2013 Boulder County Gold by Prairie Mountain Media

2013

BOULDER COUNTY

PEOPLE’S

CHOICE

Awards

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2013 Boulder County Gold People’s Choice Awards

2013

BOULDER COUNTY

PEOPLE’S

CHOICE

Eats, Drinks and Entertainment

Services, Faces & Places

Shopper’s Paradise

List of Winners and Runners Up

Contributing Writers: Adam Rowan, Emma Castleberry, Melissa Howell, L.L. Charles, Thom Collins, Darren Thornberry, Julie Kailus, Dominique Del Grosso, Lulu Tupper

Awards

Photography: Jonathan Castner, David Jennings Data Entry & Veriﬁcation: Boulder Stafﬁng Designer & Editor: Greg Stone Boulder County Gold is a marketing feature of your Daily Camera. Copyright 2013. For advertising information, call your consultant or 303.473.1400. To subscribe to the Daily Camera, call 303.444.3444 or visit DailyCamera.com.

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C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Eats} Drinks+Entertainment

Best American Restaurant.............. 6 Best Asian Restaurant .................... 7 Best Vietnamese/Pho ...................... 7 Best Bakery .................................. 22 Best Bar.......................................... 8 Best Barbecue................................. 7 Best Beer Selection at a Restaurant ... 8 Best Burrito.................................... 8 Best Caterer ................................... 9 Best Coffeehouse............................ 9 Best Deli....................................... 11 Best Dessert.................................. 10 Best Ice Cream ............................. 10 Best Farm to Table Dinner ............. 9 Best Food Truck........................... 10 Best Italian Restaurant ................... 7 Best Gluten-Free Restaurant .......... 7 Best Mediterranean Restaurant.... 12 Best Outdoor Dining.................... 12 Best Happy Hour......................... 12 Best Appetizers............................. 12 Best French Restaurant ................ 14 Best Frozen Yogurt....................... 15 Best Indian Restaurant ................. 14 Best Late-Night Restaurant.......... 14 Best Mexican Restaurant ............. 15 Best New Restaurant.................... 17 Best Pizza ..................................... 14 Best Salad..................................... 19 Best Seafood Restaurant............... 17 Best Sports Bar............................. 19 Best Sushi..................................... 12 Best Take-Out Food ..................... 19 Best Vegetarian Restaurant .......... 16 Best Gunbarrel/Niwot Restaurant .. 18 Best Lafayette/Louisville/ Superior/Erie Restaurant........... 19 Best Longmont/Lyons Restaurant... 18 Best Breakfast .............................. 21 Best Brunch.................................. 21 Best Place for a Romantic Dinner... 20 Best Restaurant Service ................ 20 Best Place for Tea......................... 21 Best Restaurant to Bring Kids ...... 23 Best Paint & Sip Studio................ 22 Best Place to Hear Live Music...... 22 Best Theater Performance ............ 23 Best Wings ................................... 11 Best Wine Selection ...................... 16 Best Boulder County Event .......... 22 Best Thai...................................... 23

C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best American Restaurant (TIE) OAK at Fourteenth

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Specializing in “nice, simple food,” OAK at fourteenth enhances the flavors of North American cuisine with a wood-fire oven and wood-fire grill, said assistant manager Sarah Iverson. As the name suggests, the kitchen’s fuel source is oak; this clean-burning wood elevates ingredients’ natural taste without leaving a woody accent. “We use wonderful ingredients that the chef sources, and let the food speak for itself,” Iverson said. Specialties like the shaved kale and apple salad, served with candied almonds, Parmesan cheese and togarashi (a Japanese pepper), and the seasonal Rocky Junior chicken (a free-range, organic bird first cooked on the grill then finished in the oven) exemplify OAK’s dedication to simplicity and flavor. Tapas-style small plates allow diners to sample multiple items. The cocktail program at OAK augments the menu. Helmed by award-winning mixologist Bryan Dayton, customers can choose from a variety of libations to suit their mood and food. One custom cocktail, the East Aspen Heights, has received national recognition. Made with Bombay Sapphire gin, yellow chartreuse, pear juice, muddled blackberries and lemon, the East Aspen Heights was the signature drink for which Dayton won the 2011 “Most Inspired Bartender” award from the United States Bartenders’ Guild. 1400 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.3622; oakatfourteenth.com

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BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

The Kitchen Fittingly for a community restaurant, The Kitchen Boulder has three components. Along with the bistro downstairs, [Upstairs] is a wine, beer and cocktail lounge and [Next Door] is a natural, organic community pub. Each part of The Kitchen Community works in harmony to bring customers together with a tantalizing, sustainable menu. “A community restaurant means forming relationships so you know what goes on the table,” said Kimbal Musk, cofounder of The Kitchen. “We’re very grateful to have relationships with people in Boulder and beyond for almost 10 years.” Founded in 2004, The Kitchen uses farm-to-table principles to elevate simple, familiar dishes. One highlight of the menu is the Long Farm Pork Chop, served with heirloom polenta, cherries, brown butter and celery leaves.“[The pork chop] is simple,” Musk said, “and it’s one of the most delicious things I’ve ever had.” The Kitchen has another focal point in its community table. Built by local carpenters using repurposed rafters from the Spruce Street Mansion, the community table is the site of a family-style dinner every Monday that gives customers a chance to meet one of the restaurant’s suppliers while indulging in a specially selected menu. The Kitchen Boulder & [Upstairs], 1039 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5973; The Kitchen [Next Door], 1035 Pearl St., Boulder, 720.542.8159; thekitchencommunity.com

Runner Up (TIE): Boulder Cork, 3295 30th St., Boulder, 303.443.9505; bouldercork.com Runner Up (TIE): Boulder Chophouse & Tavern, 921 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.443.1188; boulderchophouse.com

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Asian Restaurant AND Best Vietnamese/Pho

Chez Thuy Vietnamese Restaurant

Best Italian AND Best Restaurant With Gluten-Free Offerings Carelli’s of Boulder Ristorante Italiano It’s easy to see why the Carelli name has been synonymous with quality Italian eating for 22 years. At Carelli’s of Boulder, freshness is the key to popular dishes like the shrimp scampi (tiger prawns over fettuccine with a lemon and garlic sauce) and chicken saltimbocca (fresh sage and thinly sliced prosciutto on chicken breast served over potato spears), as well as a wide, authentic selection of pizzas, calzones, nightly fresh ﬁsh and more. “Boulder has an educated palette, so nothing is pre-made,” said Greg Carelli, owner/ manager of Carelli’s. “It starts with a hot saute pan and goes from there.” In addition to a menu emphasizing freshness and scratch cooking, Carelli’s strives to accommodate diners with food allergies. The gluten-free selection is vast: Customers can have any pasta on the menu prepared with non-gluten ingredients like tapioca starch and white rice ﬂour in lieu of wheat-based products. Similarly, all of Carelli’s crepes can be made gluten-free, too. In the evenings for the past seven years, chefs have transformed the dining

SEPTEMBER 2013

room into a creperia, a theatrical focal point where chefs prepare the dessert pastries live for an audience of hungry diners. “The desserts are killer here,” Carelli said. “We do a Nutella and chocolate crepe with fresh whipped cream that people love.” Carelli’s has a big menu, so it’s easy to ﬁnd a favorite and stick to what you love or sample a different dish each time you visit. This sense of discovery, along with the fresh ingredients and scratch cooking, has made the restaurant a perfect place for diners seeking authentic Italian cuisine. “We offer a quality menu and do a consistent job executing it,” Carelli said. “That’s what makes us appealing to the Boulder market.” 645 30th St., Boulder, 303.938.9300; carellis.com

Celebrating 20 years in Boulder, Chez Thuy prides itself on serving traditional Vietnamese dishes while incorporating ﬂavors from Thailand, China, France and other locales. Chef/owner Thuy Le attributes the restaurant’s two decades of success to hard work and appreciative customers. “I always look for food that satisﬁes the customer,” Thuy said. “I’ve been lucky: Whether it’s fusion or traditional, people have enjoyed the menu items I’ve created.” One signature dish that showcases Chez Thuy’s Vietnamese roots is pho, a traditional noodle soup. “Pho is an all-day food,” Thuy said. “You can eat it when you get up in the morning, and eat it again at midnight.” The pho at Chez Thuy is cooked over the course of six to eight hours, producing a “wonderful broth,” Thuy said. The broth is then poured over rice noodles and seasoned with basil, chives, sweet onions and 10 different spices. Diners can choose to add proteins like beef (steak and brisket), chicken, shrimp and Vietnamese meatballs (bo vien), as well as tofu and vegetables. Beyond pho, Chez Thuy’s menu includes other staples of Asian cuisine. Specialties include Pad Thai, Vietnamese stir-fry, curries and hot pots. Vegetarian diners can select from a wide variety of non-meat dishes, most of which can be prepared to suit vegan preferences, too. Pairing authentic Vietnamese dishes with a passion for embracing other cultures, the food at Chez Thuy has created a fan base who appreciates the restaurant’s dedication to fresh ingredients and fusion. “A lot of my customers know me well,” Thuy said. “They’ve given me the opportunity to sell to them, and I appreciate the opportunity to sell to them.” 2655 28th St., Boulder, 303.442.1700; chezthuy.com Runner Up for Best Asian Restaurant: Zoe Ma Ma, 2010 10th St., Boulder, 303.545.6262; zoemama.com Runner Up for Best Vietnamese/Pho: Black Pepper Pho, 2770 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.1948; blackpepperpho.com

Runner Up for Best Italian Restaurant: Arugula Ristorante, 2785 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.443.5100; arugularistorante.com Runner-up for Best Restaurant with Gluten-Free Offerings: Tangerine, 2777 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.443.2333; tangerineboulder.com

Best Barbecue

KT’s Real Good BBQ KT’s has served mouth-watering Memphis-style barbecue in Boulder for 21 years. Named after founders Kirk and Tricia Jamison, KT’s Real Good BBQ transports the tangy ﬂavor beloved by Tennessee’s largest city to loyal Colorado customers. “In Memphis, pig is it,” said partner Melanie Thibodeau. “Everything is made from scratch, and we try to preserve the experience of making simple barbecue.” KT’s specialty and top seller is The Pig Pile, a pulled pork sandwich. The meat is dry-smoked with hickory wood and dressed with a vinegar-based sauce that gives the pig the tang that put Memphis on the barbecue map. Add Kirk’s Killer Beans and fresh, homemade coleslaw, and you have

C A M E R A

“the barbecue holy trinity,” Thibodeau said. No barbecue is complete without good company, and KT’s Real Good BBQ has retained the “mom and pop” feel of the restaurant since Kirk and Tricia started the business in 1992. “We really focus on the family-run and -operated feel of KT’s,” Thibodeau said. “We have a lot of the same people from day one still coming in today.” 7464 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.786.7608; 2675 13th St., Boulder, 303.442.3217; ktsbbq.com Runner Up: Moe’s Original Bar B Que, 675 30th St., Boulder, 303.440.4227; moesoriginalbbq.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Beer Selection at a Restaurant

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

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Given the dense population of craft breweries in Boulder, how can the selection at any one restaurant please every palette? Old Chicago in Boulder rises to the challenge by keeping roughly 30 beers on tap and 60 varieties in bottles at any given time. “We try to be like the Swiss Army Knife of beers, with a little bit of something for everyone,” said Joe Gorrino, bar manager at the Old Chicago on the Pearl Street Mall. “I look across every spectrum, from big beers to light beers, local to national brands, so anyone that walks in the door can ﬁnd something they like.” One way beer fanatics can sample the vast variety of brews at Old Chicago is the World Beer Tour loyalty program. Earning prizes along the way, customers who drink 110 different types of suds get their names on a plaque placed on the Old Chicago wall, enshrining their place as a connoisseur of ale. Customers are driven to Old Chicago not just by the selection but by specials on beer, such as $1 off select brands every Wednesday and limitedtime releases through relationships with local breweries like Left Hand and Avery. 1102 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.5031; 1805 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 303.651.7000; 100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior, 720.304.2048; oldchicago.com Runner Up: Backcountry Pizza & Tap House, 2319 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.449.4285; backcountrypizzaandtaphouse.com

Best Burrito

Illegal Pete’s An “ability to cater to others’ needs” sets the burritos at Illegal Pete’s apart, said Eric Wahl, general manager of the Pearl Street Mall store. “We’re more conscious of people with food allergies, and we do a good job of catering to vegetarian and vegan options,” Wahl said. Except for the green chile and beer-battered fish, all burrito items can be prepared to accommodate customers with gluten allergies. With all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and a fresh, made-to-order philosophy, Illegal Pete’s serves a wide variety of dishes guaranteed to hit the spot. Popular favorites include Pork Carnitas burritos (filled with pork marinated in Mexican Coke, giving a sweet and spicy flavor “similar to barbecue,” Wahl said) and the Big Fish Burrito, made with beerbattered filets. One of the most popular toppings is Illegal Pete’s pesto. Made from a roasted poblano pepper base, this “spicy, garlic-y” sauce adds a “zip” to any burrito, Wahl said. Whether served with chips or on a burrito, queso is another Illegal Pete’s must-have extra. “The chips and queso are through the roof,” Wahl said. “Put queso in any burrito, and you’ll want it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.” 1447 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.3955; 1320 College Ave., Boulder, 303.444.3055; illegalpetes.com Runner Up: Chipotle Mexican Grill, 1650 28th St., Boulder, 720.406.0500; 919 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.9383, 375 S. McCaslin Blvd, Louisville, 720.890.0670; 1100 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.651.6763; chipotle.com

Best Bar

The Bitter Bar

www.

glaciericecream.com

BOULDER 4760 Baseline Rd Boulder, CO 80303 (303) 499-4760

BOULDER 3133 28th Street Boulder, CO 80301 (303) 440-6542

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Lousville 1387 S. Boulder Rd Louisville, CO 80027 720-890-5992

The Bitter Bar separates itself from Boulder’s college town scene by offering a mature, intimate setting where customers can enjoy custom cocktails. “We’re more grown-up,” said Burton Daniel, general manager of The Bitter Bar. “Our customers are respectful of us, and we treat them with respect.” The Bitter Bar draws from a giant drink catalog containing approximately 315 beverage recipes for its signature cocktails. With seven award-winning bartenders behind the line, customers can expect to drink something unique, with options beyond the menu they read before ordering. “There’s a lot of skill, talent and creativity behind the bar,” Daniel said. “By no means should customers feel restricted by our cocktail menu.” The most requested cocktail is the Moscow Mule. Made with vodka, lime juice and ginger beer, Daniel said the Moscow Mule is a “light, refreshing drink” served in a copper mug. Every Thursday from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., The Bitter Bar hosts live music. The

C A M E R A

intimate atmosphere of the establishment attracts a variety of acts uncommon to the Boulder bar scene. “It’s not your typical three-piece jazz section,” Daniel said. “A lot of fun, eclectic groups come in.” 835 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.442.3050; thebitterbar.com Runner Up: Dark Horse Bar and Grill, 2922 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.442.8162; darkhorsebar.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Farm-to-Table Dinner

Best Caterer

A Spice of Life Catering Bringing core values of creativity, family, learning, teamwork and growth to every event, A Spice of Life Catering is “a small corporation with family values” that is “small enough to help people, and large enough to know what to expect,” said owner/president David Rubin. With more than 25 years of experience, A Spice of Life has set itself apart as not just a caterer but an eventplanning service. Rubin, vice president Dan Bruckner and their 170 employees work as a team to bring great food and peace of mind to weddings, corporate events, holiday parties, gatherings of friends and family and more. “We take the stress off people’s shoulders and put it on ours,” Rubin said. “Ultimately, we sell experiences.” A Spice of Life

offers these experiences through more than just catering via the intimate Spice of Life Event Center and a corporate cafe program that serves workers at businesses like Spectra Logic and Xilinx in Longmont. Rubin attributes A Spice of Life’s growth to unwavering support from the community. “We understand we wouldn’t have gotten to where we are without supporting the community,” he said. “What goes around comes around.” 5541 Central Ave. Suite 272, Boulder, 303.443.4049; A Spice of Life Event Center, 5706 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.444.3452; aspiceoflife.com

Black Cat Farm Table Bistro

Runner Up: Savory Cuisines, 5741 Arapahoe Ave. #1A, Boulder, 303.543.7767; savorycuisines.com

Stocked by a 130-acre farm with residents including 100 hogs and 100 sheep, Black Cat Farm~Table~Bistro serves literally the freshest ingredients in Boulder. With an ever-changing menu tailored to shifts in the seasons, Black Cat harvests the best fruits, vegetables and meats before moving them from the farm to the restaurant in time for dinner. “Our mission of sustainability yields great ﬂavor in the dining room,” said Eric Skokan, chef, owner and farmer at Black Cat. “The harder we work, the more fresh everything becomes.” Only fresh, organic, locally raised food makes it to the tables at Black Cat, ensuring diners get the best quality with an immediacy that restaurants outsourcing their ingredients can’t hope to match. The menu changes every day

based on the harvest, with some items lasting longer than others. For example, Skokan said the fall menu will feature a season-long roast of Black Cat’s heritage pigs. The savory pork will be served with grilled artichokes, rosemary and pumpkin, though diners should expect surprises. “Variations happen every day,” Skokan said. “It’s one of the joys of cooking with things we’ve harvested and rushing them to the restaurant.” 1964 13th St., Boulder, 303.444.5500; blackcatboulder.com Runner Up: The Kitchen Boulder & [Upstairs], 1039 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5973; The Kitchen [Next Door], 1035 Pearl St., Boulder, 720.542.8159; thekitchencommunity.com

Best Coffeehouse

Ozo Coffee Co. In a city full of college students and startups seeking caffeine, what sets Ozo Coffee apart? “Extreme dedication to the craft of preparing specialty coffee, plus roasting and sourcing it,” said co-owner Greg Lefcourt. “We spend time visiting the farms, establishing relationships, talking about coffee and getting to know each other on a personal level.” Ozo works closely with farmers in countries like Honduras and El Salvador to ﬁnd ﬂavorful, artisanal beans. Highly skilled roasters and baristas then transform these premium products into customer-pleasing coffees, espressos, blends and other beverages. Regular imports mean Ozo’s menu consistently changes. One of the most noteworthy additions is a collection of drinks based on cacao, better known as the cocoa bean. Served similar to hot chocolate, Ozo strives to replicate the traditional

SEPTEMBER 2013

style of cacao beverages, emphasizing raw chocolate with little processing. Speed, service and quality are the hallmarks of the shops. Even with so many options, Lefcourt said the effort to “keep everyone happy” has led to many loyal customers. “The reception from Boulder has been amazing,” he said. “We’re thankful to be a part of the coffee community, and we’ll continue to provide top-notch service.” 5340 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.440.0233; 1015 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.645.4885; Ozo Coffee Roasters and Lab, 1898 S. Flatiron Court #110, Boulder, 303.396.0354; ozocoffee.com Runner Up: Vic’s Espresso, 2680 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.440.8209, 3305 30th St., Boulder, 303.440.2918, 3348 28th St., Boulder; vicsespresso.com

C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Food Truck

Comida

Shuttling along the Front Range from Boulder to Denver and beyond, Comida specializes in Mexican street food. With its mobile capabilities, Comida offers street service and catering truck stops for events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, street fairs and more. If you’re on the lookout for this “mobile Mexican feast,” the truck isn’t hard to spot, said owner/ operator Rayme Rossello. Formerly a yellow 1998 box delivery vehicle, the truck was painted pink and outﬁtted to serve food. The refurbished truck, affectionately named Tina, is the Comida ﬂagship. “Tina has a ton of personality,” Rossello said. “It’s a big, pink taco truck, so it’s hard to miss.” Comida specializes in Mexican favorites like tacos, gorditas and quesadil-

las. Via unique additions like the jalapeño grits, Rossello combines traditions of the American South with those South of the Border. If Tina isn’t coming to your neighborhood, satisfy your craving at one of the Comida Cantinas. The brick-and-mortar restaurants feed the food truck with a rotating set of menu items. “The Cantina has everything on the food truck and more,” Rossello said. Along with in-house specials like the Sunday slow-roasted chicken dinners, Comida Cantina serves a Mexican staple Tina doesn’t: margaritas. Comida Cantina, 721 Confidence Drive, Unit 1, Longmont, 720.204.6455; eatcomida.com; Find the Food Truck: twitter.com/eatcomida. Runner Up: Verde, 520.358.3670; verdefoodtruck.com; twitter.com/verdefoodtruck.com; facebook.com/verdefoodtruck.com

