Best of the Springs 2009

Window and Door Replacement From a Company You Can Trust®

Renewal by Andersen® is the only window replacement manufacturer to earn SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold certification– the most stringent indoor air quality certification in north America.

Call now for a FREE in-home design consultation.

866.681.9989

toll free

www.LoveYourWindows.com

©2009 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved.

Custom Replacement Windows and Patio Doors • Custom Entry Door Systems • Custom Window Fashions by Heritage Pointe® 2 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

31450 BM_delicious_9x9.25_bestofgaz_FNL2.indd 1

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 3 4/27/09 5:02:34 PM

King Soopers is Colorado Springs’ Hometown Grocery Store!

Save 10¢ per gallon when you buy $100* in Groceries! *See Store For Details

Yellow Tag Savings Throughout The Store!

Save on Hundreds of Prescriptions!

double manufacturer coupons up to 50¢

It's Our Brand!

Compare and Save!

Coupon Savings!* *See Store For Details

New

It’s FREE! It’s Instant!

It’s Easy!

Ask your checker or stop by our service desk!

Lower Prices on Produce!

Save on the fruits and vegetables you buy most!

1-2-3 Rewards Master Card Save at the Checkstand!

Save at the Pump!

More Value For The Way You Live!

4620_R_0913_P01_KCOSP I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

chalk it up to greatness Don’t buy into the doom and gloom. Times are tough, sure.

But remember where you live.

T

he majestic Pikes Peak region spreads before you with so many amazing opportunities for exploration, recreation, meditation, indulgence, whimsy and just plain fun. So get out there and take advantage.

The 15th Annual Best of the Springs magazine will help you make the most of those opportunities. It spotlights the finest of the fine, including the juiciest burger and the most intense Pilates class. It showcases the best theater, best athletes, best public bathrooms, best parks, best outdoor art and much more.

This issue marks our most inclusive ever. Nearly 2,500 readers voted and commented on more than 200 categories. Those choices are complemented with picks by experts from The Gazette’s dining team, sports department and Out There staff as well as outside experts: A graveyard-shift security guard gives his pick for best after-hours dining; advocates for the disabled give their choices for the most wheelchair-accessible spots; and a local cabbie gives the skinny on the best rush-hour routes.

credits & sweepstakes winners EDITOR Warren Epstein

WRITERS Andrea Brown, Andrew Wineke, Dave Philipps, David Ramsey, Jen Mulson, Jim O’Connell, Linda Navarro, Nathaniel Glen, Teresa Farney, Tracy Mobley-Martinez, Warren Epstein

ARTISTS and DESIGNERS Anita Renee Langemach — cover, design and illustrations David Demi-Smith — design Douglas Rouse — cover chalk art and supervised other chalk art COPY EDITORS Dena Rosenberry, Kristina Iodice, Linda Doty, Mike Eiler, Willow Welter

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bryan Oller, Carol Lawrence, Christian Murdock, Jerilee Bennett, Kirk Speer, Mark Reis, students working with the Imagination Celebration

ONLINE Aaron Linn, Carmen Boles, videographer Christian Murdock, Jackie Myers, Trudy Thomas, Stephanie Weber

WINNERS OF THE BEST OF THE SPRINGS SWEEPSTAKES Anne Markley; runners-up were Christy Lowe, Elizabeth Paugh, Louise McQuary, Nancetta Williams and Toni Fox

We hope you enjoy reading it, but more, we hope you use it, that you keep it as a reference for those moments when settling for second-best just won’t do.

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 5

cr e h

chalk it up

' ew

't

online it explodes

T

he visu a with ch l theme of t h alk, an an out d it’s is issue de s up-and tanding artis the produc als t t visiona coming art s , some brillia of in re-imagining our Best of the springs WeB site, We started With nt tudent ry arts the most Basic questions: What might you look for that’s not in our s and a organiz The Ga a tion. printed magazine? hoW might you Want to use the site? z Celebr ette and the ation t Im a g ination eamed high sc searchaBility commenting transparency w h Type “sandwich” or You want to weigh in.

You want to know the hows by loca ool students ith a group o l , “dentist” into the search You want to quibble. and whys behind the winners. create painter Dou coordinated f field, and you’ll You want to highlight In the comments section of g a cli sidewa series of pie las Rouse, to find them in your favorites. There’s an app each category, you can chat with the ck lks out c e s seconds. for that.

Just click on a author of that particular choice. We also o a n side th Museu ro the un m e comments field. We have have audio conversations with our staff d. l pieces . The 3-D loo Pioneers one for overall comments experts, who give insights into the give eav is es on the entire issue at the top and take, the arguments and the thinkThe im a trick of p k to the om erspec ages a ec and a comments field ing that goes into various choices. tive. om re actu out an with each me d a nts look at distorted wh lly spread pick. . sp e video and multimedia end But fro them from th n you We also have an som m a ce e side. rtain s appear e unprecedented array of PAG tim pot, th t o e b video and other multimedia e E2 ey her jutting the sid 7 presentations that give you e. J ewalk. out of Ava ust more-intimate views During Bed tar do n of the winners. t ’t l Blo andtival, fa his two-day bre g e t Bod akf art fes y milies o ast ur munity from t Bos y sho Bo p h ss Bui s of the joined in, and e comfin ldin 3 Bus 0 P g do kids’ d s A o m G e ut.

42 rawing appear Car iness E n p s also 5 a e in this 30 me 9 Cha t cl magaz A rity ean n 2 C t 7 er har ine.

Bab iques ity 36 C s

GAzETTE.CoM/BESTof

● ●

in FaM

Ily

CIT

de

lIF

Day Fam care c e Fam ily fun nter . i c Lib ly out enter . . . . ra in .

Pla ry . . g . . . . . . . . . ce . . . . .

Pla for a . . . . . . . . . . . . ce . . . . .

5 .

Sch for a -year . . . . . . . . . . . .

-o o .

S Sch ol . . weet ld’s b . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5 irth . ool . .

16 . . birt Tea . . . . 65 day . . . . . dis c h t . . .

Zoo her . rict . . . day . party . . . . . 65 . . . . ani . . . ma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 . . .

66 . . . . . . . . . . . .

66 . . . . . . . . . . . 6 6 . . . . . . . . 66 66

e pa

Ge

a&e

paGe 45 Actor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actress . . . . . . . . . . . .

Art museum . . . . . . . . . .

Artist you do not understand Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Choreography . . . . . . . . .

Comedy . . . . . . . . . . . .

Concert of the year . . . . . .

Costumes . . . . . . . . . . .

Dance school . . . . . . . . .

Drama . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Karaoke . . . . . . . . . . . .

Karaoke singer . . . . . . . .

Live music venue . . . . . . .

Local classical composer . .

Local exhibit . . . . . . . . .

Movie theater . . . . . . . . .

Museum exhibit . . . . . . .

Musical . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . 54 . . 54 . . 50 . . 48 . . 56 . . 46 . . 54 . . 52 . . 45 . . 54 . . 54 . . 52 . . 49 . . 56 . . 56 . . 56 . . 56 . . 49 . . 45 . . 48 .45, 52

● ●

● ●

YL

x

Back r ow, fro m

DIN

ING

The left: M crew ThaT a Combs llori Meyer, creaTed T he Do and Jo rdan M uglas Rouse chalk ar T used artinez , Ian K no . in This Ottese n, Mali Front row, fro op, Jacob W issue oh Darr, S m left: tacy Sp Christin lman, austin rewer, Benne a Moor W tt, Dalt on Friz arren epste e, Sara in zell, De borah , Tabby T and Ka hornton thy De an.

Al f Bak resco Bar ery . dining .

Bar becue . . . . . . . .

Bis tende . . . . . . . . on . r .

Bre bur . . . . . . . . . . . . . a g . . . . . . .

Bre kfast er . . . 12 . . .

Bre akfast . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 . w . .

Col . .

20 Buf pub value . . . . o . . . . .

Din rado Buf fet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 . . .

Exo er . . cuisin . .

1 Bur fet va . . . . . .

6 . . . e . t . i l . c g u . .

Fas . res . . .

1 . . . . .

Bur er ov e . . . . . . . . . . 1 4 . .

Fin t food taura . . .

Bus ger un er five . . .

4 . . . . e n t . . d . . . . . . . . . . inin Fis .

Caj iness der fi buck . . . . . .2 12 . h ta . . . g .

2 v s un . l . . u , e F . . . . . . 12 . .

24 nch ren co . . . . . buc . . .

Cat . . . . . . . . . k 10 Frie ch .

Cha erer . . . . . . s . . . . . . 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loc d . .

12 . . . . . .

Frie chic . . . . .

20 Che i . .

Lun al bee ken . . . . . . s . . . 12, 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 e G . s r . ch . . . . erm . .

Che e s 0 . . . . . .

M . . . .

1 t . 9 . . . .

2 ac valu . . . . .

Gol an Chi f . . eak . . . . e &c . . . . . . ,16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 f M c . . c e h . . o Gre 6 . . x . . . . . e . .

1 . .

Chi ken f . . .

Nei ican ese . . . . ek urse d . . . . . . . . . .12, 2 . . . . 12 . n r . i G e . . . . . . . . e . g 2 i . . . . . . . . . . ree ds Coc se nin hbo 4 . . . . . . . .

N 1 . . t 2 . n . . . e . g 12 eak . . . . . . rho , 16 wr Gyr . . . . . c . . . . . 2 . h Cof ktail . . . . i o . . . . . . e Piz . . . . .

Hawo/sch li . . . . . . za . staur d han . . . . . . . . . 1 4 . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cof fee . . a .

P a 6 g . . . . . . . 2 lac nt . . . . . . . ou fee 18 . . . . . . . . .

H o t a i i a n wa m 4 .

1 pla . . .

Pla e for . . . . . . t . . . . . . . a . . . . . . . . . . 24 . . . . . . . . . . . 24 ce .

Hue dog . 2 6 . . ce b . . e . . . . . . . . . er l for Pla 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 Ice vos ra . . . . . . o c . . . . . . . . . . 16 1 . . . . . . 12, 2 0 Pla e to e veget vers . . . . . . . . .

Ind cream ncher . . . . . 6 ce at w aria . . . . . . . . . . . 24 . . . . . . . . 1 2 ian t R o 9 o n . e s . h s . . . a e Ital . 2 2 . . . . . . . . 12 Red lly, re at wit eat-fr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Jap ian . e . 2 0 a 16 . . . . . .

Res chili lly sm h you e . . . . .

4 . 1 . 12 Kor anese . . . . . . r . . . t . a fi a . .

1 ll b 2, 1 nge . . . .

Sun Res ura . . . . . . . is Lar ean n . 1 8 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ge bru day Rom taura t for . . . tro . rs . .

2 res . 2 9 . . nc . . . . ant nt wi kids . . . tau . . . . . . .

S S 4 . u . a . i t 1 . . c n h . . . la h .

8 . . ran bru day San d . . resta a vie . . . . . 1 14 . 1 t . . . . . . . . . . 18 2 u . w n 0 . . . . . ,2 Sus ch va San dwich . . . rant . . . . . . . 16 . . . . . . 14, 1 2 New mural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 . . . 1 Tam hi . . lue .

Sea dwich . . . . . .

6 .

1 . .

0, 1 6 . . . . . .

New theater company . . . . . . . 52 Taq ales . . . . .10 Spo food shop . . .

12 . . . . . . 10, 1 6 .

Nightclub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Tex ueria . . . . . 20 Ste rts ba . . . . . .

4 . . . . . a r . . k . .

Nonart museum . . . . . . . . . . . 50 1 . . . .

Tha -Mex . . . . . . 22 Sub . . . . .

12 8 . . sho . . . . . .

Nongallery space to see art . . . . 49 Vie i . . . . . . . . 22 . . . . . . . . . ,16 p . t . . . .

16 Play . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Win name . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . .

6 s . e li 2 . . .

Poet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Traveling exhibit . . . . . . . . . . 49 st . e . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . 16, 2 0 6 . .

2 . .

Public art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Treat for cinemaphiles . . . . . . . 46 . . . 16, 1 . . . . 18 . .

8 Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Treat for sick art lovers . . . . . . 48 12, . . 2 1 6 4 Showcase for local music . . . . . 56 Use of multimedia . . . . . . . . . 49 Theater company . . . . . . . . . . 52 Use of pennies . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Theater troupe . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Youth Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

65

6 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

paG e

9

● ●

IfE

SHo

PPI

nG

hr ev 28, Boo y sho hop 42 Den istma ent p s li But kstor 42 not p ght Doc tist e sd ic Car cher s 27 Dry tor isp h d Audrey tured lay Car eale op 36 Edu clean A 63 Chi deale r Allison ncell, Clark 30 Em cation er ldr r lo Ellis, J 59 Medina cee C a o l ex 27 Fem nsi en’s c unge oey La Yoland , Sarah p 59 gnm loth Ele erim ng a 36 R Fes ale n c Bow ent 63 ew Jerian and Isabel A obertson, er, Far troni ent s ing st 36 sh Foo tival cs s tor ore Clim ling a me ne Heim ragon, ott 5 e d F r 9 t s l o bin lley 2 o d ie and Da Fun ma ending re 7 we em C o g 5 a r r Fur 9 n Weck er 38 Hai ky yar onstr Fis ch qu wall nitu shop ket s.

6 a r h H d 2 t ing ote or ard re s 28 art Hau styli G ma o t sp 60 s l Hea ware ore chi 28 Hel nted t Gol f cour ot ne 59 h Liq lth fo store f pr se 72 28 Hoo p for p ouse uor G od o olf 6 M s o 0 t s t e 38 sho en’ tor ore 69 rs w or p Hot H o e s 6 cke p Mu 3 f aitr ooch a 3 s Ken el 8 Ice s y 7 ess es 60 New ic sto hions rink fans 70, 0 34 Kis nel L r o 7 62 c s Pla stor e 38 70, 2 Lib e Loc al ath ce 6 72 rar f Pla l 2 32 y Loc Loc al coa ete ce or bar 6 a f P 3 70 c a g o l lac h l le 34 ain rD dog Ma M e g VD s ou 59 l e f Pla 70 42 Me e new New ntain nd nt n or vid s 6 cha s S 3 hoe urs eo g hot 32 70 Mo Pic trail bike t ery am tie 5 s tel nic S n 9 t r h o i a 34 es Par o r il Pla c sp 72 60 o S ka p p i n g e c 38 Pet ade Pla e for t 70 59 Ski teboa cente ce yog 32 Pla groom t P r r s o a d lac 59 70 c B sho Spo hop 28 rem e to er Rol e to w MX p r t 6 i Sup ng l 3 70 27 Rad embe S ka e r r i n o r k o erm goo 6 r T k i 0 u t d o o yo 70 42 t a s ys Rad p Spo e par tor rket 59 U io s erson ur pet k r s 2 t e 6 R e s 7 Sw 9 a t est The 60 Wo d car imm comp roo ation lities 3 ma S 2 6 m d l c m 9 e ing e e sele jori en’ 62 s fa aler poo x Spa nic dr s ctio ty of 7 6 0 shi ive l the n 0 t 32 Tat ons Spr s for B he 7 6 t 0 3 o i on 30 Tou o pa by r ngs we est of 60 69 30 re v wer ead Tra rist at rlor 5 ote e se ers v 9 72 42 and d TV el ag tracti Gaz l 59 on e a e ecte o 27 70 TV ncho ncy sta tte sta d by T thers new r ff p f h 3 f V e .

4 70 et ss and icks The 70, 27 ar Vol erinar how i 72 u Gaz nclude e labe 27 Vol nteer ian ette The led unt Mo ’s 2 W 7 e l og re e eb site r grou 28 are selec o. ti p o 28 gaz nline ons a ette t 3 2 bes .

27, Accessible places pick by The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region staff 73 anita renee tof. com/ 36 Late-night eats pick by night security guard George Dunlap 73 36 langemach, the gazette 30 Routes pick by cabdriver Fred Roberts 73 photo illustration

S

o & RP EC PRTS A GE

69

eDI E To OR Sn No OTE e

ouTSIDE ExPERTS PAGE 73

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 7

ReaRdon PaRtneRs Betsy Thinger

Broker Associate

Debbie Reardon

Real Estate Broker

Will Fieser

#2 In Production In El Paso County For 2008!!

Over 110 Transactions closed from 1/1/2008 to Present!!!

Broker Associate

When You Are Ready To Buy Or Sell Your Home, Call The REALTORS® With A Proven Track Record In Any Market!

• Over 30 Years Combined Real Estate Expertise In Colorado Springs!

• 2008 Listings Averaged 85 Days On The Market And Sold For An Average Of 96% Of List Price!

• #1 Realtor And Team In North West Colorado Springs For 2008!

• Exclusive Listing Enhancement Program Offers FREE Services To Merchandise Our Listings And Set Them Apart!

• Affiliation With The Platinum Group Realtors Ranked The #1 Independent Real Estate Company in Colorado Springs And #87 In The Nation!

To Do L Call R ist: ea I hear rdon Partner s they get the job done!

719-9 55-85 25

“It’s been a real pleasure working with Reardon Partners. They bent over backwards to help get my place sold and to find me a new home. I could not have asked for a better team and it’s been fun working with everyone.”

John C. Harry “We appreciate the excellent service Reardon Partners provided. Good Marketing, good communication, friendly service! We will recommend your services to our friends.”

Tom & Cheryl Umbel “Terrific mesh of support staff and contractors to cover all the details seamlessly! We had a good time in a bad market. Thank you.”

To View Our Current Listings Visit www.ReardonPartners.com 8 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Nancy & Greg Jones

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration i stephanie miller pictured

readers’ choice

FINE DINING

NEW RESTAURANT

the broadmoor’s Penrose room

Grand slam subs

This local sultan of chichi dining offers the whole package: crystal chandeliers, sweeping views, a wine list the size of a phone book, dancing to a live jazz quartet, and, oh, the menu — with dishes including monkfish and lobster tail wrapped in bacon with black truffle risotto and baby fennel — ain’t bad either. You called it the “only true fine dining in the city.”

1 Lake ave., 577-5733; broadmoor.com

the gazette’s pick

NEW RESTAURANT

This baseball-themed sub shop hit a home run with readers, who loved the homemade bread, generous piles of meat and cheese, and made-from-scratch soups. “Best clam chowder in town,” one reader raved. This also won readers’ choice for Best Lunch Value.

