2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 1 1 B sLo 2012 est of
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PAGE 2 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Thank You Central Coast for voting
Harry’s Night Club & Beach Bar
#1
AGAIN
We appreciate you all very much!
Harry’s Where The Party Never Ends W W W. H A R R Y S P I S M O B E A C H . C O M 7 7 3 - 1 0 1 0 • 690 C Y PRE SS ST REET PI SMO BE ACH
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 3
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PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
Behind every success story …
F
1010 M a r s h S t r e e t, S a n L u i s O b i s p o, C A 93 42 01 Ashley Schwellenbach Henry Bruington Rhys Heyden Erin Messer Ana Korgan Lareina Gamboa
PUBLISHERS Alex Zuniga Bob Rucker EDITORS Ryan Miller Ashley Schwellenbach
PROOFREADER Andrea Rooks
CONTRIBUTORS Ryan Miller Maria Zelada Lauren Piraro Jono Kinkade Glen Starkey Talley Meyers Colin Rigley
PHOTOGRAPHER Henry Bruington ART DIRECTOR Ashley Schwellenbach Dora Mountain
PRODUCTION Jenny Gosnell Brendan Rowe Colin O'Shaughnessy Tucker Leni Litonjua COVER & GATEWAY DESIGN Colin O'Shaughnessy Tucker ADVERTISING Katy Gray Tracy Joyner Scuri Jennifer Olson Kevin Izuka Rhonda O'Dell
oe. Rival. Nemesis. Enemy. Call them what you will, but we’ve all got them, to one extent or another. It might be the guy at work who always steals your lunch, the detective who rats you out to Scotland Yard, the jock who mocks you for playing Magic: The Gathering, or the news station that keeps beating you in your own readers' poll. But at the end of the day, that instinct to compete, to overcome, to win, to best our adversaries is often what drives us to create our best work. Whether that work happens to be a delicious burrito or culinary concoction best found in our Dining Out section [10]; a cold margarita after a long day at work, as identified in After Hours [25]; a theatrical production that will have you laughing or crying, and possibly both, from Arts Scene [35]; an ingeniously crafted bit of bling for your earlobes, pet, or eyes, from the diverse Burnin’ Money section [42]; the best haircut you’ve ever had, as featured in About Town [53]; climbing equipment that will support you during your biggest adventure yet, from the Get Out section [60]; or a politician who will renew, or confirm your lack of, faith in politics, from Community Watch [66], it’s worth celebrating. So here’s to you, archenemies! Just this once, we’ll drink to your health … once we’re done scouring the After Hours section of Best Of to determine where to go for that drink.
Ashley Schwellenbach Managing editor
THANK YOU! We’re Happy to be your favorite grocery store! Best Grocery Store
SLO Crew n Cre Templeto
Arroyo G r
w
3977 S. Higuera Street San Luis Obispo 783-2780
1111 Rossi Road Templeton 434-9562
955 Rancho Parkway Arroyo Grande 474-6114
ande Cre w
1303 S. Bradley Santa Maria 925-1657
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 5
Thank You SLO County! From the entire staff at Novo we sincerely thank you for your ongoing support. It is a pleasure to serve you, our community!
Best San Luis Obispo Restaurant Best Restaurant Period Best Outdoor Dining Best Meal To Treat Yourself Best Place To Go On A First Date
Open daily at 11 am | 10 am for Sunday brunch Happy Hour: Monday- Thursday 3-6 pm | Late Night Friday & Saturday Follow us!
726 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo | 805.543.3986 | novorestaurant.com
PAGE 6 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Thank You SLO County!
Three Locations!
Adam, Alfredo, Brian, Marina, & Adnan (Not pictured: Miri & Ronni) 1308 Monterey Street San Luis Obispo (805) 543-2449
Pepe Sanchez, Daniel Stewart, Wendy & Ali Saleh (owners/ operators), Dede Sanfilippo, Jose Ortiz 206 East Branch Street Arroyo Grandes (805) 202-2080
Mandarin Gourmet Thank You for Voting Us #1 Best Chinese Food
Now Serving Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)
6-TIME WINNER BEST CHINESE FOOD
follow us on
Free Delivery 541-4590 · Fax 541-6128
1316 Madonna Road · SLO Laguna Shopping Center @ Corner of Madonna & Los Osos Valley Rd
www.mandaringourmetslo.com
To Show Appreciation For Your Votes
15% Off
Your entire bill. With this ad. Expires 7-31-14
7
1344 Park Steet Paso Robles (805) 239-3366
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 7
Sycamore Mineral Springs
Thanks you! Voted Best Place to get a Massage - 2 YEARS in a ROW and One of the Best Weekend Getaways Thank you all for your continued support, love and cherished business!
To thank our local fans, please enjoy $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SPA TREATMENT OF 60 MINUTES OR LONGER! Simply mention the code “BEST OF” when booking your treatment to receive your discount! Valid Monday - Friday until June 30th. Not valid with any other offers. Excludes Memorial Day Weekend. Reservations required. Mention code when booking. Must call to reserve.
1215 Avila Beach Drive (805) 595-7302 sycamoresprings.com
PAGE 8 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Thanks For Voting Us Best Pizza 26 Times! J
J
1000 Higuera St | 805.541.4420 | WoodstocksSLO.com
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s r Vote u o Y r ! ks fo eatre Tha n Movie Th O Rewind & SL est for B m Classics g Roo n i n e e Scr
For quick look at our current showtimes & to purchase tickets, along with access to trailers & descriptions of our current & upcoming movies download our new mobile app for your phone! Search “The Movie Experience SLO” in your app store & download today! Ask About our Rewards Program! Also don’t forget to like us on facebook!
1035 Monterey St. SLO · 546-8600
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 9
To our friends, customers, & patrons:
for your endless support and appreciation
CLOTHING & LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE www.ambianceboutiques.com
737 HIGUERA STREET, SAN LUIS OBISPO 1301 PARK STREET, PASO ROBLES SLO: 805-540-3380 PASO: 805-296-3331
PAGE 10 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
DINING OUT Jocks vs. Nerds
1 AGAIN!
THANK YOU
FOR VOTING US
#
Thanks to our great
customers for your support & for voting us Best Seafood 1051 Nipomo Street, San Luis Obispo 547-1111 ciopinotrestaurant.com
Ice Cream Wonderland 860 Higuera St., Downtown SLO
Nostalgic Ice Cream Parlors 114 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande 168 W. Clark Ave., Orcutt
805-474-4068
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 11
MODELS: (JOCKS) COLIN RIGLEY, ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH, ANDREW SPIERING, DORA MOUNTAIN, JOSH SUTHERLAND, CODY FRAISER (NERDS) BEN SIMON, CHRIS WHITESANBORN, ANNIE BRUINGTON, JENNIFER MARIE HIX, SARAH HARWOOD, CODY FRAZIER, RUBIN LIEPMAN, CODY FRAIZIER LOCATION: STOLLEY’S ON THE ALLEY
Adding life and color to an otherwise black and white day. Thank you for voting BlackHorse Espresso & Bakery the #1 coffee shop in SLO 11 years and counting! The best coffee, pastries, and the best customers!
Four Locations 1065 Higuera St. (805) 783-1300 3590 Broad St. (805) 439-1300 796 Foothill (805) 541-9300 12300 Los Osos Valley Rd. (805) 547-2300
PAGE 12 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
LEAFY GREENS Alphy’s Broiler nabbed one of the first-place awards for Best Salad this year, drawing in sustenance seekers by offering six selections just waiting for the right fork.
PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
BEST NORTH COUNTY RESTAURANT
The Range 22317 EL CAMINO REAL, SANTA MARGARITA There’s beef, sure. But everybody does cow meat these days. I’m not knocking it. The Range certainly serves it—and serves it well (or medium, or rare, as the case may be)—but this down-home gem of an eatery is also celebrated for its elk steak. Patrons hungry for even more wild red meat will be happy to learn that the restaurant now offers venison ossobuco, which is turning out to be a popular dish. The Range is the perfect meeting ground for fancy dress and cowboy casual, twangy country and high-class eats. Boots are welcome—but credit cards and reservations aren’t, so get here early and bring cash. And an appetite.
—Ryan Miller
RUNNER-UP: MCPHEE’S GRILL
BEST SOUTH COUNTY RESTAURANT
Jocko’s Steak House
125 N THOMPSON AVE., NIPOMO You haven’t tried steak until you’ve tried Jocko’s Steak House. Locals and visitors flock here on the regular, just to taste the meaty goodness. That’s
a goodness achieved with the application of love and care. Marceo Kroger, the breezeway operator at Jocko’s, said they cut all of their own meat. “It’s cut here, it’s prepared here, and we cook it on our oak barbecue pit,” she explained, “which gives it a phenomenal flavor.” And what’s the best way to have a steak, you ask? “I would say rare to medium-rare,” Kroger said. “And to enjoy it at Jocko’s.” Of course.
—Maria Zelada
RUNNER-UP: EMBER
BEST SOUTH COAST RESTAURANT
Custom House
404 FRONT ST., AVILA BEACH Out and about on a serene walk with a friend, you find that both of you are very hungry and in the mood to treat yourselves to the finest cuisine on the South Coast. You pass a quaint-looking restaurant outfitted in an interesting shade of blue and, curiosity sparked, you both walk in. You order the server’s recommendation—the calamari—but your eyes linger on the Porterhouse steak option, and your friend orders the fish sandwich. A short time later, both meals arrive and a wave of ultimate happiness washes over you sink your teeth into the first bite. A hush falls over the table as you and your friend sit silently, completely enthralled in your meals. The waiter arrives to ask how everything’s doing. “I’ll take the Porterhouse to go, please.”
—Lauren Piraro
RUNNER-UP: VENTANA GRILL
BEST NORTH COAST RESTAURANT
Taco Temple
2680 MAIN ST., MORRO BAY You may soon notice a trend: this year’s victors attributing their notoriety to keeping their cuisine close to the earth’s bounty. That means fresh produce that’s local when they can get it (which means awesome guacamole), quality meats, and the freshest seafood. But within the bunch, there are the OG (“Original Grub”) establishments. Ever since Taco Temple opened its doors 18 years ago, they’ve been keeping the seafood fresh and the produce crisp, it’s remained a tightly run family business, and they’ve kept doing what they do best: slinging large-portion, killer Californian fusion, all with a panoramic view from the part of Morro Bay where the locals hang out. The business is buoyed by a loyal and local customer base—about 70 percent of patrons are regulars, said Adam Pollard, a Morro Bay man who owns the joint with his wife Dawnelle. If you’re going to make a pilgrimage to see why Taco Temple has such a loyal following, be prepared for busy peak hours (don’t worry, the self-serve chips and salsa are great), bring cash (no credit cards), and, most importantly, bring your appetite, because that way you may actually make it far enough to try Dawnelle’s infamous desserts (I, sadly, never have).
—Jono Kinkade
RUNNER-UP: ROBIN’S DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 13
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 13 DINING OUT FROM PAGE 12
BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO RESTAURANT
Novo
726 HIGUERA ST., SLO It’s hard to beat the exquisite food, exceptional setting, and excellent service at Novo, an eatery that strives to use fresh, local ingredients to deliver a diverse and memorable dining experience. “I thank all of our clients who voted—for taking the time to share with others how they feel about Novo,” said coowner Robin Covey. “We are committed to providing a delicious and enjoyable experience for everyone that walks through our doors. We are honored by their votes.” “Thank you very much, San Luis Obispo, for voting Novo No. 1 restaurant in town,” added coowner Jai Covey. “We are very honored and promise to continue striving to serve excellent food and drinks in a beautiful setting with genuinely caring service. Hope to see you soon.” Bon appétit!
—Glen Starkey
RUNNER-UP: BIG SKY CAFE
Novo Restaurant and Lounge 726 HIGUERA ST., SLO Novo. Period. What more needs to be said? The restaurant, named after the Portuguese term for “something new,” is dialed in just right. The expansive back porch is host to beautiful outdoor dining; the casual, homey atmosphere makes people feel comfortable; and the friendly wait- and kitchen-staff keep the reputation what it is. The delicious, worldly menu changes with the seasons, but they always keep the staples—especially the infamous salmon bisque. They’ve got a suave late-night scene for those looking to step away from the raucous downtown weekend, and a spectacular Sunday brunch to follow. All elements are perfectly blended here to make the business effortlessly SLO.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: JOCKO’S STEAK HOUSE
BEST NEW RESTAURANT OF 2013
Taste
Klondike Pizza advertises its Tuesday Night Chowdown with an image of a polar bear flanked by two cubs: “Bring the whole family.” Kids who are stubbornly picky about anything non-beige that comes across their plates will become bottomless pits when pizza lands in front of them. Fortunately, the weekly all-you-can-eat nights ensure that none of your rugrats will be able to complain about still being hungry. If you feel like stuffing your ears along with your stomach, try the Old Time Sing-Along every first and third Saturday of the month. Parents, you should know two things: 1) They sell kazoos for $1. 2) They also serve beer, which you might need.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: SYLVESTER’S BURGERS
The menu is simple, but the flavors are big at this eatery, which opened on Jan. 4, 2013. Diners will find a column of sliders, with all of the goodness available sandwiched between ciabatta rolls or wrapped in lettuce. Mini burgers come with a dizzying array of toppings, ranging from chipotle aoli and jalapeño to fig jam, goat cheese, and arugula, but you’ll also find sausage, salmon, chicken, calamari, and chickpea patties. Salads and tapas abound, too, but you’ll probably get lost in the mac and cheese options and find your way out only with help from the desserts. “We’re super excited,” co-owner Gretchen Lemiere said. “All our hard work finally paid off. … I’m just happy that everybody loves us!”
—Ryan
1051 NIPOMO ST., SLO Providing delicious meals coupled with an unbeatable reputation for customer service is no easy feat, especially when dealing with fish. As the repeated champion of the coveted title of Best Seafood, Ciopinot has perfected the recipe for restaurant success—for reaching the top and staying there. It’s a wine connoisseur’s dream to have access to such a wide variety of local and exotic selections; the list feels almost endless when you read it. Among other tantalizing dishes, the restaurant offers three different types of cioppino dishes, which is basically a fish stew. The “No Work” cioppino dish comes with the seafood shelled for you and consists of a jumbo prawn, scallop, calamari, and fresh fish medley topped with Romano cheese. How can you compete with a dining experience like that?
—Lauren
Louisa’s Place Restaurant 964 HIGUERA ST., SLO
RUNNER-UP: VENTANA GRILL
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
Taco Temple
Ron Swanson once said, “Breakfast food can serve many purposes.” One purpose breakfast serves, for example, is awesomeness. But really, the point I want to make is that if you don’t know who Ron Swanson is, you don’t deserve breakfast; and if you don’t deserve breakfast, then how are you ever going to know the joy that is Louisa’s Place? Now voted Best Breakfast for eight years in a row, and 10 years in total, Louisa’s Place knows good breakfast. And good lunch? Are ya kidding me? Louisa’s eats good lunch for breakfast. The locally owned restaurant since 1976 has been cracking eggs and making omelets since before most of you were able to digest dairy. Louisa’s is so keen on breakfast, it even has breakfast nachos, which leaves you no choice but to give in and feed your inner Swanson.
Outside of Santa Maria, great, authentic Mexican food is hard to find. Hard to find, but not impossible. Taco Temple brings a family feel to SLO County with thick Mexican roots and a friendly atmosphere. Not only was the establishment voted as having the Best Taco, but its Mexican meatball soup—or albondigas—is a favorite for fans who decide to steer away from one of the shop’s large burrito or go-to tacos. Even down to the homemade salsa, Taco Temple has a little spice for your palate. Regulars and first-timers alike enjoy the fresh seafood and huge portions.
—Colin Rigley
—Tally Meyers
2680 MAIN ST., MORRO BAY
RUNNER-UP: BIG SKY CAFE
RUNNER-UP: TACOS DE ACAPULCO
BEST VEGETARIAN FARE
BEST CHINESE FOOD
Big Sky Cafe 1121 BROAD ST., SLO
2900 BROAD ST., SUITE 100, SLO
BEST SEAFOOD
Klondike Pizza Ciopinot 104 BRIDGE ST., ARROYO GRANDE Seafood Grille
BEST BREAKFAST
BEST RESTAURANT, PERIOD
RUNNER-UP: SHELL BEACH BREW HOUSE
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Charles Myers wasn’t necessarily trying to cater specifically to vegetarians when developing the vegetarian-friendly menu at Big Sky Cafe; he mostly was just trying to create a menu with healthy dishes and a variety of choices regardless of a person’s dietary restrictions or goals. “People in our area have widely divergent dietary needs; we like to be the option for the parties that have carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores all sitting down at one table. And we try to make them all happy with their food,” he said. “Sharing a table with people who are not exactly like you will improve the world.” And while the word “healthy” might conjure images of tasteless blocks of proteins that might pass for cardboard in your mouth, where Big Sky Cafe really gets it right is in making these vegetarian options delicious. Myers credits the fact that they roast a lot of their own spices, use fresh herbs, and experiment with Mediterranean dishes that once had meat. If you’re headed there for the first time and anxious to try something meat free, Myers recommends the vegetarian tajine.