Best Ice Cream / Dessert

Glacier Homemade Ice Cream & Gelato

Glacier focuses on using the best ingredients and fusing them to create unique, enjoyable flavors. “We’re willing to try and experiment,” said Kate McAndrews, general manager of Glacier’s Boulder stores. “We’ve created probably 1,000 different flavors over the years.” This impressive repertoire is on display at Glacier locations every day. Customers can select from 40 different ice cream flavors, as well as 24 types of gelato. Naturally, any longstanding variety has its loyal fan base: The Oreo flavors, such as the Funky Donkey (peanut butter ice cream with Oreo cookies and fudge), are a consistent favorite. Seasonal additions to the menu also capture customers looking for a tasty treat that matches the climate. Key lime in summer and pumpkin in fall are both eagerly awaited items, their limited time on the Glacier menu only increasing demand. Now in its 11th year, Glacier has augmented its homemade selection of ice cream, gelato, sorbet and low-fat yogurt with custom flavors developed in partnership with other local snack and sweets companies. Businesses like Boulder Granola and Kim and Jake’s Cakes have seen their products transferred into frozen treats for Glacier customers. “We work a lot on community collaborations to find

new flavors,” McAndrews said. “We’ll even throw questions out to customers to find new seasonal favorites.” Whether you’re craving a longtime favorite flavor or a seasonal item perfectly matching the weather, the massive selection and satisfying ingredients make Glacier a perfect spot for a midday snack or latenight treat. The only difficulty might be choosing a flavor from the extensive list. “People do love the variety,” McAndrews said, “but it does make it harder for them to decide.” 4760 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.4760; 3133 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.6542; 1387 S. Boulder Road, Louisville, 720.890.5992 Runner Up for Best Ice Cream: Sweet Cow Ice Cream, 637 Front St., Louisville, 303.666.4269; sweetcowicecream.com Runner Up for Best Dessert: The Cheesecake Factory, 1401 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.546.0222; thecheesecakefactory.com

Not Your Father er’s Liquor Storee

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Wings

Dark Horse Bar and Grill

Best Deli

Salvaggio’s Deli Fusing homemade bread and premium Boar’s Head meats, Salvaggio’s has been a Boulder sandwich institution since 1994. A good rapport with customers has led to a strong fan base for the Boulder-born deli. “We’re more personal than commercial,” said Jim Lavoie, general manager of the Salvaggio’s stores on Pearl Street. “The reputation of Salvaggio’s spread by word of mouth.” And word of mouth has treated the

business well: The original Salvaggio’s location on Pearl Street has become famous for its slow-roasted prime rib sandwiches. Stores on The Hill and Pearl Street Mall, meanwhile, offer their own specialty in the cheesesteak sandwiches (made with American cheese, and available with choice of onions, peppers and mushrooms). Other deli classics, like the Italian, Reuben, pastrami, roast beef and more, get premium treatment with quality ingredients. Add a side like Salvaggio’s signature cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni salad, and you’ll have a hardy meal perfect for fueling the

rest of your day. With nearly 20 years of sandwich experience, Salvaggio’s is conﬁdent in its food and is always looking to please customers new and old alike. 2609 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.1981; 1397 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.545.6800; 1107 13th St., Boulder, 303.448.1200; salvaggiosdeli.net Runner Up: Snarf’s, 2128 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.7766; 5340 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.444.3404; 645 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.774.1441; 2130 Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303.702.1111; eatsnarfs.com

Runner Up (TIE): Savory Cuisines, 5741 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, 303.543.7767; savorycuisines.com. Runner Up (TIE): West End Tavern, 926 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.444.3535; thewestendtavern.com

25YEARS

THANKS BOULDER

As a burger and wings joint, Dark Horse Bar and Grill general manager Chris Verrips attributes the award-winning wings to using “three-joint wings, consistent quality and great sauce. We’ve thought we have the best wings for a long time, and there’s a good contingent of people who feel the same,” Verrips said. “Our wings sell themselves.” A Boulder landmark since 1975, the Dark Horse is eclectic – decorated from top to bottom with movie props and turnof-the-century antiques – and will “keep people busy for hours looking around at everything,” Verrips said. The Dark Horse’s patio offers stunning views of the Flatirons, and the bar offers microbrews, domestics and quality spirits. With 20 HD TVs, a 10foot HD projection TV in the back bar for special events, pool, air hockey, foosball and video games, in addition to famous burgers and wings, and more, the Dark Horse “boggles the mind and gratiﬁes the senses. It’s budget food and darn good at that,” Verrips said. 2922 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.442.8162; darkhorsebar.com

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C A M E R A

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303.443.4049 • ASPICEOFLIFE.COM BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Mediterranean Restaurant AND Best Outdoor Dining AND Best Happy Hour AND Best Appetizers

The Mediterranean Restaurant

The Med transports diners to the coastal regions of southern Europe and North Africa, providing a taste of the nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea. With signature dishes like paella, pastas, pizzas and more, The Med uses local ingredients and proteins to recreate the ﬂavors of countries like Spain, Greece, Italy and their neighbors. “We put out phenomenal food at a great value,” said Greg Topel, director of operations at The Med. “We feel like our tapas are the way everybody would like to eat.” Tapas plates give customers the opportunity to try multiple dishes in smaller portions perfect for sharing. Whether you’re passing artichokes, calimari or the new olive tapenades around the table, The Med’s small plates are an easy, affordable way to satisfy multiple appetites and preferences. “The tapas are multiple dining experiences in one,” Topel said. “Served family-style, they’re a wonderful way to gather and share a deluge of different plates.” The tapas undergo another discount during happy hour, held seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. No happy hour would be complete without cocktails, and The Med sets itself apart with drinks like the signature red and white sangria (a type of wine punch). “We treat the cocktails like a food recipe,” Topel said. “The drinks are meant to be synergistic with the food.” Many customers enjoy the temperate spring and summer months by sitting in The Med’s enclosed patio area. Generally available throughout the year’s daylight-saving time, the centerpiece of the patio is a tile-work wall with fountain. The cumulative effect of the enclosed patio “transports you to the Amalﬁ Coast or highlands of Spain,” Topel said. The Med has a lot to celebrate in 2013: Jan. 8 marked the restaurant’s 20th year of business. 1002 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.444.5335; themedboulder.com Runner Up for Best Mediterranean Restaurant: Arabesque, 1634 Walnut St., Boulder, 720.242.8623; arabesqueboulder.com Runner Up for Best Outdoor Dining: Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th St., Boulder, 303.442.4993; boulderteahouse.com Runner Up for Best Happy Hour: Boulder Cafe, 1247 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4884; bouldercafeonpearl.com Runner Up for Best Appetizers: Riffs Urban Fare, 1115 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.6699; riffsboulder.com

Best Sushi

Sushi Zanmai Maso Maki, who founded Sushi Zanmai in 1985, was looking to provide a more engaging environment for patrons of Japanese restaurants, says Joe Simonet, Zanmai’s general manager. “There was Japanese cuisine already in Boulder but it was more traditional and not very exciting,” Simonet says. “Maki wanted to create an environment that was more exciting and more fun.” One of the longstanding events that separates Zanmai from a traditional sushi bar is the Saturday night karaoke from 10 p.m. to midnight. “It’s deﬁnitely more vibrant, exciting and eccentric than the average, quiet sushi bar,” Simonet says. Simonet thinks a major difference between Zanmai and other Sushi bars is the inclination for customers to sit at the bar. “The difference between Zanmai and a lot of other bars is that a lot of people prefer to sit at the bar where they can talk to the sushi chefs and really enjoy their experience,” he says. “In our establishment, you are standing in front of the chef who is making [the sushi] right there in front of you.” Zanmai offers lunch during the week from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner every night starting at 5 p.m. 1221 Spruce St., Boulder; 303.440.0733; sushizanmai.com Runner Up: Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar, 1117 Pearl St Boulder, 303.473.4730; hapasushi.com

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Best Late-Night Restaurant

Best French Restaurant

Cosmo’s Pizza

Brasserie Ten Ten

Cosmo’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., though one can often ﬁnd a line out of the door of the Hill location at 2:30 a.m. on a weekend morning. The pizza joint has made it a mission to feed the people, even if it’s past closing time, says Kevin Behnke, general manager of the Baseline location. “We usually try not to let people go hungry,” Behnke says. “If there is a line out the door at 2:30 we try to get everybody a slice of pizza. We don’t like to turn away business.”Cosmo’s pizzas come in three sizes, 14 inches, 16 inches and 24 inches, ranging from $10 to $20. You can buy single slices at their restaurants. In addition to pizzas, Cosmo’s menu includes calzones, salads and their famous spicy ranch, which can be bought by the pint and ordered online. They also offer free delivery until close. Behnke says fresh ingredients and affordability make Cosmo’s a great choice for a late-night bite. “We make everything fresh here daily: the dough, the sauce, cutting the vegetables,” he says. “And we have reasonable prices. Combine those things and it’s hard not to love Cosmo’s.” 659 30th St., Boulder, 303.447.3278; 1325 Broadway St. #108, Boulder; 303.447.1133; cosmospizza.com Runner Up (TIE): The Corner Bar, 2115 13th St., Boulder; 303.442.4880; qsboulder.com. Runner Up (TIE): The Yellow Deli, 908 Pearl St., Boulder; 303.996.4700; yellowdeli.com/boulder

Best Indian Restaurant

Taj Indian Cuisine

Taj Indian Cuisine has a long-standing reputation in Boulder for delicious Indian food. Kamala Rai, general manager and coowner with her husband, says there have been changes since the opening of Taj Indian Cuisine in 1996 but her customers have never wavered in their loyalty. “We have modiﬁed a lot of things,” Rai says. “I started changing our food to healthier, cleaner versions. Indian food does not have to be always tons of chili and oil. That’s not how it’s cooked back home. We started doing that and our customers really supported us. That is always a reason to be grateful for our customers.”Rai emphasized that her restaurant is a product of its customers and their ongoing support. “I really am grateful to my customers,” Rai says. “My customers have supported us in making this. I feel rewarded.” Taj Indian Cuisine serves lunch and dinner every day and also has catering options. They open at 11 a.m. during the week and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 2630 Baseline Rd., Boulder; 303.494.5216; tajcolorado.com

Lexi Cohen, general manager of Pizzeria Da Lupo and daughter of owner Jim Cohen, says that simplicity has always been a central idea for this local pizza place.“It’s always been my dad’s dream to have a beautifully simple pizzeria that’s just serving great pizza,” she says. “That’s what we strive to accomplish here.” Owners Ken Wolf and Jim Cohen opened Pizzeria Da Lupo less than two years ago and it has quickly become a local favorite. “We’ve loved being a part of Boulder,” Lexi Cohen says. Extensive time and effort goes into making the food special at Pizzeria Da Lupo, says Cohen. “Our crust is a very special thing to us here,” she says. “We have a very long, dedicated process that goes into making our dough. I don’t think there are too many other people out there that do their dough the way we do.” In addition to their labor-intensive dough, Pizzeria Da Lupo uses a wood-ﬁre oven to make their pizza special.“I believe it’s the time that we take and the product that we use that makes us great,” Cohen says. “And, of course, a wood-ﬁre oven is a beautiful way to cook anything.” 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; 303.396.6366; pizzeriadalupo.com

Runner Up: Tandoori Grill, 619 S Broadway St., Boulder; 303.543.7339; tandoorigrillcolorado.com

Runner Up: Pizzeria Locale, 1730 Pearl St., Boulder; 303.442.3003; localeboulder.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Pizza

Pizzeria Da Lupo

C A M E R A

When Brasserie Ten Ten opened in the summer of 2003, it was meant to embrace the concept of a traditional French brasserie, says Greg Topel, Director of Operations. “The ownership is fortunate to have traveled far and wide and really loved the concept of a French brasserie,” Topel says. “A brasserie is meant to be a gathering place. It has incredibly amazing cuisine and has all the trappings of a lovely, elegant, ﬁne dining restaurant but it has always been intended to be a gathering place for absolutely everybody. That was always the goal we had for the Brasserie.” Despite the white tablecloths and ﬁne china, Brasserie Ten Ten has no dress code and serves affordable fare. The restaurant offers a daily happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. with several menu items under $5, such as $3 shrimp cocktail and $2 olive tapenade. They are open for brunch starting at 9 a.m. only on weekends, lunch at 11 a.m. during the week and dinner every night at 4 p.m. Topel says the restaurant tries to express its gratitude in its service to the community. “We’re very grateful that Boulder has embraced us,” he says. “I hope that they can feel that in everything we do.” 1011 Walnut St., Boulder; 303.998.1010; brasserietenten.com Runner Up: L’Atelier, 1739 Pearl St., Boulder; 303.442.7233; latelierboulder.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Frozen Yogurt

Ripple Pure Frozen Yogurt Boulder residents Jamie and David Humphrey opened Ripple Pure Frozen Yogurt in January of 2011. David Humphrey says his wife was inspired by the frozen yogurt from her childhood on the east coast and he joined her after some persuasion. “My wife had grown up on the east coast in the seventies and eighties and she was addicted [to frozen yogurt],” he says. “I tried some out west and I became super addicted.” When they opened their self-serve yogurt store, they included a twist: an in-store bakery where they could make fresh toppings, says Humphrey. “We opened it because at the time there wasn’t a self-serve in Boulder,” he says. “We thought we could do something a little bit different. We stocked it with a full bakery so that

whoever the baker is at the time can make anything they want.” Ripple serves an array of over 30 ﬂavors from the traditional, like “chocolate” or “cookies and cream”, to the exotic, such as “acai berry” or “blood orange.” Not only is Ripple locally owned, but also their yogurt is locally produced by Boulder Ice Cream. “It’s all made by Boulder Ice Cream, so it’s all local,” Humphrey says. “We’re huge fans. We took a chance and bought local and they’re great.” Ripple is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 1682 30th St., Boulder; 303.444.0690; rippleyogurt.com Runner Up: Spooners Frozen Yogurt, 1805 29th St. #1138, Boulder; 303.440.7066; spoonersfroyo.com

Best Mexican Restaurant

100% Mexicano Restaurante The ownership duties at 100% Mexicano Restaurante are very clearly separated. Chef owner Lucia Arellano is in charge of the kitchen while her partner, Shawn Camden, handles the business.“I always had it in the back of my mind that Boulder needed a really authentic Mexican restaurant,” Camden says. “Lucia approached me and needed someone business savvy.” While Camden wasn’t originally planning to be a partner, his passion for the project got the better of him. “As I worked more on the business plan, I got really sucked in,” he says. “We partnered up and started a restaurant.” The primary tenet for 100% Mexicano Restaurante is authenticity. From gorditas to lamb stew to pork throat, 100% Mexicano Restaurante offers traditional food

made the traditional way. “Everything on our menu represents some kind of region of Mexico,” Camden says. “All of the recipes are authentic. It’s made the Mexican way.” Camden says he is surprised at the number of Americans who enjoy his restaurant and he is grateful for all the customer support. “I thought [the restaurant] would be more popular with the Mexicans but there are a lot of Americans who look for it as well,” he says. “We have a lot of frequent customers – both Mexican and American – that have kept us alive.” 2850 Iris Ave., Boulder; 303.440.4141; 100percentmexicano.com Runner Up: Efrain’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina; 1630 63rd St. #10, Boulder; 303.440.4045; efrainsrestaurant.com

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BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Vegetarian Restaurant

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

Best Wine Selection

Frasca Food and Wine “We have a restaurant that puts wine service on the forefront of its concept,” said Frasca sommelier Carlin Karr. Frasca is the creation of master sommelier Bobby Stuckey – one of less than 200 master sommeliers worldwide – and chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, and brings their passion for Friuli-Venezia Giulian cuisine and wine to Boulder. “We have an extensive wine list focused on northern Italy, but includes wine from all the wine regions,” Karr said. Three dedicated sommeliers on Frasca’s ﬂoor every night help with wine pairings and menu selections, and the dining room offers a gracious

and friendly feeling of traditional Italian Frascas. “We offer very reﬁned service in a warm, hospitable setting to enjoy great food and wine,” Karr said. “This means so much to us. We love and appreciate the Boulder community, and the hunger and thirst among our great customers for great wine is what drives the wine program.” 1738 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.442.6966; frascafoodandwine.com

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant is part of a conglomerate of seven restaurants called Three Leaf Concepts, owned by Lenny and Sara Martinelli. Executive Chef Rachel Best, a former farmer, works with the farmers at Three Leaf Farm in Lafayette to create seasonal menus that use vegetables, fruits and herbs from the harvest, she says. “We have our own farm, so we’re using as much local and fresh produce as possible,” she says. “When I plan the menu I’m thinking about what’s going to be coming in. I like to keep things as simple as possible. I think we can enjoy food for what it is.” Best also makes minor alterations to the menu on a day-to-day basis and creates daily specials according to the

farm’s production. Leaf is attached to Aji, a Latin American restaurant that is also a part of Three Leaf Concepts. The Leaf menu is served in the Aji dining room as well as in the separate, meat-free Leaf dining room. Best says convenience and variety characterize Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant. “There’s not that many options for vegetarian restaurants around,” she says. “We have the most options available out there for people. It’s also pretty convenient.” 2010 16th St., Boulder; 303.442.1485; leafvegetarianrestaurant.com Runner Up: Arugula Bar e Ristorante, 2785 Iris Ave., Boulder; 303.443.5100; arugularistorante.com

Runner Up: Flagstaff House, 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303.442.4640; flagstaffhouse.com

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C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best New Restaurant

Fate Brewing Company

Fate played a large role in the birth of Fate Brewing Company. When the perfect building came along, the owner and founder of Fate, Mike Lawinski, wasn’t looking for it. “When a commercial broker called me to look at this property I wasn’t shopping for anything,” he says. “The location undeniably ﬁts this type of recipe.” Fate Brewing Company took over a building that has housed several restaurants before it and opened in February of 2013 after renovations. Lawinski spent the last ten years working for the Big Red F Restaurant Group as the operations manager for two Pearl Street restaurants before opening Fate. Lawinski says what makes Fate unique is the attention and intention in their food. “We really do intentional things about cooking with beer and being a brewery that pays a lot of attention

to food,” he says. “Since before we opened, we’ve said we make craveable, innovative comfort food. We pay attention to ingredients.” Lawinski says he tries to offer a menu that allows his customers to return regularly. “I feel like the stuff that we do is something you can eat multiple times a week,” he says. “That style of food really resonates with me.” Fate boasts 30 draft beers, some of which are rotating and seasonal. The brewery serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and dinner begins at 4 p.m. all week. 1600 38th St., Boulder; 303.449.3283; fatebrewingcompany.com Runner Up: Under the Sun Eatery and Taphouse, 627 S Broadway, Boulder; 303.927.6921; facebook.com/underthesuneateryandtaphouse

Best Seafood Restaurant

Jax Fish House

Though it originated as a New Orleansstyle, Gulf seafood restaurant, Jax has evolved with each of its different head chefs, says General Manager John-Mark Larter. “Over the 19 years we have been open, every time a new head chef has come through the doors, we’ve taken on a new inﬂuence,” he says. “It’s evolved into being a global homage to seafood across the world.” Larter attributes much of the restaurant’s success to their long history in Boulder. “We’ve achieved a certain level of iconic status over the years,” he says. “When you’ve been around for so many years, you’ve been a part of people’s lives. We have a sense of place in the community. It has seeped into the walls of this store. It feels soulful and laden with so many years of memories.” In addition to their history, Jax offers a quality seafood product despite its mainland location, says Larter. “The restaurant has always and will always source the best, sustainably raised seafood we can,” he says. “People can sense that in the food – that we’ve gone above and beyond to bring the freshest and the

