Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
Thank You Taos, for Voting Us # 1!
Kellie A. Harris, DDS • Kayci M. Harris, DMD
Anniversary
.
NORTHERN
NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR
EMBUDO D E N TA L C E N T E R
COSMETIC DENTISTRY
(505)579-4680
(575)751-9661
1102 St a te H w y 68, Em bud o M edic aid a ccepted
1337 Gu sd or f Rd, Suite A M o st insur a nce a ccepted
kellieharrisdds.com taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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FEATURES 14 16 18
WE ASKED
Where's the best place in Taos County to watch the sunrise or sunset?
THAT’S SO TAOS
The ’Dragonfly’ bus
BEST LIQUOR STORE
The Cellar: The new kid on the block BY SCOTT GERDES
28 30
WE ASKED
What's the funniest thing you've seen in Taos?
BEST SPANISH LANGUAGE BAND OR PERFORMER
El Grupo Mezcal: A band of brothers BY ARIANA KRAMER
40
BEST GALLERY
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art: ’I just kept with it’ BY SCOTT GERDES
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BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION
Taos Milagro Rotary Club: ‘Service above self’ BY SCOTT GERDES
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WE ASKED
Describe the real Taos in six words or less.
BEST BARBER
Johnny’s: A Taos icon BY SCOTT GERDES
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BEST REALTOR
Lisa Davis: A standard of practice and resourcefulness BY SCOTT GERDES
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WE ASKED
Take the first right at the OBL. Where are you?
BEST OF TAOS RESULTS 6 20 32 44 4
BEST FOOD & DRINK BEST ENTERTAINMENT/THINGSTO DO BEST SHOPPING BEST SERVICES 20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
BEST OF TAOS
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS When asked (or even when not asked) who isn’t ready to answer the question that begins with, “What’s your favorite ...?” Since the first Best of Taos poll came out in 1999, you have been giving us the answers related to who is your favorite local doctor, music group, restaurant and so much more. Anyone not as familiar with Taos as the rest of us could look at the Best of Taos issues over the years and quickly discover where to find that New Mexican green chile they’ve heard about or where to get the best margarita in town. But Best of Taos isn’t just about giving visitors a shopping, entertainment/things to do, food and drink, and services road map — it’s about showing our appreciation for and love of who and what we think are the tops in Taos. In the beginning, surveys were filled out on paper ballots, stuffed into garbage bags and tossed into The Taos News’ managing editor’s office. Since 2012, we’ve put the survey online so readers can directly respond making the process much smoother, plus the managing editor isn’t found drowning in paper mumbling something about blurry vision and paper cuts. Best of Taos is not political-style voting — never has been, never will be. It’s really not the least bit scientific or predictive. In this poll we continue to seek what service providers, food, watering holes, galleries, retailers, entertainers (and many other categories) you like best. Period. The Taos News employees do not vote or factor into the results in any way whatsoever. Over the last 20 years, Best of Taos has remained just a straight-up count; the most votes win. Opinions are just that and don’t always reflect everyone’s choices, but we feel this is the fairest system. And wow, this year’s survey topped last year’s mark by 237, tallying 3,024 responses. Sixty-seven percent of respondents were females and 37.18 percent are age 60 and older. Many thanks to everyone who participated. Thanks also goes out to those of you who responded to our essay questions, which are always good for a laugh, debate or contemplative chin scratch. Best of Taos has gone through a couple makeovers since its inception, and we’ve added and subtracted categories. Introduced last year, every winning establishment, service, organization and individual listed was accompanied by a brief description to give you a better idea of what the buzz was all about. That continues in this edition along with feature stories on some of Best of Taos’ longest-running winners and a Taos first-time winner — how do they do it? Also new this year, The Taos News is partnering with UNM-Taos students to produce a couple of exclusive, behind-the-scenes videos featuring some of our winners’ more interesting stories. From all of us at The Taos News, a hearty congratulations to the top votegetters whether this year is your first placement or your 20th. Look for the blue first-place and red second-place Best of Taos banners peppered throughout town. — Scott Gerdes, special sections editor
TAOS NEWS STAFF: ROBIN MARTIN, OWNER / CHRIS BAKER, PUBLISHER / STACI MATLOCK, EDITOR / SCOTT GERDES, SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR / KARIN EBERHARDT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR / CHRIS WOOD, ADVERTISING DIRECTOR / MORGAN TIMMS, PHOTOGRAPHER • CONTRIBUTING WRITER: ARIANA KRAMER / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: STEVEN BUNDY / COVER DESIGN: KARIN EBERHARDT
CONTENTS
taosnews.com/best-of-taos taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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BesT OF TAOS
Food & Drink
FILE PHOTO/TINA LARKIN
An Adobe Bar margarita.
BEST BREAKFAST 1 . TAOS DINER NORTH SIDE: 908 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-2374 SOUTH SIDE: 216 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-1989 TAOSDINER.COM Some things never change, and in the case of where to start your day in Taos, that’s a good thing. Taos Diner consistently ranks high in this annual survey of the best place to get breakfast. The Charles Breakfast Burrito, Cooper John’s Eggs and the homemade corned beef hash are just a few of the mouth-watering reasons the firstplace vote is true. The “Diner” is no secret to locals — or what many like to call “the Diner in-crowd” — when it comes to morning fare. Organic coffee and gluten-free red and green sauces are also offered in this unpretentious and casual favorite.
2 . MICHAEL’S KITCHEN 304-C PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-4178 MICHAELSKITCHEN.COM continues page 8
L E F T : Lambert’s is once again voted Best Restaurant inTaos County. Pictured is one reason why — the seasonal dishVermont quail. TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINEEGLI
BEST RESTAURANT IN TAOS COUNTY
1 . LAMBERT’S OF TAOS 123 BENT STREET, TAOS, (575) 758-1009 LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM
Once again, Lambert’s on historic Bent Street garnered the most praise in the Best Restaurant category. Unlike the stuffy, reservations-only, upper-crust restaurants on the East Coast, Lambert’s has been an exercise in detailed simplicity and elegance for about 29 years. Lambert’s is a New York City-caliber restaurant minus the NYC. “Relaxed and refined,” Lambert’s sees a steady flow of visitor’s and locals alike. Those who know, try Lambert’s cheese steak with green chile at lunch or grilled duck breast with oyster mushrooms on the dinner menu with a distinct variety of other contemporary American cuisine options spearheaded by Executive Chef James Crowther III. And if you still have room, try a house-made desert by Pastry Chef Michelle Myers such as the to-die-for flan de café. Everything is made from scratch, even the ketchup.
The Love Apple's “Best Ambience”dining room in full swing. TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/TINA LARKIN
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2 . THE LOVE APPLE 803 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 751-0050 THELOVEAPPLE.NET
What a great time... to be a girl!
Clothing Boutique
Arroyo Seco Open 7 days
www.styleintaos.com taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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*
Best Food & Drink
*
Gutiz
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINE EGLI
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BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO 1 . MANTE’S CHOW CART 402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-3632 FACEBOOK.COM/THECHOWCART(MANTES) Ahhh, the breakfast burrito — a much-loved Taos favorite of scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, potatoes and red or green chile all rolled up in a big, warm tortilla. Survey says no one makes a better breakfast burrito in these parts than the folks at Mante’s Chow Cart — simply known as Mante’s to locals. Many moons ago, this humble Taos staple for burritos and burgers started out as a food truck, hence its name. In the first Best of Taos issue in 1999, Mante’s won for “Best Breakfast Burritos.” The tradition continues.
2 . ABE’S CANTINA Y COCINA 489 STATE ROAD 150, ARROYO SECO, (575) 776-8516 FACEBOOK.COM/ABESCANTINAYCOCINA
BEST NEW MEXICAN CUISINE 1 . ORLANDO’S NEW MEXICAN CAFÉ 1114 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO, (575) 751-1450 FACEBOOK.COM/ORLANDOSNEWMEXICANCAFE New Mexican food is a fusion of Mexican and Native American food. Year after year, no place in town does it better, according to survey results, than Orlando’s where the blue corn tortilla is the king of their enchilada dishes. Orlando’s has been serving up mouthwatering, authentic cuisine in their cozy space for many years. The house-made sangria is a popular accompaniment to meals and during nice weather, a small firepit makes for a perfect outdoor atmosphere. When visitor’s ask locals where to get authentic New Mexican food in Taos, they are directed to Orlando’s.
2 . RANCHOS PLAZA GRILL 6 ST. FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-5788 FACEBOOK.COM/RANCHOSPLAZAGRILL
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FAVORITE WEEKEND BRUNCH 1 . GUTIZ 812 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS, (575) 758-1226 GUTIZTAOS.COM Brunch at Gutiz has garnered best brunch accolades for four years running — serving handmade chocolate truffles by Jennifer Loves Chocolate and locally blended organic artisan teas by Tea-O-Graphy may have something to do with that streak. The menu at Gutiz fuses Latin and French cuisines as found in the Parisian crepe, but doesn’t leave out Northern New Mexico staples by adding green chile to the brie omelette. Tapas, salads, a children’s menu and specialties of the house — like the gluten-free paella valenciana and Taoseño rice baked in a terra-cotta bowl — round out the unique offerings. And the eggs Benedict boasts the best hollandaise sauce this side of Paris. The atmosphere in this well-regarded café is often described as “serene” and “pleasant.”
2 . THE TRADING POST CAFÉ & GALLERY 4179 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DETAOS (575) 758-5089 TRADINGPOSTCAFE.COM
BEST TRADITIONAL MEXICAN 1 . GUADALAJARA GRILL NORTH SIDE: 822 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS (575) 737-0816 SOUTH SIDE: 1384 #8 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-0063 GUADALAJARAGRILLTAOS.COM Like Mexican food? Like seafood? If so, then Guadalajara Grill is your place. You can taste the Mexican roots in their fare that isn’t limited to just succulent shrimp and meaty fish. The extensive menu includes American-, Latin- and other Mexican-style creations made with steak and chicken. There are tasty options for vegetarians as well. The “Guad” can get crowded due to popularity. The order line, however, is a well-oiled machine. The casual Guadalajara Grill has consistently impressed visitors and been a favorite of locals for many years.