Pizzeria rustica

restaurant in Colorado Springs ● gredients ● Nomakessootheraccessible. a passion for local artisan inThis Old Colorado City

Josh & John’s

Readers agree on Josh & Johns. This vote wasn’t even close.

What they don’t agree on are the best flavors: “Mmmmm. Dutch chocolate.” “Almond joy is the best.” “The Jack Daniels vanilla has no equal.”

pizza place specializes in plate-size Neapolitan pizzas made from the finest ingredients. Nothing — including the always-changing antipasto, the Italian-wine list and the simple desserts — is short of superb. Everyone from crayonscribbling kids to the most snobby sophisticates will find something to savor. And best of all, with no pizza costing more than $14, you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.

111 e. pikes peak ave, 632-0299; 5152 N. academy Blvd., 593-1220; joshandjohns.com

2527 W. colorado ave., 632-8121; pizzeriarustica.com

100 kiowa st., 634-7827; grandslamsubs.com

ICE CREAM

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 9

dining SUNDAY BRUNCH THE SUNBIRD

the gazette’s pick

SUNDAY BRUNCH THE BROADMOOR’S LAKE TERRACE DINING ROOM

This romantic spot on a bluff overlooking the city edged out The Broadmoor for best brunch. “By far, the best selection, quality and value,” a reader wrote.

Readers go for the omelet bar, the fajita bar, the pasta bar and the made-to-order Bananas Foster, as well as the complimentary champagne and mimosas.

various made-to-order-stations, a cheese table staffed by a maître fromager — all in a setting that screams “special occasion.”

230 point of the pines Drive, 598-8990; thesunbird.com

1 Lake ave., 577-5733; broadmoor.com

it’s ridiculously expensive at ● you ●payYes, $38 per person. But you get what for — nearly a dozen chefs at

the gazette’s picks

SUNDAY BRUNCH VALUE MOZAIC

$24 for ● MoZaic ● Atadults, offers a more

modest buffet than The Broadmoor or Cheyenne Mountain Resort, but the egg dishes are terrific, the prime rib carving station is worthy of a fine dinner, and the light-as-air waffles are unrivaled.

Brunch comes with complimentary champagne, mimosas or bloody marys.

443 s. colorado 105, palmer Lake, 481-1800; restauranteur.com/mozaic

DINER KING’S CHEf

Now at two ● is●the whole locations, it greasy

spoon package: outstanding naturalbeef burgers, legendary fries, tongue-searing green chili, giant breakfast platters and servers with attitudes. Worthy contenders include the Northside Diner, Coke’s and Barney’s.

131 e. Bijou st., 636-5010; 110 e. costilla st., 634-9135; kingschefdiner.com

Bryan ollEr, ThE GazETTE

Jake Topakas, co-owner of Jake and Telly’s Greek Cuisine and Wine Bar, showed off a dish of deep-fried oysters with crispy seasoned curly chips and chef Jeremy Engle proffered a spicy tuna tar tar.

GREEK

RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW

JAKE & TELLY’S GREEK CUISINE

THE SUNBIRD

Yes, it has you covered for the traditional Greek dishes such as gyros and moussaka, but the chef can also dazzle with fusion-infused takes on other dishes, including osso buco. Anything starring lamb or fish here is sure to delight.

“Ooohhhpah!” one reader said.

“Just like the Greek Isles.”

2616 W. colorado ave., 633-0406; greekdining.com

10 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Nestled on a bluff overlooking both mountains and city, The Sunbird boasts the best location in the region for showing off this area’s natural assets.

230 point of the pines Drive, 598-8990; the sunbird.com

DINER GUNTHER TOODY’S DINER

This regional chain recreates ’50s-style diners that are so cool you expect to see the Fonz hanging in the corner booth. Toody’s, with its popular, ginormous breakfast burritos, edged out King’s Chef for the top honor.

5794 palmer park Blvd., 570-1952; 5490 e. Woodmen Road, 548-1955

the gazette’s pick

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT CAfé 36

this restaurant opened in the ● pansion, ● When wake of the nifty Fine Arts Center exit served some pretty food that was

also pretty bad. But since Garden of the Gods Gourmet took over, the café, which is now open for dinner and happy hour tapas as well as lunch, it has landed among the top lunch spots in town. The limited but creative menu is complemented by a romantic setting, particularly on the patio overlooking Pikes Peak.

30 W. Dale st., 634-5581; csfineartscenter.org

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 11

dining AL FRESCO DINING THE MARgARITA AT PINECREEK

Situated on a pine tree-covered open space, the patio at this restaurant provides a pleasant way to spend time enjoying the excellent food and view. Here’s what one reader said: “Friday night patio dining with a movie can’t be beat!”

7350 Pine Creek Road, 598-8667; margaritaatpinecreek.com

ThE gazETTE’S PiCkS

AL FRESCO DINING THE WINES OF COLORADO

True, it’s located on a bustling ● patio, ● next highway. But head to the back to a bubbling creek, and you’ll

put miles between you and the whoosh of rushing traffic. The drill is to sip a few Colorado wines to find the one you’re in the mood for that day. Settle in at a table creek-side and order the signature Wine Burger. This is Colorado living at its best.

8045 W. U.S. 24, Cascade, 684-0900; winesofcolorado.com

short takes READERS’ CHOICES HAWAIIAN L&L hawaiian Barbecue CAJUN Culpepper’s Louisiana kitchen FAST FOOD Chipotle SANDWICH golden glove (turkey with cranberry or raspberry chipotle and cream cheese) at grand Slam Sub

COLORADO CUISINE

EXOTIC RESTAURANT

CRAFTWOOD INN

We agree with the readers. This is the best place to experience an array of Colorado-style foods. One of their comments: “If you like eating wild boar or elk or jackalope, this is the place.”

404 El Paso Blvd., Manitou Springs, 685-9000; craftwood.com

BUSINESS LUNCH

CASPIAN CAFÉ

Dishes here represent the full ● ● range of Mediterranean cuisine, from such French and Greek classics as

MACKENZIE’S CHOPHOUSE

Whether you’re entertaining a client, schmoozing your boss, making a deal or courting a potential hire, MacKenzie’s provides the perfect accompaniment. Go for the seared ahi appetizer and any of the beef or salmon dishes.

128 S. Tejon St., 635-3536; mackenzieschophouse.com

SUB SHOP Subway

4375 Sinton Road, 528-1155; caspiancafe.com

FRENCH

HOT DOG Margo’s Vienna Station

LA BAgUETTE FRENCH BAKERY CAFE With different owners and chefs at the four locations, there are some minor differences. The bread and French onion soup are consistent at all places. Our favorite location is Chestnut Street. Here are some comments from our readers: “Real French onion soup and much more,” and “fattening and delicious!!”

FRIED CHICKEN Popeye’s

Steak Nicoise and gyros to such Middle Eastern dishes as falafel and Shish Taouk. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., enjoy belly dancing along with your delicious dinner.

FRENCH LA PETITE MAISON

Since opening in 1978, this little ● ● west-side Victorian cottage has been the ultimate place to find authentic

FRIES Five guys Burgers and Fries PLACE TO EAT WHEAT-FREE TiE: adam’s Mountain Café, Nosh, Whole Foods

2417 W. Colorado ave., 577-4818; 4440 N. Chestnut St., 599-0686; 1420 kelly Johnson Blvd., 598-5550; 117 E. Pikes Peak ave., 636-5020; labaguette-co.com

BAKERY La Baguette SALAD Souper Salad

French-inspired cuisine. The owner can be found in the kitchen almost every hour the restaurant is open, making all the foods served.

1015 W. Colorado ave., 632-4887; lapetitemaisoncs.com

COFFEE Starbucks CHAI Starbucks

RED CHILI Jorge’s Mexican Restaurant

GREEN CHILI king’s Chef Diner

12 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

HUEVOS RANCHEROS adam’s Mountain Café

GYRO/SCHAWARMA heart of Jerusalem Cafe

CATERER The Picnic Basket

BREWPUB Phantom Canyon

LARGE RESTAURANT P.F. Chang’s

“Buy the Best!”

“Buy Harding Nursery Plant Material”

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

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

♦

➔

CONRAD

P O W E R S B LV D

GALLEY

N

HARDING NURSERY

TERMINAL AMELIA

PLATTE / HWY 24

➔

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

Furniture Designed For Your Lifestyle.

Featuring

Thomasville • Stressless • Flexsteel Berhardt • Natuzzi • Kincaid Better Homes & Gardens

A History of Integrity & Service Since 1921

3212 E. Platte Avenue • 632.6621 www.americanfurniture.com the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 13

dining THE GAZETTE’S PICK

REALLY, REALLY SMALL BISTRO amuzé Bistro

If you are lucky ● ● enough to score one of the four tables in

this renovated cottage, get ready for one of the best meals of your life. Huckleberry duck, wild rice risotto, and an impressive lamb shank are favorites. A new wine garden coming this summer will add seats.

292 Colorado 105, Palmer Lake, 481-1700

REALLY REALLY SMALL BISTRO shuga’s

CArol lAWrenCe, THe GAzeTTe

Shuga’s owner Alexius Weston and son Harlan, 1, at her cafe on South Cascade Avenue.

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

omELEttE ParLor

B&E FiLLiNg statioN

It all starts with terrific, fresh-squeezed orange juice and food made from scratch. “Great selection and the portions are perfect.” Try the fluffy omelets, and you’ll understand why the wait is getting longer and longer on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

This darling cafe in the heart of Palmer Lake is open for breakfast only on Sundays, but it’s worth a week’s wait. Try the B&E Eggs Benedict, which tops its poached eggs and smoked ham on grilled French bread with spinach-blue crab cream sauce. Or try the French cakes.

● ●

900 E. Fillmore St., 633-7770; co-spgs-omeletteparlor.com

BREAKFAST VALUE ihoP

For less than $5 you can get a dizzying array of delicious eggs, meats and carbs. What’s not to love?

25 S. Colorado 105, Palmer Lake, 481-4780; bandefillingstation.com

512 N. Chelton Road, 632-5098; 5749 Stetson Hill Blvd., 597-0123; 8065 N. Academy Blvd., 264-0469; 2290 Southgate Road, 635-0777; ihop.com

BREAKFAST VALUE

ROMANTIC RESTAURANT

mouNtaiN shaDoWs

moNa Lisa FoNDuE rEstauraNt

● ●

2223 W. Colorado Ave., 633-2122

702 S. Cascade Ave., 328-1412; shugas.com

BREAKFAST

BREAKFAST

For $1.99 you can get all-youcan-eat biscuits and gravy, and it happens to be about the best biscuits and gravy in town.

Diners adore this tiny cafe just southwest of downtown: “Small but it makes up for it in fun and attitude.”

Readers wrote about the intimate atmosphere, the soft lighting, the cool wine bar with live music Friday nights. One reader wrote about the meal taking two hours … and that was a good thing! Mona Lisa narrowly edged out our other fondue place, The Melting Pot, for the top spot here.

733 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-0277; monalisafondue.com

14 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

RESTAURANT FOR KIDS rED roBiN gourmEt BurgErs

A reader perfectly summed up Red Robin’s appeal: “The right amount of noise and chaos, plus a winning kids’ menu makes this a great choice for anyone with kids.”

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

“ Wow - this is delicious.”

Thank you Southern Colorado for making The Melting Pot your favorite restaurant!

“ See what happens when I do the cooking? ”

30-A East Pikes Peak Ave., Colorado Springs

719-385-0300

Reservations recommended.

Fondue coast to coast.

Locally owned and operated. meltingpot.com

Come Celebrate With Us...

Bethesda celebrates 50 years of Mission, Ministry and Service. From the beginning Bethesda was organized for the purpose of providing Christian care for the elderly, and sharing God’s love with the world through missions. From 1950-2009 Bethesda Ministries has helped seniors and children Bethesda Adult Communities: all over the world. Our mission is to provide • Assisted and Independent Living the highest quality of physical, social and • Month to Month Rates – Up to 100 % Tax Deductible spiritual service to our residents to ensure • Flexible Dining with Delicious Chef-Prepared Meals • Enriching Activities and Cultural Outings an environment where vintage lives blossom.

Our communities in Colorado Springs provide a loving, nurturing environment Colorado Springs Locations: and offer seniors affordable living options in an elegant atmosphere with majestic ViewPointe Broadmoor Court 555 S. Rockrimmon Boulevard 2045 Roanoke Street views of Pikes Peak.

Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (719) 528-8000

Celebrate 50 Years with 50% off 1st Month’s Rent

Stop in Today for a Complimentary Lunch and Tour!

Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (719) 471-2285

www.BACbloom.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 15

dining

CHINESE

THAI

SILVER POND

WILD GINGER

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

3020 W. Colorado Ave., 634-5025

An annual winner for more than 10 years, Silver Pond squeaked by fancy chain P.F. Chang’s to clinch the title. “The best and most creative Chinese cuisine in town,” one reader said.

Thai lovers have long honored this west-side restaurant for its well-priced, flavorful food and the spicy personality of the owner.

short takes thE GazEttE’S PIckS SPORTS BAR Indigo Joe’s RESTAURANT FOR KIDS Fargo’s Pizza Co. RESTAURANT WITH A VIEW The Pepper Tree BISON BURGER Wines of Colorado THE gAzETTE’S PICkS

CHINESE chOPStIckS aSIaN BIStRO

Contemporary Asian fusion splashes into American Chinese cuisine, and the result is several notches above the usual takeout place.

Try the Macadamia Chicken, Basil Shrimp and Miso Sea Bass.

● ●

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

THAI taStE Of thaI SPIcE Taste of Thai Spice is

hidden down by Gate 4 of ● Fort ●Carson and is worth a trip.

Try everything, but the green curry, which is laden with tiny Thai eggplants and heaps of basil, is our favorite.

1609 Lashelle Way; 226-1999

FAST FOOD Culver’s

JAPANESE JUN JaPaNESE REStaURaNt

Jun regularly wins Gazette readers’ plaudits with its cool, creative sushi and a complete Japanese menu. Readers also picked Jun for Best Sushi . The original location on Dublin Boulevard focuses on sushi and other Japanese specialties, and the newer location on Centennial also does the Japanese steakhouse thing.

1760 Dublin Blvd., 531-9368; 3276 Centennial Blvd., 227-8690; junjapanese.com

VIETNAMESE SaIGON cafE

Diners reserved special praise for Saigon Cafe’s noodle bowls. “I love that they use fresh cilantro for extra flavor.”

20 E. Colorado Ave., 633-2888; coloradosaigoncafe.com

KOREAN tONG tONG kOREaN REStaURaNt

Some of the best Korean food in town. The bulgogi is delicious. One reader said, “Once I became a regular, I’m never forgotten. We’re family.”

2036 S. Academy Blvd., 591-8585

16 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

THE gAzETTE’S PICkS

JAPANESE akaSaka JaPaNESE

It is rare to find a Japanese restaurant ● where ● most diners are Asian

immigrants, and when you do, it’s a good sign. Not surprisingly, we recommend the new Gazette Roll.

4737 N. Academy Blvd., 272-7301; akasaka.conous.com

KOREAN YUMMY kOREaN BaRBEcUE

The standout dish on the

is the bibimbap, ● Korean ● menu for “mixed rice.” The raw egg on top cooks in the bowl once it’s all stirred together.

4703 N. Academy Blvd., 266-9944

BUSINESS LUNCH New Slayton’s LUNCH VALUE Barney’s Diner BLT on sourdough with fries, $3.30 SANDWICH SHOP Wooglin’s Deli SANDWICH Shuga’s Brick Chicken SUB SHOP Jimmy John’s FISH TACO Maria’s Tacos FRIED CHICKEN Juniper Valley Ranch MAC & CHEESE The Metropolitain CHEESE STEAK The Famous NEIGHBORHOOD HANGOUT Trinity Brewing Co. CHAI Deb’s Coffee House COFFEE PLACE Dutch Bros. Coffee HUEVOS RANCHEROS The Olive Branch TEx-MEx Café El Paso

Affordable Family Fun!

Chloe

Welcomes you home.

June 13 ~ August 2

Sat, Sun, ~ 10:00am- 6:30pm Music, Comedy, Jousting Medieval Amusement Park Over 200 Master Artisans Delicious Food & Drink, Games, Rides and More!

FREE Parking • Larkspur, CO

Whether buying or selling, my knowledge and expertise in today’s Colorado Springs market will provide you with the expertise you need. Pricing, staging, creative marketing and negotiating are all what I do best.

To visit all homes in Colorado Springs, visit my web site: chloewelcomesyouhome.com

PEPSI_H1_4C

Information 303-688-6010

The Food The Food Designers Designers

2008

338.0525 Chloe Cantwell

Order Tickets Online! www.ColoradoRenaissance.com

• Award Winning Chef

• Corporate Events

• Personalized Menu

• Wedding Receptions

• Innovation in Cuisine

• Dinner Parties & More

719.632.5414 719.632.5414 115 S. 25th 115 Street S. 25th Street ColoradoColorado Springs,Springs, CO CO

www.fooddesigners.com www.fooddesigners.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 17

dining GERMAN

INDIAN

EdELwEISS

MIRCH MASALA

34 E. Ramona Ave., 633-2220; edelweissrest.com

5047 N. Academy Blvd., 599-0003; mirchmasalacuisine.com

Whether you have a hankering for zigeunerschnitzel, sauerbraten or just a guy in lederhosen playing the accordion, this charming cottage restaurant has what you need. Save room for the excellent homemade tortes. “Authentic flavors and atmosphere, too,” you said.

Always a strong contender for Best Indian, Mirch Masala edged out Taste of India in the reader poll. “This is by far the best Indian restaurant in town,” one reader said. “The food is great and the service very friendly. It’s also reasonably priced and consistent in flavor.”

STEAK THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

STEAKSMITH

SALAD

Carnivores have no beef with Steaksmith, telling us they love the steak and the value. Steaksmith also won for Best Wait Staff. The service is friendly and efficient, the steaks juicy and tender. The seafood is very good.

“Always done right,” a reader said, and, “Not only a staple of Colorado Springs, but their steaks are cooked to perfection.”

FLAVORS ON TEJON

The house salad is a far ● leaves ● and cry from a few lettuce some carrot strips.

Go for the large portion of fresh mixed greens tossed with blue cheese, apples, candied pecans and pickled red onion in house vinaigrette that’s more than filling as an entree.