SEPTEMBER 2013

best.” Jax opens at 4 p.m. daily and one can often ﬁnd a line forming outside the door at 3:30 p.m. to get a seat for their very affordable happy hour. The happy hour menu includes several cocktails and small plates of calamari, shrimp and gumbo under $6. 928 Pearl St., Boulder; 303.444.1811; jaxboulder.com Runner Up (TIE): Boulder Cork, 3295 30th St., Boulder; 303.443.9505; bouldercork.com; Runner Up (TIE): Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar, 1117 Pearl St., Boulder; 303.473.4730; hapasushi. com; Runner Up (TIE): Red Lobster, 2177 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont; 303.485.9898; redlobster.com

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Best Gunbarrel/Niwot Restaurant

Colterra

Best Longmont/Lyons Restaurant

Oskar Blues Brewery “We’ve become a national brewery, and continuing to be a key ingredient in the local community is super important to us,” said Chad Melis, Oskar Blues marketing director. With the Oskar Blues Grill & Brew in Lyons and the Oskar Blues Home Made Liquids & Solids in Longmont, they offer the local communities everything from top-notch menu items, plentiful live music, and of course, a brew for just about anyone. One hundred percent of the red meat and Berkshire pork the restaurants serve comes from the Oskar Blues Hops and Heifers Farm, located between Longmont and Lyons, where in addition to cattle being grass-fed, they are also fed with grain from the brewery; thus, brewery waste outﬂows serve as inﬂows to the farm. Each OB location has a

smoker, where everything is homesmoked, including their award-winning wings. Live music four to ﬁve nights a week showcases everything from open blue grass pick (Lyons location), to local bands, regional and even national bands. According to Melis, Oskar Blues has become “known for our craft beer in a can;” the Longmont location has 43 draft beers – between 10 and 15 of these are OB beers. “Thirty beers are from our brewing brethren, including well-known and hard-to-ﬁnd national beers,” Melis said. 1800 Pike Road, Longmont, 303.776.1914; oskarblues. com

The name “Colterra” is derived from the Latin words “collo” and “terra” which means “to cultivate the Earth,” says the restaurant’s website. The restaurant’s beverage director, Stephen Ogburn, says this has been their intention from the very beginning. “The idea was to have a farm-to-table restaurant that was extremely focused on local, organic produce and local, organic proteins,” Ogburn says. “We live in an area with lots of farms and a clientele that is really interested in the local, organic scene.” The restaurant is currently taking this focus a step further and removing all genetically modiﬁed organisms, or GMOs, from their restaurant, Ogburn says. When it opened 7 years ago, Colterra was very

intentionally placed in Old Town Niwot. “It’s not in Boulder and that was very speciﬁc,” Ogburn says. “Colterra has this little-town feel to it.”Ogburn says the restaurant’s environment paired with a quality menu provides for an idealistic dining experience.“I think you get the experience of being on Pearl Street as far as food and sophistication but you get this relaxed, small-town feel,” he says. Colterra is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the week. On Saturday and Sunday, brunch is served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. Dinner begins every day at 5 p.m.. 210 Franklin St., Niwot; 303.652.0777; colterra.com Runner Up: Treppeda’s, 300 2nd Ave., Niwot; 303.652.1606; treppedas.com

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Salad

Best Take-out Food

MAD greens is a Colorado business that began in Centennial and has grown to have 11 stores all over the state. The restaurant’s name is an acronym for the owners’ names, Marley Hodgson and Dan Long, as well as descriptive of the historical characters from which the salads get their names, says Justin Drake, general manager of the Boulder store. “MAD is a play on words,” Drake says. “It stands for Marley and Dan. The characters that we name our salads after, they’re all a little mad, like crazy. They pick these world history figures and build a salad that represents their particular region of the world.” Recent additions to the menu include the “Ghengis Khan” and a locally inspired salad named after Coloradan cannibal Alferd Packer. Drake is confident that MAD greens provides an option that isn’t very prevalent in today’s fast food selection. “It’s a fresh alternative to a lot of other foods out there,” Drake says. “It’s a fast, fresh, casual meal.” MAD greens has an “Allergy Menu” on their website which allows you to select items you’d like to avoid and see your salad options within these specifications. All locations are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 1805 29th St., Boulder; 720.496.4157; madgreens.com

Since 1995, Noodles & Company has been striving to “serve fresh food fast,” says their website. With stores all over the country, the restaurant’s popularity has clearly grown over its 18-year history. Noodles & Company’s motto, “Your World Kitchen,” speaks to the restaurant’s theme of noodles, sandwiches and soups inspired by different regions of the world. Some of their dishes even include a regional reference in their title, such as Indonesian Peanut Saute, Bangkok Curry and Japanese Pan Noodles. The pictureladen menu provides for easy ordering which you can also do online for both Boulder locations. “When you arrive at the restaurant, simply head straight to pick it up,” their website says. Noodles & Company is not only convenient, but also affordable. Most of their dishes are about $8 and the website says, “There’s never any tipping at Noodles.” Noodles also contributes to the community through donations, fundraising and franchising opportunities. You can ﬁnd more information about these services on their website. All locations open at 10:30am daily. Check individual listings on the Noodles & Company website for closing times. 1245 Alpine Ave., Boulder; 303.440.4340; 1600 28th St #1208, Boulder; 303.546.9000; 2602 Baseline Rd., Boulder; 720.304.2044; noodles.com

Runner Up: Modmarket, 1600 28th St. #1212, Boulder; 303.440.0476; madmarket.com

Runner Up: Savory Cuisines, 5741 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; 303.543.7767; savorycuisines.com

Mad Greens

Noodles & Company

Best Lafayette/Louisville/Superior/Erie Restaurant

The Empire Lounge and Restaurant The Empire Lounge and Restaurant has called Louisville home for ﬁve years. Located in Historic Downtown, The Empire Lounge and Restaurant offers seasonal, classic American bar food and inspired handcrafted cocktails. Award-winning executive chef Jim Cohen uses a mesquite wood-ﬁred grill, and manager Eric Vanderveen says the restaurant concentrates on “local, fresh ingredients.” Empire recently received Zagat ratings that placed it in the top ten restaurants along the Front Range,

and Venderveen said Empire offers good service and an experienced staff. “We’ve been here as this town has built up, has become more of a destination,” Vanderveen said. “We’re honored to win; we have a great clientele, lots of people who live in Louisville who come here several times a week.” 816 Main Street, Louisville, 303.665.2521; theempirerestaurant.com Runner Up: The Huckleberry, 700 Main Street, Louisville, 303.666.8020; thehuckleberry.com

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Best Sports Bar

LLC

Harpo’s Sports Grill 2860 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder; 303.444.9464; harpossportsgrill.com Harpo’s founder and owner, Mark Karpowich, is a fellow Buff. A college Halloween costume earned Karpowich his life-long nickname, which subsequently became the name of his sports bar. “I dressed up as Harpo Marx for Halloween, the ﬁrst week,” Karpowich says. “It just kind of stuck all through college. That was about thirty years ago.” Harpo’s will be celebrating its 9-year anniversary in 2013. Karpowich feels that the local ownership is part of the reason Boulder loves Harpo’s. “It’s pretty much a family business,” he says. The bar opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. on the weekend. They offer two happy hours daily from 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. With 27 televisions and a selection of 25 draft beers, Harpo’s offers an idyllic place to grab a beer and watch the game, says Assistant General Manager Jardin Ard. “It’s a fun, laid-back

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BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Place for a Romantic Dinner AND Best Restaurant Service Flagstaff House

With at least one marriage proposal a week, and anniversaries celebrated there on a regular basis, Flagstaff House Restaurant has seen its share of romance. “It’s a great place to come and celebrate and be pampered,” said Scott Monette, partner. The setting is a big factor in the atmosphere; just ﬁve minutes’ drive from Boulder, Flagstaff House is built into a mountainside, offering stunning views

of the city at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Since its early days as a cabin in the late 1920s, the Monette family has added ﬂoor-to-ceiling picture windows, several outside terraces, a mahogany bar and a ﬁreplace, in addition to such features as softer lighting and valet parking. “We have some extra courses that other restaurants generally don’t offer that make the evening a little longer,” Monette said. “And we

give a celebratory plaque at the end of the evening.” Monette said they strive to make sure Flagstaff House staff understands that while they are there every night, the guests are not, that it is a special occasion for guests. “We do make the effort to make everyone helpful and friendly here. Part of the training we go through for our staff is to go out of the way to be personal and make connections.” Flagstaff

House works with local Cure Farms to offer many seasonal items, and updates its menu every evening to take advantage of seasonal offerings; they started doing this “about 20 years before it was cool to do so,” Monette said. Flagstaff House’s menu includes fresh ﬁsh, prime steaks, buffalo, and other local offerings. In addition, they change up their cocktail menu regular, also making changes based on current seasonal items. Their summertime “Tastes on the Terrace” offers small food places from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., allowing guests to enjoy some nice bites and the view without a reservation. “We try to keep it fun and keep changing it up,” Monette said. “It’s great to receive this award. There are so many great restaurants in Boulder. We try to do our best to do new things. It means a lot that people appreciate what we’re doing. It’s a big deal to be recognized.” 1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303.442.4640; flagstaffhouse.com Runner Up for Best Place for a Romantic Dinner: Carelli's of Boulder Ristorante Italiano, 645 30th Street, Boulder, 303.938.9300; carellis.com Runner Up for Best Restaurant Service: Frasca Food and Wine, 1738 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.442.6966; frascafoodandwine.com

ExpEct the BEst in BouldEr catEring

We’re so honored to be your choice for

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE again in 2013 year after year

Thank you, Boulder!

2460 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, CO 80302 | 303.449.2112 Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm | Saturday 10am - 5pm BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Thanks for your votes!

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Place for Tea

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse A gift to Boulder from its sister city of Dushanbe, Tajikistan, The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse took two years and 40 artists to carve and paint. “The building is so beautiful, we want to celebrate the part of the world that gave us that,” said Matt Kiefer, manager, The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. The teas and menu items represent not only the Persian culture, but cuisines from around the world. The Teahouse ships in teas from India, China Japan, and all the other tea-producing areas around the globe. Staff mix a lot of teas themselves, and have created a lot of the teas they serve. “For chai, we have our own special recipe, a good blend of spices,” Kiefer said. All menu items are homemade, including the sauces. “We are self sufﬁcient, proud to create a worldly

menu,” Kiefer said. “A lot of our dishes are from around the world. Just as our tea is diverse, our menu is diverse.” Kiefer said Teahouse staff are proud to represent the building, the teas and the culture. “What we’re doing means something and that is rewarding; our hard work has not been in vain.” 1770 13th Street, Boulder, 303.442.4993; boulderteahouse.com

Ristorante Italiano

Runner Up: Pekoe Sip House, 1225 Alpine Avenue, Boulder, 303.444.5953; 2500 30th Street #100, Boulder, 303.444.4207; Central Campus Mall, Boulder, 303.444.5953; pekoesiphouse.com

Thank you Boulder. • Private Banquet Facilities Available • Live Jazz Every Friday Night With George Nelson

Best Breakfast AND Best Brunch

• Happy Hour 3:30 – 6:00 Daily • Chef Samir Aniba Nightly Fresh Fish Specials

Tangerine

Like the feelings its name is meant to evoke, Tangerine offers plenty of lighter breakfast fare with fresh ﬂavors. “Our ‘beans, roots, greens’ is really good, with two sunny side up fried eggs, pinto beans, and seasoned fresh beans,” said Ian Taylor, manager. “We even do things like eggs on a salad.” Tangerine strives to use local farms, fresh and seasonal local organic foods whenever possible, and also offers gluten-free pancakes, and a number of vegan and vegetarian options. “Our menu supersedes anywhere else,” Taylor said. On the not-so-light side, one of Tangerine’s biggest sellers is the corned beef and hash, with the corned beef consisting of slow-roasted chunks of meat. With an atmosphere as fresh as its name, Tangerine offers what Taylor describes as “trendy with a ﬁne dining

SEPTEMBER 2013

twist.” Bright color coordination and tangerine globes welcome customers, as do cheerful staff who are “bright and friendly,” Taylor said. “It’s an honor to win this,” Taylor said. “There are a lot of options for people to choose for their breakfast in Boulder; this is huge. We have an immensely growing business. Feedback has shaped what we do. We target local people who support the same causes we do. It’s wonderful to have people who keep returning.” 2777 Iris Avenue, Boulder, 303.443.2333; tangerineboulder.com

• “You’ve Got To Go To Carelli’s! It’s Old School. It’s Comfortable. It’s Not Pretentious.”

Runner Up for Best Breakfast: Snooze, 1617 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.225.7344; snoozeeatery.com. Runner Up for Best Brunch: Snooze, 1617 Pearl Street, Boulder, 303.225.7344; snoozeeatery.com

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– Denver Post

303.938.9300 reservations happily accepted

www.carellis.com 6 4 5 3 0 T H S T R E E T B O U L D E R C O 8 0 3 0 3 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Paint & Sip Studio

Posh

Best Bakery

Breadworks Bakery & Cafe

“We’ve been open for almost 19 years because of our attention to quality and consistency,” said Larry Domnitz, owner and operator of Breadworks. Larry and his wife Colleen, a classically trained executive chef, opened Breadworks in 1995. Since then, the bakery and cafe have been stocked with bread and other pastry items that are made fresh in-house every day. “We hand-shape all the bread and bake it in an old-world brick oven,” Domnitz said. “The bread has 100 percent certiﬁed organic ﬂour, and we make it small batch but high quality.” Along with the famous bread, the evolving menu at Breadworks also features items like brownies, croissants, soups made from scratch, tossed-to-order salads, oven-baked pizzas and homemade

sorbets and gelatos. You can even ﬁnd some of the same quality products at grocery stores, hotels and restaurants around Boulder via the wholesale business Breadworks operates from its bakery. Domnitz said the growth of the menu and the business wouldn’t have been possible without the loyal support of Breadworks customers. “The customers that have supported the bakery have been unbelievable,” he said. “Every day we see people we’ve seen regularly over the past 18 years.” 2644 Broadway, Boulder, 303.444.5667; breadworks.net Runner Up: Spruce Confections, 767 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.6773; 4684 Broadway, Boulder, 303.449.5819; spruceconfections.com

Best Boulder County Event

Boulder Creek Festival For the past 26 years, summer in Boulder has kicked off with the Boulder Creek Festival, a three-day festival over Memorial Day weekend along Boulder Creek. With 500 vendors showcasing arts and crafts, health and technology, along with four performance stages featuring music and dance, carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, the festival is free, open to the public, and offers something for everyone. The signature event features the rubber duck race, where people can sponsor a duck for a suggested $5 donation, and ducks float down Boulder Creek to the finish line; the race benefits the Boulder Parks and Recreation EXPAND

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

programs. Boulder Creek Festival draws roughly 450,000 attendees over its three days, and also serves as the biggest fundraiser of the year for some of the nonproﬁt vendors, according to director of communications Meg Denbow. “This is Boulder’s event,” Denbow said. “It’s always been their event. The award reﬂects this.” Boulder Creek between Ninth and Fourteenth Streets, 303.449.3137; bceproductions.com/ boulder-creek-festival Runner Up: Bolder Boulder, 5500 Central Avenue, Suite #110, Boulder, 303.444.7223; bolderboulder.com

When long-time Boulder residents Marsha and Lloyd Burch opened Posh in April of 2011, they became part of a growing trend of paint and wine studios. But they parlayed their love of Boulder Lloyd’s family homesteaded in Sunshine Canyon, and Lloyd and Marsha and their three children all graduated from CU – into the paintings they offer. “I’ve heard that people love our paintings,” Marsha said. “We offer several paintings of the Flatirons in different seasons, some aspens, some ﬂowers and more. This appeals to out-of-town visitors; locals like to take their guests here and they can paint and take home a piece of Colorado.” With all of their offered paintings, they think about, “what do people want to have hanging in their house?” Marsha said. Posh has four artists currently. “We look for artists who are in a master’s art program or who are

art teachers,” Marsha said. “Our artists know how to help them achieve desired looks.” Posh also offers a kids’ camp in the summer, kids’ birthday parties, and team-building activities for various organizations, including the ability to take Posh off-site to a requested location. “This is more of art entertainment,” Marsha said. “The venue is a safe and fun place to experiment with painting. We’re lucky to have a big pool of artists, budding artists and people who appreciate art. It’s so great to think that all of our hard work to make a great art and entertainment place is being recognized.” 1468 Pearl St #120, Boulder, 303.442.7674; poshsplat.com Runner Up: Whimsy Paint and Sip Art Studio, 500 Briggs Street, Erie; 303.665.7026; whimsypaintandsip.com

Best Place to Hear Live Music

Boulder Theater

The Boulder Theater has seen much change in its 75 years, transforming from a movie house to a concert hall. The historic theater – its façade is designated as a Colorado History Landmark – now hosts nearly 250 events annually, with respected local, national and international artists performing. The theater maintains its original art deco feel from the 1920s, but with an updated sound system. “The sound quality is great,” said Shannon Bock, Boulder Theater marketing manager. In addition to musical artists, Boulder Theater also hosts the Boulder International Film Festival, Warren Miller ﬁlms, Boulder Adventure Film Festival and a variety of community events. “We love being a part of this community,” Bock said. “We’re in the heart of downtown, the location is perfect – you can stroll Pearl Street. It means a great deal to win. We’re honored to be part of the local community. We are grateful

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to our patrons who make the place so great.” 2032 14th Street, Boulder, 303.786.7030; bouldertheater.com Runner Up: eTown Hall, 1535 Spruce Street, Boulder, 303.443.8696; etown.org

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Thai

Best Theater Performance

Khow Thai owner Larry Newman contributes his restaurant’s twelve years of success to his wife Toi’s recipes that she brought with her from Thailand. “My wife’s Pad Thai is second to none,” he said. After Pad Thai, green curry and drunken noodles are the top sellers, in a restaurant that offers casual dining and “doesn’t take ourselves too seriously,” Newman said. Khow Thai offers rear parking, Internet ordering, a noisy atmosphere, open kitchen, and “a lot of good energy.” “It’s always an unrealistic feeling to know people think that highly of us,” Newman said. “It’s always surprising and gratifying to know people appreciate what we do. My wife is the genius behind it all. It’s been a challenge but it’s been fun.” 1600 Broadway, Boulder, 303.447.0273; khow-thai.com

Last month, the Boulder Dinner Theater marked its 36th anniversary, something artistic director Michael Duran calls “quite an achievement in the theater community.” He attributes the success and longevity to extraordinary talent, an increase in food quality and menu variety in the past decade, a fun and diverse show selection and high production value, with shows being Broadwayquality. In addition, he said table service rather than a buffet style makes a different, and because the actors wait tables, theater patrons get to know the actors “up close and personal.” “People make friends with the actors and come back again because they are personally invested,” he said. Boulder Dinner Theater offers six shows each week, Wednesday through Sunday, with

Khow Thai Café

Boulder Dinner Theater

Runner Up: Buddha Café, 2719 Iris Avenue, Boulder, 720.565.0506; buddhathaicuisine.com

two shows on Sundays. Members of BDT have performed on stages all over the country, and have been cast in sitcoms and feature ﬁlms; some have been nominated for Academy Awards. In addition to musicals, BDT also offers a concert schedule. ‘We have a lot of things for a lot of different people,” Duran said. “It’s always an honor. There are a lot of opportunities for people to spend their leisure time and money; when they choose us it tells us our job is well done.”5501 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, 303.449.6000; bouldersdinnertheatre.com Runner Up: The Dairy Center for the Arts, 2590 Walnut Street, Boulder, 303.440.7826; thedairy.org