2 . ORLANDO’S NEW MEXICAN CAFÉ 1114 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO, (575) 751-1450 FACEBOOK.COM/ORLANDOSNEWMEXICANCAFE
BEST RED 1 . ORLANDO’S NEW MEXICAN CAFÉ 1114 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO, (575) 751-1450 FACEBOOK.COM/ORLANDOSNEWMEXICANCAFE Red or green or Christmas (combination of both) is a question often asked by waitstaff at local eateries. At Orlando’s, with either choice you can’t go wrong. Orlando’s has been voted Best New Mexican food in Taos County since 2005. One reason for that is their red chile sauce. Orlando’s only uses Hatch chile that they prepare in their own special way, which becomes united with enchiladas, burritos and rellenos. Chile is a powerful ingredient, and the folks at Orlando’s know how to unleash it.
2 . RANCHOS PLAZA GRILL 6 ST. FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-5788 FACEBOOK.COM/RANCHOSPLAZAGRILL
BEST PLACE TO EAT YOUR GREENS 1 . CID’S FOOD MARKET 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS (575) 758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM Every year this category seems to be a no contest as Cid’s gets the most votes without fail. This organic, locally owned, full-service food market consistently gets rave reviews for its hot and cold prepared food offerings. Organic is the operative word at Cid’s, so if you’re looking for a tasty, healthy place to “eat your greens,” look no further than the soup and salad bar. Cid’s also offers freshly made prepared salads such as a Greek salad, chef’s salad, garden salad and a chicken Caesar salad. Indoor seating is available.
2 . FARMHOUSE CAFÉ AND BAKERY 1405 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5683 FARMHOUSECAFEANDBAKERY.COM continues page 10
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PHOTO BY SAM LAMBIE
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BEST GREEN 1 . ORLANDO’S NEW MEXICAN CAFÉ 1114 DON JUAN VALDEZ LANE, EL PRADO, (575) 751-1450 FACEBOOK.COM/ ORLANDOSNEWMEXICANCAFE See Best Red on Page 8 — ditto here. When the question of what restaurant has the best green chile was posed in the first Best of Taos poll in 1999, Orlando’s won when it was located on State Road 150.
2 . RANCHOS PLAZA GRILL 6 ST. FRANCIS COURT, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-5788 FACEBOOK.COM/RANCHOSPLAZAGRILL
BEST FAST FOOD
BEST BURGER
*
Best Food & Drink
ERS
1 . 5 STAR BURG
OS, DEL PUEBLO SUR, TA
1032 PASEO (575) 758-8484 5STARBURGERS.COM processes uses specialized Five Star Burgers st burgers to make Taos’ be from farm to grill flat grills, ed er eir steam-pow Th ar. ye er aft ar ye essure, cook ulated to create pr which are encaps crispy green rbecue sauce and their cheddar, ba se, all their er” (and, of cour chile “Taos Burg al juices d ns) evenly an se other burger optio ethod. m r he ot y r than an inside them bette e. ticed the differenc Taoseños have no
*
Five Star Burgers
BEST PIZZA
2 . TAOS PIZZA OUTBACK 712 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-3112 TAOSPIZZAOUTBACK.COM
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2 . THE ALLEY CANTINA 121 TERESINA LANE, TAOS, (575) 758-2121 ALLEYCANTINA.COM
1032 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-8484 5STARBURGERS.COM In addition to 5 Star’s award-winning burgers is its well-liked happy hour, which features their own take on the “slider” starting at $1.65 each. Also offered from 4 to 6 p.m. daily are $3 tap beers, $3.50 house wines and under $3 appetizers such as “Crispy Green Chile Strips” and “Frickle Fries.” Good stuff. No wonder it keeps winning this category.
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/TINA LARKIN
2 . THE BURGER STAN AT TAOS ALE HO D USE
401 PASEO DEL PUEB LO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-5522 TAOSBURGERSANDBEER .COM
2 . KTAOS SOLAR CENTER 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM
BEST BEER SELECTION 1 . TAOS MESA BREWING DOWNTOWN TAP ROOM
1 . PIZAÑOS 23 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 776-1050 TAOSPIZZA.COM Who doesn’t like pizza? Who doesn’t like a mountain view? Who doesn’t like Pizaños presented by “Two guys from Utica, New York, putting a Taos twist on pizza?” Of course they have the tried-and-true pizza pie combinations everyone is familiar with, but their menu also includes specialties such as the “Taoseño” (pepperoni or Italian sausage, mushrooms and green chile), “The Mayor” (pesto base, chicken, onion, fresh tomato, salami, chipotle pepper, cilantro and feta) and the “Fire Twirler” (pepperoni, Canadian bacon, green chile and pineapple).
125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-2233 TAOSINN.COM The Adobe Bar isn’t referred to as “The living room of Taos” by chance or default. Some seating is cradled in the lobby of the popular, historic inn known for free local music. The connected bar area was once the Tarleton family home built in the 1800s. The Adobe Bar is famous for its margaritas; the “Cowboy Buddha” is one of the best in town. It should come as no surprise that the Adobe Bar started racking up first-place votes beginning with the first Best of Taos poll in 1999.
1 . 5 STAR BURGERS
402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-3632 FACEBOOK.COM/THECHOWCART(MANTES) Taos has come a long way from voting McDonald’s “Best Fast Food” in the first Best of Taos in 1999. Besides its vaulted breakfast burrito, Mante’s menu includes local lunch favorites such as the Trujillo burrito and green chile cheeseburger. Mante’s fast and fresh fare puts national Mexican food chains to shame. (Sorry, McDonald’s — it’s no longer a contest.)
NORTH SIDE: 822 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS (575) 7370816 SOUTH SIDE: 1384 #8 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-0063 GUADALAJARAGRILLTAOS.COM
1 . ADOBE BAR AT THE HISTORIC TAOS INN
BEST HAPPY HOUR
1 . MANTE’S CHOW CART
2 . GUADALAJARA GRILL
BEST BAR
BEST ROADSIDE FOOD STAND 1 . MARY JANE’S HOME COOKING 616 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 770-1171 The food stand/”taco truck”... unpretentious, but oh so good and a local’s breakfast and/or lunch mainstay. And Mary Jane’s Northern New Mexico cooking consistently sits at the top of the heap having been a Best of Taos winner for 12 years running. The simple exterior belies terrific fare.
2 . A LA CARTE WORLD STREET FOOD 625 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-7503
201 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM The Tap Room and its sibling location, The Mothership, swapped places this time around, which is probably due more to proximity than beer quality. Since opening 6 years ago, the beer geeks at Taos Mesa Brewing have delivered on a promise of offering excellent locally handcrafted brews at three locations (including Taos Ski Valley during ski season). There are a dozen distinct, high quality house beers on tap at all times from a light choice such as Kolsch .45 to darker brews like the Black Widow Porter, and every taste/style in between.
2 . TAOS MESA BREWING MOTHERSHIP 20 ABC MESA ROAD, EL PRADO, (575) 758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM
taosnews.com/best-of-taos
BEST BREWERY 1 . TAOS MESA BREWING 20 ABC MESA ROAD, (575) 758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM In this case, having the best beer selection goes hand in hand with crafting the best local brews. “TMB” hasn’t drifted far from its award-winning recipes since its inception in 2012. A revamped brewing system was installed in early 2016 and by April of that year, 100 percent of their taps were pouring nothing but their beers. The improved brewing system allows the master brewers more time to experiment with new recipes — music to the ears of beer lovers. TMB brews can be enjoyed at three locations: the Mothership listed above, the Downtown Tap Room and in the winter at Taos Ski Valley.
2 . ESKE’S BREW PUB BREWERY 106 DES GEORGES LANE, TAOS, (575) 758-1517 ESKESBREWPUB.COM
BEST PATIO 1 . THE GORGE BAR & GRILL 103 E. PLAZA, TAOS, (575) 758-8866 THEGORGEBARANDGRILL.COM Location. Location. Location. The spacious, upper-level patio that overlooks Historic Taos Plaza vaulted The Gorge Bar & Grill into the top spot in this year’s survey. The Gorge has a comfortable, casual atmosphere and is known for great salads, sandwiches and people watching from the patio.
Friends and Family on the South Side... BEST GYM & WORKOUT FACILITY Thank you again, Taos!
2 . LAMBERT’S OF TAOS 123 BENT STREET, TAOS, (575) 758-1009 LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM
BEST MARGARITA 1 . ADOBE BAR AT THE HISTORIC TAOS INN 125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-2233 TAOSINN.COM Soaking up the free, live music and dramatic architecture of this Taos landmark just wouldn’t be complete without one of the bar’s famous margaritas. Of the bar’s 10-plus options, the most popular on the margarita menu is the “Cowboy Buddha.” This timeless cocktail combines Herradura Silver Tequila, cointreau and fresh-squeezed lime juice, and is a great option for those who prefer a less sweet margarita, as it calls for no sweet and sour mix. All of their margaritas are a fiesta in a glass.
2 . THE GORGE BAR & GRILL 103 E. PLAZA, TAOS, (575) 758-8866 THEGORGEBARANDGRILL.COM
ON THE SOUTH SIDE!
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Best Food & Drink
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Chokolá *
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINE EGLI
The results of handmade confections at Chokolá Bean to Bar the "Best Place to SatisfyYourSweet Tooth."
BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH
BEST AMBIENCE
BEST BARTENDER
1 . CHOKOLÁ BEAN TO BAR
1 . THE LOVE APPLE
1 . RUSHAN PERERA
106-B JUAN LARGO LANE, TAOS, (575) 779-6163 CHOKOLABEANTOBAR.COM
803 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 751-0050 THELOVEAPPLE.NET This established, upper-scale restaurant with a French country decor is housed in an old structure — the former Placitas Chapel erected in the 1800s. Thus, adding to the ambience. Patrons often describe this acclaimed restaurant as “charming,” “laid back,” “quiet” and “romantic.” For delicious food and elegantly pleasant surroundings, you can’t go wrong.
*
2 . ZIGGY’S FROZEN YOGURT
BEST CUPPA JOE 1 . ELEVATION COFFEE 1100 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-3068 ELEVATIONCOFFEESHOPPE.COM Coffee, espresso, teas, free Wi-Fi, “latte art,” friendly vibe ... Elevation Coffee raises the cuppa Joe and the coffee shop atmosphere to an art form. Look for the giant red coffee mug outside.
