Best of the Springs 2011

The Laurel Room Group and Karli Chair

THE RECLINERS WERE ONLY THE BEGINNING. You may not believe everything you can get from La-Z-Boy—like sofas, loveseats, sleepers, sectionals, chairs and ottomans. You may not believe how affordable it all is. But the high-quality construction, craftsmanship and comfort of La-Z-Boy furniture?

That shouldn’t come as a shock at all.

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CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN

1670 E. Cheyenne Blvd.

719-226-2720

MATTRESSFIRMCOLORADO.com CITADEL CROSSING

703 N. Academy Blvd.

719-573-2805

ACADEMY CLEARANCE OUTLET 5408 N. Academy Blvd.

719-264-0926

Opening April 2011 POWERS ROAD SUPERSTORE

Powers Rd. and Stetson Hills

ENCHANTING BEAUT Y RICH HISTORY ETERNAL LEGACY

OVERNIGHT STAYS: Treat yourself to the old world charm of a 100-year-old castle.

T

he Glen Eyrie Castle is Colorado Springs

TEAS & TOURS: Be inspired by a guided tour and enjoy conversation over tea.

at its finest. Originally the home of General William Jackson Palmer, our city’s founder, Glen Eyrie is the perfect place for a weekend getaway, afternoon tea with friends or a casual guided tour through Colorado Springs history. Reminiscent of a time when life was a little slower, Glen Eyrie is a place where memories are created.

Best of the Springs Ad

SPIRITUAL RETREATS: Enjoy the fellowship of God at a prayer or marriage retreat.

An evolving masterpiece The difference between the best and the rest can be subtle: a bartender’s intoxicating smile, a short-order cook’s masterful way with fries, a TV anchor’s empathetic demeanor.

Welcome to The Gazette’s 17th annual Best of the Springs magazine, a celebration of all the qualities that define greatness in the Pikes Peak region.

Inside, you’ll find some upsets (can you believe Salsa Brava toppled Amanda’s Fonda from its perch atop Best Mexican?) and some old favorites as well as new categories with new faces.

Most of the picks are yours. About 6,500 readers voted in the Best of the Springs poll, and we’re giving gold, silver and bronze awards to the first-, second- and third-place winners in each category. We also have enlisted experts from our newspaper and companion websites (as well as an outside ringer) to give their picks in various categories.

We hope you’ll find this a fun read and an invaluable reference for those times when only the best will do.

WARREN EPSTEIN

Best of the Springs Editor

Contents

An evolving masterpiece DININg STArTInG on PAGE 8

Published by

30 S. Prospect St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903

You’re looking for something new for dinner, right? Check out your choice for Best new restaurant. or maybe you’re just looking for the perfect burger? Check the popular choice and our Dining Team’s pick.

A&E

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Halfway down a red-knuckle We have credit cards, and mountain bike trail, jumping we’re not afraid to use them. around a blind curve, might But we want to spend at the The GazeTTebest. Here you’ll find the not be the best time to wonder if you’ve picked the best in men’s and women’s right trail. Check out this fashions as well as toy stores, guide to everything sweet ski shops and florists, among and strenuous. many others.

Management

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fAmIly

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STArTInG on PAGE 68

STArTInG on PAGE 96

This section is like our own local People’s Choice and Academy Awards rolled into one.

It honors the Best Museum, Best Actor and Actress, Best Filmmaker, Best Cover Band and a lot more.

Who’s our favorite TV hottie?

Do you have to ask? We love her even when she’s gone on maternity leave. Can you guess where you can find the Best B&B and the Best Bar restrooms? You’ll find those and other surprises in our City Life section.

Your kid’s 10th birthday party is coming up and you haven’t even booked a clown. Where can you go with a group of 20 loud, obnoxious 10-year-olds?

Take a few deep breaths and read our Family section.

An evolving masterpiece

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the GazeTTe GAzette The

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President & Publisher

Steven K. Pope BesT of

The sprinGs AssOCiAte Publisher Judi Terzotis Credits

ViCe President OF neWs

Jeff Thomas

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Liz Cobb

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Management An evolving masterpiece Credits

The GazeTTe

This is your Best of the Springs, and that means it’s missing something — maybe a rant or two from you about the choices for Best Burger or Furniture Store. Come on, give us a piece of your mind! Each comment makes our online version that much richer. It also has a super search engine that can find the Best Sushi or Best Radio Personalities in a snap. If you think of categories you’d like to add for next year’s issue, please email them to warren.epstein@gazette.com.

direCtOr OF ClAssiFied AdVertisinG

Michelle Ackerman CreAtiVe direCtOr MArKetinG

BesT of The sprinGs

Carleen Clearwater lOCAl COMMunitY sAles MAnAGer

COlOrAdOsPrinGs.COM/bestOF

Erik Carlson

KeY ACCOunts/MAJOrs/ nAtiOnAls MAnAGer

Melinda Hagemann The GazeTTe

Management Vicki Cederholm PrOduCtiOn direCtOr

Best of the Springs, calendar of events and more.

best of OF BesT the sprinGs sPrinGs The

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Warren Epstein desiGner & illustrAtOr

Anita Renee Langemach Writers & exPerts

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This year, we chose Sean O’Meallie — toymaker, philosopher and sculptor — for Best Artist. To celebrate his whimsical, goofy-grin-inducing woodwork, we’ve featured it throughout the magazine. The sensational cover piece, which was commissioned

by The Gazette and photographed by our ace photographer Mark Reis, gives a taste of O’Meallie’s colorful, lyrical vision, this time trained on Colorado Springs. To see more of his work or contact O’Meallie, go to seanomeallie.com.

STAY MOBILE, SCAN AND GO!

Warren Epstein Tracy Mobley-Martinez Nathaniel Glen Teresa Farney Jennifer Mulson Linda Navarro Heidi Schaefer Nathan Van Dyne Hugh Davis Trudy Thomas PhOtOGrAPhers

Mark Reis, cover photograph Stuart Wong Jerilee Bennett Christian Murdock Carol Lawrence Butch Leitz and Patrick Bepko, contributed images COPY editOrs

Linda Doty Sandra Wiegand Willow Welter Mike Eiler Trent Stephens Online

Carmen Boles Aaron Linn Paul Berry Loree Rider ChieF tAllY MAn

Rudy Vasquez

THE GAzETTE I 2011 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 7

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2540 Tenderfoot Hill St., 576-2540; flatirons.biz

Sports bar meets wine bar at this grown-up, easy-going spot opened by local restaurant whiz kids Concept Restaurants. silVEr: CHEDDAR’S CASUAL CAFE BronZE: BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE

HoT dog

gold: MARGO’S VIENNA STATION silVEr: THE pIT STOp GRILL AT HOME DEpOT SOUTH BronZE: SONIC EXoTic

gold: UCHENNA

silVEr: CASpIAN CAFE BronZE: THE CURRY LEAF RESTAURANT

NEW RESTAURANT UcHEnna 2501 W. Colorado Ave., 634-5070; uchennalive.com

This family-owned Ethiopian eatery, right, is a first for Colorado Springs. And it’s a welcome addition to the dining scene, with friendly service and food that balances the exotic and the homey. It’s a slow-cooked, family-style take on this nuanced cuisine you eat without utensils. You will go home enchanted and feeling like a part of the family.

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You booked a steakhouse for a first date, but before you go, they mention they don’t eat animal flesh. Search “vegetarian” and you’ll find a place you’ll both love.

NEW RESTAURANT

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Exotic Place!

Exotic Flavors!

‘05 - ‘11

‘05 - ‘11

AWARD WINNING CUISINE!

Mediterranean Bistro & Bar Belly dancing fridays & saturdays from 6:30pm to 8:30pm www.caspiancafe.com

528-1155 • 4375 Sinton Rd East of I-25, Just off of thE GardEn of thE Gods ExIt

M-th: Lunch: 11am-4pm | Dinner: 4-9pm f-sat: Lunch: 11am-4pm | Dinner: 4-10pm sun: Dinner: 4-9pm

CHEAP SUNDAY BRUNCH STEAKSMITH 3802 Maizeland Road, 596-9300; steaksmith.com

One of the restaurant scene’s best-kept secrets, Steaksmith’s Sunday brunch gets around the problem of wilted entrees on unattended trays by limiting the hot options to what the chef stations can serve fresh. Love the carved tenderloin and smoked ham.

There’s also a nice array of salads and other cold dishes, as well as scrumptious desserts. All for $17.

ExpErt SElEctionS HIDDEN GEM

BURGER

CASPIAN CAFE

NOSH

4375 Sinton Road, 528-1155; caspiancafe.com

121 S. Tejon St., 634-6674; nosh121.com

JAPANESE

CHINESE

Tucked on a frontage road along Interstate 25, just south of Garden of the Gods Road, Caspian is easy to miss and a delight to find. It does upscale, exotic Mediterranean fare, including dynamite lamb, chicken, veggie and seafood dishes.

The little, roundish, house-ground burger at Nosh has been so popular it now has four cousins: Spicy Bison, Bacon Burger, Green Chili Burger and Mushroom Swiss Burger. Each is a thing of beauty.

BARA SUSHI & GRILL

CHOPSTICKS ASIAN BISTRO

1645 Briargate Parkway, 599-7330; sushibara.com

120 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., 579-9111; chopsticksasianbistro.com

Although small and without teppan tables, Bara Sushi edges out such worthy competitors as Kura, Jun and Fujiyama with sushi that’s more artistic, creative and vibrantly flavored.

Our local answer to P.F. Chang’s, Chopsticks serves a vibrant Asian fusion with such standouts as Grand Marnier Prawns and Basil Shrimp, accompanied by a solid wine list.

FIRST-DATE PLACE

warrEn EpStEin THE GAzETTE A&E EdITOR ANd wORLd-CLASS EATER.

FINE DINING

GOLd: PIAZZA ITALIAN KITCHEN (NOw wYATT’S PUB & GRILL) 806 Village Center Drive, 598-4100

Cozy booths, romantic lighting and an easy-to-navigate wine list made this a fine date spot, but its owners recently sold it, and it’s now a sports bar.

SILVER: THE MELTING POT BRONzE: MONA LISA FONDUE RESTAURANT

GOLd: THE FAMOUS 31 N. Tejon St., 227-7333; thefamoussteakhouse.net

This downtown strip joint — and by that we mean New York strip — is known for serving the best steaks in town with the timeless accompaniments of dimly lit booths, strong martinis and live jazz.

SILVER: SONTERRA GRILL BRONzE: STEAKSMITH

BUSINESS LUNCH

GOLd: MACKENZIE’S CHOP HOUSE 128 S. Tejon St., 635-3536; mackenzieschophouse.com

This dark downstairs hideaway positioned between downtown office buildings and the courthouse has played host to uncounted deals over fat-expenseaccount steaks and great salads.

SILVER: SONTERRA GRILL BRONzE: THE FAMOUS

STEAK

GOLd: THE FAMOUS 31 N. Tejon St., 227-7333; thefamoussteakhouse.net

You get what you pay for. And at this starched-collar steakhouse, that means for $37 to $50 (sides not included) you’ll get the finest USDA Prime beef, seasoned and seared to perfection.

SILVER: TExAS ROADHOUSE BRONzE: STEAKSMITH

PROGRESSIVE DINNER

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The space is big, the menu is bigger, and yet BJ’s, above, pulls it off. Good pizza, great sandwiches and plenty of greasy, half-time-friendly appetizers, will please the whole crew. A deep, deep roster of beers will please Mom and Dad even more.

471-0887; shopoldcoloradocity.com

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A great way to show off the fine west-side eateries, the regular progressive dinners give you a taste of several. You might start off at Gertrude’s, right, then stroll on to Pizzeria Rustica, Jake & Telly’s Greek Taverna and Paravicini Italian Bistro for the next courses.

at

Fine Dining. Elegant Accommodations. Breathtaking Colorado Views.

• Sunday Brunch • Wine tastings • Private Dining

• Live Music • Anniversary Specials

• Weddings • Conferences • Reunions

• Weekend Packages • Outside Catering

719-481-1800 | Reservations Requested | 443 Hwy 105, Palmer Lake CO | www.innatpalmerdivide.com

IT’S OUR GUESTS

THAT WIN! Eat. Drink. Be Yourself.™ 7115 Commerce Center Drive I-25 at Woodmen Rd. • 719.593.7678 118 N. Tejon Street Tejon between Bijou & Kiowa • 719.634.8812

4110 N. Academy Boulevard Academy & Austin Bluffs Pkwy. • 719.536.0633 3190 New Center Point Powers and N. Carefree • 719.591.8994

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The tiny bistro Amuzé, right, moved its small, creative, high-end menu last summer from Palmer Lake to the Fine Art Center, where the expanded space and excellent patio are fitting galleries for dishes so delicious they are art.

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30 W. Dale St., 477-4377; amuzebistro.com

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UPSCALE CHAIN RESTAURANT THE MELTING POT 30 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 385-0300; meltingpot.com

Hidden in a posh subterranean lair, the Springs’ The Melting Pot, left, stirs up romance and fun with outstanding fondues. It also gives back to the community; it raised about $25,000 for local charities in 2010.

GOURMET TWIST ON KID FOOD

UPSCALE SNACKS TAPATERIA 2607 W. Colorado Ave., 471-8272; tapateria.com

OPB&J

This hot newbie, left, takes tapas back to their origins with authentic Spanish morsels that can be snacks, or, if you get enough of them, a whole meal.

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This organized shop-and-eat tour, above, parks the men at The Cliff House bar, then takes the women on an exploration of the area’s best shops and restaurants.

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This place, above, does PB&J and little else. Sound dull?

Think again: Consider the ginger-pear jelly paired with spicy Thai peanut butter and watercress. The staff will even cut off the crusts like Mom did.

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Handcrafted Beer & Mountain GrillTM

Our Beers BLONDE

ALE

Hours:

Sunday - Thursday 11am - Close Friday - Saturday 11am - 11pm

(719) 434-5750

www.cmbrew.com

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SILVER: STARBUCKS BRONZE: PIKES PERK

SILVER: PIKES PERK BRONZE: AGIA SOPHIA

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SUNDAY BRUNCH

GOLD: LAKE TERRACE DINING ROOM The Broadmoor, 1 Lake Ave., 577-5733; broadmoor.com

Yes, it’s $39 before tax and tip. But this spread is like no other, a real gourmet buffet, with lines of entrees, breakfast items and desserts that go on and on as the pianist plays.

SILVER: MOZAIC BRONZE: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN RESORT

BREAKFAST

GOLD: THE OMELETTE PARLOR 900 E. Fillmore St., 633-7770; co-spgs-omeletteparlor.com

If you go here on a Sunday morning after church, take along a load of patience. The crowds are out the door. Why? Basic breakfasts done with extreme care.

SILVER: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ BRONZE: THE EGG AND I

BREAKFAST SMILEY’S BAKERY & CAFE 323 N. Tejon St., 328-9447

The sweet potato pancake is like the love child of pancakes and sweet potato pie. Want something more uptown? Try the buttery pestoscrambled eggs with thick, crispy bacon.

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This big, comfy coffee lounge, right, with its live music and well-worn tables, is a typical collegeneighborhood hangout, but without the college. Its slogan: “coffee, music, life.”

They built the lobby area around the stage, and several baristas are also musicians. Expect live music every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night with open-mic nights Wednesdays.

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2418 W. Colorado Ave., 357-7285; jivescoffeelounge.com

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COFFEE BB BEAN 829 N. Tejon St., 575-9226; bbbeancoffee.com

There are no plush chairs or long meeting tables for the laptop crowd. And don’t even think about ordering a Caramel Dolce Frappuccino with extra whipped cream.

They do serious coffee here, freshly roasted and strong enough to see you through the day.

Voted Best New Restaurant 2010 By Gazette Readers

Positive People, Lively Atmosphere, Live Music Every Friday!

Creative Caribbean Pasta Fresh and Funky Salads Ridiculously Good Desserts

Happy y l i a D r u Ho 4-6

405 N. Tejon

481-6888

www.rastapastacs.com

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Dine-In Carryout Catering Now serving Colorado Springs’ best BBQ at

NEW LOCATION OPENING SOON!!!

(End of April)

Mesa Ridge Parkway 6965 Mesa Ridge Pkwy #190 Fountain CO 80817 (719) 322-0900

FLAGSHIP LOCATION Located in the Ridgeview Marketplace

BRIARGATE PARKWAY Located in the Shops at Briargate

(NE corner of Powers & Stetson Hills Blvds)

(Just off l-25 on Briargate Pkwy)

1645 Briargate Pkwy Ste. 243 80920 (719) 599-4655

www.BirdDogBBq.com

‘07-‘10 07’-11’

5984 Stetson Hills Blvd Ste. 200 80923 (719) 596-4900

Find us on Facebook and become a fan to receive updates about specials, occasional promotions and more.

GERMAN

GOLD: EDELWEISS RESTAURANT 34 E. Ramona Ave., 633-2220; edelweissrest.com

The authentic German specialties and fun Bavarian atmosphere conjure a never-ending Oktoberfest.

A readers said: “LOVE their food and beer!”

SILVER: UWE’S GERMAN RESTAURANT BRONZE: SCHNITZEL FRITZ

ITALIAN

GOLD: PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO 2802 W. Colorado Ave., 471-8200; paravicinis.com

FRENCH

GOLD: LA BAGUETTE 2417 W. Colorado Ave., 577-4818; labaguette-co.com; 4440 N. Chestnut St., 599-0686; 1420 Kelly Johnson Drive, 598-5550 (This location recently changed its name to La Tartine )

It’s all about the onion soup, cheese still bubbling in a crock, served with a fresh roll. Each location has different owners, but, amazingly, the onion soup at each restaurant is just as rich and delicious as the last.

SILVER: LA CREPERIE BRONZE: MARIGOLD CAFE AND BAKERY

This perennial west-side favorite won by a landslide.

The balanced flavors of classic dishes like homemade lasagna and veal porcini keep regulars coming back. As one reader said, “Chef Franco does an incredible job making the flavors whisper instead of scream at you.”

SILVER: PIAZZA ITALIAN KITCHEN BRONZE: ZIO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN

6

$ .99

Hand-made Enchiladas

Authentic German Cuisine Restaurant & Bakery

Indoor & Outdoor dining in a quaint Bavarian setting at the foot of Pikes Peak.

Newly Remodeled Rathskeller Reservations Accepted

Open Every Day 11:30-9:00 Dinner Starts at 4:00

34 East Ramona Avenue www.Edelweissrest.com

719.633.2220

expert selections MEXICAN LAS PALMITAS MEXICAN RESTAURANT 6805 Corporate Drive, 260-9393

You’ll be served huge plates of excellently prepared traditional Mexican food. But for this landlocked, seafooddeprived town, the must-eat dish is the Super Molcagete: A stone bowl filled with seafood swimming in a mild tomato sauce.

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EXOTIC RESTAURANT

JANICE HARRIS AT WALTER’S BISTRO

TAJINE ALAMI 10 Old Man’s Trail, 685-1119; tajinealami.com

146 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., 630-0201; waltersbistrocs.com

An authentic Moroccan restaurant serving exotic food and entertainment. Be prepared to take off your shoes, sit on the floor and eat with your fingers.

In keeping with owner Walter Iser’s high European standards, Harris is the consummate waitress. She anticipates customers’ needs and is thoroughly versed on the menu and wine lists. You can trust her recommendations.

VIETNAMESE

teresa farney

SAIGON SPRINGS 3408 N. Academy Blvd., 597-1175

Serves the huge, wonderful noodle bowls you expect and perfect egg rolls.

THE GAzETTE’S fOOd EdITOR ANd qUEEN Of THE LOCAL fOOdIE NATION.