3802 Maizeland Road.,596-9300; steaksmith.com

321 N. Tejon St., 471-8400; flavorsontejon.com

VIETNAMESE

PLACE FOR VEGETARIANS

LEMONGRASS BISTRO

AdAM’S MOuNTAIN CAFE

There’s a rash of Viet● town ●serving namese cafes around the classic crispy

Vietnamese egg rolls and noodle soups teeming with veggies. You’ll find all that here, but you’ll also find a more sophisticated and exotic take on the cuisine. Don’t miss the velvety crème brûlee.

6840 N. Academy Blvd., 592-1391

STEAK THE PEPPER TREE

kiRk SPeeR, THe GAzeTTe

The steak that put the name of the restaurant on the culinary map is the signature Pepper Steak. It’s a filet mignon with mango chutney and cracked pepper that is flamed at your table. The steaks are juicy, tender, beefy wonders.

● ●

Sarah Ray, a waitress at Adam’s Mountain Cafe, served Peggy Stafsholt and Tommy Hoffman a vegetable burrito. The cafe also serves meat, but its veggie meals shine.

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

INDIAN

ITALIAN

LITTLE NEPAL

PARAVICINI’S ITALIAN BISTRO

1747 S. Eighth St., 477-6997, lnepal.com

2802 W. Colorado Ave., 471-8200; 75 S. Highway 105, Palmer Lake, 481-2222; paravicinis.com

Other Indian places have killer specialties: butter chicken at Taste of India, tandoori meats at Everest Nepal, sensational naan at Mirch Masala. But Little Nepal has it all — savory soups, tantalizing biryani and a shrimp masala that’s simply transcendent.

● ●

888 W. Moreno Ave., 471-4888; peppertreecs.com

Far and away, this Manitou Springs staple wins nearly every year for feeding the nonmeateaters among us. The restaurant moved to a larger location in the historical Spa Building in 2007 to accommodate the crowds jonesing for such mouthwatering morsels as the Planet Burger — a blend of brown rice, roasted nuts, onions and cheese — a Tofu Melt with spinach and goat cheese, Curried Chick Pea Cakes with spicy tahini sauce and much more.

18 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

“Great fun, great food, even better service, and a view into the kitchen!” one diner says of this locally owned perennial winner. A big menu with everything from pizza to veal makes sure no one goes away hungry.

Dine in Carryout

2008

2007

Catering 719-596-4900

Voted Best BBQ

in Colorado Springs 2 Years running

5984 Stetson Hills Blvd • Colorado Springs, CO 80923

www.BirdDogBBQ.com Early Bird SpecialS

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 Ask about our

Breakfast Specials!

Ask about our

Daily Specials!

Breakfast and Lunch served until 3pm!

6-8:30am weekdays only • French Toast & Bacon • 2 Eggs, Hash Browns & Toast • Hash Browns w/Cheese, Bell peppers, onions & Country gravy

SandwiCHES & wrapS • philly Cheese Steak • Shaved Turkey • Turkey Melt

SpecialtieS Vegetarian alCoHoliC menu BEVEragES • Eggs Benedict • Veggie Burger • Veggie Eggs Benedict • Veggie Burrito

• Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs • Eggs Florentine • Corned Beef Hash

SouTHwEST

• imported and domestic Beers • wine and Champagne • Mixed drinks

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. we also have sundaes!

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 19

dining barbecue front range BarBeQue

This Old Colorado City fave recently expanded with a quick-serve location on Templeton Gap Road. One ‘cue lover said: “No one serves better spicy ribs or fried okra in the Springs!”

4935 templeton gap Road, 598-8895; 2330 W. colorado ave., 632-2596; frontrangebbq.com

the gazette’S pickS

BARBECUE Bird dog BBQ

A number of great, new bar● in●Colorado becue joints have popped up Springs this year, but this

PIZZA Borriello BrotHers

This New York-style pizza empire has expanded to new locations without sacrificing deliciousness.

The homemade sauce and thin, chewy crust are things of beauty.

As a reader said: “Real NY pizza.

No comparison.”

4750 Barnes Road, 221 S. eighth St., 215 e. platte ave., 5180 Fontaine Blvd., 5490 power center point, 884-2020; borriellobrothers.com

old school smoke shop, where the meats are sliced in front of you and sauce waits next to a roll of paper towels on the table, is still top dog.

5984 Stetson hills Blvd. No. 200, 596-4900; birddogbbq.com

BURGER UNDER fiv e BUCKS drifter’s HamBurgers

makes the classic SoCal● version ● What style burgers at this local of In-N-Out Burger so good?

Locally processed, all-natural Ranch Foods Direct beef. It is so delicious, we recommend getting a double.

CArol lAwreNCe, THe GAzeTTe

4455 Mark Dabling Blvd., 548-8163

Hand-tossed crust forms the base of New York-style pies at Borriello Brothers (Antraneva Pearson shown).

BURGER OVER fiv e BUCKS

SEAFOOD red loBster

steaksmitH

This chain wins every year with readers and also nets the most carping from commentators on the Best Of The Springs Web site afterward.

Head to the retro-cool lounge of this Academy Boulevard institution for a burger made from the trimmings of Steaksmith’s excellent steaks. The burger, served on homemade bread with a variety of sides, is a steal at $7.

● ●

4925 N. academy Blvd., 594-9494; 275 S. academy Blvd., 591-0771; redlobster.com

red roBin gourmet Burgers

Big, juicy burgers with juicy, big toppings and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere make this burger joint a yearly champ.

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

3802 Maizeland Road, 596-9300; steaksmith.com

BURGER UNDER fiv e BUCKS

SUSHI sHinji’s

Shibuya, the owner ● sushi ● bar,Shinji and sole chef of this humble is not fast. He is not flashy,

BURGER OVER fiv e BUCKS

the gazette’S pick

SEAFOOD

but he makes the best traditional Japanese sushi in the city. Don’t miss his scallops.

Carlos’ Bistro

308-M S. eighth St., 475-0669

1025 S. 21st St., 471-2905; go to the Dining link at koaa.com

The Prince Edward Island Mussels in Garlic Chardonnay Sauce, the raw oysters, the Blue

● ● Lump Crab Cakes are as good as you’ll find this far from a beach.

20 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

fiVe guYs Burger and fries

This new-to-town burger chain doesn’t do a dozen different burgers with fancy toppings. It sticks to the basics and gets it right. “As they say, ‘The Willy Wonka of burger craft,”’ a reader gushed.

7252 N. academy Blvd., 264-6400; fiveguys.com

Bring Nature Home www.pioneersand.com 16 COLORADO LOCATIONS DECORATIVE ROCK - MULCH - BOULDERS - PAVERS - SAND - TOPSOIL - COMPOST - RETAINING WALLS FLAGSTONE - MOSS ROCK - EDGING - FABRIC - POND SUPPLIES - CENTURION STONE - EROSION CONTROL

COLORADO SPRINGS Jo 719-599-8100 for ex in our E-C clusi lub ve of BLACK FOREST fers t oday 719-495-8858 MONUMENT 719-487-9981 Conta ct an

10% OFF DELIVERY CHARGE NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

y loca

tion f

or de

tails

10% OFF MATERIAL PICKED UP NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

• Locally Owned and Operated for 30 Years • Full Bar and In House Bakery • Winner of Multiple “Best Of” Awards • Wedding Room up to 60 People

Best Breakfast The Gazette

2008

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

23 S. Tejon Street • 475-1199 www.theolivebranchrest.com the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 21

dining thE gAzEttE’S PickS

SPORTS BAR

MEXICAN LA CARRETA

OLD CHICAGO

Ask around for the best ● get●a dozen Mexican in the city and you’ll answers. While the

Home of the 110-brews World Beer Tour, this Colorado-born chain is as serious about sports as it is about pizza and brewskis; each location boasts a full squad of flatscreens so you can catch all the action. Readers gushed about the pizza, the wings and the festive atmosphere. Just inches from the finish line in this category were Indigo Joe’s and Champ’s.

community has no clear favorite (or even top rivals) this humble family-owned restaurant constantly delights with its from-scratch, Mexico City-style dishes. Try the Tortilla Soup.

35 iowa Ave., 477-1157

TAQUERIA EL RANCHITO CARNICERIA NO. 3

Don’t judge this carniceria

Inside, you’ll ● find ●a tidyby itslunchcover.counter with the

118 N tejon St ., 634-8812; 7115 commerce center Drive, 593-7678; 3190 New center Point, 591-8994; 4110 N. Academy Blvd., 536-0633; oldchicago.com

MEXICAN

TAQUERIA

ON THE BORDER MEXICAN GRILL & CANTINA

MONICA’s TACO sHOp

In one of the toughest categories, this corporate cousin of Chili’s unseated longtime local favorite Amanda’s Fonda for its good value.

It also won top honors for Best Tex-Mex. 2190 Southgate Road, 635-0100; 5832 Barnes Road, 597-0020; 7695 N. Academy Blvd., 532-0062; ontheborder.com

best traditional Mexican tacos in town and a super toppings bar with around 10 salsas. Firsttimers should stick to carne asada.

Veterans may want to sample the delightfully spicy goat taco.

1714 Monterey Road, 630-0150

This authentic taqueria, which now has two locations in Colorado Springs and one in Pueblo, specializes in simple tacos wrapped in soft corn tortillas. As one fan said: “You have to try the carne asada!” The fish tacos are pretty good, too.

GREEN CHILI JORGE’s MEXICAN REsTAURANT

30 E. Fillmore St., 473-1996; 5829 Palmer Park Blvd,, 597-7022

It’s less a gravy than a broth

ribbons ● of●chiles.thickThewithpiecesmeatof and pepper give

BUFFET GOLDEN CORRAL

it some heat, but not enough to eclipse the restaurant’s spot-on enchiladas and other fare.

Steak, chicken, seafood, pasta, pizza, baked goods … the choices go on and on. And you can eat until your stomach explodes for less than $8 for lunch and $11 for dinner. That may be why readers not only voted this best buffet but also Best Buffet Value.

2427 W. colorado Ave., 634-9031;

RED CHILI RANCHO LIBORIO

Granted, this is not the kind of chili you’d pour ● over ●tamales.

With chunks of pork

1970 Waynoka Road, 591-9870.

thE gAzEttE’S Pick

TAMALES sALsA LATINA

everything on its ● tamales ● Like menu, Salsa Latina does right. The pork is spicy and moist, a great complement to masa that actually tastes like corn.

28 E. Rio grande St., 328-1513

CAroL LAwrenCe, The GAzeTTe

Salsa Latina owners Danny Aguilar, right, his wife Carolina and son Isaiah in the kitchen. The popular hole-in-the wall eatery often has a line out the door.

22 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

(or sometimes beef) swimming in a deep red sauce, it could overshadow just about anything it covers. The combination is wonderful, but don’t forget the star here: a sauce that is grainy with chiles and imparts a rich, earthy flavor. Also pretty interesting is Rancho Liborio’s green — stew meat in a bright sauce spiked by a citrus tang.

1660 S. circle Drive, 444-8600

JOIN US FOR THE BEST HAPPY HOUR AROUND! Join us 3pm-6pm weekdays and every night after 10pm for drink specials and $5 sharable starters. $2 pints on Sundays for Mug Club members in our bar, lounge and patio.

Serious about our food. Crazy about our beer.

3316 Cinema Point | Colorado Springs | 719.550.3586

Redefine the luxury of your home

with custom window fashions from Heritage Pointe.

Window Shadings ◆ Honeycomb Shades ◆ Wood Blinds Solar Shades ◆ Woven Wood Blinds ◆ Plantation Shutters

Call now for a complimentary in-home design consultation.

866.717.2508

Toll Free

www.LoveYourWindows.com

provided by

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 23

dining BARTENDER

COCKTAIL

NathaN WiNDhaM

15c MaRtiNiS

You’ll find him doing his inventive cocktails at Blondie’s, where fans love his Lemon Meringue Pie Martini as well as his classic martini.

24 N. Tejon St., 634-3522

This upscale back-alley bar drew nothing but raves. Readers praised everything from the sweet Lemon Drop to the classic gin martini.

15 E. Bijou St., Suite C, 635-8303; 15cclub.com

short takes the gazette’S pickS GOLF COURSE DINING The Club at Flying Horse Ranch PLACE TO EAT WITH YOUR FINGERS Tajine Alami CATERER Garden of the Gods Catering CHICKEN FRIED STEAK Slayton’s Barbeque BUFFET Cheyenne Mountain Resort

LOCAL BEER LaUghiNg LaB

CHEF eRic VieDt

We agree — he is the top toque in town. Readers raved: “Constantly evolving menu and food experimentation continues to make dining at the Margarita (at PineCreek) a pleasure;” “Consistently satisfying food — excellent flavors within a world of creativity.”

7350 Pine Creek Road, 598-8667; margaritaatpinecreek.com

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

BARTENDER ROB LeaVY

He’s the lead bar chef at Summit, where he makes his own infused

with fresh ingredients and squeezes fresh juices. Only ● top-shelf ● syrups spirits and wines are combined with the fresh ingredients in signature cocktails such as the Caiparissima de Oro, a Brazilian treat made with fresh muddled limes, cane syrup and Oronoco Brazilian Rum. It’s like a trip to Rio without the cost of an airline ticket.

19 Lake Ave., 577-5896; broadmoor.com

PLACE FOR BEER LOVERS tRiNitY BReWiNg cO.

Trinity’s own excellent, handcrafted artisan brews, such as the ● don’t ●floatIfever-changing Belgian farmhouse ale or the dark, plucky horkey, your boat (and these beers are good enough to float the Ti-

tanic), Trinity also has almost 25 other beer-geek selections from around the world. Drink up!

1466 Garden of the Gods Road, 634-0029; trinitybrew.com

COCKTAIL the Office’S MaRtiNi

are not froufrou times, but they are times that call for a ● mixologist ● These stiff drink, and none is better than the classic gin martini that Nate Windham serves at The Office, a bar above Blondie’s. He

mixes small-batch Junipero gin with a splash of Noilly Prat dry vermouth and a dash of orange bitters, then kisses it with a lemon twist.

20 N. Tejon St., 634-3522

24 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Readers overflowed with praise for local brewer Bristol’s top-dog brew.

“Still the best after all these years.” “I am thinking about having one right now.” You go right ahead.

1647 S. Tejon St., 633-2555; bristolbrewing.com

BUFFET VALUE Ocean’s Grill

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

WINE LIST SUMMit

you see more ● than ●200When small

vineyard wines beckoning from the spectacular 500-capacity “Wine Turret” and glass-enclosed wine room, you know you’re entering a seriousabout-wine eatery.

19 Lake Ave., 577-5896; broadmoor.com

WINE LIST the BLUe StaR

One of the first restaurants in Colorado Springs to offer half-price wine on Sundays helped introduce customers to wonderful wines.

Readers had this to say about the wine list: “The Flight menu is a lot of fun;” “Who can beat the list or the wine room?”

1645 S. Tejon St., 632-1086; thebluestar.net

Catering for Memorable Events 719-635-0200 H BestCaterer.net

2008

• 3 Minutes • Free Vacs • Free Air

395 S 8th Street • 471-2103 We are on 8th St. • South of Hwy 24 • Across From McDonald’s

$3 OFF our $10 Wash Enter Coupon 1273 Enter Coupon 1271

8th Speedy Shine Walmart

I-25

$1 OFF our $5 Wash

W.Cimarron

www.speedyshine.com We Are Open 7am-8pm • Offer expires 6/15/09 the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 25

The New, Unmistakable

2009 Audi Q5 quattro

2009 Audi Q7 quattro

The Crossover just got INTERESTING!

2008 Audi A4 quattro safeTy TUrNed sexy!

5H Crash safety rating - National Highway safety administration

Bigger yet fasTer and more fUeL effiCieNT!

2009 Audi Q5 quattro

2008 Audi A4 quattro

2009 Audi Q7 quattro

Lease for

Lease for

Lease for

$40,270. #a209163. Plus Tax. Must qualify for $500 owner loyalty rebate. Lease for 36 months. $3550 due at signing, includes security deposit. 10,000 miles per year, 25 cents per mile in excess plus damage beyond normal wear and tear. W.a.C.

$33,470. #a209110. Plus Tax. Must qualify for $750 owner loyalty rebate. Lease for 36 months. $3450 due at signing, includes security deposit. 10,000 miles per year, 25 cents per mile in excess plus damage beyond normal wear and tear. W.a.C.

$47,680. #a209032. Plus Tax. Must qualify for $1500 owner loyalty rebate. Lease for 36 months. $3650 due at signing, includes security deposit. 10,000 miles per year, 25 cents per mile in excess plus damage beyond normal wear and tear. W.a.C.

$ Phil Long Audi 550 Automotive Drive in Motor City (719) 575-7830

499/mo

26 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

$

379/mo

629/mo

$

Š2009 Graham Advertising. All rights reserved. 0409

Audi Attitude .com

Proof that the laws of physics are actually just loose suggestions.

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration i pioneers museum pictured

readers’ choice

SCENIC DRIVE

TOURIST ATTRACTION

colorado springs to cripple creek

The magnificent natural wonder walked away with multiple honors. In addition to Best Tourist Attraction, it won Best Place for a Cheap Date, Best Place to Take Out of Towners, Best Place to Get Married and Best Park.

The jackpot isn’t at the end of the journey, it’s the journey itself. You said: “Driving up the pass through all the beautiful scenery and then descending on Cripple Creek, especially in the fall with the yellows and golds in the trees against the constant green of the evergreens, is breathtaking.”

short takes

garden of the gods

Garden of the Gods Visitors Center, 1805 N. 30th St., 634-6666; gardenofgods.com

readers’ choices DRY CLEANER Continental Cleaners CARPET CLEANER Stanley Steemer MECHANIC Import Specialty Auto

TATTOO PARLOR

BODY SHOP Red Nolan

West side tattoo

VOLUNTEER Fine Arts Center docent Mary Lou Roesler

Look at the arms, torsos and other body parts that come out of West Side Tattoo, and you’ll also see an elaborately detailed crown of thorns, a unicorn and a realistic image of Lucille Ball. The tattoo parlor, covered with cool graffiti, is known for its original body art and intricate needle work.

“They provide you with a wonderful experience and an extremely clean environment.” Art With A Pulse was runner-up.