—Ashley Schwellenbach
RUNNER-UP: BLISS CAFE
Mandarin Gourmet 1316 MADONNA ROAD, SLO Fortune cookies are stupid; they’re not even fortunes most of the time. But Mandarin Gourmet is awesome like Vietnamese-style Pho, which is one of the restaurant’s newest and most popular items. Locals know Mandarin Gourmet as the place to consistently score heaps of reasonably priced, family-owned Chinese food, with a menu that continues to expand and cater to all tastes. Owners Elaine and Eric Truong have operated the restaurant for 22 years, offering fresh ingredients to locals who know good Chinese food. New items are always added to keep up with trends, giving customers the option to modify their dish to their gluten-sugar-free delight. Fight the growing threat of bad fortunes by filling your face with great Chinese food.
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: GOLDEN GONG CHINESE RESTAURANT DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 14
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BEST JAPANESE FOOD
Yanagi Sushi And Grill SAN LUIS OBISPO • PISMO BEACH • PASO ROBLES The name Yanagi has established itself in San Luis Obispo with help from its multiple locations around the county. Yanagi has remained the reigning champion with the help of its colorful menu, reasonable prices, and featured items that aren’t available elsewhere, like the Korean-style stone bowls. They even have a happy hour, delicious vegetarian rolls, and some serious creations like the “911 Roll,” “Sexy Roll,” “Tarantula Roll,” and “Three Times Lady Roll.” What goes into these delicious combinations? Visit and taste them for yourself.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: GOSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
BEST THAI FOOD
Thai Palace 1015 COURT ST., SLO Everyone in town swears by one Thai restaurant or another. For Thai Palace, the details make it stand out among the rest for New Times readers. The outside walls, covered in glimmering mosaic tiles found in Thailand on palaces and temples; the dark wood interior; the shining
mirror and gold trim behind the bar—it all adds to the restaurant’s majestic atmosphere. Oh, and the menu helps; in addition to spot-on preparation of popular dishes, Thai Palace offers authentic dishes uncommon to the standard Thai food portfolio seen elsewhere, including the northern Thai dish Khao Soi, a savory soup-like meal with crispy egg noodles in a curry-like coconut milk broth, as well more basic noodle soup options or stir-fried dishes commonly found among the street cart vendors of Bangkok. Go for the lunch special, or for the sensorystimulating evening dining.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP (TIE): THAI TALAY RUNNER-UP (TIE): THAI BOAT
BEST ITALIAN FOOD
BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
Jaffa Cafe
1308 MONTEREY ST., SLO • 206 E. BRANCH STREET, ARROYO GRANDE • 1344 PARK STREET, PASO ROBLES Shawarma is calling my name, asking to be put in a pita and devoured. I must journey to Jaffa Cafe. Whether on pizza or in pita, the shawarma is delectable, the kabobs are incredible, and the falafel is mouth watering. Walk into any one of this establishment’s three locations and prepare to be blown away by the friendly atmosphere, fun ambiance, and incredible food—which includes a lot more than just shawarma, by the way. Sometimes it’s just hard to hear anything else over the sound of all that deliciousness.
—Henry Bruington
Giuseppe’s
891 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH 1010 COURT ST., SLO
Italian is the food that not only has a place in the hearts of its lovers in the homeland, but it’s also won a place in the hearts of its lovers on the Central Coast. Giuseppe’s, located conveniently in both San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, offers a wide variety of Italian dishes that will make you fall even further in love. The owners, chefs, and staffers pride themselves on their Pugliese Italian cuisine made with gourmet flavors and fresh local ingredients. Aside from fine dining, Giuseppe’s offers express menus for a quick Italian pick-me-up, and they even offer delivery services in certain San Luis Obispo areas.
—Maria
RUNNER-UP: PETRA
BEST PIZZA
Woodstock’s Pizza 1000 HIGUERA ST., SLO It’s been said that pizza is a lot like sex: When it’s good, it’s really good; and when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. Year after year, you readers consistently prove that Woodstock’s is really good. The iconic downtown landmark is as quintessential to the San
RUNNER-UP: BUONA TAVOLA
DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 16
Mom & Pop Still At The Top! When it comes to this Local Deli vs. the corporate giants, We keep on Winning!
Local Flavors. Fresh Deli Sandwiches. Patio. Pitchers.
Local independent tops them again! Best Sandwich for the 22nd time! 1638 OSOS STR EET • SA N LUIS OBISPO • 543-8684
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 15
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Annual Annual
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Luis Obispo landscape as flannel shirts and spending three hours in the morning trying to perfect the look that you just rolled out of bed. Where else at midnight are you going to chase a barbecue chicken pizza with a dessert pizza? Nowhere, that’s where! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick slice; full pie; or some nibbles to go with a pitcher of real, actual, made-with-hops beer, Woodstock’s provides the ideal comfort food in your time of need. The establishment has been serving up slices since before most of its patrons were born, but you crazy kids still love it even with all the competition from surrounding downtown businesses. Assistant General Manager and Marketing Rep Jamie Sterling said their biggest challenge is “standing apart from the crowd,” adding: “We provide the ultimate pizza experience.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: KLONDIKE PIZZA
Firestone Grill
FREE! GET FIT FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO Firestone Grill has become the stuff of local legends. Rarely do you not see a line out the door, consisting of poor college students and antsy families, all clamoring for a mouth-watering tri-tip steak sandwich to call their own. Firestone has become a sports hub and town favorite, with crowds filling the dining room lined with sports memorabilia from local schools and professional teams, and big-screen televisions showing the latest games. Nothing makes a loss better or a win feel sweeter than a nice hunk of meat. The ABC Burger features avocado, bacon, and jack cheese, and it will surely send you to straight to carnivore heaven in one bite. The Monster Burger isn’t for the faint of heart with its double patties, double cheese, and double deliciousness. Competition is Firestone’s middle name, and visiting this restaurant to satisfy your carnivore cravings is a guaranteed homerun.
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—Jono
RUNNER-UP: F. MCLINKTOCKS
BEST BURGER
BEST CARNIVORE FARE
the you whole familymore on our TheJoin earlier join--the time is
lick-your-lips delicious taste that lingers after every bite. If you haven’t, go find out, and you’ll soon know why the joint has held the title of Best Steak as long as recent memory can account for. The restaurant and bar have been around for decades and have attracted a serious following, making the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” more true than ever. Jocko’s well-honed tradition includes Santa Maria-style barbecue meat rubbed in a house-made mixture of black pepper, salt, and garlic powder and cooked to utter perfection over a fire of red oak (actually coastal live oak). Jocko’s even dry-ages the meat onsite beforehand. Come early, have a drink at the bar as the hosts work their way down the wait list, and see what all the hubbub is about.
Sylvester’s Burgers 1099 SANTA YNEZ AVE., LOS OSOS • 1875 FRONT ST., OCEANO • 6455 EL CAMINO REAL, ATASCADERO This is one of those burger joints that everyone hears about when they come to SLO County. For a small, local burger shop, they sure know how to give you a bang for your buck. It’s hard to make a burger wrong, but it’s even harder to make it amazing. I mean, when you order the mushroom burger at Sylvester’s, they give you your mushrooms. They’ll have you gradually thinking that the 5-pound burger challenge isn’t only doable, but something you want to do on any old weekend. The friendly, laidback staff and intimate dining experience make me wonder how burger chains survive. This has been a personal favorite of mine since I moved to the area. So nice pickin’, SLO.
—Tally
RUNNER-UP: EUREKA! BURGER
—Lauren
RUNNER-UP: JOCKO’S STEAK HOUSE
BEST STEAK Working Together to Make SLO COUNTY the HEALTHIEST Place in the World!
Paso Robles-Adventure 500 S. River Rd. 239-8488
Atascadero 3534 El Camino Real 466-6775
San Luis Obispo MultiPlex One 88 Tank Farm Rd. 781-3488
www.kennedyclubs.com
Arroyo Grande 1299 James Way 481-2888
*Disclaimer: Trial Membership time is up to 10 days, first time local guests 18+ (or 10+ with a parent). ID required. Former members welcome. Offer ends May 24th. $99 satisfies the enrollment/restart fee of all those immediate family members living in the same household, when joining on a membership plan of choice. Offer ends May 31st.
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Jocko’s Steak House 125 N THOMPSON AVE., NIPOMO If you’ve had a steak from Jocko’s, you know exactly what I mean by that
BEST SALAD
Alphy’s Broiler (tie) 130 WEST BRANCH ST., SUITE A, ARROYO GRANDE Alphy’s Broiler—located in the Village of Arroyo Grande—was one of the winners in the Best Salad race that split local voters this year. The DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 17
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 17 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 17 DINING OUT FROM PAGE 16
restaurant is the brainchild of chef Doug Simpson, who opened the joint in 2005. When I called on several occasions, workers were too busy to speak with me—surely a good sign for business. Alphy’s serves up six different types of salads, ranging from “The Caesar” to “The Oriental” to “The Ranchero” to “The Cobb.” In addition, the Alphy’s crew has opened spinoffs like Alphy’s Coffee House—serving coffee and baked goods—and Alphy’s Adobe Grill—serving Southwestern grub—in recent years, so business appears to be brisk for the Alphy’s empire.
Pluto’s (Tie) 1122 CHORRO ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO Rumor has it that “salads” are culinary creations that prominently include vegetables and don’t always contain meats, sweets, or starches. While SLO County may be known for richer, gut-busting cuisine, some local eateries are making their bones with veggies. On the matter of salad supremacy, New Times readers were evenly split. Pluto’s took one of the honors. It opened in downtown SLO in March 2013, and has quickly established a reputation for scintillating custom salads, according to assistant manager Jessica Oakman. “It’s been a fun year,” she said. “We’ve made salads our focal point, and we’ve thrived.” Oakman said she credits the restaurant’s success to its “wide variety of fresh, seasonal ingredients.” Pluto’s is a small, 19-year-old corporation, and has nine other locations, mostly in the Bay Area and metro-Sacramento.
BEST TACO
Taco Temple 2680 MAIN ST., MORRO BAY I’m not sure what’s more overwhelming: the enormous, delicious tacos themselves, or the array of options you have here when it comes to ordering. Every day, Taco Temple has seven or eight different kinds of seafood to choose from, as well as all the usual meats and their incredible carnitas. Then comes the leaf lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chunks of cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced radishes, diced onions, and minced cilantro, rounded out with a little grated cheese and perfectly accentuated with housemade chipotle puree and cilantro garlic vinaigrette. And it keeps on going: The special fish tacos come with mango salsa, and you might even decide to order the ridiculously good guacamole to use however you see fit. You get the idea. Their name says it all—and is well deserved—for this California fusion magnet.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: TACO ROCO
BEST BURRITO
Tacos de Acapulco 1273 LAUREL LANE, SLO
—Rhys Heyden
Dear San Luis Obispo County, Thank you. In the past, I must admit, we’ve had
RUNNER-UP: FIRESTONE GRILL
our differences when it comes to who you select as the winner in this category. It’s happened more than once. Mistakes were made, and that’s OK. I’ve learned that we’re not enemies, we’re just different. But this year you decided that an actual local Mexican establishment has the best local burrito. Kudos for acknowledging that a burrito should take longer than 30 seconds to prepare, and that it’s best assembled at the hands of a family-run business like Tacos de Acapulco, which has been churning out quality Mexican fare made from scratch for years. According to Neli Salígan, whose family owns and operates the restaurant, the challenge isn’t about speed: “The biggest challenge, I would say, is that you’ve got to put the effort in.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: TACO TEMPLE
BEST CHOWDER
Splash Cafe 197 POMEROY AVE., PISMO BEACH • 1491 MONTEREY ST., SLO • 893 HIGUERA ST., SLO Saying that Splash Cafe’s clam chowder has won some awards is like saying Michael Phelps has won some Olympic medals. It may be owing to the fact that these establishments produce more than 30,000 gallons of the stuff per year between their three store locations and online shipping option, and hey, practice makes perfect. Or it might be due to the fact that, DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 19
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PAGE 18 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
PRESENT THE INAUGURAL SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY CORPORATE GOLF “CHALLENGE CUP”
So You Think You're The Best?
Prove It On The Course! The “Challenge” will begin in September 2014 with a shotgun tee-time at 1:00 p.m. at Cypress Ridge Golf Course. This Peter Jacobsen course is as challenging as it is beautiful. Mature cypress trees, lush green fairways and cool ocean air make Cypress Ridge a golfer’s paradise. The format for the “Challenge Cup” will be 4-person teams from the same company or organization playing a stoke competition. The top 8 teams will advance to the match play rounds on subsequent Friday’s in October 2014.* The winning team will host the “Challenge Cup” trophy for the year, and will be invited back to defend their title in 2015. The time is now to put together your team and reserve your team’s place in the “Challenge Cup”. The field is limited to 20 teams, and space is filling fast. The team entry fee is $100.00, and each player’s cost will be $90.00 per player. Please reserve your team’s entry by application on line at www.centralcoastgolfacademy.com, or email Jordan Bridges, PGA at jordanbridges@centralcoastgolfacademy.com, or call us at (805) 489-3060. Or just complete the following application, with $100.00 team entry fee and fax to (805) 287-9079.
For more information & dates, please visit our website centralcoastgolfacademytwo. liveeditaurora.com or call us at (805) 489-3060
Company_____________________________ Address______________________________ City_________________________________ Zip Code_____________________________ Phone #______________________________ Contact______________________________ Credit Card #:_________________________ Expiration Date:_______________________ Or please mail check to: Central Coast Golf Academy 1030 Cypress Ridge Parkway, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
The “Challenge Cup” will be a gross stoke play competition, played to USGA rules. Central Coast Golf Academy PGA Professional’s will officiate the competition. The Match play competition will be the 8 teams with low gross to start, with the winners of 4 team matches advancing to the second round, followed by the Championship Match with the two finalist teams. * Match play dates of competition can possibly be rescheduled on a mutually agreeable date and time between teams for extenuating circumstances.
BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD IN SLO
THANK YOU FOR 20 WONDERFUL YEARS!
Thank You SLO County for voting us
#1 Best place for Chowder again! We also feature delicious pastries & desserts and are open daily for breakfast. Think of us for all of your catering needs.
3 Locations to Serve You
O P E N DA I LY F O R B R E A K FA S T, LU N C H & D I N N E R
1121 B R OA D S T R E E T | D OW N TOW N S LO (805) 545-5401 | www.bigskycafe.com
7am 544-7567 Open 439-2990 for Breakfast
Open 7am for Breakfast
8am 773-4653 Open for Breakfast
1491 Monterey St, SLO Next to Barnes & Noble, SLO 197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach
SplashCafe.com • SplashBakery.com
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 19 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 19
BEST ICE CREAM/YOGURT
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab 114 WEST BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE • 860 HIGUERA ST., SLO It’s been a busy past few months for Doc Burnstein’s: SLO County’s ice cream titan. In January 2014, the venerable Arroyo Grande scoopery opened a long-awaited branch location in downtown SLO. According to Communications Manager Cat Keith, Doc Burnstein’s has been well received thus far, with long lines and content customers. “It’s really neat to know what we’re liked up in SLO as well,” Keith said. Doc’s is known for creating nontraditional but delicious original flavors in its lab, including Merlot Raspberry Truffle, Mexican Chocolate, and “Motor Oil” (dark chocolate and Kahlua swirled with fudge). The lab donates 10 percent of its profits to schools, education-based nonprofits, and blood drives. As noted do-gooders, staffers at Doc Burnstein’s were unsure if they had a real arch-nemesis, but this writer humbly suggests dentists.
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: YOGURT CREATIONS
BEST DESSERT
Madonna Inn 100 MADONNA ROAD, SLO
PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
THE SPICE OF LIFE There’s little in this world that beats fresh salsa on your restaurant table as you eagerly await the main course to come. New Times readers voted La Casita Mexican Restaurant as the creator of this area’s Best Salsa for 2013.
DINING OUT FROM PAGE 17
according to co-owner Joanne Currie, they use “all fresh vegetables, fresh potatoes, three types of clams, and only the freshest, highest-quality dairy available.” Whatever the reason, Splash Cafe has dominated the Best Chowder category, well, ever since it became a category. It seems there’s no enemy Splash Cafe’s clam chowder can’t conquer … except maybe zombies. ’Cause, y’know, they don’t eat chowder.
RUNNER-UP: GIOVANNI’S FISH MARKET AND GALLEY
—Ashley
BEST SALSA
La Casita Mexican Restaurant 2008 9TH ST., LOS OSOS There’s no better way for a sit-down Mexican restaurant to make a great first impression than with that initial bite of chips and salsa, and La Casita has left a great taste in its customers’ mouths. For the salsa connoisseur, there are options! La Casita dishes out the commonly found red tomato cooked salsa, which customers can buy to go and take home in soda cups. They also have bottled
salsa—in the form of what gringos call hot sauce—all labeled and ready to go. The tricky part may seem to be making a decision between the 911 Salsa, Chipotle Salsa, or Tomatillo Salsa. But any true salsa lover knows that it’s best to line your refrigerator door with plenty of options, so go buy all three. You won’t regret it.