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GOLd: RICK VELLIQUETTE, JOSEPH’S FINE DINING 1606 S. Eighth St., 630-3631; josephsdining.com

Classic fine dining with some dishes prepared table-side. Velliquette can guide you through the very good wine list. One reader fan said: “He is a blast. Remembers everyone’s name and what they eat and drink. Wow, he is the very best.”

SILVER: COURTNEY JOHNSON, BROADWAY DELI BRONzE: MUKUNDA “MUKU” BHANDARI, CO-OWNER OF LITTLE NEPAL

RESTAURANT FOR HIP CATS MOTIf 2432 W. Cucharras St., 635-5635; motifwest.com

Easily the coolest spot in the Springs, this back-street jazz club, above, is alluring in every way.

Open only on weekends, it serves up great local jazz in an intimate setting, paired with cocktails, dreamy dim lighting and fabulous small plates like ceviche and truffle fries. The outdoor patio is one of the best in town.

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Sometimes it’s not just about mixology knowledge. It’s about something much simpler. As one fan said: “She always has a smile on her face.”

SILVER: NATE WINDHAM, THE BLUE STAR BRONzE: BILL SOJOURN, THE FAMOUS

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CATERER THE fOOd dESIGNERS 115 S. 25th St., 632-5414; fooddesigners.com

This long-time, full-service caterer, left, has been the gold standard for parties of every scale since 1984. Owners Heather and Andrew Darrigan continue to be cutting-edge, with food creations winning awards at local culinary competitions.

FO R A L I M IT E D TI M E O N LY

Let us cater your parties!

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine Specialty Shish Kabob Beef, Lamb & Chicken (Manitou Location Only) • Homemade Falafel made daily to order • Fresh Lamb, Chicken & Beef Shawermah (Gyro) • Homemade Baklava • Vegetarian Plates • FREE Drink with Military or Student I.D.

The one and only Original Falafel!

Let us cater your parties!

Voted BEST of Middle Eastern Food in Colorado Springs ‘07, “08 ‘09 ‘10 & ’11 - Gazette & Independent

Now Two Locations to serve you!

718 Manitou Ave

(Manitou Springs, Near Chipita Parking Lot)

685-1325

www.HeartofJerusalemCafe.com

4587 Austin Bluffs Pkwy (Colorado Springs, at the Corner of Austin Bluffs and Barnes Road)

685-9554

COWBOY CUISINE SANDY’S RESTAURANT 6940 Space Village Ave., 596-9881

Cowboys and truckers converge on this authentic on the plains, left, for giant plates of food made from scratch. We especially like the Cowboy Benedict, with biscuits and gravy instead of English muffin and Hollandaise.

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GOLD: BIRD DOG BBQ 1645 Briargate Parkway, 599-4655; 5984 Stetson Hills Blvd., 596-4900; birddogbbq.com

Readers practically wrote sonnets about the beef brisket.

“To die for. Tender, juicy, and flavorful,” one said. “Brisket always tender, melts in your mouth,” said another. This barbecue cafeteria faces more competition than ever, yet it continues to smoke ’em all.

SILVER: FRONT RANGE BARBEQUE BRONZE: RUDY’S COUNTRY STORE AND BAR-B-Q

CAJUN

GOLD: CULPEPPER’S CAJUN KITCHEN 6502 S. Academy Blvd., 282-8479; culpeppers.net

The New Orleans family that opened this local Cajun joint made a good move when they headed from the very north end of town to the very south end.

They gave up table service and lowered prices but kept using the same great recipes that have earned Culpepper’s top billing since it opened.

SILVER: NAWLINS BARBQ AND SEAFOOD BRONZE: OSCAR’S ON TEJON STREET

GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN GOLD: JAKE AND TELLY’S GREEK TAVERNA

2616 W. Colorado Ave., 633-0406; greekdining.com

Scoring more than four times as many votes as its nearest competitor, Jake and Telly’s seduces with its fabulous wines, authentic Greek cuisine and fun party atmosphere. “This is not just the best in Greek,” one fan said, “but one of the best places in town.”

SILVER: CASPIAN CAFE BRONZE: MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ

Sunday: 1/2 bottles of wine!

Every Sunday: 1/2 offEvery bottles ofoffwine!

Voted the Pikes Peak Region's most romantic restaurant, 10 times running!

Voted the Pikes Peak Region’s most romantic restaurant, 10 times running!

23-time winner in GO! Magazine's Best of Colorado Springs & Springs The Independent's Best Of

23-time winner in GO! Magazine’s Best of Colorado & The Independent’s Best Of733 Manitou Avenue

719 .685 .0277

733 Manitou Avenue • Visit us online to make your next reservation at: monalisafondue.com

719.685.0277

Visit us online to make your next reservation at:

monalisafondue.com

Also Visit

Mona’s

WINE CELLAR Reservations Not Required

Dinner: Tues.–Sun. Starting at 5pm Lunch: -11am–3:30pm Dinner: Tues.–Sun. Starting at 5pm Lunch: June through September 11am 3:30pm Fri, Sat, Sun.

EArLy BIrd SpecialtieS VEgETArIAN ALCOHOLIC SpecialS • Eggs Benedict MENU BEVErAgES

6-8:30am weekdays only

In the Heart of Historic Old Colorado City 2601 West Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-634-1007

Open

Mon. - Sat. 6-3 Sun. 6:30-3 Breakfast and Ask about our Lunch served Breakfast until 3pm!

Specials!

• French Toast & Bacon • 2 Eggs, Hash Browns & Toast

• Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs • Eggs Florentine

• Veggie Burger • Veggie Eggs Benedict

• Corned Beef Hash • Veggie Burrito

• Philly Cheese Steak • Shaved Turkey • Turkey Melt

• wine and Champagne • Mixed drinks

• 2 Egg Omelette

SANdwICHES & wrAPS

• Imported and domestic Beers

SOUTHwEST dELICIOUS dESSErTS • Breakfast Burrito • Huevos rancheros • Southwest Burrito • Chili relleno

Enjoy a slice of one of our delicious cakes or pies with a scoop of ice cream.

SPECIALTy drINKS

• CAPPUCCINOS • LATTES • SMOOTHIES

Enjoy your meal on our OUTdOOr PATIO!

CHINESE GOLD: SILVER POND

5670 N. Academy Blvd., 594-9343; bestsilverpondchinese.com

Silver Pond goes several steps above the usual Chinese take-out joint. Readers wrote about the “imaginative, creative dishes and “friendly hosts” and singled out several dishes: sesame chicken, tofu chicken, eggplant in garlic sauce and roast duck.

SILVER: P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO BRONZE: COAL MINE

JAPANESE GOLD: FUJIYAMA

28 S Tejon St., No. A, 630-1167; fujiyamasushi.com

A clear favorite, with more than twice the votes of its nearest competitor, Fujiyama attracts the sushi crowd in droves. The move a couple of doors north has coincided with a major upgrade at Fujiyama.

SILVER: JUN BRONZE: AI SUSHI

KOREAN GOLD: SAN CHANG HOUSE

3659 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 598-1707

Here is why readers like this place: “Their Korean BBQ tastes just like what they serve at the N Seoul Tower in Korea.”

SILVER: TONG TONG KOREAN RESTAURANT BRONZE: SHIN SA DONG KOREAN CUISINE

VIETNAMESE GOLD: SAIGON CAFÉ 20 E. Colorado Ave., 633-2888; coloradosaigoncafe.com

Great place to slurp huge, steaming bowls of pho and enjoy curry dishes and egg rolls. Readers said: “small and friendly” and “great customer service, noodle bowls are best in the city.”

SILVER: LEMONGRASS BISTRO BRONZE: SAIGON SPRINGS

THAI

GOLD: WILD GINGER THAI RESTAURANT 27 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 634-5025; wildgingerthai.com

Fans love the new, well-designed spot a mile west of its old location. They gush about the pad Thai. But the hard-working, gracious owners, who make everyone feel like family, are the main attraction.

SILVER: THAI BASIL BRONZE: BHAN THAI

Southern Colorado’s Premier All Inclusive Award Winning Wedding and Events Center www.thepinery.com (719) 495-9499 scan with your smart phone to see more

Downtown Catering Location The Pinery Catering 2201 Hagerman Street Colorado Springs, CO 80905 www.thepinerycatering.com

North Location The Pinery at Black Forest 12375 Black Forest Road Colorado Springs, CO 80908 www.thepinery.com

Comming Soon The Pinery at the Hill 775 West Bijou St Colorado Springs, CO 80907 www.thepineryatthehill.com

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s a Restaurant

The Airplane Restaurants centerpiece is a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker. Built in 1953, this magnificent airplane refueled aircraft throughout the world. Then, in May 2002, it began its second mission~ to be the preeminent aviation restaurant in the United States. Forty-two passengers can actually eat in the plane of the 275-seat restaurant. Rich in aviation history, displaying 100’s of pictures, memorabilia and rare artifacts, The Airplane Restaurant offers much more than great food, it offers a flight through aviation history. Treat yourself to first class and celebrate the 106th Anniversary of Flight and fly onto The Airplane Restaurant!

Open daily

570-7656

11:00am - 9:00pm Weekdays 1665 N. Newport Road www.TheAirplaneRestaurant.com Noon - 8:00pm Sundays (One block east of Powers on Fountain Blvd.)

Reservations Accepted

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SEAFOOD CHARLES COURt 1 Lake Ave., 577-5775; broadmoor.com

Chef Greg Barnhill, right, one of the more playful chefs at The Broadmoor, loves to serve the same basic food in different forms. So don’t be surprised when his wonderful Maryland Jumbo Crab Cake comes with a crunchy Crab and Corn Fritter. Other nice seafood morsels in his repertoire are Lobster Ravioli and Pan-seared Diver Scallops.

AL FRESCO

GOLD: THE MARGARITA AT PINECREEK 7350 Pine Creek Road, 598-8667; coloradoeats.com/margarita/

There is an epic patio here, surrounded by woods and with a splendid view of Pikes Peak. On Friday nights in the summer, there are movie screenings out there. Also, the patio has its own menu of small plates, comfort foods and flatbread pizzas.

SILVER: THE WINES OF COLORADO tIE fOR BRONZE: AMANDA’S FONDA; NOSH

TEX-MEX

GOLD: ON THE BORDER 7695 N. Academy Blvd., 532-0062; 2190 Southgate Road, 635-0100; 5832 Barnes Road, 597-0020; ontheborder.com

This family-friendly chain draws a following for its killer guacamole, sizzling fajitas and other Tex-Mex favorites.

SILVER: JOSÉ MULDOON’S BRONZE: SALSA BRAVA

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TAQUERIA

GOLD: WAHOO’S FISH TACO

SILVER: SALSA BRAVA BRONZE: LA’AU’S TACO SHOP

GOLD: MONICA’S TACO SHOP 30 E. Fillmore St., 473-1996; 5829 Palmer Park Blvd., 597-7022

wahoo’s

Cheap and tasty, the carne asada and fish tacos here are as authentic as they come.

SILVER: EL TACO REY BRONZE: LA’AU’S TACO SHOP

2 010 008

2008

2009

We have been voted 4 stars by The Gazette for Best Mexican Food Please call for reservations

719-477-1157

35 North Iowa 80909

by Platte & Union

F

OFFFryIDID O % iiltiatary 1100% Mil WiitthhM W

E Kiowa E Kiowa StSt

E Peak AveAve E Pikes Pikes Peak

BmoorCoalMagF&B.2-11_Bmoor-GazDinGuide 3/24/11 10:25 AM Page 1

CHARLES COURT

The Restaurants at The Broadmoor

From Five Star, Five Diamond dining to authentic English pub fun, we have the best of it all.

PENROSE ROOM Colorado’s only Five Star, Five Diamond restaurant SUMMIT An American brasserie with a contemporary design CHARLES COURT American food & wine with a focus on local ingredients TAVERN The best steaks and seafood in town for over 70 years

THE GOLDEN BEE Colorado Springs’ traditional English pub for 50 years

CHARLES COURT

SUMMIT

Visit BroadmoorDining.com or call Broadmoor Dining Reservations at 719.577.5733.

PENROSE ROOM

THE GOLDEN BEE

ARTISAN-STYLE PIZZA PIZZERIA RUSTICA 2527 W. Colorado Ave., 632-8121; pizzeriarustica.com

ExpErt SElEctionS THAI

TAQUERIA

ARHARN THAI

LA PERLA TAPATIA MEXICAN TAQUERIA

3739 Bloomington St., 596-6559; arharnthai.net

Charming ambiance, good prices and friendly service are reasons enough to love this little eatery, but the real romance starts with what comes out of the kitchen.

Don’t miss the spicy, complex curries and pad Thai ho kai.

This is the Ferrari of pizzas, fine-tuned, stylish and carefully crafted. Don’t expect just a slice joint. The flour here is a blend of Italian 00 and Colorado organic. The mozzarella is made fresh daily. And the variety of toppings, such as fresh arugula and sweet fennel sausage, will make foodies’ hearts race.

511 N. 30th St., 228-6006

The usual asada and adobada are as good as you’ll find anywhere, but La Perla goes a step further with Durango’s famous torta ahogada sandwich drowned in red chili and the Mexican hot dog, served with bacon, onions and salsa.

WINE LIST THE BROADMOOR RESTAURANTS 1 Lake Ave., 577-5775; broadmoor.com

No list in the state, let alone the city, can match The Broadmoor’s five-star armada of wines from around the world. Whether it is an obscenely opulent Chateau Latour Bordeaux or a well-priced small-vineyard pick from New Zealand, the sommeliers here have it.

nathaniEl glEn THE GAZETTE’S RESTAURANT CRITIC, I.E.MR. INCOGNITO.

MEXICAN GOLD: SALSA BRAVA

802 Village Center Drive, 266-9244; 9420 Briar Village Point, 955-6650; rockymtnrg.com/salsabrava

Tex-Mex food kicked up a notch. Salsa Brava draws big crowds for its veggie choices, blackened mahi tacos and table-side specialties.

It solidly defeated perennial champ Amanda’s Fonda.

SILVER: AMANDA’S FONDA BRONZE: JOSÉ MULDON’S

RED CHILI

GOLD: SALSA BRAVA 802 Village Center Drive, 266-9244; 9420 Briar Village Point, 955-6650; rockymtnrg.com/salsabrava

This Tex-Mex eatery serves upscale food presented with flair. A reader said: “Just right on the spices.”

SILVER: AMANDA’S FONDA BRONZE: EL TESORO RESTAURANT & GALLERY

GREEN CHILI

GOLD: KING’S CHEF DINER 131 E. Bijou St., 636-5010; 110 E. Costilla St., 634-9135; kingschefdiner.com

There are two versions of green chili at King’s Chef: hot and scary-hot. Readers said, “Love it.”

“Green chili to die for.”

SILVER: SALSA BRAVA BRONZE: EL TACO REY

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Here you can dig into a steaming bowl of green chili that is full of vibrant chilies as well as plenty of tasty pork cubes. It will warm up your tummy without frying your taste buds.

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306 S. Eighth St., 633-9616; 4295 N. Nevada Ave., 599-7829; 3725 E. Woodmen Road, 536-0375; lacasitamexigrill.com

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The earthy red chili here is what New Mexicans write home about. It has just the right creamy thickness with mild heat to make you beg for more.

Thank you to our loyal customers for voting for us and making us Best of Colorado Springs Bring in this ad to get a free standard cupcake when you buy a standard cupcake.

Good through 4/15/11.

3347 Cinema Point

Colorado Springs Co 80922 • 719-229-2613 or 719-266-4597 www.SpringsCupcakes.com • follow us on Facebook

The Best

Sushi JUN in the Springs!

Japanese Restaurant

WADE’S downtown

15% Off

springs

31 n. tejon

719-227-7333

colorado springs

31 n. tejon total bill.

719-227-7333

Expires June 30, 2011

well done

Phone: 719-596-8122 www.wades-cafe.com

colorado

New Location Coming Soon: 4331 N. Academy Blvd.

Best of Springs Pancakesdowntown 2010.

CAFE rare steak

“A TrAdiTiON iN COLOrAdO SPriNGS diNiNG”

531-9368 • 1760 Dublin Blvd.

227-8690 • 3276 Centennial Blvd.

3504 N. Academy Blvd.

Hours: 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. succulent Colorado Springs, COa80917 mix of exceptional

RARE STEAK WELL DONE

a succulent

prime steaks

mix of exceptional

and fresh

prime steaks

fish in a

and fresh

provocative

fish in a provocative

atmosphere

atmosphere

www.thefamoussteakhouse.com

s TheFamou

A STEAK HOUSE

rare steak well done

downtown colorado springs 31 n. tejon 719-227-7333

TAMALES

GOLD: LA CASITA MEXICAN GRILL 306 S. Eighth St., 633-9616; 4295 N. Nevada Ave., 599-7829; 3725 E. Woodmen Road, 536-0375; lacasitamexigrill.com

You’ll find more than good tamales here, but readers said the tamales are the highlight.

“Pork are the best.”

SILVER: EL TACO REY BRONZE: COLORADO’S BEST TAMALES

taste 0f philly

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DRIFTERS 4455 Mark Dabling Blvd.

If you like Southern California’s In-N-Out burgers, Drifters, right, is as close as you’re going to get this side of Vegas. The patties are made from hormonefree Callicrate beef, and you can taste the difference. Order a double cheeseburger “wild style,” which is grilled in mustard with grilled onions and Thousand Island dressing.

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NEW YORK-STYLE PIZZA JOEY’S PIZZA 1829 Briargate Blvd., 265-6922; myspace.com/joeysnypizza

The super-thin, crispy crust, right, folds perfectly, letting oil pool in the center before you take your first delicious taste. It’s the closest thing to New York City’s Ray’s Pizza that you’ll find in the Springs.

DRIVE-IN CY’S DRIVE-IN 1833 W. Uintah St., 630-7008

Nostalgia on a bun, with car-hop service and the whole shebang. Love the Alaskan Burger, which is like a McDonald’s Big Mac, only with natural, hormone-free beef and a charbroiled flavor that suggests a backyard grill.

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Of Great Food & Colorado Wines Creekside Dining Join us for Complimentary Wine Tasting

684-0900 8045 West Highway 24 • Cascade, CO (take Pikes Peak Hwy exit)

Open 10:30 - 8:30 7 Days a Week

www.winesofcolorado.com

Artfully Crafted Japanese Dishes

Mention this ad for 15% Off Entree or Specialty Roll 3478 B Research Parkway (Located in Union Town Center)

282-8238

Voted the #1 Place to eat with your family

Pizza Pasta salad sandwiches soup 2910 E. Platte • 473-5540

PIZZA

GOLD: BORRIELLO BROTHERS Seven locations, 884-2020; borriellobrothers.com

Once just a little by-the-slice joint near downtown, Borriello has grown into a local empire. What’s the appeal? “Chewy deliciousness for a great price.”

SILVER: PIZZERIA RUSTICA BRONZE: PAPA MURPHY’S

RESTAURANT FOR KIDS GOLD: RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS

2230 Southgate Road, 447-8810; 3770 Bloomington St., 622-8157; 1410 Jamboree Drive, 598-2473; redrobin.com

This popular burger chain charms little kids by stuffing employees into giant robin suits, keeps older kids amused with a mini-arcade, mellows Mom and Dad with fine beers on tap, and keeps everybody happy with terrific burgers.

Readers raved about the food and the above-and-beyond service: “They wait on children with special needs with extra care,” said one reader.

SILVER: FARGO’S PIZZA CO. BRONZE: CHIC FIL-A

BUFFET

GOLD: GOLDEN CORRAL 1970 Waynoka Road, 591-9870; 5410 E. Woodmen Road, 2609369; goldencorral.com

Set up with different stations for salads, pizza, desserts, steaks and the like, Golden Corral is the mother of all buffet chains.