Best Restaurant to Bring Kids

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Red Robin offers great food served in a fun, family-friendly environment. In addition to serving quality burgers, sandwiches, salads and more for grown-ups, they offer a kids’ menu ﬁlled with all the favorites, from burgers and corn dogs, mac ‘n cheese to pizza, spaghetti to grilled cheese, and the not-so-well-known grilled chicken on a stick, with a variety of tasty and even healthy sides. The restaurant itself is fun, colorful, quirky, and often ﬁlled with happy noise – a place where any kid can feel at home. And the balloons are always a hit. 2331 Clover

Basin Drive, Longmont, 720.652.9229; 1 West FlatIron Circle, Broomfield, 303.464.0451, redrobin.com Runner Up: Noodles & Company, 1600 28th St #1208, Boulder, 303.546.9000; 2602 Baseline Road, Boulder, 720.304.2044; 1245 Alpine Avenue, Boulder, 303.440.4340; 1087 S Hover Street, Longmont, 303.776.5664; 2255 Main Street, Longmont, 303.776.8506; 1100 W Dillon Rd. #1, Louisville, 303.665.6226; noodles.com

Thank You for Your Continued Support, and for again selecting us as Boulder’s Best Bakery!

independent

locally owned

breadworks café features:

Award winning Artisan Bread & Rolls • Cold & Hot Soups • Entree and Side Salads • Tossed to Order Salads • Wood-Burning Pizza Oven • Grilled & Cold Sandwiches • Bakery-Spun Gelato & Sorbet • Fresh Entrées & Sides All Day • Full Line of Breakfast Pastries & Fresh Baked Pies, Cakes and Tarts

Everything Made Fresh On-Site Everyday All our Artisan Breads & Rolls made with

100% certified organic flour

Open everyday at 7am 2644 north Broadway • Boulder • 303-444-5667

SEPTEMBER 2013

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BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Services} Faces+Places

Best AC/Heating Service............... 30 Best Plumber/Plumbing Company 30 Best Auto Dealer .......................... 26 Best Auto Repair /Service Dept ........26 Best Car Wash.............................. 25 Best Carpet Cleaning Service........ 26 Best Chiropractic Clinic ............... 27 Best Colorado Ski Resort ............. 28 Best Customer Service .................. 28 Best Financial Institution ............. 28 Best Dance/Gymnastics Studio ..... 29 Best Day Camp ............................ 25 Best Dentist.................................. 34 Best Dry Cleaner/Laundromat ..... 29 Best Funeral Service Provider ....... 34 Best Hair Salon ............................ 27 Best Health Clinic ........................ 31 Best Hearing Aid Center .............. 31 Best Holistic Care/Wellness Center..30 Best Interior Design Studio........... 32 Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio ... 34 Best Lasik/Laser Eye Facility/Surgeon 32 Best Law Firm.............................. 26 Best Language School................... 33 Best Local School ......................... 30 Best Medical Facility .................... 31 Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary34 Best Moving Company ................ 37 Best New Business........................ 30 Best Pet Boarding Service ............. 35 Best Pet Grooming Service ........... 34 Best Veterinarian.......................... 34 Best Physician Based Hearing Center..33 Best Pilates/Yoga Center............... 40 Best Place to Work Out................ 40 Best Place to get a Massage.......... 40 Best Place for Worship ................. 39 Best Private School....................... 41 Best Real Estate Agent ................. 36 Best Real Estate Company/Ofﬁce ... 36 Best Retirement Community ........ 41 Best Local Employer .................... 41 Best Solar Energy Provider........... 35 Best Skincare Facility ................... 31 Best Spa ....................................... 37 Best Tanning Salon....................... 39 Best Teacher ................................. 38 Best Travel Agency....................... 39 Best Non-Proﬁt Organization ...... 39 Best Activist/Community Champion . 39

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Day Camp

Best Car Wash

Puddle Car Wash In 12 minutes or less, Puddle Car Wash will wash, vacuum, dust and dry your vehicle, guaranteed. This family-owned business has been helping Boulder stay clean since 1973. Offering ﬁve different car wash packages ranging from the “water works” – a standard wash, vacuum and towel dry – to the deluxe “Hurricane” – a full-detail service package that layer a variety of protectants, waxes and sealants, Puddle Car Wash will get your car back on the road looking shiny and new. Their expert staff and team will help guide you from beginning to end, ensuring your car wash package, meets both budget and time constraints. Puddle Car Wash also offer a broad selection

of individual services including, but not limited to: Shampooing, hand wax, trunk vacuuming and rims, among many others. After 40 years and serving more than 4 million customers, Puddle Car Wash are experts in getting dirty cars clean. Leave your ski and bike racks, rocket boxes and antennas attached to your vehicle, and let Puddle Car Wash work their scrubbing, drying and cleaning magic, getting you back on the road in no time. 3100 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.9274; puddlecarwash.com Runner Up: Coyote Car Wash, 3087 28th St, Boulder, 303.444.2695; yelp.com.au/ biz/coyote-carwash-boulder

Rocky Mountain Day Camp

Rocky Mountain Day Camp (RMDC) isn’t a typical camp for children. “We like to say that most other ‘camps’ in Boulder are simply classes or day care. We are truly day camp,” David Hansburg, owner and director of RMDC, says. “We also provide unique experiences, activities and events that no other camp in Colorado offers.” RMDC is for children, ages four to 14 and offered throughout the summer months and is broken into two or three week sessions. All the campers are divided by age and gender, “allowing us to tailor-make the schedule for each group each day,” he says. With a ratio of six children to one highly skilled and talented counselor – or what RMDC call their, “role models,” or experts in the activities or sport they teach – campers have the opportunity to bond with friends, discover new and expand on interests and talents and build conﬁdence, while making memories. RMDC offers a variety of activities for their campers including: Archery, arts and crafts, baseball, basketball, climbing wall, dance, drama, ﬂoor hockey, football, games, golf, lacrosse, music, rocketry, soccer, softball, volleyball, girls camp, water activities, among many others. At RMDC, donating and sponsoring local

business and causes is a paramount value. A list of these contributions include: Dawson School, Horizons K-8, Lafayette Elementary School, Eldorado K-8, Superior Elementary School, Coal Creek Elementary School, Douglass Elementary School, Broomﬁeld Academy, CU Athletics, March of Dimes, JCC Boulder, Parenting Place, Louisville Youth Baseball Association, Jarrow Montessori School - Boulder, Children’s Miracle Network, Shepherd Valley Waldorf School – Niwot and Town of Superior Adopt-A-Road Program. 3351 S. Indiana St., Superior, 303.495.5204; rockymtndaycamp.com Runner Up: YMCA of Boulder Valley, 2850 Mapleton Ave, Boulder, 303.442.2778; ymcabv.org

Boulder’s Best Liquor Liquor Store Store Est. 1968

Locally Owned & Operated for 45 years Same Knowledge Better Prices FREE Delivery no minimum Educating c each other since 1968

Thank You Boulder for Voting for Us !

SHOP ONLINE at 15th & Canyon Downtown Boulder • 303-449-3374 • Open 7 Days a Week 8am - 11:45pm LIQUORMART.COM SEPTEMBER 2013

C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Carpet Cleaning Service

Nesheim’s

Nesheim’s Cleaning Services cares about the condition of your ﬂoors, interior and upholstery. “We win (awards) every year because we care about our customers,” Rick Farasyn, president, says. Throughout the past 20 years of service to the Boulder community and surrounding areas, approximately 70 percent of Nesheim’s customer-base is either repeat customers or referrals. Offering a widerange of services from carpet shampooing to auto interior cleaning to hardwood ﬂoor cleaning or urine damage treatments, among many others, Nesheim’s is a full-service company serving the Boul-

der, Broomﬁeld, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Arvada, Thornton, Westminter, Frederick, Superior, Brighton and Firestone areas. Nesheim’s believes their customer satisfaction is tied to the type of staff they employ. “We hire the kind of people you’d welcome into your home,” Farasyn says. “It makes all the difference because our customers feel comfortable and safe with our technicians in their homes.” 1212 Commerce Court, Lafayette, 303.666.8888; nesheims.com Runner Up: Chem-Dry of Boulder, 303.442.5044; chemdryboulder.com

Best Auto Dealer AND Best Auto Repair Shop/Service Dept.

Flatirons Imports / Flatirons Subaru Acura Flatirons Imports/Subaru and Acura make purchasing a car and auto repairs or services a seamless, top-notch experience from the moment you pull in. As a family-owned business in the Boulder community since 1953, Flatirons Imports has been providing quality inventory to suit every customer’s need. They are Boulder county’s largest Subaru and Acura dealer, showcasing new and used vehicles, providing auto repair services ranging from oil changes to engine part maintenance or replacements, which makes Flatirons Imports a one-stop experience for all auto needs. And, if Flatirons Imports doesn’t have what you’re in search of, they will personally notify you when the desired inventory arrives. Providing outstanding and expert customer service is the company’s strongest value. “Our business philosophy is focused on customer satisfaction, but more importantly on employee satisfaction. We ﬁrmly believe that if our employees are happy and enjoy coming to work – in a very stressful industry I might add – they will interact with our customers in a positive way, and the customer experience here will be an

Thank You for Voting Elevations Best Financial Institution and Best Customer Service!

enjoyable one,” Scott Crouch, managing partner of Flatiron Imports, says. Additionally, if you’re in need of ﬁnancing advice, their trusted staff members can assist you in answering questions and addressing concerns to ensure you have the facts. Led by a team of skilled sales staff, Flatirons Imports will support you in selecting the right vehicle or service for your budget and lifestyle. Beyond providing auto services to the Boulder community, Flatirons Imports is invested in giving back to their community. “A large portion of our yearly promotional budget is dedicated to Boulder area events including The Boulder Film Festival, The North Boulder Park Criterium, CU Athletics, United Way, Boulder Canine Classic and the Boulder YMCA,” Crouch says. 5995 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.0114; flatironsacura.com Runner Up for Best Auto Dealer: Fisher Honda Kia, 6025 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.247.8444; fisherauto.com. Runner Up for Best Auto Repair/Service Dept.: Hoshi Motors, 2504 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.449.6632; hoshimotors.net

Best Law Firm

Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti

If you love where you live, it matters where you bank.

Elevations is proud to be a part of our local community and to provide banking solutions for 60 years now. Open your account today!

Federally insured by the NCUA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

elevationscu.com | 800.429.7626

Berg Hill Greenleaf & Ruscitti is known for providing high-quality yet cost-effective legal representation for businesses and individuals, from locals to international clients. BHGR prides itself on covering a wide variety of practice areas, including business, construction, criminal defense, environment and water, intellectual property, litigation, public entity, mergers and acquisitions, mining, real estate, transactions, and trusts and estates, but more importantly delivering targeted resolution and results. “We are not a focused boutique ﬁrm,” says Cathy Thorne, director of administration. “We offer expertise and have a solid reputation in a number of practice areas.” Among the aspects of legal representation

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clients appreciate most are hands-on attention, practical, real-world expertise, timely communication and professional direction that meets each individual’s ﬁnancial requirements. Beyond their unwavering obligation to clients, BHGR attorneys - cyclists, rock climbers, golfers, hunters, skiers, ﬁshermen and women, runners and swimmers who are in tune with local lifestyles - are also committed to the Colorado Supreme Court Pro Bono Program and other charitable foundations. 1712 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.402.1600; bhgrlaw.com Runner Up: Lisa E. Battan, P.C., 1909 26th St #1f, Boulder, 303.444.8668; battanlaw.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Chiropractic Clinic

The Joint

As we age, our bodies experience a variety of aches and pains. For a misaligned spine in need of relief or overall function, The Joint – the Boulder clinic location that’s part of a “nationwide network of modern chiropractic clinics with a new approach to providing exceptional healthcare,” according to the website – is just the place to ﬁx those pesky pains. With ﬂexible hours each weekday and no prior appointment necessary, achieving proper alignment is made easy for prospective and current patients. According to the company website, “Chiropractic adjustments are provided on a walk-in basis at our clinic locations nationwide, allowing you to receive the care you need, when you need it.” Additionally, The Joint offers chiropractic

services at an affordable cost. And, after your initial appointment, together, your doctor will help you determine what type and frequency of visitation plan suits your individual healthcare and ﬁnancial needs. Since 1999, The Joint has made chiropractic services available, one location at a time. Looking forward, John Leonesio – founder of Massage Envy, a nationwide massage franchise – has become a leader in driving The Joint vision of reaching patients from one coast to the other possible. 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Suite C2, Boulder, 303.440.8019; thejoint.com/clinic-3801-boulder.aspx Runner Up: Terry Chiropractic Health Center, 3083 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.440.0500; terrychiropracticboulder.com

Thank you

boulder for all your

supporT! Best Hair Salon

Pompadours

For tired tresses, split-ends or unmanageable locks, Pompadours Hair Salon breathes new life into your mane. Providing on-trend styles, technically proﬁcient cuts and “wow-factor” color, Pompadours give your hair a personality, as unique as your own. Since 1990, Pompadours have been providing salon services to the Boulder and Denver area with its local and internationally trained stylists. “Our talented staff’s dedication to on-going education and staying aware of current trends in the industry makes us special,” Stephanie Rockafellow, salon manager, says. Located at Boulder’s historic Pearl Street Mall, Pompadours is an Aveda Concept Salon proudly offering a complete line of Aveda products. “We wholeheartedly support Aveda’s example of environmental leadership and responsibility,” Rockafellow says.

SEPTEMBER 2013

“They care very much for the world we live in and have been a green company long before it was trendy.” This awardwinning salon is owned and operated by Lisa Fraser and Edward Donisvitch who believe in making their clients feel special and “of the moment.” Pompadours offer a range of service prices to meet every client’s budget. From haircuts to color, bridal makeup and hair looks to facial waxing, there’s a salon service for all clients. No matter your need, Pompadours can take you and your hair from frizzed-out and fuzzy to fabulous. 1320 Pearl St. #200, Boulder, 303.938.8015; pompadours.com Runner Up: Salon Salon, 2460 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.443.5353; salonsalonboulder.com

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For over 28 years we’ve been the BEST place to shop for all your jewelry needs.

942 Pearl Street, Downtown Boulder (On the West End) 303.938.8851 | Tues. – Sat. 10 to 5:30 www.classicfacets.com BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Financial Institution AND Best Customer Service Elevations Credit Union

“It’s simple. Our customers are the reason we exist,” David Paul, assistance vice president of Elevations Credit Union says. On the steps of Mackay Auditorium located on the CU Boulder campus, a group of students had an idea. And 60 years later, that idea, Elevations Credit Union, has developed into an award-wining credit union with a loyal membership of more than 100,000 people. What’s more, Elevations has grown to have assets worth $1.3 billion. They offer a variety of services including basic banking, auto loans, student loans and mortgages. Their financial advisory team are there to guide your investments, retirement plans or income strategies. At Elevations, educating their consumer and providing top-notch customer service and financial advice are paramount company values. “We want to provide solutions for a better life for our customers,” Paul says. “We provide a robust education initiative to assist them in making the best decisions for their financial future.” In fact, Elevations Credit Union has developed impartial educational materials to assist customers in making wise financial decisions, while accommodating their busy lifestyles. The customers’ best interest isn’t taken lightly at Elevations Credit Union, as their dedicated professional team members assist customers daily in making decisions that matter. “We only thrive if our membership thrives, and

we aren’t much without them,” Paul says. In addition to providing ﬁnancial services to their customers. They also believe in giving back to the community by providing college scholarships, ﬁnancial assistance and volunteering. 2960 Diagonal Hwy, Boulder, 303.443.4672; 611 South Broadway, Boulder, 303.443.4672; 1669 Euclid Ave #143, Boulder, 303.443.4672; 4760 Baseline Rd, Boulder, 303.443.4672; 1900 W. South Boulder Rd., Lafayette, 303.443.4672;

777 21st Ave. Longmont, 303.772.7776; 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont, 303.772.7776; 1079 South Hover #100, Longmont, 303.443.4672; elevationscu. com Runner Up for Best Financial Institution: Wells Fargo, 1242 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.441.0355, wellsfargo.com. Runner Up for Best Customer Service: Family Hearing Centers, 3059 Walnut St., Boulder,

Best Colorado Ski Resort

Eldora Mountain

In Colorado, there’s no shortage of mountain resorts for days of skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snowshoeing or enjoying the fresh winter air. But, Eldora Mountain Resort grants the novice and veteran – and everyone between – an awesome ride. Only 21 miles from the city, Eldora is located in Boulder’s “backyard.” Accessing their stellar terrain is both trouble-free and affordable with Regional Transportation District (RTD) buses provided to and from the mountain during its open season. Getting there and back is carefree for students and community members alike. Whether you want to plow down the powder for half or fulldays, Eldora offers a wide-range of runs. And, with 680 acres, runs ranging from 20 percent green, 50 percent blue and 30 percent black not to mention their terrain parks, the double black diamond, Corona Bowl, or the mountain’s longest run at 3 miles – Eldora suits every ability and preference. Although closed during the summer months, taking full advantage in the winter makes those months worth the wait. Grab some warm, waterproof layers, goggles, helmets and gear, and make your winter count with Eldora. 2861 Eldora Ski Rd. #140, Eldora Mountain Resort, Nederland, 303.440.8700; eldora.com Runner Up: Vail, 450 E. Lionshead Circle, Vail, 970.754.8245; vail.com

Holy Cow! $125 Oz for Members!

($145 for Guests!) Sunday September 22nd!

S u nd ay Hours 11- 6:4 5pm

280 1 I r i s Ave. Bould er, C O * Limit One per customer. Call store for details.