123 BENT STREET, TAOS, (575) 758-1009 LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM
BEST WAITSTAFF 1 . LAMBERT’S OF TAOS 123 BENT STREET, TAOS, (575) 758-1009 LAMBERTSOFTAOS.COM To be a highly acclaimed restaurant, the service must match the caliber of the cuisine. The waitstaff at Lambert’s of Taos lives up to that challenge. “Flawless” is a common review of the service at Lambert’s; a true Taos gem.
2 . THE LOVE APPLE 803 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 751-0050 THELOVEAPPLE.NET
=
1008 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 737-8908 ZIGGYSFROYO.COM
2 . LAMBERT’S OF TAOS
KATHARINE EGLI
Oh, for the love of chocolate. The master chocolatiers at Chokolá focus on small, handmade batches of perfected sweetness using only organic ingredients. Here, they do the cleaning, roasting, cracking and grinding of the beans. Besides creating many varieties of chocolates, Chokolá offers hot chocolate shots with lavender, raspberry, vanilla bean and other flavors. Among their most popular specialty drinks are Drinking Elixir Chocolate in seven flavors, The Snow Fall (hot chocolate with a scoop of white chocolate and vanilla ice cream) and the Chokolá milkshake. Also tempting are the house-made tartlets, biscotti, a variety of truffles, chocolate-chip croissants and ice cream. And there are “tasting trios” that include chocolate mousse, bars, nibs and bonbons.
Sri Lanka native Rushan Perera has been the quintessential bartender for 16 years — he’s got a smile a mile wide, engages everyone with sincere pleasure and knows how to mix a good cocktail. He can be found pouring at The Historic Taos Inn, the KTAOS Solar Center and at The Martini Tree Bar in Taos Ski Valley during the winter. Tending bar comes easily to Perera because, quite simply, he likes people. “That’s why I feel I make a good bartender,” he said. “And I like being a good friend.”
2 . MARK GEERY THE ALLEY CANTINA, 121 TERESINA LANE, TAOS, (575) 758-2121 ALLEYCANTINA.COM
2 . WORLD CUP CAFE 102-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 737-5299 FACEBOOK.COM/WORLDCUPTAOS
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Best of Taos since the very beginning.
HARDWARE “the helpful place”
1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR • 575-758-4268 || 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR • 575-751-2061 taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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We ASKeD
By Scott Gerdes
OH THOSE SUNRISES AND SUNSETS
We posed the question to those who filled out the Best of Taos survey to tell us where they think the
BEST PLACE IS IN TAOS COUNTY TO WATCH THE SUNRISE OR SUNSET. That is admittedly a loaded question because, as a number of people exclaimed, Where isn't there a great view? But among the 1,139 respondents, the top spots are anywhere along the Río Grande Gorge/Gorge Bridge and from people's backyards, front yards, kitchen windows and rooftops. The mesa also has a lot of fans as does the rest stop after the Horseshoe. And some folks were very specific in where they like to take in the sun's neon display: Bench on the Devisadero Trail; The hot tub on the roof of El Rincon; Vista Verde trail with my sweetheart; By the Cañon domestic water tanks off the bypass looking west for sunsets; and Watching the sunrise from a hot air balloon. When it comes to this question, there really is no bad answer. As one person so aptly stated, Anywhere and everywhere! It's part of what makes Taos so special.
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The UPS Store
™
THANK YOU for Voting Us
Best Place to
Ship a Package Again & Again & Again!
1110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte Taos, New Mexico || (575) 758-3068
Committed to Community Banking.
Thank you for voting us Best Bank! The UPS Store is the only pack and ship store in town that offers The Pack and Ship Guarantee, Guaranteed Service Refunds, and AARP/AAA Discounts. We’re Experts in Packing & Shipping of Artwork, Collectibles, & Your Valuables.
WE OFFER SHREDDING SERVICES. Locally Owned, Nationally Known Jeanne Timber – “The Shipping Diva”
2018
A Great Selection of Greeting Cards
The UPS Store™
1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • Taos, NM 87571
575-758-8647 • (fax) 575-758-8667 www.centinelbank.com
2018 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger
10 Years Running!
Thanks for your Vote and See You Soon! 575.758.8484 5starburgers.com 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
taosnews.com/best-of-taos
Best Happy Hour 5 Years Running!
Craft Drafts - 3.00 • Wine - 3.50 • Burger and Pork Sliders - 1.65 Lobster Slider - 3.50 • Snacks - 1.25 to 3.50
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It’s not unusual to see a local vehicle rolling along the streets covered in bumper stickers, plastered with signs or some other art-inspired additions, but a fully handpainted bus and a half? In March, traveler Leroy and his creation “Dragonfly” rumbled through town and stayed a spell. The bus is so named, he said, because, “She goes up hills slow and comes down fast.” Did Taos’ reputation as an edgey art town have anything to do with it being on his itinerary? “Absolutely,” he replied.
THAT’S SO TAOS 16
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STEVEN BUNDY
taosnews.com/best-of-taos
Thank You Voters! First Place: Most Interesting Place To Take Visitors First Place: Best Annual Event in Taos County - Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo First Place: Best Place to Buy a New Mexico Souvenir
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm Sunday: 8:30am – 4:30pm 120 Veterans Highway, Taos NM 87571 575-758-1028 taospueblo.com
JOHNNY'S
BAR BE R SHOP
308-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur || (575) 758-4286
Thank you for all of your support. We look forward to serving you over the coming years.
Blue Sky Pet & Feed
214 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS • (575) 758-1841 taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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BEST LIQUOR STORE
THE CELLAR THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Taos’ newest liquor store has quickly become its most popular. The Cellar features a vast selection of craft beers, wines a nd spirits with a very well-versed staff to help in the decision-making. The Cellar is curated and owned by Angelica Robinson and her husband Lee Backer. They were surprised to have been voted “Best Liquor Store” in this year’s Best of Taos poll considering their first year anniversary was May 19. Lee Backer is the son of Cid’s Food Market owner Cid Backer. Cid is their landlord. They lease the building from him, but this is their project.
BY SCOTT GERDES
Lee has been working at his father’s successful market practically his whole life, having been store manager for 15 years. Angelica is an accountant by trade. She did a lot of work for restaurants; that’s how she learned about liquor offerings and sales. Both are born and bred Taoseños. While Lee enjoyed working at the family business, he saw an unclaimed niche in town that created an itch he had to scratch.
“I felt like since Bravo closed in like 2009 that there was a real void in town that never got filled,” he explained, “and so, kind of ever since then I was always like, ’we should do this.’ “ “It’s been a lot of work trying to get the liquor license and where are we going to put (the liquor store),” Angelica added. “Ideally, it needed to be around the vicinity of Cid’s because of the one-stop shopping.” That was an important aspect in their planning for The Cellar. For many years, they tried to procure the property next door where A La Carte: World Street Food is currently located. That plan didn’t come to fruition, but once they secured the property behind Cid’s, it took about two years to handle all of the paperwork and get the building erected. “It’s a labor of love,” Angelica grinned. “Every employee here has something to offer that helps keep expanding our selection.” The goal all along was to offer selections that weren’t found all over town. “Some of the stuff we have here can be found elsewhere in town, but a lot
MORGAN TIMMS
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: THE CELLAR CO-OWNER LEE BACKER, CO-OWNER ANGELICA ROBINSON, EMPLOYEES AUDRA KNUTSON, CHARLES BASTON, DAVID SKLARZ AND PAUL GREENHAW.
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of it, especially on the wine side, you can’t really get anywhere else in Taos. Let’s do something different and offer products that you can’t find in the grocery store or the gas station or other liquor stores,” Lee added. At The Cellar, you won’t find 30 packs of Budweiser or 40-ounce liquor bottles on the wellstocked, easy-to-navigate shelves and floor displays in the uncluttered space. Sometimes someone comes in looking for a more obscure liquor. If you can’t find it at The Cellar, they can special order it so long as it’s available in New Mexico. More than half of the wine at The Cellar is organic or biodynamic. They have many beers that are non-GMO and a lot of spirits that are both organic and non-GMO. Another goal is to facilitate with local restaurants and offer the same great wine at The Cellar that you had while dining out in Taos. Finding more quality products is an ongoing aim and challenge. They admit they stop at Kokoman Fine Wines and Liquor in Santa Fe every chance they get and, “for
A LIQUOR STORE DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DARK AND DINGY. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO HAVE CASE STACKS EVERYWHERE. IT CAN BE REALLY CLEAN AND BRIGHT AND OPEN AND HAVE A POSITIVE FEEL.
the most part,” Angelica said, The Cellar’s prices are right in line. And while The Cellar has a comparable selection to Kokoman, what it doesn’t have in common are tall stacks of beer cases and lots of signage inside and all over windows. Angelica humorously admits it’s her “OCD” that’s showing in the clean, contemporary and minimal decor of The Cellar. “I really wanted to change the culture around alcohol,” she explained. “ "A liquor store doesn't ahve to be dark and dingy. It doesn't ghave to have case stacks everywhere. It can be really clean and bright and open and have a positive feel."
What makes changing the culture around alcohol exciting to them is that it opens up the mentality of drinking by encouraging the mindset of “let’s enjoy this by trying something new and reach outside of our box.” In that vein, every Friday and Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m., The Cellar hosts a free “informal” beer and wine tasting.
THE CELLAR / 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE,TAOS (BEHIND CID’S FOOD MARKET) / (575) 758-7445 / THECELLARTAOS.COM
#1 Real Estate Company in Taos BHHSTaosInfo@newmex.com Since 1987 Text BHHSNM303 to 87778
314A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571 * BHHSTaosRealEstate.com * 575-758-1924 * 800-530-8899
It takes your loyalty and your business to be the top producing brokerage in Taos over the years. ...and being voted the Best of Taos over and over. The accolades are great but we would like to think it is about our approach: The Customer comes first! ...and having The Best Team ever! Thank you, Taos. Joel K Schantz, Qualifying Broker • Associate Brokers: Doug DeCoursey, Diane Enright, Cyndi Gonzalez, Dawn Grainger, Kiva Harris, Liz Jamison, John Johnston, Yvonne Lewis, Rick Reaves, Brandon Rose, Rachel Singer, Kristine Wood Marny Schantz, Manager • Office Assistants: Joyce Tafoya, Janet Dearing, Laz Lazawska ©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity.
