Readers Choice 2011

Fairbanks, Alaska

May 29, 2011 The voice of Interior Alaska since 1903

The people of Fairbanks have chosen and the www.newsminer.com

winners are‌

2

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

The winners are . . .

Readers Choice brings out the best When it comes to the best of the best, News-Miner readers know what they like.

From the best place to get a hair cut to the best drinks in town to the best place to gorge on brunch, everyone has an opinion on where to go, what to visit and where to indulge. This year’s Readers’ Choice has some new winners as well as perennial fan favorites.

Making a “best of list” is no easy task.

Readers sent stacks of ballots giving us their choices, and we tallied them up — one by one — to give you a guide on where to go, what to see and what to do.

It’s the best of the best that Fairbanks has to offer.

Thanks to all who took time to vote. From naming the area’s best restaurant to salad bar to dentist and doctor, none of it could have been done without you. If your favorite didn’t make the list, don’t worry — there always is next year and plenty of time to debate who has the best breakfast or hair salon in Fairbanks. In the meantime, get out and try something new off the list. Enjoy.

Thanks to everyone C AR

WASH

CONTENTS Services List of winners .......................................... 4-7 Best barber ................................................. 3 Best hardware store ..................................... 6 Best fire department .................................... 8

Sports/Entertainment List of winners ............................................. 9 Best production ......................................... 12 Best sports team/event .............................. 14

Food & Drink List of winners ........................................... 15 Best dessert .............................................. 16 Best coffee ............................................... 18 Best margarita ........................................... 19

who participated in the Readers’ Choice poll, for voting us the best car wash in Fairbanks for the 8th year in a row!

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3

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

By TIM MOWRY tmowry@newsminer.com

in the shop, which is open seven days a week. Besides Ricci, the other barbers are Stacey Eggers, Marina Ball, Nora Cuddihy and Tracy McGill.

“I think we’ve got a good crew here,” Ricci said. “Everybody does a great job.”

Eggers has been cutting hair with Ricci for 20 years. They worked together in what was then the Gavora Mall Barber Shop before Ricci bought it and moved it to its present location in an old house that he turned into a barber shop. Ball has been cutting hair in the shop for the past 14 years.

That kind of familiarity appeals to customers, Eggers said.

“There’s a lot of turnover in a lot of shops,” Eggers said.

“You’re not going to find the same barbers there over and over and over.”

That’s one of the reasons Mustard has been getting his hair cut at the Alaska Barber Shop for the past 10 years or so.

“They give a good service at a good price,” he said.

Contact staff writer Tim Mowry at 459-7587.

Sp

o rt

s ing Good

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The Alaska Barber Shop is an old-fashioned barber shop.

From the twirling red, white and blue barber pole hanging on the porch outside to the black and white checkered linoleum floor, there’s nothing fancy about Fairbanks’ favorite barber shop.

“We give a good service to the community at a great price,” owner Mike Ricci said over the hum of clippers as he trimmed Jerry Mustard’s hair on a recent May afternoon.

Hairy Fairbanksans obviously agree.

This was at least the second year in a row the Alaska Barber Shop was voted the town’s best barber shop in the News-Miner’s Readers Choice Awards. Located on the corner of Eagle Avenue and Third Street, just off the Steese Highway in east Fairbanks, the Alaska Barber Shop is distinguished, appropriately enough, by a bright blue sign with yellow letters and an Alaska flag underneath.

The shop caters to customers who want a quick, quality trim at a cheap price. A haircut still only costs $13, the same price it did when Ricci took over the shop 12 years ago.

“I don’t know how long we’re going to be able to keep our prices there but we’re going to try,” he said.

The conversation is always free, Ricci said.

A crew of five barbers works

t Bes

Fave barber shop keeps customers coming back

St or e

The Alaska Barber Shop was named Best Barber Shop by Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Readers.

MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT • MSR • ARC’TERYX • MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR

Eric Engman/News-Miner

MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY • CROCS • MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY • CROCS • MERRELL • SMITH • LOWA • EX OFFICIO • OAKLEY

• MAUI JIM • MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR • NORTH FACE • PATAGONIA • MARMOT • PRANA • MSR • ARC’TERYX •

• JETBOIL • DANSKO • THERMAREST • PEARL IZUMI • BRIDGEDALE • EAGLE CREEK • SMARTWOOL • BIRKENSTOCK •

4

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

SERVICES Auto mechanic/repair shop 1. Simard Automotive 2. Alaska Auto Care 3. Gene’s Chrysler Banking facility/institution 1. Alaska USA FCU 2. Denali State Bank 3. Mt. McKinley Bank Barber shop/barber 1. Alaska Barbershop 2. Kreative Kutz, Isaac Hairston 3. Dimensions Salon, Becky Barber Bartender 1. Corinna Martt, Roundup Steak House 2. Christian Hood, The Blue Loon 3. Jori Clawson, Kodiak Jack’s Car wash 1. Splash & Dash 2. Kendall Auto of Fairbanks 3. Gas Line II

2. Fairbanks Fire DepartCashier/retail clerk ment 1. Becca Burcell, Riverboat 3. Steese Volunteer Fire Discovery 2. Patricia, Fred Meyer West Department 3. Cindy Whitmer, University Florist Safeway 1. College Floral 2. Santina’s Flowers and Day care 1. Open Arms Child Develop- Gifts 3. Alaska Floral & Wedding ment Center 2. ABC Preschool Gift shop 3. True Heart 1. If Only ... a fine store 2. Riverboat Discovery Gifts Dentist 3. The Knotty Shop 1. Dr. Dirk Maynard, Nanook Dental Hair salon/stylist 2. Dr. Ryle Radke 1. Dimensions, Sharon Bailey 3. Dr. James Cerney 2. Pivot Point, Kelly Nash 3. Chris & Company Hair Doctor 1. Dr. Jean Tsigonis, Tanana Design Team, Michelle Wilbur Valley Clinic Insurance 2. Dr. Doris Heilman, Inte1. Kenneth A. Murray Insurrior Women’s Health 3. Dr. Peter Marshall, North ance, Inc. 2. Jim Ozimkoski, Allstate Pole Family Practice Insurance 3. Cole Hollister, Allstate Fire department Insurance 1. University Fire Department

Jewelry 1. Gold Rush Fine Jewelry 2. Bishop’s Jewelry Gallery 3. Taylor’s Gold-N-Stones Massage/physical therapy 1. Willow Physical Therapy 2. Jennifer Carlson, Adient Orthopedic Physical Therapy 3. Tami Trujillo Nonprofit agency 1. Fairbanks Community Food Bank 2. United Way of the Tanana Valley 3. Big Brothers Big Sisters Nurse 1. Katie Sanders, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Women’s Center 2. Debbie Allen 3. Jamie Callihan, Fairbanks Memorial Hospital Nursery/garden center 1. Holm Town Nursery 2. Ann’s Greenhouses 3. Hawks Greenhouse

Optometrist 1. Dr. John Lounsbury, Sam’s Club/Walmart 2. Dr. Damien Delzer, Eye Clinic of Fairbanks 3. Dr. Matt Riley, Clear Vision Optometry Optician 1. Jay Titus, Sam’s Club 2. Debbie Nieman, Vista Optical 3. Sears Optical Pharmacy 1. Fred Meyer 2. Professional Pharmacy 3. Sam’s Club Principal 1. Shaun Kraska, West Valley High School 2. Robert Weeden, Fairbanks Montessori School 3. Lynn Weckesser, Weller Elementary School

Please see SERVICES, Page 7

Lin’s Asian Bistro

Thank you for voting us one of Fairbanks’ Top Restaurants!

Asian Food Category

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Thank you for choosing 460-2381 me as one of your top choices, Fairbanks!

It’s been a pleasure to 479-7653 jerriewagner.com serve you this past year!

5

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Thank you to our Customers for recognizing Roundup Steakhouse and our fine staff for all that they do well.

We particularly appreciate your votes in the following categories:

Restaurant Roundup Steak House

Desserts Roundup Steak House

BBQ/Ribs Roundup Steak House

Chicken Wings Roundup Steak House

Fine Dining Roundup Steak House

Breakfast Roundup Steak House

Bartender Corinna Martt Roundup Steak House

Omelets Roundup Steak House

Hamburgers Roundup Steak House

Prime Rib Roundup Steak House

Margarita Roundup Steak House

Steaks (Not Prime Rib) Roundup Steak House

Seafood Roundup Steak House

Server/Waitress Beverly Bragg Roundup Steak House

Congratulations #1 Bartender Corinna Martt #1 Server/Waitress Beverly Bragg

ROUNDUP STEAKHOUSE 2701 South Cushman Reservations, Banquets or Delivery 479-3663

Melissa Burnett

Lisi Marshall

Desiree Riley

Renee Christoffenson

Eddie Diggin

Lianne Mession

Gina Chindarok

Jessica Zotynia

Jessica Sparks

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We look forward to your continued patronage!