2031 W. Colorado Ave., 219-4800; westsidetattoo.net

TRAVEL AGENCY Charlie Brown’s Goodtime Travel PARADE Festival of Lights CHRISTMAS LIGHTS DISPLAY The Broadmoor

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 27

city life the gazette's pick

EMCEE

LiFetiMe achieVeMeNt aWaRD

SHANNON BRINIAS

KKTV ● one ●of ourThe anchor is busiest

FEMALE NEWS HOTTIE

media personalities. She emcees nonprofit events big and small, black tie and blue jeans — sometimes more than one a day — and even helps out as a judge for local awards. The busy mother of a young daughter wears her heart on her sleeve for her extra-special causes: March of Dimes and Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

GEORGIANN LYMBEROPOULOS

KOAA’s primary purveyor of perk doesn’t let the break of dawn dim her smile. One reader summed up Lymberopoulos’ appeal by writing, “An anchor that dreams are made of.” She also won Best TV Hair .

Our readers said: “Love those bangs!!” koaa.com

TV NEWS SHOW KOAA/ CHANNELS 5&30

MALE NEWS HOTTIE MATT MEISTER

KRDO/Channel 13’s chief meteorologist is a fan favorite who can give a whole new meaning to up-slope flow. Sounds a bit naughty, but we don’t really know what that means. One reader wrote, “Not just easy on the eyes, Matt has a great personality as well.” Watching radar images all day must give meteorologists mutant powers of charisma, because KOAA’s morning meteorologist Craig Elliot came in second.

ChriSTiAN MUrDOCK, ThE GAZETTE

Lisa Lyden accepted the Best of the Springs 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award for Best Anchor from The Gazette’s Warren Epstein and Linda Navarro at the KOAA-TV station in Colorado Springs.

tv anchor LISA LYDEN

Lyden has won Best Anchor honors every year we’ve had the category. Enough already. We’re giving the beloved KOAA anchor the first Best of the Springs Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s clear that the contest for Best Anchor isn’t a contest at all. As one reader put it, “Lisa is the real deal. She is not afraid of showing emotion when a story is sad. She comes across as very genuine and caring.” She’s everything we look for in a world-class anchor, and we’re grateful she’s ours.

28 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

KOAA’s news is a perennial leader in the ratings and winner in this category. Most readers wrote in favor of KOAA’s 10 p.m. newscast saying, “I have been watching Lisa Lyden and Rob Quirk for over 11 years.”

short takes READERS’ CHOICES FESTIVAL territory Days BUILDING the colorado springs pioneers Museum

My Dr. Johnson Smile: Suitable for Framing!

Teppan Yaki Hibachi Grill: Cooking table where the chef cooks in the front of you

Everyone wants a smile they’re proud to showcase.

Let us partner with you to help you achieve that dream.

We can help make your dreams a reality.

Call us today for an appointment.

Experience our new location at: 665 Southpointe Court, Suite 150 (just east of the intersection of Lake Ave. & Nevada Ave.)

For the love of Sushi

)

More than 100 Sushi and Rolls to choose from, only at the Garden of the Gods Location Voted Best Japanese

)

Take advantage of our

WHITE SALE Book a new patient appointment with exams and full-mouth x-rays and receive a free, take-home whitening kit (a $365 value).

SUSHI &GRILL

JAPANESE RESTATURANT

4655 Centennial Blvd.

(at Garden of the Gods)

266-5858 or 266-6644 • www.aisushi.us phone: 719.527.9098 • www.JohnsonDDS.com

Lunch: Mon-Fri. 11am-2:30pm Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9:00pm Fri-Sat 5-10pm the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 29

30 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

!

OW UT N

O CK IT

COLORADO’S FINEST JAPANESE CUISINE & SUSHI BAR

s

ing r p S e th f o t s e B e c a l p t e Mark

CHE

SPECIALS

ffer. ve to o at hey ha f all the gre t t a h w o o s d t e n s r /be f es a eatu usiness arketplace f .gazette.com of b ” t s e w ww gs M he b Best Find “t t of the Sprin d play. Visit some other n s h a e it t B w a e g ,e Th ce alon to shop places he Marketpla t . to find gs features rin the Sp

f

sto e b / om

AT fUJIYAMA! • Lunch Happy Hour Special Teriyaki Bowl • MONDAY MADNESS 5:00pm - 6:00pm $5 California roll w/ Tempura $6.99 50% OFF EVERYTHING!!

20% OFF Sushi & Rolls • Ladies Night every Wednesday • Dinner Happy Hour Specials Tues, 5:00pm - Close Thurs & Fri 5:00pm - 6:30pm 50% OFF Dinner Entrees for the ladies!

20% OFF Sushi & Rolls!

• BUY 1 GET 1 50% OFF ALL DRINKS 50% OFF Beer & Sake for Everyone!

.c

tte e z a .g w w w

LUNCH

Mon - Sat 11:00am to 2:30pm

Dinner

5:00pm to 10:00pm

Open 7 days all day with full bar!

Closed Sunday Lunch

(719) 630-1167

www.fujiyamasushi.com

22 SouthTejon St.

THE LAW FIRM OF

KENTON D. KINNAIRD AND ASSOCIATES, P.C.

AS SEEN & HEARD ON FOX 21 & CW57, 94.3 KILO & 103.9 THE EAGLE

TELEPHONE INQUIRIES WELCOME AGGRESSIVE & EXPERIENCED • Auto Accidents • Personal Injury • Social Security Disability No Recovery, No Fee

• Bankruptcy 7 & 13 Stop: Harassment, Foreclosures, Garnishments

• Criminal Defense • DUI / DWAI / Trafic • Felony / Misdemeanor Tough Laws Need A Tough Defense • Divorce / Paternity • Child Support / Custody / Visitation

415 West Bijou Located 1 Block West of 1-25

520-0003

Military Issues

Kenton D. Kinnaird Member U.S. Supreme Court Bar

Colorado State & El Paso Cty Bar

Jason A. Kinnaird

Sean Cloyes

Former Deputy Military District Attorney

Issues

Chairman El Paso Cty Bankruptcy Bar

We Offer Debt Relief By Helping People File For Bankruptcy

FREE Initial Consultation On Most Cases

www.kentonkinnaird.com • lawfirm@kentonkinnaird.com www.cospringspersonalinjury.com the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 31

city life VETERINARIAN tie: Westside AniMAl HospitAl And FillMore VeterinAry HospitAl

Readers wrote love stories about their veterinarians. Although several were partial to Peter DeWaal or Rex Johnson, another said that at Westside Animal Hospital, “pick any of their vets — they are all so attentive and thorough.” There were also pats on the back for Cor VanderWel at Fillmore Veterinary Hospital: “He treats our dog ‘Bear’ like a person, just like we do.” “A great staff that loves animals.”

Westside animal hospital, 1603 W. colorado ave., 632-6111; westsideanimalhospital.com Fillmore Veterinary hospital, 1010 e. Fillmore st., 633-3808; fillmorevet.com

KENNEL lUCKy doG

CArol lAWrenCe, THe GAzeTTe

Veterinarian Peter DeWaal and vet tech Tanya Keel gave Blue, a Siberian husky pup, a checkup at the Westside Animal Hospital last month. the gazette’s picks

PLACE TO REMEMBER YOUR PET

CAri rUCKer

When the pantry is bare for Fluffy and Buster, this nonprofit helps provide food so family pets won’t go without. p.O. Box 38554, colorado springs 80937, 217-9528; pikespeakpetpantry.org

2801 Janitell Road e., 527-9663; bealuckydog.com

Your special buddy can have a fitting final resting place ● in●this pretty little garden on the grounds of the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region shelter.

610 abbott Lane, 473-1741, ext. 137; hsppr.org

HELP FOR POOR POOCHES piKes peAK pet pAntry

● ●

4401 Mark Dabling Blvd., 599-9663; 2801 Janitell Road east, 527-9663; bealuckydog.com

PET GROOMER According to the Lucky Dog Web site, Rucker, a groomer at the south location, was a 1999 graduate of Critter Clips dog-grooming school here in the Springs. She’s worked at the doggy day care since early 2005 and also volunteers at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and with Old English Sheepdog Rescue. “I’ve never had a groomer pay as much attention to detail or listen to exactly what I want like Cari!” “She made my schnoodle look amazing!” “I have an ultra-timid sheltie who was treated harshly at another groomer. When he sees Cari, he runs up to her like a longlost friend. When your dog loves his groomer, you know they are being treated right — like the groomer’s own dogs would be treated.”

FAitHFUl Friends MeMoriAl GArden

Pet owners said: “Always superfriendly staff and very clean. And the staff loves my pets just like I do!”

“Disneyland for dogs!” “I love being able to see the Web cams to see how she is doing in the day care when she is there.”

32 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

the gazette’s pick

LOCAL DOG Brodie Middleton

Fans ask him for a “paw-tograph.” The yellow Labrador from Monument is one of eight ● ● adult dogs in the hit flick “Marley & Me.” Hollywood trainers groomed him for the role of the lovable bad-boy pooch. Brodie still has “Marley days,” but the training helped stop some of his old tricks, such as digging through the bathroom trash can.

One of the top 20 Dealers in the United States!

Make Your Tee Time Today!

Celebrating 25 Years of Serving Colorado Springs

Featuring local and Colorado designers for both quilting and needlework • Handi Quilter Representative • 7000 bolts of fabric in stock

Class and Supplies for • Hand and machine quilting • Needlework

• Wearable art • Know how machine lessons

719.591.1717 • 888.591.8803 4440 Austin Bluffs Pkwy

Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9-6 • Thur. 9-9 • Sun. 12-5

Patty Jewett Golf Course 900 East Espanola Street Colorado Springs, CO 80907

719-385-6950

Valley Hi Golf Course

610 South Chelton Colorado Springs, CO 80910

719-385-6917

www.ruthsstitchery.com • rstitchery@pcisys.net

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

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 33

city life the gazette’s pick

HOOTERS WAITRESS aIMEE CHUHaloFF

Hooters at ● has●neverThe The Citadel mall been hotter.

Chuhaloff has worked for Hooters at the mall for seven years and has been in the Hooters calendar every year, including on the cover and centerfolds. She also does Hooters and other modeling promotions.

For an up-close look at Chuhaloff and her work, check out the video at gazette.com/bestof. hooters, 750 citadel Drive, 596-3111; hooters.com

SPA Matéos salon and day spa

This one-stop beauty shopping center also won Best Waiting Room and Best Office, and it’s home to the Best Hairstylist and Best Boss.

5919 Delmonico Drive, 266-9295; mateosdayspa.com

the gazette’s pick

KISS laCEy MaynaRd and KalEB KoHaRt

Maynard and Kohart ● in●the “Netflix got a perfect score Greatest Kiss

Challenge” in New York City.

They won a romantic trip to Las Vegas in the Valentine’s Day kiss-off. Their “Gone With the Wind” kiss squared off against “Titanic” and “Back to the Future” kisses by duos who are kissing couples in real life. Maynard and Kohart aren’t a couple — they are actors in rival Colorado Springs comedy troupes.

34 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

HAIRSTYLIST REnE loGUE

A stylist at Matéo’s for almost five years, Logue is the go-to gal for just about any kind of hair. Readers said, “She’s a color expert, and she is beautiful!!” “She is great with both men and women’s hair.” Logue also won Best Barber.

www.sevenfalls.com

the locals

AUTHENTIC KANSAS CITY STYLE BARBECUE IN A TRADITIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES THEMED ATMOSPHERE

Downtown, Colorado Springs 28 A South Tejon 719-471-2311 / SlaytonsBBQ.com

favorite!

INNOVATIVE SOUTHWESTERN FARE SERVED IN A UNIQUELY CASUAL ATMOSPHERE

Downtown, Colorado Springs 28 B South Tejon 719-471-9222 / SonterraGrill.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 35

city life CHARITY CaRE and SHaRE FOOd Bank

Care and Share provides food for all of southern Colorado and this year opened a state-of-the-art facility to make the job more efficient. The nonprofit has a large volunteer corps; no matter how hard everyone works, there’s always a crying need for donations to help an exploding number of hungry people.

Tied for second are two that tug at heartstrings: Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and Compassion International.

2605 Preamble Point, 528-1247; careandshare.org

DOCTOR StEVEn BaRRICk

“Get well” is this doctor’s order … but he says it nicely. “He actually takes time to sit and listen to patients,” a patient said. Another said: “Great doctor! Nice, nice man.” Doctors Laura Feldman and Brad Reedy were runners-up.

Carol lawrenCe, THe GazeTTe

The new Care and Share facility doubled its capacity for gathering, storing and distributing food. (Glen Hoffstetter pictured.) the gAzette’s Pick

VOLUNTEER GROUP COLORadO SpRInGS UtILItIES

Last year, more than 700 Utilities employees donated more than 9,000 volun● and ●cleaned teer hours to 108 community projects. They landscaped, hammered, painted, up. They had regular shifts at the Care and Share Food Bank, they put

up and took down Christmas lights at the zoo and in Manitou Springs. They were everywhere they were needed, earning them the National Philanthropy Day award for “outstanding large business or corporation,” and are one of the Points of Light.

104 Pro Rodeo Drive, 522-0707

customer care center, 111 s. cascade Ave., 448-4800; csu.org

BOSS CIndY BERSHInSkY

She’s Matéo’s Salon and Day Spa owner.

“Amazing person and best boss I have ever had,” an employee raved.

5919 Delmonico Drive, 266-9295: mateosdayspa.com

DENTIST the gAzette’s Pick

VOLUNTEER pam JOnES

is up before dawn cooking made-from-scratch Sunday breakfasts for homeless teens at Urban Peak. ● ● Jones Urban Peak, 423 e. cucharras st., 630-3223; urbanpeak.org

36 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

GREGORY SOLICH, ExCEptIOnaL SmILES

Patients like his exceptional chair-side manner as he pokes into their mouths. They say he is “informative, gentle, efficient and has a great sense of humor.” As one patient put it: “Dr. Solich is always kind and takes the time to explain to me how best to take care of my teeth. His staff are also very kind and friendly. What a great experience going to the dentist!” Not only that, the office has music and food.

5426 N. Academy Blvd., No. 105, 548-9393; universityparksmiles.com

HealtHy & DelisH!

Quality products at discount prices

3 Smoothies under 200 calories and 8 under 230

Mon–Sat: 10 am – 7 pm 1025 E. Woodmen Rd. (719) 630-7446

Now online at currentfactoryoutlet.com

YOGEE BLENDS

Check out our fabulous selection of invitations!

All topped with organic granola and fresh bananas Berry Sunrise Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries, Soy Milk, Fat-Free Yogurt Chunky Monkey Strawberries, Bananas, Peanut Butter, Soy Milk, Fat-Free Yogurt Orange Burst Mangoes, Pineapples, Fresh Orange Juice, Orange Sherbet Mango Morning Mangoes, Peaches, Soy Milk, Vanilla Yogurt

NEW GREAT GRILLERS

AçAÍ SMOOTHIES Amazon Energy

Waldorf Chicken Griller Chicken Breast, Açaí, Strawberry, Banana Straw-kiwi Juice, Celery, Walnuts, Grapes, Romaine Lettuce, Vanilla Yogurt Balsamic Vinaigrette Brazilian Berry Tuscan Tuna Griller Albacore Tuna, Açaí, Strawberry, Swiss Cheese, Onion, Alfalfa Sprouts, Raspberry, Soy Milk, Romaine Lettuce, Vanilla Yogurt Balsamic Vinaigrette

Promoting healthier lifestyles with salads, gourmet wraps, soups, grillers, smoothies and shakes, all freshly made and ready-to-go in minutes!

Best of 2009

FROOTS at MARKETPLACE Gif ts • Gif t Wrap • Greeting Cards • Scrapbooking Supplies

across from King Soopers • 3604 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Ste 110 719.442.1525 • www.froots.com

Thank you Colorado Springs for making us the success we are today, as we enjoy our 4th year as your favorite neighborhood tavern.

Happy Hour 3-7pm Everyday

Open 11am • Seven Days a Week • Live Music • Plenty of Parking the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 37

city life the gazette’s picks

FUNKY YARD ART MIKE “POPEYE” MALORY

On the roof is an 8-foot spaceship with flashing

piloted by an alien smoking a cigarette. ● Nearby ● lights, is a funky sculpture he calls a “scareplane” and

a fountain made from bedpans. There’s nothing ordinary about the artist/undertaker’s 1950s ranch home in Security.

1100 Main st., security

HAUNTED HOUSE HAUNTED MINES

This actor-staffed haunted house at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry is a scream. The highlight: a Hell-O-Vater, a broken elevator that feels as if it were plunging into the mine shaft.

FOOD DEMONSTRATOR HANK BROwNELL

beware when Brownell, 81, is in the build● cookies ● Dieters ing. He serves up free, delicious samples of cakes, and pizza pies at Sam’s Club at North Academy

Boulevard and West Woodmen Road. And, even after seven years on the job, he does it with a smile and a chat. “I’m a people person,” says Brownell, who owned a small appliance business in Grand Junction before retiring.

225 North gate Road, 488-0880; hauntedmines.org

LIBRARY EAST LIBRARY

Inside the sprawling library is a constant hum of activity — no shushing here. Little kids squeal with delight in the children’s section, teens get cool music (for free!), and adults can learn a million new things. Patrons praise the selection and the staff, saying, “I have never been able to NOT find what I needed.” Penrose and Old Colorado City libraries were runners-up.

the gazette’s pick

EDUCATIONAL EXPERIMENT THE CONSERVATORY AT GALILEO SCHOOL

What happens when you merge the city’s premier private arts conservatory with a cutting-edge charter school ● but●well-rounded specializing in math and science? We’re still finding out, but so far, it looks as if you get one of the more eccentric educations in the region.

5550 N. Union Blvd., 531-6333; ppld.org

38 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

1600 N. Union Blvd., 328-2200; d11.org/gaLiLeO

There is only one Downtown.

™

Expect the un•egg•spected.

Discover the whimsy. Downtown.

Dream in it. downtown80903.com

Rediscover

The Best Dining Experience in Colorado Springs Do you remember the first time you dined with us?

Was it a first date? Celebrating an anniversary or promotion?

Or was it because you heard we had the best steak in town?

Whatever the occasion was, we’d like to hear about it.

Share the memory of your first dining experience with any member of our award winning staff and receive a COMPLIMENTaRY SELECT aPPETIZER.* It’s our way of saying:

WELCOME BaCK!

2007-08

*Limted Time Offer

3802 Maizeland Rd • (719) 596-9300

www.steaksmith.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 39

t AFWonline.com

Sofa $359

Love Seat $339

Sleeper $599

Chaise $279*

Ottoman $119

Chair $296

*Not pictured

COLLECTION FEATURES: This collection offers unparalleled luxury and appeal. Covered in a cream color microfiber upholstery, this group features neatly tailored box welt seating, loose pillow backs and plush padded arms. Crafted with a hardwood frame for exceptional durability, this set stands up to today’s busy lifestyle. Additional accent pillows are available for individual purchase.