SILVER: ULTIMATE BUFFET BRONZE: COUNTRY BUFFET

SANDWICH

GOLD: PANERA BREAD SILVER: JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES BRONZE: BROADWAY DELI

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GOLD: JIMMY JOHN’S GOURMET SANDWICHES

16350 S. Colorado 115, 576-0741; junipervalleyranch.com

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Recently opened for its 60th year, this little red-mud homestead, right, serves crispy, authentic, home-style fried chicken (or ham, but, really!) like your grandma made — assuming your grandma was a phenomenal cook.

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GOLD: POPEYE’S LOUISIANA KITCHEN SILVER: KFC BRONZE: JUNIPER VALLEY RANCH

old chicago

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Available with a dizzying array of toppings (mushrooms, eggs, onion straws, pepper jack cheese, chipotle mayo and a lot more), the charbroiled Red Robin burgers are also fine naked.

SILVER: FIVE GUYS BURGERS AND FRIES BRONZE: SMASHBURGER

quick pick P E RT C H O

2230 Southgate Road, 447-8810; 3770 Bloomington St., 622-8157; 1410 Jamboree Drive, 598-2473; redrobin.com

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SILVER: MCDONALD’S BRONZE: RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS

GOLD: RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS

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EAST COAST DELI 24 S. Tejon St., 633-4522

East Coast is the real deal, offering Jewish New York staples like matzah brei (omelette stuffed with matzah cracker), lox, eggs and onion, and a corned beef sandwich the size of a Buick.

Thank You for Voting Silver Pond the “Best” Chinese Voted best Chinese Cuisine 13 years in a row!

ry Delive ble a il a v A

Monday - Saturday: 10:00am - 9:30pm Sunday: 11:00am - 9:00pm

3552 N Academy | (N Carefree & Academy) 719-638-0020 | 719-638-0030 | Fax: 719-591-8203

•Fine Dining •Full bar •Catering •Take out

594-9343 5670 N. Academy Blvd.

www.bestsilverpondchinese.com Open Lunch/Dinner

We Deliver 3 mile radius, $20 min.

Omlette Parlor

O’Furry’s

Voted “Best Breakfast” 16 years in a row!

Serving 15 different omlettes, plate size pancakes, Belgian waffles and Eggs Benedict.

GREAT LUNCH MENU!

Located at 900 E. Fillmore Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a delightful & intriguing place for lunch, dinner or late-evening rendeveous. World Famous for fun, volleyball, and the BEST WINGS & BEST BURGER known to man.

719-633-7770 Open 7 days a week 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Happy Hour M-F 4 p.m.-7p.m.

COLORADO CUISINE GOLD: CRAFTWOOD INN 404 El Paso Blvd., 685-9000; craftwood.com

Whether you go for the panseared noisettes of antelope or the herb-encrused elk steak, you’ll find that this quaint, cabinlike restaurant likes to keep it wild. Fans raved about the great specials and great game. Former Chef Jeff Knight, right, recently became general manager and handed chef duties over to Colorado Springs native Ben Hoffer.

SILVER: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ BRONZE: THE WINES OF COLORADO

INDIAN

MIDDLE EASTERN

GOLD: LITTLE NEPAL 1747 S. Eighth St., 477-6997; lnepal.com

GOLD: ARABICA CAFE

Readers have finally realized what our staffers have been saying for years. This classy eatery has the best Indian (and Nepalese) buffet and off-the-menu dinners in the region. “Naan and biriyani are the best Indian food I ever had,” a fan said.

SILVER: MIRCH MASALA BRONZE: INDIAN PALACE

12 S. Tejon St., 471-2444; cravearabica.com

2009

The first-time win for this downtown shawarma shop after the regular winner split into two shops and, consequently, split the vote.

Even so, Arabica deserves the prize. Readers raved about “real shawarma” and “falafel done the right way.” Don’t miss the tart pickled turnips.

SILVER: HEART OF JERUSALEM CAFE BRONZE: TASTE OF JERUSALEM CAFÉ

The best sushi in town is now the best deal in town!

Buy One Get One ½ Off

Regular Size Plate

With Purchase of Two Drinks Valid at the colorado Springs l & l hawaiian barbecue only. not valid with any other offer. no Substitutions. coupon must be presented at the time of order. offer expires 04/30/2012

Zumbatini $6 Zumba Combo Plate $6

Zumba 1st Thursday of Every Month

(Instructor On Site) 8:30pm - 10pm

22 S. Tejon St. Colorado Springs CO 80903

719-630-1167

® the origin al hawaiian barbecue® • www.hawaiianbarbecue.com

g CaterAinll r o f ns Occasio Large Portions, Cooked To Order At Great Prices!

barnes marketplace

Colorado Springs, on the NE corner of Powers & Barnes

5850 barnes rd. • 719-570-1888

e komo mai

Come on in and enjoy a Real Taste of aloha!

DINER

MIDDLE EASTERN

GOLD: KING’S CHEF DINER

HEART OF JERUSALEM CAFE

131 E. Bijou St., 636-5010; 110 E. Costilla St., 634-9135; kingschefdiner.com

718 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1325; 4587 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 685-9554; heartofjerusalemcafe.com

This greasy spoon packs them in for good burgers, fresh-cut fries, huge piles of breakfast from owner Gary Geiser and his staff. Most people go for the roomy north location just off Acacia Park, but true connoisseurs try to get a stool at the original 1950s diner six blocks south.

SILVER: NORTH END DINER BRONZE: GUNTHER TOODY’S

Our favorite spots for shawarma also have a tangy, garlicky hummus that’s about the best you’ll find anywhere, and moist falafel that explodes with flavor.

The AbuKhdeir family behind Heart of Jerusalem also does a tremendously addictive baklava.

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Several locations; chipotle.com

Chipotle, right, is mending the reputation of fast food one giant free-range-chicken burrito at a time.

The fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash are all stellar at McCabe’s, but it’s the slow-cooked, savory Rosemary Guinness Lamb Stew that best shows off the luck, or perhaps skill, of the Irish here.

HAWAIIAN

GOLD: L&L HAWAIIAN BARBECUE 5850 Barnes Road, 570-1888; hawaiianbarbecue.com

Don’t let the cheap prices fool you. The kalua pork and teriyaki short ribs are as close to the islands you can get without airfare.

SILVER: LA’AU’S TACO SHOP NO BRONZE

Delicious foods with the best price!

Taste of Korean Cuisine Shin Sa Dong Grilled Beef Ribs • Grilled Beef Spicy Pan-Fried Pork & Vegetables Bibimbap in a Hot Stone Pot & Much More!

We always have 8 or more side dishes that come with every food For FREE! Voted best Korean food - Gazette - Find us on

Come Taste Our Food!

S. Academy

Popeye’s Chicken Shin Sa Dong

E. Pikes Peak Ave.

CHIPOTLE

520 S. Tejon St., 633-3300; mccabestavern.com

7-11

QUICKSERVE CHAIN

3845 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

(719) 638-2695 or (720) 878-1695 Open 7 days a week

BEST MARTINI THE FAMOUS 31 N. Tejon St., 227-7333; thefamoussteakhouse.net

ExpErt SElEctionS WHO bETTEr TO givE AdvicE On THE bEST MArTini THAn ExEcUTivE vicE prESidEnT And cHiEF crEATivE OFFicEr AT vlAdiMir JOnES? gEOrgE OlSOn iS THE clOSEST THing WE HAvE TO dOn drApEr On “MAd MEn.”

Back in the day, the three-martini lunch was a staple of the industry. Today, for most ad guys I know, it’s an anachronism. We have to keep a clear head so we can concretize our social media strategies. So I go to The Famous and keep it old school. Good gin. Olives with pimento. A whisper of a rumor of vermouth. It’s worth noting that The Famous is just across the street from Vladimir Jones. Because the best martini is frequently the closest one.

gEorgE olSon

BEER

gOld: LAUGHING LAB 1647 S. Tejon St., 633.2555; bristolbrewing.com/

Bristol Brewing Co., left, sweeps the podium with a triumvirate of local beers.

This local suds seller wins hearts with generous donations to charitable causes and taste buds with its well-balanced brews.

Laughing Lab drinkers love its slightly sweet, nutty malt.

SilvEr: BEEHIVE brOnZE: WINTER WARLOCK

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Squeak, above, is your parents’ soda shop reimagined. In addition to 60 flavors of custommade soda, it has gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s sure to please your child and your inner child.

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SilvEr: SHUGA’S brOnZE: RITZ GRILL

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We’ve been trained to think that gluten-free food must taste like cardboard. Coquette, formerly Coquette Creperie, challenges that notion with outstanding crepes and now a new line of baked goods. “Attention to detail is a must for safe, gluten-free dining,” said one fan.

SILVER: TAPATERIA BRONZE: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ

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GOLD: LA CREPERIE BISTRO

SILVER: COQUETTE BISTRO & BAKERY (FORMERLY COQUETTE CREPERIE) BRONZE: PARIS CREPE EURO CAFE

SALAD

GOLD: SOUPER SALAD SILVER: POOR RICHARD’S RESTAURANT BRONZE: PANERA BREAD

VEGETARIAN

HUEVOS RANCHEROS

GOLD: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ

GOLD: ADAM’S MOUNTAIN CAFÉ

934 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-1430; adamsmountain.com

Always popular with those who want veggies, nuts and grains. Adam’s isn’t entirely vegetarian, but it’s all healthy, and the casual vibe encourages lingering.

SILVER: ARABICA CAFE BRONZE: POOR RICHARD’S RESTAURANT

la creperie bistro

SILVER: KING’S CHEF DINER BRONZE: WESTERN OMELETTE

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of st Be 09

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yet

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CUPCAKES

GOLD: THE COUTURE CAKE CO. 3347 Cinema Point, 229-2613; thecouturecakeco.com

A wide selection of cupcake flavors with clever designs. Voters said: “Love the cupcakes. My daughter can not go past their store without dragging us in.”

SILVER: CHEF SUGAR’S CAKES & CONFECTIONS BRONZE: MYA BELLA CUPCAKES

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2521 W. Colorado Ave., 434-7710; myabellacupcakes.com

ICE CREAM GOLD: JOSH & JOHN’S ICE CREAMS 111 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 632-0299; joshandjohns.com

The perennial winner of best ice cream. No competitor even comes close.

Locals love the rich, almost chewy texture of this slowchurned treat.

SILVER: MAGGIE MOO’S ICE CREAM AND TREATERY BRONZE: COLD STONE CREAMERY

BAKERY

GOLD: MARIGOLD CAFÉ AND BAKERY 4605 Centennial Blvd., 599-4776; marigoldcoloradosprings.com

To call Marigold a bakery is to call Thomas Edison an electrician. It is so much more: fine dining, casual lunches, great breakfasts. The pastry counter takes the (ahem) cake.

SILVER: LA BAGUETTE BRONZE: BOONZAAIJER’S DUTCH BAKERY

McDivitt Law Firm is honored to be part of the 2011 Best of the Springs Visit us at www.McDivittLaw.com to learn more about our firm.

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“Western Jubilee” Found Object, Synthetic Fur, Tapestry, Paint

By Sean O’Meallie

Your favorite band and your favorite bar both lost the Best of the Springs poll. Don’t just get angry. Vent! Go online and give us a piece of your mind. Heck, give us two.

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csphilharmonic.org

Want to try and win a job in front of thousands of people? The six candidates for Lawrence Leighton Smith’s role as music director did, with truly exciting results.

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MUSIC VENUE

GOLD: STARGAZERS THEATRE & EVENT CENTER

10 S. Parkside Drive, 476-2200; www.stargazerstheatre.com

Voters raved about Stargazers, calling it a local gem and repeatedly noting the quality of the artists who perform there and its “homey environment.” “Class acts all! Roomy/feel good place!” “Great acoustics.

Comfortable seating and lots of variety!”

SILVER: PIKES PEAK CENTER BRONZE: THE BLACK SHEEP

SOLO MUSICIAN GOLD: JOE UVEGES joeuveges.com

A fan called him a “superb singer/guitarist/songwriter,” and many agree. Uveges started as a mainstream folk singer, but recently he’s infused Christian themes in his songs. And on the new album he’s working on with singer Stephanie Pauline, he’s flirting with country.

SILVER: GRANT SABIN BRONZE: JOHN ALEX MASON

40 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2011 I THE GAZETTE

Voted

Best Community 2011

GREAT TRADITIONS AT THE BEST COMMUNITY…WOLF RANCH CONCERTS AT GATEWAY PARK Located at Research & Tutt in Wolf Ranch

WEDNESDAYS 6–8 P.M. • Open to the Public June 1 : THE KATE LEROUX BAND June 8 : REDRAW THE FARM June 15 : *DOUBLE MCGUFFIN June 22 : JIM ADAM BAND June 29 : *COLORADO FIRECRACKERS July 6 : *PROMISES W/BOB ALEXANDER July 13 : THE JAKE LOGGINS DO-IT July 20 : KORT MCCUMBER July 27 : *DICK CUNICO LITTLE BIG BAND August 3 : CEOL CEILI August 10 : *ALLEN/ROSE QUARTET August 17 : JONES AND RAINE August 24 : SOFAKILLERS August 31 : *USAF ACADEMY BAND “FALCONAIRES” *Presented in conjunction with Pikes Peak Jazz & Swing Society.

NOTE: Falconaires Concert courtesy of U.S. Air Force, a public service concert. If unforeseen military commitment arises, it will take precedent and the concert will be canceled.

COMMUNITY-WIDE GARAGE SALE June 10–12 • 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Annual Wolf Ranch Community-Wide Garage Sale from 8–4 p.m. each day.

Visit the Wolf Ranch New Home Builders For More Information About The Community.

Entrance to Wolf Ranch at Research & Powers

719.597.WOLF(597.9653) Wolf-Ranch.com

Sign-up for email notifications at Wolf-Ranch.com

expert SelectionS ARTIST

CONCERT

SEAN O’MEALLIE seanomeallie.com

COMMUNITY IN UNISON

O’Meallie’s work defies easy categorization. It’s handmade sculpture, sure, that with candy colors and preschool shapes often looks like toys. The whimsy, though, can camouflage something more profound, something haunting and, on occasion, disturbing. His work, featured in this Best of the Springs, stays with you. Whether you want it to or not.

This under-theradar concert of the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs and the Springs chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America did what it promised: It brought together not-so-different communities for a powerful experience.

ACTRESS GOLD: LACEY MAYNARD, STICK HORSES IN PANTS thestickhorses.com

A co-founder of improv troupe Stick Horses in Pants, Maynard made the cut in a tough category. One fan bubbled: “Lacey is so talented and funny.”

SILVER: ASHLEY CROCKET BRONzE: ERYN CARMAN

chamberorchestra ofthesprings.org, gmwanational.net

COMEDY

SET

“ARSENIC AND OLD LACE”

“BOEING BOEING”

theatreworkscs.org

theatreworkscs.org

There were some strong contenders in this category, but this old chestnut produced by TheatreWorks proved to be just as funny as when it was written a thousand years ago. Roy Ballard’s set was fantastic, and every single actor turned in stellar work, especially Tom Kane, who topped Cary Grant as befuddled lead Mortimer Brewster.

Roy Ballard’s sets for TheatreWorks are inevitably smart and certainly very cool. Here, he created a bachelor’s pad that served the unusual needs of this farce (seven doors, for instance) with flair and the kind of style Dean Martin would have coveted.

PLAY DIRECTOR

“WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?”

ALYSABETH CLEMENTS MOSLEY

starbarplayers.org

starbarplayers.org

Clements Mosley, who directed the Star Bar Players’ “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “Waiting for Godot” in 2010, has coaxed memorable renderings from some of the toughest pieces in the repertoire.

ACTOR

GOLD: DANTE MARTINEZ, FIRE&ICE THEATRICAL TROUPE fireandicetheatricaltroupe.com

Known as the man who convincingly plays Capt. Jack Sparrow, Martinez pulled out all the stops for his role in “Rent.” “His touching performance as Roger in Fire&Ice’s ‘Rent’ truly showed his vocal range and character flexibility.”

SILVER: TOBY LORENC NO BRONzE

PLAY

GOLD: “BOEING BOEING” At the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 255-3232; theatreworkscs.org

A charming relic of the sexual revolution, this TheatreWorks farce, which was directed by David McClendon, was tightly timed and very, very funny. “Well-timed slapstick is hard to find. TheatreWorks is always the best.”

TIE FOR SILVER: “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT,” FINE ARTS CENTER; “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,” THEATREWORKS TIE FOR BRONzE: “AN IDEAL HUSBAND,” FINE ARTS CENTER; “STOP KISS,” THEATRE ‘D ART

Terrific performances, strong directing and technical support by the Star Bar Players made Edward Albee’s emotional cage fight more than just endurable. Try funny, exciting and deeply moving.

tracy mobleymartinez ARTS EDITOR AND CRITIC. MOBLEYMARTINEz ALSO IS A THEATER DIRECTOR AND, HAVING LIVED IN SANTA FE, COMES BY HER DISCRIMINATING TASTE HONESTLY.

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MAKEUP “WAITING FOR GODOT” starbarplayers.org

Jonathan Eberhardt and Heather Clark provided imaginative support and crazy bits of star power to “Godot.”

The cadaverous look of the characters added a telling layer to the Star Bar Players’ production of a famously puzzling contemporary play.

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fireandicetheatricaltroupe.com

GOLD: “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT,” FINE ARTS CENTER This Christmas chestnut drew record crowds. Voters certainly raved. “The FAC really stepped up to the plate.”

“Wonderful production. Cast and music was great.” “The performance of Ken Robinson as Pharaoh was worth the price of admission.”

TIE FOR SILVER: “THE PRODUCERS,” THE FINE ARTS CENTER; “RENT,” FIRE&ICE THEATRICAL TROUPE BRONZE: “AVENUE Q,” TOURING PRODUCTION

GOLD: “RENT,” DANTE MARTINEZ AND ROY BALLARD, FIRE&ICE THEATRICAL TROUPE To create a workable set for composer Jonathan Larson’s take on “La Bohème” would be a challenge even with deep pockets. But Martinez and Ballard created what one voter called a clever miniature of the original set.

TIE FOR SILVER: “THE PRODUCERS,” CHRISTOPHER L. SHELEY, FINE ARTS CENTER; “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,” ROY BALLARD, THEATREWORKS NO BRONZE

Celebrating 75 Years at Fine Arts Center Exhibitions | Performances | Classes

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COSTUMES

GOLD: RUBY SPARKLE, PEAKS AND PASTIES peaksandpasties.com

We weren’t looking for a specific performer in this category. Or a business where you can buy great costumes. That said, Miss Sparkle earned her followers with burlesque costumes described as “fabulous” and “awesome.”

SILVER: ZEEZO’S BRONZE: “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,” SARAH S. SHAVER, THEATREWORKS

FESTIVAL

GOLD: SPRINGS SPREE springsspree.org

To voters, it’s a no-brainer: “Two days of free fun in the sun, great food, great shopping in beautiful Memorial Park. What more can you ask for?”

TIE FOR SILVER: TERRITORY DAYS, THE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL NO BRONZE

MUSEUM

GOLD: FINE ARTS CENTER 30 W. Dale St., 634-5881; csfineartscenter.org

In the past year, The FAC’s Taylor Museum has featured some impressive shows, including “Conflict|Resolution,” a multimedia exhibition around that complex idea, and “William Kentridge: The World Is Process,” a show of the A-List filmmakerartist. “Nice new exhibits, and not the typical,” said one voter.

Another: “It has it all!”

SILVER: PIONEERS MUSEUM BRONZE: DENVER ART MUSEUM EXP

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Fine Arts Center curator Blake Milteer, who is also the museum director, conjured a sprawling, multilayered exhibition aiming to address the epic concepts of conflict and resolution. “Conflict|Resolution,” above right, wasn’t a complete success, but we greatly admire its attempt to engage the community in a new way.