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ENTERTAINMENT
BesT OF TAOS
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BEST ANNUAL EVENT IN TAOS COUNTY 1 . CHRISTMAS EVE AT TAOS PUEBLO 120 VETERANS HIGHWAY, TAOS (575) 758-1028 TAOSPUEBLO.COM In times of uncertainty and feelings of division, the holidays can orchestrate a song of unity and hope. Maybe nowhere is that more evident than at Taos Pueblo on Christmas Eve. Unchanged and unmatched in wonder and drama, Taos Pueblo holds the Procession of the Virgin Mary celebration where friends, relatives and visitors gather in the Pueblo plaza around towering luminarias in anticipation of the annual Christmas Eve tradition.
2 . THE PASEO PROJECT ART INSTALLATIONS, PROJECTION AND PERFORMANCE THROUGHOUT THE STREETS OF TAOS’ HISTORIC DISTRICT. (THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL WILL TAKE PLACE SEPT. 14 AND 15). (575) 613-0601 PASEOPROJECT.ORG
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY 1 . OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA 50 LOS BANOS DR., OJO CALIENTE, 1-800-222-9162 OJOSPA.COM The legendary mineral springs at Ojo are like magic fingers gently, yet substantively rejuvenating your mind, body and soul — not to mention the mud pool, private water therapy, therapeutic massage and bodywork treatments, skin care therapy and restorative body therapies. And if that weren’t enough to produce audible “ahs,” Ojo boasts a pleasant, casual bar and restaurant, and nicely appointed cabins just in case one day there isn’t enough. Ojo can also boast that it was the first winner of the “Best Hot Spring or Swimming Hole” award in the first edition of the Best of Taos publication in 1999.
THINGS TO DO
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Jimmy Stadler, aka “the human jukebox,” gets top billing as favorite local singer/songwriter. See Page 22.
2 . TAOS SKI VALLEY STATE ROAD 150, VILLAGE OF TAOS SKI VALLEY (575) 776-1413 OR 1-800-517-9816 TAOSSKIVALLEY.COM OR CONTACT THE RESORT: 1-800-776-1111 SKITAOS.COM
MOST INTERESTING PLACE TO TAKE VISITORS 1 . TAOS PUEBLO 120 VETERANS HIGHWAY, (575) 758-1028 TAOSPUEBLO.COM Hands down, Taos Pueblo is always the No. 1 visitor destination. The multistoried adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for nearly 1,000 years standing as a remarkable testament to the history, culture, art and daily living of the Red Willow people. The Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.
2 . RÍO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE WEST ON U.S. HIGHWAY 64 TAOS.ORG
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/TINA LARKIN
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BEST LOCAL MUSEUM 1 . HARWOOD MUSEUM OF ART 238 LEDOUX ST., TAOS (575) 758-9826 HARWOODMUSEUM.ORG The Harwood Museum of Art showcases a permanent collection of more than 4,700 works and an archive of 17,000 photographs from the 19th century onward. In the early part of the 20th century, many artists — such as Agnes Martin — were drawn to the Taos area to pursue a new, truly American art devoid of industrial influence, inspired instead by New Mexico’s landscape and light, and the traditional Native American and Hispanic cultures of the region. The Harwood Museum collection brings to the public a unique record of this artistic convergence from its beginnings to the present day. The embracing spirit of the Harwood was established by artists Burt and Elizabeth Harwood.
2 . MILLICENT ROGERS MUSEUM 1504 MILLICENT ROGERS RD., EL PRADO, (575) 758-2462 MILLICENTROGERS.ORG
BEST HIKING/JOGGING TRAIL 1 . WILLIAMS LAKE TRAIL CARSON NATIONAL FOREST, OFFICE: 208 CRUZ ALTA RD., (575) 758-6200 FS.USDA.GOV/CARSON Novice and experienced hikers/mountain joggers alike enjoy the just under 4-mile (roundtrip), Trail 62 trek that starts at Taos Ski Valley. People have recommended and returned to this trail for many years — this hike garnered the most votes for “Best Place to Hike’ in the inaugural 1999 Best of Taos poll. The popular trail in Carson National Forest, which has some steeper points mixed in with mostly level stretches, climbs to more than 700 feet per mile. At its culmination, Williams Lake sits at 11,040 feet. Along the way, outdoor enthusiasts will be rewarded with beautiful Columbines, boulder fields and a waterfall near the lake.
2 . WHEELER PEAK TRAIL CARSON NATIONAL FOREST, OFFICE: 208 CRUZ ALTA RD., TAOS, (575) 758-6200 FS.USDA.GOV/CARSON
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS TO HAVE FUN
SCOTT GERDES
1 . TWIRL: A PLAY AND DISCOVERY SPACE 225 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS, (575) 751-1402 TWIRLTAOS.ORG With a free, outdoor community playground and indoor playroom, summer camps and special events, the play and discovery space that is Twirl puts a smile on every child’s face. Twirl — a non-profit corporation — is synonymous with inspiration and fun through play installations and interactive exhibits. And look no further for the best educational and imagination-driven toys. Little ones and their parents give Twirl a big thumbs up every time.
2 . OUTSIDE (IN NATURE) continues page 22
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Best ENTERATINMENT / things to do
r e v i R s io R s o *L nners Ru
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A funyaker in a Los Rios R iver Runners Souse Hole vessel nears only half in h is yak. The raft outfitters an ing/funyak d guides too k first place poll for “Best in this year’s Rafting Com pany.” Taos News file photo/Tina La rkin
BEST RAFTING COMPANY 1 . LOS RÍOS RIVER RUNNERS
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4003 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 776-8854 LOSRIOSRIVERRUNNERS.COM Local storyteller extraordinaire and river master Cisco Guevara and his entertaining and highly trained crew form the oldest, most experienced rafting outfit in the area having started in 1978. Los Ríos River Runners also has access to the most stretches of New Mexico rivers than any other whitewater rafting company and are consistently the rafting-fan’s favorite guide down the Río Grande.
2 . FAR FLUNG ADVENTURES 15 STATE ROAD 522, EL PRADO, 1-800-359-2627 FARFLUNG.COM
BEST SKI & SNOWBOARD AREA 1 . TAOS SKI VALLEY STATE ROAD 150, 1-800-776-1111 SKITAOS.COM It’s no surprise that the grandaddy of all the ski and boarding areas in this part of the state is the consummate favorite, having won the first Best of Taos poll in 1999 and never looking back. With a vertical drop of 3,281 feet, 110 total trails, 15 chairlifts and a mix of terrain, this Alpine ski haven in the Sangre de Cristo mountains provides a fun and challenging European-esque winter experience for all levels of skiers and boarders.
2 . SIPAPÚ SKI & SUMMER RESORT 5224 STATE ROAD 514, VADITO, 1-800-587-2240 SIPAPUNM.COM
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BEST PLACE TO SOAK YOUR BONES
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
1 . OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
1 . TAOS MESA BREWING MOTHERSHIP
50 LOS BANOS DR., OJO CALIENTE, 1-800-222-9162 OJOSPA.COM
20 ABC MESA ROAD, EL PRADO, (575) 758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM It stands to reason that the Best Live Music Venue has the best dance space.
See Best Weekend Getaway category on Page 20 — ditto here.
2 . EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT AND SPA 317 KIT CARSON ROAD, TAOS (575) 758-3502 ELMONTESAGRADO.COM
BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 1 . TAOS MESA BREWING MOTHERSHIP 20 ABC MESA ROAD, EL PRADO, (575) 758-1900 TAOSMESABREWING.COM We love us some live music in Taos and on the way to the Gorge, out in mesa land, is our favorite place to see local and national performers who grace the indoor and two outdoor stages — including an amphitheater — with plenty of room to shake, rattle and roll most nights of the week. A converted airplane hangar houses the indoor stage fitted with “acoustic purity.” Add to the experience great food and excellent handcrafted, in-house brewed beers — cheers to a fun night out.
2 . KTAOS SOLAR CENTER 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM/SOLARCENTER
2 . KTAOS SOLAR CENTER 9 STATE ROAD 150, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM/SOLARCENTER
BEST LOCAL SINGER/SONGWRITER 1 . JIMMY STADLER (575) 776-8234 JIMMYSTADLER.COM Jimmy Stadler is the man — Taos’ “musical virtuoso”
... the “human jukebox.” Entertainment writer Laura Bulkin penned for The Taos News’ Tempo publication: “Stadler has been a consistent shining light of the Taos music scene, whether solo or with his band The Colliders, at parties, barn dances, benefits, or his alwaysmobbed Wednesdays at Sabroso Restaurant and Bar in Arroyo Seco.” Amen to that. His popularity has never wavered. Stadler was named “Best Rock Artist” in the first Best of Taos poll in 1999 and has continued to garner entertainment honors over the years.
2 . MAX GOMEZ MAXGOMEZMUSIC.COM continues page 24
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THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for choosing us
Best of Taos, 2018. We are honored.
758-3027 rmdraper@laplaza.org
Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road License # 61030
LET’S STAY CONNECTED Serving Domestic & Import Beers • Wine • Margaritas
Taos’ BEST Mexican Restaurant FIRST PLACE
2018
NORTH SIDE 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos 737-0816 SOUTH SIDE 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur 751-0063 SUMMER HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 10:30 am - 9 pm Friday - Saturday 10:30 am - 9:30 pm
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(across from Ace Hardware) guadalajaragrilltaos.com
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Best ENTERATINMENT / things to do
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ake Williams L
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WS TAOS NE
O FILE PHOT
rail” and T g in g g o J / est Hiking B “ e h t A Play and d l, e ir p p w o T t r e e t k f a (a Williams L ed second Have Fun” c o t la s p ” id e r K u r t na est Place fo one stone. B “outside in “ e h t ge 26 in ) continues pa s with Space d y ir r b e v o o w c t is g D n ere’s to killi H . s ie r o g e cat
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BEST LOCAL ROCK GROUP OR PERFORMER
BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION
1 . KATY P AND THE BUSINESS
1 . KTAOS-FM 101.9
FACEBOOK.COM/KATYPANDTHEBUSINESS Funk, soul and rock-n-roll is this band’s mantra and their large following agrees. Since coming together in 2013, Katy Palmier and her talented trio of musicians have been pleasing Taos crowds from the bar scene to Taos Plaza Live. Besides some original songs, Katy P and the Biz cover artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan, Fleetwood Mac, Daft Punk, Tool, Led Zeppelin, Adele, Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. Fun, fun, fun.