Nicoletta Cream Collection by:

Shop Colorado’s Best In-Stock Selection of Furniture at

AFWonline.com Now You Can Buy Online and Pickup In-store!

40 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

t Designer furniture without the designer price tag!

Chest $289 Mirror $119 Queen Bed $299

Dresser $329

Night Stand $149 King Bed $399

Bedroom Collection by:

COLLECTION FEATURES: This classic dark merlot finish, platform style bed with padded headboard and antique silver finished hardware brings warmth and comfort to any bedroom.

Convenient locations throughout Colorado: DOUGLAS CO. MEGASTORE & WAREHOUSE

2 minutes east of I-25 off E-470 & Peoria St.

(303) 799-9044

COLORADO SPRINGS

I-25 & FILLMORE - 2805 CHESTNUT ST.

AURORA

1700 S. ABILENE

(719) 633-4220

(303) 368-8555

PUEBLO

UNIVERSITY

I-25 & EAGLERIDGE

(719) 542-5169

S. UNIVERSITY & COUNTY LINE

(303) 795-0928

THORNTON SUPERSTORE & WAREHOUSE I-25 & 84TH

(303) 289-4100

WESTMINSTER

94th & WADSWORTH

FORT COLLINS

(303) 425-4359

S.W. LAKEWOOD

5390 S. WADSWORTH BLVD.

(303) 933-3975

I-25 AND HWY. 14

(970) 221-1981

VAIL VALLEY

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

(970)-926-4141

(970) 928-9422

295 MAIN ST, EDWARDS, CO

3200 S. GLEN AVE.

FIRESTONE SUPERCENTER & WAREHOUSE

I-25 & HWY 119 - LONGMONT/FIRESTONE

(303) 684-2400

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 41

city life

MOTEL SILVER SADDLE

Climb down from the saddle for a good soak and sleep. Rooms at this Manitou Springs inn have views of Pikes Peak, Wi-Fi, comfy beds — and your own private hot tub.

215 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, 685-5611; silver-saddle.com

BED-AND-BREAKFAST OLD TOWN GUESTHOUSE

Readers say this contemporary Old Colorado City bed-and-breakfast has all the comforts of home — and then some. You said: “Great place and not too far to drive to. Private balconies with hot tubs, comfortable beds and great food!” The Cliff House at Pikes Peak, Holden House and Blue Skies were runners-up.

115 S. 26th St., 632-9194: oldtown-guesthouse.com

the gAzette’S pick

BUSINESS NAME ALExANDER THE GROUT

● ● The name says it all.

HOTEL THE BROADMOOR

The Broadmoor won by a mountainous landslide. No surprise there. Many said the hotel lived up to its lofty reputation. The Antlers Hilton and Cheyenne Mountain Resort were runners-up.

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

RESTROOMS THE BROADMOOR

the gAzette’S pick

Readers say they love being pampered with cloth towels, pretty décor and scented hand lotion in these luscious lavatories. “Best place to relax on a john anywhere, hands down,” raved one. Kudos also went to Matéo’s Salon and Day Spa, with its “cool sinks,” and Coutura Design Center for six innovative and different restrooms.

BUILDING EDITH KINNEY GAYLORD CORNERSTONE ARTS CENTER

With all that copper, the jutting roof lines and that metallic bricking, Cor● ● nerstone seems as much spaceship as modern edifice. The $33.4 million building, which celebrated its official opening in October, is more than a pretty

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

272-9925

42 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

face. Designed by award-winning architect Antoine Predock, the 72,419-squarefoot space combines beauty and utility in a very 21st century way as both indisciplinary classroom and arts destination. “It’s a demolition derby of ideas,” Predock told The Gazette. “But the building was designed to facilitate creativity.

The design is not neutral. The space itself will shape activity.”

825 N. cascade Ave.

8794 N. Union Blvd

Colorado Springs (Albertson’s Center) Union/Research

n

S

ove All O over L n I i Ag d d n n ai ttaa

719-282-4177

Dine-in . Take-Out . Delivery

pizza . pasta . salads . subs . beer . wine & more !

KIOWA N

NEVADA

635-1575

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

TEJON

BIJOU

123 N. Tejon St. - Downtown

PIKES PEAK

Plan Your Party here Seating for 100+ People

$5.00 OFF

With Any $20 Food Purchase

$3.00 OFF

With Any $15 Food Purchase Not valid with any other coupon/offer or beer & wine. Offer expires 12/31/09

Glutin Free Pizza & Pasta

Dine-in . Take Out . Delivery

Patio Dinning • Big Screen T.Vs • Video Games

We have been voted 4 stars by The Gazette for Best Mexican Food E Kiowa St

E Pikes Peak Ave

Please call for reservations

F OFry ID

10%Milita With

719-477-1157

35 North Iowa 80909

by Platte & Union

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 43

404 El Paso Blvd.

Manitou Springs, CO (719) 685-9000 www.craftwood.com

Four Course Dinner for Two ONLY $40!*

*Valid Sunday-Friday 5-6pm. Only $60 from 6pm-close!

One Coupon per table. Not valid for private functions. Mention this coupon when making reser vations. Not valid Saturdays or holidays. Not to be combined with any other offer, promotion, or cer tificate. Ex pires June 19, 2009

Serving Elk, Antelope, Ostrich, Pheasant, Lamb, Steaks, Seafood, & Vegetarian in a casual, fine dining atmosphere.

Your Inn... Colorado Style!

Join our Frequent Diners Club & Receive these Great Benefits!

702 Manitou Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO (719) 685-9400 www.stagecoachinn.com

Serving: Steaks Fried Chicken Pot Roast Trout & more!

One Hundred Years from Ordinary!

44 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

FILL UP YOUR CARD AND EARN $10!

Monday: Kids Eat Free Tuesday: Receive double points Wednesday: Half priced bottles of wine Thursday: Free n/a beverages Sunday: Free Ice Cream Sundae Receive 1/3 off your bill Sun-Thur after 8pm!

Up to $10 Off your Meal!

Receive $5 off 1 entree OR $10 off 2 entrees!

One coupon per table. Not valid on holidays. Not valid with early bird special or any other offer, promotion, or certificate. Expires June 19, 2009.

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration i mali Darr pictureD

readers’ choice

MOVIE THEATER

CONCERT OF THE YEAR

KiMBaLL’s TWiN PeaK TheaTer

BrULÉ

This independently owned theater specializing in indies and art films charmed readers, who say they “love the atmosphere — quiet and peaceful, and the wine, and the fact that they have more offbeat movies.” “Locally owned and you can take beer inside the theater — what’s there NOT to love about that?”

“How can you go wrong with beer & wine!”

“You can get wine and beer and it’s small and it’s downtown.” “Having wine while watching excellent movies — makes for the perfect Friday night.” We sense a theme here …

115 e. pikes peak ave., 447-1945; kimballstwinpeak.com

The actual winner here was the World Arena’s Elton John concert, but voting was closed before John took the stage.

Brulé’s Pikes Peak Center show was the most popular concert readers had time to attend. The band adds a Native American rhythmic and musical flair to Christmas songs. brulerecords.com

the gazette’s pick

CONCERT OF THE YEAR Washburn, a Colorado College ● mater ● with alum, returned to her alma boyfriend/banjo god Béla

PLAY AND MUSICAL “The FULL MoNTY”

Fans couldn’t stop laughing. They loved the singing, acting and special “ladies night” production. Some thought it should have gotten even more exposure, if you know what we mean. csfineartscenter.org

aBiGaiL WashBUrN & The sParroW QUarTeT

Fleck in tow and, along with fiddler Casey Driessen and cellist Ben Sollee, played a raucous blend of bluegrass, traditional old-timey music and Chinese folk tunes that blew the roof off Armstrong Hall. We hear this may have been the quartet’s final show together.

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 45

a&e BAR SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY’S

The spot just south of downtown offers everything — live music most nights of the week, a full menu, friendly staff and great people-watching.

528 S. Tejon St., 444-8487; southsidejohnnys.biz

NIGHTCLUB COWBOYS

The country club moved from its east-side location to downtown last year. The music is loud, the dance floor is full and there are plans by the owners to open up a bowling alley upstairs, with easy access for two-steppers to take a break and throw a ball.

Cowboys also won Best Place to Dance. A second location is planned for 5869 Palmer Park Blvd. at Powers Boulevard.

25 N. Tejon St., 596-1212; worldfamouscowboys.com

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

TREAT FOR CINEMAPHILES THE INDIE SPIRIT FILM FESTIVAL

Stevens, the general manager at Kimball’s Twin Peak ● son●AirMatt Theater, and Jim Turner, a defense contractor at PeterForce Base, have for two years presented a fascinating showcase of features, shorts, documentaries and animated pieces from around the world.

indiespiritfilmfestival.org

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

USE OF PENNIES

“FIVE SCORE YEARS OF THE LINCOLN PENNY”

find smatterings of them on the sidewalks as if they were pocket lint. But artist Jason Baalman knew better. ● 2008 ●—You He created a portrait of Abraham Lincoln by using 1,025 pennies, one from every year and mint from 1909 to except for errors and the valuable 1909 VDB penny. Baalman drew national attention in 2007 when he posted a video of himself using ketchup and fries to paint a portrait of “Super Size Me” author Morgan Spurlock.

46 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Poster design by Jeremy grant

colorado springs

rare steak well done rare steak well done

31 n. tejon

CONGRATULATIONS

719-227-7333

2009 “BEST OF”

downtown

WINNERS!

colorado springs 31 n. tejon

It is our privilege to be in the company of Colorado Springs’ very best.

719-227-7333 a succulent

mix of

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.

exceptional a succulent mix of

prime steaks

exceptional

and fresh prime steaks and fresh

fish in a

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!

fish in a

provocative provocative atmosphere atmosphere

2006-07

Love

The

s u o m a F

Helping You be Unforgettable!

4663 Centennial Blvd. | Colorado Springs, CO 80919 | 719.260.0100 M - W 10am - 6pm Th - F 10am - 8pm Sat 10am – 6pm www.luisagraffjewelers.com

A STEAK HOUSE

Creativity.

Squared.

csfineartscenter.org | 719.634.5583 the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 47

a&e THE GAZETTE’S PICK

MUSEUM EXHIBIT

TREAT FOR SICK ART LOVERS

“LIFE AS A LEGEND: MARILYN MONROE”

Despite a year of blockbusters at the Fine Arts Center — from an impressionists show in January to Pablo Picasso in July — this tightly focused traveling exhibit stood out with voters. Not unlike the delicious Ms. Monroe herself.

The April 2008 offering included 300 Monroe-related photographs and works by such artists as Andy Warhol, Richard Avedon and Henri Cartier-Bresson as well as 15 local artists invited to participate in the show. It was fun, sexy, sad and, ultimately, a testament to our obsession with the unattainable.

ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER

some hospitals look as if they snagged a few art prints from Target, ● the●newWhile St. Francis heavily invested in art and local artists, putting together a 550-piece collection (including a towering steel statue of St. Francis of Assisi) valued at more than $1 million. Beauty (along with strong meds) may be the best treatment for pain.

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5583; csfineartscenter.org

6001 E. Woodmen Road, 776-5000; penrosestfrancis.org

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

ARTIST YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND TOM MCELROY

If you walked into Tom McElroy’s ● ern, ●“Atomic recent exhibition at the FAC ModElroy’s Hometown,” you may

have been puzzled. But you were unlikely to miss that, like much of his work, this video and installation piece is smart and meaningful, the pearl inside a particularly petulant oyster. To understand McElroy, you needed to spend time with the piece, wading into his complicated relationship with his hometown, Colorado Springs, and his love affair with the slippery nature of dadaism.

atomicelroy.com

48 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

a&e THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

GALLERY

USE OF MULTIMEDIA

COTTONWOOD CENTER fOR THE ARTS

“MIKEL GLASS: THE DISCARDED”

It’s hard to picture a better place to see and buy artwork than one composed of more than 60 minigalleries. The new building at 427 E. Colorado Ave. has expanded the variety of work for sale. “They have started a wave of enthusiasm for artists of all kinds to gather, do and show their work,” a fan said.

It’s hard to get your mind around New York ● realist ● Mikel Glass’ curious work, which ran Jan. 17-April 19 at the Fine Arts Center.

That’s especially true of the series of handmade boxes that ape throw-away objects, such as express-mail boxes, with such detail that you can’t tell the difference.

Recognizing that the best convincer — touching it and seeing the wooden back — wasn’t possible, the arts center put together a smart array of online and gallery media — including a slide show, a video on how he makes these pieces and an interview with the artist — to telegraph just how artful this heady work really is.

427 E. Colorado Ave., 520-1899; cottonwoodartistsschool.org

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

NONGALLERY SPACE TO SEE ART PHANTOM CANYON BREWING CO.

Blank walls. A captive audience. Artists ● tion ●space. looking for a no-commitment exhibiIt’s a match made in business

heaven. This casual eatery has one of the best spots to see interesting art.

2 E. Pikes Peak Ave., 635-2800; phantomcanyon.com

Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5583; csfineartscenter.org

TRAVELING EXHIBIT “MIKEL GLASS: THE DISCARDED”

It’s big ideas in small packages. Sometimes literally. In this sprawling exhibition, the New York artist creates say-what facsimiles of throw-away objects as well as exquisitely painted canvases that play with notions of realism and the nature of art. All of this at our local museum. Amazing.

● ●

Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5583; csfineartscenter.org

LOCAL EXHIBIT “COLORADO SPRINGS ABSTRACT”

scope of this 80-piece survey is ● experimentation ● The ambitious — from turn-of-the-century to contemporary render-

kevin kreck, the gazette

Mikel glass worked on the installation piece that was part of his exhibition “the Discarded” earlier this year.

ings. Sure, there are heavy hitters, such as the tasty Motherwells you can spot from the broad doorway of the Fine Arts Center’s El Pomar Gallery. But the real treat is to see local artists Betty Ross, Holly Parker, Bill Burgess and others hang in this august setting.

Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., 634-5583; csfineartscenter.org

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 49

a&e ART MUSEUM COLORADO SPRINGS FINE ARTS CENTER

When it comes to the Fine Arts Center, Lee Bowers sums it up quite nicely: “Um. Wow!” After a $28.4 million renovation in 2006, the facility boasts both architect John Gaw Meem’s stately Pueblo style and airy public spaces able to accommodate the enormous as well as the intimate. Voters cited the free admission days, Dale Chihuly’s chandeliers, a solid permanent collection and ambitious traveling shows as reasons to visit again and again. “Better than the Denver Art Museum,” wrote one fan, “who needs angled walls?”

30 W. Dale St., 634-5583; csfineartscenter.org

kirk speer, the gazette

the Colorado springs Fine arts Center.

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

NEW MURAL MURAL ON THE GIDDINGS LOFT BUILDING

lucky if it’s just a blur of blue and red as we drive through downtown construction. But if you look up at the right mo● ment, ● youWe’re might notice painter Kim Polomka’s 65-by-26-foot tribute to

NONART MUSEUM COLORADO SPRINGS PIONEERS MUSEUM

Built in 1903, the El Paso County Courthouse looks like a stately piece of wedding cake. The facility, which was also voted Best Building , houses 40,000 objects.

As a reader said: “Anyone who lives in Colorado Springs is not a true resident until they visit this amazing place!”

215 S. Tejon St., 385-5990; cspm.org

50 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Giddings Dry Goods, which moved to that building at Tejon and Kiowa streets in 1898. Polomka’s giant spool of thread, button, claim ticket and bill is highly graphic and happily pop-arty, even incorporating the piping on the building into the work.

PUBLIC ART STARR KEMPF SCULPTURE GARDEN

his kinetic sculptures “monumentals,” and when you them, you understand why. The handful of silver-colored ● pieces ● inHeseethecalled late artist’s front yard are certainly enormous, easily two

stories tall, but there’s something more there — something oddly playful yet profound. Perhaps it’s the combination of the scale and the movement, that tickles our notions of what sculpture should be. Or maybe it’s Kempf’s forms: the goofy/elegant birds and the “Wizard of Oz” weather vanes with parts that spin and undulate and pivot. For a small preview of his work, wander down to the Plaza of the Rockies, where one of his abstract pieces dances slowly in the wind.

2057 Pine Grove St.

There’s no better time!

A

C

le r cce at

e

elebrate

SUSHI/SASHIMI TERIYAKI/TEMPURA

novate e R

AAFCU has loans for your life and we’re lending now!

Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:00 - 2:30 Dinner: Sun-Thur 5:00 - 9:00 Fri-Sat 5:00 - 10:00

4737 N.Academy Blvd.

Air force Academy Exit 150 Woodmen Rd.

Exit 149 25 Garden of Gods

Exit 146

(719) 266-9944

Tues-Sunday 8am - 10pm

FLINTRIDGE Union

(719) 272-7301

Austin Blufs HWY 24

Exit 141 Academy Exit 135

www.akasaka.conous.com

4703 N. Academy Blvd.

Call 593.8600 for our great rates!

aafcu.com

There are hundreds of ways to join!

We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and Equal Opportunity Act. Membership requirements and other restrictions apply. Federally insured by NCUA.

Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government

NCUA

National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency

The Gazette Best of Colorado Springs Special Edition Publishes 2009 Size: 1/4 page (4.5” x 4.5”) Cost: $660.00

Celebrating Good Food, Good Service and the 106th Year of Flight!

“If you’re going to have a theme, make it extreme!”

Open daily 11:00am - 9:00pm Weekdays Noon - 8:00pm Sundays Reservations Accepted

570-7656

1665 N. Newport Road www.TheAirplaneRestaurant.com (One block east of Powers on Fountain Blvd.)

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! the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 51

a&e THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

THEATER TROUPE

MUSICAL “DIsNEY’s BEauTY aND THE BEasT” (FINE arTs CENTEr)

sTICK HorsEs IN paNTs

Fans like Stick Horses for the same reason Forrest Gump liked boxes of chocolates: You never know what you’re going to get.

costumes, a sparkling cast and one show-stopping ● introducing ● Colorful number after another combined to captivate adults while a new, young audience to the magic of theater.