PUBLIC ART

GOLD: AIR FORCE MEMORIAL Memorial Park, corner of Pikes Peak Avenue and Union Boulevard

In the cluster of monuments to the men and women of our armed forces, a monument at Memorial Park to those serving in the Air Force in the Pikes Peak region drew votes for best public art.

SILVER: “ART ON THE STREETS,” DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP BRONZE: “SPORES,” CHRIS WEED

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MURAL

GOLD: SQUEAK SODA SHOP 812 Village Center Drive, 265-4677; squeaksodashop.com

“What a fun and magical land they have created for kids and parents,” one voter said of Tricia Smith’s mural here.

TIE FOR SILVER: “MOZART AT 250,” KIM POLOMKA; RAILROAD MURAL, DOUGLAS ROUSE NO BRONZE

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For this year’s Heart Ball, Rouse, below, turned painting into performance art, creating giant, upside-down portraits of Frank Sinatra and Audrey Hepburn with his hands. While dancing.

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ARTIST

GOLD: LIESE CHAVEZ 741 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-0225

There was a lot of competition for this award, and Chavez, general manager of Mountain Living Studios, won with considerable praise for skill in multiple mediums as well as the downright beauty of her work. “Everyone who meets her or sees her work,” one voter said, “knows she’s something special!”

SILVER: BRANDON MIERA BRONZE: STEVE WEED

lear

LOCAL EXHIBIT

TIE FOR GOLD: PHIL LEAR, THE MODBO; “THE BIGGEST SMALL WORKS SHOW EVER,” THE MODBO 17 C E. Bijou St., 633-4240; themodbo.wordpress.com

With three shows placing in this category, The Modbo got the love among voters this year. One voter praised its aesthetic, saying, “A remarkable, diminutive, but bigger-than-life gallery featuring up-and-coming, seldom-seen artists in our town!”

TIE FOR SILVER: RODNEY WOOD, THE MODBO; “ART ON THE STREETS,” DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP NO BRONZE

GALLERY GOLD: THE MODBO

17 C E. Bijou St., 633-4240; themodbo.wordpress.com

The Modbo — and now in the neighboring gallery space, S.P.Q.R. — does a lot with a little.

It’s a visual arts gallery showing some of the most interesting art in town. It’s also a concert hall and a place for dance and poetry.

Voters said they’re making a “huge difference in this town.”

SILVER: RANGE GALLERY BRONZE: FINE ARTS CENTER

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TREAT FOR LOCAL CINEPHILES WHO LIKE TO KEEP IT REAL ROCKY MOUNTAIN WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL rmwfilmfest.org

ExpErT SELEcTIONS TREAT FOR CINEPHILES WITH SHORT ATTENTION SPANS COLORADO SHORT CIRCUIT http://ifsoc.org/ColoradoShortCircuit.aspx

Short films pack all the power and passion of a Hollywood blockbuster into one very intense package. And with this year-old festival, held about every four months (most recently at the Lon Chaney Theatre), local film lovers can get a regular fix of these cinematic gems.

The oldest women’s film festival in the country, this popular event, held at the Fine Arts Center and Colorado College each November, offers a kaleidoscopic look at our world with a wide-ranging mix of documentaries. Where else can you learn about environmental devastation one day, yodeling twin lesbians the next?

TREAT FOR LOCAL CINEPHILES WHO LIKE TO KEEP IT GAY

TODD WALLINGEr

PIKES PEAK LAVENDER FILM FESTIVAL pplff.org

You don’t have to be gay to enjoy this cultural treasure.

You just have to love frank, honest stories about people living their lives. Of course, for a lot of the films, a campy sense of humor doesn’t hurt. The festival is held in September at Colorado College.

THE GAzETTE’S FILM BLOG MANAGER SPENDS ENOUGH TIME IN THE DARK THAT HIS SKIN TENDS TO GET A BIT PASTY.

ARRoyo

SCHUERMANN

LOCAL FILMMAKER TIE FOR GOLD: ANTHONY ARROYO; PETE SCHUERMANN peteschuermann.com/

“New up-and-coming filmmaker,” said one voter of Arroyo. “Already winning every film festival he has entered.” Oh, and he hasn’t even graduated high school yet. Schuermann has won an Emmy, a Telly, an Addy and enough film festival awards to make him a little uncomfortable. He’s currently filming a documentary about the worst, cruelest monster-movie director of all time.

SILVER: DAVE GARDNER NO BRONzE

MOVIE THEATER

GOLD: KIMBALL’S PEAK THREE THEATER 115 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 447-1945; kimballstwinpeak.com

Kimball’s wins again. And how can you miss with a bar, an eclectic roster of films and three intimate screening rooms? “A real date place!” one voter said.

SILVER: CINEMARK TINSELTOWN USA BRONzE: CINEMARK IMAX CAREFREE CIRCLE

THEATER COMPANY GOLD: THEATREWORKS

At the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, 255-3232; theatreworkscs.org

A winner in this category last year, TheatreWorks is known for “constantly raising the bar” in new and classic works. Artistic director “Murray Ross is simply brilliant,” said a fan.

SILVER: MANITOU ART THEATRE BRONzE: FINE ARTS CENTER

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fire&ice

NEW THEATER COMPANY

TIE FOR GOLD: FIRE&ICE THEATRICAL TROUPE; SPRINGS ENSEMBLE THEATRE fireandicetheatricaltroupe.com; springsensembletheatre.org

Its production of “Rent” helped move Fire&Ice from bronze to tying with SET this year. One voter called Fire&Ice “awesome, awesome, awesome.”

And SET, which just settled into its own performance space, prompted this assessment: “This company challenges its own abilities and the audience’s avoidance of tough plays. Admirable, and it usually produces some great performances.”

TIE FOR SILVER: STAR BAR PLAYERS; MANITOU ART THEATRE NO BRONZE

3352 Templeton Gap Road, 328-0694; robinsdanceworks.com/

We were thinking about dances for local theater productions, but, hey, the voters gave this edgy dance teacher a landslide win. Wells, executive artistic director at Robin’s Danceworks, has been dancing since she was 7 years old and teaching since she was 16.

SILVER: MARY RIPPER BAKER, “JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT,” FINE ARTS CENTER BRONZE: MARY RIPPER BAKER, “THE PRODUCERS,” FINE ARTS CENTER

GOLD: ROCKY MOUNTAIN DANCE ACADEMY 3958 N. Academy Blvd., 596-4110; rmdaofcolospgs.com

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In December 2010, this company received the choreographer award from “The Pulse on Tour,” a twoday dance event in Denver.

“Absolutely amazing studio for kids,” said one voter.

“They are so patient!”

SILVER: ROBIN’S DANCEWORKS BRONZE: DANCE UNLIMITED

•

Voters praised Avanti Ballroom’s large studio, pleasant atmosphere and delightful owner.

“A large variety of classes,” one said. “I love going there.”

SILVER: SPRINGS SALSA & DANCE FITNESS BRONZE: ATTITUDES PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

GOLD: LYNDZI WELLS, ROBIN’S DANCEWORKS

P E RT C H O

1337 N. Academy Blvd., 598-0885, avantiballroom.net

CHOREOGRAPHY

Ex

GOLD: AVANTI BALLROOM

DANCE STUDIO, KIDS

•

DANCE STUDIO, ADULTS

set

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT” csfineartscenter.org

Everything Mary Ripper Baker touches seems to tap and twirl with seamless skill and fun. Her work was central to this production and remains some of the most joyous and wry choreography.

TWO MEN AND A BRUSH

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expert selections BAND PERFORMANCES 6035 facebook.com/6035rock; myspace.com/6035rock

This local band, named for our city’s elevation, plays its hearts out at Copperhead Road, Union Station, Meadow Muffins and other local clubs and concert halls. When they do a classic cover, they often sound just like the original band. The band plays a tight mix from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s and keeps fans dancing for hours.

BLUES ROCK BAND JAKE LOGGINS BAND jakelogginsband.com

Powerful, captivating and original, this band is a local trio with a sound of their own that takes people by surprise. Loggins, a teenage prodigy now in his 20s, belts out smooth vocals while ripping incredible guitar jams.

Noel McFarlane and Dean Woodward are the other two members, and together the group captivates audiences.

PARADE

ALL-AGES MUSIC VENUE

CARNIvALE

THE LOFT

manitouspringsgov.com

2502 W. Colorado Ave., Suite 301, 445-9278; loftmusicvenue.com

For 18 years, this eclectic parade has brought a bit of the Big Easy to Manitou Springs for Mardi Gras. Costumes, beads, masks, colors, dancing, puppets, crowds and craziness — one time of the year where people can get wild.

FESTIVE EVENT

This all-ages venue in the heart of Old Colorado City brings in some of the best off-the-mainstream artists in the country, providing a place for youths to enjoy a safe nightlife experience. Versatile floor space and design allows The Loft to host concerts from calm acoustic performances to electronic digital-music dance parties. The Loft is not a bar. It’s a destination, an experience.

EMMA CRAWFORD COFFIN RACES manitouspringsgov.com

Another event that fits in the “Keep Manitou Weird” camp, this 16-year-old parade and race is the highlight of the Halloween season.

Commemorating former resident Emma Crawford, whose body and coffin washed down Red Mountain after heavy rains, the parade involves decorated coffins speeding down the avenue, each with its own “Emma” inside.

MUSIC FESTIVAL MEADOWGRASS meadowgrassmusicfestival.org

This fledgling music festival, held in a gorgeous meadow in Black Forest, really came into its own last summer with breakthrough performances

by Elephant Revival, Gregory Allen Isakov and others. This year’s fest is set for May 27-29 and will feature Frazey Ford, John Doe and Hot Buttered Rum.

Heidi scHaefer THE GAzETTE’S COLORADOSpRINGS. COM SITE MANAGER HAS SERIOuS TROuBLE FIGuRING OuT WHEN SHE’S WORKING AND WHEN SHE’S JuST HAvING FuN.

ORIGINAL BAND GOLD: LO-FI COWBOYS loficowboys.com

Fronted by Chuck Snow of The AutoNo fame, this rock band plays a lively mix of covers and originals. As one fan said: “There are boy bands, and then there are, well, man bands. We have a winner here.” They can be found regularly at SouthSide Johnny’s and The Crystola Roadhouse.

SILvER: WE ARE NOT A GLUM LOT BRONzE: CORRUPTING CELEST

COVER BAND

CONCERT

trontheband.com

trans-siberian.com

Tron Simpson, the KCMN radio personality, provides lead guitar licks and vocals in this kickin’ band that specializes in covering classic rock legends like The Stones, Neil Young, Tom Petty and the Doors.

SILvER: SOFAKILLERS BRONzE: HEAD FULL OF ZOMBIES

A silver winner in 2010, this multimillionselling band was created to “push the (rock) boundaries further than any group before,” said founder Paul O’Neill. Voters agreed, one adding “What a show: lights, action and great music.”

SILvER: ARLO GUTHRIE BRONzE: CARRIE UNDERWOOD

GOLD: TRON THE BAND

GOLD: TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA

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TATTOO PARLOR

GOLD: WESTSIDE TATTOO 2031 W. Colorado Ave., 219-4800

Voters called Westside Tattoo clean and the people friendly, giving a shout-out to coowner Aaron Moore.

“Love the ‘graffiti’ art and their sensitivity to the community.”

SILVER: PREMIER TATTOO BRONZE: PENS AND NEEDLES

HOOKAH BAR GOLD: HOOKED ON HOOKAH 6406 N. Academy Blvd., 886-7107; hohstore.com

Hookah smokers dig the vibe and the product here, as well as the folks who run the place.

“Friendly, and we can get what we want,” said one voter. And another: “Amazing service!

Amazing people!”

SILVER: HOOKAH SPRINGS BRONZE: 40 THIEVES

KARAOKE SINGER GOLD: HAZEL HUMDINGER (KRISTEN GOLTZ)

In a world that loves rock stars, Hazel Humdinger has gotten a few steps closer with canned music and the gentle roll of lyrics on a video screen.

NO SILVER OR BRONZE

POET

GOLD: DAVID MASON coloradohumanities.org/content/colorado-poet-laureate-david-mason

“The real deal,” is what one voter said of Mason, who is a Colorado College professor and, as of last year, the state’s poet laureate.

His poetry collections include “The Buried Houses” (winner of the Nicholas Roerich Poetry Prize) and “The Country I Remember” (winner of the Alice Fay Di Castagnola Award), and his books include “Ludlow,” the story of the Ludlow Massacre told in verse.

SILVER: JIM CILETTI BRONZE: CHRIS BULLOCK

BAR

GOLD: SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY’S 528 S. Tejon St., 444-8487; southsidejohnnys.biz

It’s the party spot of downtown, voters told us. They liked the multiple styles of music in different areas of the bar. The food, too, was deemed outstanding. “Every time I go there, they make me feel like part of the family.”

SILVER: TONY’S BRONZE: JACK QUINN IRISH ALEHOUSE & PUB

COMEDY GOLD: STICK HORSES IN PANTS thestickhorses.com

This home-grown improv group, right, which regularly plays the Broadmoor Theater, was praised for its humor, of course, but many voters found another quality just as important. “Incredibly funny and entertaining, and they keep it family-friendly, which is not easy to do!”

SILVER: “BOEING BOEING,” THEATREWORKS BRONZE: “THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR,” THEATREWORKS

COMEDIAN

GOLD: GABRIEL IGLESIAS fluffyguy.com

This touring comedian, who exploits the comic possibilities of being fluffy, not fat, returned to the Pikes Peak Center in July.

TIE FOR SILVER: JEFF DUNHAM; BRIAN REAGAN NO BRONZE

Congradulations to

Dallace Jade Awarded

Best Evening Show by Colorado Broadcasters Association

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... COLORADOSPRINGS.COM/BEStOf

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When school’s out and the sun tells us it’s time to hit the pools, where do you go? We have already dove in and found the top three pools in town.

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sportsdining & rec

MaKe TracKS ONLiNe aNd GeT reWardS

SPORtS COMPLEX

GOLD: WOrLd areNa SILVER: ViLLaSPOrT NO BRONZE

CASINO

GOLD: dOUBLe eaGLe SILVER: BrONcO BiLLY’S BRONZE: WiLdWOOd caSiNO

PicNic SPOT

GOLD: GardeN OF The GOdS

1805 N. 30th St., 634-6666; gardenofgods.com

Our favorite rock garden has several wonderful picnic areas. among the favorites are the Scotsman, with five picnic tables, and the South Spring canyon, with six.

SILVER: PaLMer ParK BRONZE: NOrTh cheYeNNe caÑON ParK

GYM

GOLD: 24 hOUr FiTNeSS 1892 Southgate road, 633-2442; 3650 austin Bluffs Parkway, 262-0024; 7720 N. academy Blvd., 244-9532; 24hourfitness.com

“Guy With a Bee in There” Painted Wood, Steel Wire, Polyester Film

By Sean O’Meallie

The gym that never goes to sleep ranks at the top of the list: “Lots of machines and never too busy.” “clean facility and reliable staff.”

“Great zumba classes.”

SILVER: YMca OF The PiKeS PeaK reGiON BRONZE: ViLLaSPOrT

SWiMMiNG POOL tIE fOR GOLD: ViLLaSPOrT; WiLSON raNch

5904 Prairie Schooner drive, 522-1221; villasport.com/cs; 2335 allegheny drive, 598-3226; wilsonranchpool.com

The Villasport athletic club and spa is home to the largest pool … er … aquatics facility in colorado Springs. it has water slides, play zones, a lap pool and whirlpools.

The Wilson ranch city pool has all the bells and whistles of the private pools, including a water slide, play area, lazy river and a vortex that swirls kids around and around.

SILVER: cOTTONWOOd creeK recreaTiON ceNTer BRONZE: GardeN OF The GOdS cLUB

60 i BeST OF The SPriNGS i 2011 i The GazeTTe

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For Voting Us Best of 2011

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Thanks for Voting US Colorado Springs

Best of 2011 Winners

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ExpErt SElEctionS HIKING TRAIL

PLACE TO FLY-FISH

RUNNING RACES

SOUTH PLATTE rivEr

WALDO CANYON

Near Deckers

PiKES PEAK ASCENT AND MArATHON

Just west of Manitou Springs on U.S. 24.

The scenic vistas, including Pikes Peak, are hard to beat. The landscape changes often during the hike, and the trail follows a nice creek part of the way. It’s more than six miles but not too difficult.

The fact that there is great fishing on the South Platte isn’t a real secret. While affected negatively by the Hayman fire of 2002, the area has bounced back.

LUNG-BUSTING WORKOUT MANiTOU iNCLiNE

On Barr Trail up Pikes Peak

Runners come from around the world for this August event. America’s Mountain provides the ultimate challenge for those seeking it.

This is anything but your run-of-the-mill marathon.

It’s illegal — no trespassing! But hundreds of hikers march up the old railroad ties each day for a workout that certainly will take your breath away.

PLACE TO CAMP FOR FREE THE CrAGS

SOCIAL RUNNING CLUB JACK QUiNN’S rUNNiNG CLUB jackquinnsrunners.com; 6 p.m. Tuesdays, starting at 21 S. Tejon St.

Show up on a nice Tuesday night during the summer, and you could see more than 1,000 runners in downtown and North Monument Valley Park doing this 5K.

HIKING TRAIL GOLD: THE INCLINE

Off Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs

An abandoned mountain railway has become the ultimate natural Stairmaster.

SiLvEr: GARDEN OF THE GODS BrONZE: RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE

nathan van dynE

Off Ruxton Avenue in Manitou Springs

4.3 miles south of Divide on Colorado 67

Staying at the campground isn’t free, but there are several great spots to pull off and camp on the road to the campground.

SiTE MANAGEr Of OUTTHErECOLOrADO.COM WHO HAS DONE THE PiKES PEAK ASCENT fOr 10 STrAiGHT YEArS, CENTrAL COLOrADO’S TriPLE BYPASS CYCLiNG TOUr SEvEN TiMES, AND CAN CLiMB THE iNCLiNE fASTEr THAN YOU CAN WATCH A SiTCOM.

SKATE PARK

GOLD: MEMORIAL PARK At Union Boulevard and Pikes Peak Avenue; springsgov.com

Serious skaters used to have to drive to Denver for this kind of concrete wonderland. It has everything from grinding street areas to deep bowls for that big, big air.

SiLvEr: GOSSAGE YOUTH SPORTS COMPLEX BrONZE: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

CITY PARK

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS 1805 N. 30th St., 634-6666; gardenofgods.com

Tourists love it, and so do we.

SiLvEr: PALMER PARK BrONZE: AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PARK

COUNTY PARK

GOLD: FOX RUN REGIONAL PARK 2110 Stella Drive; www.elpasoco.com

This sprawling Black Forest park of rolling, pine-covered hills is great for horseback riding, hiking, dog walking, cross-country skiing and a lot more.

SiLvEr: BEAR CREEK REGIONAL PARK BrONZE: RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE

PLACE TO BMX

GOLD: MEMORIAL SKATE PARK At Union Boulevard and Pikes Peak Avenue; springsgov.com

Even in the middle of winter, you’ll see BMXers flying out of the bowls here.

SiLvEr: RAMPART RANGE BrONZE: TRACK BEHIND RAMPART HIGH SCHOOL

Aaron D. Smith M.D.

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Mountain Vista Home School Academy An Incredible Opportunity for Home Schooling Families in the Pikes Peak Region!

1225 N. Circle Drive 2300 N. Wahsatch Ave. 3640 Austin Bluffs Parkway 4201 Centennial Blvd.

Visit us online at www.acecoloradosprings.com

Your Hearing Aid Center

Eric and Cathy Koval 941 E. Fillmore Colorado Springs, CO

Mountain Vista Home School Academy is a one-day-perweek enrichment program – FREE for home schooling families. It is south-centrally located in a separate wing of the beautiful Mountain Vista Community School. A fun, safe and supervised learning environment for home schooled children in grades 1st - 12th!