RUNNER-UP: BURRITO LOCO
Eating a slice of champagne cake with decadent pink ribbons is as much a San Luis Obispo rite of passage as a stroll through Bubblegum Alley (and it tastes a lot better, too). Of course, as marvelous as a giant Pink Champagne Cake might be, it’d be a shame to eat it every day, because that wouldn’t leave you with much room to sample the rest of the Madonna Inn’s lengthy dessert menu, which boasts dozens of pies (fruit, cream, pecan, cream cheese, and even a couple sugar-free options); cupcakes; muffins; cookies; and several different types of pastries. And that’s just from the Madonna Inn Bakery. The Inn’s Copper Café offers everything you need to reenact a date from the 1950s, from sundaes to milkshakes. And, of course, if you prefer your dessert in a hot pink cocoon festooned with garlands of roses, the Alex Madonna Gold Rush Steak House serves all the desserts from the bakery.
—Ashley
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: DOC BURNSTEIN’S ICE CREAM LAB
BEST BRUNCH
Marisol at the Cliffs
BEST SANDWICH
Gus’s Grocery
2757 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH
1638 OSOS ST., SLO
Don’t drink the salt water! The mimosas are way better. After you’ve had a long week, Marisol at the Cliffs is the perfect Sunday spot, offering spectacular views, excellent food, live music, and enough mimosas to go around. Walk around their scenic back patio, or wander down to the beach and enjoy the sand and water. Even if you and your friends have a little too much fun, you can always book a room and stay till Monday. In fact, the only problem here is convincing yourself to leave.
Maybe you’re a regular egg salad on wheat with “the works.” Maybe you’re a bomber with roast beef and cheddar on Dutch crunch. Personally, I’m a half turkey breast with Havarti dill on squaw bread. And sprouts! Don’t forget the sprouts. Gus’s Grocery wrests the sandwich trophy this year from High Street’s hot little hands, doing the same delicious thing they’ve done for the past 25 years. Be prepared to stand awkwardly in front of the chips or the salad bar for a while if you come during “lunch” (read: any time between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on a weekday or 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends), but this deli darling is
RUNNER-UP: VENTANA GRILL
—Henry
DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 21
PAGE 20 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
TOBIN JAMES… IT’S ALL TRUE! Thank you wine lovers for all your support and for voting us the #1 TASTING ROOM again! Hope to see you soon!
895 0 U n io n Ro a d, Pa s o Ro b le s , C A 93 4 4 6 (805) 2 39 -2 20 4 | O pe n d a ily 10 a m– 6p m | w w w.tob i n j a me s .com
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 21 DINING OUT FROM PAGE 19
worth the wait. So get in line now, because you know you’re already hungry. Bring a friend and don’t forget to “sandwich cheers”—tapping your wrapped sandwiches together before you unfurl and devour them.
—Erin C. Messer
RUNNER-UP: HIGH STREET MARKET AND DELI
BEST BAKERY
Carlock’s Bakery 1024 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, LOS OSOS The sweet smell of success is wafting from the hallowed racks of marzipan and chocolate treats at the ever-delicious Carlock’s Bakery in Los Osos. Owner Meng Phou says that customers come from all over the county for goodies they can’t get anywhere else. The Los Osos institution makes everything from savory fritters to custom cakes, as well as doughnuts and a full complement of Danishes and croissants. It’s hard to imagine such a place having a nemesis, except maybe dieting. But don’t forget that being an adult means you’re allowed to have dessert for dinner—and breakfast and lunch, too … .
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: MADONNA INN
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Novo
726 HIGUERA ST., SLO Food tastes better in beautiful spaces. And there’s hardly a more beautiful place than among the trees and twinkle lights of Novo’s creekside patio, adorned with quaint, bistro-style tables and generous umbrellas that supply cool, refreshing shade for afternoons and heaters for those more chilly evenings. At night, market lights twist through the trees like glowing, mottled serpents, and hanging lanterns give a dark and intimate ambiance, perfect for the budding love of first dates or the lasting love of an anniversary. Guests love the “tree house patio” and listening to the soothing sounds of creek below. Never was there a better venue to throw a party, so inquire about their familystyle banquets for your upcoming celebration. Oh, you’re wondering about the food? Well, it’s delicious. And I’m pretty sure they shake up a mean cocktail.
—Ana Korgan
RUNNER-UP: CUSTOM HOUSE
BEST MEAL FOR YOUR MONEY
Firestone Grill
1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO You’ve got $15 left in your pocket. You thirst for beer and hunger for tri-tip and potatoes. Can you
make it work? Sure you can, especially if Firestone Grill is your Mecca, your pilgrimage, your lunch. Go enjoy the game on one of the many gigantic screens or find a spot on their outdoor patio and prepare for a smorgasbord of inexpensive and delicious barbecue. With enough beers on tap to get you through overtime, Firestone Grill is a lunchtime staple of San Luis Obispo—and readers say it’s the Best Meal for your Money.
—Henry
RUNNER-UP: JAFFA CAFE
BEST MEAL TO TREAT YOURSELF
Novo
726 HIGUERA ST., SLO Sometimes, all you want is something quick and dirty. Then there are the times you want to throw on your best duds and go out for a night on the town. Paper napkins? Puh-leeze! When you wanna do it, do it right! Looking for swanky style without the snoot? Novo wins the prize for the best place to throw down that hard-earned scrilla. What you’ll receive in return is some of the tastiest food you’ve ever crammed in your eat-hole. Customer favorites include roast duck with spicy panang curry and the petit fillet: natural angus beef complemented with a port reduction. Staff recommends the scallops with roasted asparagus. Some menu items come with DINING OUT CONTINUED PAGE 23
THANKS SLO COUNTY for voting us #1 again!!
#1 Best Sports Bar 2 years in a row · #1 Best Carnivore Fare #1 Best Meal for the Money 7 years in a row
Best Salad
Best Burger 14 times Best Tri-Tip 13 times
1001 Higuera St. SLO
783-1001
PAGE 22 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
MERRELL SALOMON KEEN Thank you for voting us “Best Butcher.”
VASQUE ASOLO LASPORTIVA
Family run AG Meat Co. is a REAL Butcher Shop that does it all! Everything from a steak to sausages to homemade jerky... and so much more! We carry only the finest meats, the top 8% of USDA Choice Black Angus as well as Hearst Ranch local grass fed meat. Stop by and let us cut the best steak you’ve ever had, just the way you want it!
THE NORTH FACE SCARPA
Josh, Henry, Mike & Alfredo
www.agmeatcompany.com 120 East Branch St · Arroyo Grande · 489-2693 Mon. 9:30-5:00 Tues.-Sat. 9:30-6:00
In the Village. 101 S. Exit Grand Ave, Turn Left. We’re on the right side
667 MARSH STREET | SLO | 543-1676 MON-SAT 10 – 6 | THURS 10 – 8 | SUN 11 – 4 WWW.THEMOUNTAINAIR.COM
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 23 DINING OUT FROM PAGE 21
vegan and gluten-free options. You’ll need a drink to wash it down, of course. Try one of Novo’s signature cocktails: the Ruby Kiss Martini or the Raspberry Lemon Drop, perhaps? Friday and Saturday nights the party runs late, with DJ and dance floor.
—Ana
get something in your stomach.” Nestled between a high school and university, Frank’s is blessed with a ready supply of starved customers (don’t drink, kids), and it’s kept hot dog lovers happy from the same iconic location for 37 years. Jimmy said he’s glad when people are smart and safe (and not dead), “and we’ll take care of them in the morning.”
RUNNER-UP: LIDO AT DOLPHIN BAY
Frank’s Famous Hot Dogs
As Jimmy, manager of Frank’s Famous Hot Dogs, points out: You can’t have a hangover if you’re dead because you decided to drink and drive. In that sense, the arch nemesis of a hangover is being dead. Being dead sucks. If you’re dead, then how are you going to nurse a hangover with piles of greasy goodness from SLO County’s favorite local hot dog joint? After a long night spent funneling drinks, you’re going to want something to fill that booze-annihilated belly, and you’re going to want it fast. “I think we’ve got really good food, and it’s really reasonably priced, and it’s fast,” Jimmy said. “Especially when you’re hungover, you don’t want to wait for 20 minutes to
RUNNER-UP: OLDE PORT FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET
BEST BUTCHER
Arroyo Grande Meat Company
BEST FISH MARKET
950 CALIFORNIA BLVD., SLO
—Maria
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: LOUISA’S PLACE RESTAURANT
BEST HANGOVER FOOD
best, he said: “Having access to the local catch, not having a middle-man. Having to buy directly from the fisher.”
Giovanni’s Fresh Fish Market and Galley
120 E BRANCH ST., ARROYO GRANDE
1001 FRONT ST., MORRO BAY When you’re craving some delectables from the sea, the Central Coast has agreed there’s one place to go to get those cravings fulfilled—and that’s Giovanni’s Fresh Fish Market and Galley. “We have been around longer than anybody else by decades,” said Giovanni DeGarimore, owner of the family business. “Having access to our boats really gives us a super competitive edge over everybody else.” That leg up is what makes them the
Finding a good butcher can be a timeless pursuit these days. But San Luis Obispo County is lucky to have a stalwart meat shop that’s been in the Arroyo Grande Village for over 100 years. What the Arroyo Grande Meat Company is most known for depends on who you ask—a lot of people say their array of house-made sausages are the best around, others say the custom-cut steaks are one-of-a-kind. Either way, they are a real butcher shop—they remember your name, fill standing accounts, and take special orders and perform custom slaughtering. They’re especially busy preparing for the feasts on Father’s Day and Christmas.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: NEW FRONTIERS
You’re not local ‘til you’ve partied at SLO’s Best Bar (aka The Sheep)
Ewe Too.
Thank’s For the Love! We
4-time winner Best SLO Bar
PINT NIGHT MONDAY’S 9PM. TECATE TUESDAY’S. WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY’S. HAPPY HOUR 3-6PM DAILY. Get All The Deets On Our FB Page: www.facebook.com/BlackSheepSlo
1117 Chorro St., SLO • 805.544.SHEEP • www.BlackSheepSlo.com
PAGE 24 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
AFTER HOURS
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 25
The Bride vs. The Crazy 88
MODELS: DORA MOUNTAIN, LENI LITONJUA, TREVER DIAS, COLIN RIGLEY, ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH COSTUMES: COSTUME CAPERS LOCATION: MO TAV
PAGE 26 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 26 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO BAR
Black Sheep Bar & Grill 1117 CHORRO ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO If you’ve yet to experience why Black Sheep has been named best bar in SLO year after year, perhaps it’s time to get off that privately reserved, perfectly contoured bar stool at the same ol’ watering hole, and go give it a try. Do keep this in mind: Your experience will depend on when you go. That’s because the Sheep has successfully drawn a wide range of regulars and weekend revelers alike. They have a great weekday crowd that comes in after the 9-to-5 grind (or for lunch just to make it through). For those seeking the occasional drink with co-workers, you’ll find a hospitable happy hour (and delicious food when you realize you’re drinking on an empty stomach). And it’s the hip place to be for the college and young-professional crowd to bask in the attractiveness of the vine-lined, smoke-free brick patio. Stop in to see why the Sheep has perfected its role as a neighborhood pub.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: McCARTHY’S
BEST PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE
Novo
726 HIGUERA ST., SLO First dates are fraught with expectation. Ditch the anxiety and warring inner monologues (“Is she enjoying
this?” “Am I trying too hard?”) and bring on what Novo General Manager James Borland calls “the wow factor.” The romantic ambience of patio dining is obvious, but you’re going out for food here. Borland said the spring rolls make for a great dish to share. They’re clean, simple, and look and taste great. He also suggested any of the restaurant’s three curries as good orders to split. Of course, if you’re hungry and up for something fried on this first outing as a pair, you could—and should—order the calamari. End the date (or this portion of it, anyway) with a vanilla bean and coffee sundae for two, topped with chocolate ganache, peanuts, and fruit. It’s as sweet as a first kiss.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: GIUSEPPE’S
a dance floor by night, giving you plenty of chances to get your grind on. The owners of Pappy’s are opening another spot with a different vibe in downtown Paso, so stay tuned.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: MOLLY PITCHER
BEST SOUTH COUNTY BAR
Harry’s Night Club and Beach Bar 690 CYPRESS ST., PISMO BEACH
BEST NORTH COUNTY BAR
Pappy McGregor’s 1122 PINE ST., PASO ROBLES Save water; drink beer. Or wine. Or liquor. That’s something most people can get behind, right? And why not do so at Pappy McGregor’s, who’s wearing the crown for Best North County Bar yet again. They’ve got a lot going for them: a great location facing the large park across the street; a town with a growing appetite for the finer things in life but still knows how to have a good time; and a comfortable, friendly, not-too-swanky atmosphere. If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone on Friday night, the daytime dining patio turns into
When it comes to competition, Harry’s knows how to go the distance, because becoming a region’s favorite bar is a lengthy marathon. Unapologetic in all its kitschy glory, Harry’s is a historic nighttime experience with a hint of country flare thrown into the mix. Ordering yourself a cold one at the bar just might teleport you back to the days of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood, when cowboys lived outside the law and with their own rebellious nature. Harry’s revives the Old West magic of a time long forgotten and bottles up a unique nightlife experience with long-time owners who treat the bar like a treasure. Don’t be surprised if you’re get lassoed into a night of tequila sunrises and interesting conversation when you spend a night at Harry’s.
—Lauren
RUNNER-UP: MONGO’S SALOON AND RESTAURANT AFTER HOURS CONTINUED PAGE 28
9th Annual Benefit For Escuela Del Rio Hampton Inn & Suites and Castoro Cellars present A Very Special Evening with
KARLA BONOFF with Special Guest
ERIC KUFS Friday, June 6, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
$30
Tri-Tip BBQ available from the Atascadero Kiwanis Aktion Club TICKETS: 805.238.0725 or www.castorocellars.com
1315 North Bethel Road Templeton, California DISCOVERY POINT ENTERNTAINMENT
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 27
BEST LOCAL BAND THANK YOU AGAIN
SLO COUNTY
Photo: Dean Sullivan
COME SEE THE BEST BAND AT SOME OF THE BEST LOCAL VENUES: BACK BAY INN – BAYWOOD
SEA PINES GOLF RESORT–LOS OSOS
June 1
with Ricardo Lemvo, Cayucos Steel Pan Band, and Trio Vanguard!
BAYFEST
August 31
June 21 • Summer Solstice • 2-6PM Barefoot Concerts on the Green Saturdays through October!
with Cafe Musique!
EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK – SLO
CASTORO CELLARS – TEMPLETON
September 14
July 12
FOR EVENT DETAILS, FIND US AT ZONGOALLSTARS.COM SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE GREAT VENUE PARTNERS:
LIVE OAK
ZONGO YACHTING CUP
PAGE 28 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 28 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 AFTER HOURS FROM PAGE 26
a little something for everyone right now,” Schaller added.
BEST NORTH COAST BAR
Old Cayucos Tavern 130 N. OCEAN AVE, CAYUCOS Adoringly referred to as “the Tavvy” by its fans, the Old Cayucos Tavern just might be Cayucos’ mostvisited attraction. The beach is cool and whatever, but you can’t shotgun drinks while playing on the jungle gym (at least not in the daylight hours). Built in 1906, the Tavern (probably) still looks the same way it did when cowboys drank there. There’s all types of eye candy: dollar bills with special messages on the ceiling and murals of scantily clad girls on the walls. Looking for a good time? Check the bathroom wall for phone numbers. Now, it’s mostly tourists from the valley (sometimes they’re like cowboys) and a handful of local hardcore regulars. But whatever! Ever’body is family down at the Tavvy! They have Texas hold ’em games a few nights a week and live music and dancing on the weekend.
—Ana
RUNNER-UP: SCHOONERS WHARF
—Tally
RUNNER-UP: FROG AND PEACH
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: GIUSEPPE’S
BEST LOCAL BAND
Zongo All-Stars
BEST PLACE TO DRINK ZONGOALLSTARS.COM LIKE JIMMY BUFFETT
They call their music CaliCubano, and you hear it at festivals, parties, and concerts in the park around the Central Coast. It’s the sort of sound that makes you feel like you’re wearing a breezy sun dress or linen pants and light, white shirt. They’ve got a metallic rhythm and an easy feel that literally moves local listeners, who flock to this group so they can dance. “We are continually trying to do bigger and better things,” said trumpeter Paul Irving. He noted that Zongo headlined the Vino Robles Amphitheatre last year and will be opening the main stage at Live Oak this year. August marks an annual yachting cup that brings the big boats from Morro Bay to Avila, where the All-Stars play on the boardwalk. But their biggest news? They’re aiming to release their first CD—“Finally!” Irving said—this summer.