For Registered Colorado Medical Marijuana Patients Only BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Dance/Gymnastics Studio

Best Dry Cleaner/Laundromat

Art Cleaners

CATS Gymnastics

Since 1921, Art Cleaners has been keeping clothes, fresh, pressed and ready-to-wear, while ensuring cleaning products are environmentally safe. This environmentally conscious company cares about the chemicals used on clothing for customers, employees and the earth.“We’re unique because we’re the only dry cleaners in Boulder who use an environmentally friendly, completely safe alternative to petroleum solvents, called GreenEarth,” Brian Hansen, owner, says. “It’s a silicone-based product that’s gentle on clothes, skin and the environment.” GreenEarth is odorless, gentle on all fabrics, safe for employees and customers and it will keep your clothes feeling fresh and soft. Art Cleaners now has 10 locations serving Boulder and Broomfield Counties with six in Boulder, one in Broomfield, one in Lafayette, one in Eric and one in Longmont. Two of their Boulder locations feature a master seamstress for all your alterations needs. If visiting one of these locations isn’t possible, Art Cleaners offers a free home or office pick-up and delivery service for customer convenience. As the official CU Buffs dry clearer for all football coach and Ralphie handler uniforms, Art Cleaners take pride in their ties with the community. In addition, Art Cleaners participates in “‘Coats for Kids,’ where

Colorado Athletic Training School (CATS) is an athletic hub. What began four decades ago as a gymnastics-training center, owned by Rob Candelaria, then blossomed into a rock climbing gym, where people from all over the Boulder community come to share in the joys of physical fitness. Open to students, parents, adults—and everyone in between—CATS specialize in helping their members gain athletic knowledge, while building confidence and an active lifestyle. “CATS is not just a business or a job, it’s a way of life, and it’s our family,” Wendy Rein, program director, says. Offering a base knowledge of gymnastics training, dance and performance to their students, CATS provide a well-rounded training experience. CATS’ highly trained gymnastics staff, encourage their students through a constructive, informative curriculum. “CATS is unique in our commitment to providing intelligent, professional instruction by USA Gymnastics certified coaches,” Rein says. “With high-level competition experience, staff understand the emotional and physical needs of the athlete, at every level.” CATS offer a variety of classes throughout the week for gymnastics students. With beginning, intermediate to advanced levels, which vary in degree of

we collect slightly used clothes, clean them and give them back to community members in need,” Hansen says. “We stress quality cleaning. We listen to our customers and pay attention to their needs, and we keep them looking good, too,” he says. 4800 Baseline Rd., 303.494.2709; 2570 Baseline Rd., Boulder, 303.499.7030; 1715 15th St., Boulder, 303.440.8600; 3980 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.443.0158; 1501 Lee Hill Rd., Boulder, 303.447.8700, 607 S. Broadway St., Boulder, 303.494.4830; 335 Arapahoe Rd., Erie, 720.890.8860; 1140 U.S. Highway 287, Broomfield, 303.404.8917; 1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303.684.8585; 1631 Pace St., Lafayette, 303.684.8585; artcleaners.com Runner Up: John’s Cleaners, 4800 Baseline Rd., Boulder, 303.499.5554; 440 Black Diamond Dr., Lafayette, 303.665.9493; 3325 28th, Boulder, 303.444.2877; 1615 Coalton Rd., Superior, 303.499.2776; johnsdrycleaners.com

ability, strength and knowledge, there are classes to suit each student. “Everyone strives to keep the environment upbeat and to provide a safe home away from home for the most dedicated gymnasts and rock climbers,” Rein says. 2400 30th St., Boulder, 303.939.9699, catsgym. com Runner Up: Airborne Gymnastics & Dance, 1816 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303.651.1456, airbornegym.com

Thank you for voting us Best of Boulder! 2013 Boulder County Gold Best Veterinarian 2013 Best Pet Grooming 2013 Runner-Up Best Pet Boarding

SEPTEMBER 2013

303.499.5505 1405 S. Broadway St., Boulder www.broadwayanimal.com Lee A. Woods, DVM and Tigger

Advanced Medical & Surgical Services Progressive Dentistry with Digital Radiography Laser Technology • Boarding • Grooming C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best New Business

The Little Yoga Studio

Best AC/Heating Service AND Best Plumber/Plumbing Company

Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical know quality and community count. After 30 years of service to the Boulder and Denver region, Precision isn’t simply timely, professional and award winning; they’re a trusted, familyfriendly favorite. Providing service to the community runs deep with this company. Locally owned since 1982, owner Tom Robichaud believes in keeping his business focused on two things: excellent customer service and community. According to the Precision website, “There is only one way to operate a business: To be a good, corporate citizen that willfully performs our service to be a win for our customers, our employees and their families and the company.” Specializing in residential plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical repair and replacement needs, Precision offers their clients the service of more than 20 technicians, 12 ofﬁce

staff members and a 10,000 square-foot facility for best results. But, beyond the scope of services provided, Precision also believes in giving back to the community through donations, event sponsorship and giveaways for families in need. Throughout the years, Precision has donated to and sponsored events for more than 40 local charities, nominated by community members. “We really feel that it is our professional responsibility to give back to the community as much as they have given to us,” Andrea Everhart, vice president of Precision, says. Year-round, Precision keeps on giving. Currently, under the Precision Hugs program, Precision is hosting a heating system giveaway contest – installation included. Once each month, this prize is given to a hand-selected Boulder or Denver community member. “We were also pleased to introduce our furnace give away through this (Precision

Best Local School

Boulder High School

The rivalry continues, but this year Boulder High takes the prize. History is a big part of Boulder High. “There is tremendous pride in the link between past and present,” says principal Kevin Braney. “I just spent the weekend with the folks who graduated from BHS 50 or more years ago. They are still very connected to the school.” One generous alum recently set up scholarships for ﬁve students entering math, science, technology and engineering majors. The school prides itself on academic excellence through a strong AP program. “Part of our vision is to cultivate a rigorously intellectual environment and to challenge all students to be successful.” Extracurricular participation is also high. Last year the Boulder High

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Hugs) program. Precision is able to giveaway and install new furnaces to a person or family that is a need of a little help,” Everhart says. Priding their business on top-notch service to and for their community makes Precision a local standout. No matter your need, this Colorado company can always lend a helping hand. 5035 Chaparral Ct., Boulder, 303.581.1455; precisionplumbing.com Runner Up for Best AC/Heating Service (TIE): Meyers Heating and Air Conditioning, 260 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.578.4077; meyersheatingac.com. Runner Up for Best AC/Heating Service (TIE): Mesa Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, 2550 49th St., Boulder, 303.494.6536; mesa-plumbing.com. Runner Up for Best Plumber/ Plumbing Company: Mesa Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, 2550 49th St., Boulder, 303.494.6536; mesa-plumbing.com

“Yoga and profit are awkward partners,” says Amy Benton, co-owner of The Little Yoga Studio. But with her previous business savvy and the complementary corporate experience of partner Kelly Elle Larisey, the duo has figured out a tricky concept: how to pay yoga teachers an appropriate wage for the quality instruction they provide while keeping class prices low for yoga devotees. The answer is keep the space small; limit overhead; and let the best teachers in town bring their big personalities and big followings to a simple, drop-in, nopressure facility. The Little Yoga Studio’s classes are only $9 for access to top yoga talent. “We conduct business by the yogic principles we are supposed to be living by – no hoarding, treating people fairly, non-fear-based practice. All it does it bring more people to the practice,” says Benton. “We don’t want to feel like we own anyone, and we are confident that our teachers will meet their needs. As a result our relationship with people is so much more relaxed.” Respecting all stages of the yoga student, both beginner and advanced classes at The Little Yoga Studio are taught master yoga practitioners. 2525 Arapahoe Avenue, Boulder, 303.444.4950; littleyogastudio.com Runner Up: Spanish Easy & Fun Language School; 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, 303.827.5965; www. spanisheasyfun.com

Best Holistic Care/Wellness Center soccer, mountain bike and ping-pong teams all won state. “I love Boulder High because it is both academically challenging and socially inviting,” says senior Vicky Wu. “Here you are allowed to branch out and discover new interests.” The school has Presidential Scholars as well as ﬁrst-generation high school graduates who go on to college,” social studies teacher Kristen Lewis says. “It is a diverse community, and any kid has the opportunity to be successful!”1604 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.561.2200; schools.bvsd.org/ boulderhigh Runner Up: Fairview High School, 1515 Greenbrier Blvd., Boulder, 720.561.3100; fairviewhs.org

Holistica Integrative Care As east meets western medicine in a complementary way and holistic care becomes more accepted, more people are turning to naturopaths to get to the root of what ails them. Whether it’s insomnia, gut issues, fatigue or some other chronic condition, Holistica Integrative Care is focused on ﬁnding the source of the condition rather than medicating symptoms. Led by 15-year naturopathic doctor Mary Shackelton, Holistica brings extensive training to what she and her staff, including a medical doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist and nurse, call detective work for patient health. “We dig and dig and dig until we ﬁnd the source of the problem, and that’s something that other doctors might not do or that is

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missing in the conventional medical model,” Shackelton says. “We are so thorough. Our goal is to be competent doctors, but we really love and care for each patient, too.” Housed in a new, beautifully modern facility, Holstica now offers an infrared sauna, IV suite and state-of-the art pharmacy. “We usually see people who have been to many other doctors. Our goal is to get people well and get them out the door.” 4840 Riverbend Rd., #100, Boulder, 303.449.0716; holisticacare.com Runner Up: Health Center for Integrated Therapies, Longmont United Hospital, 1551 Professional Lane, Suite 125, Longmont, 303.651.5188; luhcares.org

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Health Clinic

Boulder Medical Center

When you or your family are in need of medical attention, there’s one local medical center the Boulder community trusts most – and it is Boulder Medical Center (BMC). Founded in 1949 by a group of 10 physicians, BMC today, has grown to employ 65 physicians and 300 full-time and part-time employees within their three medical center locations. The three BMC locations include two in Boulder and one in Louisville. BMC advocate for their patients’ needs to ensure the best care is provided for each and every visit. “By having numerous medical specialties and services under one umbrella, we are able to provide, in many cases, a onestop experience for most of our patients medical care,” Bradford McKane, chief executive ofﬁcer, says. “Along with that, we have a staff of highly trained and caring physicians and medical providers who provide patients with the best patient-centered experience possible.” Making available a variety of services, specialty departments and resources, BMC employ an expert team of doctors,

nurses, assistances, physical therapists, pharmacists, and administrative staff, among many others, who will address your needs and those of your family’s to ensure your appointments and visits run smoothly for patient safety, satisfaction and quality care. The medical clinic logo represents, “helping hands encompassing the Tree of Life,” making certain your healthcare experience is the chief priority. Because of the many years of dedicated service to the Boulder community, Boulder Medical Center is a trusted choice, McKane says. New and existing patients are welcome at any time, as BMC contracts with most major insurances. For your next medical need, BMC is here for you and your family. 2750 Broadway, Boulder, 303.440.3000; 80 Health Park Dr., Suite 100, Louisville, 303.673.0448; 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, 303.938.4700; bouldermedicalcenter.com Runner Up: People’s Clinic / Clinica Family Health Services, 2525 13th St. Boulder, 303.650.4460; clinica.org

Best Hearing Aid Center

Family Hearing Centers This year, Family Hearing Centers celebrates 50 years of service. What’s crystal clear is that Boulder County residents have come to know and trust the facility for helping with an often frustrating and debilitating condition that impacts quality of life. “The medical profession kind of dismisses hearing problems because you can’t treat them medically as an intervention,” Dr. Christopher Schweitzer, senior audiologist, says. “By no means is hearing a benign thing in a person’s life.” With a majority of the workforce approaching 65, hearing loss is a reality for more working people, says Schweitzer. It’s a subtle, situational impairment that can make someone appear incompetent, disrupt previously enjoyable activities and signiﬁcantly impact self-conﬁdence. “Our profession is about restoring connections. A lot of what we have to do is marriage counseling and restoring self-esteem.”

While new hearing aid technology leverages advancements in wireless communication, the core of what Family Hearing Centers does is take the time to understand each patient’s individual story. “We can always get more knowledgeable about the science of hearing and hearing technology, but the skills that we’re always trying to further are listening and recognizing that everyone’s different.” 3059 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.443.5085; 2770 Arapahoe Rd. #126, Lafayette, 303.665.0454; 300 Nickel St., #15, Broomfield, 303.465.4327; familyhearingco.com Runner Up: Boulder Valley Hearing Associates, 4745 Arapahoe Ave., #130, Boulder, 303.443.2772; 300 Exempla Circle, #210, Lafayette, 303.443.2771; 90 Health Park Drive, Suite 220, Louisville, 303.443.2771; bouldervalleyent.com

Best Medical Facility

Boulder Community Hospital

Best Skincare Facility

Laser and Cosmetic Associates of Boulder

Drs. Andrew Goldman, David Morrissey and J. Douglas Warren and their staff at Laser & Cosmetic Associates provide medical-grade laser and non-surgical facial treatments, as well as facial plastic surgery to a loyal local following. ProFractional therapy and microlaser peels are two of the most popular laser treatments, according to the company’s director of operations, Sun Young Monkman, and administrator, David Monkman. ProFractional therapy targets speciﬁc portions of skin to diminish scars, wrinkles and sun damage for younger looking skin, whereas a microlaser peel creates smoother, tighter and more youthful looking skin through all-over skin resurfacing. Dermapen is another sought-after treatment, using microneedles instead of lasers to reduce

SEPTEMBER 2013

the signs of aging. “We get amazing results,” raves David. Interested? Sun Young and David recommend staying in touch. Laser and Cosmetic Associates of Boulder offers a free, in-depth Clarity Pro skin analysis; all you have to do is call the ofﬁce. “And we hold biannual savings events in the spring and fall for all the cosmetic products we have, including skin care and makeup, plus discounts on all our treatments,” says Sun Young. “Sign up to be on our mailing list, like us on Facebook or look for the advertisement in the paper to learn more.” 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 115, Boulder, 303.558.8800; enhanceyourskin.com Runner Up: Marianna’s L’Esthetique Medi Spa, 1215 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.415.0959; mariannaskincare.com

Boulder’s hometown hospital is not stuck on its history. In fact Boulder Community Hospital continues to grow and innovate to provide Boulder County residents with new procedures and medical treatments that take advantage of leading-edge technologies. This year the hospital was the ﬁrst in the county to offer MAKOplasty® partial knee resurfacing, a new treatment option for adults living with painful osteoarthritis of the knee. The medical facility’s hip replacement and knee replacement programs also joined a handful of hospitals to earn national certiﬁcation with The Joint Commission, the nation’s largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. In addition the facility won Healthgrades’ 2013 Stroke Care Excellence Award, which means it ranks in the top 10 percent of U.S. hospitals for treating stroke. But even the best technology and top awards can’t outshine the hospital’s deep commitment to the

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local community. Rich Sheehan, director of marketing and public relations says, “Our patients are also our neighbors and friends, so we really strive to make sure we provide comprehensive care that addresses each patient’s emotional and spiritual needs as well as his or her physical condition.” Boulder Community Hospital, 1100 Balsam Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273; Boulder Community Foothills Hospital, 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.854.7000; Mapleton Center for Rehabilitation, 311 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273; Community Medical Center, 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.666.4357; bch.org Runner Up: Boulder Medical Center, BMC Broadway (Main), 2750 Broadway, Boulder, 303.440.3000; BMC Foothills, 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 200, Boulder, 303.938.4700; BMC Avista, 80 Health Park Drive, Suite 100, Louisville, 303.673.0448; bouldermedicalcenter.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Interior Design Studio

Bartlett Interiors

It’s no surprise that Bartlett Interiors won this category again. With a 38-year commitment to the community, this intimate design studio, led by industry veteran Jane Bartlett and her sister, Bartlett Interiors continues to represent Boulder County aesthetically and philosophically. The studio is focused on beautiful classic design that’s molded to the Colorado lifestyle, not trends, and delivered with the individual service that only a small, locally focused business can provide. “Our world is so big and impersonal. People like that they will be known here,” Bartlett says. Whether the studio consults with clients to help choose a direction for a particular space or assists with upholstery, wallpaper, tile or drapery, each service is executed with precision and personalization. “I think people like the fact that because were small we can pay attention to the details. We don’t have the staff changeover, so we know who everyone is. It provides comfort and stability.” Because Bartlett Interiors are not focused on managing so many other things, its employees can be attentive to the even the tiniest special needs of each client. Like the nagging hole in the sofa you ﬁnally decide to reupholster, “sometimes the smallest thing makes a world of difference.” 2020 Pearl St. Boulder, 303.442.5194; bartlettinteriors.com Runner Up: Boulder Design Studio, 767 Pearl St #240, Boulder, 303.442.7500; boulderdesign.com

Best Lasik/Laser Eye Facility/Surgeon

Beyer Laser Center

The message is clear: More Boulder County residents trust highly experienced Dr. Craig Beyer for long-term vision correction than any other doctor in the area. Beyer is considered a pioneer in the field of cornea and refractive surgery. Not only has he performed over 15,000 LASIK surgeries, he also trains other surgeons in the specialized procedures. “Last year when we won this award, I was told that we had received over 10,000 unsolicited votes. So to me, this suggests a cumulative effect. In other words, each year we perform over 1,000 refractive procedures, so in order to receive such a high volume of votes in such a small community, it’s apparent that our patients who had LASIK or PRK with us 10 years ago are just as happy as those who had LASIK last year,” Dr. Beyer says. Continuing to focus on the individual visual and financial needs of each patient, Beyer Laser Center provides just the right fit for active young adults to aging residents, including all-laser custom LASIK and custom PRK. In addition to special existing software that allows for the precise treatment of higher-order visual aberrations as well as farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism, the center plans to add an exciting new technology called femto-laser cataract surgery. 1810 30th St., Suite B, Boulder, 303.499.2020; bouldereyes.com Runner Up: Insight Lasik, 1120 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.665.7577; insightlasik.com

Caring for the Boulder Community

for over 100 years!

We are honored by your trust ww w.cristm ortuary.com • 3 03-442-4411 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

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SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Language School

Spanish Institute The consistent rise of the Latino population and its influence on U.S. culture is increasingly making Spanish the most popular second language to learn, says Shawn Camden, founder of the Spanish Institute, which offers Spanish courses in Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Denver, Broomfield, Golden and Littleton. As a testament, Spanish Institute’s business in Boulder County and the Denver Metro area has doubled in the last year. As one of the first schools in the area, Spanish Institute has a rich history and a special way of teaching the language to students of all ages using a combination of auditory, visual and kinesthetic teaching tools. The school is also recognized for its high-quality, native-speaking teachers from Latin America, many of whom hold masters degrees. In addition, Spanish Institute has quadrupled its services to kids in public schools and is now offering a program called Kids Fun and Interactive Spanish at over 18 elementary schools in five different school districts across the Front Range, plus Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer break Spanish camps. The school also offers scholarships and discounts for government and non-profit employees. 2850 Iris Avenue, Boulder, 303.350.5533; spanish-institute.org

Best Physician-Based Hearing Center

Boulder Valley Hearing Associates

Runner Up: Spanish Easy & Fun Language School; 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder, 303.827.5965; spanisheasyfun.com

Boulder Valley Hearing Associates is part of Boulder Valley Ear, Nose and Throat, which has served Boulder County for over 35 years. As the largest privately owned ENT practice in the region, the expert operation includes ofﬁces in Boulder, Lafayette and Louisville, served by nine mid-level providers and three specialists dedicated to this special area of medical care. The hearing center assists patients with all types of auditory-related issues, from audiology testing to hearing aids, providing quality services in a caring environment for this often misunderstood and lifestyle-limiting issue. Boulder Valley Hearing Associates believes patients can achieve better hearing through a combination of education, technology, and thorough customer care. Constantly improving service, the ofﬁce now offers same-day appointments and extended hours to better serve busy Boulder County residents. 4745 Arapahoe Ave., #130, Boulder, 303.443.2772; 300 Exempla Circle, #210, Lafayette, 303.443.2771; 90 Health Park Drive, Suite 220, Louisville, 303.443.2771; bouldervalleyent.com

Thank You

Runner Up: Longmont Clinic, 1925 West MountainView Ave., Longmont, 303.776.1234; longmontclinic.com

Thank You Boulder! for your continued support.

off

Microdermabrasion dermaPen treatment* Botox Injections* or Skin Medica Peels*

*Cannot be combined with current offers or packages

4745 Arapahoe #115 Boulder 303-558-8800 enhanceyourskin.com Inside Boulder Community Foothills Hospital

Boulder’s Best Skin Care Facility • look Your Best, Call 303-558-8800 SEPTEMBER 2013

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BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Karate/Martial Arts Studio

Vision Quest Martial Arts When Nicholas Milliken, chief instructor at Vision Quest Martial Arts, took over the studio in 1996, he kept all the incredible elements established by the original owner and added his own special knowledge of children’s development. The result has been a growing American Kenpo-based martial arts facility with a carefully crafted curriculum designed to meet the varied needs of each child. “Every kid’s development is a little different, so classes are designed around age and maturity,” Milliken says. “A 5-year-old and a 15-year-old are never going to have the same dilemmas, so we tailor the life lessons to meet their needs.” Vision Quest also offers adult classes and the FAST (Fear and Adrenaline Stress

Training) defense program, which teaches the body how to cope when put in a dangerous situation. All classes are taught in an open 3,000-square-foot space with extras like comfy spectating chairs and a communication style that parents appreciate. “Most other schools are kind of para-militaristic. In our dojo it’s about feeling like this is a home away from home.” Millikan calls the studio’s style calm-assertive. “It’s not about changing who you are but helping you be your best self.” 305 Waneka Pkwy., Lafayette, 303.604.2119; www.vqkenpo.com Runner Up: Scornavacco Martial Arts Academy, 1830 Boston Ave., Longmont, 303.485.5425; scornavacco.com

Best Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The Farm

With an array of medical marijuana facilities to choose from throughout Boulder County, The Farm, a locally owned and operated care center, stands out for its smart staff, welcoming environment and commitment to cultivating sustainable, high-grade medicinal cannabis. “We provide the best medicine possible for the patient who actually needs it,” says manager Brandon Kimpland. While securing organic certification is a tricky task in the marijuana industry, The Farm is focused on using only natural compounds and trying to grow with the best care possible. The facility’s atmosphere supports a similar intention, quickly dismissing any negative connotations associated with the storefront sale of marijuana.

