best of Tacoma 2012
Featuring the best: • Restaurants • Shopping • Schools • Family activities • People • Places to go • Services • Businesses • Music
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RESTAURANTS Best Indian Restaurant: India Mahal
For some of the best traditional Indian fare in the area, Tacoma Weekly readers know India Mahal is the go-to restaurant of choice. For dine-in or take-out, India Mahal showcases traditional family recipes of Northern India, with influences from traditional Punjabi dishes. India Mahal is owned and operated by two Randhawa
brothers, Amarjit and Sohan. The brothers began their culinary adventures by working on the family farm in India, and learning how to cook from family members. They came to America in 1984, and opened the first India Mahal location in University Place in 1996. One year later, they opened a second location in downtown Tacoma at 832 Pacific Ave. Never had Indian food? Try India Mahal’s all-you-can-eat lunch buffet to try out different dishes. Buffet prices vary by location. For more information, visit www.indiamahal.com.
The staff is ready to serve you.
Best Italian Restaurant: Joeseppi’s Joeseppi’s authentic Italian dishes and secret family recipes are certainly reason enough for the restaurant to rightfully earn the Best Italian Restaurant in Tacoma designation, but it is the restaurant’s strong community involvement that sets it apart. “Our motto is community service – a way of life,” owner Joe Stortini said. Through regular charity “takeovers,” nonprofit groups invite supporters to eat at the restaurant on a certain night where a percentage of profits benefit the organization. Stortini estimates he has helped various groups raise more than $250,000 for their causes. Joeseppi’s traditional Italian fare has earned it a loyal following in the area, and Stortini is especially proud of
2723 N. Pearl St., Tacoma THANK YOU 235.752.7675 www.flyingfishtacoma.com
For Voting us Best Coffee!
Special Offers
2723 N. Pearl St. Tacoma
Receive a FREE Happy Birthday Roll on your birthday!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST TANNING
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Buy 2 Rolls 253.301.2375 t 6th & Union Tacoma, WA t www.metronomecoffee.com Get 1 FREE
RAYLESS TAN AIRBRUSH TANNING • By Appointment Only www.raylesstan.net • Located at Chroma Salon 3624 6th Ave Ste A Tacoma, WA 98406
Under the reservation purchase of $50 or more with ad
Owner Joe Stortini loves to chat with customers.
THANK YOU TACOMA!
F O R VOT I N G U S B E S T S U S H I 2 0 1 2
M I C H E L L E
his longstanding family recipes used in many of the dishes. “My favorite dish is definitely the chicken marsala,” Stortini said. “We make all of our own sauces from scratch. There’s something about my mother’s red meat sauce that makes our chicken marsala very special.” Visit www.joeseppis.com.
Of equal or lesser value with ad, expires 11/31/11
SUN: 8:00a - 11:00p
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RESTAURANTS A d d i t i ona l DI N I N G W i nners Best Pizza Cloverleaf Pizza Best Burger RJ Burger Joint Best Asian Two Koi Best Mexican Reyna’s Mexican Restaurant Best View Stanley & Seafort’s Best Bar/Lounge 1022 South Best Diner HobNob Best Coffee/Drive Thru Metronome Best Romantic Setting Maxwell’s Restaurant & Lounge Best Restaurant to Take Kids Boathouse 19 Best Deli MSM Deli Best New Restaurant Boathouse 19
THANK YOU again!
BEST SUSHI: FLYING FISH SUSHI BAR & GRILL
fusion cuisine of Korea, Japan and China at their Tacoma location (2723 N. Pearl St.) and Korea and Japan at their new Auburn restaurant (3312 Auburn Way S.). “Our specialty is we have a lot of choice,” says owner Uisup Lee. Visit www.flyingfishtacoma.com.