Classes include: Technology, Science, Art, Critical Thinking, History, and Language Arts.

Extracurricular activities include: Extensive field trips, Fencing/Taekwondo/Yearbook Clubs, Partnerships with Colorado Springs Conservatory and Pikes Peak Community College, Discovery Education Online Streaming, Rosetta Stone language courses, and more!

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CLIMBING WALL

GOLD: CITYROCK CLIMBING CENTER 21 N. Nevada Ave., 634-9099; climbingtherock.com

Not only are there climbing walls, you can do ice training and practice bouldering: “Great variety, friendly staff.” “Huge. More than just climbing.”

SILVER: SPORT CLIMBING CENTER BRONZE: DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

GOLF COURSE GOLD: PATTY JEWETT

900 E. Espanola St., 385-6945; springsgov.com

Our city golf course, the oldest course west of the Mississippi, may not have the cache of The Broadmoor courses, but the views are stunning, the course is challenging, and it’s hard to beat the greens fee: $25.50 for 18 holes.

SILVER: THE BROADMOOR BRONZE: KISSING CAMELS

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

tIE fOR GOLD: CAPTAIN JACK’S; PALMER PARK Off Lower Gold Camp Road, Captain Jack’s is a thrilling three-mile downhill with banked turns, gravel and bumps that’ll get you flying.

Palmer Park, at Maizeland Road west of Academy Boulevard, has several good, rocky trails.

tIE fOR SILVER: SANTA FE TRAIL; RED ROCK CANYON OPEN SPACE NO BRONZE

BOWLING ALLEY GOLD: HARMONY BOWL

3845 N. Academy Blvd., 591-1000; bowlatharmony.com

Harmony is on a roll, maintaining its Gold status with 40 lanes of joy. One fan summed it up: “Friendly and clean and easy to enjoy.” tIE fOR SILVER: BEAR CREEK LANES; BRUNSWICK ZONE; MR. BIGGS NO BRONZE

PLACE FOR SPEED JUNKIES GOLD: BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY

3051 S. Rooney Road, Morrison, 1-303-697-6001; bandimere.com

Now that our Pikes Peak International Raceway, just south of town, is closed, Bandimere is the nearest pit stop for racing fans.

NO SILVER OR BRONZE

HIGH SCHOOL COACH GOLD: JUSTIN ARMOUR

401 El Monte Place, 685 2074; wpmu.mssd14.org

A former Super Bowl-winning wide receiver from the Denver Broncos, Armour was hired to coach the Manitou Springs football team.

SILVER: JIMMY GRANTZ NO BRONZE

PERSONAL TRAINER GOLD: JOE RAMIREZ 229-2639; trainwithjoe.com

Clients are passionate about the workouts Ramirez gives them: “Joe is such a great motivator! He always manages to get 110 percent out of me no matter how I’m feeling. He knows what he is doing, and he cares about his clients. With his guidance, I lost 9 pounds of fat in five weeks, and I’m 42 years old.” “Joe’s boxing program for women is just plain awesome!”

SILVER: RICK HAUCK NO BRONZE

Find out fast ….

Fix it or replace it!

Garage doors & openers

FREE EStImatES Sales • Installation • Service • Repair Replacement Garage Door Experts

719-596-2171 • www.ohdcs.com Showroom at 1205 Ford Street

Buy the Best!

Buy Harding Nursery Plant Material Shade Trees, Evergreens, Shrubs, Colorado Native Plants, Perennials, Ground Covers, Flowering Shrubs, Flowering Ornamental Trees and Xeriscape Plant Materials.

HR: Mon.-Sat. 8am-6pm Sun. 9am-5pm

Family Owned Since 1957

Best Things

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CONRAD

721 Powers Boulevard • 596-5712 www.hardingnursery.com

N

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• Scheduled local transportation

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• Weekly housekeeping & linen service

COMPLIMENTARY

• All utilities paid (except telephone)

MEAL & TOUR! 4825 Old Farm Dr., Colorado Springs, CO

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719-380-1409

• Planned activities, events & outings

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Heidi Schaefer, Online Producer/ Site Manager ColoradoSprings.com

Welcome the love child, GO! powered by ColoradoSprings.com. We are delivering a new website with the best in movies, music, arts and everything we love about entertainment. Join us now on GO.ColoradoSprings.com.

SKATINg RINK

ROLLER RINK

1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 385-5983; springsgov.com

1920 N. Academy Blvd., 597-6066; 4575 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 591-1016; skatecitycolorado.com

Located on the east side of Memorial Park, Sertich, an NHL-size slab of ice, is the community’s most accessible rink.

SILVER: WORLD ARENA BRONZE: HONNEN ICE ARENA

The music bounces against the walls as the kids go ’round. Fans said: “They are family-oriented, and ... keep it clean,” “Love that they have a bus that will pick up the kids from school.”

SILVER: TOUR ARENA NO BRONZE

GOLD: SERTICH ICE ARENA

GOLD: SKATE CITY

PILATES

GOLD: REVIBE PILATES & BODYWORK 2410 W. Vermijo Ave., 231-6430; revibepilates.com

Revibe holds onto the gold it earned last year thanks to its “first-rate instruction, pleasant facility and welcoming staff.” Fans said the place is clean, the prices are affordable, and the classes are geared to various abilities.

SILVER: YMCA BRONZE: SPECTRUM WELLNESS

YOgA

GOLD: PRANAVA YOgA CENTER 718 N. Weber St., 444-8463; pranavayogacenter.com

Fans of Pranava took a break from their blissed-out states to cheer about this place: “Awesome owners and instructors! A nice, warm experience each and every time. The workshops are outstanding!” “Best all-around yoga experience. Friendly place. Variety of yoga classes, plus different workshops all the time.”

“Welcoming and supportive to your yoga journey!”

SILVER: CAMBIO YOgA BRONZE: COREPOWER YOgA

RODEO

GOLD: PIKES PEAK OR BUST 635-1301; coloradospringsrodeo.com

The region’s premier rodeo, held in July at the Norris-Penrose Event Center, attracts some of the top cowboys in the nation.

SILVER: EL PASO COUNTY FAIR BRONZE: LITTLE BRITCHES

HORSEBACK RIDINg

FISHINg SPOT

4 El Paso Blvd. 633-5667; academyridingstables.com

Near Lake george; parks.state.co.us

GOLD: ACADEMY RIDINg STABLES Riding on horseback through garden of the gods is a bit pricier than other rides, but it’s fun and educational, and the surroundings are as gorgeous as you’ll find anywhere.

SILVER: BROADMOOR STABLES BRONZE: MARK REYNER STABLES

GOLD: ELEVENMILE RESERVOIR Keep this between us. Please don’t tell about all the brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout, kokanee and pike caught here. tIE fOR SILVER: CATAMOUNT RESERVOIR; QUAIL LAKE; RAMPART RESERVOIR NO BRONZE

Learnto Play!

ANNOUNCING

2011-12 Season PREMIERES. SURPRISES. REVELATION.

A Complete one stop musiC store for every musiCiAn!

Don’t miss Itzhak Perlman!

southern colorado’s YAMAHA Acoustic and Digital Piano Dealer!

Band, Orchestra, Percussion, Guitars, Amplifiers, Keyboards, Pianos, Sheet Music, Rentals, Lessons, Accessories...

Graner Music has everything your student needs to succeed in music!

Graner Music 4460 Barnes Road across from Doherty High School

719-574-2001

Currently available to subscribers only.

Save 50% on new subscriptions Call 719-575-9632 or visit csphilharmonic.org to subscribe NOW!

Presents

Tuesday, May 17, 2011, 7:30pm at the Pikes Peak Center Free Tickets will be available at the Pikes Peak Center & World Arena Box Offices starting May 2 For more information, please call (719) 556-9950 Armed Forces Luncheon Friday, May 20, 2011, 11:15am at the Broadmoor Hall Individual seating and corporate tables available For more information, visit www.coloradospringschamber.org

DER CH

OI

E

REA

C

REA

ADER CHO

•

IC

E E

E

“Bubble Car”

MECHANIC

GOLD: AUTO TECH PLAZA

Painted Wood

By Sean O’Meallie

SILVER: ASPEN AUTO CLINIC NO BRONZE

•

REA

DER CH O

IC

Your pipes are leaking, car is shot, and you need legal advice. Things are bad. Search for “plumber,” “mechanic” and “lawyer” online and hope is at your fingertips.

...

city life

IC

•

RE

quick picks

DER CH O

... COLORADOSPRINGS.COM/BESTOF

•

CALENDAR UPDATED DAILY

PLACE TO WORK

FREE WI-FI

GOLD: STARBUCKS

SILVER: PANERA BREAD BRONZE: PIKES PERK

GOLD: GENESIS MEDSPA

WEBSITE

202 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Suite R., 579-6890; genesis-medspa.com

Michele Pribble, the regional marketing director, said what makes the workplace special here is that the boss, Dr. Lisa Jenks, trusts associates with a level of autonomy that allows them to be creative and grow. Of course, Pribble is paid to say things like that.

SILVER: THE PALISADES AT BROADMOOR PARK BRONZE: CROWNE PLAZA

GOLD: BEERTAP.TV

SILVER: OUTTHERE COLORADO.COM BRONZE: SPRINGS BARGAINS.COM BLOG

GOLD: SPRINGS BARGAINS.COM

NEIGHBORHOOD

BODY SHOP

Powers Boulevard and Research Parkway, 597-9653; wolf-ranch.com

4365 E. Platte Ave., 596-5225; wilsonscollision.com

Residents love the sense of community and amenities.

“We have trails, an amphitheater, a clubhouse with a pool, and just an overall friendly, safe place to live!”

SILVER: BROADMOOR BRONZE: BRIARGATE

“Two thumbs way up,” said a satisfied client with a good-as-new car. Others said they wouldn’t go anywhere else.

SILVER: BLACK & WHITE AUTO BODY BRONZE: MAACO

GOLD: WOLF RANCH

68 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2011 I THE GAZETTE

GOLD: WILSON’S AUTO COLLISION

SILVER: COLORADO SPRINGSGIVEAWAYS .COM BRONZE: TAPIA ADVERTISING.COM LOCAL APP

GOLD: GROUPON

SILVER: LIVING SOCIAL BRONZE: GAZETTE.COM

Bringing the Best of Broadway to Colorado Springs

On Sale Now! May 11 & 12 Pikes Peak Center

Get tickets at PikesPeakCenter.com • (719) 520-SHOW • 1-866-464-2626 front range King Soopers or the Pikes Peak Center box office Groups (15+): (719) 477-2116. Info: BroadwayInColoradoSprings.com

We’ll be announcing the new 2011/12 season soon!

Be among the first to know.

Visit www.BroadwayInColoradoSprings.com to get on our priority email list today!

Live Music Concerts with Local, Regional, National Artists Corporate Events • Fundraisers Film Screening • Seminars 10 South Parkside Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80910

719.476.2200 • www.stargazerstheatre.com

HIGHER EDUCATION GOLD: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT COLORADO SPRINGS

1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 255-8227; uccs.edu

This is a bustling, growing campus with almost 9,000 students and a strong graduate program. “UCCS just gets better every year,” said a student. “Outstanding university, reasonably priced, great leadership.”

And the big plus, “it’s right here at home.”

SILVER: COLORADO COLLEGE BRONZE: PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

TEACHER GOLD: DANA MCKEEMAN mssd14.org

Take it from parents, little ones and school staff, this Manitou Springs Elementary School teacher is sweet and caring, and truly loves children.

SILVER: CASSIE TAPIA, AUDUBON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BRONZE: MEG FREDRICK, CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL

GOLD: UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF COLORADO SPRINGS 2713 W. Cucharras St., 302-3751; usofcs.org

Parents, students and staff were enthusiastic about this small, private, Christian, K-12 school. It’s a University-Model School, which teams strong parental involvement with strong academics and outdoor education. One grad said: “Saved my life!!”

SILVER: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN CHARTER ACADEMY BRONZE: SAND CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL FIELD TRIP

CONTINUING EDUCATION

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, 475-9555; cmzoo.org

7870 N. Academy Blvd., 648-1020; nursenancy.org

A day outdoors with giraffes and bears and bighorn sheep — and all your buddies. You can’t beat it.

SILVER: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN BRONZE: CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER OF COLORADO

Students and former students applauded the two instructors who run this program. “Inspiring, enthusiastic,” they said. And the big thumbs-up: “Great program, and now I have a job.”

SILVER: UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT COLORADO SPRINGS BRONZE: PIKES PEAK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

GOLD: FRONT RANGE NURSE AIDE TRAINING

Try the new Curves Circuit with Zumba fitness.® FREE! It’s the only 30-minute class

Sunflower is Colorado’s Homegrown Grocer!

that mixes the music and moves of Zumba® with the proven strength training of Curves for a wildly effective workout.

2011

Thank you, Colorado Springs, for your votes and support!

Curves also Honors Silver Sneakers, Including PERA Retirees!

FREEctive

wildly effe

WEEK

2010

Best Natural Foods Store Best Farmers Market

curves.com

1730 Dublin blvD. • ColoraDo SpringS 719-590-8890

sunflowermarkets.com

Hunter ~ Wolff Gallery,

lTD. lTD.

Fine Art & Collectibles

STRENGTH TRAINING IN THE CIRCUIT + GROOVING TO THE MUSIC = ONE WILDLY EFFECTIVE WORKOUT

3647 Star Ranch Rd. 80906 (226-2485)

141 Fontaine Blvd.

(Security) 80911 (392-5504)

4105 Centennial Blvd.

80907 (592-0100)

5719 Constitution Ave. 80915 (574-4111)

2105 Templeton Gap Rd. 80907 (635-8868)

2362 S. Academy Blvd.

80916 (391-3700)

2224 E. Pikes Peak Ave. 80909 (667-1171)

3440 N. Carefree Circle 80917 (572-0313)

2839 Dublin Blvd.

80918 (260-8123) 7663 McLaughlin Rd. (Falcon) 80831 (494-2000) 108 W. Midland Ave. (Woodland Park) 80863 (719-687-0927)

New members only. Valid only at participating clubs. Free week may be exchanged for a special first visit discount. Not valid with any other offer. © 2011 Curves International, Inc. Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, and the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC. Used with permission.

escape. explore. experience.

Learn to Scuba Dive at one of Colorado’s Premier Dive Centers!

ONLY

Celebrating our 22nd Year

$329

www.theunderwaterconnection.com

CALL TODAY! 599-DIVE (3483) 2510 West Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80904 www.hunterwolffgallery.com 719.520.9494

PAINTINGS l SCULPTURE l RAKU & CERAMICS l BLOWN GLASS l FINE JEWELRY

Includes: • Open waters in Santa • All class, pool & open Rosa water training • All certification fees • Use of all equipment • FREE use of our onsite pool (after certification)

Does not include: • Course materials • Transportation/Parking • Meals • Park Fees

4337 North Academy Blvd. • 1 block North of Austin Blufwfs

CHARITY

GOLD: HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION 610 Abbott Lane, 473-1741; hsppr.org

For 60 years, this shelter has been near and dear to many hearts as it rescues 23,000 dogs and cats, horses and rabbits each year. Its fundraising FUR~R~R Ball, with a pet parade of adoptable — and very winsome — shelter animals, is always a favorite spring event.

SILVER: GOODWILL BRONZE: YOT CLUB

VOLUNTEER GOLD: JENNA FARISS

Employed by The Palisades at Broadmoor Park

She has volunteered in a variety of ways for the Alzheimer’s Association, including with the Memory Walk and as a table captain at the Reason to Hope breakfast. She volunteers with other groups, too.

SILVER: SILVER KEY VOLUNTEERS BRONZE: MARY ELLEN MCNALLY

TOURIST ATTRACTION

BANK

1805 N. 30th St., 634.6666; gardenofgods.com

27 locations, 574-1100; ent.com

It’s ours, say voters. It’s free, incredibly beautiful, a work of nature and has “a great visitor center.” Hike, bike, drive or ride a horse and experience “history in the making,” marveled one outdoorsman.

SILVER: PIKES PEAK BRONZE: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

It has been here since 1957 and just keeps growing. “I love Ent. They create opportunities instead of kicking you when you’re down,” said a customer.

SILVER: WELLS FARGO BRONZE: USAA

GOLD: GARDEN OF THE GODS

GOLD: ENT FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Thanks for Voting Quick Quack Car Wash

the best car wash in Colorado Springs!

Bring in this coupon and a friend and get 2 Washes for the price of 1.

Bring in any two cars to get washed at the same time and when you choose any wash package on the first car, the second car will get the same wAsh PAckAge FRee.

Serving Adults With Developmental Disabilities 719-592-0200 www.cheyennevillage.org For services, employment or volunteer opportunities, please call or visit our website

4285 Austin Bluffs Pkwy | 888-772-2792

    

 

www.DontDriveDirty.com

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/01/11

ExpErt SElEctionS

COMMUNITY DRIVE

CAR CLUB PHILANTHROPIC WORK

the gaZette-el poMar foundation eMptY stoCKing fund

coloradospringscorvetteclub.org

Colorado springs Corvette Club

fillanemptystocking.org

OK, maybe it sounds a little self-serving, but there are so many groups and individuals in addition to The Gazette involved in this 27-year tradition, it’s only fair they get a deserved pat on the back. ESF raised more than $1 million for three straight years for 15 area human-services nonprofits. Who gets the thank-you? How about the 2,660 of you out there who donated money this year, three of whom who wrote checks for $10,000 each? The foundations providing matching funds: El Pomar and Bruni. And how about those major in-kind services sponsors: Add Staff, Wells Fargo and KOAA News First 5.

Winner of the Eagle One Golden Rule Award for the Western Region for the most outstanding communityservice program in its area, and grand-prize winner for the most compassionate achievement. The club donated baskets containing a complete Christmas dinner and enough food for a week to feed more than 1,000 people this holiday season.

CHARITY SILENT AUCTION CatholiC Charities’ st. patriCK’s daY gala ccharitiescs.org

A real plethora of goodies. We’re talking hundreds and hundreds of wonderful items to bid on that cover tables up and down hallways outside hotel ballrooms.

Even a Super Silent Auction of major items worthy of a live auction. The months of work put in by the silentauction volunteers really shows.

SILENT-AUCTION INNOVATION Children’s literaCY Center’s eleCtroniC bidding Fundraising silent auctions were launched into the future with the Literacy Center’s introduction of electronic bidding. Hand-held PDA-size keypads kept bidders in the loop, even when they were seated at dinner. Sponsor: Central Bancorp.

NEW PHILANTHROPIC RETAILER Mountain eQuipMent reCYClers 1005 S. Tejon St., 660-7958; merecyclers.com

This consignment store donates 5 percent of sales of consigned items and 50 percent of sales of donated items to nonprofits supporting military personnel and their families.

SALUTE OF THE YEAR CoMMunitY volunteer/ aCtivist MarY ellen MCnallY They called her Wonder Woman and saluted the former city councilwoman for being there whenever she’s needed, including issues affecting the gay community and the developmentally disabled.

GUEST AUCTIONEER Kevin patterson He knows his crowd — and how to work it in the nicest of ways.

Auction paddles spring upward as he cajoles bidders into friendly competitions. He helms the Patterson Group real estate firm.

linda navarro When Cinderella goes to the ball, linda navarro Will be there to Cover it for nonprofits around toWn.

Seven locationS acroSS the front range

The Best New Releases In Music And Movies, From Mainstream To Underground

2 off

$

any new CD, DVD, LP or Game

Redeemable at any Independent location * Offer not good in conjunction with other sale offers. Limit one coupon per customer, per visit, please. Expires 12/31/11.

online at www.beindependent.com

ArtSportS

Open Gyms, Cheer & Thumbling Classes, Camps, Parties, Field Trips.

Dance Center & Circus.

