Reader's Top Choice for 2021

A publication of

SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS LLC

Summer 2021

The Votes are in!

Southern Lakes Newspapers

READERS’ TOP PICKS

st of i l e t e l p om c a r o S f e R d i E s n i N k N o I Lo W K C I P ies t n P u o O C T a ’ sh S o n R e K E d D n REAr Walworth, Racine a fo Dining & Entertainment Resorts • Shopping • Services • Real Estate

2021 2021

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

How consumers can show their support for local businesses The road back to normalcy after the COVID-19 pandemic figures to have some twists and turns. Even after the rollout of vaccines began in late 2020, public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization emphasized the importance of people keeping their collective guard up, as previously unseen variants of the virus were still being discovered.

A slow march toward recovery has begun, but the uphill nature of that march underscores how important it is that communities continue to come together to support each other as well as the locally owned businesses that make towns and cities so unique. Consumers who want to help the local businesses in their community rebound and thrive in the months and years ahead can show their support in various ways.

• Convenience Take chargebecame of yourtheto-go order name of the game

when ordering food during the pandemic.

Curbside pickup service was offered as a safety measure, and many restaurants that never previously offered delivery or takeout started to do so to generate revenue at a time when inperson dining was limited if not disallowed.

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Consumers can take various steps to support small businesses in their communities as such establishments look to regroup and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

MY PROMISE TO MY CLIENTS:

2021

I will be more than just your real estate agent, I will be your advisor, your confidant and also your friend.

Top Ranked Racine County Agent EVERY YEAR Since 2009 shorewest realtors top producing agent 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

Buying, selling or just need to talk to someone in the real estate business? Then you...

Call Renata Greeley (262) 210-6956 Scan this QR CODE with your iPhone to view my website directly!

Renata Greeley, Broker associate vice president

Your Western Racine County Specialist

rgreeley@shorewest.com• renatagreeley.com 399909

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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STOP IN AND SEE OUR

Smart Home Showroom Sinc 195 e 6

www.lylestv.com • Online Parts & Service

The Appliance Store with So Much More

Stop in & Shop Our

Fully S tocked

SHOWROO M

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17 S. Washington Elkhorn (262) 723-3477

SUPPORT LOCAL Thank you for choosing us as the best florist. We strive to bring the freshest flowers possible to you each day.

FLORIST FLORIST

Some restaurants began offering delivery through apps like Grubhub or Uber Eats, and though that may be convenient for diners, restaurants must pay a fee to utilize those apps. In lieu of ordering through a third party delivery service, consumers can take charge of their togo orders and pick up the food themselves. That saves restaurants the delivery app surcharge, allowing them to increase net profits on the meals they sell.

• AContinue to be loyal recent study from

www.flowerswishingwell.com 26 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, Wis. 262-723-6677 We deliver to Elkhorn, Delavan and Williams Bay

399608

researchers at the Harvard Business School found that a customer’s eighth purchase was an average of 80 percent higher than his or her first purchase. That highlights just how valuable repeat customers are to small businesses. Consumers who have had positive experiences with small businesses in their communities in the past can

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continue to support those companies by looking to them first when they need new products or services.

Doing so not only helps small businesses retain more customers, but it increases the likelihood that consumers will again have positive buying experiences.

• Share experiences via social media Small businesses recognize the value of social media.

A 2021 survey from Visual Objects found that 74 percent of small businesses in the United States are active on their social media accounts at least once each week. Social media can become even more valuable to small businesses when their customers utilize such platforms to share positive experiences and encourage their friends and neighbors to patronize local businesses.

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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Faith Based - Not For Profit A comprehensive option when deciding on your retirement living. A single move to a Fairhaven apartment or Prairie Village and you’re assured access to potential future care when or if you need it.

We have a Culture of Caring Like No Other.

Independent Apartments Supportive Living Assisted Living Skilled Nursing & Rehab Hearthstone Memory Care Therapy Services Life Lease Enjoy the freedom and carefree lifestyle of Prairie Village. Custom built 2 bedroom, 2 bath duplex homes. Interior & exterior maintenance included

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435 W. Starin Road Whitewater, WI 262-473-2140 www.fairhaven.org

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7377 Krueger Rd. Lake Geneva, WI. 53147 (262) 348-9900 www.hawksviewgolfclub.com

www.flueggeoptical.com • Corner of Hwy. 36 & Main St., Waterford, WI • HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-1 • 534-6090 THE FLUEGGE OPTICAL STORY: We TRULY are a local family owned and operated business conveniently located on the NE corner of Highway 36 and Main Street in Waterford, WI. We have been at this location since 1986.

Staffed by the third generation of Fluegge opticians, we are proud to say that we are many things. Such as • The only full service optical store in Racine county • We manufacture all lenses in-house • We are the only optical lab in Wisconsin that manufactures glass lenses • We are the oldest name in the optical lens manufacturing business in Wisconsin and have been making lenses since 1918.