6

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Samson Hardware still a favorite with Fairbanks The ambience of Samson Hardware’s former century-old home is gone but its friendly, hometown customer service, a longstanding tradition, is the same at its new location on

Phillips Field Road.

And its faithful customers voted Samson’s No. 1 in the Readers’ Choice 2011 Tools/ Hardware category.

Longtime clerk Ann Schuyler surmises the hardware Please see SAMSON, Page 7

V

ET

N

By MARY BETH SMETEZER msmetzer@newsminer.com

E R IN A R IA

Thank you for trusting us with the care of your pets!

425 Harold Bentley Ave • Fairbanks, AK 99701

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Dr. DeLeon Dr. Bacon Dr. Heywood Dr. Flamme Dr. Sutherland Dr. Hansen Dr. Wood

Eric Engman/News-Miner

Samson True Value Hardware was named Best Hardware Store for the 2011 Reader’s Choice awards.

7

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

SAMSON Continued from Page 6

came out on top because: “We’re more fun than anybody else,� she said.

Sentry Hardware and Lowe’s placed second and third. “We may not have what you want, but we have what you need,� joked longtime clerk Ann Schuyler, who still misses bridge across the Chena River.

But when Samson’s sister the sound of the creaky wooden owners, Jeanne Stearns and floors of the old store demolished in 2009 to make way for a Jennifer Towler, nÊe Jackovich,

SERVICES Continued from Page 4

Server/waiter 1. Beverly Bragg, Roundup Steak House 2. Marilyn Mason, The Turtle Club 3. Yolanda, Taco Azteca

Real estate agent/agency 1. Wes Madden, Madden Real Estate Sporting goods store 2. Jerrie Wagner, Wagner 1. Beaver Sports Realty 2. Play It Again Sports 3. Joan Stepovich, Stepovich 3. Sportsman’s Warehouse Realty

Teacher 1. Don Kardash, Hunter Elementary School 2. John Purcell, Nordale Elementary School 3. Sheri Roach, West Valley High School

comfortably hone a pocket knife while chewing the fat with a friend or a clerk.

Anchored above the store’s main entrance is a whitewashed wall from the former plumbing department which now serves as a back drop for a variety of antique tools sold at the store over its 107 year history.

Many of the same items, including horsehoes, but new, can be found today at Samson’s, and continue to be in demand especially for Bush

orders.

Items reminiscent of much earlier times continued to be stocked, such as galvanized tubs from small buckets to bath-sized, some with lids.

Blue and green tarps are interspersed with scrubboards, wooden clothes pins and an old-style clothes washing stand setup—two galvanized tubs connected with a hand wringer.

A variety of pellet and Ashley woodstoves are surrounded with wood stove pipes and fixtures.

Teller 1. Suncha Dutton, Spirit of Alaska FCU 2. Mandi Malemute, True North FCU 3. Abby Openmiller, Wells Fargo, University Branch Tools/hardware store 1. Samson Hardware 2. Sentry Hardware 3. Lowe’s Veterinary care 1. Mt. McKinley Animal Hospital 2. Raven Veterinary Services, Dr. Jeanne Olsen 3. Aurora Animal Clinic

A Special Thanks from all of us!

Voted #1 Best Child Care

Thank you for choosing Fred Meyer as your Best Pharmacy in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Reader’s Choice Awards Your satisfaction is our #1 priority, which is why you’ll find a friendly and professional staff ready to serve you with convenient hours at each Fred Meyer pharmacy in Fairbanks. Thanks to these great Associates and to the Customers they serve!

Your Fairbanks Fred Meyer Pharmacy Teams

Left to right: Pharmacy Manager Kim West, Julie, Aimee, Linda, Pharmacy Manager Marshall Heaster, Ellie

Fred Meyer Pharmacy Hours

Fred Meyer Pharmacy Phone

Monday through Friday: 9AM-9PM 4BUVSEBZ ". 1. t 4VOEBZ ". 1.

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School 1. West Valley High School 2. Fairbanks Montessori School 3. Fairhill Christian School

moved the store’s inventory to its new home they brought along many of the familiar store’s artifacts gathered over the years.