Anyone who loves fine sushi knows that it takes both flavor and appearance for this dish to be truly done right. At Flying Fish Sushi Bar & Grill, not only does every sushi ingredient taste fresh and flavorful, it is all served up on a big platter with flair, artistry and originality. The reasonable prices add another “wow factor.” Everyone in the family can have their choice at Flying Fish, as the menu offers many Kitchen chef Kim (left) master sushi chef Alex and manager Ms. Han types of Asian are waiting to take your order at the new Flying Fish in Auburn.
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON | TACOMA
FOR VOTING Proud to be voted
BEST SCHOOL by Tacoma Weekly
Since 1929
readers again!
Family Owned & Operated
BEST GIFT SHOP IN TACOMA! Transfer your Prescriptions
GET $30 IN FREE SHOPPING When you transfer your Rx for 3 consecutive months! See Store for Details
Exclude copies, shipping, insurance co pays, or prescriptions. *Offer cannot be used on any item reimbursable by public aid programs (Medicare or Medicaid). See manager for additional details.
Diabetic Shoes - We bill Medicare • Free Rx Delivery • Same Co-Pay as chains. Better Services
• Rx Prices Often Less than Co-pay • Easy Rx Transfer!
•Unique Gifts & Cards • Post Office & Shipping
101 N. Tacoma Ave | (253) 383-2411 | www.rankospharmacy.com
At UW Tacoma you get the best of both worlds: The University of Washington’s big reputation and resources on a small campus where faculty know your name.
tacoma.uw.edu/admissions
|
253.692.4742
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shopping
Best Flower Shop: Brown’s Flowers
BEST WINE SHOP: TACOMA WINE MERCHANTS Bill Bonnie opened Tacoma Wine Merchants in Stadium District 10 years ago. He opened Enoteca Wine Bar next door five years ago. Bonnie feels that Tacoma Wine Merchants is successful because of his 20 years of experience in the industry in wholesale and retail sales and in training restaurant staff. Tacoma Wine Merchants sells wines from around the world at all price points. He sells wines in the $8 to $12 a bottle range all the way up to top-shelf varieties coveted by collectors. “I am good at knowing what customers like and finding things in their price range that suit them,� Bonnie said. Other reasons the store is popular are
an e-mail newsletter sent out monthly and wine tastings next door at Enoteca. The store has many regular customers. “I have a very loyal clientele,� Bonnie said. Bonnie mans the store with occasional help from his wife Meredith. Stop by and meet them at 21 N. Tacoma Ave. Visit www.tacomawinemerchants.com.
EVERYONE WELCOME Come check out your new healthy grocery store!
For a flower shop that has found success through three generations of family ownership, earning a Best of Tacoma nod two years in a row may not come as a surprise to Brown’s Flowers – but it means a great deal to owner Bruce Peterson. “We won last year, but did not expect to win a second time,� he admits. “But, this is very meaningful, and says something about how we operate our business.� Since 1926, Brown’s Flowers has earned a name for itself by providing dedicated customer service to fit the needs of customers dealing with a variety of life’s special moments – from weddings and anniversaries to birthdays and special occasions. “We are very serious about customer service, and try to listen to the people and give them what they want.� For more information about Brown’s Flowers, visit brownsflowersandgifts.com.
THANK YOU TACOMA for voting
SINCE 1995
India Mahal Restaurant BEST INDIAN CUISINE
Open Seven Days a Week for Lunch and Dinner! LUNCH BUFFET • Mon-Sat • 11am-2:30pm We Serve Beer & Wine!