“We have one of the largest open front rooms, which makes people feel welcome, and multiple highlytrained employees are solely focused on patient services. We try to interact with patients and really get to know them and their needs. We know a lot on a first-name basis.” In addition to providing superior cannabis supported by very knowledge people, The Farm sells a wide selection of edibles, books and accessories and even treats members who sign over caregiver-ship to free haircuts and massages. 644 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.440.1323; thefarmco.com Runner Up: The Dandelion, 845 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.459.4676; thedandelionco.com

Best Funeral Home Service Provider

Greenwood & Myers Mortuary Losing a loved one is never easy. With all the decisions to make, planning a funeral can quickly feel overwhelming. At Greenwood & Myers Mortuary, carefully planning funeral services and supporting the needs of families during this process is what they do best. “We’re the only local family-owned funeral home in Boulder, and our reputation for honesty and integrity is well known, and it’s our most valuable asset,” Michael Greenwood, co-owner, says. “Customer care is a primary objective before, during and after the death of a loved one, and we work closely with our families during this.” Transparency in business and service pricing are also key priorities at Greenwood & Myers Mortuary. According to the Greenwood & Myers Mortuary website, they

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

offer services including: Memorial and graveside services, a variety of cremation options, military honors for veterans, traditional funerals or personalized funerals. “We’re very involved in community functions and events from hospice organizations to non-profits. We feel we need to provide our expert services and staff to organizations in need,” Greenwood says. Recently, Greenwood & Myers Mortuary completed construction on their new, state-of-the-art funeral home located at 2969 Baseline Road in Boulder. 2969 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.440.3960, greenwoodmyersfuneral.com Runner Up: Crist Mortuary, 3395 Penrose Pl., Boulder, 303.442.4411, dignitymemorial.com/crist-mortuary

Best Pet Grooming Service AND Best Veterinarian

Broadway Animal Hospital and Pet Center Broadway Animal Hospital and Pet Center’s two category wins are deeply meaningful in a community that truly appreciates veterinarian care, a place unsurpassed or certainly in the top 5 percent as far as pet care nationwide, according to Dr. Lee Woods, veterinarian and director of Broadway Animal Hospital. “Our clients are very conscientious about the care of their pet. And with lots of very talented vets in the area, it makes it even more signiﬁcant to be chosen among that type of group.” Woods has seen a thing or two in his decades behind the table and in front of pet-loving Boulder County residents. The experience led him to bring on partner Dr. Kalenzi, whose skills as a surgeon and in diagnostics complement Woods work as a generalist. “I’ve focused on the communication aspect of our business as much as the medicine. I’ve always felt that trying to set up and affect a high level of communication is ultimately most important. Even if there are areas that we need to get additional help, we listen so we can provide referral expertise.” Broadway Animal Hospital

and Pet Center’s intentionally small but committed staff also includes special caregivers like the center’s “fabulous” groomer, Takako Chasson. “What sets her apart is her handling of pets under circumstances that can sometimes be stressful. She has almost a mystical way of calming and relaxing animals to accomplish tasks that are difﬁcult, such as trimming nails,” Woods says. “She has a way of getting that done quickly with little stress or anxiety. We never cease to be amazed by her ability to keep dogs comfortable. These are capabilities that I just don’t see in groomers.” The center also offers a pawpleasing and hygienic turf play yard for lucky pets staying for boarding or doggie daycare. 1405 South Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.5505; broadwayanimal.com Runner Up for Best Pet Grooming: Cottonwood Kennels, 7275 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.2602; cottonwoodkennels.com. Runner Up for Best Veterinarian: Alpine Hospital for Animals, 3210 Valmont Rd., Boulder,, 303.443.9661; alpinehospitalforanimals.com

Best Dentist

Whole Family Dentistry An appointment with the dentist doesn’t have to make you cringe. At Whole Family Dentistry, “From the front ofﬁce to chair-side assistance, our patients feel cared for,” Ted Kawulok, dentist and owner, says. Whole Family Dentistry offers a variety of dental services from expert staff who care about the health and cosmetics of their patients’ teeth. “From top to bottom, we’re a cohesive team who provide comprehensive care for our patients,” he says. Whole Family Dentistry offers services ranging from periodontal care to orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry to laser therapy. Because of their highlytrained staff, friendly administrative team members and large selection of dental services, Whole Family Dentistry is able to provide a “Top-notch experience for

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our clients,” Kawulok says. But, Whole Family Dentistry isn’t only in the business of keeping their patients’ teeth in good condition; they also provide dental care to members of the community who don’t otherwise have access. “We have a clinic for the Boulder Homeless Shelter and COMOM (Colorado Mission of Mercy), sponsored by the Colorado Dental Association, which sets aside one weekend each year where free care is provided to those in need of dental care throughout the Colorado community,” he says. 1400 28th St. #4, Boulder, 303.442.8625; wholefamilydentistry.com Runner Up: North Boulder Dental, 1001 North St., Boulder, 303.447.1042; boulderdental.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Pet Boarding Service

Best Solar Energy Provider

There’s just something comforting about taking the dog to “the farm” when you can’t take him along. For many Boulder County residents, for many years, that place has been Cottonwood Kennels. But owner Tom Bonﬁli says the bucolic setting, where dogs walk under shade trees and watch sheep grazing in the pasture, is just one aspect of the magic during Cottonwood’s 27-year history. The other part is just plain hard work, which takes place behind the scenes by the kennel’s loyal staff. “Working in a dog kennel sounds like lots of fun, but it’s misleading. Keeping track of eating habits and cleaning up after pets is hard work, but it’s the people who are willing to work hard who also get the

“Boulder is very progressive on solar energy,” asserts Jim Welch, CEO and cofounder of Bella Energy. “It’s been a great partnership for us here.” Welch has been a leader in America’s renewable energy industry for 30 years. His first company, Remote Power Inc., is credited with developing Colorado’s first commercial solar electric utility-scale power system. Bella Energy is Welch’s current company, operated in partnership with Andrew McKenna, executive vice president and co-founder. Bella Energy has designed, built and installed 500 to 600 solar projects in Colorado since 2005. Many of its early projects were residential, but as the employee-owned company has grown, so has its projects. These days, Bella Energy delivers large-scale solar solutions to governments, corporations and nonprofit organizations. You might not know it, but you’re familiar with Bella Energy’s work. The company’s solar electric systems can be seen atop eight Boulder County municipal buildings, including the courthouse. Its solar arrays provide power to the cities of Louisville, Lafayette and Superior. Its panels are utilized at CU-Boulder. “We are just at the beginning stages of building two 500-kilowatt solar garden projects in the town of Lafayette,” enthuses Welch. “We broke ground out by the Erie airport

Cottonwood Kennels

Bella Energy

most reward.” Cottonwood employs a much larger staff than typical kennels so the facility can keep customer service a constant priority. Like hard-working parents, the Cottonwood Kennels team doesn’t substitute things like TV for interacting with animals. “If you asked your dog, ‘do you want to stay here and watch TV or go with me to get some milk,’ what do you think the answer would be?” Bonﬁli asks. “We don’t substitute. We try to provide the real thing.” 7275 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.2602; cottonwoodkennels.com Runner Up: Broadway Animal Hospital and Pet Center; 1405 S Broadway Street, Boulder, 303.499.5505; broadwayanimal.com

Making cars sparkle since

and should be done by the end of the year.” The future looks bright for Bella Energy. “In general, [solar photovoltaics] is on a growth swing, and within a few years it will be at grid parity. Then it will be cheaper to go solar than go with the grid,” explains Welch. “The whole game changes at that point.” “We have a positive outlook for renewable energy in general as the price of nonrenewable resources goes up and the cost of solar keeps coming down,” adds McKenna. 500 S. Arthur Ave., Louisville, 303.665.2100, bellaenergy.com Runner Up: Namasté Solar, 4571 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.447.0300, namastesolar.com

1973

Thank you! Puddle Car Wash 3100 28th street in Boulder 303-447-9274 www.puddlecarwash.com SEPTEMBER 2013

Open Daily:

303-939-9403

www.HarlequinsGardens.com C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Real Estate Agent

Kathy Sidney, Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors “I’m still living the dream in Colorado!” announces Kathy Sidney, broker associate with Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors. So are her clients, with Sidney on their side. The Boulder County Gold winner has 34 years of experience helping buyers and sellers under her belt. The real estate market presents challenges around every corner – financing, appraisals, title issues and inspections, to name a few. Sidney takes pride in navigating her clients through the ever-changing process. After all these years, she still loves the journey. “Helping buyers and sellers is still a passion that satisfies me every day,” Sidney says. “I strive to provide great customer service, and I am dedicated to my clients. A successful, stress-free transaction with satisfied clients is what it is all about.” The People’s Choice Award is but one feather in Sidney’s cap. She has earned multiple honors at Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors, including the Presidents Circle and Leading Edge Awards, placing her in the top 10 percent of agents nationwide. “The current real estate market has created a unique opportunity for buyers to obtain great low-interest financing and for sellers to achieve top dollar when selling their

Best Real Estate Company/Office

Wright Kingdom Real Estate

homes,” encourages Sidney. “Thank you Boulder County for your continued support.” 4710 Table Mesa Drive, Suite A, Boulder, 303.995.0863; kathysidney@ yahoo.com Runner Up: Liz Mandel, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 2700 Canyon Blvd., Suite 200, Boulder, 303.449.5000; coloradohomes.com

Founded in 1976, Wright Kingdom Real Estate is the largest independently owned real estate company in Boulder County. As of this year, it’s also a 13-time Boulder County Gold Award winner. Wright Kingdom is a family owned and operated real estate firm, and family values are at the core of how it does business. The company treats its clients and associates as part of that family, with agents averaging 18 years with Wright Kingdom, and 80 percent of clientele being referred or repeat business. The Wright Kingdom team consists of 77 sales professionals who are well versed in residential, commercial, farm and ranch, and investment properties in and around Boulder County. Many have earned designations such as Certified Residential Specialist, Certified

Thank You for your trust Melissa Vipond, Au.D. Shawn Denham, Au.D. Joy Thom, M.A., CCC-A Gina Muhlberg, M.A., CCC-A Emily Foreman, Au.D.

Andrew C. Goldman, M.D. Myra B. Baker, PA-C MHS Melissa J. Guerri, PA-C MHS J. Douglas Warren, M.D. David D. Morrissey, M.D.

Negotiation Expert and NAR’s Green Designation. Many have served on local real estate boards, including several past presidents and Realtor of the Year recipients. All bring a wealth of experience to bear for buyers and sellers. It’s an active group. Wright Kingdom agents participate in more than 100 community and volunteer organizations, including the Children’s Hospital in Denver, I Have a Dream Foundation, StandUp For Kids and the Adopt-A-Road program. 4875 Pearl E. Circle, Suite 100, Boulder; 2101 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 100, Longmont; 877.532.0820; wkre.com Runner Up: RE/MAX of Boulder, 2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 110, Boulder, 303.449.7000; boulderco.com

Reconnect YouR Life Our audiologists at Boulder Valley Hearing Associates are backed by the experienced physicians of Boulder Valley Ear, Nose & Throat.

303-443-2772

Call TODAY to schedule your FREE HEARING SCREENING and get a FREE 1 week demo of the latest in Hearing Enhancement technologies 4745 Arapahoe Ave., #130, Boulder • 90 Health Park Dr., #220, Louisville • 300 Exempla Cir., #210, Lafayette www.bvhearing.com • 303-443-2772 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Spa

Essentiels Day Spa

Best Moving Company

Taylor Moving and Storage There’s a reason locally owned, familyrun Taylor Moving and Storage is a perennial Boulder County favorite. You have to trust the people who move your stuff. For 16 years, Taylor Moving has been safely and effectively transporting some 1,200 households and businesses each year. The company’s hard-working, friendly full-time moving crew has built a strong reputation for honesty, integrity and a top-notch customer service that consistently delivers on a promise to get people in Boulder County and beyond where they need to go – without a worry. In addition to expert packing, loading and unloading services, Taylor Moving

Company operates a 15,000-square-foot, climate-controlled storage facility, with large and small units to keep variety of belongings safe and secure. The business is also committed to the environment, working to create a zero-waste model. If Taylor can’t buy back, reuse or resell moving boxes, its scrap cardboard goes to local Eco-Cycle for its next lot in life. 4949 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.443.5885; taylormove.com

Dhara Darien’s favorite Essentiels body treatment is the shea butter rub and wrap. “It’s a 3-part service that includes exfoliation, massage and hydration,” describes the spa director in a voice as smooth as, well, shea butter. “For the person who can’t decide,” she adds, though it sounds like any right-thinking person would come to that decision rather quickly. Essentiels Day Spa is the sort of place where good decisions come easily. Soothing facial, relaxing manicure and pedicure, rejuvenating massage, luxurious body treatment? Don’t mind if I do. And now, Essentiels is home to a fullservice salon, too, which means a ﬁrstrate cut, color or blowout is yours for the asking. “We’re building clientele from both sides,” enthuses Darien. “We get a lot of people coming in for our salon who

don’t know about our spa treatments, and the salon is a great add-on for our spa clients. “Regardless of what service you pick, you can use the steam room and sauna,” she continues. “No service is too small. You can indulge in the spa experience all you want.” If you’d like to indulge with friends, Essentiels offers a group room large enough for eight guests. It’s an ideal setting for birthday, bridal or just need-a-break occasions. Best of all, it’s free. All you need is a reservation. Essentiels offers another perk for CU students: Show your Buff OneCard and get 10 percent off any service. 2660 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.440.0711; halcyondayspa.com Runner Up: St Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St., Boulder, 720.406.9696; stjulien.com

Runner Up: Berg’s Small Moves, 1495 Riverside Ave. Boulder, 303.449.5916; bergsmallmovesllc. blogspot.com

www.bouldermedicalcenter.com

Thank you Boulder County for voting BMC the Best Health Clinic

Putting Patients First since 1949 We are pleased to provide multi - specialty medical services for Boulder County and surrounding counties at three locations that are convenient to your home or work. Our 70 physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants along with 300 staff members take pride in offering excellent medical care in a friendly and caring environment. We welcome new patients and contract with most major insurances. Please call 303-440-3015 and a Patient Services representative will be happy to assist you in finding a BMC care provider that is right for your needs.

bmc avista

80 Health Park Dr. Suite 100, Louisville

303-673-0448 Family Practice 303-666-2710 General Surgery 303-666-2632 Ob/Gyn 303-665-1045 Pediatrics 303-666-2720

SEPTEMBER 2013

bmc broadway 2750 Broadway Boulder 303-440-3000 Multi-specialties Urgent Care Office Visits 303-440-3200 C A M E R A

bmc Foothills

4745 Arapahoe Ave. Suite 200 Boulder 303-938-4700 ENT 303-440-3073

General Surgery 303-938-4710 Ob/Gyn 303-938-4710

Pediatrics 303-938-4750

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Teacher

Best Activist/Community Champion

Great teachers don’t stick to the status quo. They blaze their own trails. That was certainly the case for Jay Minaya, founder and teacher at the Spanish Easy & Fun Language School. “I studied business administration at CU-Boulder, and after working a couple of years in the banking and mortgage industry, I wanted to open my own company,” he explains. His part-time Spanish classes soon blossomed into Spanish Easy & Fun, which now employs seven teachers at two locations and offers classes in French and Italian as well as Spanish. “We all share the same philosophy,” says Minaya of the staff. “We embrace different cultures and languages. We want to show the people of Boulder that the world is great. And we want to make Boulder County a cultural place for people from other places.” It’s working. Students of all ages and nationalities ﬂock to Minaya and his school; he estimates that 20 percent of Spanish Easy & Fun clients come from a different country. “When you come here, you’re going to ﬁnd people from different backgrounds,” says Minaya. That diversity extends to the type of instruction the school provides. “We provide Spanish lessons not only from Mexico, but South America, Spain, the Caribbean … they

Lee Shainis knows the power of a great idea. He and his friend Shawn Camden turned their informal English lessons for immigrants into Intercambio: Uniting Communities, a nonprofit organization with the mission of building understanding, respect and friendship across cultures through educational and intercultural opportunities. Shainis is now the executive director of Intercambio, which has helped 9,000 immigrants and trained 4,500 volunteer English teachers to date.“I tell people all the time that it’s so much more than learning English,” he explains. “Really, the focus is connecting people. That’s when the great stuff happens. That’s when our students, who might not have the confidence to join a school club or business committee, for example, get the confidence and do it. And my volunteers tell me they get a lot more out of the experience than the students do. They say it opens up their world.” Shainis also knows how to keep a great idea evolving. Intercambio’s programs are now stretching well beyond the borders of Boulder County and reaching deeper into our community than ever. Intercambio’s Resources to Unite Communities program was created recently to share the nonprofit’s

Jay Minaya, Spanish Easy & Fun Language School

Lee Shainis, Intercambio: Uniting Communities

all have different dialects. We do not stop with just one country; that is why people come here.” The passion Minaya has for teaching doesn’t hurt either. “It’s been a great experience – really fun,” Minaya laughs. “Students seem to have the same vibe about the spirit of the company. At ﬁrst it seemed like a dream, but now it’s happening.” 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder; 706 Kimbark St., Longmont; 303.827.5965; spanisheasyfun.com Runner Up: Katelyn Flanagan, Spanish Easy & Fun Language School; 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder; 706 Kimbark St., Longmont; 303.827.5965; spanisheasyfun.com

model with organizations across the country. “We have everything an organization needs to start a program, or take an existing program and make it sustainable,” says Shainis. “Everything is ready for them on a silver platter. We put it all in one place so they don’t have to do what we did, which was start everything from scratch.” Locally, Intercambio is making its English classes more accessible by offering them in Boulder County schools, Front Range Community College in Longmont and the YMCA. The organization is also partnering with Nonproﬁt Cultivation Center to offer a set of workshops on building cultural awareness. Visit intercambioweb.org for a list of available sessions, as well as information about upcoming events like Intercambio’s lively annual fundraiser, La Fiesta, on October 12. 4735 Walnut St., Suite B, Boulder, 303.996.0275; 515 Kimbark St., Suite 103, Longmont, 303.776.7070; intercambioweb.org Runner Up (TIE): Humane Society of Boulder Valley, 2323 55th St., Boulder, 303.442.4030, boulderhumane. org. Runner Up (TIE): Jared Polis, U.S. Representative, Jared Polis Foundation, 303.865.3980, jaredpolisfoundation.org

we appreciate your votes 14 years and counting.

thank you Boulder. Boulder’s Boutique Retirement Community

theacademyboulder.com ulder.com

303.938.1920

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Tanning Salon

Best Travel Agency

The motto: Life is too short to be pale. The mission: Tan clients to their precise speciﬁcations. Tans To Go is a premier tanning salon for both UV and sunless tanning. The locally-owned company is home to the latest tanning technology, offering a variety of modern tanning beds, as well as custom airbrush tans and Mystic Tans. But the reason customers keep coming back, the reason Tans To Go continues to win awards, is the well-trained staff. “Our salon is 27 years old, and believe it or not, there are some people who have been coming almost that long. The reason is the customer service,” emphasizes coowner Doug Swartz. “They keep coming because they’ve been well taken care of. It’s not the beds or the spray booths. You can have the best tanning technology in the world, but if you don’t treat someone

Cain Travel provides a full suite of travel agency services, serving corporate customers as well as vacation travelers, and provides corporate meeting and incentive services to clients around the globe. Since 1975, the family owned and operated company has been proud to serve many of Boulder County’s largest employers as well as adventurous individual leisure travelers. At Cain Travel, cutting-edge resources are coupled with good old-fashioned, high-end customer service. The result is an awardwinning company with a loyal following. “We leverage our custom application development with a strong set of partners to deliver the most technologically advanced solutions available in the industry today,” asserts Linda Cain, CEO. “Our partnerships with Concur, Rearden Commerce, ETSI and other major