We are truly a dedicated eyeglass store. We do not examine eyes or fit contact lenses. We simply make and fit eyewear right and fast. We proudly declare that we are the largest independent eyewear store in Wisconsin with over 5,000 styles of high quality eyewear e.g. Tiffany, Dior, Fendi, Tag Heuer, Polo, Versace, Gucci, Prada, and many more. In addition we have a large and great selection of sunglass brands e.g. Oakley, Maui Jim, Ray Ban, Rudy Project and more. Truly a selection to satisfy the most discriminating taste. If it goes on your face, it should come from our place.

Racine County’s ONLY In-House, Full Service Lab With Glasses Made As Quickly As You Need them

If you are not familiar with us and what we do, simply ask a friend or a neighbor that wears glasses and you’ll find that we have probably done something for them. Or visit us on the web at www.flueggeoptical.com.

We have convenient hours; Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We have fun, music, TVs and a true desire to take care of you, our customer for your eyeglass needs in a way that others don’t do or forgot how to do.

Customer service is not a department here; it’s how we do business. So please, we encourage you to stop by and see for yourself and you will find that in the case with Fluegge Optical, seeing is believing.

We look forward to the opportunity to show you what we can do for you!

Thank you, The staff at Fluegge’s, AKA “The FLU Crew”

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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Haase loCkwood & assoCIates

Funeral Homes & Crematory InC.

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1906

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2 Locations To Serve You Better BURLINGTON PADDOCK LAKE 417 Milwaukee Ave. 24708 75th St., Rt. 50 262-763-3577 262-843-2422

620 Legion Drive (262) 877-3013

www.reinemans.com www.truevalue.com/reinemans

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VOTED READER’S CHOICE FOR REAL ESTATE ESTATE READER’S CHOICE FOR REAL VOTED

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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thank You For Voting us as readers’ top ChoiCe For auto dealership!

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

MIKE SOBCZAK

JACOB WEIDERT

A FAmily TrAdiTion Since 1939

1196 Milwaukee Ave. (Hwy. 36 North) North, Burlington • (262) 763-2466 or (855) 223-7699

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dining & entertainment s Best Bakery Hopscotch Cakery Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly Gooseberries Fresh Food Market Café B Pick ‘n Save

s Best Brunch Cotton Exchange Lake Lawn Resort Grand Geneva Resort & Spa Charcoal Grill Abbey Resort

s Best Burgers Flippy’s Fast Food Chris’s USA Fred’s Parkview Culver’s Village Pub – Silver Lake

s Best Mexican food Dos Amigos Los Tres Hermanos Crossover Cantina & Eatery Hernandez Mexican Restaurant Los Compadres

s Best Carry-out Luisa’s Restaurant Flippy’s Fast Food Napoli’s Jacob’s Smokehouse Antioch Pizza – Burlington

s Best Reception Venue The Farm at Dover Merchantile Hall Veterans’ Terrace Hawk’s View Golf Club and Banquet Facility 1841 Farms and Vineyard

s Best Hot Dog Dairy Queen- Burlington Flippy’s Fast Food Gus’s Drive Inn Bruiser’s Upper Crust

s Best Outdoor Eatery East Troy Brewery Waterfront on Brown’s Lake Charcoal Grill Pier 290 The Boathouse

s Best Chinese Food Lucky Chen Kira’s Asian Bistro Beijing Gardens Moy’s Restaurant Chopsticks – Waterford

s Best Ice Cream Shop

s Best Caterers

s Best Martini

Gooseberries Fresh Food Market Stowell’s Catering Zumpano’s Ristorante and Pizzeria Luisa’s Pizza LD’s BBQ

Charcoal Grill Waterfront Pub and Grill John’s Main Event Gary’s Boat House Sammy’s Place

s Best Restaurant Pine Street Café East Troy Brewery Anthony’s East Troy House Lucky Star

s Best Winery

Culver’s Dairy Queen – Burlington Hansen’s Ice Cream Parlor J. Lauber’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor Uncle Harry’s Frozen Custard

Staller Estate Winery Apple Barn Orchard Winery AppelTreow Winery Studio Winery

s Best Pizza

Rice Liquors Global Glass Bruno’s Liquors Woodman’s Grove Liquors

Antioch Pizza – Burlington Luisa’s Restaurant Gino’s East Pizzeria Napoli Restaurant and Pizzeria Upper Crust

s Best Sports Bar & Grill Champs Spanky’s Sports Bar and Grill Fred’s Parkview The Pit Stop 67 1175 Sports Park and Eatery

s Best Resort Lake Lawn Resort Grand Geneva Resort and Spa The Abbey Resort Mars Resort

s Best Liquor Store

s Best Bar Spanky’s Sports Bar and Grill East Troy Brewery Chris’ USA John’s Main Event Chances

s Best Bowling Alley Towne and Country Lanes, Inc. Old Settlers Bowling Center Lake Geneva Lanes River City Lanes

s Best Fresh Meat Wilson Farm Meats Sorgs Quality Meats and Sausages

real estate & financial s Best Insurance Agent

s Best Financial Institution

Banco Insurance Agency Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance Company Mangold Insurance Bill Czaja State Farm Insurance Schenning Insurance

Educator’s Credit Union Scott Herrmann / Thrivent Financial Greenwood State Bank Landmark Credit Union Blackhawk Credit Union

s Best Realtor Renata Greeley Shorewest Keefe Realty Bear Realty Homestead Realty Re/Max Premier Properties

s Best Apartment Boardwalk Fox Crossing West Ridge Stoneridge Apartments

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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The calendar is dotted with various holidays that celebrate pizza. From National Pizza Pie Day in February to National Deep Dish Pizza Day in April to National Cheese Pizza Day in September, not to mention National Pizza Month in October, any time of year is the perfect opportunity to bite into a slice.