30 W. Dale St., 634-5581; csfineartscenter.org

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

DRAMA “raBBIT HoLE” (sTar Bar pLaYErs)

Bar took its final bow in 2008, but before it did, it gave us one last production that will stay in our ● ● Star hearts and minds forever: David Lindsay-Abaire’s searing exploration of a marriage ravaged by tragedy.

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

POET

COMEDY

aaroN aNsTETT

“THE LYING KIND” (THEaTrEWorKs)

The first Pikes Peak poet laureate’s poems have appeared widely in journals, anthologies, online and on Garrison Keillor’s “The Writer’s Almanac.”

Honesty may be the best policy, but it’s deception that makes for the best comedy, especially when it features actors who could give Monty Python a run for their money.

● ●

pikespeakpoetlaureate.org

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 255-3232; theatreworkscs.org

POET

YOUTH SHOW

This Palmer High School sophomore wowed audiences at the Manitou Art Theater’s “10 Minutes Max” show and went on to win the Poetry Out Loud state championship.

“WorKING” (FaC YouTH rEp)

30 W. Dale St., 634-5581; csfineartscenter.org

KaLEENa KovaCH

● ●

Recognized for its intensive training program in the dramatic arts, The Youth Rep showed with this ode to American workers that it could produce work as polished and mature as any professional theater company.

● ●

● ●

Video of her work at gazette.com.

52 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

THEATER COMPANY THEaTrEWorKs

thought-provoking, TheatreWorks proved this year ● an●eroticAlways that it was versatile as well, adding an original adaptation of Shakespeare poem, a modern British farce and an honestto-goodness Broadway musical to its mix of more serious works.

Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 255-3232; theatreworkscs.org

NEW THEATER COMPANY THIN aIr THEaTrE CoMpaNY

Rising from the ashes of the Imperial Players, this Cripple ● dollar ● with Creek troupe guarantees a sure bet for your entertainment its fun, family-friendly mix of Shakespeare, Broadway musicals and original melodramas.

139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, 689-6402; butteoperahouse.com

VB_AD1_13-0031:VB_AD1_13-0031

10/25/06

30 Years of Reliability and Trust

skin flaws or picked them up

Ruskin Team

over time, there’s no excuse to live with them if you don’t want to. Our Vbeam laser is

#1 Real Estate Team

fast, visibly effective, and comfortable. Don’t accept facial veins, scarring, age spots, uneven skin tone or pigmentation. The skin you

RE/MAX Real Estate Group

719-535-0711

Search for All Current Listings at:

www.ruskinteam.com

Page 1

Whether you were born with

The

Brigette Ruskin

5:16 PM

Steve Ruskin

Always wanted better skin?

Vbeam® laser treatments visibly erase the marks of time and nature.

want can be yours starting your very first office visit.

Call today for an appointment.

471-8560

Nathan Trookman, M.D. • Michael Turner, M.D. Board Certified Dermatologists

<physician office info>

Contact Us at:

ruskinteam@mac.com

170 Parkside Drive

©2006 Candela Corporation. All rights reserved. 10/06 0920-13-0031 Rev. 01

Gift Cards Available

SPRING HOURS: 10AM – 6PM MON – SAT NOON – 4PM SUN Monument OldNorthgate Northgate

Silversmith Rd 1-25 north

HWY 83

Exit 156A

Colorado Springs 1-25 exit 156A(Gleneagle) 1.8 mi east on Northgate Blvd to Northgate Rd, South 1 block to Silversmith

• • • •

PERENNIALS & GROUND COVERS HOUSE PLANTS & HERBS PATIO ACCESSORIES & GIFTS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

1615 Silversmith Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80921 Phone: (719) 634-3230 • Fax: (719) 488-3225 www.GardenCenterAtFlyingHorse.com

• FLOWERS & HANGING BASKETS • TREES & SHRUBS & GRASSES • GARDEN SUPPLIES • POTTERY & FOUNTAINS

The Best of Everything in One Location!

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 53

a&e

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

SET “THE GraPEs OF WraTH” (THEaTrEWOrks)

It couldn’t have been easy cramming it all into the cozy Bon Vivant Theater, but the ever-resourceful Michael Stansbery managed to re-create the Joads’ epic journey out of a 1929 Chevy truck, a river and four miles of lumber.

● ●

Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, 1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 255-3232; theatreworkscs.org

COSTUMES “DisNEY’s bEaUTY aND THE bEasT” (FiNE arTs cENTEr)

How do you bring a wardrobe, a candelabra and a houseful of everyday objects to life?

Easily, if you’ve got Elizabeth Fry’s keen imagination and eye for detail. Why, she made even the Beast endearing.

● ●

ACTOR TObY LOrENc

A real estate agent by day, Lorenc becomes an improv comedy actor by night. A fan raved: “Funny, funny, funny.

A fantastic character actor and shining star in the Stick Horses in Pants comedy troupe.”

ACTRESS LacEY MaYNarD

Another performer in Stick Horses, Maynard also performs at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. Fans call her “versatile, upbeat, larger than life.”

One fan said she’s “pee-inyour-pants funny.” thestickhorses.com

THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

ACTOR sTEVE EMiLY (“rabbiT HOLE”)

This gifted actor has ● critics ● alike wowed audiences and in a wide range of

roles, but none more deeply layered than Howie, the father searching for healing in the midst of unbearable grief.

ACTRESS JaNE FrOMME (“rabbiT HOLE”)

nuanced ● what ●winFinely performances are awards, and that’s

what Fromme gave us in her portrayal of Becca, a mother who loses her young son.

THE GAZETTE’S PICK

CHOREOGRAPHY “THE FULL MONTY” (FiNE arTs cENTEr)

Ripper Baker’s dance numbers are always a joy to watch, but in this testosterone-driven musical ● ● Mary she really outdid herself, rocking the house with her contagiously energetic choreography.

30 W. Dale St., 634-5581; csfineartscenter.org

54 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

DANCE SCHOOL

rOckY MOUNTaiN DaNcE acaDEMY

Students and parents rave about the academy’s familyoriented, affordable approach to teaching dance. The benefits, they say, go beyond the moves: “I have seen both boys and girls grow with friendship, confidence and overall good health. With their program, kids are having a great time but are also growing at the same time.”

3958 N. Academy Blvd., 596-4110; rmdaofcolospgs.com

The New Standard in Senior Living At The Palisades at Broadmoor Park, we created a new senior living community that is unique and life-changing.

But don’t just take our word for it—let our residents in this wonderful community tell you: “The Palisades offers me lifelong learning and lifetime living.

At The Palisades, I am more involved in my community than ever before...” —Pat, Palisades resident “When I arrived here, I had trouble walking...

Now I walk around the block several times a day!”

—Phyllis, Palisades resident “I wish I would have moved here 2 years ago!”

—B.J., Palisades resident Our partnership with UCCS’ department of gerontology and the Beth-El College of Nursing means that you will receive the best in health and wellness care. Be the best possible you!

We invite you to come experience it for yourself.

Call us today to schedule your personal tour:

719-226-CARE (2273) Find us in southwest Colorado Springs, in the Broadmoor Bluffs neighborhood, at the base of Cheyenne Mountain.

Independent Living Private Apartments starting at

2,650*

$

per month, all-inclusive

*prices subject to change, call for details

Assisted Living Private Apartments starting at

2,795*

$

per month, all-inclusive

*prices subject to change, call for details

Memory Care Private Apartments starting at

3,895*

$

per month, all-inclusive

*prices subject to change, call for details

Visit us at: www.PalisadesCARE.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 55

a&e THE GAZETTE’S PICKS

BAND GRaSS it uP

This local three-piece band ● with ●spoonfuls plays heavy bluegrass laced of blues, Celtic, rock

and country. They cover songs by Jimi Hendrix, Cake, Pearl Jam, Willie Nelson and others, and also create their own tunes on guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass. They perform regularly around town, in bars such as Trinity Brewing Co., restaurants including Front Range Barbeque, and at festivals such as the Keystone Beer and Bluegrass Festival in August. grassitup.com

LOCAL CLASSICAL COMPOSER

BAND

KeVin MCCHeSneY

Steele DanielS louiS Hall

not the only composer in ● one ●to winHe’s town, but McChesney is the only a chance to record one of

This Springs-based band with the classic rock sound attracts young fans as well as baby boomers. Fans said: “The vocals are amazing. If you close your eyes you feel like you’re listening to The Eagles!” “The harmony is outstanding, they play the classics and ... get you up and dancing.”

his compositions with cellist superstar Yo-Yo Ma. Like the other 354 contenders, his work was based on “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Sometime this year, Ma, McChesney and the Pikes Peak Ringers — which McChesney founded and directs — will record the lushly layered work for the cellist’s next album. “The arrangement,” Ma said, “is phenomenal, and ... what this group has done is absolutely stunning.”

sdlhband.com

KARAOKE SINGER Mailee WilSon

Readers said: “She has a wide variety of songs she sings, and we keep trying to get her to go on ‘American Idol,’ but she won’t do it!” “Mailee will entertain you and dazzle you with her beauty and poise as she sings to you.”

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

KARAOKE

StaRGazeR’S tHeatRe anD eVent CenteR

GooD CoMPanY BaR anD ReStauRant

The circular, domed building has housed many ventures through the years. The latest is an attempt to fill the building with music and the occasional stand-up comedy show.

Upcoming events include Leon Russell, Jake Loggins, George Whitesell, Phat Daddy and the Phat Horn Doctors and a portrayal of Ben Franklin by Christopher Lowell. You said: “Wonderful venue for local and national talent.”

10 S. Parkside Drive, 476-2200; stargazerstheater.com

56 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Karaoke fans said: “Everyone is encouraged by the bar and staff to have a good time.”

“There is always fun and shenanigans going on and the hosts make all events a memorable and crazy time.”

7625 N. Union Blvd., 528-8877

Pikes Peak Ringers, 265-9691; pikespeakringers.com

SHOWCASE FOR LOCAL MUSIC SHoWCaSe at StuDio Bee Once a month, local music fans

a treat at the Pikes Peak ● Center’s ● getStudio Bee: free concerts fea-

turing original tunes from local bands.

190 S. Cascade Ave., 520-7469; pikespeakcenter.com

Matéos Day Spa

Best Fast Food In Town

Relaxing, therapeutic and age reducing services From head to toe & all under one roof!

EscapE for an hour or a day!

Visit the Salon at Mateos featuring the area’s top stylists!

Day Spa packages starting at $94

Gift certificates Always available

Two Locations Now Open Shopping Center First and Main Town Center King Soopers At the corner of Academy

www.mateodayspa.com 5919 Delmonico Drive • Suite B • Colorado Springs, CO 80919 Mon-Fri 9-8 Sat 9-5

2008

Across from JC Penney

266-9295

escape. explore. experience.

& Austin Bluffs Pkwy

(3654 Austin Bluffs Pkwy)

9

Learn to Dive!

ONLY

$289 www.theunderwaterconnection.com

CALL TODAY! 599-DIVE (3483)

Includes: • All class, pool & open water training • Use of all equipment

(3690 New Center Point)

• Open waters in Santa Rosa • All certification fees • FREE use of our on-site pool (after certification)

Does not include:

• Course materials • Transportation/Parking • Meals • Park Fees

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

The Best of the Springs is transforming from a once-a-year deal to an ongoing vote-all-the-time extravaganza. Now you can weigh in on all the choices by readers and experts, and vote on MORE categories. (Of course, we’ll still have the once-a-year thing come out in May.) Here’s how it’ll work: This week you nominate your favorite Pre-Prom Dining Spot. Next week, you get to vote from among the nominees for Best PreProm Dining Spot as well as nominate your favorite local Car Wash … and on it goes.

Why are we doing this? Have we lost our collective mind?!!! Won’t you get carpal tunnel voting that much?

Difficult questions, and here are the honest answers: because we can; absolutely; and we’ll add a category for Best Physical Therapist for Carpal Tunnel Sufferers.

www.gazette.com/bestof the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 57

w w w. c l i m a t e b y d e s i g n . c o m

ON AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS

3800 REBATES

$

In

It’s Hard To Stop A Trane.™

12 months Same as Cash

Use Your

HOME DEPOT CARD

282-9729 • 24 Hour Service

the best place the best place to save furniture! picking their new Jake and Megan

April 2009

to subscribe: www.gazette.com/subscribe

58 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration

readers’ choice

New Store

Women's fashions

enVi

KirK & hill

The husband-and-wifeowned business in Old Colorado City features works by more than 70 artisans. It offers art, clothing, jewelry and baby items. Readers said: “Just a fun store to shop at.” “A treasure chest of great gifts at shockingly reasonable prices.” “Hip, happy, real. Colorful, tasteful, different. Friendly, helpful service too!”

No. 12 S. 25th St., 352-7818; envi.biz

When our female readers want to look good, they say Kirk & Hill Clothing Co. never fails. “Up-tothe-minute fashions at reasonable prices.” “The best service.” “Personal care.” Gloss Denim Bar is another favorite, followed by Eve’s Revolution.

1685 Briargate Parkway, 264-0275

Men's fashions dillard’s

Men appreciate this upscale department store for its selection and amazing sales. Kohl’s was a strong runner-up.

The Citadel mall, 550-1159; Chapel Hills Mall, 532-1400; dillards.com

Shopping Center The promenade shops aT BriarGaTe

This pretty open-air center is home to a host of cool shops: Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Gloss Denim Bar, Coldwater Creek, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and many more. A reader said, “Nice music playing while you walk around.

High quality stores. Clean.” “When the weather’s nice, you can stroll, discover new shops and dine on one of the restaurants’ outdoor patios.”

1885 Briargate Parkway, 265-6264; thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com

short takes readers’ choices PLACE FOR VIDEO GAMES Game Stop PLACE FOR DVDs Best Buy ELECTRONICS STORE Best Buy BABY SHOP Babies R Us BOOKSTORE Barnes & Noble Booksellers CAR DEALER, USED CAR DEALER AND CAR DEALER LOUNGE Heuberger Motors

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 59

shopping Place for bargains Goodwill

Bargain hunters know their stuff.

There are seven stores in our area.

“Go on Wednesday or Thursday when they get new stuff in. Shop the tags, and don’t forget housewares.” Head to runner-up, ARC Thrift Stores, for the 50 percent sales, advised savvy shoppers. goodwill-colosprings.org

SKATEBOARD SHOP FRoNTSidE GRiNd

Skater owned and operated, Frontside Grind is just about boards.

No hoodies. No skinny jeans. Just boards. Long boards, standards, old school. And there’s even a miniramp inside where, if you’re good enough, you may get to try them out.

101 N Tejon St., No. 102, 328-1820; frontsidegrindonline

JeriLee benneTT, THe GAZeTTe

Jeremy Arguello helped his father by organizing his apples during a past farmers market in Old Colorado City. Jeremy’s dad, Lonnie Arguello, is a vendor at the market. This year, the Saturday market is scheduled to start June 6.

farmers market old coloRAdo ciTY

This market has a long history and loyal followers. Here is what people had to say about the market: “It’s like taking a short vacation to Europe on a Saturday morning;” “Has the most comfortable layout and environment for an open air market;” and, “It’s the west-side thing to do.”

24th Steet at West Colorado Avenue

SPORTing GOODS dicK’S SPoRTiNG GoodS

Dick’s, a sporting goods store so big it’s an anchor of two malls (Chapel Hills and First & Main), dominates the market.

Shoppers rave about the selection. “I can find anything there.” “It’s like a one-stop shop for the entire family.”

Readers also liked the rewards points they get with their key chain Score Cards.

1710 Briargate Blvd., 264-1810; 3133 Cinema Point, 638-3400; dickssportinggoods.com

Toy store liTTlE RichARd’S ToY SToRE AT PooR RichARd’S Fans of this toy store used words such as “unique,” “creative” and “very special.” What sets Little Richard’s apart, a voter said: “They always have the greatest toys that my kids enjoy. They help support good causes and support small toy companies, which helps everyone.” For another it’s all about “lots of old-school fun.” There was lavish praise for runner-up Toys 4 Fun and loyal customers saluted Toys R Us. 324 N. Tejon St., 578-3072; poorrichards.biz

Consignment store EvE’S REvoluTioN

A store that’s definitely a find. “Eve and her store are awesome!” you said.

It’s “not your everyday stuff. Inventive and refreshing.” Top that off with a catchy, creative Web site. Runners-up were Envi and Broadmoor Consignment Store.

1312 W. Colorado Ave., 633-1357; evesrevolution.com

Furniture Store AmERicAN FuRNiTuRE wAREhouSE

The jingles may get stuck in your head, but shoppers love this gigantic furniture jungle, where wild animals get to sit on the sofas. Founded by Jake Jabs in 1973, AFW has 1,500 employees at stores throughout Colorado. You said: “Unbelievable amount of traditional (and wacky) furnishings in all price ranges.”

2805 Chestnut St.; 633-4220; afwonline.com

Shoe Store dSw ShoE wAREhouSE

It truly is a warehouse full of aisles and aisles of shoes. Those aisles are nice and wide, perfect for comfortably trying on stilettos, boots or chunky wedges. As one reader said: “Good selection, better prices.”

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

60 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

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

www.cheersliquormart.com

1994 1995 1995 1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1999 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2002 2002 2003

THE INDEPENDENT-BEST PLACE TO STOCK-UP ON BOOZE GAZETTE GO! BEST OF THE SPRINGS-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT-BEST BEER & WINE SELECTION GAZETTE AND READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT-BEST BEER & WINE SELECTION GAZETTE AND READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT--BEST BEER SELECTION THE INDEPENDENT--BEST WINE SELECTION GAZETTE AND READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT--BEST PLACE TO STOCK-UP ON BOOZE THE INDEPENDENT--BEST PLACE TO STOCK-UP ON BOOZE MARKET WATCH MAGAZINE--LEADER’S AWARD GAZETTE AND READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT-BEST PLACE TO STOCK-UP ON BOOZE BEER, WINE & SPIRITS MAGAZINESUCCESSFUL RETAILER AWARD THE INDEPENDENT-BEST LIQUOR STORE GAZETTE CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT-BEST LIQUOR STORE THE INDEPENDENT-BEST LIQUOR STORE

570-9850

2004 THE INDEPENDENT-BEST BEER & WINE SELECTION 2004 COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNALBEST WINE SELECTION 2005 GAZETTE AND READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE 2005 THE INDEPENDENT-BEST BEER SELECTION 2005 COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNALBEST LIQUOR STORE & BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE 2005 BOOK OF LISTS-THE BEST IN SPRINGS BUSINESS 2006 GAZETTE CHOICE-BEST BEER SELECTION 2006 GAZETTE READER’S CHOICE-BEST WINE SELECTION 2006 THE INDEPENDENT-BEST BEER & WINE SELECTION 2007 GAZETTE READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE 2007 GAZETTE CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE 2007 THE INDEPENDENT-BEST IN-STORE BEER SELECTION 2007 COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL-BEST WINE SELECTION & BEST LIQUOR STORE 2008 GAZETTE READER’S CHOICE-BEST LIQUOR STORE 2008 THE INDEPENDENT BEST LIQUOR/WINE STORE 2008 MARKET WATCH MAGAZINE-BEST ADVERTISING AWARD

SOUTHERN COLORADO’S “GREATEST LIQUID ASSET”.

