALLEY
Once again, our participants in this year’s Top of the Valley readers poll had a number of great reasons why we love living in the mid-valley — including at least a couple we didn’t think of: Best reason to live in Linn County? “Independent irascibility,” one of you wrote and — truthfully — we like that, although it didn’t top the poll. That’s a slogan that might look good emblazoned on the Linn County flag. Best reason to live in Benton County? “No money to leave,” three voters noted, forming an interesting contrast to the dozen voters who said they DON’T live in Benton County because it’s too expensive. Tucked away almost at the end of our annual “Top of the Valley” ballot was a question asking voters to list what they thought was the best reason to live in either Linn County or Benton County. The No. 1 reason to live in Linn County? Its natural beauty, voters agreed — the rivers, streams and mountains that grace the county: In all, 76 voters chose this reason, giving it a slight edge over the No. 2 reason, “Cheaper cost of living.” That drew 72 votes. The No. 3 reason, with 43 votes, was “Lower taxes than Benton County.” Turning, then, to Benton County, the No. 1 reason to live there was “Good quality of life,” with 109 votes. The No. 2
DAVID PATTON | TOP OF THE VALLEY
A lower section of McDowell Creek County Park on an autumn day southeast of Lebanon. reason involved Oregon State University, which polled some 83 total votes. The No. 3 reason, “Natural areas,” which obviously contribute to that good quality of life, attracted 67 votes. Part of the fun in this category, of course, is digging a little deeper in the results. For example, five voters in Benton County really like the mid-valley’s
roller derby team, the “Sick Town Derby Dames.” And nine voters said the best thing about Linn County was that “it’s the real America.” Roller derby, the “real America” — do we detect the start of a trend? Some 19 voters said they adored downtown Albany; another five voters had praise for downtown Corvallis. In all, 18
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voters said the best thing about Benton County was the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. And 24 voters said the historic homes in Albany were the best things
about Linn County. Our final category on this year’s ballot was a bit of a catchall: Category we should have included on the Top of the Valley ballot. Here, the winner (with 86 votes) was best wait staff at a restaurant. Best doctor was No. 2. Best bar or pub was No. 3. A category that we liked was this suggestion: “Best place to hide from Dalek attacks.” The Daleks, as you undoubtedly know, are the cyborg villains in the long-running sci-fi series “Doctor Who.” It probably would be nice to know where to hide from their evil wrath, but this still isn’t a good bet to make next year’s ballot. And finally, another category that we didn’t include this year — and probably won’t next year — is this one, which we quote in its entirety: “Best bus driver, me, Thaddeus Roberts.” But here you go, Mr. Roberts — here’s your moment of Top of the Valley fame.
Best Festival Fall Festival (Corvallis) Finalists: da Vinci Days, Northwest Art & Air Festival, Septermbeerfest, Benton County Fair & Rodeo The Fall Festival, popular annual arts fair, celebrated its 39th year in 2011.
Best Parade Veterans Day Parade (Albany) Finalists: da Vinci Days Kinetic Sculpture Parade,Corvallis Fourth of July Parade,Corvallis Holiday Parade,Philomath Frolic Parade The parade,billed as the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi River,is a repeat winner.This year’s Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday,Nov.11.
Best Local Uproar Food cart fiasco (Corvallis) Finalists: Protest for peace, Mad as Hell Doctors, mosque firebombing, Philomath fluoride issue Each of the causes in this category has its partisans, but everyone loves a food fight. Look for Corvallis' first food cart pod to sprout downtown in coming months.
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OCTOBER 24, 2011 ALBANY DEMOCRAT-HERALD, CORVALLIS GAZETTE-TIMES