For most people, the best part of pizza is eating it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still learn something about this all-time favorite food as well. The following are some tasty tidbits about pizza, courtesy of Fact City, Pizza Need and Facts Legend.

• Greeks Pizza isaretied to Greece credited with creating the

first pizza-like food. The Greeks used to bake flat, round large breads that were then topped with vegetables, potatoes, spices, and olive oil. However, the first commercial pizza and pizzeria has been traced to the 19th century and the Italian city of Naples.

• While Not allcrispy, pizzalow-profile is flat pies may be

classic, other varieties of pizza have their

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

fans. ÒDeep dishÓ pizza originated in 1943 in the Chicago eatery Pizzeria Uno. Sfincione, or focaccia pizza, a type of pizza made in a sheet pan with thicker slices, was created in the mid-19th century in Sicily. It is popularly called Sicilian pizza.

• Pizza Pizzaisiseven popular more popular on certain

days of the year. Pizza can be enjoyed any day of the year, but Super Bowl Sunday, New Year’s Eve, Halloween, Thanksgiving Eve, and New Year’s Day are the top five days for pizza sales. In addition, pizza accounts for more than 10 percent of all food service sales.

• Around Pizza isthepopular everywhere world, about three billion pizzas are sold each year.

• While Pizza Friday is a weekend favorite may be pizza night for

many people, sales figures indicate that Saturday night is the most popular night to eat pizza.

• Pizza Pizzahasis relational a symbiotic relationship

with certain foods. The pizza industry has helped propel both the cheese and pepperoni industry. Around 251 million pounds of pepperoni are consumed each year in the United States.

• InPizza is booming • Hawaiian Pizza withpizzapineapple the United States, the pizza industry is popular, though not makes up 17 percent of all restaurants and grosses more than $30 billion every year. The highest-grossing single-unit independent pizzeria in the United States is Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria in Anchorage, Alaska. Its annual sales are approximately $6 million.

accurately named. Ham and pineapple are popular pizza toppings on the West coast of the United States, and this pizza is dubbed the Hawaiian pizza. However, it doesn’t have any connection to Hawaii. This pizza actually was invented in Canada.

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STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

Tasty tidbits about pizza

services & shopping s Best Place to Worship St. Francis de Sales St Charles Catholic Church St. Thomas Aquinas Church St. Mary’s Immanual Lutheran Church

s Best Home Builders/Remodelers James R. Taylor and Sons Stebnitz Builders, Inc. DM Kettergen Builders & Remodelers, Inc. Thelen Total Construction Fox Brothers Construction

s Best Dentist s Best Marina Gage Marine Skipper Buds Gordy’s Marine Waterford Marina The Abbey

s Best Funeral Home Daniels Family Funeral Home Derrick Funeral Home Mealy Funeral Home Haase-Lockwood Funeral Homes Strangs Funeral Home

s Best Heating and Cooling H.J. Faust, Inc. Komfort Heating and Cooling Master Services Square One Heating and Cooling, LLC Stop Heating and Cooling

s Best Hair Salon Magic Touch Salon Cost Cutters Enve Salon and Day Spa Shear Image Hair Salon Designers Edge, LTD

s Best Furniture Store Bilt-Rite Furniture Roesing Furniture Reed Furniture Inc. Paper Dolls Home Furnishings Total Furniture

s Best Jewelers The Jewelry Center – Burlington Kullberg Jewelers – Elkhorn Beall Jewelers Utiger Jewelry Kay Jewelers

Delavan Family Dentistry Wanezek Family Dentistry Toner Family Dental Midwest Family Dental Lux White Dental Group

s Best Bridal Salon Bon Bon Belle Bridal The Mercantile

s Best Auto Repair Performance Auto Repair Salem Auto Service Village Automotive Miller Motor Sales Korey’s Auto Kare, LLC

s Best Golf Course Brighton Dale Links Evergreen Country Club Browns Lake Golf Course Hawk’s View Golf Club Spring Valley Country Club

s Best Assisted Living Fairhaven Senior Services RidgeStone Terrace Pine Brook Pointe Oak Park Place Waterford Senior Living

s Best Vet Clinic Fox Valley Veterinary Service Mukwonago Animal Hospital Delavan Lakes Veterinary Clinic Molitor Pet and Bird Clinic Westosha Veterinary Hospital

s Best Law Firm Kmiec and Noonan LLC Wynn at Law, LLC Rizzo and Diersen Edenhofer Law Offices, S.C. Bass Law Offices, S.C.