823 Pacific Ave. • 253-272-5700
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BEST SPECIALTY STORE: TACOMA FOOD CO-OP Tacoma Food Co-op has only been in business for 13 months, but it has quickly become popular with area residents. While the store itself is new, the effort to establish it began several years ago. “We are very excited,� General Manager Henri Parren said of winning Best Specialty Store. “[Tacoma Food Co-op] was an effort that took a long time to pull together. We do this for appreciation, not money. It is very rewarding.� One reason for the store’s popularity is that it gives considerable space to products made by local people. Some have their entire product line in very visible spots, something that is hard to come by in big chain stores. Another reason is the emphasis on selling healthy items. “When you walk into this store, you are assured that everything has been selected to be good for you.�
Tacoma Food Co-op caters to people with special dietary needs, such as those who need gluten-free foods, are lactose intolerant or are vegetarian or vegan. It stocks items that a local doctor might recommend to patients with nutritional needs. To see everything the story offers, stop by at 3002 6th Ave. and visit www.tacomafoodcoop.com.
A d d i t i ona l SHOPPING W i nners Best Home Services Company Seattle Lighting Best Gift Shop Rankos Stadium Pharmacy Best Pet Store Next to Nature
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This office is independently owned operated. Thisand office is independently owned and operated.
THIS OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY REPRESENTING BOTH BUYERS &BUYERS SELLERS AND OPERATED REPRESENTING BOTHOWNED & SELLERS
RESIDENTAL, COMMERCIAL, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES RESIDENTAL, COMMERCIAL, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES BANK OWNED AND HUD HOMES
Proven Results BEST REALTOR 2012 BANK OWNED AND HUD HOMES
PRESIDENTS AWARD
RECIPIENT PRESIDENTS Ɣ 2010Ɣ2011 2008Ɣ2009RECIPIENT
Proven Results
AWARD
Experienced
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High Service Standards 0ROVEN 2ESULTS s %XPERIENCED High Service Standards )NTEGRITY s (IGH 3ERVICE 3TANDARDS
Let me help! Call today.
,ET ME HELP #ALL TODAY Let me help! Call today. 253.203.8985 www.stephanielynch.com
253.203.8985 253.203.8985
www.stephanielynch.com Interested inwww.stephanielynch.com a Real Estate Career? For more information please contact: President’s Award Recipient Interested in 2008-2011 a Real Estate Career? Stephanie Lynch at 253.203.8985
For more information please contact: 2%02%3%.4).' "/4( Stephanie Lynch at 253.203.8985 "59%23 !.$ 3%,,%23
RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES BANK OWNED AND HUD HOMES
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SCHOOLS
Best Reporter Steve Dunkelberger Best Elected Official Mayor Marilyn Strickland Best Police Officer Ed Troyer Best Firefighter Wayne Hancock
BEST TEACHER: MICHELE PEDEE Ask any of her little students and they will tell you that Ms. Pedee is the best – and so will others who know this friendly, dedicated kindergarten teacher. Now in her fifth year at Washington-Hoyt Elementary School, Pedee says she is exactly where she wants to be. “I really enjoy watching children grow and their excitement to learn and explore new things. To have the privilege to be part of that is huge,” she said. While finishing up earning her teaching degree she spent some time as a fourth-grade studentteacher, but said she knew she had to be with the littlest ones. “I knew my personality was geared for elementary students, and I have a heart for primary elementary,” she explained. “Every day something new and fun happens.”
Best Photographer Gayle Reiber Photography Best Artist Dale Chihuly Best Boss Kevin McGlocklin (Bluebeard Coffee) Best Business Owner Chris Keil (1022 South) Best Community Activist Kris Brannon (Sonics Guy)
PEOPLE Winners
Pedee said she is “touched and honored” to be voted Best Teacher by Tacoma Weekly readers.
Additional SCHOOL Winners Best School University of Washington-Tacoma
THANK YOU TACOMA!
For Voting Us the Best Italian Restaurant!