—Ryan
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
The Graduate 990 INDUSTRIAL WAY, SLO If you Google “The Graduate,” Mike Nichols’ 1967 classic film hogs the first two spots, but the third spot is occupied by this dynamic dance destination in SLO. Dustin Hoffman’s nuanced portrayal of post-collegiate ennui is fine and all, but—come on—it’s way more fun to unleash your inner freak on SLO’s largest dance floor. The Graduate has several different theme nights, including country (yee-haw), Latin (caliente!), and even “Hump Night with DJ DJDONK” (suggestive!). All that bodacious boogying is eventually bound to build up a fierce appetite, and The Graduate has you calorically covered—with burgers, fries, nachos, pizza, and hot dogs. Only fascists and middle school assistant principals could ever be archenemies of dancing, so Graduate General Manager Brittany Donalies said her business’ arch-nemesis is its “kind of hidden” location. For the record, The Graduate is a few miles south of downtown SLO, off Broad Street, on Industrial Way. “The music is great and our staff is really friendly,” Donalies said. “Come on down!”
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: MOTHER’S TAVERN
BEST PLACE TO CATCH A BAND
RUNNER-UP: DAMON CASTILLO BAND
BEST PLACE TO DRINK LIKE HOMER SIMPSON
McCarthy’s Irish Pub 600 MARSH ST., SLO When I think of Homer Simpson, there are definitely other bars I think of before I think of McCarthy’s. But here we are, dubbing McCarthy’s as the Moe’s of SLO. When I think of Moe’s Tavern, though, I picture someone in the corner falling asleep, or someone curled over their drink with an angry glare, but I’ve never come across that at McCarthy’s. Either way, owner Colin Wenzl is “honored they thought of us. We don’t have a Barney we have to kick out, but I’m proud to be the Moe’s of SLO.”
—Lareina Gamboa
RUNNER-UP: BULL’S TAVERN
BEST PLACE TO DRINK LIKE FRANK SINATRA
SLO Brewing Co. Koberl at Blue 1119 GARDEN ST., SLO
Host to countless big names and sold-out shows, SLO Brew has been keeping people of all ages entertained, with sounds from DJs spinning EDM to rockabilly groups and rappers. Monte Schaller, general manager of SLO Brew for more than six years, thinks the bar, restaurant, and concert hot spot has everything the community looks for in a place to see their favorite band. “I believe the variety is definitely appealing, and we reach a lot of demographics,” Schaller said. He also thinks SLO Brew is attractive for its “intimate venue and hospitality of our staff.” They hope to uphold their title by continuing to bring recognizable names to the downtown scene. “We’ve got
because the classic shaken martinis and freshly muddled Manhattans are always proper. For those looking to step out of the black-and-white standards, there are colorful cocktails like the “Key Lime,” “Pink Lemonade Fizz,” and “Orange Bellini Blue.”
Mr. Rick’s 404 FRONT ST., AVILA BEACH The enemy of Jimmy Buffett is perhaps the most nefarious foe of all time: the man. The man knows not the wonders of flip flops and loose-fit Hawaiian shirts. When the man gets caught in the rain, he runs for cover. The man will never waste away in Margaritaville or enjoy a Cheeseburger in Paradise. The man will pave over paradise and do his taxes in Margaritaville. For these reasons, you won’t see the man relaxing with the mix of locals and laid-back tourists who know how to take it easy at Mr. Rick’s. Nestled safely in a cove protected from the fog and wind ripping off the Pacific, Mr. Rick’s is the perfect way to take yourself on an imagination vacation to some far off Caribbean paradise. Eat your heart out, Sandals Resorts. With big patio doors to let in the ocean breeze, live music to accompany your drink of choice, and picturesque ocean views, Mr. Rick’s is our own little pocket of paradise.
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: CREEKY TIKI
BEST HAPPY HOUR
The Cliffs Resort/ Marisol 2757 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH I don’t know much about how time zones are mapped out, but I sure as heck don’t mind using the excuse “it’s 5 o’clock somewhere” whenever I want to throw a few cold ones back with my home-slices. For 2014, Marisol at the Cliffs Resort in Pismo wins Best Happy Hour. They should call it happy hours, because at Marisol, drink specials run from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. That’s 15 hours a week of happy drinking. Gather friends and enjoy a few cocktails while taking in the view. (Note: Marisol nabbed runner-up for Best Drink with a View). Or you can always drink by yourself. Because that’s never sad.
—Ana
RUNNER-UP: TAHOE JOE’S
998 MONTEREY ST., SLO You feel the higher elegance of this place as soon as you step up the sturdy marble stairs leading to the double doors of oak and spotless glass. The historic building gives off a timeless air, and once you step inside Blue, as the place is affectionately known, you’ll find it fitting. Be it the old brick walls and finished hard wood framing, the classy cocktail waitresses and the gentlemen behind the bar, or the well-dressed clientele coming in after a long, successful work week for three fingers of scotch or a sturdy martini, you’ll be swept up in stylish surroundings fit for Frank himself. The menu features an extensive list of top-shelf spirits and classic drinks,
BEST LOCAL RED WINE
Opolo
7110 VINEYARD DR., PASO ROBLES You could say that Opolo Vineyards’ most popular wine, Mountain Zinfandel, is a quintessential example of what Paso Robles wine country is known for: a rich, jammy presence with just enough oak to add character without standing in the fruit's way. Or mayAFTER HOURS CONTINUED PAGE 29
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 29 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 29 AFTER HOURS FROM PAGE 28
be it’s the vineyards rolling along the oak-dotted hills spanning west of Highway 101, in the area called the Templeton Gap. Here, the calcareous clay and limestone soils stress the wine just enough, and the warm days and cool nights give the grapes time to ripen into a rich, complex fruit that helped the Paso Robles AVA nab Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2013 Wine Region of the Year honor. As for what prompted New Times readers to select Opolo Vineyards from the crop of other wineries, that goes back to the owner’s love for growing grapes and drinking wine. Tasting Room Manager Rich Schroder said Rick Quinn, who opened the winery for business in 2001 with partner Dave Nichols (the two are neighbors in Camarillo), simply had a hobby that went out of control, propelling them into a business that currently boasts a selection of 30 wines and vineyards growing 17 varieties. As Quinn likes to say, “I never met a grape I didn’t like.”
—Tally
BEST LOCAL WHITE WINE
Edna Valley Vineyard 2585 BIDDLE RANCH ROAD, SLO Edna Valley is what you think of as the SLO wine region as a whole. A certain reputation needs to be upheld, and a local responsibility is invoked by the mere mention of “Edna Valley” in the name of
Firestone Walker Brewing Company 1400 RAMADA DRIVE, PASO ROBLES
RUNNER-UP: TALLEY VINEYARDS
BEST PLACE TO STOCK UP ON BOOZE
BevMo
1525 FROOM RANCH WAY, SLO 2135 THEATRE DR., PASO ROBLES
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: TALLEY VINEYARDS
BEST LOCAL BEER
a vineyard. Edna Valley Vineyards definitely don’t disappoint when it comes to their white wines. Known for their chardonnay, this winery doesn’t fall short, even when compared to its many neighbors. Whether your palate is craving a dry chardonnay or a fruity sauvignon blanc, Edna Valley Vineyards has elegance with a taste of home.
As soon as you enter this shop, you’ll find a sea of booze ready and waiting to tantalize your palate. Is it a whiskey night, or an evening for just a couple of beers? Wine and cheese social hour? Or maybe a kegger, just for the hell of it? Whatever your reason to stock up on booze, BevMo—with its wide variety of beverages and great deals—is the chosen destination for us SLOcals. And though Alejandro Tovar, the Paso store manager, was caught off guard by the notification of the win, he was still thankful “for our customers being loyal, and making us their No. 1 choice for spirits.”
—Lareina
RUNNER-UP: COSTCO
In the great battle of beer and wine, beer is the clear winner. Have you ever spent the weekend sipping beer and spitting it into a large communal bucket? No, you haven’t. People don’t taste beer; they drink beer. They don’t talk about beer; they enjoy beer. Other drinks pretend they’re better than beer, but all the tannins and varietals in the world can’t stem the unstoppable awesome of beer. “Beer is losing share to wine and spirits as a social drink,” said David Walker of Firestone Walker. “As brewers, we need to tell our stories and connect with customers better than we have done. Craft brewers are leading the charge in this field. Our beers are balanced and elegantly conceived, but most importantly very fresh in our local communities,” Walker added. “It’s tough to beat fresh beer.” You get fresh beer by brewing locally, and Firestone Walker is so freaking local they put the 805 area code on one of their brews. Fight the good fight, and pour a cold one for victory.
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: TAP IT BREWING CO.
AFTER HOURS CONTINUED PAGE 30
Voted #1 Thrift Store for over 15 years!
THANK YOU SLO COUNTY
REUSE
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Vintage to Vogue Funk to Formal Casual to Cowboy Mattresses
BEST FISH MARKET
w w w.scgoodwill.org • San Luis Obispo •
Store: 15 South Higuera • 544-4965 •Outlet & Vehicles: 880 Industrial Way • 544-0542
• Paso Robles • 1020 Park Street
• Atascadero •
8310 El Camino Real
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BEST CLAM CHOWDER
10 01 F RO NT STR E ET M O R R O B AY • 8 0 5 -7 7 2 - 212 3 w w w. g i o v a n n i s f i s h m a r k e t . c o m
PAGE 30 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 30 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 AFTER HOURS FROM 29
BEST BARISTA
Eric Pettis, BlackHorse Espresso & Bakery
1065 HIGUERA ST., SUITE 101, SLO Eric Pettis said that someone once challenged the BlackHorse baristas to list as many customers as possible: names and drinks. “Between the three of us, we had at least 150,” he said. “Knowing people’s kids’ names, their routines, it’s personal.” That familiarity makes BlackHorse a local favorite—and Pettis a top pick when it comes to barista-ing in the county. The friendly javaslinger has accepted the crown for this category about a million times, it seems, and his success shows no signs of slowing. He’s obviously enjoying his job, because that’s what he attributes to his own longevity. “We have fun,” he said. “People only last here if they have a good time.”
—Ashley and Ryan
RUNNER-UP: ROCHELLE SEPRO, COASTAL PEAKS
BEST LOCAL COFFEE ROASTER
Coastal Peaks 3536 S. HIGUERA ST., SUITE 250, SLO Mmmmmm, smell that? That’s the winning smell of fresh ground and brewed coffee—all day, every day.
Whether you’re making it at home, or stopping by their shop on Higuera Street for a cup of joe, Coastal Peaks offers a wide range of coffee for a decent by-the-pound price. And owner Mike Knight was very excited about this win: “I’m honored to be voted the first-ever coffee roaster ever in the county,” he said of nabbing the honor in this new category. You can buy their coffee whole bean or already prepped for drip, espresso, or French press. They do the work, so you can enjoy the taste.
of triumph, Store Manager Eric Pettis cited New Year’s resolutions as the coffee shops’ biggest nemesis due to a decline in business the first couple weeks of the new year. Given how quickly business bounces back, it seems like they might be in need of a more formidable foe.
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: COASTAL PEAKS COFFEE
—Lareina
RUNNER-UP: SLO ROASTED
BEST LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
BlackHorse Espresso & Bakery SAN LUIS OBISPO Perhaps the best proof of BlackHorse’s popularity is the fact that it’s slowly expanded to four San Luis Obispo locations, and North County residents are still clamoring for a shop in their neck of the woods. As to why this particular local institution continues to dominate this Best Of category, the emphasis on customer service makes for a friendly atmosphere where baristas remember customers’ names and drink orders, the bread used in their sandwiches is baked daily, they roast the meats used in their sandwiches on location, and they don’t use their success as an excuse not to evolve. Look for new menu items—including empanadas—in the coming weeks and months. As for their tale
BEST TASTING ROOM (NORTH COUNTY)
Tobin James Cellars
8950 UNION ROAD, PASO ROBLES Let’s face it: Anywhere you go in SLO County, there are dozens of tasting rooms within a few miles of each other. Being the best doesn’t just mean that the art of crafting a perfect wine has been mastered. Tasting wine can be overwhelming when meaningless jargon gets tossed around. Ben Lunt, assistant general manager of Tobin James Cellars, says that the friendly staff and customer service are what have people coming back. “We try to treat everyone with respect and light-heartedness,” he explained. The recognizable name and quality of the wine is just the start. Tobin James holds events and provides recommended transportation and shuttle services to and from the winery.
—Tally
RUNNER-UP: DAOU AFTER HOURS CONTINUED PAGE 33
Thanks Slo County for The Votes!!!
g alizin i c e p S DD in D, ups &EC
WE SUIT YOU BEST YEAR AFTER YEAR 795 Higuera Street - San Luis Obispo 805-781-9604 - sloswim@att.net
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 31
Extended Education
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DID YOU KNOW CAL POLY SUMMER CLASSES ARE OPEN TO ALL? •
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Thank you for our Wins! Best Dessert Best Wedding Reception or Bash
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Runner Up For Best Place to Stay Best Bakery Best Massage
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3 sessions (Monday-Friday) beginning July 7th. See website for more information.
SPACE IS LIMITED!
PAGE 32 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
PLATEROTI CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 33 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 33 AFTER HOURS FROM 30
BEST TASTING ROOM (SOUTH COUNTY)
Talley Vineyards
nothing but well-deserved praise. As the Corona commercials always say, “Find your paradise.” Well, we did, right here on the shores of SLO.
—Lareina
3031 LOPEZ DRIVE, ARROYO GRANDE The Central Coast is famously known for its fine wine tasting selection, but one tasting room has reigned supreme. That’s Talley Vineyards. Lucy Parkis, Talley Vineyards’ tasting room manager, said there are two things that make Talley the best: “Our great wine,” she explained, “and the hospitality we try to provide to all our customers.” From chardonnay to pinot noir, they offer a variety of wines to choose from, and when it comes to choosing a good wine you can’t go wrong. “A good wine is whatever a person prefers it to be,” Parkis said. “Every wine is a great wine.”
—Maria
RUNNER-UP: LAETITIA
RUNNER-UP: MARISOL AT THE CLIFFS
BEST WINE BAR
Luis Wine Bar 1021 HIGUERA ST., SLO There’s nothing more depressing than walking into a restaurant, bar, or store that doesn’t allow outside food. I mean, sometimes you need a little variety. Vanessa North, owner of Luis Wine Bar, feels your pain. Open for just more than two years, Luis Wine Bar lets you sip on some wine that will go nicely with that tri-tip sandwich straight from farmers’ market or your leftovers from dinner. North wanted to create a place where she would want to hang out and socialize with her friends. Our readers agree that she nailed it.
—Tally
BEST DRINK WITH A VIEW
Ventana Grill 2575 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH There’s nothing like staying true to our costal roots— like sitting and enjoying the sounds of the ocean waves crashing against the rocky shore, watching the sun set, while you unwind with your favorite cocktail. Though they’ve been host to many great events, and have served countless savory meals, nothing beats the glimmer of the sun bouncing off the rim of your glass while you relax at Ventana Grill’s bar on a day off. Since they re-emerged four years ago as Ventana Grill, they’ve been receiving
RUNNER-UP: THE WINE SHED
BEST SPORTS BAR
Firestone Grill 1001 HIGUERA ST., SLO Sports fans aren’t a complicated breed. Throw in some raucous revelers, big televisions, free-flowing booze, and filling food and—just like James Earl Jones said in a
certain sports movie—they will come. Firestone Grill has this particular formula down pat. According to our readers, there’s no better place in SLO County to eat some fried food, guzzle some brews, and yell at that ridiculous and/or blind umpire/referee/official. If the game is going poorly, Firestone’s walls can serve as a welcome distraction—all the memorabilia, photos, and articles on display are the closest thing we have to a SLO County Sports Hall of Fame. There aren’t many unpretentious businesses left in SLO County, but you can safely check your irony and hipsterdom at the door when you go to Firestone—and that has value. Bottoms up, bros.
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: LAGUNA GRILL
BEST DRINK FOR THE MONEY
McCarthy’s Irish Pub
600 MARSH ST., SLO McCarthy’s is a hodgepodge of traditional and notso-traditional in the best kind of way. The no-nonsense, slightly-off-strip atmosphere brings folks from all walks of life, and the proper Irish ethic of both the bartenders and patrons has made McCarthy’s a leading contender for most Jameson sold per capita in America year in and year out. Stories and reputations abound; McCarthy’s isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s not that the drinks are cheap; it’s that they’re strong. Add in the $2.50 cans of domestic beer and generous shots poured large enough to truly dive in and drown your sorrows, and the rest is history, even if you don’t remember it.
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: BLACK SHEEP
exhibitions education events
sloma.org
michele byrne
Free Admission, 11 – 5 Wed – Mon, closed Tuesdays 1010 BROAD STREET west end of the Mission Plaza
PAGE 34 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
THANK YOU for
VOTING US
Best of SLO C OF F E E
and
ROASTER!
First Runner Up COFFEE SHOP AND BARISTA!