s Best Health and Fitness Planet Fitness Anytime Fitness Geneva Lakes Family YMCA Aurora Wellness Center

s Best Florist Wishing Well Florist Gia Bella Flowers & Gifts Pink Peony Gooseberries Fresh Food Market Tattered Leaf Designs Studio

s Best Auto Dealership Miller Motor Sales Kunes Country Lynch GM Superstores Martin Jeep-Chrysler Hartnell Chevrolet

s Best Hardware Stores Reineman’s Hardware Ace Hardware – Delavan Martin’s Hardware-Rental and Pet – East Troy Ace Hardware – Twin Lakes Jackson’s Do It Best Hardware

s Best Consignment Store New To You Posh Threads Always Remember That Love, Inc. Chic and Unique Consignment Boutique

s Best Appliance Store Lyle’s TV & Appliance

s Best Hardware Store Reineman’s Hardware Ace Hardware Menards

s Best Eye Care/Optometrist Fluegge Optical Walmart Family Vision & Contact Lens Center Eye Care Center of Waterford Family Eye Care Center Mercy Elkhorn Vision Center

s Best Health Care Facility Froedert South Aurora Heath Center- Lake Geneva Aurora Medical Center – Burlington

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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THE

New Normal

Some dining trends that will hang around after the pandemic has ended The restaurant industry is slowly getting back to normal after a very rough year that saw more 110,000 eateries temporarily or permanently close their doors. Thanks to rising vaccination rates and other factors, including assurances from public health officials regarding the safety of dining out, consumers are once again comfortable with the idea of going to restaurants.

As restaurants begin catering to larger crowds, it’s expected that certain changes implemented in 2020 are bound to become permanent or, at the very least, stick around for a little while longer.

Reservations will be necessary Many restaurants, even those that

did not require reservations prior to the pandemic, may continue to encourage them. Not only will reservations give them greater control over the volume of patrons they host, but they also afford staff ample time to clean and disinfect tables and other surfaces.

Outdoor dining will still be available Outdoor dining filled an important need 12

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

and presented restaurants with an avenue to generate revenue when indoor dining was restricted or prohibited. A May 2021 Morning Consult survey found that diners prefer outdoor dining to indoor dining.

With that in mind, restaurants likely will still set aside outdoor areas for diners to eat comfortably, particularly those who were successful in creating attractive and comfortable al fresco offerings.

More restaurants will offer takeout options Even though on-premise dining had

started to catch up to takeout orders for many restaurants by the spring of 2021, takeout figures to stick around to satisfy safety-minded customers who still desire curbside convenience.

Expect increased sanitation technology Restaurants may continue to make

upgrades with safety and sanitation in mind. In addition to touchless sink features, self-flushing toilets and minimal touch or touchless payment methods, businesses

may implement UVC light air purification systems and upgrades in HVAC filtration.

Barriers that were effective in preventing the spread of disease may remain in place to continue to protect workers and patrons from any type of airborne illness.

Loyalty programs will grow in popularity Many organizations have implemented

loyalty programs to track how often consumers patronize a business and to offer discounts and other deals for repeat customers. Restaurants may increasingly roll out loyalty programs that allow diners to earn points for each meal and reward repeat business through emailed coupons or free items.

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Dining out is gaining steam as customers increasingly feel confident and comfortable enjoying meals away from home.

STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

Getting back to normal How families can help communities rebound after the pandemic

The global pandemic that began in late 2019 and spread into 2021 had a devastating impact on the world. The human toll was significant, as millions of people across the globe lost their lives to the COVID-19 virus. The virus also had far-reaching economic consequences, many of which were felt in small towns and communities that had been thriving prior to the pandemic.

Vaccination rollouts that began in the final weeks of 2020 gave many people a glimmer of hope that life would soon return to some semblance of normalcy.

The effort to restore towns and cities will require a community-wide effort, and families can do their part as the world slowly emerges from the pandemic.

Support local businesses A recent survey from the expert business mentors at Score® found that just 34 percent of small business owners indicated their operations were currently profitable in late 2020. The numbers were even worse for minority-owned businesses, as the survey found that just 26.5 percent of Black business owners had businesses that

were currently profitable while the number was 29.2 percent among Hispanic-owned businesses.

A thriving local economy is a vital component of a strong community, and families can do their part in the pandemic recovery by making a concerted effort to support the small businesses in their towns and cities, especially those owned by minorities.

Support locally owned restaurants instead of chain restaurants when dining out or ordering in. Even visiting a locally owned barbershop instead of a chain hair cutter can be a great way to help community-based businesses recover.

Lend a hand to the elderly At the onset of the pandemic, public

health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization identified elderly men and women as among the most vulnerable to serious illness if they were infected with COVID-19. As a result, many aging men and women spent much of 2020 isolated from their friends and families.

Families can help seniors in their

communities recover from that isolation by volunteering at local senior centers, inviting aging neighbors over for weekly dinners or inviting them along on family outings to the beach or park. Such efforts can reassure seniors, many of whom played vital roles in building the communities they call home, that their neighbors have not forgotten them.