#SFBLGBTU t -VODI t %JOOFS
THANK YOU Tacoma for voting us BEST DINER 2012 3rd Year in a Row
716 6th Avenue • Tacoma, WA 98405 • (253) 272-3200
FREE WINDSHIELD? NO! KRAX AUTO GLASS 25% OFF BUT….. YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR ONE AT LITTLE COST TO YOU WITH INSURANCE
FREE MOBILE SERVICE
CALL NOW! 253-442-4272
WINDSHIELD ROCK CHIP REPAIR
www.KraxAutoGlass.com
HURRY! EXPIRES OCTOBER 31, 2012
7 year Anniversary! $7 - Bud Light Pitchers $7 - Sangria Carafe $7 - Spaghetti $7 - Select Appetizers November 7-16, 2012
2207 N. Pearl St. • 761-5555 www.joeseppis.com
THANK YOU
TACOMA for Voting us
BEST WINE SHOP 21 Tacoma Avenue North • Tacoma, WA 98403 • (253) 779-8258
Come visit us next door at
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SERVICES
BEST AUTO REPAIR: BRISTOW’S
BEST BANK: COLUMBIA BANK Columbia Bank is no stranger to winning awards. It has been named one of “Washington’s Best Workplaces” for the sixth consecutive year by Puget Sound Business Journal, among other “Best Workplace” awards, as well as having received more than its share of community appreciation nods as one of the city’s larger corporate residents. Columbia Bank has been ranked as the best bank headquartered in Washington by the Forbes list of America’s Best and Worst Banks. Listed at No. 34, Columbia Bank also slides in ahead of Key Bank, Chase, US Bank and Bank of America. The list, ranking 100 of the largest publicly traded banks in the country, also placed Columbia Bank as
the second best headquartered in the Pacific Northwest. Columbia has 102 banking offices, including 77 branches in Washington and 25 branches in Oregon. Visit www.columbiabank.com.
is a driving instructor for basic and advanced schools, and he has been affiliated with several racing teams and car clubs, including Porsche Club of America Pacific Northwest Region, BMW Car Club of America Puget Sound Region and Northwest Alfa Romeo Club. Bristow has been a professional technician since 1978 and has run his own business since 1989. In 1995, he opened his first store. Visit www.bristowsauto.com.
Bristow’s Exclusive Auto Repair shop has won the title of “Best Auto Repair” for its high standards of repair and its personal touch. “We are just upfront with everything,” owner Pete Bristow said. All employees take part in continuous training to remain experts in their fields. They are also required to complete a minimum of six different training sessions per year. That knowledge is matched by the shop’s state-of-the-art equipment and personalized attention to both car enthusiasts and automotive novices alike. On the flip side of the Owner Pete Bristow has a sense of humor to match his auto repair business, Bristow mechanic skills.
THANK YOU
TACOMA
We are honored to be voted Tacoma’s Best Medical Professional
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CLOTHING AND UNDERWEAR
FEATURING: • Andrew Christian • Timoteo • Gregg Homme • Tripp NYC • Freegun AND MORE
3019 6th Ave Suite B • Tacoma, WA 98406 253.301.3026 • tandem-gear.com
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SERVICES
Additional Services Winners
BEST CREDIT UNION: TAPCO TAPCO has again taken the honor of “Best Credit Union.� The credit union also won the distinction last year. “It means that the members appreciate what we are doing,� Director of Communications Christine Walsh Rogers said. “We really are Tacoma’s credit union.� Formed in 1934 as a credit union for city employees, who still make up about a third of its membership, the financial institution is now open to anyone who lives or works in Washington. But the statechartered, community credit union focuses on staying true to its Tacoma roots.
“It is our soul focus to improve the lives of people who live, work or play in Tacoma, whether they are members or not,� Rogers said. While maintaining a professional staff to run daily operations, TAPCO is governed by a board of directors that establishes and reviews policy. Board members are elected by the TAPCO membership and serve without pay. There is no select group of shareholders that profits more than anyone else. All members profit, individually and collectively.