3536 S. Higuera, San Luis Obispo, CA | 805 -543- 0179 | www.coastalpeakscof fee.com
Headache & Vertigo Clinic in SLO “Relax” with our new free application for Iphone and Ipad will relax you in minutes. Use it correctly as recommended by our neurologists and you will feel its de-stressing benefits rapidly. This application developed by our neurologists will help you deal with your stressful day, and it is always with you in your pocket. You maximize benefits by using an ear piece listening to its music, darker room to enjoy the colorful screen, and by using it for at least 5 minutes per Session. Kids also love to play with it. Use many fingers to touch the screen for playful interaction with the application. Download it free from the Apple Store:
Templeton Neurology www.facebook.com/templetonneurology
Thank you SLO County for your continued support.
We have the BEST VOLUNTEERS, CLIENTS, AND CUSTOMERS!!
Find us on App Store: Templeton Neurology Templeton Institute of Neurology 1194 Pacific Street Suite 100, San Luis Obispo 434-2482
Stop b y the Hoand discover pe Che st! V
HOPE CHEST
olunte Donatio ers and ns alway s n Call tod eeded. ay for m ore info .
445 Higuera Street • San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Open Monday - Saturday 10am – 5pm • 805-545-5955
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 35
ARTS SCENE Light vs. Dark
Models: Regina Penton, Stephanie Bailey, Elizabeth Wilt Stevenson, Jamie Relth, Julia Wovak, Eugenis Barth Location: Suspended Motion
PAGE 36 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 37
PAGE 38 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 38 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
BEST LOCAL ARTIST—VISUAL
Charlie Criner
live theater, playing host to concerts by acts such a Los Lobos and Yes, and comedy shows by John Waters and Russell Brand. It’s also a main location for the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
—Glen
WWW.CHARLIECRINER.COM Arroyo Grande-based artist Charlie Criner is the dark horse winner of the always hotly contested Best Artist category this year. “I’m really taken back by this exciting news!” he said. “With all the talented people out there, I really feel blessed to have been voted in.” He recently joined the San Luis Obispo Art Association, and although he has no upcoming shows planned as of press time, he was the featured artist at another “Best Of” winner, Novo Restaurant, in the fall of 2013. Where does Criner find his artistic voice? “Most of my inspiration honestly comes from dreams I’ve had,” he says, “of places I’d like to visit but could never find on a map.”
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: LENA RUSHING
BEST MOVIE THEATER
Fremont Theater 1035 MONTEREY ST., SLO They don’t make ’em like that anymore, and for good reason. The movie business has been through so many changes since the Fremont Theater opened in 1942 that a theater of its size and level of decorative arts would never be built today. Among the last of the Streamline Moderne theaters built by architect S. Charles Lee, its occupancy is simply too large to be commercially viable. Yet it’s one of the most recognizable structures in SLO Town. In the late 20th century, we almost lost her when developers wanted to raze the structure and replace it with a multiplex, but public outcry saved the historic Fremont, and now in addition to films, it’s returned to its roots as a part-time
RUNNER-UP: THE PALM THEATRE
San Luis Obispo Little Theatre 888 MORRO ST., SLO
BEST FINE ART GALLERY
Just Looking Gallery 746 HIGUERA ST., SLO Clearly, people are doing more than “just looking” at this popular gallery on the main drag, which ousted last year’s champ, the Steynberg Gallery, for the win. “This year in particular is a very exciting year for our gallery, as it’s our 30th anniversary!” gallery director Ken McGavin said. “Over the past year, we’ve been working closely with nationally known artist Steve Thomas to develop a series of Art Deco Travel Poster style pieces of our local region. Steve Thomas’ iconic Central Coast series has captured some of our county’s favorite spots, like Bishop Peak, Morro Rock, and Avila Beach. This new local series has become exceedingly popular, as its nostalgic style captures how many of us feel about the Central Coast.” So duck into the gallery the next time you’re taking a stroll down Higuera Street, and don’t be self-conscious if you’re not ready to buy. You can always say … well, you know.
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: SAN LUIS OBISPO MUSEUM OF ART
BEST LOCAL THEATER GROUP
The folks at the San Luis Obispo Little Theatre hardly have time to take a breath. They perform 44 out of 52 weekends a year. No, scratch that. The word from Communications and Development Director Patty Thayer is that the group is expanding its season as of July to boast a run of 48 out of 52 weekends a year—“which is kind of insane,” she said. Those extra dates will be devoted to another show added to the annual lineup. Locals can also watch for a new series: After Hours@slotheatre, which will bring late-night comedy and drama to the stage. There are big musicals, quirky plays, and one-woman shows on the horizon; the return of the fan-favorite holiday presentation of A Christmas Story; and nine different staged readings. “I think we’re growing up here—after 67 years,” Thayer said with a laugh.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA
BEST COMMUNITY EVENT
Farmers’ Market SLO COUNTY Maybe you saw me following you down the crowded center of Higuera Street last Thursday night. Maybe you saw ARTS SCENE CONTINUED PAGE 39
The San Luis Obispo County Farmers’ Market Association proudly operates the following four farmers’ markets
SLO • Saturday morning
World Market/Embassy Suites lot
Arroyo Grande • Saturday afternoon Olohan Alley
Arroyo Grande • Wednesday Courtland & Grand
Morro Bay • Thursday afternoon Spencer’s Fresh Markets
SloCountyFarmers.org 805-544-9570 This announcemen t sponsored by the SLO County Farmer s’ Market Association
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 39 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 39 ARTS SCENE FROM PAGE 38 me peek out from behind a rooster near the Arroyo Grande creek on Saturday. Or maybe you caught a glimpse of me ducking into the Fuel Dock on Thursday afternoon? Maybe you just thought you saw me, pushing aside a double stroller to keep pace with you or moving behind The Brat Stop to avoid catching your eye. Yes, it was me, eyeing the first strawberries of the season for saturation of color and any signs of softening into putrefaction. Yes, it was me, fondling the artichokes for firmness and tugging, ever so slightly, at their outermost leaves. Whenever you turn around to see where the smell of churros is coming from, whenever you stop to watch a toddler dance class perform their new routine, whenever you reach out for a tri-tip sandwich or roasted corn on a stick, I’ll be there—your nemesis, closer to you than your closest friend.
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA
BEST TATTOO ARTIST
Keith Duggan— Ink Dynasty 791 DOLLIVER ST., PISMO BEACH Is there anything worse than a bad tattoo? One you cringe at when you see it in the mirror? That’s why finding the right artist is essential. Some artists excel at specific styles, while others have a range of skills to
fit every sensibility. File Keith Duggan in the latter category. From Jerry to subtle shaded work to Japanese styles to stylized cursive lettering to recreating realistic portraits, there’s not much Keith can’t do. Come check out Keith’s crew at his shop. They’ll treat you right and work closely with you to be sure you get the artwork that’s perfect for you.
Exclusively at KEVIN MAIN JEWELRY 720 Higuera Street, Downtown SLO | 805.547.0662 | kevinmain.com
—Glen RUNNER-UP: SHAD PERLICH— TRADITIONAL TATTOO
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
Chris Burkard BURKARDPHOTO.COM Chris Burkard spent March in the Arctic touring a surf film shot in Alaska, called The Cradle of the Storms. He’s got two book projects under his belt, works as a senior staff photographer for Surf Magazine, and though the San Luis Obispo resident got his start in surf photography, he’s since expanded the scope of his work to new horizons and landscapes without ever really leaving the ocean behind. Of course, using nature in lieu of a controlled studio comes with a unique set of challenges. “There’s so many factors that you’re dealing with when you shoot in the type of environments where I travel. As you can imagine, the Arctic isn’t as conducive to shooting pictures as a photography studio would be, but I love the challenge,” Burkard admitted. “There’s a fair amount of research put into trip logistics ARTS SCENE CONTINUED PAGE 40
Annual Studio Show JUNE 22, 4PM AT THE SPANOS THEATRE SLO’s Best Dance Studio Quality Dance Classes for children, teens, adults Exciting Performance opportunities Experienced, Award-winning faculty Home of CORE Dance Company
Thank You!
Best Dance Company
805.541.2669 • 3422 Miguelito Ct, Suite 140, SLO coredance.cc@gmail.com • www.coredanceslo.com
Thanks
To all of our customers for voting us one of your favorite bike shops! ALWAYS #1 IN SOUTH COUNTY
PAGE 40 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 40 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 ARTS SCENES FROM PAGE 39 and always a concern for fluctuating weather. Surfing is the type of sport where moments are fleeting and you have to prepare yourself as best you can when the moment comes.”
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: STEVE E. MILLER
BEST VENUE TO SEE A PLAY
BEST DANCE COMPANY
renowned entertainer Rich Ferguson, AKA The Ice Breaker, who’s appeared on shows such as Ellen and Today, and who’s entertained millions. “It’s going to be a very exciting year for me,” he said. “I’m now consulting and acting on a TV show, and I’m happy to be bringing this extremely well known national show to SLO County.” It’s still a secret which show it is, but Rich—whose pranks on YouTube have garnered millions of views—promises to amaze and delight! “Whenever I tell anyone I live in San Luis Obispo, they gush about what a great area it is,” he added. “I know! I brag about SLO all the time.”
Core Dance: Home of the Core Dance Company
—Glen
3422 MIGUELITO CT., SUITE 140, SAN LUIS OBISPO
The Performing Arts Center, San Luis Obispo 1 GRAND AVE., ARROYO GRANDE Managing Director Ron Regier believes that any recognition or accolades directed at the Performing Arts Center belong first and foremost to the performers on the popular stage. The venue is a rental facility, making the players who tread the boards (or sing, or dance, or lecture, etc.) the clients: They handle promotion, ticket prices, and the rest, so the draw is on them. Of course, credit is also due the PAC staff, Regir said, before he modestly mentioned the first-class building renowned for its acoustics, condition, and equipment—all of which comes as part of the rental package. “What it really boils down to is the people on stage and backstage making it a quality experience,” he said. He’s been with the center since before it opened in 1996, so he knows his stuff. So, apparently, does his staff, since he said some productions have created a new template for subsequent performances after playing at the PAC and seeing what’s possible.
—Ryan
Core Dance pliés its way to a fourth consecutive win this year. “We keep it simple at CORE Dance: experienced faculty, a focus on relationships inside and outside the studio, and original, thought-provoking performances,” said director Zheila Pouraghabagher. Along with directors Leslie Baumberger and Stacy Estrada, Pouraghabagher expressed her excitement about the win: “I guess that means we’re doing something right!” Core Dance’s resident professional company, the Core Dance Company, has performed internationally, most recently in Austria. Core Dance’s upcoming shows at Cal Poly’s Spanos Theatre will be Encore on June 22 and Become, Oct. 17 to 18. Core Dance also offers a summer intensive program to the public; for this and more information, visit coredancecompany.org.
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: CIVIC BALLET OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
BEST LOCAL ENTERTAINER
Rich Ferguson
RUNNER-UP: LOUIE ORTEGA
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE
SLO Brewing Company 1119 GARDEN ST., SLO If you want to see live music, everyone knows the place to go is SLO Brew, which has won the category every year for … I don’t know … a decade, maybe? They play host to 200 concerts a year and just celebrated their 25th anniversary. “I feel we offer the broadest range of programming possible,” said owner Todd Newman. Sure enough, from rock to reggae to blues to hip-hop to punk and more, SLO Brew’s booked it, bringing in huge acts such as Adam Ant, The English Beat, Jeff Bridges, Snoop Dogg, X, and many, many more. “We should be able to keep the streak running if we can get to Higuera Street,” added Todd, who’s currently working with the city on building permits for its new location. SLO Brew is one of the things that makes the downtown a destination!
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RUNNER-UP: THE GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA
Do you believe in magic? How about mentalism? How about pranks? Because right here in SLO lives nationally
—Glen RUNNER-UP: VINA ROBLES AMPHITHEATRE
Golden Gong CHINESE RESTAURANT
Thank you for voting us one of the
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(Across from Madonna Plaza)
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Thank you SLO County! We appreciate the votes and the support over the years! 1015 Court St. SLO · 594-1744
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 41
Best Tattoo Artist
PAGE 42 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Sherlock vs. Moriarty
BURNIN' MONEY MODELS: HENRY BRUINGTON, KEN SAMUELS, BEAU CRAM LOCATION: PHOENIX BOOKS
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 43
THE BEST USED-CAR DEALER IN SLO COUNTY 7 YEARS
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PAGE 44 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 44 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSIC
Boo Boo Records
978 MONTEREY ST., SLO Though the music business has evolved, wiping out big chain music stores and changing the way people access music, for true audiophiles, there’s still no substitute for a real record store, and SLO Town has one of the best! “Thanks a bunch! We never take this award lightly, and it’s always a nice compliment from the community,” said Boo Boo’s manager Malik Miko Thorne. “We’ve always been customer focused for all our years. Come the end of this year, Boo Boo’s will raise the flag on our official 40th anniversary, and lo and behold, we’re back selling tons of vinyl like when we started, along with turntables. In addition to the music culture, we’ve increased our selection of great books, T-shirts, and gifts. Despite the consistent rumor in our current society, physical media isn’t dead. We still sell tons of CDs, too.” Get thee to your record store!
—Glen
RUNNER-UP: CHEAP THRILLS RECORDS
BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE
Phoenix Books
990 MONTEREY ST., SLO Our readers are a bookish bunch and, once
again, they’ve picked Phoenix Books as SLO County’s literary Mecca. Owner Bruce Miller has long since abandoned any hopes of organization since, as he put it, “all the books in the county are looking to get in here.” The clutter and chaos are definitely part of Phoenix’s charm, though, and the sheer diversity and scope of the collected tomes is downright impressive. Miller noted that Phoenix eschews selling all peripheral “lights, covers, and tchotchkes,” is open until 9 or 10 p.m. on most nights, and will also buy back used books from customers. As for an arch-nemesis, Miller said he’s “agnostic on the term,” thought for a few seconds, then cited “the people who are propping up our Ponzi economy and the status quo.” In case there are any disappointed Ponzi-proppers out there looking for a good read, Miller said everyone is still welcome at the “egalitarian, free speech zone” that is Phoenix.
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: NAN’S PRE-OWNED BOOKS
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Patrick James
641 HIGUERA ST., SUITE 100, SLO “We’re not just a suit and sport coat store,” said Sherman Drury, recently named manager of Patrick James in downtown SLO. Yes, the shop carries crisp wool suits designed to impress, but it also offers swimwear. Since this is Patrick James, those shorts make much more of a statement than a this-is-what-I-found-
and-threw-on shrug. You’ll find seasonal pieces—light linens, silks, and bamboo fibers are in for spring— and staples, meaning you’ll look good all year long. You can also get underwear, socks, belts, wallets, hats, and pajamas, so every inch of your style can be thoughtful, intentional, and current, even when you’re asleep. Drury said he’s interested in relationships over sales, meaning he and his staff want to connect with locals looking for classic pieces and modern styles alike. “If we get to know somebody, even if they don’t buy anything in our store, that’s a success,” he said.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: JULES D.
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE
Collections
505 FIVE CITIES DR., PISMO BEACH Don’t know this little boutique tucked into an unassuming shopping center between the Pismo Beach Premium Outlets and Grover? Collections Clothing beat out the beloved Ambiance this year for Best Women’s Clothing Store, so there must be something going on just to the north side of California Fresh Market. The store features a range of coastal chic clothing—think blinged-out sandals and dress jeans—appropriate for wearers beyond just the college set. If they can be said to have a nemesis (besides talking to the press), it might be the monolith of discount “factory stores” known as “the outlets” just down the street. So if you don’t want to feel like you’ve mistakenly wandered into Bakersfield, steer clear of the sea of shops and dip BURNING MONEY CONTINUED PAGE 45
Thank You SLO County Clients, Friends & Family! 894 Monterey Street, SLO
805.541.5131 www.TheBladerunner.com
We’re the #1 Hair Salon because of YOU! Visit www.thebladerunner.com & download our complete brochure
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 45 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 45 BURNING MONEY FROM PAGE 44
your soon-to-be oh-so-fashionable toes into local waters.
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: AMBIANCE
BEST LINGERIE SHOP
Fanny Wrappers 799 HIGUERA ST., SLO Fanny Wrappers wraps it up again this year— their 30th anniversary in business!—with the best duds for your derrière. These unmetionables deserve mentioning for their impressive range, from sexy lace next-to-nothings to scrumptiously wholesome macaron pajamas. And the surprisingly spicy Fanny Wrappers Facebook page is well worth a follow. Who else in the county posts hot Earth Day photos and cool vintage lingerie pics? So stop by this SLO town favorite to out-sexy your enemies or just to find a getup that will get it, well, you know … .
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: VICTORIA’S SECRET
BEST ANTIQUE SHOP
Ruby Rose 1335 WALKER ST., SLO Last year’s winner retained the crown this year—
their Georgian pinchbeck paste tiara, that is, paired with a Gunne Sax peasant gown and a tooled leather bucket bag. It’s the perfect outfit for lounging in your chartreuse brocade-chenille upholstered wingback chair! You get the idea: There are lots of trash-intotreasure shops in the area, but Ruby Rose has done the digging for you, and the result is a perfectly manicured gallery of arts décoratifs. “We’re over the moon about our win!” says Stephanie Hendry, the self-described “orchestrator” of Ruby Rose’s vintage menagerie. “We curate current looks with aged, timeless pieces—Americana, vintage, rustic, lace, or anything we are inspired by while on a good ol’ road trip!” Ruby Rose is excited about moving to a new location in SLO sometime early this summer, and we can’t wait to see what marvelous mise-en-scène they’ll create. And does this Cornell-box of a shop have a nemesis? “Hmmm,” muses Stephanie, “maybe the picker shows on TV. If only it worked like that!”