Open Gyms as low as $500!

Best of the Springs Since 2007

Best Fun Place to Learn a Back Handspring!

Ph. 719-531-5867 • 780 Vondelpark Drive, Cos, Co 80907 • www.artsportsworld.com

WEIGHTLOSS CENTER GOLD: WEIGHT WATCHERS

3609 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 308 S. Eighth St., 1-800-516-3535; weightwatchers.com

Why do clients love it? Just take a look at “American Idol” Jennifer Hudson.

Vavoom. Happy weight watchers say this is a plan they can follow.

SILVER: 24-HOUR FITNESS BRONZE: CURVES

RETIREMENT HOME GOLD: THE PALISADES AT BROADMOOR PARK 4547 Palisades Park View, 226-2273; palisadesatbroadmoorpark.com

Residents sing the praises of “The Palisades” and love its connection with the gerontology program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. “This is the best decision my husband and I have ever made!” a resident said.

SILVER: MACKENZIE PLACE BRONZE: VILLAGE AT SKYLINE

CAMPGROUND

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK South of Academy Boulevard on Colorado Highway 115; springsgov.com

An incredibly beautiful foothills location close to the city. Campers have access to a handy camperservices building with flush toilets, showers, laundry, activity room and a camp store. Nearby are trails, playgrounds, and an amphitheater. A wonderful outdoor experience.

SILVER: MUELLER STATE PARK tIE fOR BRONZE: THE CRAGS; GOLDEN BELL

NOTARY

GOLD: SARAH STEVENSON Phil Long Kia, 1020 Motor City Drive

You’ll find her at Phil Long Kia in the finance department, where she notarizes all those titles and does insurance. They appreciate her!

SILVER: SAM TAYLOR NO BRONZE

CARPET CLEANER GOLD: COIT

1210 Ford St., 597-8725; coit.com

For more than 50 years, this national carpet-cleaning chain has been keeping it clean. In addition to carpets, Coit does upholstery, draperies, tile and grout, air ducts and dogs. OK, that last one, never intentionally.

SILVER: STANLEY STEAMER BRONZE: DURACLEAN

TRASH COMPANY GOLD: BESTWAY DISPOSAL 650 Santa Fe St., 633-8709, bestwaydisposal.com

PLUMBER

The weekly trash pickup shouldn’t be a big headache, and customers said with Bestway Disposal you can throw the aspirin bottle in the garbage bag. “BestWay is local, and they are using technology to aid recycling,” said one customer.

SILVER: WASTE MANAGEMENT BRONZE: SPRINGS WASTE SYSTEMS

GOLD: AFFORDABLE PLUMBING & HEAT 1304 Market St., 471-0713; affordableplumbingandheat.com

Fans of this local company, which has been in the biz for more than 35 years, worried that if they win the Gold, the company name might be changed: “I hope they STAY affordable,” one said. Clients praised its work and reliability and said, as one fan put it, that Affordable is “honest.”

SILVER: OLSON PLUMBING AND HEATING NO BRONZE

ROOFER

GOLD: WILCOX ROOFING 5060 Topaz Drive, 596-6071

Hail storms or wind storms hit, and the Wilcox team will be on it. “Dawn dispatched a crew as soon as we called,” said one happy owner of a new roof.

“They’re professional and reasonable.”

SILVER: TOTAL ROOFING NO BRONZE

PAINTER

GOLD: TWO MEN & A BRUSH 1515 S. Tejon St., 633-3937; tmaab.com

Customers say they wouldn’t call anyone else for painting but this family-owned business.

SILVER: JOSEPH POLLINA PAINTING BRONZE: PAINT DOCTOR

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

HAULING COMPANY

384 Garden of the Gods Road, 227-0189; windowworldsocolorado.com

331-0025; haulingbysteve.com

Replacing all your windows is a big decision. Window World’s customers said they made the right one. “I love my windows!” “The nicest people, great customer service, installation took only one day, they’re always there to answer questions.”

SILVER: CHAMPION BRONZE: RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN

With his truck and trailer, Steve Mulflur will haul away everything the garbage man won’t.

SILVER: U-HAUL NO BRONZE

GOLD: WINDOW WORLD OF SOUTHERN COLORADO

GOLD: HAULING

BY STEVE

Timberline Landscaping is a privately owned firm committed to providing our customers with absolutely the best service.

We started in 1982, and our staff has a combined total of more than 100 years experience in the industry. Our personnel are dedicated to the landscaping profession.

Our award-winning designers want to make your ideas work within your budget. We’re dedicated to creating a unique and personal concept that will truly stand out.

We guarantee the quality of our workmanship and materials. Our attention to detail separates us from the competition.

Creating a little bit of heaven We look forward to working with you and will be in touch as soon as possible!

Request a consultation today! info@timberlinelandscaping.com www.timberlinelandscaping.com

AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

We Furnish Colorado’s Finest Homes

The Hadley Grain takes rich contemporary design and successfully makes it comfortable enough to fit perfectly in any living area.

• Landscape Design • Construction • Lighting • Irrigation Systems • Year-Round Maintenance • Christmas Decor • Residential & Commercial

A rich traditional design and exquisite details come together to create the ultimate in the grand style of the “North Shore” bedroom collection. With a serpentine shaped design and inlay stone veneer tops this furniture collection takes traditional style to the next level.

(719) 638-1000 2480 N Powers Blvd Colorado Springs, CO

Wilson’s Auto Collision, Inc. Quality and Reliability Since 1986

• Complete Auto Body repair • Lifetime Warranty on All repairs with Any Insurance Co. • All Makes & Models - Foreign & Domestic • Over 17,000 sq. ft.

• Unibody and Full Frame Repair • Suspension Alignment & Repairs • I Car Gold Class Certified Shop • Free Shuttle Service

Voted 2 Years in a row

Designer furniture without the designer price tag!

With the comfort and beauty of elegantly upholstered chairs, this furniture collection takes traditional style to the next level. Transform your dining area with the rich style of the “North Shore” dining room collection.

t

4365 E. Platte Ave., Colorado Springs

Between Academy & Powers

Free Estimates 719-596-5225

www.WilsonsCollision.com

Convenient locations throughout Colorado: For locations, please visit - AFWonline.com

ExpErt SElEctionS

MILITARY-FRIENDLY AUTO DEALER phil long hyundai 1212 Motor City Drive, 1-866-318-4938; phillong.com

In addition to providing military discounts and sound advice on purchasing a vehicle, Phil Long Hyundai’s Military Auto Connection remodeled the Freedom Performing Arts Theater on post at Fort Carson and sponsors free movies on post. As Liberty League Sponsors, it also has a part in funding most of the major events planned by MWR on post.

MILITARY-FRIENDLY BANK security service federal credit union Multiple locations, 1-888-415-7878; ssfcu.org

Security Service Federal offers financial advice to soldiers and has special programs that enable soldiers to make purchases in the community without needing to borrow money off-post at exorbitant interest rates.

Security Service Federal also underwrites the summertime “Dinner and a Movie Nights,” at which several hundred soldiers and family members gather once a week to share a meal and watch a movie at the Special Events Center. The vice president of the branch on post is often seen dipping ice cream, dropping off supplies and interacting with military families.

hugh daviS site manager for springsmilitary life.com, the area’s definitive source for military lifestyle information.

DOCTOR

gold: DR. LISA JENKS Genesis MedSpa medical director, 202 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Suite R, 579-6890; genesis-medspa.com

Her first 20 years were as a physician, but then she turned to aesthetic medicine, using nonsurgical techniques for skin care. A pleased client said, “Out of 10 stars, I’d give her a 20.” Others appreciated “a wonderful bedside manner.” silver: DR. AARON D. SMITH BronZe: DR. STEPHANIE MARTIN

LAWYER gold: MIKE MCDIVITT

19 E. Cimarron St., 471-3700; mcdivittlaw.com

Stop with the lawyer jokes; Mike McDivitt’s clients like him. “This man has so much integrity,” said an admiring client.

“So professional.” “Works with you.” Another fan “loves his commercials.” silver: KEVIN FORBUSH no BronZe

CHIROPRACTOR

AD AGENCY

gold: FREEDOM CHIROPRACTIC 425 W. Rockrimmon Blvd., 964-7765; 6210 Lehman Drive, 533-0303; freedomchiro.com

These clinics have a whole corps of cheerleaders. “Awesome people.” “They believe in holistic health, not just the spine.”

“They care for the whole person, not just an adjustment.” silver: RODNEY FRIELING no BronZe

MARIJUANA DISPENSARY gold: HEALTHY CONNECTIONS 1602 W. Colorado Ave., 203-6004

Customers said this is the best dispensary because of the “great people with lots of knowledge and a good product.”

Then they said, “What was the question, again?” silver: MC CAREGIVERS no BronZe

gold: TAPIA ADVERTISING

P.O. Box 64021, 80962-4021; tapiaadvertising.com

DENTIST

gold: BROADMOOR DENTAL 1930 S. Nevada Ave., 576-5566; broadmoordental.com

The word “family” comes up a lot as the voters talk about this dental office. A fan explained: “We all know a trip to the dentist is not on top of list of fun things to do, but at Broadmoor Dental, they really make it an enjoyable experience, they treat you like family.” silver: DR. MONICA DOBBIN BronZe: DR. KEN GASPER

This new agency has captured the imagination of its fans. “Clever,” “ad campaigns that really work,” “really good guys,” and “I think their Facebook page said it all! They have more fans than most radio and TV stations!” silver: VLADIMIR JONES BronZe: ALLEGRA PRINT & IMAGING

More dialysis treatment options to fit your lifestyle.

• • • •

In-center hemodialysis Nocturnal Dialysis Home Hemodialysis Peritoneal Dialysis

Proudly serving the Colorado Springs Community since 1979

Thank you Colorado Springs for making Ace Hardware one of your Best!

Pikes Peak | Printers Place | Northern Colorado Springs | Fountain

Visit any of our four conveniently located stores for all of your home improvement needs: 1225 N. Circle Drive 2300 N. Wahsatch Ave. 3640 Austin Bluffs Parkway 4201 Centennial Blvd.

Visit us online at www.acecoloradosprings.com

Call Toll Free 1-855-4-DAVITA, and make your choice today. www.DaVita.com/ColoradoSprings

Ranna Christenson, M.D., F.A.C.O.G

Woman-to-Woman Care Obstetrics and Gynecology

Why Wait To Have Your Car Repaired?

We Can Do It Now...Better, Faster & Cheaper!

Need Collision Repair?

Convenient Appointments!

10% OFF

Now Open Tuesday Evenings!

COMPLETE PAINT SERVICES

Accepting most insurances, including Medicaid and Tricare.

8890 North Union Boulevard Suite 175

719-282-4206

BODY LABOR**

Need Paint?

STARTING AT

299

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UH-OH...Better Get Maaco!® THE COLLISION REPAIR SHOP THAT PAINTS CARS.

Family Owned & Operated • Just Ask For One Of The Ambuuls

COLORADO SPRINGS • 719-260-0285 FREE ESTIMATES

392 East Garden of the Gods

*Paint only. **Excludes parts & sublet. Maaco Collision Repair & Auto Painting centers are independent franchises of MAACO Franchising, Inc. Prices, hours & services may vary.

SALON

GOLD: MATEOS SALON AND DAY SPA 5919 Delmonico Drive, 266-9295; mateosdayspa.com

This relaxing spot is a regular Best of the Springs winner. Probably the biggest compliment: “Sometimes I don’t want to leave.”

SILVER: VEDA SALON & SPA BRONZE: J GREGORY SALON

MASSAGE

GOLD: MATEOS SALON AND DAY SPA

DAY SPA

5919 Delmonico Drive, 266-9295; mateosdayspa.com

Whether you’re into Swedish, hot rocks, lavender or the more unconventional (Peruvian Chocolate Massage or Tuscan Wine Antioxidant Massage), you’ll find the trained hands to do it here.

SILVER: MUSCLES IN MOTION BRONZE: MASSAGE ENVY

Rocky

GOLD: GENESIS MEDSPA 202 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., Suite R, 579-6890; genesis-medspa.com

Rested and relaxed clients, with big smiles on their faces, said there’s “a great atmosphere here, always something going on; you can’t leave there without feeling special!”

SILVER: MATEOS SALON AND DAY SPA BRONZE: VEDA SALON & SPA

les

irac M n i a t Moun ains

Gentle Dental Care Howard Short, D.M.D.

50+ Str

Accepting United Concordia Insurance for military families!

x ring Boto Now Offe a filler and Derm CALL FOR APPOINTMENT!

2316 E. Bijou St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 473-9333 RockyMountainMiracles.com All 1/8ths 4g $35 cAp, $199 ounces Must show proof of current, valid Colordao Medical Marijuana registration.

719-574-7631

5739 Constitution Ave. (SW corner Constitution and Powers next to Walgreens)

Ultimate Gutter Protection!

50

%

OFF LABOR*

*Not valid on prior sales or with other offers.

Certain restrictions apply. For a limited time only.

Ultimate Gutter Protection!

Plus...

Receive a $ 50 GAS CARD with a purchase and installation of a LeafGuard Gutter System

Call for a frEE EstimatE

719-387-7750 • 877-522-2249

032911_LGCOL_Gazette_7.75x2.25.indd 1

3/29/11 3:27 PM

HOTEL

BED & BREAkFAST

MOTEL

1 Lake Ave., 634-7711; broadmoor.com

711 Manitou Ave., 685-1277; avenuehotelbandb.com

3228 N. Chestnut St., 520-5400; motel6.com

This landmark resort lives up to its five-star rating. “It doesn’t get any better than this; never has, never will,” a fan said.

SILVER: ANTLERS HILTON BRONZE: THE CLIFF HOUSE AT PIkES PEAk

Looking down over landscaped grounds onto Manitou Avenue, this beautifully remodeled 1886 Victorian boarding house and carriage house is simply delightful.

SILVER: OLD TOWN GUESTHOUSE NO BRONZE

Tom Bodett has left the light on for you. It’s cheap and clean, and your pets stay free, said one fan of this 800-location national chain.

SILVER: BEST WESTERN BRONZE: HOLIDAY INN

GOLD: THE BROADMOOR

GOLD: AVENUE HOTEL BED AND BREAkFAST

GOLD: MOTEL 6

BAR RESTROOMS

CARWASH

3330 N. Academy Blvd., 659-9099

395 S. Eighth St., 471-2103; speedyshine.com

The hottest bartenders in town are here — and working bars in bathrooms of the opposite sex. Male bartenders wear chaps, and females wear booty shorts and a tiny top.

SILVER: COWBOYS BRONZE: TRINITY BREWING

In three minutes, you’re in and out of the wash — vacuum and air are included, all for $5. Watch for Speedy Shine specials and get on the email for supersaver alerts.

SILVER: WATER WORkS BRONZE: QUICk QUACk

GOLD: COPPERHEAD ROAD NIGHTCLUB

Are you sick & tired of being

SICK & TIRED? Are you tired of “pills” bEIng ThE AnSwER? We are the health care providers to Olympic and Professional athletes as well as hundreds of families in our community. Come experience the freedom of optimal health.

FREEDOM CHIROPRACTIC

719-533-0303

KC213898_Gazette_4CAd.indd 1

GOLD: SPEEDY SHINE EXPRESS CAR WASH

COMPETITION & RECREATIONAL DANCE All Levels - All Ages - All Year TAP • JAZZ • LYRICAL • BALLET ACRO • HIP HOP • POM MUSICAL THEATRE

NATIONAL AWARD WINNERS COME JOIN US - TRY IT FREE

Family Atmosphere Ages 15 months thru Adult Summer Camps and Sessions

Robin’s Danceworks 3352 Templeton Gap @ Union

719-328-0695 • www.robinsdanceworks.com

3/24/11 12:24 PM

LOCAL ARCHITECTURE

HOMEBUILDER GOLD: CLASSIC HOMES

6385 Corporate Drive, 592-9333; classichomes.com

GOLD: AFA CADET CHAPEL Visitor’s center 333-2025; www.usafa.af.mil

The 17 aluminum spires of this architectural treasure beckon the most visitors of any man-made site in Colorado.

SILVER: THE BROADMOOR BRONZE: PIONEERS MUSEUM

For 22 years, this homebuilder has been at the top of the list. It’s a local company with homes throughout the city, and buyers ranked it No. 1 in customer service last year, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

SILVER: KELLER HOMES BRONZE: VANTAGE HOMES

LANDSCAPER

GOLD: TIMBERLINE LANDSCAPING 2480 N. Powers Blvd., 638-1000; timberlinelandscaping.com

Their work can be seen throughout the area. “Professional service and care, none better” and “simply the best” were just some of the superlatives.

SILVER: HINER LANDSCAPES NO BRONZE

Now Celebrating Our 35th Anniversary

N

ly Shoes, Just Your Fav orite

s.

Your Complete Music Center

o u r On Y t o

Sales • Repairs • Instruction • Band • Orchestra • Folk Instruments • Sheet Music Accessories • PLUS: Teaching Studios for Students of All Ages

20% Off

3 Locations

113 E. Bijou 471-8940 Woodmen Plaza 534-9919 Regular Price Merchandise 6330 S. Hwy. 85-87, Fountain No combined offers.

391-8922

www.meekermusic.com

123 N. Tejon St. - Downtown

635-1575

Hours: Mon - Fri 9:30 to 6:00 • Sat. 9:30 to 5:00 • Closed Sundays.

eve’s revolution e

celebrating 10 beautiful years

Children’s Clothing and Accessories Boutique style consignment shopping featuring retail and handmade items.

Get the best of new and “previously loved” children’s clothing! Popular brands!

clothing shoes

Retail Select Consignment 1312 West Colorado Avenue • COS • 719.633.1357

www.evesrevolution.com

handbags accessories M - Sat 10 to 5 Sunday 12 to 5

1721 W. Colorado Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80904 M. - F. 10 - 5, Saturday 10 - 5 719.635.9725

Bring in this ad to save 25% off of one regularly priced clothing item or accessory.

(Offer good through 5-14-11)

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Thanks For Making Us The Best of Colorado Springs Providing Superior Products and Services to Colorado Springs for Over 30 Years

COLORADO SPRINGS 5655 N. Academy Blvd. • At Academy & Vickers 719.531.7250 • Mon - Sat 9-7, Sun 11-6

WOODLEYS.COM

ExpErt SElEctionS PROLIFIC TV TWEETER UP-AND-COMING REPORTER/ANCHOR

BEST USE OF GLASSES

caROLYN caRVER

RachaEL pLath

newsfirst5.com

krdo.com

The News First 5 reporter/morning weekend anchor continues to gain poise, confidence and the ability to deliver breaking news whether at the anchor desk or on a live shot.

While most on-air people wear contacts, KRDO’s new meteorologist dares to wear glasses and looks good doing so.

BaRREtt tRYON krdo.com

KRDO’s digital content director, Web/tech/entertainment reporter posts a steady stream of breaking news and retweets a wide variety of fun facts, celebrity gossip and other information.

You will not be bored following @Barrett Tryon.

paul kavanaugh

thE GaZEttE tV taLk cOLumNISt — FRIENDS mESS wIth hIS REmOtE cONtROL at thEIR pERIL.

RADIO PERSONALITIES GOLD: JOHNJAY & RICH

KVUU, My 99.9 FM, 785-9999; my999radio.com

These Phoenix-based funny guys are carried by five stations, three in Arizona, two in Colorado. “Hands down, the only reason I look forward to driving to work in the morning,” said a listener.

SILVER: TRON SIMPSON, KCMN FM BRONZE: WILLIE AND VAL, Y96.9 FM Capt. Dan and Paul Richards, Lifetime Achievement Award winners, were not in the running.

TV NEWS HOTTIE MALE

GOLD: MATT MEISTER KRDO Channel 13 chief meteorologist, 632-1515; KRDO.com

The Mattster just gets hotter and funnier, winning year after year. Viewers like him as a meteorologist, for sure, but appreciate, too, that “he’s so easy on the eyes.”