South Tacoma Way • Home of Tacoma’s Best
Best Vet Best Hair Salon Best Barber Shop Best Auto Dealership Best Medical Professional Best New Business Best Non-profit
Parkland Animal Hospital Embellish 6th Avenue Barber South Tacoma Honda Artistic Plastic Surgery Center LeMay: America’s Car Museum Habitat for Humanity
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Paul Jakeman 253-473-5200
paul@park52.com www.park52.com
Voted BEST Community Based Organization VOLUNTEER Help to Build Habitat Homes in Pierce County APPLY For homeownership Habitat homes are sold at a 0% interest, no proďŹ t mortgage.
DONATE Your support helps Tacoma Pierce County Habitat for Humanity to build more homes and to keep the contruction costs low.
TACOMA/PIERCE COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 4824 SOUTH TACOMA WAY | TACOMA, WA 98409 | WWW.TPC-HABITAT.ORG
Whether you want to race or just survive the “rat race� – owner Pete Bristow and his highly trained mechanics can keep your car in TOP SHAPE!
COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR serving 86 ofTacoma 1926-2011 YEARS
THANK YOU
Tacoma for voting us BEST Flower Shop for 2012
4734 South Tacoma Way Tacoma, WA 98409 t www.brownsflowersandgifts.com
ON OR OFF THE TRACK... Also specializing in repairs of
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BEST CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: SOUND TRANSIT
BEST PLACES TO GO
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Best Park Wright Park Best District Proctor District Best Live Theater Venue Pantages Theater Best Movie Theater Blue Mouse Best Casino Emerald Queen Casino
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SOUNDER-TO-LAKEWOOD
LAUNCH CELEBRATION
SATURDAY
OCTOBER 6
CELEBRATION!
Fridays. There will be certain special weekend runs for some Sounders, Mariners and Seahawks games. “It will be a great option for Seahawks fans,” Gray remarked. Testing is currently underway. A train full of media and elected officials took a trial run on Sept. 24.
A THREE-STATION
Residents of Lakewood and South Tacoma will soon have easy access to Sound Transit’s Sounder commuter rail service. The last piece of this project was to install rail lines from Freighthouse Square, above Pacific Avenue to existing rail in Nalley Valley. Bruce Gray, a spokesperson for Sound Transit, noted that construction began in fall 2010 and was recently completed. This is part of a package of transit projects authorized by voters in the Puget Sound region in 1996, when they voted in favor of establishing Sound Transit. “This has been a long time coming,” Gray said. “We are ecstatic to get riders on the rails.” Beginning Oct. 8, riders will be able to use this Sounder line to get to downtown Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, Auburn, Kent, Tukwila and Seattle Mondays through
LAKEWOOD STATION 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
SOUTH TACOMA STATION 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
TACOMA DOME STATION AT FREIGHTHOUSE SQUARE 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
THE TRAIN VISIT
soundtransit.org/Lakewood
TO GET ALL THE DETAILS
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FAMILY ACTIVITIES
of Washington’s storied history, the museum celebrates everything from early pioneers and settlers, to area Indian tribes and contemporary Native American artists, to industry, business, culture and key events that have shaped the great state of Washington. Considered an architectural masterpiece, the building’s design – the result
BEST FAMILY ACTIVITY: HISTORY MUSEUM Since 1996, Washington State History Museum has been bringing history alive through compelling exhibits, fun and informative events and annual festivals. Inclusive of all facets
of an architectural competition – was created by architects Charles Moore and Arthur Andersson. The building encompasses 106,000 square feet of exhibition, event and meeting spaces within its rolling arches and concave amphitheater, which mirror the forms of the railroad terminal located to the immediate north. Admission is free the third Thursday of every month. Visit www.washingtonhistory.org.
VOTED TACOMA’S BEST BUSINESS DISTRICT! Proctor’s businesses stand out! The district is home to many of the city’s favorite businesses.
It All Happens Here!
Additional Family Activity Winners Best Family Recreation Point Defiance Best Community Event Sound to Narrows Best Festival Art on the Ave Best Health & Fitness Center STAR Center
Uif!Ijtupsjd!Cmvf!Npvtf!Uifbusf Thanks for Voting us BEST MOVIE THEATER
Our success of the Blue Mouse is because of the Community Support!