Cain Travel

Tans To Go Tanning Salon

right, it doesn’t make any difference.” Tans To Go will even bring the tan to you with its remote airbrush service. The company makes house calls with its custom-built tanning tent and airbrush technicians. All you have to do is think of an excuse for a gathering and make a reservation. Though it’s ﬁne if you’d rather keep things low-key and come to Tans To Go solo. “Just keep coming in! We enjoy the business,” laughs Swartz, who encourages new customers to visit tanstogo.com for a free tanning session coupon. “We’ll see everyone when it’s colder out.” 1842 30th St., Boulder, 303.444.7600; tanstogo.com

Runner Up: At The Beach; 2100 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.1499; 1631 Pace St., Longmont, 303.772.1332; atbtanning.com

industry players allow us to deliver highly ﬂexible and intelligent solutions to our customers, allowing them to control and reduce costs.” Cain Travel has a highly dedicated team of employees, including a management team that has worked together for more than 20 years, who constantly set new benchmarks for service levels in the travel industry. Its human resources policies have been nationally recognized, the company participated in a White House Conference on Corporate Responsibility and Linda Cain is a recent inductee in the Boulder County Business Hall of Fame. 2990 Center Green Court, Boulder, 303.443.2246; caintravel.com Runner Up: The Boulder Travel Agency, 1655 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.443.0380; bouldertravel.com

Best Place for Worship

Flatirons Community Church

Best Non-Profit Organization

Humane Society of Boulder Valley The Humane Society of Boulder Valley provides shelter and care to more than 9,000 animals every year. Most of us are familiar with the shelter part of the equation, but the care is every bit as vital to local animals and the guardians who love them. In addition to its rescue and adoption services, the Humane Society operates a full-service veterinary clinic and training center. The award-winning clinic administers compassionate medical care, from preventive care to internal medicine. The Training & Behavior Center offers a wide spectrum of classes, from puppy socialization to agility classes, as well as onsite and in-home private consultations. Both programs are open to the public, providing an important connection to the community. “Because a healthy relationship between pets and people is a fundamental part of our mission, our goal is to provide resources that enhance and enrich these relationships,” explains Lisa Pedersen, CEO. Pedersen is quick to credit the

SEPTEMBER 2013

legions of Humane Society volunteers for making these resources both possible and available. “Volunteers have roles in every program and department of the Humane Society,” she asserts. “They ensure we can provide every animal with the shelter, care and love they need while they are in our shelter. Having this strong support enables us to do more for every animal who comes through our doors.” Doing more comes naturally to the Humane Society. Over the last year, the organization has focused on strengthening its offerings, expanding its network of animal welfare partners and creating educational programs to impact the lives of animals throughout the region. 2323 55th St., Boulder, 303.442.4030; boulderhumane.org

Flatirons Community Church is a nondenominational Christian church that endeavors to teach Biblical truths to help people ﬁnd a better way to live their lives with Jesus Christ. “One of the key phrases we use at Flatirons is ‘me too,’” explains Scott Nickell, teaching pastor at the church. “[This] means that we believe we’ve all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and because of that, there is no use condemning one another but rather knowing that our only hope is found in the Grace that is offered us in Jesus Christ. We join one another in embracing that Grace and pursuing the Truth that God has given us, which is a better way to live.” The message is a welcoming one, and one that clearly resonates with our community. Flatirons is the second-fastest growing church in the United States, according to Outreach magazine. The church will launch its second campus in Golden next year. “This, along with reaching more

people, will provide us the opportunity to partner with another community in the same way we’ve partnered with the City of Lafayette through our food drives, backpack drives and involvement with the local schools,” says Nickell. Flatirons Community Church has programs for every age and interest, including several youth congregations, gender-speciﬁc groups that meet regularly to discuss the ministry’s messages, pastime-related gatherings that bring spirituality into a diverse array of activities and communitycentered groups that focus on giving back. “Our people simply say to those they care about, ‘Come and see,’” observes Nickell. “That’s it. The rest is between them and Jesus.”355 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.664.5524, flatironschurch.com Runner Up: First Presbyterian Church, 1820 15th St., Boulder, 303.402.6400, fpcboulder.org

Runner Up: Intercambio: Uniting Communities; 4735 Walnut St., Suite B, Boulder, 303.996.0275; 515 Kimbark St., Suite 103, Longmont, 303.776.7070; intercambioweb.org

C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Place to Get a Massage

Best Pilates/Yoga Center AND Best Place to Work Out

If you’re looking for an excuse to schedule an appointment with Massage Envy Spa, here’s a great one: Massage is good for your health. It is undeniably relaxing to enter the quiet Massage Envy treatment room, take in the calming sights and smells, and climb into the freshly laundered sheets. To say nothing of the massage itself, which can be a full journey of relaxation or a more targeted experience to treat speciﬁc areas of the body. One massage is a treat. Making massage a regular part of your wellness plan is a healthy lifestyle choice. Long-term effects of regular massage include reduced stress, increased circulation, improved ﬂexibility and a stronger immune system. Massage Envy makes it easy to become a massage regular. The award-winning spa has locations in Boulder and Longmont, both of which are open seven days a week with late night and weekend hours. An introductory, one-hour massage session costs just $49. Throw in a Healthy Skin facial for $59 to complete the pampering. Affordable spa memberships are also available and include a customized massage every month, discounts on products and services, and family addon specials. 2490 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.447.3689; 210 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 180, Longmont, 303.772.1400; massageenvy.com

Inertia is the enemy of exercise. A normally unremarkable sofa has a way of becoming irresistible when it’s time to get up and go to the gym. Sometimes a body needs a little extra incentive to move. A body needs RallySport Health and Fitness Club. RallySport is a fun place to be. The facility is open and inviting, with fantastic views of the Flatirons. Around every corner is another dream setup: studios for cardio workouts, group fitness classes, spinning, Kinesis, yoga and Pilates; spaces for weight, power, resistance and stability training; indoor and outdoor pools; basketball, racquetball and squash courts, plus all the extras that make working out feasible and enjoyable, like a nursery and kid’s club, massage studio, steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs and even a café. There are loads of inventive, invigorating fitness options here, including the yoga and Pilates program that our readers clearly love. “RallySport is excited to continue to expand our member services to include more new fitness classes and exciting new additions to our staff,” says Erin Carson, general manager and fitness director. That’s another reason to fight inertia: The people of RallySport. Staff members are happy to see you. Trainers and instructors have the certification, experience, motivational skills and good humor to take your fitness to the next level, whether you’re an elite athlete or just getting started. They genuinely care. “Our members know that if they ask a question or make a suggestion that it will be attended to in the most efficient and personal way possible,” says Carson. “Our members stay at RallySport and encourage their friends to join them because they feel very much at home when they come to the club. “We are very thankful to be recognized…. It is our life’s work to help people live their lives the very best they can,” continues Carson, displaying RallySport’s perpetual passion

Massage Envy Spa

RallySport Health and Fitness Club

Runner Up: St Julien Hotel & Spa, 900 Walnut St., Boulder, 720.406.9696; stjulien.com

for wellness. “We take the success and good feelings of our community very personally and will continue to grow as ﬁtness professionals to continue to offer a high level of care for our members.” 2727 29th St., Boulder, 303.449.4800; rallysportboulder.com Runner Up for Best Pilates/Yoga Center: CorePower Yoga; 1129 13th St., Boulder, 303.440.8952; 3280 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.3930; 645 27th Way, Boulder, 303.497.9642; corepoweryoga.com. Runner Up for Best Place to Work Out: 24 Hour Fitness, 2900 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.209.9274; 24hourfitness.com

2001

Thank You for Voting Us Best Real Estate Company!

We’re very proud to have been honored with Boulder County Gold awards year after year.

303.443.2240

WKRE.com

4875 Pearl East Cir. Boulder, CO 80301

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

303.776.3344

2101 Ken Pratt Blvd. Longmont, CO 80501

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Private School

Alexander Dawson School Alexander Dawson School challenges its K-12 students to achieve excellence of mind, body and character through a rigorous college-preparatory program. Students rise to the challenge time and again, buoyed by the support of their teachers and energized by a curriculum that fosters learning through experience.“The teacher-student relationship is fundamental to the success of our students and to their authentic engagement in learning,” reports George Moore, head of school. “[Our faculty] represent our greatest strength as a school, and their ability to teach, mentor, know, and inspire our students is generally what parents identify as the reason their children are having such positive experiences at Dawson.”A big part of the equation is Dawson’s 7-to-1 student-faculty ratio, which gives students consistent access to their teachers and teachers the hands-on time they need to maximize Dawson’s experiential learning opportunities. “Whether annual class trips, weeklong local, domestic and international experiences for middle and upper school students each spring, community service, our immersion program, or the daily opportunities students have to participate in their own learning,

Dawson is committed to a broad range of educational experiences that engages students and allows them to pursue their passions, even as they are encouraged to discover new ones,” says Moore. Recently, many students have discovered a passion for plants, thanks to Dawson’s new gardening program and research orchard. Technology is another area of expansion at the school, starting with a 1-to-1 iPad program in grades 5 through 10. 10455 Dawson Drive, Lafayette, 303.665.6679; dawsonschool.org Runner Up (TIE): Spanish Easy & Fun Language School; 4450 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 100, Boulder; 706 Kimbark St., Longmont; 303.827.5965; spanisheasyfun.com. Runner Up (TIE): Sacred Heart of Jesus School, 1317 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 303.447.2362; shjboulder.org

Thank You

For Voting For Us For “Best Mexican Restaurant”

SEPTEMBER 2013

100percentmexicano.com

Best Retirement Community AND Best Local Employer

The Academy

Shirley Berg, executive director of The Academy, knows that size matters. “There’s something about having only 60 to 70 residents and about the same number of employees,” she says. “We really get the opportunity to know each other: The staff really gets to know the residents, the residents really get to know the staff and the residents all get to know each other.” This is a phenomenon that residents don’t take lightly, says Berg. “They say to me, ‘This is a chapter I didn’t think I was going to have – the opportunity to form a whole new set of relationships.’ It’s wonderful.” The size of The Academy lends itself to community, certainly, but there’s more. The campus is set in a true neighborhood, encouraging interaction between neighbors. Assisted living and independent residents eat in the same dining room and partake in the same activities, promoting inclusion and engagement. Residents’ families are welcome anytime. Everyone is part of the same community. And what a community it is. The Academy is located just two blocks from Chautauqua, seven blocks from CU and 10 blocks from downtown Bolder. Its modern and comfortable amenities include a saltwater pool, Jacuzzi and spa, ﬁtness rooms and ﬁne dining. Classes, excursions, club meetings and special events are on the schedule daily. The retirement community also enjoys a relationship with CU’s College of Music, allowing residents to enjoy numerous concerts, recitals and performances throughout the year.Berg is pleasantly surprised by the Best Local

C A M E R A

Employer nod. “We think we’re a great place to work,” she says with a smile. “It’s nice to know someone else thinks so, too!” A number of employees have been with The Academy since it opened 15 years ago. Berg credits the retirement community’s generous beneﬁt package, access to amenities such as the pool and ﬁtness classes, diverse co-workers and a pleasant work environment, concluding, “The owners do everything they can to support the employees.” But the thing that makes The Academy a particularly outstanding place to work, according to Berg, is the relationships employees form with residents. “There’s a real interchange. It’s meaningful,” she says. “It feels like – and is – this great community.” 970 Aurora Ave., Boulder, 303.938.1920; theacademyboulder.com RU for Best Retirement Community (TIE): Frasier Meadows, 350 Ponca Place, Boulder, 303.499.4888; frasiermeadows. org RU for Best Retirement Community (TIE): Balfour Senior Living, 1336 E. Hecla Drive, Louisville, 303.867.6400; balfourcare.com RU for Best Local Employer: Elevations Credit Union, 2960 Diagonal Highway, Boulder; 611 S. Broadway, Boulder; 1669 Euclid Ave., Suite 143, Boulder; 4760 Baseline Road, Suite A, Boulder; 1900 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette; 777 21st Ave., Longmont; 600 E. Mountain View Ave., Longmont; 1079 South Hover, Suite 100, Longmont; 303.443.4672; elevationscu.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Shoppers} Paradise

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

Best Antique Dealer ..................... 43 Best Consignment/Thrift Store ..... 43 Best Home Furnishings Store ....... 43 Best Art Gallery ........................... 43 Best Art Supply & Hobby Store... 44 Best Bedding/Mattress Store......... 48 Best Bicycle Shop ......................... 44 Best Bookstore ............................. 53 Best Camera Store........................ 45 Best Costume Store ...................... 45 Best Men’s Clothing Store ............ 46 Best Women’s Clothing Store ....... 46 Best Children’s Clothing Store...... 47 Best Recycled Goods/Thrift Store. 52 Best Shoe Store............................. 51 Best Eye Care/Eye Wear Store ...... 47 Best Fishing Supply Store ............. 48 Best Floor Covering Store ............ 48 Best Florist ................................... 48 Best Garden Center/Plant Nursery 48 Best Foodie Store ......................... 49 Best Tree Nursery......................... 50 Best Green Products/Services Store50 Best Gift Shop .............................. 49 Best Grocery Store ....................... 51 Best Hardware Store .................... 50 Best Locally Owned Store ............ 50 Best Home Décor Store................ 45 Best Hydroponics Store................ 52 Best Imported Goods Store .......... 52 Best Jewelry Store ........................ 53 Best Company/Store that Gives Back to the Community ............ 53 Best Antique Jewelry Store........... 52 Best Liquor Store ......................... 54 Best Wine Merchant..................... 54 Best Place to Buy Musical Instruments ............................... 56 Best Place to Get Inked ................ 44 Best Pet Store/Bakery/Deli............ 55 Best Toy Store .............................. 52 Best Travel Supply Store............... 55 Best Camping Store...................... 56 Best Sporting Goods Store ........... 56 Best Running Store....................... 56 Best Mountaineering Store........... 57 Best Ski/Snowboard Store ............ 57 Best Place to Buy Custom Counter Tops ............................ 57 Best Place to Buy Local Gifts ....... 57 Best Place to Buy Windows.......... 56 Best Place to Buy Window Treatments (within Colorado)... 57 Best Local Shopping Destination.. 56

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Antique Dealer AND Best Consignment/Thrift Store AND Best Home Furnishings Store

Best Art Gallery

Welcome to The Amazing Garage Sale. First time here? Wonderful things await your discovery. Something for your wall, perhaps, like a Japanese print or an Art Deco clock? A hand-knotted tribal rug or a signature piece of Danish Modern for your living room? This vintage overstuffed armchair has gotta go home

Our tastes in art are pretty eclectic, ranging from abstract to realism, from two-dimensional paintings that make us pause to 3D sculptural works that make us want to touch. But one thing we agree on: Art + Soul Gallery is the best place to ﬁnd engaging and compelling art from local and regional artists. “People are looking for unique, handcrafted artwork that is easy to live with,” says owner Debbie Klein, a veteran of the Boulder art scene for over 20 years. Since opening in 2000, Klein has brought together an exciting mix of contemporary artworks by established artists and new names in the art world. The gallery is welcoming and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. It’s the kind of place you can ask questions and not feel like an art dork. Because after all, “Art” is supposed to be fun. Art + Soul Gallery also offers a diverse selection of art jewelry for both men and women, each piece selected for its unique design and high level of craftsmanship. Several jewelry trunk shows and a special exhibition of abstract landscapes by local artist Jim Pittman are on the schedule for fall. 1615 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5803; artandsoulboulder.com

The Amazing Garage Sale

with you! Just sayin.’ The ever-changing collection of only the coolest things you would ﬁnd at the garage sale of your dreams is curated by owner Judy Lesta. “This is my art,” she says. “I got started over 15 years ago and I learned it all from experience – knowing the different types of wood in furniture, the styles

and value of jewelry, and what appeals to people.” Every visit is bound to be a little different. Lesta estimates that 25 percent of the inventory sells every month, so there is a frequent supply of new items coming in all the time. Many of the furniture items are in surprisingly new condition. Estate jewelry, Victorian antiques, art prints and collectibles are ready for your appraisal. Looking for some nice Mid Century furniture for your Mad Man loft? You’re in the right place. What will you treasure? It may be dear, but doesn’t have to cost dearly. “Our furniture sells for a fraction of the cost of new,” Lesta says. “People are, well… amazed.” 4919 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.447.0417; theamazinggaragesale.com RU for Best Antique Dealer: Classic Facets, 942 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.8851; classicfacets.com. RU for Best Consignment/Thrift Store (TIE): Clutter Consignment, 1909 9th St., Suite 130, Boulder, 303.386.3423; clutterconsign.com. RU for Best Consignment/Thrift Store (TIE): Rags Shop + Consign, 3129 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.5758; iloverags.com. RU for Best Home Furnishings Store: HW Home, 1941 Pearl ST., Boulder, 303.545.0320; hwhome.com

THank you

Art + Soul Gallery

Runner Up: Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art; 1750 13th St., Boulder, 303.443.2122

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C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Art Supply & Hobby Store

Best Place to Get Inked

Bolder Ink

Guiry’s

Great art doesn’t just happen. You need an artist, of course. Inspiration is essential… and you need supplies. Lots and lots of supplies! Boulder County artists like to get theirs at Guiry’s. Are you into watercolor painting? You’ll love the wide spectrum of paints, starter sets, quality brushes and art papers from makers like Grumbacher, Winsor & Newton, Princeton and Strathmore. “We are seeing a lot of interest right now with acrylics and oils,” says Lori Acklin, assistant manager. “And we have some interesting wood panels to paint on, for people who want to try something other than paper or canvas.” Not a painter? Guiry’s also carries gold leafing supplies and screen printing inks and equipment for print makers. “We have a good selection of fabric inks. Fabric printing has really taken off recently, too,” Acklin says. You might say that Guiry’s has perfected the art of supplying artists. 2404 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.3800; guirys.com Runner Up: Michaels, 4800 Baseline Rd. A108, Boulder, 303.494.2008; michaels.com

Redline and Specialized, accessories from Axiom, Nantucket Baskets, Camelback, clothing and helmets by Pearl Izumi, Castelli, Bell and Giro, you’re going to ﬁnd what you’re looking for here. Electric bikes are coming on strong, and the Electra line of bikes will put a spark in your ride. “Boulder cyclists are also looking for great technical service,” Binegar explains. “We offer a great service department to handle the needs of most cyclists.” 839 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4196; ubikes.com

Bolder Ink is Boulder's oldest tattoo shop, its reputation growing by word of mouth over nearly 20 years. “Getting a tattoo is a pretty big step for people,” said front-end manager C.J. Shea. “When people make the step and decide to come here, we want them to know they're coming to the right place.” Bolder Ink has ﬁve dedicated artists on staff, most of whom have 20 years or more of experience. All of the shop's tattoos are custom work, with some of the artists possessing expertise in speciﬁc styles that result in truly unique body art. Joel Long, for example, specializes in Asianstyle full-body and back sets. Brian Nelson embraces black and white portraiture, incorporating elements of old pictures in his designs. Along with customer service, Bolder Ink also has a reputation for honesty in consultations. Customers seeking a tattoo that will fade or look worse over time receive the bad news straight from the artists. “We don't want the shop's reputation tarnished, and we want the tattoo to look as good as it can in the future,” Shea said. “We're brutally honest because we want to give the best product and service possible.” 2735 Iris Ave. Unit A, Boulder, 303.444.7380; bolderink.com

Runner Up: Boulder Cycle Sport; 4580 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.444.2453; bouldercyclesport.com

Runner Up: Rising Tide Tattoo, 3193 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.500.5046; tattooboulder.com

Best Bicycle Shop

University Bicycles Boulder knows bikes. And Boulder bikers know where to get the best equipment, service and advice. University Bicycles, Boulder’s oldest bicycle shop, is the real deal. No matter your level of expertise, the experts at U Bikes will help you get the most out of your biking experience. “Boulder cyclists come in many forms,” says general manager Lester Binegar. “From commuters to kids, cyclocross racers to road enthusiasts and mountain bikers, we try really hard to be a friendly place with a great selection for all riders. We are always staffed to help every customer when they come through the door.” With bikes by Globe, Masi,

THANK YOU BOULDER COUNTY

for voting us the #1 mattress store 15 years in a row!