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: VILLAGE ANTIQUE MART
BEST THRIFT STORE
Goodwill SAN LUIS OBISPO • PASO ROBLES • GROVER BEACH • ATASCADERO I have a sinking feeling that writing this category will never be the same in the post-Macklemore world that we inhabit. I will say this, though: There were no obnoxious white rappers prowling the aisles the last few times I went to Goodwill, and that was a blessing
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indeed. For SLO County bargain hunters, it’s hard to match the low prices, diversity of items, and plethora of locations that Goodwill’s many retail outlets and donation centers offer up. If you donate enough, you can even write it off for tax purposes, people! Macklemore may have been all about the fur coats and faux-military jackets, but you can get legitimately useful things like dishes, pants, and blankets at your local Goodwill. Various financial crises and high unemployment have made this a thrifty century—may as well embrace it!
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: HOSPICE PARTNERS HOPE CHEST
BEST PET STORE
Lemos Feed and Pet Supply ARROYO GRANDE • ATASCADERO • LOS OSOS • MORRO BAY • NIPOMO • PASO ROBLES • SAN LUIS OBISPO Synonymous with “pet store” on the Central Coast is Lemos Feed and Pet Supply, which celebrates its 42nd anniversary of business this year. Mike Lemos is well aware of the presence of national chains, but he makes sure they can’t stack up to shopping local and family owned. “We have the best staff in the industry,” he tells me, and anyone who’s ever walked through the doors of a Lemos store knows exactly what he means. The staff is super friendly, and employees BURNING MONEY CONTINUED PAGE 47
PAGE 46 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Find A FIAT® That Fits Your Style Today. 2014 FIAT® Road & Track’s “Best Electric of 2013”
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PAGE 46 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Find A FIAT® That Fits Your Style Today. 2014 FIAT® Road & Track’s “Best Electric of 2013”
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 47 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 47 BURNING MONEY FROM PAGE 45
receive monthly training on the range of products the store stocks and on relevant topics, such as pet nutrition. Lemos Feed and Pet Supply takes its place in the community seriously, including being the “enemy” of pet overpopulation. “We’ve never had any pets,” Mike says. “We decided a long time ago we wouldn’t have any live animals.” Instead, Lemos partners with humane societies, rescue groups, and the Animal Services division of SLO and Santa Barbara counties. Doesn’t that make you want to go out and get another cat? It does me!
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: PETCO
BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR PET
Petco
271 MADONNA ROAD, SLO • 905 RANCHO PARKWAY, ARROYO GRANDE • 2051 THEATER DRIVE, PASO ROBLES At Petco, you can find gloves for grooming your dog, cat treats (including real milk just for felines), live plants for your beloved fish, heat lamps for your scaly reptiles, a colorful contraption called the “Prevue Bodacious Bites Buffet Bird Toy” (that has to be seen to be comprehended), and all manner of comfy and cozy accoutrements for your guinea pigs, hamsters, and what-have-you. But for true pampering, you may need to make sure your four-legged friend’s vaccinations are in order and schedule an appointment for a full-service grooming. This includes a wash; a “little bit of brushing,” according to one staffer; a nail filing; an ear cleaning; and a haircut. Your canine companion will look as good as he or she feels, which is a pretty good gift to give a loyal best friend.
BEST GROCERY STORE
Trader Joe’s 3977 S. HIGUERA ST., SLO • 1111 ROSSI ROAD, TEMPLETON • 955 RANCHO PKWY., ARROYO GRANDE You know you’ve done something right when grocery shopping—one of the most universally mindnumbing activities ever—has turned into something fun. With free samples, extremely knowledgeable staff, and low prices for high-quality food, Trader Joe’s takes the gold in dominating the grocery store category. Somehow they make it possible to eat healthy and on a budget, which makes it every college student and family’s No. 1 stop when searching for food to fill the cupboards each week. “We provide excellent customer service paired with excellent products, and are very loyal to our community,” said Heidi Vorwick, manager at the SLO shop. And who doesn’t love the Hawaiian shirts Trader Joe’s is most notably associated with, which were first worn in 1969? Their relaxed vibe reminds customers to enjoy the little things in life—like what you’ll be cooking
—Lauren
for dinner later that night.
RUNNER-UP: NEW FRONTIERS
BEST FLOWER SHOP
Open Air Flowers 1055 OSOS ST., SLO Owner Leslie Weber was busy on a recent
afternoon, clipping purple blooms and tucking them into a crowd of greenery and blossoms that looked as hardy as it did beautiful. The space where she and her employees create floral displays may be small in size, but it’s big in color, shape, and passion. The artfully arranged flora spills out onto the sidewalk, where the intoxicating aroma from so many petals somehow overpowers the smell of pizza from Woodstock’s across the street, but isn’t overpowering. Vases erupt in riots of color that call to mind everything from exploding orange fireworks to silky purple evening gowns. There’s a bouquet here for any occasion, drawing from exotic tropical and simple garden influences alike. Obvious care goes into these flowery works of art, and they’re so fresh they’re not a one-night wilt party. They’re an investment.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: SHELL BEACH FLORIST
BEST VIDEO GAME STORE
GameStop
SLO • ARROYO GRANDE • ATASCADERO • PASO ROBLES Gamers have fought long and hard to overcome the stereotypes that hound their hobby of choice. Far from basement dwellers and man-babies, gamers are as diversified and active as any other hobbyist. They are active military men and women; they play in community baseball leagues; they grow beards, and not just of the neck variety. For Robert Wren, manager at the San Luis Obispo GameStop location, gamers BURNING MONEY CONTINUED PAGE 49 PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: TAILS
BEST LOCAL HARDWARE STORE
Miner’s Ace Hardware
ARROYO GRANDE • ATASCADERO • GROVER BEACH • LOS OSOS • NIPOMO • SAN LUIS OBISPO I must confess, I don’t know jack about hardware or home repairs, but even a home-repair-doofus-schlub like myself can walk into Miner’s Ace Hardware and feel totally competent and taken care of. Also, there’s free popcorn on the weekends. “Our main focus at Miner’s is customer service first,” said Travis Felts, the assistant manager for the Miner’s SLO location. “Getting to them on a personal level and creating an environment where employees want to work and customers want to shop.” Though it’s part of a chain, Miner’s still holds the feel of a mom-and-pop hardware store. In fact, Felts said, Miner’s remains a family-owned business and the family remains involved in store operations. With locations in every corner of the county, Miner’s is also planning to expand with two more stores in the near future. “It really always comes down to the customers,” Felts said. “Keeping them coming back and extending what we can while they’re here.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: PISMO BOB’S
BEST GROCERY STORE Justin Bray and Dylan Estes of Trader Joe's are eager to help you triumph over that old enemy: hunger.
PAGE 48 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 49 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 49 BURNING MONEY FROM PAGE 47
have successfully fought the perception that being a gamer equals being lazy. “The tide is already turning [with] the assumptions about gamers,” Wren said. Corporate as hell but still a local favorite, GameStop is always wooing with its abundant supply of new and used games. A few people have even told Wren it’s their favorite local game shop, which he takes as a sign they’re doing something right. “Everybody that works here cares enough to be affected by winning New Times awards,” he said. “So it’s definitely a nice trophy on the mantle.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: CAPTAIN NEMO GAMES AND COMICS
customers from around the state and country who are unable to find the frame lines we carry in their home towns.” —Tally
RUNNER-UP: MICHAEL’S OPTICAL
BEST JEWELRY STORE
Kevin Main Jewelry Design and Studio 720 HIGUERA ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO
BEST EYEWEAR STORE
Urban Optics 1001 HIGUERA ST., SUITE E, SLO Glasses these days aren’t just about giving someone the ability to see the world in a more vibrant way. No, glasses have become a fashion statement. Finding just the right ones to fit your face and personality isn’t that hard, according to Dr. Dave Schultz from Urban Optics. They take advantage of their unique location, creating eye-catching window displays and lively social media interaction. Every Cal Poly freshman, actually, gets well acquainted with the eyewear store as he or she waits in long lines for Firestone. What separates Urban Optics from others is its unique product selection, featuring mainly independent designers, Schultz said. “We are a destination for patients and
Kevin Main Jewelry celebrates a sparkling 11th win this year as SLO County’s king of bling. From humble beginnings in Morro Bay with a one-man silver studio in 1973, Kevin Main now commands a large studio in historic downtown SLO, filled with his own custom designs, as well as raw diamond jewelry from Todd Reed in Colorado, the work of Alex Sepkus from New York, Detroit’s Shinola watches, and others. They also carry responsibly sourced Forevermark diamonds, each of which bears a unique identification number invisible to the naked eye. These stones, many of North American origin, are set into Kevin Main’s custom designs for an entirely American-made product. I do!
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: SERENGETI WEST
BEST TOY STORE
Tom’s Toys 682 HIGUERA ST., SLO Ted Frankel owns Tom’s Toys. Before Ted, there was another guy who wasn’t Tom, but that guy bought the store from Tom, Ted said. “I grew up in the toy business,” Ted said. Ted tends to three Tom’s Toys in total. But Tom’s is still completely local, and despite being a mainstay of San Luis Obispo, locals may not be aware how good they’ve got it, because in a lot other cities, there aren’t any local toy stores. “If you’re just in San Luis Obispo, you don’t think it’s unique because Tom’s Toys has always been there,” Ted said. With roughly 12,000 items in stock spread across two levels, Tom’s Toys is like the toy store you always wished you could spend the night in as a kid. With competitive prices, a unique setting, and an extensive selection, Ted said Tom’s Toys is still able to compete with the Big Box stores while maintaining its local charm. “Very few independents can make it in the toy business, and I think in San Luis Obispo people really appreciate that.” —Colin
RUNNER-UP: WHIZ KIDS
BEST SHOE STORE
Charles Shoes 867 HIGUERA ST., SLO Charles Shoes is a decently sized store on the main thoroughfare in downtown San Luis Obispo, but its plain BURNING MONEY CONTINUED PAGE 50
MenÕ s Lifestyle Boutique
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WITH COLOR ARIAT TERRENE
JAMBU EDGE
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The number one shop for razors & shave tools!!
NORWIN EASY
like us on
In the SLO Promenade 487 Madonna Road, Suite 3 San Luis Obispo
Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5
672 Higuera St. Downtown SLO (just past McLintockÕ s) 781-0722 jules-d.com
PAGE 50 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 50 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
BURNING MONEY FROM PAGE 49 white walls don’t tell this store’s full story. “We are kind of an old-fashioned service-oriented shoe store. We are a little bit more personalized. Nobody here is on commission. We just take our time with our customers,” said Jason Ashley, Charles Shoes store manager. Beside the wide variety of shoes offered, Charles Shoes prides itself on its experience. “There is probably about 150 years combined experience between all the employees,” Ashley noted. “There is just a lot of experience here.”
— Maria
RUNNER-UP: MIKE’S SHOES
BEST TIRE STORE
The Tire Store 252 HIGUERA ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO If you think tires are simple, you’re dead wrong. In just the last few years, tires have become immensely more complicated: There are myriad sizes to fit to new wheels, and even new types of air pressure sensors. In order to keep up, The Tire Store takes in about five delivery truckloads of merchandise every day. Co-owner Joe Becqwith said The Tire Store carries the most volume available locally, complemented by honesty and quality service. The business has held the same location for 25 years since opening in 1989. “We appreciate people in San Luis,” Becqwith said. “We’ve been around a long time, and we do what we can to make it easy on them and keep doing what we do.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: WAYNE’S TIRES
BEST CLOTHING STORE Hannah Miller, Pam Richards, Jordan Mann, Britteny Vega, Brea Stine, and Shannon Moody want to dress you in style at Collections.
From Our Family to Yours
locally owned and operated
PRICES ARE BORN HERE... RAISED ELSEWHERE
THANK YOU
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! • Tires • Wheels • Brakes • Shocks
• Alignment M-F: 8AM - 5:30PM S: 8AM - 4PM SUN: Closed
(805) 541-8473 252 HIGUERA STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO (Yellow building across from Smart & Final)
805.544.4460 3241 S. Higuera St. • SLO www.bravopediatrics.com
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 51
8-TIME WINNER BEST BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY
Try Our Lunch! Burgers · Salads Sandwiches
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6AM–3PM 964 HIGUERA ST. · DOWNTOWN SLO · 541.0227
PAGE 52 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
MODELS: (BLONDES) AILEEN MANLEY, MATT FOUNTAIN, JON HADDELAND, KATHERINE PERELLO, MAKAYLA DUBOIS, ALEX HOULIS, MARISSA PROVENSEN, JENNA HATLEY, JENNY GOSNELL (BRUNETTES) ERIN MESSER, AMBER GILLESPIE, RACHELLE PLATIS, AMBER CLARK, SCARLETT GRAVELLE, ELAINA DENTE, ABE GIBSON, AUBREY HURST (REDHEAD) HAYLEY CAIN ASSISTANTS: MARGARET COWITE, AMBER GILLESPIE LOCATION: TIGERLILY SALON
BEST EYEWEAR…Anywhere!
Urban Optics • Downtown SLO • LA Eyeworks • Oliver Peoples • Initium • Garrett Leight • Francis Klein • Zero G
Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Unique Eyewear
• Salt Optics • Paul Frank • Lafont • Jeremy Tarian • Bevel • Barton Perreira
Dr. Dave Schultz • 1001 Higuera Street • San Luis Obispo, CA • 805-543-5200 www.urbanoptics.com
ABOUT TOWN
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 53
Blonds vs. Brunettes
THANK YOU FOR LIF TING US UP! One of the Best Local Non-Profit Organization for 6 years in a row!!
VOLUNTEER, ADOPT, DONATE
Join us on Facebook and stay current on shelter events, specials, and activities!
875 Oklahoma Avenue - San Luis Obispo, CA
805-543-9316 -
www.woodshumane.org
PAGE 54 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 54 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 3
BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR HAIR DID
PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
The Bladerunner
894 MONTEREY ST., SLO For those of you who didn’t know, hair anxiety is a real thing. Believe me, I suffer from it every time I go to get my hair cut. People going in for a new look want to ensure that they won’t look like a creature from the deep when they look in the mirror—unless they ask for it, that is. Bladerunner owner Todd LeMay says that it’s the vibe and stylists that make his salon stand out from the many others in the county and keep customers happy. “Many of them are saying that it’s such a happy place to be, and that you can’t help but feel great when you leave,” LeMay said. Bladerunner has been a growing favorite for many groups around town, such as Cal Poly Greek Life, MindBody, and Left Lane Sports. “We owe a thanks to all of them,” LeMay said.
—Tally
RUNNER-UP: BLUEBIRD SALON
BEST HEALTH CLUB/GYM
Kennedy Club Fitness PASO ROBLES • ATASCADERO • SLO • ARROYO GRANDE
Blonds vs. Brunettes It's a hatred as old as time itself, or maybe just as old as fashion magazines. Either way, it was resolved in a brawl at Tigerlily Salon.
BEST RADIO STATION
KCBX 90.1FM 4100 VACHELL LANE, SLO As a sustaining subscriber and daily listener to KCBX, I know the value of listener-supported public radio. From its national and international news that isn’t beholden to corporate entities, to its live DJs playing an amazingly diverse selection of music, to special syndicated programs like All Things Considered, Car Talk, and Democracy Now, it’s hard to find a station more devoted to its local community … or a community more devoted to its local radio station. Throw in the Live Oak Music Festival (the station’s annual fundraiser), the KCBX-sponsored Red Barn Community Music Series, and its new local news segments, and you’re left with a radio sta—Glen tion that’s indispensable!
RUNNER-UP: WILD 106.1FM
That’s not sweat. That salty, watery-like substance seeping from your pores is the tears of your former, out-ofshape self. Kick some serious butt (your own?) while gaining some the best glutes on the block. Started as a senior project at Cal Poly, Kennedy will be celebrating its 33rd year in October. Four locations throughout the county provide everything you need to feel your best. There’s all your standard gym paraphernalia: weights, cardio machines, and televisions. General Manager Sean Kennedy said that the gym has always prided itself on superior customer service; from indoor and outdoor pools and top personal fitness trainers to areas for stretching and warming up, the Kennedy team aims to connect everybody— from the de-conditioned to the elite athlete—with what they need. Kennedy offers more than 300 fitness classes a week, including yoga, cardio, strength and core, and aquatic.