SILVER: ADAM ATCHISON BRONZE: JOE COLE

TV NEWS HOTTIE FEMALE

GOLD: GEORGIANN LYMBEROPOULOS KOAA News First 5, 632-5030; newsfirst5.com

Viewers think her “wonderful personality,” and “being a genuine lady” make her even hotter. Or, said one, “she’s just plain HOT!” Now they can add that she’s one hot mama. In January, Georgiann and her husband had twin daughters.

SILVER: RACHAEL PLATH BRONZE: HEATHER SKOLD

TV ANCHOR

GOLD: GEORGIANN LYMBEROPOULOS KOAA News First 5, 632-5030; newsfirst5.com

She joined KOAA in 1994 and the audience felt an immediate rapport.

Flashy she’s not — more the girl next door, viewers said.

SILVER: ROB QUIRK BRONZE: JON KARROLL NOTE: Lisa Lyden, winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, was not in the running.

TV NEWS SHOW

GOLD: KOAA NEWS FIRST 5 632-5030; newsfirst5.com

Voters called the KOAA news “the most professional in Southern Colorado. Wouldn’t watch anything else.”

SILVER: KRDO NEWSCHANNEL 13 BRONZE: KXRM FOX 21

RADIO STATION GOLD: KRCC (91.5 FM) 473-4801; radiocoloradocollege.org

Our local NPR affiliate keeps fans happy with eclectic music, in-depth news (local and national), and popular programs such as “A Prairie Home Companion” and “This American Life.”

SILVER: 103.9 RXP FM BRONZE: KVUU MY 99.9 FM

WEDDING VENUE GOLD: THE PINERY

12375 Black Forest Road, 495-9499; thepinery.com

A beautiful outdoor setting in Black Forest, or there’s an elegant banquet hall.

But the Pinery is more than a venue; it’s a full-service wedding center.

SILVER: GARDEN OF THE GODS CLUB BRONZE: THE BROADMOOR

WEDDING DJ GOLD: SENSATIONAL SOUNDS

7301 Talimena Terrace, Falcon, 233-7735; ssprodj.com

Don’t be scared away by the young DJs, most of them college and high school students. These DJs really know their music, whether it’s Lady Gaga or Etta James, pop or “YMCA.” SILVER: ABSOLUTE DANCE SOUNDS BRONZE: CELEBRITY DJ

We’’We ve been recycling your used sports and fitness equipment in Colorado Springs for over 20 years.

Create your own discount by selling us the quality used sports and fitness equipment you no longer use

5338 Montebello Ln Colorado Springs, CO 80918 719-528-5840 PlayItAgainSportsCSprings.co

WEDDING PLANNER

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

358-3998; sarahvieraevents.com

930-6066; duvaldigital.com

GOLD: SARAH VIERA

GOLD: DUVAL DIGITAL

She’s a romantic who learned about fairy-tale weddings by planning her own. Now, she’s passing that along to the brides and grooms who come to her for their dream weddings. “She became our best friend,” said a happy bride.

SILVER: MAGGIE MORAN BRONZE: CHRISTY WALTERS

Photos can make or break that special day. Duval Digital makes the wedding day an ultimate experience. “They are terrific! The Best! Wonderful! They captured the wedding day so perfectly. Pictures are edgy, creative and artistic, and the albums just blew everyone away.”

SILVER: BLUE FOX PHOTOGRAPHY tIE fOR BRONZE: SHANNON COKER PHOTOGRAPHY; CAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

DOG TRAINER

GOLD: ANGIE NEAL, LUCKY DOG RESORT & TRAINING SCHOOL 4401 Mark Dabling Blvd., 599-9663; bealuckydog.com

We checked with some doggies, and just mentioning Angie set some tails a wagging. Their owners were even more effusive about this trainer with 25 years of experience: “Best all-around behaviorist in the area.” One of her most popular new programs: dock diving.

SILVER: SARAH FRICKE, WAG DOG TRAINING BRONZE: MATT WILSON, PETSMART

PET GROOMER GOLD: PETCO

Four locations; petco.com

The well-trained groomers offer head-to-tail services at four locations spread out over town, and they received howls of support from fans.

SILVER: CARI GOSLYN, SOGGY DOGGIES BRONZE: CHRISTINA ILER, LUCKY DOG

KENNEL

GOLD: CAMP BOW WOW 4295 Northpark Drive, 260-9247; 1020 Ford St., 573-9247; 18985 Base Camp Road, Monument, 632-9247; campbowwowusa.com

It’s a day care for pets, and puppies and kitties can go to overnight camp. If Fido or Fluffy is happiest in his or her own bed, there’s in-home pet care, too.

SILVER: LUCKY DOG BRONZE: CANINE CAMPUS

VETERINARIAN

GOLD: BILL HANCOCK, BELCREST ANIMAL CLINIC 1721 W. Uintah St., 632-0222

Big pets, little pets and even the tiniest pets — think rats and gerbils — they all get special care by this veterinarian, who is centrally located, say the voters.

SILVER: WESTSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL BRONZE: ST. FRANCIS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

COALTRAIN WINE AND SPIRITS

finally a gallery furniture store that’s actually affordable

AcAdemy blvd.

PIkEs PEAk BLvd. 345 s.

AcAdEmY BLvd. AIRPoRT BLvd.

Knowledge.

Experience.

Service.

Passion.

Integrity.

That’s Coaltrain.

FURNITURE GALLERY 345 S. Academy Blvd.

719-550-9464 www.broyhillcos.com

Baths by Beldon

719.475.9700

Uintah & I-25 • www.coaltrainwine.com

E

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shopping

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The search for the sexy pair of shoes that will make your best friend realize she’s out-classed just got a lot easier. Search for “shoes” and we’ll hook you up.

•

VIDEO GAME STORE

GOLD: GAMESTOP

SILVER: ENTERTAINMART BRONZE: VIDEO GAME EXCHANGE ELECTRONICS STORE

GOLD: BEST BUY SILVER: DRIVE-IN AUTOSOUND BRONZE: ULTIMATE ELECTRONICS

PLACE FOR BARGAINS

GOLD: GOODWILL

SILVER: ROSS DRESS FOR LESS TIE FOR BRONZE: FLEA MARKET; KOHL’S DISCOUNT FURNITURE

GOLD: AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE SILVER: PLATTE FURNITURE BRONZE: PEAK FURNITURE PAWN SHOP

GOLD: ACE LOANS PAWN SHOPS

TIE FOR SILVER: ACME PAWNSHOPS; EZPAWN BRONZE: GLENN’S JEWELRY & LOANS

BOOKSTORE

GOLD: BARNES & NOBLE SILVER: BORDERS BRONZE: POOR RICHARD’S BOOKSTORE GOLF PRO SHOP

GOLD: WORLD GOLF

SILVER: COLORADO SKI & GOLF BRONZE: GARDEN OF THE GODS CLUB GOLF SHOP HOCKEY GEAR STORE

GOLD: PLAYERS BENCH SILVER: SLAPSHOT SPORTS BRONZE: PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS DOLLAR STORE

GOLD: DOLLAR TREE

SILVER: FAMILY DOLLAR BRONZE: DOLLAR GENERAL

NEW STORE GOLD: LILLIANS

7477 N. Academy Blvd., 375-5165; lilliansshoppe.com/coloradosprings

A mother and daughter own this store that’s open only four days a month — the first Thursdays through the first Sundays. The trendy fashions come out of New York City or the West Coast. One fan raved: “I love this store! I set aside a little extra each month in order to go and get something new and fun.”

SILVER: RAINY DAY ANIME BRONZE: PENZEYS SPICES

86 I BEST OF THE SPRINGS I 2011 I THE GAZETTE

“Got a Handle on It” • Painted Wood, Steel

By Sean O’Meallie

ANTIQUES SHOP

GOLD: COLORADO COUNTRY ANTIQUE MALL SILVER: AMERICAN CLASSICS MARKETPLACE BRONZE: LEGEND ANTIQUES

SHOPPING CENTER

GOLD: THE PROMENADE SHOPS AT BRIARGATE 1885 Briargate Parkway, 265-6264; thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com

Shoppers went gaga over this outdoor mall, with its Banana Republic, Apple store, Gloss denim store, Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma: “They have a little something for everyone there. Easy access and a great variety of stores.”

“It’s a fun place to shop and ... enjoy the outdoors all at the same time.”

SILVER: CHAPEL HILLS MALL BRONZE: FIRST & MAIN TOWN CENTER

CONGRATULATIONS 2011 “BEST OF” WINNERS! It is our privilege to be in the company of Colorado Springs’ very best.

At Luisa Graff Jewelers, our goal is to pass on the same love and friendship that you give us every day! Stop by for a cup of coffee, a cookie, or just a hug and warm conversation. You, our friends, are the reason we so very much enjoy what we do.

24/7 • 365

Yellow Cab Co. of Colorado SpringS

And if you want to play with some of the hundreds of beautiful diamonds, colored gemstones, and other jewelry we have on hand…well, that’s OK too!

Serving the Pikes Peak Region with Pride Since 1922

777-7777

2006-11

Love Helping You be Unforgettable!

4663 Centennial Blvd. | Colorado Springs, CO 80919 | 719.260.0100 M - Sat 10am - 6pm Th 10am - 7pm www.luisagraffjewelers.com

All mAjor credit cArds Accepted

PIONEER PLAZA CENTER 1105 N. CIRCLE DR. • 574-2244 JUST WEST OF THE SUPER SAFEWAY (N. CIRCLE & GALLEY) OR FAX YOUR ORDER TO

570-9850

www.cheersliquormart.com

Southern Colorado’s Greatest Liquid Asset

Thank you to our loyal customers for helping us be the best!

OPEN: 9 -9 M -T H 9 -1 0 F R I & S AT 1 0 -6 S U N

FE AT UR IN G IC E, TH E BE ST SE RV N, SE LE CT IO AN D PR IC ES IN LO RA DO. SO UT HE RN CO

LIVER! WE DE LL US AT CA

574-2244 EM AIL US AT

ART@ QW CH EE RS LIQ UO RM

ES T.N ET

WE WELCOME MINORS ATTEMPTING TO PURCHASE ALCOHOL WILL BE PROSECUTED TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.

ExpErt SElEctionS PLACE FOR KIDDIES TO PLAY WHILE MOMMY SHOPS EVE’S REVOLUTION 1312 W. Colorado Ave., 633-1357; evesrevolution.com

Sometimes it’s hard to focus on your shopping when you’ve got a demanding little one tugging at your hem.

But Eve’s Revolution solves that with a cute, clean and contained play area near the back of the store.

HOME OF SPARKLING SHOES YARID’S 1 Lake Ave., 475-0958; yarids.com

Stuart Weitzman, Giuseppe Zanotti, Kate Spade.

Your favorite sparkling-shoe designers live at Yarid’s, an adorable and inviting boutique at The Broadmoor.

WHERE TO GET A GORGEOUS CHAIR AND A SASSY HANDBAG TANSI’S 1791 S. Eighth St., Suite D, 630-1400; tansisonline.com

Part home décor and part women’s apparel, it’s a place a girl can do some major credit card damage.

LOCAL PLACE TO BUY SOMETHING FOR A GOOD CAUSE YOBEL MARKET 2528 W. Colorado Ave., 433-1318; yobelmarket.com

This inviting shop offers handmade goods from around the world that are produced in developing and impoverished communities.

When you buy these stylish and affordable products, money goes toward improving the lives of the people who make them, like Ugandan refugees.

WOMEN’S FASHIONS

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE

7477 N. Academy Blvd., 375-5165; lilliansshoppe.com/ coloradosprings

1721 W. Colorado Ave., 635-9725; recessconsign.com

gOLD: LILLIANS

The new kid on the block also won this coveted category. Why? One reader explained: “The latest trends for little cost.”

SILVER: EVE’S REVOLUTION BRONZE: KOHL’S

tanya bEll OUR CRAVE DIVA gETS IN MORE ShOppINg BEfORE NOON ON A TUESDAY ThAN MOST fOLKS ShOp ALL wEEK LONg.

gOLD: RECESS

Fans said: “Wonderful selection of better name-brand consignment items. Cute store!” “Cannot beat the quality, the boutique style and the prices. Great sales every week.”

SILVER: MOUNTAIN MOPPETS BRONZE: THE CHILDREN’S PLACE

BABY SHOP gOLD: BABIES R US

3555 Citadel Drive, 574-7737; babiesrus.com

MEN’S FASHIONS gOLD: KOHL’S

2725 Janitell Road, 527-0610; 3110 N. Powers Blvd., 637-0214; 4910 N. Nevada Ave., 531-5099; kohls.com

The department store topped the competition with great sales, low prices and impressive clothing lines.

SILVER: PLATO’S CLOSET BRONZE: DILLARD’S

CONSIGNMENT STORE gOLD: JUST BETWEEN FRIENDS 216-2626, 352-9100; coloradosprings.jbfsale.com

The twice-yearly event is a children’s and maternity consignment sales bonanza. There’s one going on today and Saturday at the Event Center at Rustic Hills, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. One fan said it’s “like going to 50 stores at once.”

SILVER: EVE’S REVOLUTION BRONZE: RECESS CHILDREN’S CLOTHING

THRIFT STORE gOLD: GOODWILL Multiple locations; goodwill-colosprings.org

You love the cleanliness of the stores and the numbers on the price tags. “Organized and easy to find what you are looking for, not dumpy.” “Their stores feel like department stores, and their prices are the best in town, thriftwise.”

SILVER: ARC THRIFT STORES BRONZE: THE SALVATION ARMY

Voters always throw their vote to the national chain when it comes to baby gear: “Their selection is second to none when it comes to what you need for Baby, and the prices are very reasonable.”

SILVER: RECESS BRONZE: MOUNTAIN MOPPETS

TOY STORE

gOLD: LITTLE RICHARD’S TOY STORE 324 N. Tejon St., 578-5848; poorrichards.biz

Even adults can have fun trying out all the toys, puppets and games at the little toy store that could in downtown Springs.

SILVER: BABYPLAYS TOY RENTAL SERVICE BRONZE: TOYS R US

Sp “ ri A si ngs Col nc L or e an ad 19 d o 21 ma ” rk

Thank You to our Loyal Customers for Voting us Best of 2011 Colorado Springs Free Wine Tasting every Saturday & Sunday in our Exclusive Wine Tasting Room.

Springs Lowest

Sales Tax

4.9%

Save 5%

everyday with your power card

we

Deliver

Palmer Park Powers Blvd.

www.powersliquormart.com

K-MART POWERS LIQUOR MART

N

Powers Liquor Mart

719.596.4700

Next to K-Mart, across from Wal-Mart.

Southeast corner of Powers and Palmer Park

OPEN MON-THUR 9AM-10PM FRI-SAT 9AM-11PM • SUN 10AM-6PM

5847 PALMER PARK BLVD

platte floral Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sat 8-5 www.plattefloral.com 1417 E. Platte Ave. • 632-2607

Furniture Designed For Your Lifestyle.

Featuring

Thomasville • Stressless • Flexsteel Berhardt • Natuzzi • Kincaid Drexel Heritage • Rowe

A History of Integrity & Service Since 1921

3212 E. Platte Avenue • 632.6621 www.americanfurniture.com

much blooming imagination.

POWERS LIQUOR MART

from the store with so

JEWELER GOLD: ZERBE JEWELERS

212 N. Tejon St., 635-3521; zerbejewelers.com

The Zerbe family is all about keeping relationships and jewelry sales face to face. They’ve had a downtown presence for 39 years.

Says one fan: “Charles and Janice know their business better than anyone in town.”

SILVER: JOHANNES HUNTER JEWELERS BRONZE: LUISA GRAFF JEWELERS

EYEGLASS STORE GOLD: ABBA EYE CARE Multiple locations; abbaeyecare.com

Abba offers diverse services such as routine exams and laser-eye-surgery consultations. Fans said: “Awesome service, awesome selection, great staff and great doctors.”

SILVER: CHARLOTTE’S OPTICAL BRONZE: LENSCRAFTERS

SHOE STORE GOLD: DSW

7639 N. Academy Blvd., 264-8007; dsw.com

This store holds row upon row of shoes. Fans said: “Their sale items are a fantastic deal. Good variety.” “Gives a 10 percent discount for military.”

SILVER: BROWN’S SHOE FIT BRONZE: FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

SKI SHOP GOLD: THE SKI SHOP

1422 S. Tejon St., 636-3355; theskishopinc.com

The family-owned business began in 1952 and has wooed customers with its skiing and snowboarding knowledge ever since. A fan said: “They know their business and have been in business for years.”

SILVER: CHRISTY SPORTS BRONZE: COLORADO SKI & GOLF

SPORTING GOODS GOLD: DICK’S SPORTING GOODS 3133 Cinema Point, 638-3400; 1710 Briargate Blvd., 264-1810; dickssportinggoods.com

If you play a sport, are contemplating taking up a sport or just like to watch sports, this is one-stop shopping: “They have everything you ever need.”

SILVER: REI BRONZE: BIG 5

USED SPORTING GOODS GOLD: PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS

1033 N. Academy Blvd., 574-4849; 5338 Montebello Lane, 528-5840; playitagainsportscsprings.com

You can raise funds for your organization or league, sign up for a coach’s discount or just peruse the used items.

“This store has it all and carries it for very low cost,” a fan said.

SILVER: GOODWILL BRONZE: MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT RECYCLERS

PLANT NURSERY GOLD: SPENCER’S LAWN AND GARDEN CENTERS

4720 Center Valley Drive, Fountain, 392-2726; 1430 S. Tejon St., 632-2788; spencersgardens.com

Not only is the family-owned and -operated business your go-to spot for plants, but it also operates a seasonal farmers market with Colorado produce by the pound or bushel. Green-thumbers said: “Best variety of plants in town. The best quality and the best value,” and “Great selection, well cared-for plants, great help, good prices.”

TIE FOR SILVER: GOOD EARTH GARDEN CENTER; RICK’S NURSERY BRONZE: HARDING NURSERY

APPLIANCE STORE GOLD: SHOUSE APPLIANCE

3965 N. Academy Blvd., 596-3000; shouseappliance.com

This store carries most brands of appliances and has made a name for itself in the highend appliance niche. Fans said: “Very nice and knowledgeable salesmen.” “It is such a wonderful, friendly store.”

SILVER: SEARS BRONZE: LOWE’S

SOURCE FOR MILITARY DISCOUNTS GOLD: NEVADA AUTO SALES 934 S. Nevada Ave., 635-2533; crazyherman.com

This auto dealer will take into account your rank, crunch the numbers and get you into a car you’ll be able to afford.

SILVER: DRIVE-IN AUTOSOUND tIE fOR BRONZE: SPRINGSBARGAINS.COM; SPRINGSMILITARYLIFE.COM; LOWE’S

USED-CAR DEALER GOLD: NEVADA AUTO SALES 934 S. Nevada Ave., 635-2533; crazyherman.com

Fans are nuts about Crazy Herman: “Big selection, easy to work with, lots of financing available.” “The most respected car dealer in the city. Hands down!”

SILVER: CARMAX BRONZE: PHIL LONG

SKATEBOARD SHOP

SNOWBOARD SHOP

293 S. 21st St., 636-1554; blindsidecolorado.com

1422 S. Tejon St., 636-3355; theskishopinc.com

Takes a skater to know a skater, and isn’t that what you want when you’re plunking down dough for a board? “The staff know their stuff, and they love to talk, very friendly.” tIE fOR SILVER: BC SURF & SPORT AND ZUMIEZ BRONZE: PROPER BOARDS AND APPAREL

The Ski Shop has diversified enough to attract snowboarders from the specialty snowboard shops.