15 YEARS

FIRST PLACE

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Verlo uses environmentally friendly materials including plant based foam, natural latex and more!

Verlo is Colorado’s only mattress manufacturer that responsibly recycles 100% of retired mattresses to other industries.

BOULDER 3080 Valmont Road (303) 447-1154

LONGMONT 455 Weaver Park Rd. (303) 651-9024

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Costume Store

Best Camera Store

Mike’s Camera

The Ritz

I’m Batman; you are Wonder Woman. Or maybe I’m a pirate and you are just a sexy monster. Anything’s possible at The Ritz, where exploring the crazy collection of costumes, wigs, feather boas and up-to-there platform shoes has become a hilarious tradition. “We like to say that we are the party before the party,” explains owner Susan Nutting. “We make every visit a fun experience - and it can get pretty silly.” With Halloween on the horizon, things are really ramping up. This season’s top looks include a pantheon of super heroes, 1920’s

Gatsby socialites, vampires, steampunks and disco daddies. “Rock stars are always popular,” Nutting says (you’ll ﬁnd everything you need to rock your ﬁnest Ke$ha look). Locally owned and operated since 1977, The Ritz staffs up for the season (up to 35 employees make it happen) and often stays open late to keep the fun going, just a bit longer. 959 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.443.2850; theritzcostumes.com Runner Up: Candy's Vintage Clothing & Costumes; 2512 Broadway, Boulder, 303.442.6186; candysboulder.com

Picture this: all the camera gear you can imagine, all the latest accessories, lenses, SLRs and DSLRs, all together in one place. Then add the full spectrum of photo services (like photo printing, or turning your photos into cards or a calendar, or oversized canvas prints for your wall). And of course, you want a Certiﬁed Photographic Consultant for some hands-on expert advice. Now you’re talking – about Mike’s Camera! Since 1967, Mike’s Camera has been turning customers into fans, with outstanding customer service, stocking the most complete line of “everything” you need,

and standing by their products and services. They guarantee the lowest price in Colorado on cameras and will match the prices of other stores. Join the Smile Club to get discounts all year long on prints, custom framing, canvas prints and more. Get the picture? Whether you are a photo hobbyist or a pro, Mike’s has what you need. 2500 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.1715; mikescamera.com Runner Up: Best Buy, 1740 30th St., Boulder, 303.938.2889, 210 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.485.5939; bestbuy.com

Best Home Décor Store

Peppercorn

Quickly after it opened its doors in 1977, Peppercorn became a Mecca for cookbooks and ﬁne cookware. It’s even home to one of the very best selection of hot sauces in the area. But people also love to stop by the store on the Pearl Street Mall when they’re looking to decorate their homes, too. And it’s happening more and more, said store manager Janice Manville. “I think people are staying home a little bit more so they want to decorate their house a little more,” she said. “I don’t think they’re going out as much as they used to, so they’re going to spend a little bit more on their homes.” Still independently owned and operated,

Peppercorn’s stock of home décor items, from linens to bath accessories to high-end crystal and seasonal items, is always just ahead of the curve. Whether is something for your kitchen, your bedroom (“For bedding, it seems like people are going for more traditional colors, like creams and whites for bedding,” Manville noted) or anywhere, there’s something for everyone at Peppercorn. 1245 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.5847; peppercorn.com Runner Up: Clutter Consignment, 1909 9th St., Boulder, 303.386.3423; clutterconsign.com

Thank you Boulder County for your suppor support and vote!

ThankYou

for Voting For Us

Best Language School A llocally ocally oowned wned and and family family operated operated funeral and cremation service provider Serving all Faiths

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www.Spanish-Institute.org SEPTEMBER 2013

C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Men’s Clothing Store

The Regiment Shops of Colorado To call this establishment a mere “store” doesn’t really describe everything you’ll find at The Regiment Shops. There are the clothes, of course: a bespoke collection of fine men’s clothing, exquisite in both form and fabric. You’ll also find expert advice for the professional sales staff, and an on-staff master tailor to make your new apparel fit like it was made just for you. Heck, they’ll even teach you how to tie the perfect tie. “We’re seeing a trend towards a more classic look right now,” says Steve Jacobs, who co-owns the business with Gary Cartwright. “Men are looking for quality clothing that is

wearable and well styled. It has to feel good to wear, and look good on you. The silhouette is trimmed and slimming, and there are a lot of traditional fabrics like cotton small plaid and gingham check.” The Regiment Shops know what Boulder’s best-dressed men want – they’ve been doing this for over 50 years! Brands include Bugatchi, Cole Haan and Robert Banks. 2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.443.2713; theregimentshops.com Runner Up: Weekends, 1200 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4231; weekendsboulder.com

Best Women’s Clothing Store

JJ Wells

What makes a great clothing store “great?” For Boulder’s best-dressed women, that means top designer names, fashion-forward collections and exceptional personalized customer service – exactly what you will ﬁnd at JJ Wells. Check out the latest styles from Eileen Fisher, Isabella Fiore, Tribal, babette, Gender Bias, Karen Kane – the buying team shops hundreds of lines to pick only the best. Owned and operated by women for women, JJ Wells believes all customers are preferred customers and provides complete wardrobe consultation, alterations and private shopping services. What’s new for fall? “Trends for this fall include tunic tops and sweaters (in solids, prints and color-block) paired with skinny pants and leggings,” says Dana Culbertson,

co-owner and manager, and colored denim continues to trend. “Add a high heeled boot (to the ankle or to the knee) and you a have an easy to wear, casual look. Knits are great for our Colorado lifestyle. Take your pick of skirts (long or short), slim and straight leg pants, jackets and tops; these are all great for travel and most are washable, soft and comfy.” Popular colors for the season include plums, brick-reds, charcoal, teal, burgundy and emerald, Culbertson says. Explore the unique jewelry and eye-catching accessories to complete your look. 2460 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.449.2112; jjwells.com Runner Up: Barbara & Company; 1505 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.2565; barbaraandcompany.net

Boulder’s Premier Eyewear Destination

13 years running, the Best Eye Care & Eye Wear Store. Thank you Boulder!

In the Village at 2525 Arapahoe Call 303.447.0210 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Eye Care/Eye Wear Store

Aspen Eyewear

Best Children’s Clothing Store

Jovie

They say necessity is the mother of invention. It certainly was for one mother – Megan Barksdale, co-owner of Jovie, the girls’ clothing store in north Boulder. When Megan couldn’t ﬁnd Megan’s daughter Elke started approaching her early teen years, mom discovered there weren’t any stores that specialized in clothes for “tween” girls – the kind that aren’t for little girls, but not for teen girls either. Along with business partners Laura Moore and Lucy Waugh, Barksdale decided to ﬁll the fashion void with Jovie. “We’re really focused on carrying appropriate clothes that are also fashionable and have the trends that are popular,” Moore said. There is plenty of room to shop and even a comfortable

couch for parents to sit in the store. “We try to make it so the girls can come and have a great time,” Waugh said, “and so that the parents aren’t having a miserable time…it’s such an awkward time for girls – they need it to be as easy as possible.” During the past year, Jovie has even added fashions for younger girls. “We like to have a place where girls can start to discover what they like on their own and where parents can take a step back. There doesn’t have to be a ﬁght,” Moore said. 2015 13th St., Boulder, 303.862.9002, shopjovie.com

When you’re small business is a success for decades, you’re doing something right. Aspen Eyewear does many things right, beginning with treating its customers how they want to be treated, said Jennifer Ebner, manager at the Boulder store. It’s easy to feel at home when you walk in to Aspen Eyewear, whether you have an appointment with one of the certiﬁed opticians, or you just want to browse the store’s large stock of eyewear. The Ebner family has owned and operated the full-service eyewear shop since 1985. “We have a very family environment,” Ebner said. “Not only the employees feel that way, but the customers do too.” The staff

always makes sure to keep up with the latest trends and the latest technology in eyewear, as well. “Things are always evolving,” Ebner said. “We are always up to date. We educate ourselves on current products, and we always carry the most quality product that you can receive. And we have a wide variety of choices. We’re not just a boutique. Anyone from any demographic can walk in and ﬁnd a frame in our store.” 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Suite E-23, Boulder, 303.447.0210; aspeneyewear.com Runner Up: Envision, 1011 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.939.8021, envisionboulder.com

Runner Up: Rocky Mountain Kids, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., H12a, Boulder, 303.447.2267; rmkids.com

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C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Bedding/Mattress Store

Verlo Mattress Factory Stores

Do you know where your mattress came from? Perhaps you’ve never given it much thought. But a good mattress can make all the difference in how you feel when you wake up. Lucky for us, we have Verlo Mattress Stores, our local factory source for over 23 years for quality bedding, made by real people right here in Boulder County. “We make and sell over a thousand mattresses every year,” says Verlo’s owner Dick Sumerfield. “Our customers appreciate that we are actually the factory, not just a retailer. We make these mattresses with better quality materials, using as much natural materials as we can. For instance, because of the higher flash point of the superior foam we use, we are able to meet flame

Best Fishing Supply Store

Front Range Anglers

Front Range Anglers is stocked with experts in the field of angling like Colorado streams are stocked with trout. That’s made FRA a popular stop for fishermen of all stripes for three decades. The store employs 18 fishing guides, and most of them are out in the field every day. They know what the fish are doing all through the Front Range waters, and are always ready with a tip or two. The shop provides guided fishing tours locally, as well as to exotic locales like Hawaii and Belize. And FRA’s inventory is second to none. “We’re one of the largest independently owned and locally owned fly shops in America,” said FRA owner Steve McLaughlin. “We focus on being experts for all things cold water,

warm water and salt water.” The store also provides local fishing enthusiasts opportunities to rub shoulders with superstars in the industry. In August, FRA hosted a clinic with the nation’s top rod designer, Jerry Siem, and eighttime women’s fly-fishing record holder Diana Rudolph. But Front Range Anglers isn’t just for the grizzled fishing veteran. “We’ve made an effort in the past year to deepen our programs for women, and for the students at CU, and for kids,” McLaughlin said. 2344 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.494.1375; frontrangeanglers.com Runner Up: McGuckin Hardware, 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Unit D1, Boulder, 303.443.1822; mcguckin.com

Atlas Flooring

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Runner Up: Denver Mattress Co., 1945 28th St., Boulder, 303.413.1314; denvermattress.com

Best Florist AND Best Garden Center/Plant Nursery

Best Floor Covering Store Boulder’s Atlas Flooring boasts one of the biggest inventories of carpet, tile and wood ﬂooring in the entire state. The kind of buying power that comes from having such an inventory helps keep prices low for the customer. “Because we buy so much, our price point is pretty good,” said Manager Leister Bowling, III. “It’s pretty hard for people to beat our pricing.” Atlas also offers quick lead time for installation-after-purchase of cabinetry and countertops, too. But Bowling, whose father, Leister Bowling, II, has owned and operated Atlas Flooring for more than three decades, said it’s the Atlas team’s attention to its customers’ individual needs that sets the ﬂooring store apart. Whether it’s a retail customer, a contractor or a builder, everyone who shops at Atlas gets expert care. “We’re a customer-service based company,” Bowling, III, said. “Regardless whether our customers are coming in for 10-square-feet of

resistance standards without spraying the outside of your mattress with flame retardant, like many other manufacturers do.” Verlo’s comfort guarantee means that you can bring your mattress back any time during its first year to have the firmness adjusted to the way you sleep best. And when it’s time to replace your mattress, you can bring it back and the company will strip it down and recycle the materials for industrial use. 3080 Valmont Rd., Boulder, 303.447.1154; 455 Weaver Park Rd., Longmont, 303.651.9024; verlo.com

Sturtz & Copeland

Pick up the phone and call Sturtz & Copeland, one of the largest florist and garden centers in the region, and something unusual happens. A real, live, friendly person answers. That’s right, you find just about anything you need for your garden at Sturtz and Copeland, but you won’t be objected to one of those annoying automated tree phones when you call. Stop by the bustling store on Valmont Road and what you’ll encounter the best cut flowers, garden and nursery materials, but also an energized and knowledgeable staff members. “We have really good quality indoor plants and outdoor plants and cut flowers. But it’s not just the quality products, it’s our customer service of our friendly staff that is special,” said owner Carol Riggs. “That’s what I hear all the time – people say, ‘I love the people that work at Sturtz. They’re good to me and they figure out what I really need.’” Among the roughly 30 full-time employees at Sturtz and Copeland is a team of seven

designers, ready to help plan your ﬂoral arrangements for any type of wedding or event. “And the green-plant people are all educated in plants and know how to take care of them. The people who work in the outdoor garden center, same thing,” Riggs said. “They’re all Colorado gardeners and have been doing it for a long time. They can tell you what will grow and what won’t grow here, and they can tell you what’s wrong with it if you can’t get it to grow.” Also, check out Sturtz and Copeland’s newly designed user-friendly web site for photos of blossoming inventory and howto blogs. 2851 Valmont Rd., Boulder, 303.442.6663; sturtzandcopeland.com Runner Up for Best Florist: Fiori Flowers, 2620 Broadway, Boulder, 720.565.2434, fioriboulder.com. Runner Up for Best Garden Center/ Plant Nursery: Harlequin's Gardens, 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder, 303.939.9403; harlequinsgardens.com

tile or a $100,000 kitchen remodel, they’re all going to get treated the same. We try our best to take care of every single person that walks through the door.” 4920 N. 28th St., Boulder, 303.442.3221; atlasflooringboulder. com Runner Up: Star Flooring & Design, 5785 Arapahoe Ave., Unit D, Boulder, 303.443.9075; boulderstarflooring.com

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013

Best Gift Shop

Jacque Michelle

Best Foodie Store

Cured

to great lengths to make sure everyone behind our counters knows everything about our products because we really want to be able to offer that kind of experience to our customers… It’s a style of shopping that we’ve sort of lost touch with that people are craving. Cured really ﬁlls that niche here in Boulder.” 1825 B., Pearl St., Boulder, 720.389.8096, curedboulder.com

SEPTEMBER 2013

helping men choose for their wives and girlfriends and daughters,” Taffet said. “We listen to our customers, to what their needs are and what they’re looking for.” The free parking and free gift-wrapping service at the store make it a perfect stop for last-minute gift needs; even if that simply means ﬁnding just the right card. Jacque Michelle carries one of the best greeting card selections in the area, from the humorous to the heartfelt. 2670 Broadway, Boulder, 303.786.7628; jacquemichelle.com Runner Up: Peppercorn, 1245 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.5847; peppercorn.com

Runner Up: Whole Foods, 2905 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.545.6611; 2584 Baseline Rd., Boulder, 303.499.7636; 1279 Alpine Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1354; 303 Marshall Rd., Superior, 720.274.1415; wholefoodsmarket.com

For all your flower & gardening needs.

If you can pronounce the word charcuterie, you probably know about Cured, the aromatic food shop nestled a few blocks east of the Pearl Street Mall. If that word is a puzzler, the friendly staff at Cured would love to explain. Yes, Cured is for the Foodie and the less-Foodie alike, said manager Molly Browne. She and her staff love it when people come in knowing exactly what they want, or are lured in by the wonderful smells of freshly baked breads, wonderful cheeses, the local produce, coffee or the selection of ﬁne prepared meats (that’s the charcuterie). Whatever pleases your palate, service is the key ingredient at Cured. “You get a more personal touch, a personal feel,” Browne said. “We’ve gone

If it’s been a little while since you’ve stopped in to Jacque Michelle, the fun gift boutique in north Boulder, chances are you’ll ﬁnd something new and unexpected. “We stay on top of the gift trends,” said storeowner Janet Taffet. “Our inventory is always changing.” Celebrating 30 years, the locally owned and operated store carries ﬁne fashion accessories (scarves, hair accessories, lingerie, hats, eyewear, purses, and more), women’s apparel (from dresses to jeans and most things in between), interesting jewelry and unique gifts for anyone on your special list. That means gifts for men, for kids and for women. “We love

Boulder’s Best Florist, Garden Center & Plant Nursery! florists, greenhouses & fine stationery 2851 Valmont • 303-442-6663 Mon-Fri 8 to 6, Sat 8 to 5, Sun 10 to 5 www.sturtzandcopeland.com C A M E R A

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

Best Tree Nursery AND Best Green Products/Services Store

Harlequin’s Gardens

The folks at Harlequin’s Gardens were interested in organic agriculture and sustainable living long before the terms were co-opted by big business to capitalize on marketing trends. Harlequin’s owner Mikl Brawner has been interested in ecology for more than 40 years, and is one of the leading local experts on green gardening. An organic nursery for the past 21 years, Harlequin’s offers organic vegetable starts, organic herbs and more. The staff of 10 at Harlequin’s believes in the mission of sustainability and is eager to help customers achieve their organic gardening and plant goals, too. “We use the nursery (at Harlequin’s) to promote sustainability,” Brawner said. “All the fertilizers that we sell are organic; all of the pest management products that we sell are non-toxic; and we help people choose plants that use little water and that are successful in our area.” To that end, the tree nursery and garden shop carries one of the best selections of native plants in the entire state. “We help people get to know those plants,” Brawner said. “We have demonstration gardens which display drought tolerant and native plants. And we help people to garden organically.” Harlequin’s also goes to great lengths to bring in fruit trees that are resistant to local diseases and that produce well in our local climate, and ﬂourish in the sometimes-tricky Front Range soil. What’s more, customers appreciate how Harlequin’s trees always come with complete root systems, and in small containers that make them easy to plant. 4795 N. 26th St., Boulder, 303.939.9403; harlequinsgardens.com Runner Up for Best Tree Nursery: The Tree Farm, 11868 Mineral Rd., Longmont, 303.652.2961; thetreefarm.com. Runner Up for Best Green Products/Services Store: Verlo, 3080 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.447.1154; 455 Weaver Park Rd., Suite 700, Longmont, 303.651.9024; verlo.com

Best Hardware Store AND Best Locally Owned Store

McGuckin Hardware

All hail the green vest. You know, the one worn by the clerk at Boulder’s own McGuckin Hardware? Chances are, if the man or woman wearing it can’t help you figure out what you need to solve your household problem when you walk into the expansive hardware store, no one can. “Everyone has their best McGuckin story about how difficult it is to stump the green vest,” said Louise Garrels, marketing manager at McGuckin. “If you can’t fix it by coming to McGuckin, you probably need to get rid of it and replace it.” Since 1955, when Bill McGuckin started the hardware store in Boulder, people have been flocking to ask green-vested folks for help. The hometown business, which employs nearly 250 people, remains locally owned and operated – Bill’s son-in-law Dave Hight has been in charge since the mid-1960s. “We have quite a diverse range of folks that work in the store; from retired electricians – people who are trained in a

specific field – to college students,” Garrels said. With 55,000-square-feet of retail space filled with all manner of items, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for at McGuckin. The store offers greater selection than the big box shops, and does it with a hometown friendliness. McGuckin carries many goods made by local vendors, too, which provides a boost to the local economy. “People come from far and wide,” Garrels said. “We’ve become a destination, not just for locals, but on a weekend, we get people coming from all around the state.” 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Unit D1, Boulder, 303.443.1822; mcguckin.com Runner Up for Best Hardware Store: Ace Hardware, 1727 Main St., Longmont, 303.776.5173; acehardware.com. Runner Up for Best Locally Owned Store: P.C.'s Pantry, 2828 30th St., Boulder, 303.245.9909; pcspantry.com

Thank you for your support! We’re moving November lst! Please visit us at our new location in Tebo Plaza, 3l0l 28th St, near Rags to Riches and Sportique Eyewear

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

C A M E R A

SEPTEMBER 2013