WHERE ARE YOU SHOPPING? OPEN: 9-9 M-TH 9 - 1 0 F R I & S AT 10-6 SUN

FE AT U R IN G VI C E, TH E B ES T SE R SE LE C TI O N , A N D PR IC ES IN LO R A D O. SO U TH ER N C O

LIVER! WE DE LL US AT

WE WELCOME

CA

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

574-2244 EM AI L US AT

CH EE RS LI QU OR

M ART@ QW ES T.N

ET

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 61

shopping Ski shop THE SKI SHOP

“Really know their stuff,” a reader said. “Love the demo bus!” “They have the best selection and the nicest people working there.” The Ski Shop also won the readers’ choice for Best Snowboard Shop .

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

Children's Clothing Store MOUNTAIN MOPPETS

It’s a fusion of fashion, fun and budget. “All you can want in a store to make the younger set look perfect,” a reader said. Another wrote: “Love, love, love! Fun, funky, I can let my daughter walk the store and play in the little cubbies and not be worried.” But you know it’s good when the top matriarch gives it the nod: “A grandmother’s heaven.”

The Children’s Place was runner-up.

2532 W. Colorado Ave., 633-3473; mountainmoppets.com

Health Food Store WHOLE FOODS

Who can compete with this national chain health food giant? These huge stores have everything you might need and, most likely, tons of stuff you never knew you needed. The salad and other food bars, and fullservice deli are a great alternative for lunch or dinner. You said: “They have everything. Always.” “Expensive but best.” “Love the samples.”

7635 N. Academy Blvd., 531-9999; 3180 New Center Point, 622-1099; wholefoodsmarket.com

Hardware Store ACE HARDWARE STORES JERILEE BENNETT, ThE GAZETTE

Employee Chris Bjorlow selected some skis to tune at The Ski Shop. The business has been operating in Colorado Springs since 1952.

62 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

Shoppers like old-fashioned service and not having to walk their legs off. “Where customer service is practiced like in the ‘good ol’ days’ when integrity and honesty mattered,” a reader said.

4201 Centennial Blvd.; 1225 N. Circle Drive; 5520 Astrozon Blvd.; 1830 W. Uintah St.; Bon Ace Hardware, 2300 N. Wahsatch Ave.: acehardware.com

shopping Flower Shop Platte Floral

The customers are loyal, depending on Platte Floral for years. You said this florist has the “freshest variety of flowers” and a staff that knows the answers. It’s no surprise that Platte Floral has helped out numerous philanthropic projects, often anonymously. Runners-up: Rich Designs and Gentry’s Flowers Inc. 1417 E. Platte Ave., 632-2607; plattefloral.com

Plant Nursery rick’s Nursery & laNdscaPiNg aNd rick’s gardeN ceNter

You told us you head over to the west side for your garden/nursery needs, and many just voted for “Rick’s.” There are two, one up the hill from the other, and they are separate businesses, both popular.

600 N. 18th St., 636-3085; ricksnursery.com 1827 W. Uintah St., 632-8491; ricksgarden.com

Liquor Store cHeers

The overwhelming favorite, readers toasted the variety and the knowledgeable staff: “Best assorted selection of wine, not just what the owner drinks,” said a shopper. Another added: “They always have great sales and excellent folks to assist if needed.” “If you can’t find it there, you can’t find it anywhere.”

1105 N. Circle Drive, 574-2244; cheersliquormart.com

BRYAN OLLER, THE GAZETTE

Employee Milena Maglic of Platte Floral prepared in early February for a potentially busy week at the store at 1417 E. Platte Ave.

ANTIQUES SHOP americaN classics marketPlace

Drift away the hours and wander through the years at this megamall of stuff from yesteryear. “Fantastic items — you can get lost in there,” a shopper said.

The Leechpit was runner-up.

1815 N. Academy Blvd., 596-8585

butcher shop aNdy’s meat market

It seems like a set piece from a ‘50s TV show, doesn’t it? But butcher shops are still around and offering the kind of expert and personal service you sometimes don’t find at big chains. Despite its share of votes and passionate comments, “Ranch Foods Direct” lost out to Andy’s Meat Market, which a reader said has the “best selection of cuts and best tastes of meat!”

2915 E. Platte Ave., 636-1149; andysmeatmarket.com

supermarket kiNg sooPers

Readers agreed with us that King Soopers is the ruler of local grocery stores.

Their comments: “The King Soopers at Uintah Gardens: It’s remodeled, clean, and the produce is great”; “Great bargains, most coupons and friendly people.”

Music Store iNdePeNdeNt records & Video Setting Colorado to music since 1978 via vinyl, 8-track, cassette and CDs. This place with locations around town hasn’t missed a beat. Readers dig the “huge selection, great prices” and “knowledgeable staff.”

3030 E. Platte Ave., 473-0882; 123 E. Bijou St., 520-5111; 3040 W. Colorado Ave., 477-9058; 5680 U.S. 85 / 87, Fountain, 393-1255; beindependent.com

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 63

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

684-0900 8045 West Highway 24 â&#x20AC;˘ Cascade, CO (take Pikes Peak Hwy exit) Open 10:30 - 8:30 7 Days a Week (Summer Hours Extended) 64 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration i turner wecks pictured

readers’ choice

FAMILY OUTING

FAMILY FUN CENTER

cheYeNNe MoUNTaiN Zoo

Mr. BiGGs

Our mountain zoo has taken huge strides in the past few years to build exhibits that keep animals happy while giving visitors terrific windows into their lives. Recent exhibits include Rocky Mountain Wild, with moose and bears, and the African Rift Valley, a spectacular home for the zoo’s enormous reticulated giraffe population. Readers also named the zoo Best School Field Trip .

4250 cheyenne Mountain zoo Road, 633-9925; cmzoo.org

the gazette's pick

LIBRARY

Laser tag, go-karts, bowling alley, video games and more. There’s a reason Mr. Biggs has expanded from its original location to satellites off Powers (Li’l Biggs) and in Littleton. One parent said, “You can’t beat the value for the money when using readily available coupons.”

5825 Mark Dabling Blvd., 955-7220; Li’l Biggs, 5944 stetson hills Blvd., 884-6838; biggcity.net

Day Care Center rUTh WashBUrN

This nursery co-op has many fans. Parents said: “It’s what preschool should be.” “Fantastic staff, parent involvement and curriculum.” And, get this: “Kids compost their snack after they eat. They grow their own organic garden.”

Junior Academy and Kindercare were runners-up.

914 N. 19th st., 636-3084; ruthwashburn.org

MoNUMeNT LiBrarY

in a strip plaza in the ‘burbs, ● this ●PikesLocated Peak Library

District branch was named Colorado Library of the Year.

It’s by a pond and has a duck food jar. Patrons can grab a handful to feed the ducks.

The library also celebrates a Duck Day every April.

1706 Lake Woodmoor Drive, Monument, 488-2370; ppld.org

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 65

family life

PLACE FOR A 5-YEAR-OLD'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Place for a Sweet 16 birthday

CHUCK E. CHEESE’S

THE Broadmoor

5156 N. Academy Blvd., 598-5991; 2925 Geyser Drive, 577-7403; chuckecheese.com

1 Lake Ave., 577-5733; broadmoor.com

The home of the OTHER cute talking rodent, Chuck E. Cheese’s has slide tubes, animatronic singing critters, video games and, of course, plenty of pizza. Parents praised the fun center for being “a great clean place for the whole family.”

When you want your little princess to really feel like a princess, you have to pay royally for it. One reader suggested a Sweet 16 special at The Broadmoor’s Charles Court, saying it’s a “wonderful ‘adult’ tea party type birthday for her special day.”

Teacher BrENda Hood (aT rUTH WaSHBUrN)

The tiny 3-year-olds inspire this preschool teacher. Parents said: “We love Brenda.”

“My daughter loves Brenda!” “Whoo, Brenda!” “Brenda is the most wonderful, nurturing teacher in the world!”

CArol lAwrenCe, The GAZeTTe

Jason Bredahl, a zookeeper at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, gave voice commands to Malaika to raise her ear. All training is done with the voice, and carrots are given as positive reinforcement. the GAzette's pick

ZOO ANIMAL maLaIKa

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has a movie star elephant in its midst. Malaika, a ● hands ● ofThe female African elephant, arrived at the zoo in December after 21 years in the a private owner, an animal trainer. The 7,800-pound Malaika was on the big screen and on TV. She was born in Zimbabwe in 1986. cmzoo.org

66 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

School TIE: CHEYENNE moUNTaIN HIGH SCHooL aNd PaLmEr HIGH SCHooL

Both schools have been educating teens for generations.

Palmer grads send their kids to the downtown landmark school ... and then the kids’ kids go to Palmer. Ditto for Cheyenne Mountain on the southwest side of town. A reader said of Palmer: “The school is great because of the student diversity, academic achievement (International Baccalaureate Program), and sports recognition.” A Cheyenne Mountain fan said: “Great staff, great curriculum — best college prep high school in town.” palmer: 301 N. Nevada Ave., 328 5000; d11.org/palmer cheyenne: 1200 cresta Road, 475-6110; schools.cmsd12.org/chey_mtn_hs

School District aCadEmY dISTrICT 20

Comments include: “Responsive to community needs.”

“Excellent schools.”

“Great magnet programs.” Colorado Springs District 11 was runner-up.

1110 chapel hills Drive, 2341200; asd20.org

~Good Food ~Good SpiritS ~Good FriendS ~Good MuSic ~Good coMpany!!

TH E

RESTAURANT & BAR

Theme Parties!

• Heated Patio For Smokers • 14” HdTvS; 30”-72” • Sports Bar • FREE Wireless Internet • Happy Hour 4-7 Daily • NTN, Wii & video Games • UFc Fights • Beer Pong & Beer Bingo • dj Sunday Nights • Texas Hold Em Sun & monday

• Tues thru Sat Karaoke!

7625 N. Union Blvd.

719.528.8877

ORIGI NA

L HAWAIIA

ECUE.COm N BARBECUE® • WWW.HAWAIIANBARB

Buy One Regular Size Plate Get $2.00 Off With a Pepsi Fountain Drink Valid at the Colorado Springs L & L Hawaiian Barbecue only. One coupon per person. No Substitutions. Coupon must be presented at the time of order. Offer expires 05/31/2010

®

Catering for All Occasions Large Portions, Cooked to Order at Great Prices!

Barnes Marketplace

Located in the Rampart Village Shopping Center Union & Briagate Blvd.

Colorado Springs, on the NE corner of Powers & Barnes

Adults 21 & Over After 9pm

5850 Barnes Rd. • 719-570-1888

E Komo Mai

Come On In and Enjoy a Real Taste of Aloha!

Experience Japan

EFFECTIVE AND FUN IT’S WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO!

Voted Best Dance Studio

Enjoy the finest Japanese cuisine made fresh to order by our talented chefs.

Stop in and sample over 100 varieties of sushi, sashimi and tempura.

Burn 500-900 calories a session.

Trained and certified by the best.

We guide you and motivate you.

Group Classes & Private Lessons Zumba® • Yoga Booty Ballet® • Masala Bhangra® • Hip Hop Hustle

TM

The Pole Dance Workout • Salsa Dance Courses • Bachelorette Parties • Studio Rentals

NOW TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Westside Studio • 2506 W. Colorado Ave. 520.1201 Eastside Studio • 1220 Valley St. 591.1419

www.springssalsa.com

3478 B. Research Parkway (Union & Research) 282-8238 the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 67

join us for

Sunday Brunch “A

op music t s e n o e t e l comp

st

ore

e v e for

” n a i c i s u m ry

“Southern Colorado’s Largest Full Line Dealer” • Voted Best Sunday Brunch by “the Gazette 2005, 2006 & 2007 and The Independent 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008” • Complimentary champagne and an incredible array of foods to include crab legs, shrimp, roast beef, an omelet and pasta station, carving station and much much more.

95 per person

$25

Children 4-10 are now only 99¢.

Seniors and Military discount.

Reservations Recommended

(719) 598-8990

230 Pointe of the Pines Drive www.thesunbird.com

Promotions subject to change without notice and not valid on holidays or combined with other promotions.

68 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

We are now the new Yamaha Piano, Disklavier, Clavinova, and Keyboard representative/dealer for Southern Colorado.

We Also just opened up a brand new Drum room called the

Drum Cave

The largest selection of percussion in Southern Colorado.

Bringing you the Best in instrument sales, rentals repairs and lessons for more than 20 years.

Main 4460 Barnes 719-574-2001

North 8674 N. Union Blvd.

719-597-7665

www.granermusic.com

anita renee langemach, the gazette photo illustration i warren epstein pictured

readers’ choice

the gazette’s picks

PLACE TO WORK OUT

CLIMBING WALL

springs salsa and dance Fitness

This indoor climbing gym in Monument does parties, competitions and offers lots of open climb time. One climber said: “The climbing problems are extremely well thought-out. For a small gym, they have a huge variety of climbs, and they’re rated accurately.”

Springs Salsa has two locations to move your body. It boasts more than 35 classes weekly, including salsa, yoga, Zumba, Hip Hop Hustle, pole dancing and more.

One voter said, “By far the best workout!”

2506 W. colorado ave., 520-1201; 1220 Valley st., 591-1419; springssalsa.com

CLIMBING WALL

the rocK climbing center

16240 Old Denver highway, Monument, 481-9099; climbingtherock.com

sport climbing center

With 12,000 square feet of climbing ● ● surfaces, more than 75 top-rope and leadable routes, and a bouldering cave, this place is unrivaled.

4650 Northpark Drive 260-1050; sportclimbcs.com

PICNIC SPOT garden oF the gods

NEW TRAIL

Sometimes we take it for granted. Then we take visitors and remember that Garden of the Gods is truly among the most beautiful spots on the planet. For a big group, try the Scotsman Picnic Area. But the best spot for a romantic picnic for two is the one you find yourselves. gardenofgods.com

the incline

thousands of people have been climbing the ties of this abandoned tour● ist●railwayYes, for years, but now efforts by the city of Colorado Springs are poised to make it legal.

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 69

sports & rec

CourteSy of Bill Beagle, City of ColoraDo SPringS

Skateboarders and bicyclists broke in the new skateboard park in Memorial Park in December.

PLACE TO BMX

SPORTS COMPLEX

Rich GOOSE GOSSAGE YOuth SpORtS cOmplEx

This park hooks right into Pikes Peak Greenway Trail, Sinton Trail and Templeton Gap Trail. There are youth baseball fields, soccer fields, a skateboard park and a BMX area. Tied for second place was El Pomar Youth Sports Complex and Security Service Field, home of the Sky Sox.

It’s all about the air. On any weekend day, you’ll see BMXers jumping out of the skate park, then riding over to the dirt mounds.

3225-3950 Mark Dabling Blvd.; springsgov .com under Parks

Rich GOOSE GOSSAGE YOuth SpORtS cOmplEx

3225-3950 Mark Dabling Blvd.; go to the Parks link at springsgov.com

GOLF PRO RuSS millER (thE BROADmOOR)

Miller actually is a lot bigger fish than just a golf pro. He’s the boss of the golf pros. As The Broadmoor’s director of golf, he oversees tournaments, instructional programs, membership activities, staff training, retail operations and even valet services. broadmoor.com

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

mEmORiAl pARK SKAtE pARK

Built in collaboration with the local skate and bike communities, park officials and local philanthropic groups, Memorial Park’s worldclass 40,000-square-foot skate park is sick. And, as the skaters and stuntbikers will tell you, sick is good. springsgov.com under Parks

PLACE FOR YOGA

tiE: pAlmER pARK AND cAptAiN JAcK’S

Among mountain bike enthusiasts, it was a tight race between the rocky trails at Palmer Park and the gravelly singletrack trail at North Cheyenne Cañon Park. Both offer twists, turns and stunning views.

SKATE PARK

pRANAvA

LOCAL LEGEND

LOCAL COACH

Rich “GOOSE” GOSSAGE

FRANK SERRAtORE (AiR FORcE hOcKEY)

The Goose also was named Best Local Athlete. Fans went on about this newly minted Hall of Famer’s cool mustache, his nice-guy personality and his legendary pitching.

70 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

A reader summed it up perfectly: “Long overdue for the national attention he and the team got this year!”

Yoga practitioners said: “This studio has the best energy that I have been around in a long time. The teachers are wonderful.” “They offer classes for all levels.”

718 N. Weber St., 444-8463; pranavayogacenter.com

short tak es thE GAzEttE’S picKS Hockey Fans Air Force Hockey (Sorry, Tigers, but this was Air Force’s year.)

PLace To BMX Pikes Peak BMX MoUnTaIn BIke TRaIL Roundup Trail in Red Rock Canyon LocaL LeGenD Basketball great Rick Barry LocaL aTHLeTe Runner Matt Carpenter LocaL coacH Sierra High School coach Otis Johnson coacH QUoTe MacHIne Air Force hockey coach Frank Serratore (“I expected to see a bunch of grim-faced kids, goose stepping around and, you know, saluting each other.”)

GoLF PRo Kelly Kleckner at Cherokee Ridge Golf GoLF sHoP Pappy’s Golf Shop sPoRTs coMPLeX El Pomar Youth Sports Park GoLF coURse The Broadmoor’s East Course swIMMInG PooL Wilson Ranch FIsHInG sPoT The Arkansas River

Rated The Best Chinese Cuisine & Ambiance in The Springs 9 Years in a Row The Gazette & Readers’ Choice

Fine Dining • Cocktail Bar Banquet Room • Gift Certificates Available Catering Available We Now Deliver Hunan, Mandarin Cantonese, Szechwan, & The most Extensive Vegetarian menu & Desserts in town

594-9343 • 5670 N. Academy Blvd.

www.bestsilverpondchinese.com • Open 7 Days Lunch & Dinner

Authentic MoroccAn restAurAnt

Serving 4 and 6 Course Feasts Nightly!