The early day electric light fixture hangs near the entryway lighting up a large black and white photo of the legendary Johnny Albright, who ran the store from 1953 -1979.

The same black, pipe iron foot rest is attached to the main counter, and a diamond whetstone sits at end of the counter where customers can

8

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

University Fire Department burns up the ballot box

By SAM FRIEDMAN sfriedman@newsminer.com University Fire Department has been readers pick for best fire department since 2008, so Doug Schrage, the fire chief of the University Fire Department did not look surprised to hear that readers voted the University Fire Department the top fire department in the Fairbanks area this year.

“Our supporters are very vocal,” he said, But New-Miner readers are not the only ones who liked what they from University Fire Department this year.

The department was recently acknowledged for the service it provides to remote areas.

only by the Anchorage Fire Department in the state of Alaska.

Due to its connection with the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the University Fire Department is organized differently than other departments in the Fairbanks area.

Most of the department’s fire fighters are University students who work 56-hour This past October, the weekly shifts at the departdepartment reached the ISO3 fire suppression rating ment while taking classes at the university. for areas it serves that are more than 2000 feet from a Students are paid a modfire hydrant. est stipend for their work The rating is the thirdand get first hand training highest of 10 ratings used by doing the work of a professome insurance companies to sional fire fighter. measure an area’s fire risk.

They are supervised by a For areas covered by fire group of nine professional hydrants the department fire fighters. is ISO2, a rating matched The arrangement gives

Raven Veterinary Services & Cafe Society for Dogs

year, because the presence of nearby fire departments helps the quality of fire protection inside University’s coverage area.

Also on the agenda this year is advancing plans for a new fire station. The department now operates two stations, one on the University campus and one on University Avenue.

The main station on campus was the same station Schrage lived in when he was a student.

It’s not considered very seismically safe.

“Our heaviest fire engine is now right over the kitchen,” he explained. “If we had an earthquake it could fall into the kitchen.”

Contact staff writer Sam Friedman at 459-7545.

A Special Thank You for once again recognizing us as one of the top jewelry stores in Fairbanks!

Ve terinary

Canine Rehab Facility, In addition to other Holistic Modalities including Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Herbs

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the department more fire fighters than any other department in the interior, 51 in all.

Schrage was himself a student and fire fighter at the University of Alaska Fairbanks before taking a job at the Anchorage Fire Department where he worked his way up to deputy chief. He returned to his alma mater to serve as the chief in October.

One of the his main goals for the coming year is to get better at working with other area fire departments, he said. Fire departments frequently send aid to other departments responding to calls in the interior.

Other area fire departments helped University receive the ISO3 rating last

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“For Jewelry as fine as she is”

for voting Alaska USA 2011 Readers’ Choice!

Stop by your neighborhood branch to find out what Alaska USA can do for you.

ndwich

Once Again – you have voted Subway as #1 Sandwich in Fairbanks!

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9

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Local band 1. Searching for the Real 2. Marc Brown & the Blues Crew 3. Sweating Honey Local sporting event 1. Fairbanks Grizzlies Indoor Football 2. Bonspiel, Fairbanks Curling Club 3. Fairbanks Ice Dogs Hockey Local sports team 1. Fairbanks Grizzlies 2. Alaska Nanooks Hockey Team 3. Fairbanks Ice Dogs Place for dancing 1. The Blue Loon 2. Kodiak Jack’s

3. The Refinery Lounge Place to bring tourists 1. Riverboat Discovery 2. Pioneer Park 3. The Knotty Shop Theater/performance company of 2010 1. Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre 2. Fairbanks Drama Association 3. Fairbanks Symphony Association Theater/performance production of 2010 1. Fairbanks Symphony Association Holiday Concert 2. FLOT, “Into the Woods” 3. FLOT, “Sweeney Todd” Eric Engman/News-Miner

Want to get your groove on in Fairbanks? Readers picked The Blue Loon as the No. 1 spot to go out and dance in Interior Alaska.

THANK YOU

Many Thanks, Fairbanks!

"Our patients make us a better practice."

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one of your favorite dentists in Fairbanks!

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Dr. James A. Cerney

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red o n o h e r a We ve been to ha est voted “Bherapy!”

T Physical

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for voting

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Thank you, Fairbanks, for voting us among the Best Restaurants in the Interior!