—Ana
BEST AUTO MECHANIC
Rizzoli’s Automotive 2584 VICTORIA AVE., SAN LUIS OBISPO Second only to a strip-down physical, taking your car in for repairs is one of the most vulnerable times in your life. Rizzoli’s Automotive understands this, which is why they emphasize being honest and up front with their customers. “We pretty much pride ourselves on helping out the community, treating people right, and fixing cars right,” General Manager Kyle Rizzoli said. Rizzoli’s grandfather started the business 37 years ago, and for the third year in a row you, the readers, have voted it as the best auto mechanic in the county. “There’s always going to be someone who’s going to do it cheaper,” Rizzoli said. “But we want to do it right.”
RUNNER-UP: MORIN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: THE EDGE
BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE
Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort
1215 AVILA BEACH DR., SAN LUIS OBISPO Tired from cleaning the house, running the kids around to all their silly kid activities, and working at your job where you babysit a bunch of adults? Or maybe you were recently hit by a truck? Either way, sounds like you could use a massage! Sycamore Mineral Springs takes the cake when it comes to being a place to pamper yourself. They offer an array ABOUT TOWN CONTINUED PAGE 55
2014 •• BEST BEST OF OF SLO SLO •• PAGE PAGE 55 55 2014 ABOUT TOWN FROM PAGE 54
of different packages, so you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and your style. Like drinking in the middle of the afternoon? Try the Wine Therapy Massage. Uber-hot rocks on your skin make you excited? The Hot Stone Massage is for you! Add on a facial so your face looks nice for everybody else to look at. And if all that weren’t awesome enough for you, every massage gets you 30 minutes of complimentary soaking in the mineral springs.
bangin’ style, and feistiness in any journalistic endeavor. And ask yourself: How many meteorologists are cool enough to wield a trident in the great multimedia battle for the hearts and minds of the news-viewing and reading audience? Only one name comes to mind: David Hovde. And while the rest of the local media outlets refer to their employees as reporters, writers, and sometimes useless monkeys, KSBY refers to their news and trident-wielders as “talent” as God and Ron Burgundy intended. Stay classy, KSBY.
—Ashley
—Ana
RUNNER-UP: MADONNA INN AND SPA
BEST LOCAL NEWS SOURCE
KSBY
1772 CALLE JOAQUIN, SLO Say one thing for KSBY: Their reporters have the shiniest hair and smiles of any local media outlet. If you’re gonna say two things for KSBY, you could also say they know how to roll up to a fight in an alleyway behind McCarthy’s. If the latter plug doesn’t sound all that impressive, or useful, consider the value of courage,
RUNNER-UP: NEW TIMES
BEST NEW COMPANY OF 2013
Ember
tour, taste, picnic...
Featuring:
TALLEY VINEYARDS & BISHOP’S PEAK WINES Open Daily:
10:30 AM TO 4:30 PM TASTING ROOM & 3 PICNIC AREAS
1200 E GRAND AVE., ARROYO GRANDE It didn’t take long for word of the Central Coast’s hottest new restaurant to spread like wildfire. It spread so quickly that the restaurant—which officially opened in February of 2014—was voted Best New Company of 2013 by readers. How ’bout that? ABOUT TOWN CONTINUED PAGE 57
BEST TASTING ROOM (SOUTH COUNTY)
RUNNER UP BEST LOCAL RED WINE BEST LOCAL WHITE WINE
Estate Tours & Special Tastings Available by Appointment 3031 LOPEZ DRIVE, ARROYO GRANDE, CA 805-489-0446 · TALLEYVINEYARDS.COM
1 5/7/14 12:34 PM PAGE 56WFM_SLO_NewTimes.pdf • BEST OF SLO • 2014
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 57 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 57 COMMUNITY WATCH FROM PAGE 55
BEST LOCAL BANK/CREDIT UNION
We’re happy to say that all technicalities aside, Ember was well underway in 2013, which makes it the best new business of last year. The method behind the Italian-themed restaurant is simple: Keep it fresh. The team also keeps it live, cooking most of their menu items over a real fire. Bring out the signature pizzas, prosciutto-wrapped artichoke, crispy pork belly, and wood fire squid, and voila! No wonder this place created craze before people could even sample its food.
ARROYO GRANDE • ATASCADERO • PASO ROBLES • SLO
—Jono
RUNNER-UP: RIDING WAREHOUSE
PLACE FOR WEDDING RECEPTION OR BIG BASH
Madonna Inn 100 MADONNA RD., SLO There’s more to this quirky hotel and restaurant than delicious, decadent cake, and the Madonna Inn has proven to be the best at that something more. When it comes to wedding receptions and big bashes, the inn offers what the competition can’t. “We have the spa and horseback riding, and we have the tennis courts and basketball courts,” said Nicole Shackelsord, banquet department manager at Madonna Inn. It’s the place’s quirkiness that makes it so convenient and fun for events held there, she added. The inn also offers “a wide variety of banquet rooms to choose from that are very uniquely decorated,” so you can probably find a suitable surrounding to fit whatever you have in mind.
—Maria
RUNNER-UP: THE CLIFFS RESORT
BEST CAR WASH
Sunset North Car Wash ARROYO GRANDE • PASO ROBLES • SLO It’s a scary, dirty world out there, folks. Seagulls, puddles, and vengeful eucalyptus trees are all eagerly waiting to splatter all over your pristine ride. In these dangerous times, your closest ally should be a trusted car wash. On the matter of judging automotive ablution ability, New Times readers are crystal-clear: Sunset North Car Wash rules. The local chain has four locations conveniently interspersed throughout SLO County and has won this category six years in a row. Operations Manager Stacey Palomar credits Sunset’s success to its 100 percent hand-wash policy, full range of services, and environmentally friendly processes. According to Palomar, the natural arch-nemesis of her hand-wash carwash is an automated carwash. “It’s hard to compete with machines that never call in sick,” she said. Nevertheless, Palomar said Sunset has superior services and a community-minded ethos ($273,000 in carwash charity donations since 2005) that keeps customers driving back through time and time again.
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: QUIKY CAR WASH
BEST LAWYER
SESLOC Federal Harris Personal Injury Lawyers Credit Union Ever since we moved away from the barter system, money has been pretty important. The most important, some would argue. The fine folks at SESLOC Federal Credit Union surely wouldn’t disagree with that contention. According to Kelli Beck, SESLOC’s senior vice president of marketing and service management, the credit union was founded in 1942 by 10 local educators and hasn’t slowed down since. SESLOC—a repeat winner in this category—is owned by its customers and offers many free or low-cost financial services. Beck said that SESLOC’s archenemies are “those who hack into retail systems and compromise the privacy of our debit and credit card holders.” In case you were curious, SESLOC stands for “School Employees of San Luis Obispo County.” The more you know!
RUNNER-UP: RABOBANK
—Rhys
Lawyers get a bad rap. If they’re not getting yelled at or sued, they’re being portrayed as sleazeballs on TV and in movies. Believe it or not, there are good lawyers out there, and some of them are even in SLO County! This year, our readers recognized the team of attorneys at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, based in SLO. According to managing attorney and principal Ryan D. Harris, his firm is “pretty jazzed” about the honor. Harris said that personal injury lawyers are always fighting against giant, billiondollar insurance agencies, which he names as the firm’s arch-nemesis. “We always visualize it as David vs. Goliath,” Harris said. “It’s appropriate, because David wins in the end.” Look no further if you’re searching for a team of lawyers who are equally adept with a suit and a slingshot.
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: JEFF STULBERG
BEST PLACE TO PAY TO STAY
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY IN SLO COUNTY
Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa
Cambria
Judging by its sleepy demeanor today, it’s hard to believe that in 1880 Cambria was the second largest town in SLO County. With a foothold as a farming community, Cambria is mostly restaurants these days, and shops peddling tchotchkes (not how you thought that word was spelled, was it?). But that’s OK! Because when all you want to do is forget about the fact that the refrigerator has more mold than a biology lab or the mountain of laundry you have to scale to get to your closet, eating pie and strolling through quaint shops that have resident felines is the perfect remedy. If you’re one of those “outdoor” types, you can soak up some sun down on Moonstone Beach or take a hike at the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Spending time in Cambria is like entering a time vortex: Take a quick weekend getaway, and you’ll return home feeling refreshed and ready to take on the real world.
RUNNER-UP: SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT
689 TANK FARM ROAD, SUITE 240, SLO
—Ana
2727 SHELL BEACH ROAD, PISMO BEACH Imagine a vacation in your home, but better. It’s nicer. Cleaner. And boasts a view of the Pacific Ocean with its otters, dolphins, and whales. Katie Bottrell, sales and marketing manager for Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, said that the seaside setting is the biggest draw for this popular place to stay. Every room has a patio, and while views vary, the consistency doesn’t: Each guest has access to walk-in closets and fully equipped kitchens, making this place feel like home, but less ordinary. Plus, you probably don’t regularly have access to a saline pool that’s heated all year long to chase away that morning-fog chill. Or an in-house farm-to-table restaurant with a 700-strong wine list. Or a full-service day spa with a sauna and welcoming oceanside yoga sessions and guided hikes. Tourists from around the world come here, but … shhhh, don’t tell: Locals get special rates, depending on the season.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: MADONNA INN
BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Century 21 Hometown Realty SLO COUNTY Home is the one place where you can feel safe from your nemesis (I’ve recently built a moat around mine), so finding the right one, for the right price, is crucial. This year, nationwide franchise Century 21 Hometown Realty ousted local title-holder Blair Properties for the win. So if, like I was, you’re looking for a nice mid-century modern underground bunker/ safe house with a peek-a-boo view of the ocean through its periscope chimney, look no further than one of the countywide branches of this company. Leave no forwarding address.
—Erin
RUNNER-UP: PATTERSON REALTY
BEST DENTIST
D. Scott Morton, DDS 881 PACIFIC ST., SLO There are plenty of dentists in SLO County, but our readers have confidently pegged Scott Morton as the most toothsome. In terms of having an archnemesis, dentists are fighting an uphill battle—almost nobody likes having their teeth messed with. “Going to the dentist is not the most pleasant thing for most people, but we make everything as comfortable as it can be, and most everyone leaves with a smile,” office manager Nikki Fourdyce told New Times. Morton and his six-person office were the runners-up in last year’s reader poll, and Fourdyce said the office ABOUT TOWN CONTINUED PAGE 59
PAGE 58 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Best Taco
Thank You for Voting Us Runner Up in The Best of San Luis Obispo County !!! 3230 Broad St. Ste. 100 San Luis Obispo, CA.
543-2810
5 OTHER LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Taco Roco Solvang 614 Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang, Ca 93463
Taco Roco Express 2021 S. Broadway Santa Maria, Ca 93454
Taco Roco Lompoc 1140 North H Steet Lompoc, Ca 93436
Taco Roco Buellton 245 Avenue of Flags Buellton, Ca 93427
686-1901
737-3830
739-8887
693-0939
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 59 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 59 PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
to move into this area or relocate within it. In any case, if you’re normal, you hate moving—with all that packing and heavy lifting. That’s why you should hire strapping young men to run around and do all your heavy lifting for you. Meathead Movers prides itself on hiring clean-cut, responsible college students as employees. They want to make sure you’re not arriving to your new pad with a box full of broken stemware and a busted-up armoire, so they pre- and randomly drug screen their movers, plus they pay them extra when you’re happy with their work. Money talks, people. And if you’re just too overwhelmed about which box to pack your collection of ceramic cats in, they also offer Princess Packers to come in and do that for you.
—Ana
RUNNER-UP: ASAP
BEST NEW CAR DEALER
Perry Ford Lincoln of San Luis Obispo 12200 LOS OSOS VALLEY ROAD, SLO
WHAT'S UP, DOC? Dr. René Bravo battles many enemies in his bid to keep children healthy, but insists that ignorance is his worst enemey. ABOUT TOWN FROM PAGE 57
was “completely excited” to win the honor this year. Morton’s office covers everything from the routine to the root canal, and Fourdyce said they “work really hard to make patients’ experience great.”
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: RON BARBIERI, DDS
BEST DOCTOR
Dr. René Bravo 3241 S HIGUERA ST., SLO Doctors have a lot of enemies—disease, illness, accidents—but pediatrician René Bravo of Bravo Pediatrics cited a different archenemy: ignorance, which “results in bad choices, hence disease and poor health. As a doctor, I fight to see children raised healthy, well, and whole. Although disease is part of the equation, it really is about helping educate parents so they can give their kids the best possible start in life.” And while the concept of waging a daily battle for the health of the county’s children might sound exhausting and dispiriting, this three-time Best Doctor winner insists that there’s something motivating about working with newborns, and especially with first-time parents, sharing in what he calls “the excitement, anticipation, hope, instant love, angst, sleeplessness, and utter joy of having a baby.”
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: DR. DEBORAH CHERRY
BEST VET
Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic 990 PRICE ST., PISMO BEACH Pet lovers know that having a great vet can mean the difference between life and death for your furry friend, and when it comes to local vets, one clinic is the clear favorite: Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic. “We’re a family owned and operated clinic. My wife, brother, and I are owners with strong roots in Pismo,” said Dr. Joel Conn. “The clinic itself has been open since 1996. We’re open seven days a week for regular appointments, which is unusual, and we pride ourselves on the most current, high quality medicine. We always welcome new clients!” Got a pooch or pussycat that needs attention? Pismo Beach Vet’s got you covered for everything from vaccinations to major surgery, and everything in between!
—Glen
RUNNER-UP: ANIMAL CARE CLINIC
BEST MOVING COMPANY
Meathead Movers
3600 SOUTH HIGUERA, SLO Unless you’re crazy, you’re probably not looking to skip town anytime soon. But maybe you’re looking
When a customer is in the market to buy a new car, it’s inevitable that he or she will feel overwhelmed with the countless options and the uncertainty as to where to start first. In a perfect world, a car would be searching for you—not the other way around. In the real world, it’s not so convenient. At Perry Ford, they make the car search as painless as it can possibly be. For starters, they have an extremely easy to navigate database currently available with up-to-date information on the car, images, and video. Their friendly and insightful staff provide a comfortable environment when making a big commitment, and when it’s time to drive off in a brand new car, the customers will know they made the right decision.
—Lauren
RUNNER-UP: SUNSET HONDA
BEST USED CAR DEALER
McCarthy’s Wholesale 43 HIGUERA ST., SLO For Mike McCarthy, selling pre-owned cars comes naturally. “All we do is used, pre-owned cars. When you just do one thing, you become the best at it. This will be my 36th year in this business,” he said. At McCarthy’s Wholesale, knowledge of all types of cars is bountiful. “We just know used cars. There are so many different makes and models, and there are things that are good about cars and things that aren’t so good about cars,” he said. “When you do so much of this, you know what cars offer and how to take the car and recondition it to bring it to new again.” It’s this experience and thorough, in-depth car inspections that make McCarthy’s Wholesale the best used car dealer for locals.
—Maria
RUNNER-UP (TIE): TED MILES RUNNER-UP (TIE): COLE
PAGE 60 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
GET OUT MODELS: MICHAEL MILLER, COLIN O’SHAUGHNESSY TUCKER, LAURA RAGSDALE COSTUMES: COSTUME CAPERS LOCATION: MONTAÑA DE ORO
Captain Hook vs. Peter Pan
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 61
:: Luxurious Suites :: Oceanfront Location :: Gourmet Cuisine at Lido Restaurant :: Full Service Concierge :: Meetings & Special Events :: Pampering Treatments at The Spa
Thank You For Voting Us #1 To show our appreciation for all locals, enjoy 30% off* your next stay. Call or use code NEWTIMESBEST online!
2727 Shell Beach Rd.
WINNER of Best Place to Play & Stay *Blackout dates apply. Valid for SLO County residents. Not valid on 1 bdrm non view or poolside.
805.773.4300
|
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Pismo Beach
www. t he d olphin b ay.com
We’re
Number Two! Thanks for your support! See you in the shop!
What does that mean for you, the customer? A lot of people like us enough to fill out an annoying form! We’re going to try harder than ever to be Number One!
MORIN BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE SERVING SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY SINCE 1981
Call us at 541-2407 to book an appointment or ask about our services! 4090 BROAD ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO
PAGE 62 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
ER IS NO FUN. check in online.
sierravistaregional.com
THE SMARTER WAY TO ER. At Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, we understand that waiting in the ER is no fun. That’s why we’re offering an online check-in service at sierravistaregional.com to reserve your time online and comfortably wait at home. It’s quick, easy and you’ll be seen by a healthcare professional within 15 minutes of your scheduled time.
Quality. Service. Innovation. 1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 63 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 63
BEST PLACE TO GET SWIMWEAR
SLO Swim
great online shopping at ccsurf.com.
—Glen
RUNNER-UP: PANCHO’S SURF SHOP
795 HIGUERA ST., SLO SLO Swim owner Shelley Filip has seen a number of specialty swimsuit shops close over the years, especially during rough economic times. It doesn’t hurt that SLO Swim is the only specialty store of its type in downtown SLO, but Filip really credits the store’s success to the particular emphasis on customer service. “In swimwear, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable coming into a store, any body shape,” she explained. And while tastes may differ, Filip has noticed a recent trend favoring strappy bathing suit tops and Marilyn Monroe-inspired bottoms with mint emerging as the color of the season.