Take active roles in the community Recovering from the pandemic won’t

be easy for any community. Some small businesses closed for good while others struggled to stay afloat, and local towns and cities lost significant tax revenue as a result.

Residents, including adults and children, can help their towns and cities overcome budget shortfalls by becoming more active in their communities. Organize initiatives like park clean-ups to keep communities clean if budget constraints have forced local officials to cut back on such services.

In addition, attend town or city council meetings to lend support to programs or even recommend new initiatives to help the community recover from the pandemic.

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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6 ways to be kind to Food Servers These are unprecedented times. As the world confronts the COVID-19 pandemic, people have had to adapt to many significant changes in a relatively short period of time.

Throughout the pandemic, many hardworking individuals have helped to keep the world moving forward in an uncertain time. Though many food servers have temporarily or permanently lost their jobs during the pandemic, many more have continued to work.

Restaurants are vital components of local communities, serving as more than just somewhere to enjoy a great meal.

Restaurants are gathering places and have helped people get out of the house during the age of social distancing. Servers are at the heart of the restaurant industry, and there are various ways to show them how much their efforts are appreciated.

• Etiquette Leave asuggests sizablecustomers tip tips

servers anywhere between 15 and 20

percent. Because servers today are increasingly putting their health on the line, why not increase that tip to 25 or 30 percent?

Such tips can provide some financial relief to servers whose earnings have been adversely affected by the pandemic and a bigger tip lets servers know their efforts are appreciated.

• Food Be courteous and kind servers experience all sorts of

• Jot Write a thank-you note a few words of encouragement

• Do Be your a tidybestcustomer to leave a tidy table

on the back of the bill or receipt. If time allows, thank the server in person for a job well done.

• While Don’tcertain forgetschools schoolarestaff still serving

breakfast and lunch to students, others have had to forego in-person dining at school due to local regulations and capacity restrictions.

However, food servers and other staff may still be distributing food to those who qualify for financial assistance. Food

services is often an overlooked job in the school system and parents can offer small tokens of appreciation to these workers.

personalities during a typical workday.

Being kind and respectful brighten up a server’s day.

behind when you finish your meal. Collect trash and dispose of it properly. Try to be as neat as possible, stacking dishes and preventing items from falling on the floor so servers and bussers have an easier go of it.

• Policies Follow regarding restaurant rules in-person dining and mask usage vary depending on local laws.

Follow the rules so you don’t put servers’ health at risk.

Food servers have faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Customers can do many things to show their servers how much their efforts are appreciated.

STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

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Raise a glass

How to pair beer with food

The craft beer boom has inspired millions of people to look at beer through a new lens. Once relegated to backyard barbecues and ballgames, beer is now served alongside gourmet meals. Much like the right wine can make a meal taste even better, beer can bring out the flavors of food, making it an ideal complement to anything from steak to seafood to salad.

The Brewers Association is an American trade group whose membership consists of more than 5,400 brewers, suppliers and retailers. The group recommends beer lovers follow a three-pronged approach to matching beer and food. It’s worth noting the BA does not view this approach as a 1-2-3 process, meaning beer lovers need not follow the steps in order to perfect their pairing skills.

• The Match strength association recommends pairing

strongly flavored foods with assertive beers and delicate foods with delicate beers. For

example, a relatively low alcohol witbier should pair well with light seafood like steamed mussels.

Beer lovers who enjoy strong barley wines, which are typically 10 percent alcohol by volume or higher, should find that a strong cheese or dessert matches up well with this overpowering style.

• The Findassociation harmonies notes that beer-food

combinations typically resonate most effectively when they share some common flavor or aroma element. The association points to how the deep, roasted flavors of an imperial stout often pair nicely with chocolate truffles.

• Consider Considerthethesweetness, interaction bitterness,

carbonation, heat (spice) and richness. The association recommends that beer lovers look to take advantage of the specific and predictable ways that certain qualities of food and beer interact with each other. For example, malty sweetness can cool the heat, making a hoppy beer with plenty of malt a good choice to pair with spicy food.

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Pairing the right beer with food can make any night out on the town that much better.

Pair like a pro

Want to pair your favorite craft beers like an old pro at home or at your local pub with an extensive tap list? Consider these pairing recommendations, courtesy of the Brewers Association: • Witbier – Lighter seafood dishes like steamed mussels.

Blonde ale – Light food, including chicken, salads and salmon; • India Pale Ale – Strong spicy food and bold, sweet desserts like carrot cake; • Double/Imperial IPA: – Smoked beef brisket, grilled lamb and southern chicken-fried steak; • Amber/red ale – Chicken, seafood, burgers, and spicy cuisine; • Porter – Barbecue, sausages, roasted meat, and blackened fish; • Sweet or Oatmeal stout: – Rich, spicy food, including barbecued beef and Szechuan cuisine; • Classic pilsner – Light food such as chicken, salads and salmon; • American wheat ale: – Very light food, including salads, sushi and vegetable dishes; and • Abbey dubbel – Barbecue, meat stews, and a thick, hearty steak.