SILVER: CHRISTY SPORTS BRONZE: BLINDSIDE

GOLD: BLINDSIDE

GOLD: THE SKI SHOP

Giving Tree Montessori School “The Child is Both a Hope and a Promise for Mankind”

- Maria Montessori

719-630-3763 Schedule a Tour Today!

Enrolling Ages 3-6 years 1110 W. Moreno Ave. 80905 | www.gtmschool.com Serving the Children in the Colorado Springs Area Since 1995

NEWCAR DEALER GOLD: HEUBERGER MOTORS 1080 Motor City Drive, 866-6411; heuberger motors.com

The family-owned and -operated business is the largest-volume Subaru dealer in the country.

SILVER: PHIL LONG BRONZE: LIBERTY TOYOTA

BEST SOUTHWEST SHOP! Jewelry | Arts | Furniture | Appraisals

Estate and Pawn Jewelry Sale May 7!

Great Southwest

719.471.7772 | greatsouthwestart.com Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Your Santa Fe Connection.

We pay the sales tax for you. Free Parking.

Downtown behind the Antlers Hilton 76 S. Sierra Madre St., #C, Colo. Sprgs, CO 80903

The only Direct Shuttle Service to and from Denver

Colorado SpringS

Shuttle 1.719.687.3456 1.877.587.3456

International Airport

ColoradoShuttle.com

ExpErt SElEctionS PLACE FOR COLORADO PRODUCTS

GOURMET SHOP

GOTTA LOVE IT KITCHEN

The staff keeps the store stocked with out-of-the-ordinary foods. There’s always a selection of goodies out for sampling so you can taste before you buy.

2521 W. Colorado Ave., 322-7143

This is a commercial kitchen where small food producers can rent space to make their products and sell them in a retail space.

You’ll find makers of cakes, cookies, tamales, cheese spreads, garlic spreads, cupcakes and other Colorado-produced food items.

GARDEN OF THE GODS GOURMET 2528 W. Cucharras St., 471-2799; godsgourmet.net

PLACE TO bUY ROASTED DUCK ASIAN PACIFIC MARKET 615 Wooten Road, 573-7500 You’ll feel just like you’re in San Francisco’s Chinatown when you shop at the deli in this market.

Freshly roasted whole ducks are ready and waiting with all the other meal ingredients in the market.

PLACE FOR GLUTEN-FREE PIZZA PARADISE PIZZA 3609 Austin bluffs Parkway, 264-1600; paradisepizzamenu.com Clever chefs have created a tasty, crunchy crust from hash brown potatoes and loaded it with all sorts of toppings. Most of the pies include scrambled eggs. Even if you don’t have to avoid gluten, you’ll enjoy this option for a breakfast treat.

DISCOUNT FOOD PLACE GOLD: SUNFLOWER FARMERS MARKET 1730 Dublin blvd., 590-8890; sfmarkets.com

Fans raved about the selection and beat-other-grocerystore prices. One reader said, “My new favorite destination when I need produce.”

SILVER: COSTCO BRONZE: bARGAIN MART

SUPERMARKET GOLD: KING SOOPERS Multiple locations; kingsoopers.com

Voters praised the friendly staff, the quality of food and the cleanliness of the stores.

SILVER: WHOLE FOODS MARKET BRONZE: SAFEWAY

HEALTH FOOD STORE

GOLD: WHOLE FOODS MARKET 7635 N. Academy blvd., 531-9999; 3180 New Center Point, 622-1099; wholefoodsmarket.com

Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, raw, macrobiotic — you name it, this store will have what’s for dinner.

SILVER: SUNFLOWER FARMERS MARKET BRONZE: NATURAL GROCERS bY VITAMIN COTTAGE

FARMERS MARKET

GOLD: OLD COLORADO CITY 24th Street at West Colorado Avenue

This sprawling market packs vendors sidewalk to sidewalk on summer days.

Fans said: “This is not just a farmers market in a parking lot somewhere but has the feel of an open market.” “I love seeing my neighbors there, talking to the farmers, sampling their fresh juicy peaches, and hauling home the veggies that will last me the whole week.”

SILVER: ACACIA PARK BRONZE: MEMORIAL PARK

MOROCCAN OIL AND TAJINE OLIVE TREE TRADERS 2526 W. Colorado Ave., 442 1727; olivetreetraders.com

You’ll find everything you need for a Moroccan feast, including cookbooks, terra cotta tajines and seasonings including saffron, turmeric, Mediterranean sea salts, traditional spice blends, preserved lemons, olives, harissa and argan oil. There are other items from Middle Eastern countries, too.

OLIVE OILS THE OLIVE TAP 906 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 358-9329; theolivetap.com/manitou

This store offers a broad selection of 100 percent extra-virgin olive oils, flavored olive oils, balsamic vinegars, spices and select culinary and gourmet products.

tErESa farnEy THE GAZETTE FOOD EDITOR HAS MANAGED TO KEEP HER GIRLISH FIGURE AS SHE ExPLORES NEw FRONTIERS OF GASTRONOMy.

SPICE STORE GOLD: SAVORY SPICE SHOP 110 N. Tejon St., 633-8803; savoryspiceshop.com

Spices are ground fresh on the premises of this downtown store. They’re offered in small, weekly batches, in amounts from a half-ounce to bags or bottles. A foodie said: “bought all my family Christmas presents from there this year — incredible!”

SILVER: PENZEYS SPICES BRONZE: EXTRAORDINARY INGREDIENTS

LIQUOR STORE

GOLD: CHEERS LIQUOR MART 1105 N. Circle Drive, 574-2244; cheersliquormart.com

Once again, you raised a glass to the liquor store where the beer, wine and fixins’ for cocktails go on for aisles and aisles.

SILVER: POWERS LIQUOR MART BRONZE: COALTRAIN WINE AND SPIRITS

GOURMET SHOP GOLD: WHOLE FOODS MARKET

7635 N. Academy Blvd., 531-9999; 3180 New Center Point, 622-1099; wholefoodsmarket.com

WINE SHOP

GOLD: POWERS LIQUOR MART 5847 Palmer Park Blvd., 596-4700; powersliquormart.com

Wanting to break out of your wine rut? Check out the free tastings every Saturday and Sunday in the on-site Wine Room. You must sign up 24 hours in advance.

SILVER: COALTRAIN WINE AND SPIRITS BRONZE: VINTAGES WINES AND SPIRITS

The huge natural-health-food store tops your charts for fancy food, with its enormous salad bar, olive bar, cheese department and bakery.

SILVER: MOLLICA’S ITALIAN MARKET AND DELI BRONZE: GARDEN OF THE GODS GOURMET

KITCHEN STORE

GOLD: SPARROW HAWK GOURMET COOKWARE 120 N. Tejon St., 471-3235; sparrowhawkcookware.com

A toy store for foodies. “You always have just what I’m looking for.” “If they don’t have it, it doesn’t exist.”

SILVER: CHEFS OUTLET STORE BRONZE: BED BATH & BEYOND

BUTCHER SHOP

GOLD: ANDY’S MEAT MARKET 2915 E. Platte Ave., 636-1149; andysmeatmarket.com

The locally owned shop specializes in wild-game processing: Fans said: “The meat tastes so delicious ... A great deal!”

SILVER: RANCH FOODS DIRECT BRONZE: WHOLE FOODS MARKET

Juniper Valley Dining room

your pet can save lives!

SP

RS

RINNowG HinOU

Prevent unwanted pets and pet deaths by having your animal spayed or neutered.

Our 60th Season!

Learn about subsidized surgeries at hsppr.org or (719) 473-1741.

Specializing in skillet fried chicken or baked ham dinner

576-0741

Open April 1st for the season

(located 12 miles south on Hwy 115) Hours: Fri. & Sat. 5pm-8pm, Sun. 1pm-7pm www.junipervalleyranch.com

Camp Bow Wow

®

Premier Doggy Day & Overnight Camp All Day Play, Snooze the Night Away® Live Camper Cams® to Watch Your Pup Play Certified Camp Counselors® First Day of Daycare FREE!

Garden of the Gods & I-25: 260-WAGS Powers & Galley: 573-WAGS

of ken t s ic e Be Ch zett ied Ga 9 Fr The 200

SMOKE SHOP

FLORIST

GOLD: STAG TOBACCONIST

GOLD: PLATTE FLORAL

4109 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 633-0669; smokethiscigar.com

1417 E. Platte Ave., 632-2607; plattefloral.com

Owners call it a “smoker’s dream,” and it just might be, what with its floor-to-ceiling wall of more than a thousand cigars, hundreds of tobacco pipes and tobacco from around the world.

SILVER: FREAKY’S BRONZE: OLD WEST CIGAR & TOBACCO

Whether you need a quick but beautiful bouquet for that anniversary you forgot about until the day before, or a cactus or blooming plant for your home, Platte Floral can hook you up. Fans said: “Consistently good flowers and plants” and “Gorgeous flower arrangements.”

SILVER: GENTRY’S FLOWERS BRONZE: SKYWAY CREATIONS

MUSIC STORE

HARDWARE STORE

FURNITURE STORE

GOLD: ACE HARDWARE

2805 Chestnut St., 633-4220; 1815 N. Academy Blvd., 596-8585; afwonline.com

Multiple locations; acehardware.com

Fans talk about the prices and the sheer volume of stuff: “All of my furniture is from this place, and we just love the sales people and the selection.”

SILVER: TANSI’S tIE fOR BRONZE: PLATTE FURNITURE; WOODLEY’S FINE FURNITURE

You can’t take more than a few steps in the store before an associate offers to help you.

SILVER: THE HOME DEPOT BRONZE: LOWE’S

GOLD: AMERICAN FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

GOLD: INDEPENDENT RECORDS AND VIDEO Four locations; beindependent.com

It has sold us music from our favorite bands, recommended new ones and sold us concert tickets to ’em both since 1978.

SILVER: GRANER MUSIC BRONZE: ENTERTAINMART

Space Adventures for Corporate, Family & School Groups!

Register NOW for summer!

719.598.9755

www.clccs.org

Visit CarrierColorado.com TODAY to learn more about

• Free Estimates • Financing available, w.a.c.

• REBATES AND TAX CREDITS AVAILABLE

CARRIER FURNACES AND AIR CONDITIONERS CAN LOWER YOUR

UTILITY BILL UP TO 35% Visit CarrierColorado.com today to find out how you can save with energy-efficient furnaces and air conditioners

... cOLORaDOSpRINGS.cOm/BESTOF

“Mad Mod Ted, Fred & Rachel” painted Wood •

By Sean O’Meallie

Is there anything more irritating at home than a bored teenager? The cure for that boredom is a click away. Just do a search for “teen,” and you’re halfway there.

...

family

FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS, RESOURCES AND MORE

DAY CARE CENTER

FAMILY OUTING

1110 W. Moreno Ave., 630-3763; gtmschool.com

4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, 633-9925; cmzoo.org

Visit most day care centers and you’re likely to find a loud (sometimes joyful) sense of anarchy. Not so at Giving Tree, where a quiet, respectful air seems the norm. One fan said, “Beyond child care, this environment provides a foundation that nurtures 3- to 6-year-olds to become good human beings, while effortlessly grasping the basics of reading, writing, mathematics and the world around us.”

SILVER: SpRINGS OF LIFE CHILDREN’S CENTER BRONZE: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

Our mountainside zoo has received worldwide acclaim, particularly for its giraffe-breeding program. And if our zoo can get giraffes amorous, it’s certain to charm your family.

Strangely, the zoo also has one of the better chefs in the region, so expect some stellar grub.

SILVER: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN BRONZE: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

GOLD: GIVING TREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL

96 I BEST OF THE SpRINGS I 2011 I THE GAZETTE

GOLD: CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO

ExpErt sElEctions VENUE FOR FREE EVENTS Pikes Peak library district 14 branches, 531-6333; ppld.org

The library offers special programming in addition to its regular schedule that includes performances, crafts and interactive activities.

GAME NIGHT comPleat games & hobbies

MAGIC

CHALLENGE FOR TEENS

the north Pole

mr. biggs’ Xtreme challenge arena

5050 Pikes Peak Highway, 684-9432; santas-colo.com

5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., 955-7220; mrbiggsffc.com

A throwback to a simpler time, this little mountain amusement park is home to a terrific magic show.

326 N. Tejon St., 473-1116; compleatgamer.com

Parents and kids can buy, borrow or bring in their favorite board games 5-8 p.m. each Tuesday.

FAMILY THEATER manitou art theatre 1367 Pecan St., 465-6321; themat.org

The MAT offers monthly “Kids First” live theater productions as well as classes and camps.

Performance artists and clowns will dish out fun for everyone.

This new play area at Mr. Biggs engages kids in challenging, physical competitions that even a jaded teen will find amazing.

FESTIVAL FOR KIDS colorado renaissance festival coloradorenaissance.com

OUTDOOR tie: bear creek and fountain creek nature centers

Held over eight weekends in June and July in Larkspur, the Ren Fest enchants kids with shows and attractions that engage adults, too.

245 Bear Creek Road, 520-6387; 320 Peppergrass Lane, Fountain, 520-6745; www.elpasoco.com

PUPPET SHOW

Both centers offer regular classes for kids and families at a low cost.

2413 W. Colorado Ave., 465-2492; simpich.com

trudy thomas

simPich shoWcase marionette theatre David Simpich creates the marionettes and performs nationally acclaimed string-puppet shows.

site manager of PikesPeakParent.com and the Patient and inventive mother of three children.

TEEN HANGOUT

FATHER-SON OUTING

5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., 955-7220; mrbiggsffc.com

3035 New Center Point, 623-1550; itzusa.com

gold: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

gold: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN

Good fathers should stay with their boys while they’re riding the Kite Flyer or the Speedway.

But sometimes boys want to be alone for a while, giving Dad time to duck into the Gametime room to enjoy a brew and the game on the big screen. silver: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER bronZe: SKY SOX

Why should the little kids have all the fun? The laser tag, bowling and the new Xtreme Challenge Gladiator Arena are sure to have your teens saying, “This is so sick!” silver: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN bronZe: ARTSPORTS WORLD

FAMILY FUN CENTER 5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., 955-7220; mrbiggsffc.com

Parents raved about the options: go-carts, bumper cars, laser tag, mini-golf, bowling.

With more than 150,000 square feet of attractions and play area, it’s tough for kids to find boredom. silver: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN tie for bronZe: ARTSPORTS WORLD; CHUCK E. CHEESE’S

MOTHERDAUGHTER OUTING

PLACE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY

gold: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN

3035 New Center Point, 623-1550; itzusa.com

gold: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

Mothers say they especially like the movie rooms here, where they can unwind with the kids after an hour or two on the rides. silver: TEA AT GLEN EYRIE CASTLE bronZe: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., 955-7220; mrbiggsffc.com

Mr. Biggs has bowling parties, themed parties and just regular play-all-overthe-place parties. And the pizza has undergone a serious upgrade. silver: IT’Z FAMILY FOOD & FUN bronZe: ARTSPORTS WORLD

for supporting us for 59 years!

•USDA Choice Beef •Pork •Poultry •Retail Service Counter •Freezer Beef •Wild Game Processing •Custom Curing & Smoking

ANDY’S MEAT MARKET

2915 East Platte, 639-1149 andysmeatmarket.com

MEAT MA Y’S

ET RK

T hank you

AND

gold: MR. BIGGS FAMILY FUN CENTER

ADO SPRINGS COLOR

Service auction

ross aucTion house 815 S. Sierra Madre 719-632-6693 www.RossAuction.com

Live Public Auction Every Friday & Saturday. Your Complete Estate Service.

Buying & Selling Made Fun. Monthly Gun, Antique, Unique & Collectible Auction Consign 1 Gun or Collection!

car WaSH speeDy shine car wash 8th Street across from McDonald’s www.speedyshine.com Best of 2008 & 2011! $5 Wash, Free Vacuums.

education fronT range nurse aiDe Training (cna) 7870 N. Academy Blvd.

(Near Chapel Hills Mall) 719-648-1020 www.nursenancy.org

Day & Evening Courses Available!

eState SaleS j.D. schlipf esTaTe sales P.O. Box 2433 719-244-8020 www.JDSchlipf.com

A Fresh & Professional Approach to liquidating your possessions! E-Bay Top Rated Seller! Call us today for all your Appraisal, Estate Sale or E-Bay needs!

Heating lerum heaTing

Residential Heating & Cooling 719-331-7587 www.lerumheating.com

We will beat any licensed competitors price! Furnace $1,400 & A/C $2,350!

Free estimates! BBB Accredited Business

inSurance farmers insurance jake graham

5040 Corporate Plaza Dr. Suite 11 719-598-7273 Jgraham2@farmersagent.com

We specialize with fast cars, homeowners, and commercial insurance. While we offer prompt and friendly customer service, you’ll also get a live person! We’re the different Insurance Agency!

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Kennel

Directory

lucky Dog resorTs

4401 Mark Dabling Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-599-9663 2801 Janitell Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-527-9663 www.bealuckydog.com Dogs Just Want to Have Fun! Thank You Colorado Springs, for your continued support of our pet care services!

pHotograpHy cayTon phoTography

2003 North Nevada Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719-634-1378 www.caytonphotography.com Cayton Photography is Sean and Cathy Cayton, a husband and wife team specializing in wedding and event photography in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.

reScue nine lives rescue CATS/KITTENS DAILY

SAT. FAIR 11-3 PETSMART@POWERSBLVD coloradocats9lives.com Volunteers/Fosters Hotline 719-591-4640

reStaurant broaDway Deli

4475 northpark Dr. garden of gods/i-25 719-203-3100 New York Style Restaurant serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, Monday thru Sunday, 7:00AM-9:00PM. Full Breakfast Menu; Skyscraper Sandwiches; Pizza, and Steak, Chicken, Fish & Pasta Dinner Entrees! Banquet Rooms and Full Catering! Coming Soon - Sports Bar and Delivery Service!!!

el Tesoro

10 n. sierra madre st. colorado springs 80903 719-471-0106 Santa Fe Style Cuisine at it’s Finest filled with robust Mexican flavors and spices and the Best Margaritas in Colorado Springs.

rumi’s kabab 36 E. Bijou 719-635-7749

Rumis Kaba, the only Afghan restauarnt in town, offers the best taste of Central Asia.

Enjoy the food and taste that inspired and unleased the genius in Rumi and Hafiz centuries ago! Also come and try the best gyros in town through out Grab and Go window!

Your complete satisfaction is the reason for our staying in business!

The mason jar

(NOW 2 LOCATIONS) 2925 W Colorado Ave at 30th St. 719-632-4820 5905 Corporate Dr. & I-25 719-260-6555

American comfort food served in a casual Colorado lodge atmosphere. Lunch and Dinner from 11:00am daily. Two Banquet Rooms and Patio Dining available at Corporate Dr. Location.

SportS The ski shop inc.

1422 South Tejon Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-636-3355 www.theskishopinc.com

The Ski Shop is the area’s only family owned and operated SPECIALTY ski and snowboard shop since 1952.

specialTy sporTs

4285 E. Fountain Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80916 SE corner of Fountain & Murray 719-391-2556

Welcome to the largest gun dealer in Colorado. Fine Firearms, Ammo & Accessories. Outdoor Adventure, Hunting Equipment, Athletic Shoes and Clothing. MonSat 10:00 am-7:00 pm. Closed on Sundays.

ymca of The pikes peak region 6 locations www.ppymca.org 719-471-9790

The YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our community through programs and services that help build a healthy, spirit, mind and body for all. The Y continues to expand its offerings to better accommodate the health and well-being of the growing Pikes Peak community. The Y is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Wine Store vinTages wine & spiriTs 9 S. Tejon Colorado Springs, CO 80903 719-520-5733 www.vintageswines.com

10am-8pm Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm Saturday Check out our unique selection of award winning wine & everyday favorites! Home of the $100 mixed case & top shelf wine club.