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: MOONDOGGIES BEACH CLUB
BEST BOARD SHOP
Central Coast
Surfboards
855 MARSH ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO Like a lot of local surfers, I bought my first board at Central Coast Surfboards. It was January of 1978, and they were located in a little shop on Broad Street then. Later that year, the shop—started by Cal Poly baseball infielder Mike Chaney—moved to the heart of downtown SLO in a much bigger location, and they’ve been going gangbusters ever since, with a huge selection of surf, skate, and snowboards, wetsuits, and all things beach/ active lifestyle. CCS is the first and oldest board shop in SLO County, and they’re still the best! They also have
BEST GOLF COURSE
Avila Beach Golf Resort 6464 ANA BAY DRIVE, AVILA BEACH A putting green right next to the ocean blue—if you haven’t been, I’ll give you a mulligan. New Times readers regularly report that Avila Beach Golf Resort is the best spot for any golfer in the area (and beyond). Enjoy the sea breeze as you work your way through a par 71, 6,500-yard championship course. With vast valleys of oaks behind you and the ocean at your front, the views are literally par for the course. After your first round, stop into Mulligans for a quick drink and a bite to before heading right back out to the green.
RUNNER-UP: CYPRESS RIDGE GOLF COURSE
RUNNER-UP: MONTAÑA DE ORO
The Mountain Air 667 MARSH ST., SLO
BEST HIKE
SAN LUIS OBISPO
Few mountain trails offer hikers the ability to drive up halfway and skip the hard parts. If you’re into forgetting which way to turn the wheels of your car when you’re parked on a hill, or wondering if the growling sound is an actual mountain lion or a recording designed to instill mass panic in oblivious hikers, Bishop Peak has it all. Second only to Morro Bay in number of paintings
—Colin
BEST LOCAL OUTDOOR STORE
—Henry
Bishop Peak
depicting big rocks, Bishop Peak has been defining the San Luis Obispo landscape since its early beginnings, rising the ranks from molehill to mountain. Is it Bishop or Bishop’s? Is it actually a mountain? Who knows and who cares? The meandering lanes take curious hikers through cool, shaded woods; past death-defying rock climbers; winding up switchbacks; and scurrying up a rock face that not only provides one of the most jaw-dropping views of SLO, but is also a great way to scare loved ones who are terrified of heights. Climb this beatific piece of SLO scenery: It’s more than a mountain; it’s a rite of passage.
Oh, the places you’ll go! A hike through Big Sur, a jaunt to Machu Picchu, a ski trip anywhere! The greatest enemy is inactivity, but given that we inhabit a planet teeming with mountains and lakes, hikes and adventure, there’s no reason to allow inactivity to win the day. Especially when we’ve got The Mountain Air ready to load us up with all the appropriate and necessary equipment for our adventures. As store owner Wayne Patterson points out, “A hike is nice, but without the proper shoes, hydration, bug repellent? We’re trying to get people outdoors and to be active. The experience they’re going to have, we want them to enjoy it.” So don’t let inactivity, blisters, and bug bites win: Avail yourself of The Mountain Air’s services and knowledge—not to mention insect repellant and comfortable gear—and have an adventure, or five.
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: SLO CAMP N’ PACK
GET OUT CONTINUED PAGE 65
Michael’s Optical
Thank you to our customers. We think you’re the Best! 5-TIME WINNER BEST EYEWEAR STORE 35 years in Business • Family owned • 3 Locations to serve you
Cutlery - Survival Supplies - Army Surplus GI Stuff - Camping Gear - Rain Gear Outdoor & Military Apparel - Tactical Gear Pins & Patches - Dog Tags - Ammo Cans Camping & Long Term Food 341 Higuera St. - San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 (805) 541-8006
www.SLOARMYNAVY.com
Thanks from everyone here at SLO Camp N’ Pack San Luis Obispo 543-5770 | 719 Higuera (Broad & Higuera) Atascadero 466-5770 | 8300 El Camino Real (Food4Less) Paso Robles 238-5770 | 643 Spring Street
PAGE 64 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
ADDICTED? Is your life out of control?
Would you like to stop using prescription opiate painkillers? There is a revolutionary new medication that is sweeping the field of Addiction Medicine! This FDA approved medication stops withdrawal symptoms and eliminates cravings! Only physicians with special training are allowed to prescribe this extremely safe medication and the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency restricts the number of patients any one doctor can treat. K. Dane Howalt MD has years of experience treating addicts. He is trained to prescribe this breakthrough medication that has helped thousands of addicts find relief from their disease. Doctor Howalt is also certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is experienced in treating all drug and alcohol addictions. We provide safe, compassionate outpatient detoxification followed by FDA approved medication so you can stay off drugs. Our office provides confidential non-judgmental counseling and we will guide you through the simple process of recovery.
ACTUAL STATEMENTS FROM OUR PATIENTS: “If only I had known about this medicine years ago!” “This medicine helped me beyond my wildest expectations.” “Now I don’t have to think about or crave drugs anymore.”
Do yourself a favor, call today for a same day appointment!
805-541-0632
Visit our website at www.SLOARC.com for more information
Photo Contest
DCPP C ALENDAR
FOR VOTING US THE
RADIO
W W W. D C P P C A L E N D A R C O N T E S T . C O M
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Whether it’s Oceano at sunset or Adelaide at dawn, we want to see your best San Luis Obispo County photographs! The 13 contest winners will have their photos published in 100,000 DCPP Emergency Planning calendars and distributed in the County.
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For official rules and entry guidelines, go to www.dcppcalendarcontest.com Entry deadline is July 14, 2014
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 65 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 65 GET OUT FROM PAGE 63
BEST FRIEND TO THE ENVIRONMENT
The Land Conservancy of SLO County
667 MARSH ST., SLO As much as we humans may daydream about exploring the universe and settling on new worlds, we really don’t have anywhere to go but Earth. That means we’ll all benefit from keeping it not just livable, but enjoyable—a place we’d really like to stay. The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a major force in keeping this planet healthy, functioning, and beautiful. The 30-year-old group aims to acquire land, care for it, and educate the community about its efforts (and efforts we can all take to be good stewards of this globe we tread). The goal is to preserve open spaces so future generations can grow food, get exercise, admire views, preserve culture, and generally enjoy all of the benefits (and necessities) of land doing what land is supposed to do. The group also works to restore and repair areas that haven’t been treated so lovingly. Enjoy their trails, preserves, and more, either on your own or via docent-led excursions, depending on the property.
store has always been there for you. “It always feels good to be recognized in the Best Of poll,” said Scott Smith of Art’s Cyclery. “We are a community shop that the people of San Luis Obispo have helped grow into a global online retail entity. Our online business allows us to have every bit of bike candy you can imagine, so people do not leave our shop disappointed. Knowledge, service, and sales are the words we stand behind, and the order of those words is very important. Above all, we need to be sure our customers get the right information, have a selection of the best parts, and are treated with the highest level of respect. If we pull that off, we hope we earn your business. Art’s has been in business for 32 years, and we are looking forward to riding into a long and healthy future with the people of San Luis Obispo.”
—Glen
RUNNER-UP: IRA’S BIKE SHOP
BEST LOCAL HARDWARE STORE
Miner’s Ace Hardware
—Ryan
SAN LUIS OBISPO • GROVER BEACH • ARROYO GRANDE • ATASCADERO • MORRO BAY • LOS OSOS • NIPOMO
Art’s Cyclery
It’s spring, and all across the county gardeners are busy planting and tending youthful blooms, just like last year and the year before. But the environmentally conscious gardener faces an additional hurdle this spring: a drought that places an added strain on plants. This is where a company with six stores in the county and staff equipped with knowledge specific to each local microclimate can come in handy. “We offer drought-tolerant and native California plants as
RUNNER-UP: ECOSLO
BEST BIKE SHOP
181 SUBURBAN ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO As bicycling continues to gain popularity, one
well as succulents,” said Miner’s Ace Hardware President Paul Filice. “We also have drip irrigation and all sorts of solutions for water, as well as the moistureholding soils we offer. More than anything, it’s the knowledge that our people have that they can offer.” So rather than view the drought as a challenge, why not treat it as an opportunity to be creative with your personal garden and landscaping?
—Ashley
RUNNER-UP: CHERRY LANE NURSERY
BEST LOCAL TACK SHOP
Farm Supply 2450 RAMADA DR., PASO ROBLES • 224 TANK FARM ROAD, SLO • 1079 EL CAMINO REAL, ARROYO GRANDE Got a horse? You’re going to need some stuff. Lots of it. Thankfully, there are three Farm Supply locations across our beautiful county (and two more in Santa Barbara County) to load your barn and trailer full of every type of brush, grooming product, or piece of tack you could ever need. Stock up on fly sprays, wormers, and (of course) horse treats. And after you have your pony looking fresh, you can shop for yourself, too. Cowgirls: Hey, girl! Do you like bridles with more ice than Beyoncé? Farm Supply can deck ya out! Cowboys: Tired of plain old, boring, rawhide lariats? Well, they’ve got a whole rainbow of ropes to coordinate with your fave pearl-snap plaid shirt! The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to answer any questions about products or horse care in general.
—Ana
RUNNER-UP: RIDING WAREHOUSE
PAGE 66 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Community
MODELS: (NEW TIMES) JONO KINKADE, ERIN MESSER, COLIN RIGLEY, ASHLEY SCHWEL FRANK, GARETH KELLY (KSBY) DAVID HOVDE, KATHY KURETICH, JOHN REGER, JEA SATCHELL, TALLY MEYERS (MUSTANG NEWS) SEAN MCMINN, J.J. JENKINS, ST
Thank you from all of us at
Hospice SLO 1304 Pacific Street San Luis Obispo, CA 805-544-2266
Hospice SLO Paso Robles 811 12th St. #301 Paso Robles, CA
Watch
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 67
Ron Burgundy vs. Wes Mantooth
LLENBACH (KCBX) RANDOL WHITE (TOLOSA PRESS) THERESA MARIE WILSON, CAMAS ANETTE TROMPETER (CUESTONIAN) MICHELLE ZALUDEK, CLIFF MATHIESON, MIKE TEPHAN TEODOSESCU COSTUMES: COSTUME CAPERS LOCATION: ALLEYWAY
Thank you for your preference, second location is now open!
1273 Laurel Lane, San Luis Obispo 805-784-0539
596 California Blvd., San Luis Obispo 805-543-9100
Thank You For Voting Us
The Best Burrito Nacho Supreme
And One Of The Best Mexican Restaurants In SLO! Carne Asada Burrito
20% Off Breakfast Burritos
at the California location when you mention this ad!
Offer Good Until 6/15
PAGE 68 • BEST OF SLO • 2014
Together with you. Thank you SLO County for voting us the Best Financial Institution for the 7th year in a row!*
JOIN US * * AND SEE WHY WE’RE THE LOCALS’ CHOICE FOR BANKING.
EXPLORE
SESLOC.ORG
SAN LUIS OBISPO
A R ROYO G R A N D E
CALL
805·543·1816
ATA S C A D E RO
PA S O R O B L E S
*In the New Times’ Annual “Best of SLO” Reader’s Poll **You can become a member if you live, work or attend school in San Luis Obispo County.
2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 69 2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 69
BEST WASTE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY
PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
Los Osos sewer
We’ve written about this one so much. So much. Los Osos residents have been divided about attempts to bring a sewer to their town for decades. Advances have been paid for by—yes—taxpayer funds, presided over by leaders we vote in and then pay for, as well as the workers they choose to hire (and pay). The project manager has been posting construction updates since the project got well underway, even cursory scans of which show approved payments that number in the millions upon millions upon millions. Whether you agree with the settled-upon system and the way it’s being installed or not, you’re likely to conclude that this slog of a process—plagued, as it’s been, by starts and stops and all manner of haggles—hasn’t been as streamlined or productive as it could have been. And locals have certainly paid for every inch of pipe and ounce of contention.
—Ryan
RUNNER-UP: OBAMACARE
BEST CONTROVERSY OR SCANDAL
Bruce Gibson
SLO COUNTY SUPERVISOR If you’ll recall, Supervisor Bruce Gibson publicly admitted he’d been having an affair with his legislative assistant Cherie McKee (formerly Aispuro) in late SHE’S TOPS Shelly Higginbotham is 2012. After she transferred to a the current and aspiring mayor of Pismo “temporary assignment” in the Beach, but she’s already won one county clerk-recorder’s office under the advisement of county counsel, popular vote, getting the Best Elected Gibson moved her back into her Official nod from New Times readers. old job in early 2013, and McKee has stayed there ever since. That’s parts, it. Two adults had consensual sex, and and one of them happened to be he knows it. Upon clinching yet another victory the other’s boss. Nonetheless, our readers remain in the BAPF category, the perpetually bombastic fixated on the almost-two-year-old scandal. We Hill told New Times that “it finally soothes the understand that the personal sex lives of elected bitterness of losing ‘Best Parachute Pants,’ ‘Best officials have a certain cachet, but, come on, Mullet,’ and ‘Most Likely to Own his Own Sports people. There were so many other (more current) Memorabilia Shop,’ back in high school in Jersey.” scandals to pick from this year! I really don’t want Ever the gentleman, Hill credited the win to his to be writing a blurb on Teapot Dome next year, so archenemies, “Hate Town Radio and CalCoast I humbly beseech you to up your scandal-picking Lies, without whom this honor would not be game, readers. I believe in you! possible.” The conspiracy-minded reader should —Rhys keep a watchful eye on Hill in the coming year (if you aren’t already), as he exclusively shared with New Times his top-secret plans to “close down RUNNER-UP: LOS OSOS SEWER some lanes on the George Washington Bridge as part of a ‘traffic study.’” Whatever your point of view, no one can argue that Adam Hill isn’t entertaining. BEST ANNOYING PUBLIC FIGURE
Adam Hill
SLO COUNTY SUPERVISOR Supervisor Adam Hill is a fixture around these
—Rhys
RUNNER-UP: SLO COUNTY SUPERVISOR DEBBIE ARNOLD
BEST USE OF TAXPAYERS’ MONEY
education/schools Its funny, but when your out of school their are things that you start to forget like how to right and stuff. Also math is hard. Back in my day, we had to use an abacus to calculate the distance we had to walk uphill both ways in the snow. These days kids are probably all using iPads or Samsungs, checking their SnapChads and posting selfers. But it’s because of us fine, well-reasoned, tax-paying adults (’merica!) that they get all those fancy doohickeys in the first place. Back when I was in school, all we had were scientific calculators, and most of the time we weren’t allowed to use them. You know what I thought of as modern technology? Playing Solitaire on my calculator. Look at me now, writing about how great kids have it because of all the wonderful tax dollars we have so rightly dedicated to ensuring their future is bright and cheery. You’re welcome, today’s youth.
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: FIX ROADS COMMUNITY WATCH CONTINUED PAGE 70
PAGE 70 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PAGE 70 • BEST OF SLO • 2014 PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
COMMUNITY WATCH FROM PAGE 69
BEST ELECTED OFFICIAL
Shelly Higginbotham PISMO BEACH MAYOR What can you say about a woman like Shelly Higginbotham? Her name is really hard to spell, and it sort of sounds like a British Gotham City. But that’s beside the point. Why does Higginbotham think she was voted Best Elected Official? “Perhaps because I always return my grocery carts to the cart corral.” Good on you, Higginbotham. I didn’t even know it was called a “cart corral.” And she’s not just the mayor of Pismo Beach; she’s also a mayoral candidate for Pismo Beach. Asked about her nemesis, Higginbotham said, simply: “Graffiti.” She knows the gig; she knows it’s not the most popular job to have (even if she is the most popular among our readers). “Whenever you cast a vote, you always disappoint someone,” she admitted. “I try to overcome this by making sure I have thoroughly thought through my decisions. I am very humbled and grateful to represent the citizens of Pismo Beach. Recognition in the New Times Best Of is a huge honor.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: SHERIFF IAN PARKINSON PHOTO BY HENRY BRUINGTON
BEST NONPROFIT
BEST NEWS SOURCE The KSBY news team plays to win, whether it's another news source's readers poll or a media fight in a back alley.
Hospice of San Luis Obispo County
1304 PACIFIC ST., SLO • 811 12TH ST., SUITE 301, PASO ROBLES For hospice workers, the enemy they face every day is death—and not just death itself, but the way we all deal with death. “Our No. 1 nemesis is our society’s general lack of acceptance of dying as a part of the life cycle,” said Kris Kington-Barker, executive director of Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. “As a result, many people fail to access the additional support available to them through our organization when it
could make such a difference in the quality of their living and the gentleness of their dying.” Hospice SLO has helped people with a life-limiting illness, as well as their family and friends, since 1977. Kington-Baker said Hospice SLO is a “true nonprofit” that’s funded solely through money raised from events, direct donations, and bequests, which means clients pay nothing. “Our organization provides an additional layer of support for patients who are dealing with a life-limiting illness. We provide emotional and respite support for them, their caregivers, and support their network comprised of family and friends.”
—Colin
RUNNER-UP: WOODS HUMANE SOCIETY
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2014 • BEST OF SLO • PAGE 71
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