STOCK PHOTO Readers’ Top Choice

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

15

Take-out tips when dining at home Although takeout has long been a convenience enjoyed by people around the world, in recent months takeout became a key way for many restaurants to stay afloat when the novel coronavirus COVID-19 forced many to close their facilities to customers.

Restaurants have been allowed to remain open, though they have been forced to change their business models.

In a matter of weeks, establishments that were not accustomed to offering takeout quickly reimagined their operations to offer curbside pickup or delivery options.

In turn, many communities promoted movements to help keep restaurants afloat, with some encouraging residents to participate in Takeout Thursdays to patronize struggling bars, restaurants and delis.

Takeout has always provided a respite from cooking meals at home, but it seems especially welcomed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Now more than ever, individuals and families could use a break from cooking three meals per day. When opting for takeout, consider these tasty tips.

• Independent Support small businesses restaurants could have a

• Ask Learnthenew protocol business what their

• Inquire Investigate food safety about the safety measures

• When Pay byplacing creditancard order for takeout or

tougher time bouncing back from reduced sales and income than large restaurant chains. When seeking out food- and beverage-related businesses, lean heavily on mom-and-pop restaurants, many of which are pillars in their communities.

These are the businesses whose owners may have children in your local schools or those who sponsor local sports leagues.

restaurants are taking to ensure food safety.

Most restaurants and delivery services are enacting even more safety measures than are required by law.

Keep in mind, however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said, “There is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food.” Simple hand washing after touching food packaging and your food or face may be sufficient.

requirements are for ordering food. Some restaurants will bring the order directly to your car through curbside pickup. Others may enable you to enter the establishment if you are wearing a mask.

Delivery only might be the policy at another establishment. Follow all rules, as they have been implemented to keep you and the business employees safe.

curbside pickup, pay by credit card online or over the phone if that is an option.

This limits how much you and restaurant employees have to handle cards or cash.

• Ask Avoidthedirect handoffs counter server or delivery

person to put down your order and step away before you grab it. This is an extra step to combat the spread of the virus.

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Helping small businesses thrive in today’s digital world Small businesses were hit particularly hard by the pandemic, with nearly 10 million American small businesses closing their doors at least temporarily over the past 15 months. Despite an uncertain economy, small business owners were resilient, creative and agile, shifting their business models to take advantage of e-commerce, many for the first time.

Before COVID-19, more than one in three small businesses had never reported a digital sale. Today, nearly seven out of eight small businesses are selling goods and services online. For the millions of resilient small businesses still operating, the mass move to online and mobile shopping ushers in a new era of opportunity. At the same time, additional resources will be needed to support them.

“For over a year, small businesses have faced one unimaginable challenge after another,” says Mike Katz, executive vice president, T-Mobile for Business. “At a time when mobile connectivity and internet access are required to advertise services, sell products and interact with customers,

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

no small business should be without these necessary resources.”

To help fuel the resurgence of small business, T-Mobile is offering the following solutions and benefits, available today:

• Staying New smartphone plans viable in a mobile-first world

requires affordable connectivity. To that end, T-Mobile is offering new smartphone plans purpose-built for business. Every plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data over America’s largest, fastest, and most reliable 5G network, and high-speed mobile hotspot data to power whole teams on-the-go.

• AsHigh-speed internet bad as broadband access can be

for consumers who must deal with highprices and sparse competition, it’s often actually worse for small businesses. Many business plans from traditional ISPs deliver the same service levels as residential plans, but for often twice the price. Small Business Internet from T-Mobile delivers fast, reliable connectivity without annual

contracts or costly surprises, along with tech support from dedicated experts.

• Today, Digitaltwo-thirds outreachof Facebook users

visit a local business page at least once weekly. In a world that packed a decade of digital transformation into the last year, it often takes digital savvy and the ability to reach customers online to succeed. Through a new program, Facebook Advertising on Us, small businesses can receive up to three one-on-one consultations with a Facebook Marketing Expert, along with educational resources. Plus, every small business on T-Mobile with three or more lines can get $200 in digital advertising to market their company on Facebook and Instagram.

“By pairing fast, reliable internet with digital tools, training and marketing support, we can help small businesses connect with their communities,” says Mark D’Arcy, Facebook vice president of Global Business Marketing.

For additional resources, visit t-mobile.

(STATEPOINT) com/opportunity.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CHOOSING FLIPPY’S AS YOUR FAVORITE BURGERS, HOT DOGS, AND CARRY OUT! WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

Mon - Sat 10AM - 9PM Sun 11AM - 7PM

Dine In - Pick Up Delivery - Catering

Burlington’s Chicago-style fast food Family Owned & Operated

2 Italian Beef Sandwiches $1499 1 Large Fries

2 Gyro $ 99 Sandwiches 14 1 Large Fries

With coupon. Expires 9.13.2021

With coupon. Expires 9/13/2021

262-763-6754

BURLINGTON 401 N. PINE STREET www.FLIPPYSFASTFOOD.com

399611

Thank you for voting us your top Financial Institution!