9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM
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BEST LOCAL JAZZ GROUP OR PERFORMER 1 . CHRISTINE AUTUMN (575) 751-1885 CHRISTINEAUTUMN.COM With her soulful voice and classic song list from the 1930s through 1950s, Autumn has been voted best jazz singer for five years in a row and has topped the list eight of the last nine years. Autumn can be heard every Sunday night at The Alley Cantina’s “Jazz Night.” She is also a visual artist, author and Taos Middle School art teacher.
2 . JIMMY STADLER
The voice and music of Taos gets its energy and staying power from the DJs, national and local news, a diverse music mix and, of course, solar power. This Taos broadcast institution follows an “adult alternative format,” that includes everything from honky-tonk to the Foo Fighters. Music programming is flexible at KTAOS and they diligently listen to the pulse of the listener.
2 . KNCE-FM 93.5
(575) 776-8234 JIMMYSTADLER.COM
20 ABC MESA ROAD, EL PRADO (LOCATED BEHIND TAOS MESA BREWING) (575) 737-8326 TRUETAOSRADIO.COM
BEST LOCAL COUNTRY BAND OR PERFORMER
BEST LOCAL RADIO PERSONALITY
1 . MICHAEL HEARNE
1 . PADDY MAC
MICHAELHEARNE.COM, BIGBARNDANCE.COM Those who know two-steppin’ and guitar pickin’ know Michael Hearne and his band South by Southwest. Hearne is pretty much a household name not only in Taos, but just about the entire Southwest. A consistent winner of Best of Taos awards over the years, Hearne’s brand of “Southwestern Americana” can be heard woven through songs he’s written for the likes of Jerry Jeff Walker and others. He has also made a name for himself as the chief promoter of his annual, three-day Big Barn Dance Music Festival (Sept. 6-8, Kit Carson Park). This year marks the festival’s 16th season.
KTAOS-FM 101.9 , 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM Morning drive host Patrick McCarty, better known around these parts as “Paddy Mac,” has regularly won this category since he came to Taos in 2000. In last year’s Best of Taos publication, Mac described his DJ style and mission: “The individualism of radio stations is pretty rare these days. I took a [cross-country drive] a few years ago. I was like, ’This station sounds just like that station.’ ... When I’m driving, I seek out these tiny little individual stations, and I want to hear the voice of that town. ... I’m going to be as local and personal and as informational in this town as I can be.” And you are, Paddy.
2 . BIG SWING THEORY BIGSWINGTHEORY@GMAIL.COM THEBIGSWINGTHEORY.COM
BEST SPANISH LANGUAGE BAND OR PERFORMER 1 . GRUPO MEZCAL FACEBOOK.COM/EL-GRUPO-MEZCAL-117858774952639/ See story on Page 30.
2 . DARREN CÓRDOVA Y CALOR FACEBOOK.COM/PG/DARREN-CORDOVA-Y-CALOR-144486725607212/
2 . THE RIFTERS RIFTERS.NET
BEST PLACE TO HIT THE JACKPOT 1 . TAOS MOUNTAIN CASINO
2 . MICHAEL DEAN LUNA-FM 96.7, 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 LUNA1037. KTAO.COM
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TAOS PUEBLO (THERE ARE TWO ENTRANCES — ONE IS AT THE ALLSUP’S-PHILLIPS 66 CONVENIENCE STORE AND SERVICE STATION AND THE OTHER IS JUST PAST JACKIE’S TRADING POST, BOTH OFF OF PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE. TAKE EITHER ENTRANCE AND PROCEED NORTH APPROXIMATELY 1 MILE.) (575) 737-0777 TAOSMOUNTAINCASINO.COM As the saying goes, sometimes the best things come in small packages. It may not be the largest place to play games of chance in the state, but the quaint, non-smoking, 21+ Taos Mountain Casino is where blackjack players, bingo lovers and slot fans head to most often. The casino runs an array of promotions throughout the year, with thousands of dollars given away weekly. The Bison Rewards Card is the direct avenue to winning at Taos Mountain Casino, allowing players to accumulate points that lead to giveaways and prizes.
2 . BUFFALO THUNDER RESORT AND CASINO 30 BUFFALO THUNDER TRAIL, SANTA FE, 1-877-455-7775 BUFFALOTHUNDERRESORT.COM
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Taos' official calendar for festivals, movies, dining and free concerts
FIND THE BEST THINGS TO DO ALL YEAR LONG WITH TAOS’ OFFICIAL EVENT CALENDAR. WITH ONE SIMPLE CLICK YOU’LL FIND IT CHOCK-FULL OF THE BEST CONCERTS, FILMS AND ART EXHIBITS NAVIGATE WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO
TAOSNEWS.COM/CALENDAR
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We ASKeD
By Scott Gerdes
Is Taos synonymous with humor? Many Best of Taos survey-takers think so and weren't shy about answering our question,
WHAT'S THE FUNNIEST THING YOU'VE SEEN IN TAOS?
Seeing that Taos attracts all kinds of people and has a unique culture all its own too boot, it's no surprise there were many different hilarious answers among the 738 responses.
WHAT’S SO FUNNY?
The most mentioned laugh inducer was Jeff Northrup and his "ranting" roadside signs about politics, Smith's gas prices and religion ... mostly. Northrup (the dude with the signs) also got extra laughs for calling out the fake artist in the wheelchair and making a special sign for said fake artist that read, This guy walks better than I do. The Taos News Police Blotter provides plenty of weekly laughs according to many who answered, as did how people dress in general. Naturally, Taos’ unique festivals and parades — such as the Glam Trash Fashion Show and the Seco Fourth of July parade — create plenty of giggles among respondents. Speaking of being on parade, a number of people mentioned local artist Ed Sandoval atop a horse in his Zorro persona riding through the Plaza. On any ordinary day, some of the things people see in Taos and nowhere else are definitely some of the funniest. One classic Taos sighting noted was An old woman wearing fairy wings while shopping at Cid's. And for those of us who live here year-round, who hasn't seen this: Dogs riding on top of wood piles in the back of a truck. Other funny sightings included A cowboy riding his horse north on Pueblo Sur with a takeout cup of coffee in his hand during the morning rush; A dude laying in a ditch near my house with a sword at 6:30 a.m. on a winter's morning (by the way, he was alive); A goat eating hay in the back of a pickup truck at a stoplight; and The donkeydriven wagon. Some people saw a man walking his dog with a cat on the dog and a mouse on the cat. Another witnessed a wrinkly man walking around practically naked with a box on top of his head, which could be the same person who was mentioned being seen in a skirt walking down the street with a raw steak on a platter on top of his head. Everybody has their own opinion of what is funny, but there's no doubt Taos has plenty of comedy to go around. As one person put it, maybe a better question is, What isn't humorous about Taos?
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s!
Pa m
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Le tting Us Fo r Yo u r F u r B a b r pe
5 7 5 . 7 51. 9 2 4 7 | W W W.10 0 0 0 WA G S . C O M
“THANK YOU! FOR VOTING US BEST MUSEUM IN TAOS!”
harwoodmuseum.org taosnews.com/best-of-taos
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BEST SPANISH LANGUAGE BAND OR PERFORMER
EL GRUPO MEZCAL A BAND OF BROTHERS BY ARIANA KRAMER
Once again, El Grupo Mezcal has been named the “Best Spanish Language Band or Performer” in The Taos News’ Best of Taos readers’ choice poll. The group has stood at the top in this poll for 19 of the past 20 years. Mezcal formed in the late 1980s and solidified as a band with brothers Ernesto (Ernie), Antonio (Archie) and Adonais (Níte) Marquez and Rex Martinez in the mid-1990s. They are known for their original Spanish songs written by the Marquez brothers and inspired by life aquí en Taos. Lead guitarist and vocalist Ernie characterizes the band this way: “We’re all brothers, so we get along really well.” He calls Rex an “adopted brother.” El Grupo Mezcal has released eight CDs of original songs and one more with its greatest hits. “On our CDs, all of our songs are original,” says Ernie. “When we play live, we play cover songs, too, but all of our recorded songs are original. We’re pretty proud about writing our own music. We’re known for being original. That’s not to say we’ll never record anybody else’s songs, but we haven’t yet.” The band is currently working on its 10th album. So far, they have recorded eight songs for it, and Ernie says they are planning to record two more before the record comes out. The band is working with sound engineer Omar Rane, who is based in Arroyo Seco, Mezcal’s home turf. All three Marquez brothers live in Arroyo Seco, and Rex used to live there as well, before relocating to the Questa area. Archie plays bass and sings. Níte plays keyboards and sings and Rex plays drums. All of the members
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MORGAN TIMMS
ANTONIO (ARCHIE) MARQUEZ OF EL GRUPO MEZCAL PERFORMS MAY 12 DURINGTHE 17TH ANNU AL MOTHER’S DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL AT KIT CARSON PARK INTAOS.
of Mezcal keep busy with other work when they are not playing music. Ernie has his own ranch where he cares for his Arabian horses and Angus cows, and irrigates and cultivates the land. He also works as a home inspector. Archie fixes walk-in coolers and refrigerators. Níte is a chef, who has worked at many of Taos’ fine dining establishments. Rex is a carpenter. “Farming and ranching is a lot of work and it’s pretty fulfilling,” says Ernie. He is contemplating writing a song about his ranch and animals. Ernie talked about a song he has written that describes his love for the Taos valley. It’s a country song with lyrics in English. “I talk about coming over the horseshoe pass, and you look at the most incredible view, and right in the middle of all the beauty is home sweet home,
Taos,” he describes. “On one side, you have the Sangre de Cristos. And, on the other side, you have the gorge. And, then, right in the middle — in the heart of it all — the sweet little town we call home.” Mezcal’s latest CD, “Se Los Llevó,” was released in 2012. It received instant airplay across Northern New Mexico. The CD was nominated for 13 awards at the New Mexico Hispano Music Awards, and Mezcal won five. “Se Los Llevó” translates as “He Took Them,” and refers to the parents of the Marquez brothers who died at a young age. Asked what has contributed to Mezcal’s longevity, Ernie responds, “Well, it has to be family. And, we have some very loyal fans here in Taos. We have fans all over the Southwest who like our music. And, then, we love to play music.” Ernie adds that faith has also played an important role in the band’s success.