2611 N. Proctor • Tacoma, WA 98406 • 253.752.9500
www.proctorbusinessdistrict.com
BUYERS: We can help you choose the right home! SELLERS: We can help you price your home for a quick sale!
Quality Service Over 300 Agents Seven Offices to Serve You Proven Results
21778899
North Proctor Office 253.761.8888
Mark Hulen, Owner
Earn Giardini Bucks with purchase Tacoma’s FIESTAWARE Headquarters Open 7 Days a Week
©
“Gifts From Our Corner of America” We specialize in Corporate orders Always Complimentary Gift Wrap / We ship for you
2717 N. Proctor • 253-759-8850
2702 N. Proctor • 253-752-2242
www.oldhousemercantile.com
www.pacificnorthwestshop.com
D
D
Christmas Gallery now OPEN
3815 N. 26th St. Proctor District 253-759-0077
Open 7 Days
We Make Your Life Beautiful!
Mon. - Fri. 10:00-6:00 Sat. 10:00-5:30 Sun. 12:00-4:00
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MUSIC BEST BLUES BAND: RAFAEL TRANQUILINO
ing energy is where he is truly at home, and it shows on his face as well as through his nimble fingers against steel strings. Just like certain people can light up a room when they enter, this gifted, Mexico City-born Tacoman has this same effect on any club or festival he is playing at – and his future looks just as bright.
Tacoma guitar wizard Rafael Tranquilino is not a band per se, but Tacoma Weekly readers poll voters know full well that the man packs more than enough talent to command the stage all by himself. Known throughout the Pacific Northwest for his spirited playing, Tranquilino established a solid name for himself as guitarist in the Randy Oxford Band. Now on his own, he continues to make new fans as he puts his all into his music steeped in blues and flavored with jazz, Latin, rock and funk. Onstage exud- Photo by Bill Bungard
ART
Additional AdditionalMusic Family Winners Activity Winners BEST ART GALLERY: Best Music Artist PROCTOR ART GALLERY Vicci Martinez Best Live Music Backstage Best Cover Band Kry Best Jazz Artist Bob McNamara Best Rap/Hip Hop Group Writers Block Best Music Store Ted Brown Best Heavy Metal Band Bloodhunger Best Alternative Rock Band Ben Union Best Acoustic/Folk Artist Junkyard Jane
Proctor Art Gallery’s success is based on a solid respect for people and community. First, there are the local artists whose exquisite works grace the gallery in a variety of media – watercolor, oil, acrylic, mixed media, jewelry, pottery, glass, metal, wood and more. The artists are given opportunities to be involved in many aspects of running the gallery including working behind the counter. Owners Carolyn Burt and Chuck Gourley see to it that the gallery’s inclusive spirit reaches beyond the doors as well. For four consecutive years, the gallery’s annual Food Bank Art-a-Thon has raised money for Northwest FISH Food Bank to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from Proctor Farmers Market to distribute to food bank clients. Stop in at 3811 N. 26th St. and say hello.
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Thank You for Making Us Number ONE! Both of our locations have everything you need to satisfy your cravings! Along with incredible entertainment almost every night of the week, the Emerald Queen Casino I-5 features your favorite Vegas-style table games, world-class dining at the International Restaurant and Buffet, plus two decadent delis. If a more intimate setting is what you desire, the Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino in Fife is your spot! Dine at the award-winning Tatoosh Grill or Pacific Rim Buffet, spoil yourself in our gorgeous hotel rooms or play to your heart’s content in our gaming area. Both locations total over 3,400 red-hot slots!
The Entertainment Capital
of the Northwest! EQC I-5: 2024 E 29th St • Tacoma, WA 98404 • 1-888-831-7655 EQC Hotel: 5700 Pacific Hwy. E • Fife, WA 98424 • 1-253-922-2000 www.emeraldqueen.com