Insured by NCUA | 262.886.5900 | ecu.com 399609

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

17

Banco Insurance Agency Complete Insurance Services

COMPANION ANIMAL SERVICES

FOX VALLEY VETERINARY SERVICE

Automobile ~ Home ~ Farm ~ Health ~ Business Two Convenient Locations:

Providing Comprehensive Medical, Surgical and Dental Care

207 W. Main St., Whitewater ~ (262) 473-7344 KReed@firstcitizensww.com Located in First Citizens State Bank, Whitewater

Quality Compassionate Care Like No Other

Kasey Reed

Thank you for voting us Readers’ Top Choice!

111 E. Main St., Palmyra ~ (262) 495-2118 lgarlock@firstcitizensww.com

231 S. Millgate Dr. • Burlington, WI 53105

Located in First Citizens State Bank, Palmyra

(Town of Rochester)

262-534-6000

Lori Garlock

www.foxvalleyvetservice.com Thank you for your votes in the Readers Choice for insurance!

HOURS: MON. 8:00 - 7:00; TUES. 7:30 - 7:00; WED. 8:00 - 5:30; THURS. & FRI. 7:30 - 5:30; SAT. 8:30 - NOON; SUN. CLOSED

Andrea Kahn, CSR akahn@firstcitizensww.com

399619

www.bancoinsurance.com Serving Our Community Since 1984

A+

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Your Hometown Funeral Home Since 1923

New to You

Serving Waterford and surrounding communities with care and compassion for over 98 years

"Where Fashion Only Looks Expensive"

Mealy Funeral Home

Women's Consignment Boutique

Thank You for Voting us the Top Choice for Consignment Stores

Traditional Services with Burial Cremation with Memorial Services

FIND IT! LOVE IT! BUY IT!

R-L: John E. Kojis, Ted Hegeman, Joe Quinn

Pre-Need Specialists

Shop New to You often to score the best in fashion and price 200 W. Main Street, Rochester

(262) 534-2233 www.mealyfuneralhome.com

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2021 Readers’ Top Choice

Open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

399726

225 West Main Street, Waterford, WI 53185

(262) 534-7553 • www.newtoyou-wi.com 399804

Personal Service by the Garwoods Since 1976

GOING EAST...GOING WEST...

Discover The Best!

Just off Hwy. 50 ~ 12 miles east of Lake Geneva

Serving Chicken, Ribs & Pasta day Thur sf f Food O % 3 0 O nl y ash with c

Superb Italian & American Cuisine PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!

Classic thin crust, pan, stuffed & hand-tossed Tu

esday PASTA - SANDWICHES Night 1/ 2 BURGERS & SO MUCH MORE! Crus t P Of f Thin iz

DINE-IN, CARRY OUT, DELIVERY, CATERING

z with c a Night ash

Call ahead on your way to or from Lake Geneva and We’ll Have it Hot & Ready!

www.luisaspizza.co

Thank You For Voting Us BEST AUTO REPAIR

8517 Antioch Road Salem, WI 53168

(262) 843-3636 Toll Free: 1-855-828-3636

www.autorepairsalemwi.com

262-537-4795

377492

Hwy. 50 & 317th Ave., Wheatland • 12 Miles East of Lake Geneva 351622

Open 7 days a week!

Derrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been a family owned and operated business in the Lake Geneva area for over 100 years.

Our staff will be more than honored to help you with everything from pre-planning to personalization of the service you choose.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.

800 park dr lake geneva, wi 53147

Thanks for making us your Top Choice Again This Year.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support!

141 Pine Street • Burlington (262) 763-9800 TEMPORARY family owned since 1912

phone: 262-248-2031 377902

HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 6 to 3 p.m.

PineStreetCafe/facebook.com 377917

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

19

724 Milwaukee Ave. Burlington, WI

(262) 763-9968 Services We offer: Preventative Medicine • Vaccinations Surgery • Diagnostics • Dentistry Laser Therapy Now Accepting New Clients Call Today to Make an Appointment

(262) 363-4557

All dinners served with your choice of French fries or potato pancakes, coleslaw and rye bread.

BEER BATTERED FISH FRY $11.50 BAKED COD DINNER $12.00 PERCH DINNER $11.95 2 PIECE BEER BATTERED COD $7.25 2 PIECE BAKED COD $8.00 To Go Orders Of Extra Fish $1.00 Each

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Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

399852

Have A Wynn On Your Side Offices in Delavan, Lake Geneva and Salem

(262) 725-0175 www.wynnatlaw.com Thank You For Voting Us Best Law Firm In Southeast Wisconsin. We Value Your Trust.

• PROBATE • REAL ESTATE • CIVIL LITIGATION • DEBT COLLECTION • BUSINESS • EMPLOYMENT • WILLS • TRUSTS • DEBT RELIEF & BANKRUPTCY SERVICES • POWER OF ATTORNEY We are a debt relief agency.