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MORGAN TIMMS
ABOVE: ADONAIS (NÍTE) MARQUEZ ON KEYBOARDS AND ANTONIO (ARCHIE) MARQUEZ ON BASS OF EL GRUPO MEZCAL ON STAGE DURINGTHE 17TH ANNUAL MOTHER’S DAY MUSIC FESTIVAL AT KIT CARSON PARK INTAOS MAY 12.BOTTOM: EL GRUPO MEZCAL,A 19-TIME BEST OFTAOS WINNER FOR BEST LANGUAGE BAND OR PERFORMER, ON STAGE DURINGTHE MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT AT KIT CARSON PARK MAY 12.UP FRONT AND CENTER ON LEAD VOCALS AND GUITAR IS ERNIE MARQUEZ.
“We thank God for our talent and for giving us the opportunity to express our talents through music. We’re pretty religious and we’re happy about that.” Ernie leads the choir as program director for Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Arroyo Seco. He and his brothers attend the historic church regularly. “I love playing in church,” Ernie says. “I’ve been leading the choir for the past eight or nine years, but I’ve been playing there for a long time.” Mezcal is frequently booked for private events. The band recently played at the Sagebrush Convention Center for LMNOC Broadcasting’s Mother’s Day dance. The band’s next public concert will be for the Taos Fiestas parade this summer. Stay in touch with El Grupo Mezcal through its Facebook page.
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MORGAN TIMMS
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BesT OF TAOS
* Taos Farmers
Market
SHOPPING BEST PLACE TO BUY FRESH FLOWERS
1 . TAOS FARMERS MARKET (TIE) TAOS PLAZA (MAY THROUGH LATE OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY 8 A.M.-12:30 P.M.) TAOSFARMERSMARKET.ORG See Best Farmer’s Market entry on Page 34.
AND
1 . THE ENCHANTED FLORIST (TIE)
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/TINA LARKIN
622-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-3030 TOASFLORIST.COM When people want to prepare for a wedding, a funeral or are looking for the perfect anniversary gift or just a way to say “get well,” “congrats,” or “I’m sorry,” they stop at The Enchanted Florist. Flowers say a lot and Taoseños know the folks at The Enchanted Florist can help you find the right words. They also offer delivery in Taos and surrounding areas, as well as to cities across the country through a nationwide network of florists.
2 . BUD’S CUT FLOWERS & MORE 711 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-3555 BUDSCUTFLOWERSANDMORE.COM
BEST GALLERY 1 . WILDER NIGHTINGALE FINE ART 119 KIT CARSON RD., (575) 758-3255 WNIGHTINGALE.COM See story on Page 40.
2 . MAGPIE 1405 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE (OVERLAND RANCH), EL PRADO, (781) 248-0166 MAGPIETAOS.COM
BEST LOCAL ARTIST 1 . ED SANDOVAL ED SANDOVAL GALLERY, STUDIO DE COLORES, 102-B PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 751-3502/(575) 758-1400 EDSANDOVALGALLERY.COM Ed Sandoval can be found painting on a giant easel outside his gallery on Paseo del Pueblo Norte next door to World Cup and around the corner from Taos Plaza nearly every day — so long as the clouds aren’t dropping rain or snow. His signature image in his work is the “old man with the cane,” who came about during the filming of the movie “The Milagro Bean Field War” (1998), from the book by Taos continues page 34
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THANK YOU TAOS for Voting Me Best Jazz Performer
Special Thank you to Larry Audette and Dan Lizdas for incredible music, thanks Mark Geery for holding down the bar, and The Alley Cantina for loving Jazz.
Thank You Taos
#1
FOR VOTING US THE BEST AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP
Thank You Taos! VOTED BEST LOCAL ROCK SHOP
taosnews.com/best-of-taos
Taos GemS and Minerals
637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur - Taos
(575) 758-3910
1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur
758-1658
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Best SHOPPING
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BEST PLACE TO BUY FRUITS AND VEGGIES
author John Nichols (who also wrote the screenplay). Sandoval was living in Truces, New Mexico at the time and some of the film was shot on his property. And a few of his horses were used as well. He started to “hang out” with some of the cast members. One of those cast members was Carlos Riquelme who played the old man Amarante Cordova. “A light bulb came over my head and I went with it.” The old man walking with a cane has been a fixture in his paintings ever since.
1 . CID’S FOOD MARKET
1 . CID’S FOOD MARKET
2 . TAOS FARMERS MARKET
1 . TAOS PUBLIC LIBRARY
1 . TAOS FARMERS MARKET
GERAINT SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY, ARROYO SECO (505) 501-4880 GERAINTSMITH.COM
BEST GROCERY STORE
BEST PLACE FOR BOOKWORMS
BEST FARMER’S MARKET
2 . GERAINT SMITH
TAOS PLAZA (MAY THROUGH LATE OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY 8 A.M.-12:30 P.M.) TAOSFARMERSMARKET.ORG Whether you’re a tourist or a bonafide Taoseño, this is one of New Mexico’s most diverse and visited farmer’s markets. The farm-direct food hails from eight Northern New Mexico counties and Colorado’s Costilla County. By offering fresh flowers, jams and organic veggies to handmade soaps and live entertainment, the summer to fall outdoor market on Historic Taos Plaza has become a popular Saturday morning gathering place over the years.
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623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM For 32 years, independently owned Cid’s Food Market has been providing Northern New Mexico organic, local and gourmet groceries. Cid’s is a full-service grocery store touted for its knowledgable staff and the best selection of natural and organic food in town. In addition, Cid’s offers an extensive selection of environmentally friendly household products, natural pet foods, plus a wide variety of supplements, herbs, incense and body care products. This Taos institution has been repeatedly recognized by Best of Taos survey respondents as the Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Fruits and Veggies, Best Place to Eat Your Greens and Business with the Best Customer Service in Taos County.
2 . DIXON FARMERS MARKET IN FRONT OF THE DIXON CO-OP MARKET ON STATE ROAD 75 (BEGINNING JUNE 21, EVERY WEDNESDAY 3:30-6:30 P.M.) (505) 579-9199 DIXONFARMERSMARKET.COM
BEST GROOVY GIFT SHOP
224 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-3711SMITHSFOODANDDRUG.COM
1 . TAOS PUEBLO 120 VETERANS HIGHWAY, (575) 758-1028 TAOSPUEBLO.COM
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO
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226 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, SUITE A, (575) 758-9468 FACEBOOK.COM/BRODSKY-BOOKSHOP-345642457835/
BEST PLACE TO BUY YARN 1 . WEAVING SOUTHWEST & RÍO GRANDE WEAVERS SUPPLY 591 HONDO-SECO RD., ARROYO SECO, (575) 758-0433 WEAVINGSOUTHWEST.COM Since the early 1980s, family-owned Weaving Southwest has supplied the fiber world with beautiful hand-dyed yarns, weaving, spinning and dyeing equipment, looms, spinning wheels and every weaving supply under the sun. They also feature locally woven tapestries, rugs, apparel and custom area rugs. Plus, they offer year-round tapestry weaving classes. Upon entering the establishment you’ll witness the shelf upon shelf of yarns made from highquality wool and hand dyed in colors of the Southwest.
218 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-1241 FACEBOOK.COM/VORTEXYARNS/
BEST PLACE TO BUY A NEW MEXICO SOUVENIR
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2 . THE BRODSKY BOOKSHOP
103 BENT ST., (575) 758-8590 FX18.COM
216 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-7801 FACEBOOK.COM/WABISABITAOS/
Cid's
The mission of the Taos Public Library is to provide and facilitate freedom of access to informational, recreational and educational materials for everyone and that is exactly what it does. The often busy Taos Library is known for its excellent children’s section, friendly staff and free internet access.
2 . VORTEX YARNS
2 . WABI SABI
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402 CAMINO DEL LA PLACITA, (575) 758-3063 TAOSLIBRARY.ORG
1 . FX-18 Unique and unusual are the gifts and other fun stuff found at fx-18. Peruse the clothing, jewelry, socks, accessories, books, candles, games, for just an example, and you’ll soon see why this store is consistently one of Taos’ favorite and funkiest places to shop.
2 . SMITH’S FOOD AND DRUG
104 W. PLAZA, TAOS, (575) 758-7709 MADEINNEWMEXICO.COM
623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM See previous Best Grocery Store entry.
TAOS PLAZA (MAY THROUGH OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY 8 A.M.12:30 P.M.) TAOSFARMERSMARKET.ORG
This Taos favorite says of being an artist, “Painting is like ice skating — you move and push the ice around until it becomes a dance, and in painting you move and push the paint around until it becomes a dance.”
2 . MADE IN NEW MEXICO
Each shop at the Pueblo offers a variety of authentic, handcrafted arts and crafts. Many of the artists are on site and have direct interaction with visitors, which is unique by itself. And many of the shops are owned and operated with the help of family members. Each piece of handmade pottery and jewelry, every sculpture, everypainting and photograph tell of the history and culture of this special place the Red Willow people call home.
BEST RESALE SHOP 1 . PIECES CONSIGNMENT GOODS 1024 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 737-0500 PIECESTAOS.COM The minute you walk in the door you are met with the promise of treasures everywhere. The large rooms are chock-full of items, spectacular or humble, of use for your home, your whimsey or simply because you’ve been looking for “one of those” for years, and there it is. Pieces is a consignment shop that offers a stunning array of clothing for women, men and children. There is also sporting goods, furniture and household items, artwork, jewelry, tools, pottery, rugs, artwork, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items. Pieces has been in business since 2006.
2 . COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE (CAV) THRIFT STORE 1103 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 751-4824 FACEBOOK.COM/CAV-THRIFT-STORE-865055343515624/?FREF=TS continues page 36
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THANK YOU TAOS
for voting for us as the Best of Taos Real Estate Agency. Everyone in our office really appreciates your business and loyalty for over 30 years. For those of you who haven't been to our new location, please come by and say hello as we would love to see you.