10

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

News-Miner

West Valley students have a lot to cheer about. The school was named best high school in Fairbanks and it’s principal, Shaun Kraska, was picked as the best principal in the city.

! s k n a b r i a F , u o Y k n a Th

From all of us at

BEST SERVER YOLANDA

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Thank you for voting us #1 Mexican Restaurant & Thank you for voting for Yolanda.

Without you we couldn't have made it.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

The Binkley

Family and the Riverboat Discovery would like to

thank you, Fairbanks, for voting us the

Best Place to Bring Tourists and for voting the

Discovery Trading Post the

Best Alaska Gift Shop.

El Dorado Gold Mine

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Fairbanks' Premier Attractions

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12

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Opera company takes high honors

By SUZANNA CALDWELL scaldwell@newsminer.com

ond and third for reader’s favorite productions.

Kurt Newman, FLOT It’s fitting that Fairbanks board president, said the Light Opera Theatre would high production standard be voted favorite theater/per- that FLOT maintains sets formance company of 2010. them apart.

It has been doing everything For FLOT, it starts with it can to bring Fairbanksans the show selection. It does its a taste of Broadway for 40 best find fun productions the years. whole family can be a part of.

For the fourth consecutive Newman explained they year FLOT, as it’s known to try to book according to who the community, was named would take whom: “Kids taknot only the top theater com- ing grandma or grandma takpany, but its productions of ing kids.”

“Sweeney Todd” and “Into FLOT performed two the Woods” were voted secshows during the 2010-11

Michelle Wilber To my clients, I thank you for all your support and for the opportunity to "PLAY" with my creative ideas.

~Michelle

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Hairstylist

456-2888 • River Mall • 29 College Rd.

season: “Into the Woods” and “The Secret Garden.” They also co-produced “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” the stylish-’70s musical in conjunction with the Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre.

The theme was “Go Green!” something they took to heart in production choices and business practices. They tried to limit their paper output, but producing an electronic-only newsletter. They also made “green” theater choices. All of the productions had a magical, romantic and literal “green” feel. On a basic level “Into the Woods” was set in the woods and “The Secret Garden” in a garden.

But the musicals embodied more than a color. Both John Wagner/News-Miner were epic in scale and proFairbanks Light Opera Theatre’s presentation of “Sweeney duction value. Newman, who Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” took home second Please see FLOT, Page 13

Thank You, Fairbanks, For Voting!!!

Thank you,

Chinese Restaurant 431 N. Santa Claus Lane

Jay Titus Optician

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place as a fan favorite among News-Miner readers.

13

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

college

town

FLOT Continued from Page 12

buys a Broadway season pass with Anchorage Concert Association, said that the FLOT’s productions were just as good as Anchorage’s “Mamma Mia!” The only thing limiting the company is technology.

But as they get ready for the 2011-12 season, FLOT isn’t letting technology or location limit them. They have three shows planned for the season, including perennial crowd pleasers “Annie” and “The Music Man” as well as the lesser-know, but current Broadway hit “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.”

“Part of it is we have to challenge ourselves,” Newman said.

Contact features writer Suzanna Caldwell at 459-7504.

pizzeria

we thank you!

“Wow ... a 5-peat of # 1 Best Pizza!”

2011

Eric Engman/News-Miner

The Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre performs “Into The Woods.”

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14

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Grizzlies rate No. 1 for first time

By RENEE THONY rthony@newsminer.com The Fairbanks Grizzlies have seen their fair share of ups and downs throughout the opening months of the 2011 season.

Despite times when they weren’t sure if they’d have housing to come home to or a reason to come back to town at all, one thing has remained the same: the loyalty of Griz Nation.

For the first time in recent John Wagner/News-Miner years, the Fairbanks Grizzlies For the first time in recent years, the Fairbanks Grizzlies are the top local sporting

event in the News-Miner’s Readers Choice Awards.

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3706 Swenson Ave. (off S. University) ©2011 Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

beat out the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and the Fairbanks Curling Club’s International Bonspiel as the top local sporting event in the News-Miner’s Readers Choice Awards. In addition, the Grizzlies topped the list of favorite local sports teams, besting the No. 2 Alaska Nanooks hockey team and the Ice Dogs.

Will Lawson went to his first Grizzlies game four years ago, during the team’s inaugural season, and said he “hasn’t looked back since.”

“It’s a unique form of entertainment,” Lawson said. “We have the Ice Dogs and Nanooks, but it’s nothing like football that people can go and actually watch in Alaska. It’s an entertaining, family atmosphere.”