We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Attorney Shannon E. Wynn

$25 OFF ATTORNEY’S FEES

PERSONAL

For Estate Planning Package

BUSINESS

New clients only.

Must be redeemed by 10/31/21. Must present coupon at initial consultation to receive discount.

WYNN AT LAW, LLC

SLN

For A Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing

1050 Milwaukee Ave. • Suite 100 • Burlington, WI 53105 800-242-2282 • 262-763-7644 • Fax 262-763-0971

New clients only. Must be redeemed by 10/31/21.

Must present coupon at initial consultation to receive discount.

We Are Here To Help You!

20

SLN

Debt Relief Is Right Around The Corner!

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

FARM LIFE • DISABILITY • MEDICARE • GROUP HEALTH

$100 OFF ATTORNEY’S FEES

WYNN AT LAW, LLC

An Affiliate of Robertson Ryan & Associates

399727

www.mangoldinsurance.com insurance@mangoldinsurance.com 399771

2nd Year in a Row!!

For Every Occasion...

Thanks to our valued customers.

2021

CHOSEN AS ONE OF THE READERS TOP CHOICES IN BEST ICE CREAM SHOP BEST HOT DOG Thank you to all our customers. We are honored!

Burlington Dairy Queen 324 S. Pine Street, Burlington 763-9385

400652

Providing quality parts and service for over 30 years

377961

Visit us at www. performancetireandauto.com for service coupons FREE COURTESY SHUTTLE AND WIFI for your convenience!

AJOR ALL M DS BR AN BLE AVAILA

HOURS: Mon, Tues., Wed., Fri. 7:30am – 5:30pm Thurs. 7:30am – 7pm Hwy. 36–Across from Kohl’s • 1051 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington WE EMPLOY TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED BY ASE . . .

PLEASE LET US SHOW YOU THEIR CREDENTIALS

®

Myriad

FREE COURTESY SHUTTLE AND WIFI for your convenience!

AJOR ALL M DS BRAN BLE AVAILA

HOURS: Mon, Tues., Wed., Fri. 7:30am – 5:30pm Thurs. 7:30am – 7pm Hwy. 36–Across from Kohl’s • 1051 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington WE EMPLOY TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED BY ASE . . .

PLEASE LET US SHOW YOU THEIR CREDENTIALS

®

Myriad

Open Daily 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Holiday Hours May Vary

ON THE SQUARE IN EAST TROY 2884 Main Street • Phone 262-684-5420 Additional parking and entrance at rear of building

Check out the friendly ambiance and great selection of liquor, beer and wine.

Special Orders Are No Problem. Give Us A Call!

399886

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

21

VILLAGE AUTOMOTIVE & TIRE llc

We would like to take a moment to thank our community for all of the support in the last 7 years.

Also, a special thank you to our outstanding staff.

Our business is a continued success and we couldn’t have done it without you!

NICK AND BECKY BRUSS

10% OFF LABOR on any service work Discounts applies to labor up to $100 Good only at Village Automotive & Tire.

Coupon expires March 31, 2022 Southern Lakes Ad_summer17.pdf 1 7/26/2017 5:12:50 PM

HOURS: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

447 Bay View Road Mukwonago, WI 53149

262-363-9450

www.villageautoandtire.com

Enjoy Chicago’s Original Gino’s East Pizza in Downtown Lake Geneva

399639

Choose between our famous Deep Dish or Thin Crust pizza Enjoy our variety of appetizers, salads, and pasta entrees

C

M

Dine in with spectacular lake view, or delivery to your room

Y

CM

*Delivery hours begin at 5:00 P.M.

MY

Open for lunch at 11am

CY

CMY

K

399857 352360

22

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

Thanks for voting for us as the Top Bowling Alley and Votes for the Top Restaurant

Agents:

CASUAL DI N I NG

Patricia Lauderdale, 262-370-5754 Breck Ward, 262-215-5633 Kasey Reed, 262-473-7334 Lori Garlock, 262-495-2118 Jean Schaal, 262-534-7801 Julie Ulset, 608-884-3304

• ADA friendly • Wide variety of leagues • Birthday Parties • Full-Service Pro-Shop • Volleyball & Horseshoes Lighted courts • Open daily at noon

• Daily luncheon & dinner specials • Serving pizzas, pastas and sandwiches daily • Full-service bar • Banquet hall to accommodate parties from 20-225 - Weddings, birthdays,class/family reunions, business luncheons • Custom catering & delivery

(262) 534-PINS

(262) 514-FOOD

(3663)

(7467)

www.sugarcreekmutual.com 262-723-3244

WATERFORD’S FINEST RECREATION FACILITY

Thank you for voting Sugar Creek Mutual Insurance as “Readers’ Top Choice” insurance company!

399613

Celebrating 15 years of serving the Waterford community!

SHOP.GOOSEBERRIESMARKET.COM 399793

399832

730 Cornerstone Crossing Waterford, WI 53185

399620

GOOSEBERRIESMARKET.COM 690 W. STATE ST., BURLINGTON, WI 53105 262.763.5955

2021 Readers’ Top Choice

23

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