Thank You Taos! Thank You Taos
Thank you for voting me Best elected official. Youworking Taos with all of you As your Mayor,Thank I have enjoyed I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, I Would Like ToMonetary Thank The Voters of The My Supporters, to honor our heritage and invest inTown the offuture ofTime our Those Who Made Donations, Donations ofTaos, Their &home. Energies Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To My more remains ahead of us. ISpecial encourage you to andMuch Especially Mywork Family andI Friends. A Very ThankAll You My Wife Della, Without Whom, Couldn’tAnd Have Done It. Without of To You, Wife Della, Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without All of You, continue with your The Outcome of to Thecome Taos forth Mayoral Race Mayideas Have and Beenhelp. Different. The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different. The Race Is Over Now The Work Continues. Over - Now The Work Continues. It is amazing The whatRace canIsbe accomplished when we work together. “Working “WorkingTogether Together
NEW LOCATION! COME VISIT US OFF THE PLAZA. 114 DONA LUZ TAOS, NM 87571 WWW.C21SUCCESS.COM
WeMade MadeAADifference” Difference” We
CENTURY 21 SUCCESS, LLC ERNEST ROMERO QUALIFYING BROKER 575-758-0080 800-336-4826
S ucceSS , LLC
DAN BARRONE BARRONE DAN INTEGRITY- -HONESTY HONESTY -- HARDWORKING HARDWORKING INTEGRITY Paid Political Advertisement • Paid for by Dan Barrone
Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer
Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer
Shopping Here Supports Programs Addressing Domestic/Sexual Violence And Child Abuse In Our Community
Voted Best Men’s Clothing Store 120-E BENT STREET AT THE JOHN DUNN SHOPS • 575.758.2696
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Hablamos Español
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BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
With a variety of furniture and home accents that reflect mountain living, coupled with a knowledgable and friendly staff, “Mattress Mary’s” Taos Lifestyle is once again the local favorite for the best place to furnish your home.
BEST HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE
2 . GRAYSTONE FURNITURE & THE SOFA GALLERY
SOUTH: 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-4268 NORTH: 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-2061 RIOGRANDEACE.COM This retailer-owned cooperative seemingly has just about every hardware and home repair/improvement item known to man. Fortunately, the red-vested staff at both Taos locations will point you in the right direction and offer advise if needed. Río Grande Ace Hardware won first place for Best Lumber/Hardware Store in the inaugural Best of Taos poll in 1999 and has won many times since.
815 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-1266 GRAYSTONEFURNITURE.COM
BEST PLACE TO BUY A PAIR OF SHADES TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINE EGLI
Francesca Medina, owner of Francesca’s Clothing Boutique in Arroyo Seco, has won “Best Women’s Clothing Boutique” 11 times.
1 . FRANCESCA’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Twenty-five unique and trend-setting brands of sunglasses can be found at Sunshades, including Prada, Ray-Ban, Maui Jim and Versace.
113 N. PLAZA (TAOS PLAZA), (575) 758-9292 TAOSMOUNTAINOUTFITTERS.COM
Clarke & Co. offers men a quality selection of contemporary, high-end casual attire in one of the best locations in town. Some brands carried are Marcello, Saltaire and Bugatchi. This independently owned shop was established in 1987. Tailoring services are also available.
2 . THE UNDERGROUND 107-B BENT STREET,TAOS, (575) 770-5140 THEUNDERGROUNDTAOS.COM
BEST HOME FURNISHINGS 1 . TAOS LIFESTYLE 710-C PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-0800 TAOSLIFESTYLE.COM
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7237 STATE HIGHWAY 518, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-2420 DANSCARPETANDFLOORS.COM
BEST GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY
BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE 1 . PETREE NURSERY & GREENHOUSES
25 PETREE LANE (OFF BLUEBERRY HILL ROAD), TAOS, (575) 758-3021 PETREENURSERY.COM People who care about keeping Taos “green” picked Petree’s for best prices and selection, thus keeping money in the community, supporting local jobs and reducing the carbon footprint of hauling goods across state lines. At Petree’s, you can get all your perennials and annuals grown right here in Taos, and at the lowest prices going. Not to mention low-priced soil amendments and other nutrients. Things get even greener when you use the Petree’s Green Card, which gives an additional 10 percent off your purchase; or the same amount can be donated to one of five local nonprofits.
2 . RÍO GRANDE ACE HARDWARE SOUTH: 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-4268 NORTH: 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-2061 RIOGRANDEACE.COM
BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOOR COVERINGS 1 . DAN’S CARPET TILE & WINDOW COVERINGS
2 . TAOS MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS
102 DOÑA LUZ ST., (575) 751-0992 SUBSTANCEOFTAOS.COM
120 BENT STREET (JOHN DUNN HOUSE SHOPS), TAOS-SMILES (575) 758-2696 JOHNDUNNSHOPS.COM/MERCHANT.PHP?M=5
315 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-2271; 14 STATE HIGHWAY 150, EL PRADO, (575) 776-2556 RANDALLTAOS.COM
108 W. PLAZA (TAOS PLAZA), (575) 751-1565 SUNSHADESOFTAOS.COM
2 . SUBSTANCE OF TAOS
1 . CLARKE & CO.
2 . RANDALL LUMBER & HARDWARE
1 . SUNSHADES & OPTICS OF TAOS
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINE EGLI
500 STATE HIGHWAY 150, ARROYO SECO, (575) 776-8776 FACEBOOK.COM/FRANCESCASECO Francesca’s offers a surprisingly large selection of women’s clothing and accessories considering how the store looks more like a small home upon first glance. Clothes are stylish and trendy with something for every body type. There is definitely something for all ages and customers notice — Francesca’s has topped this category for 11 years.
1 . RÍO GRANDE ACE HARDWARE
Established in 1988, Dan’s is consistently ranked at the top among Best of Taos voters when it comes to all things for flooring and windows. One review sums up customers’ experiences: “After visiting a closer business that deals with Hunter Douglas window coverings and being told they couldn’t help me, I called Dan. He came out the next day and fixed the problem without ever questioning whether the shades had been purchased from him or not. I wish I could give him more than five stars.” Dan and his staff are a pro’s pro.
2 . VARGAS TILE COMPANY 4114 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-5968 VARGASTILE.COM
BEST PLACE TO BUY A MATTRESS 1 . TAOS LIFESTYLE FEATURING SLEEP SANCTUARY 710-C PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-0800 TAOSLIFESTYLE.COM Mary Domito (aka “Mattress Mary”) began her business life in Taos by opening Sleep Sanctuary in 2004 with a mission of offering a warm, friendly sleep shop in an otherwise rather nondescript industry. Since then, Domito added home furnishings to the mix (Toto Home) and later changed the business name to encompass the store. Taos Lifestyle has been the top dog for new mattress seekers in Taos 14 times.
2 . WOODY’S FURNITURE 1553-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-3211
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BEST LIQUOR STORE 1 . THE CELLAR 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS (BEHIND CID’S FOOD MARKET)(575) 758-7445 THECELLARTAOS.COM See story on Page 18.
2 . DEL NORTE LIQUORS 1574 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 758-8904
FACEBOOK.COM/DEL-NORTE-LIQUORS-356145064467784/
575-224-3077
Thank You Taos!
taostattoo.com
BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY 1 . LARRY MARTINEZ JEWELERS 822 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-4169 LARRYMARTINEZJEWELER.COM In a town known for its talented jewelers, Larry Martinez has consistently stood on the top of the heap. He is best known for his complex, museum-quality jewelry that is “inspired by Native America.” His work has been exhibited in museums around the country and has certainly not gone unnoticed by Taoseños. Martinez also has an impressive selection of vintage pieces. Chances are, he has something gleaming under glass that will get your attention.
2 . TAOS GEMS AND MINERALS
We want to thank our customers for voting us
Best Place To Buy Fresh Flowers in Taos!
637 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR , (575) 758-3910
622A Paseo Del Pueblo Sur, Taos, NM (575) 758-3030 • taosflorist.com
BEST LOCAL ROCK SHOP 1 . TAOS GEMS AND MINERALS 637 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-3910 Taos Gems and Minerals is the oldest store of its kind in town. This established, family-operated treasure trove opened more than 45 years ago. The shop offers beautiful minerals and related items — such as dishes carved from fossil-filled rocks — and a healthy selection of jewelry-making supplies. Fans of the store rave about how the minerals are presented clearly on the shelves and in drawers by color. Prices range from just a couple of dollars to more expensive specimens, making it easy to find something for everyone on any budget.
2 . TAOS ROCKERS 229-A CAMINO DEL LA PLACITA. (575) 758-2326 TAOSROCKERS.COM
BEST PLACE TO SHIP A PACKAGE 1 . THE UPS STORE 1335 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SURM, (575) 758-8647
TAOS-NM-2317.THEUPSSTORELOCAL.COM
When needing to package and mail a treasured heirloom or that special gift, which may have taken several hours of searching for, Taoseños say they turn to tried-and-true UPS. A box full of pottery chards that was once a whole pot — bad. UPS — good.
2 . TAOS POST OFFICE 318 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-2081 POSTALLOCATIONS.COM/NM/TAOS/TAOS continues page 38
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THANKS TAOS FOR THE VOTE OF BEST VETERINARIAN! SALAZAR ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC
DR. KIM SIDES • DR. TRISHA ALBIN • DR. KIM HERNDON DR. HOLLY JOHNSON • DR. OLIVIA LOVE
758-9115 • 1025 Salazar Rd. Taos, NM 87571 20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
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BEST PLACE TO GEAR UP FOR THE SLOPES
BEST PLACE TO GEAR UP FOR THE TRAIL
BEST PLACE TO BUY PET SUPPLIES
1 . COTTAM’S SKI SHOPS
1 . TAOS MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS
1 . BLUE SKY PET AND FEED SUPPLY
TAOS: 207-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-2822 TAOS SKI VALLEY: 101 SUTTON PLACE, (575) 776-8719 ANGEL FIRE: 40 NORTH ANGEL FIRE RD., (575) 377-3700 SANTA FE: 740 HYDE PARK RD., (505) 982-0495 COTTAMSSKISHOPS.COM New Mexico’s favorite family-owned ski shop has supplied ski gear rentals, sales, and gear upkeep and repair service for the last 41 years. Fans tout Cottam’s customer service, four locations, prices and wide selection as reasons they keep coming back snowfall after snowfall.
113 N. PLAZA (TAOS PLAZA), (575) 758-9292 TAOSMOUNTAINOUTFITTERS.COM As the name implies, “TMO” carries a large selection of clothing, footwear and accessories for hiking, camping, climbing, paddling — for any and all things on the mountain or in the river, whether in rain or shine. This dog-friendly proprietor is staffed with knowledgable people who are patient and attentive. With constant sales and amazing clothing from brands such as The North Face and Patagonia, TMO is definitely worth a look.