Grizzlies home games at the Carlson Center — or The Cave, as it’s become known as — are often dubbed specific theme nights, including things like: Family Night, Military Appreciation Night and Kids’ Night. During timeouts and dead balls, there are several games and giveaways to get fans involved.

“The thing about Grizzlies’ fans is that we aren’t a kind of elitist group,” Kevin Alexander, another one of the Grizzlies’ diehard fans, said.

“The Grizzlies ownership, as part of their business model, stress family entertainment.

Every aspect of the community, every sector of people is represented at these games.

And it’s never too late to become a Grizzlies’ super fan.”

"Freely given food, given freely"

15

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

FOOD AND DRINK Restaurant 1. Roundup Steak House 2. The Cookie Jar Restaurant 3. The Turtle Club Asian food 1. Pagoda 2. Thai House 3. Lin’s Asian Bistro BBQ/ribs 1. Big Daddy’s BBQ 2. Tubby’s BBQ 3. Roundup Steak House Breakfast 1. Sam’s Sourdough Café 2. The Cookie Jar Restaurant 3. Roundup Steak House Brunch 1. The Pump House 2. Pike’s Landing 3. The Cookie Jar Restaurant

Chicken wings 1. Roundup Steak House 2. The Food Factory 3. Big Daddy’s BBQ

Hamburgers 1. Brewster’s 2. Carl’s Jr. 3. Roundup Steak House

Cup of coffee 1. Sunrise Bagel & Espresso 2. Starbuck’s 3. Alaska Coffee Roasting Co.

Hot dogs 1. Sam’s Club 2. Rooster’s Brew 3. Chris West by the Marlin

Desserts 1. Wolf Run Restaurant 2. Roundup Steak House 3. The Cookie Jar Restaurant Fine dining 1. Lavelle’s Bistro 2. Roundup Steak House 3. The Pump House Fast food 1. Carl’s Jr. 2. Taco Bell 3. McDonald’s

Ice cream/milkshakes 1. Hot Lick’s Homemade Ice Cream 2. Cold Stone Creamery 3. McDonald’s Italian food 1. Gambardella’s Pasta Bella 2. Geraldo’s Restaurant 3. The Vallata Margarita 1. Los Amigos Tex/Mex Steak House 2. Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

3. Roundup Steak House Mexican food 1. Mayan Palace/Taco Azteca 2. Los Amigos Tex/Mex Steak House 3. Miguel’s Omelets 1. Sam’s Sourdough Café 2. Roundup Steak House 3. The Bakery Restaurant Pizza 1. College Town Pizzeria 2. Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n Bake Pizza 3. Pizza Hut Prime rib 1. The Turtle Club 2. Roundup Steak House 3. Chena Hot Springs Resort Salad bar

1. The Turtle Club 2. Round Up Steak House 3. Fred Meyer West Deli Sandwiches 1. Subway 2. Chowder House 3. Speedy Subs Seafood 1. The Pump House 2. Lavelle’s Bistro 3. Roundup Steak House Sourdough pancakes 1. Sam’s Sourdough Café 2. The Cookie Jar Restaurant 3. The Bakery Restaurant Steaks 1. The Vallata 2. Roundup Steak House 3. Lavelle’s Bistro

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16

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Wolf Run’s desserts satisfy the sweet tooth

By JEFF RICHARDSON jrichardson@newsminer.com Wolf Run Restaurant has a menu filled with entrees, appetizers, soups and salads, but owner Josh Rindlisbacher doesn’t mind that some of his customers choose to skip those sections altogether.

For many patrons at Wolf Run, dessert is the main

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the intersection of University Avenue and the Johansen Expressway, was followed in the rankings by Roundup Steakhouse and The Cookie Jar this year.

Rindlisbacher is grateful that people have noticed the hard work.

“It always makes us feel good,” he said. “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

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attraction. In fact, it’s common for people to stop by the distinctive wood and stone eatery simply for a turtle tart or piece of cherry truffle pie, along with a cup of coffee or glass of dessert wine.

That devotion to dessert has made Wolf Run a perennial Readers’ Choice winner in the category. The restaurant, a converted house near

Rindlisbacher, who has coowned Wolf Run for the past nine years with his wife, Jennifer, puts a priority on good desserts. His day often starts at 7 a.m. or earlier, when he begins making the day’s desserts with another chef, James Petkevis.