Belly Dancing Show 10 old Man’s Trail • Manitou Springs • 685-1119

South 8th Street

1606 South 8th Street (n to the post office) Colorado Springs, CO 80906 719-630-3631 • www.josephsdining.com

Nevada

Cimarron

d

lv ne B

yen

Che

Free bottle of house wine with two entrées ordered with ad.

open for lunch Mon. - Fri. from 11 am to 3 - 2 pm open for dinner from 5 - 9:30 Mon. & Sat.

1606 South 8th Street • 719-630-3631 • www.josephsdining.com

“Fine Dining in a Casual Atmosphere”

Come Dance with the BEST Studio in the Springs! All Ages! All Abilities!

Robin’s Danceworks Summer Special Register for one dance class at regular price and take two Summer Special classes for only $10 a month each!

Summer Special classes include acro, musical theater, pilates, poms, cheer, turbo kick, improv, stage presence, and jazz funk. Other classes offered but not included at the Summer Special rate include tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, pointe, hip hop, and combo.

Offer good for summer classes 2009. Both classes must be for same dancer.

Visit our website for complete schedule.

Competitive Dance Team Tryouts At Robin’s Danceworks we have a Competitive team for everyone!

Dancers ages 4-18 are encouraged to attend tryouts to be part of the National Champion RDW Dance Teams. Our teams compete in tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, poms and hip hop. One style or all of them – your dancer will find a place on our teams to call home!

Dancers must attend one of our Stop by our Open House for tryout camps in order to audition. more info on recreational classes or Tryout camps are competitive teams on June 24 & 25 or July 1 & 2.

Saturday, May 16th, 9:00 – 11:00 AM

Robin’s Danceworks Located just south of the Austin Bluffs and Union Intersection 3352 Templeton Gap Road (719) 328-0694 • www.robinsdanceworks.com the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 71

sports & rec GOLF COURSE Patty Jewett

This tree-lined, city-owned course has been a favorite since 1919. Patty Jewett’s the third-oldest public course west of the Mississippi and is 18 holes, par 72. It’s open to all. Other popular favorites are the private courses at The Broadmoor and the Air Force Academy.

900 E. Espanola St., 385-6950; go to the Parks link at springsgov.com

SWIMMING POOL cOttOnwOOD creeK

This public pool is the first of its kind in the Springs, with an indoor wave pool and a water slide. Kids shriek with joy, parents nod with approval. “Love the wave pool.”

3920 Dublin Blvd., 385-6508; go to the Parks link at springsgov.com

ROLLER RINK SKate city kIrk Speer, The GAzeTTe

Connie Sun, left, and her brother Joshua skated during a Basic Four Learn to Skate class at Sertich Ice Arena.

ICE RINK

BOWLING ALLEY

Sertich ice center

harMOny BOwl

Named for the late “Pa” Sertich, a legendary local hockey fixture and patriarch of a hockey family, the center has NHL-size ice and is usually filled with skating classes, figure skating, youth hockey, adult open hockey and public skating.

Want to invite your friends for a skating party? There’s plenty of space and bleachers for 2,000 of your nearest and dearest.

“Great for families,” said a bowler. Another raved, “They resurfaced their lanes so they are level and don’t slope! Also has speed guns on each lane!” Brunswick and Bear Creek were runners-up.

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

1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave. in Memorial Park, 385-5983; at springsgov.com go to Parks and then Recreational Services

72 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

randy Gulley bowled a 299 game last July during the State Games held at harmony Bowl. The alley is on Academy Boulevard near Austin Bluffs parkway.

CAroL LAwrenCe, The GAzeTTe

The two local rinks are busy places. There’s public skating on weekends, family skating time, birthday parties, roller-hockey leagues. And you might just catch a glimpse of the hard-hitting Derby Dames.

1920 N. Academy Blvd., 597-6066; 4575 Austin Bluffs Parkway, 5911016; skatecitycolorado.com

FISHING SPOT elevenMile canyOn anD reServOir

Anglers took a moment from their casting to say this about Elevenmile: “Great scenery, even if you don’t land the big one.” parks.state.co.us/parks/ elevenmile

outside experts NIGHT SECURITY GUARd GEORGE dUNLAP’S PICK

LATE-NIGHT EATS WAFFLE HOUSE

George Dunlap, a 75-year-old security guard with Cheyenne Mountain Security, noshes at Waffle House after his graveyard shifts. “I always liked the Waffle House. I get some eggs and bacon, all that stuff you’re not supposed to eat early in the morning.”

755 W. Fillmore St., 475-2726; 4180 Austin bluffs Parkway, 532-1708; 1039 Space Center drive, 638-0316; wafflehouse.com

THE ARC OF THE PIKES PEAK REGION STAFF’S PICK

MOST-ACCESSIBLE PLACES

CAbdRIvER FREd RObERTS’ PICK

ROUTES UNION BOULEVARD, INTERSTATE 25 AND FILLMORE STREET

The best way to beat rush-hour traffic is sitting in the back seat of Roberts’ Yellow Cab. “There aren’t too many ways to beat it, unless you are a cabdriver and you know how to maneuver through all this congestion,” he says. “I learn from the people who ride in my cab. They know shortcuts that are shorter cuts than any GPS.” Roberts started driving a cab five years ago after retiring as a military transport specialist.

“I recommend I-25 for length-of-the-city travels,” he says. Union Boulevard also gets the nod. “I avoid Woodmen.”

Fillmore Street is a necessary evil, but when the going gets bad, get off it.

“When congested, get off the major artery, take a side street,” he says. “Use the mountain as your guide and you can get to anywhere you need to go.”

Who better to ask about accessibility than the staff members of The Arc of the Pikes Peak Region, the organization that advocates for rights for those with developmental disabilities? They selected the park because bathrooms are very accessible for people in wheelchairs, and it’s easy to get to park activities such as concerts, which, they noted, are free and thus available to people with fixed, low or no incomes. Sidewalks are level and well-maintained.

Movie theaters were chosen because there are seating choices, bathrooms are very accessible and, the Arc staff said, some theaters admit those in wheelchairs for free, and care providers are sometimes allowed in for free, too.

Get more driving tips by watching the video at gazette.com.

See and hear more about accessibility issues at gazette.com/bestof

chrisTiAn Murdock, The gAzeTTe

Molly Melvin Murphy rode along one of the trails in America The Beautiful Park in April.

AMERIcA THE BEAUTIFUL pARk AND MOVIE THEATERS

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 73

2009

SEASON

Wanted To Buy

& Youth

Adult

FITNESS

SELL US YOUR UNWANTED JEWELRY

BOOTCAMPS

Camps held at Bear Creek & Fox Run parks. Register early online to receive $20 discount.

Youth BootCamp Ages 10–15 Adult BootCamp June 1st-24th M,W 4:30pm All fitness levels welcome July 6th-31st M,W,F 12pm Nutrition Classes & Gift Certificates available

FREE

6 wk session* when you get 4 or more to sign up for the same Bootcamp.

www.xtreemefitness.com *call for more info 719 • 213 • 4267

thank you

Transfer your Negatives, Photos, Slides, Film & Video to a Hollywood Style DVD Movie!

Alexander Film & Video Services 1414 N. Academy Blvd.

(Palmer Park & Academy, Behind Taco Bell) Colorado Springs, CO

719-531-6311 ~ 888-382-7787 ~ www.aIexanderfiIm.com *FREE Copy is duplicate of original transfer Expires: July 31, 2009, Must Mention Ad.

The William STormS allergy CliniC • Providing diagonsis and treatment of nasal allergies, hay fever, asthma, chronic cough, bee allergies, sinusitis and food allergies.

• Advanced technology including the Mini Cat™ Ct Scanner for evaluating sinus problems and the Exhaled Breath Analyzer for clinical asthma diagnosis and treatment • Five allergy shot locations for your convenience-Main, Briargate, Stetson Hills, Southgate and NOW-Woodland Park





BAR B QUE Baby Back Ribs Hot Link Sausage Turkey

Everyday Dinner Special 2 lbs. of Smoked Brisket or Pulled Pork 2 Lg. sides $ 95 2 Liters of Soda

29

Delivery Available

Tues - $2 Domestic Beer Day Thurs - $3 Bristol Beer Day

817 W. Colorado Ave., Colorado Springs

719-447-8829 Bring this ad in for FREE slice of Pie.

74 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

DIAMONDS

Classic Fine Jewelry

GOLD COINS

Sell to Classic Fine Jewelry, a local name you can turst to give you a fair price and be there for you in the future.

Bring your old coins in for a FREE Evaluation!

719-578-1201 2514 W. Colorado Ave. Colorado Springs, CO 80904 (Old Colorado City)

Your Complete Music Center

DVD MOVIES 2nd DVD FREE*

Brisket Pulled Pork Chicken Polish

FOR CASH!!!

Now Celebrating Our 33rd Anniversary

Your Priceless Moments.

Don’t Let Your Memories Fade.

1625 Medical Center Point, Suite 190 Colorado Springs, CO 80907 719.955.6000 • www.stormsallergy.com

STERLING SILVER FLATWARE TABLEWARE TEA SETS

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

20% Off

Regular Price Merchandise Expires 6/30/09. No combined offers.

3 Locations

113 E. Bijou 471-8940 Woodmen Plaza 534-9919 6330 S. Hwy. 85-87, Fountain 391-8922

www.meekermusic.com

JUN

Japanese Restaurant

The Best

Sushi in the Springs!

531-9368 1760 Dublin Blvd.

227-8690 3276 Centennial Blvd.

Come in and try our Homemade Green Chili & Award Winning Margaritas

A-Listers

Jessica Laude

Happy Hour 7 Days a Week

Realtor, ABR 719-964-JESS (5377) jessicalaude@yahoo.com www.JessicaLaude.com

3pm-6pm with 1/2 price Well Drinks

FINE MEXICAN FOODS & COCKTAILS 3071 S. Academy Blvd. • 392-3000

Buy and sell your home with the Top of the class!

$2 Coron as & 1/2 Pri ce House Margarita s

Ask about special discounts for Military!

Keller Williams Partners Realty

WHICKERBILL...the sequel Gordon Dean 719-271-0852

Buyers

This is the best time to find extraordinary deals at incredibly low interest rates.There is no better time to buy an investment property than now! Call about the $8000 first time buyer tax credit.

sellers

I have an 11 step marketing plan that is getting homes sold! If you are a move up buyer and have a house to sell, then this market is perfect for you. Call and ask me why.

New Menu

• Cold Chasaba noodle soup w/lime soy sauce, Japanese style • Scallop roll, asparagus shrimp in 100% natural scallop from Japan out homemade onion sauce, sprinkled w/basil • Ginger poached salmon on asparagus w/homemade mayonnaise Hours Hours Tues, Tues, Thurs, Thurs, Fri Fri Lunch Lunch 11:30am-2pm 11:30am-2pm Mon, Mon, Tues, Tues, Wed, Wed, Thurs Thurs Dinner Dinner 5pm-9pm 5pm-9pm Fri, Fri, Sat Sat Dinner Dinner 5pm-10pm 5pm-10pm

742 Manitou Avenue • 719 685-1540

new

n

atio

y rida on F m s t igh 0a te N ll 4:3 n La 1pm ti e p •O 1 pril from in A urday g n t ti Sa Star

r

ge Big

Loc

and 2008

see everything on the market at gordondean.net

We’re back with many lines (old & new) including Mary Hadley Pottery, the red “You Are Special” plates, lots of Japanese folk pottery, port sippers, Riedel dessert bowls, a giant “photo” tree, colorful decorated electric toasters, a humorous 4’ long stuffed caterpillar named Charlies, gurgling “gurgle” pitchers, our fabulous body plunging Kitchen Knife set in bright red (most unusual) and we still have a few rubber chicken handbags left-but hurry!

DINER

Colorado Springs, Co. www.kingschefdiner.com

Voted Best green chilli & diner 2009 The Gazette

719-475-0669 • 308-M South 8th St.

131 E. Bijou Open Everyday 7am-4pm-ish

719-636-5010

110 E. Costilla Open Mon-Fri 8am-2pm-ish

Juniper VNow alley Dining room in 58th season!

Commonwheel Artists Co-op Kay Beaubien

Celebrating Our 35th Year!

102 Cañon Avenue Manitou Springs 719-685-1008 • Open Daily www.commonwheel.com

Now Open for the Season

Specializing in skillet fried chicken or baked ham dinner

Reservations Recommended

576-0741

(located 12 miles south on Hwy 115) Hours: Fri.-Sat. 5pm-8pm, Sun. 1pm-7pm

Best Fried C of h The G icken azette 2006

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 75

76 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 77

2009 Best of Advertisers 29...........Ai Sushi & Grill 51...........Air Academy Credit Union 51...........Akasaka Japanese Restaurant Yummy Korean BBQ 74...........Alexander Film & Video Services 13...........American Furniture Galleries 40 & 41 ..American Furniture Warehouse 35...........ARC Thrift Store 78...........Austin Park Apts 19...........Bird Dog BBQ 19...........Bon Ton’s Café 43...........Browns Shoe Fit 79...........Centura Health 61...........Cheers Liquor Mart 17...........Chloe Cantwell, Re/max Properties 33...........City of CS-Golf Administration 74...........Classic Fine Jewelry 11...........Classic Homes 58...........Climate Design 17...........Colorado Renaissance 75...........Commonwheel Artist Coop 47...........CS Fine Arts Center 71...........CS Sky Sox 47...........CS World Arena 37...........Current Stationers 8.............Debbie Reardon-Platinum Group 75...........Dos Hombres Restaurant 39...........Downtown Partnership 33...........Edelweiss Restaurant 17...........Food Designers 37...........Froots

31...........Fujiyama 67...........Good Company Restaurant & Bar 75...........Gordon Dean 68...........Graner Music 13...........Harding Nursery 57...........Jack in the Box 25...........Jack Quinn’s Irish Ale House & Pub 75...........Jessica Laude 71...........Joseph’s Fine Dining 74...........Jun Japanese Restaurant 75...........Juniper Valley Ranch 4.............King Soopers 75...........King’s Chef Diner 67...........Kura Japanese Restaurant 67...........L & L Hawaiian Barbecue 43...........La Carreta 64...........La Casita Border Café 80...........La Z Boy 31...........Law Firm of Kenton D Kinnard & Assoc 47...........Luisa Graff Jewelers 64...........Mac Superstore 37...........McCabe’s Tavern 74...........Meeker Music 15...........Melting Pot 39...........NewSpace Entertainment 29...........Partnership for Excellence 26...........Phil Long Suzuki 25...........Picnic Basket 21...........Pioneer Sand Co 43...........Pizza Time 74...........Premiere Entertainment Group

2.............Renewal by Andersen 23...........Renewal by Andersen 71...........Robin Moore Dance Studio 23...........Rock Bottom 53...........Rocky Mountain Laser Center 33...........Ruth’s Stitchery 35...........Seven Falls 75...........Shinji’s Sushi Bar 71...........Silver Pond Chinese Restaurant 57...........Skin Savvy Laser Clinic 35...........Sonterra Grill 25...........Speedy Shine Express 67...........Springs Salsa & Dance 44...........Stagecoach Inn 39...........Steaksmith 68...........Sunbird Restaurant 71...........Tajine Alami 51...........The Airplane Restaurant 3.............The Broadmoor 47...........The Famous 74...........The Firehouse 53...........The Garden Center 21...........The Olive Branch Restaurant 55...........The Palisades at Broadmoor Park 53...........The Ruskin Team, Re/max Real Estate Group 64...........The Wines of Colorado 57...........Underwater Connection 15...........Viewpointe Senior Living 75...........WhickerBill 74...........William Storms Allergy Clinic 74...........Xtreeme Fitness

aSk for

Military Special! e.c

zett a g . www 1 & 2 Bedrooms, Great Schools, Close to shopping, Pool central air.

719-597-1657

Austin Park Apartment Homes 3940 Harmony Dr Colorado Springs, CO 80917

78 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette

tof

es om/b

strength

compassion

hope

innovation

expertise

Be yourself while being part of something even greater than yourself.

At Centura Health, we recognize the inherent value of each person who works here. Individually, they are among the most capable and compassionate health care professionals around. Together, they make a significant and positive contribution to the health of our communities.

Penrose-St. Francis Health Services in Colorado Springs offers exceptional patient care and outstanding career opportunities.

With three locations serving the Colorado Springs area, we’re proud of our talented associates and honored to be recognized for the second year in a row as one of “America’s 50 Best Hospitals” by HealthGrades for 2008-2009. For more information about our specialties, opportunities and awards, visit www.penrosestfrancis.org

Opportunities exist for nursing, allied health and support professionals.

When you join Centura Health – Colorado’s 4th largest employer and largest health care system – you will enjoy competitive compensation and some of the industry’s best benefits. Visit any of our Colorado Springs locations: Penrose Hospital 2222 N. Nevada Ave.

For career listings at Penrose-St. Francis Health Services or any of Centura’s other Colorado locations, visit us at:

centuracareers.org An equal opportunity employer No agencies please

St. Francis Medical Center 6001 E. Woodmen Road

St. Francis Health Center 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave.

Avista Adventist Hospital Centura Health at Home Centura Regional Float Pool Centura Senior Living and Long Term Care Littleton Adventist Hospital Penrose St. Francis Health Services Porter Adventist Hospital

St. Anthony Central St. Anthony North St. Anthony Summit Medical Center St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center St. Thomas More Hospital Flight for Life® Colorado Ask a Nurse®

the gazette I 2009 I best of the sprIngs I 79

Congratulations Best of the Springs Winners from the makers of the best recliners in the world

Best Short Nap Recliner

Best Back Relief Recliner

Calvin Rocker Recliner

Rialto Rocker Recliner

Best Me & My Dog Recliner

Best Recliner for New Moms Best ‘I May Be Small But I’m Lawrence Rocker Recliner Comfy’ Recliner Harbortown

Crandell Rocker Recliner

Best Designer Recliner

Terra EcoComfort Recliner

Comfort. It’s what we do.

COLORADO SPRINGS 7087 N. ACADEMY 719.593.7888 http://www.lazboy.com/coloradosprings

America’s Largest Furniture Manufacturer

80 I best of the sprIngs I 2009 I the gazette