“They’re all made completely from scratch,” Rindlisbacher said.

Wolf Run offers conventional desserts, like New York Cheesecake and apple pie, alongside more unusual delicacies. Cold fusion is a three-layer concoction that includes blankets of dark chocolate and Kahlua; white chocolate and triple sec; and milk chocolate and brandy.

The Key lime tart is a sugarcookie crust with Key lime filling, strawberries and a white chocolate mousse.

The most popular? The peanut butter pie, which has a graham cracker crust and thin layers of chocolate ganache.

The dessert menu gradually changes, depending on what new items Rindlisbacher has had a chance to perfect.

“The workload around here doesn’t give me much time, but experimentation is the most fun,” he said.

Wolf Run is open from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Contact staff writer Jeff Richardson at 459-7518.

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17

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Eric Engman/News-Miner

Sam’s Sourdough Cafe is a strong favorite in Fairbanks. This year, it took first place for best breakfast, best pancakes and best omelets.

Thanks for helping make us

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS! The Fairbanks Ice Dogs, winners of the 2011 Robertson Cup, would like to thank our fans for your support and for voting us one of your favorite sports teams!

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18

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

When coffee calls, readers pick Sunrise Bagel

By MOLLY RETTIG mrettig@newsminer.com Sunrise Bagel goes through about 500 pounds of coffee beans a week at its five stores throughout Fairbanks and North Pole.

“Our coffee is by far the most popular. Our foods are really good too,” said general manager Douglas Whorton.

The family owned business has grown steadily in its 10-year life, sprouting from a single hut in the Cornerstone Mall to downtown Fairbanks, Geist Road and ultimately North Pole.

Its secret?

“I would have to say our customer service. We have good employees along with a Eric Engman/News-Miner consistently good cup of cofSunrise Bagel & Espresso was named Best Cup of Coffee fee,” Whorton said.

They buy their coffee from for the 2011 Reader’s Choice edition by Fairbanks voters.

all over the world through a broker at above fair-market value.

The extra money goes to causes like health care and sustainable agriculture in rural villages, he said.

The beans are mixed and roasted into a signature blend so that every cup tastes the same.

Low prices have also been key. At Sunrise, $1 will buy

you a 12-ounce cup of java.

“We haven’t raised our prices in a long time. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and if we don’t keep customers happy they won’t come to us.”

The store is launching a couple of new products this summer, including a variety of fat-free fruit smoothies and hummus.

“I like mine on a jalapeno bagel,” Whorton said.

Contact staff writer Molly Rettig at 459-7590.

A United Way of the Tanana Valley Member Agency

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19

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Get down with the best margarita in town

By REBA LEAN rlean@newsminer.com With a kick of tequila, Los Amigos restaurant serves up a grande glass of margarita.

In nearly every flavor that grows on a tree, the margaritas are a substantial amount of slushy goodness.

Readers chose Los Amigos as their favorite place for margaritas. Gallo’s Mexican Restaurant and Round Up Steakhouse were readers’ runners up.

manager. “We have a large variety and a special mix.”

Los Amigos is on 28th Avenue, right off the Mitchell Expressway and South Cushman. Its Tex-Mex entrees make it a popular spot in town.

Whether at the bar, watching television from a booth during the afternoon or having a big family dinner, people often order margaritas to “I have heard we have the accompany their meals. best margaritas,” said Cyre“Los Amigos is known for na Sorum, Los Amigos’ office tequilas,” bartender Tammi

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with syrups.

The flavored ones come sugar-rimmed and are typically made with the house Jose Gold tequila.

For $6.50, somebody can get about a 2-cups measurement of drink in a cactusstemmed glass.

“You might have to come in early and try out our chips and salsa, too,” Sorum said.

“They always make our margaritas taste good.”

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Chapman said. “We actually have a shelf for that.”

Online, Los Amigos’ website boasts more than 50 different types of tequilas.

Chapman said that a strawberry-Patron tequila margarita is her drink of choice after work.

While they have a regular flavor, strawberry is their most popular because it’s made with actual strawberries. Other flavors, including banana, blueberry, kiwi, mango and more are made

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20

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Sunday, May 22, 2011

Thank You, Fairbanks! for voting me #1 Optometrist Five time #1 winner!

Optometrist

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I would also like to thank my staff at Sam’s Club Optical and Wal-Mart Optical for helping make this honor happen.