214 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-1841
2 . TAOS MOUNTAIN OUTFITTERS
2 . MUDD N FLOOD
113 N. PLAZA (TAOS PLAZA), (575) 758-9292 TAOSMOUNTAINOUTFITTERS.COM
103 BENT STREET, TAOS, (575) 751-9100 MUDDNFLOOD.COM
Taos is unquestionably a pet-friendly place. Many of us live with more than one dog or cat. Blue Sky fans laud the store’s friendly and helpful staff, good variety of wellstocked products and the self-washroom where you can scrub the skunk off your too-curious pooch. Speaking of dogs, they love to sniff around the place. If you have a specialized item not carried they can order it for you, usually arriving in just a few business days. Plus, patrons say their prices are very reasonable — even special orders are right in line with amazon.com. And if you have a horse, goat, chickens ... they can help you out with them, too.
2 . TAOS TACK AND PET SUPPLY 710 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 737-9798 TAOSTACKANDPETSUPPLY.COM
*Cottom's
ki
hop
Best place to gear up for the slopes? Cottam’s Ski Shops. TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/KATHARINE EGLI
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Thank You, Taos! Join Our Leagues, Clinics, Tournaments, and All Around Play. We Now Have Pickleball!
Thank you, Taos! Voted “Best Insurance Agent” 2018
88 STATE ROAD 150 Reservations QUAILRIDGETAOS.COM 575-776-2211 TAOSTENNIS.COM 575-776-3447
Voted Best Patio 2018 THANK YOU TAOS!
Wanda Lucero 211 Kit Carson Road 575.737.5433 wandalucero.com
103 EAST PLAZA, TAOS
Open daily at 11am 575.758.8866 taosnews.com/best-of-taos
thegorgebarandgrill.com 20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
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BEST GALLERY
WILDER NIGHTINGALE FINE ART ‘I JUST KEPT WITH IT’ BY SCOTT GERDES
Rob Nightingale sits comfortably on an overstuffed couch in his gallery, Wilder Nightingale Fine Art on historic Kit Carson Road, and greets visitors in his relaxed and amiable manner. He prefers to let people walk around at their leisure, soaking in all of the art, as opposed to pouncing on them. He also calmly greets Theo, a Siamese cat who saunters into the space from omewhere in the back. About four years ago, the friendly feline showed up at his back door and decided the gallery would be a good home. She’s named for his mother because, “They both look over me.” It doesn’t hurt that Theo is also good for sales. The women in Nightingale’s life have been instrumental. His gallery is named for his maternal grandmother’s last name (Wilder) and Nightingale is his last name. “They were so encouraging and supportive of my art studies,” he says of his grandmother and mother. Nightingale studied to be an oil painter in his hometown at Columbia College of Chicago. But after graduating, Nightingale didn’t pick up a brush very often and instead found himself working in “non art-related retail.” It was in 1990 while he was visiting a high school friend who lived in Taos when his path took a turn. Still passionate and drawn to art, he quickly noticed how art-centric Taos is. He landed a job with a gallery. After ending employment there, he and a friend opened a gallery of their own on Sept. 30, 1991. He eventually bought her out and never looked back. Wilder Nightingale Fine Art is one of the oldest galleries in town and has regularly placed first or second in the “Best Gallery” category over the years. The man and his gallery have become Taos fixtures, and rightfully so. “I never thought I’d be a business owner,” Nightingale shares surrounded by all of the colors, shadows, scenes and shapes hanging on the walls. “It just happened. I just kept with it.” The first piece of art he sold was a painting by Stephen Day, who has been with the gallery since its inception. Wilder Nightingale Fine Art has been a shining beacon for the talent in Taos ever since. Of the more than 35 artists he represents, a large percentage of them are local. And if they aren’t local, they are at the very least regional — “within southern Colorado driving distance.”
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Nightingale “wisely” choses who he represents; “Big egos need not apply,” he stresses. Like Day, many of his artists have been with the gallery since the beginning. And if an artist happens to get exclusive representation from a larger gallery in a larger city, he encourages them. And even though Taos is a small town, running a gallery in this competitive art market is no walk in the park. He admits it’s an “economic roller coaster,” but adds, “I must like it because I’m still here.” Well, that and he loves Taos, especially its “small town feel.” Being a gallery owner is especially challenging, he says, when trying to think of different ways to promote artists. And Nightingale does more than give local artists exposure and income; as much as he can, he contributes to the community — often in the form of fundraisers for causes such as the Taos Men’s Shelter. He’s started to paint again more often these days, gravitating toward nighttime scenes at the time of this interview. His work is typically wrapped in polarity because while he likes all kinds of artistic styles, contrast is his favorite.
MORGAN TIMMS
taosnews.com/best-of-taos
WILDER NIGHTINGALE FINE ART 119 KIT CARSON RD. (575) 758-3255 WNIGHTINGALE.COM 20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
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BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION
TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY CLUB SERVICE ABOVE SELF
MORGAN TIMMS
DURING A MAY 16 MEETING, TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY CLUB'S SELECTION COMMITTEE CHAIR YALE JONES (MIDDLE) AND PRESIDENT BRUCE MULLIGAN PRESENT ANDY LEONARD, ATEACHER AT TAOS HIGH SCHOOL,WITH A $1,000 GRANT FORTHE NEW CLEAN ENERGY SYSTEMS CURRICULUM HE STARTED ATTHE SCHOOL.
BY SCOTT GERDES
Society has created many competing distractions when it comes to literacy and to education on the whole. As a result, we do not reinforce reading among children or adults for the most part. Books aren’t necessarily of value to some youngsters, and many parents don’t have the time to sit and read to their children. Those factors, explains Taos Milagro Rotary Club President Bruce Mulligan, is why 60-70 percent of New Mexico’s kids aren’t reading at grade level and why literacy and education are at the forefront of their volunteer efforts. Literacy and education are a big part of Rotary International and a big part of what the local club does because as Mulligan simply stated, “It’s important.” Nationally, overall the Rotary focuses on health care, world peace, literacy education, child care ... both internationally and locally. In Taos’ club they tend to focus on local literacy efforts because as Mulligan stated, “That’s really where we see the biggest deficit in New Mexico. When statewide you’ve only got 30 percent or so of kids reading at their grade level by third grade, that’s sad. It’s not any better here in Taos.” With a common goal “to make life better for those around us,” the 50 TMR members and other volunteers give their time to read to kids in kindergarten through third grade who are reading below their grade levels. They also raise funds for and hand out four-year, unrestricted college scholarships to area seniors; create and supply 15 “free library” boxes; distribute dictionaries to third-graders throughout the county; and contribute to international projects in underserved countries. They’d rather support the other local nonprofit organizations than compete with them, Mulligan said. For instance, TMR supplies prosthetics to NonForgotten Outreach, supports Heart of Taos,
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Big Brothers Big Sisters and TriCounty Community Services. It operates through the 501(c)(3) Taos Community Foundation. They also support local community grants to nonprofits, including seven $1,000 grants handed out last year to groups such as Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, Vista Grande High School Entrepreneurship Program and the SOMOS Young Writers Group to name a few. This year they plan on awarding two $1,000 grants. TMR is joining Best of Taos in celebrating its 20th anniversary. Throughout those years, the community has taken notice of the Rotarian’s many positive community and international programs; in the “Best Civic Organization” category, TMR has placed either first or second in the Best of Taos poll since 1999, having taken the top spot the past four years. The Taos Milagro Rotary Club was formed in 1998 as an arm of Rotary International, which was founded in 1905 and is the oldest service organization of its kind. The club is part of Rotary District 5520 of New Mexico and Southwestern Texas. Its motto is “Service above Self.”
THE READING PROGRAM The successful program in Oregon called “SMART” (Start Making a Reader Today) is the model for the TMR’s reading program. Thirty-two volunteers go to specific schools every week and read to each of the 48 students individually for half an hour. And sometimes, the child will read to the volunteer in return. “It’s been documented in other states that if you read to a child, you’ve created a reader for life and improved reading levels,” Mulligan stressed. Teachers here, he said, were open to the program but weren’t convinced it would make a difference. “And guess what, those kids improved their reading
scores,” he said. Taos Day School has noticed the benefits. The thirdgrade teacher, for example, told Mulligan she wants to send more kids into the program because they have really improved their reading comprehension just by having an adult sit with them and read. “It’s the kind of attention a teacher can’t always give them,” he added. Every three weeks, the kids get to take home a book to keep. And they get good literature to choose from, such as award-winning books, books that are culturally relevant and subject matter that intrigues them. “Some of the kids love “Star Wars,” for example,” he noticed. “The idea is that reading is fun and that it’s not a task ... it’s not homework. And it’s making a difference.” The reading program has expanded from the Pueblo and Taos into Ranchos, with the hope of spreading throughout Taos County. The club is always looking for volunteers to read to kids and to procure more resources from which to buy books. They presently get donated books from a federal program based in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, but “who knows what the Trump administration is going to do in terms of those programs? It’s a challenge to get resources and we’re scraping together what we can,” Mulligan said. In the end, however, “It’s rewarding.” “There’s nothing more fun that reading to a firstgrader,” Mulligan described. “They come running into the library, and we have books spread out and they pick out their book, and we sit down for half an hour and read. They are cute as buttons.”
taosnews.com/best-of-taos MORGAN TIMMS
THE SCHOLARSHIPS TMR raises scholarship funds mainly through its annual golf tournament, which includes a chile cook-off featuring local restaurants and a “battle of the breweries.” The 12th annual Chile Challenge will be held Sept. 22 at Taos Country Club. The group’s initial involvement with literacy began with offering scholarships. To date, they’ve award more than $140,000 to local and regional seniors who might not have otherwise been able to get a higher education. “Every year we try to make it a little bit bigger,” he said of the Chile Challenge. In 2017, the event raised about $40,000. Most recently, the scholarships have expanded from traditional college funds to include vocational scholarships. Funds raised from the event also go directly to the literacy programs in general, which include the free libraries. This May, TMR awarded seven scholarships. Some recipients stay in touch with the group to let them know how they’re doing and how appreciative they still are. “One student who sent us a letter was in medical school and because of the work we’ve done, inspired him to do immunology in Uganda,” Mulligan shared.
INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE MORGAN TIMMS
Internationally, TMR was recently approved for a program to fund sanitation and hygiene efforts for seven schools in Guatemala in the form of flush toilets and wash stations. As the lead club, Milagro Rotary and other Rotary clubs in the district and through Rotary International (who made the project an approved grant), look to raise $60,324. It’s a major focus for the group this year.
tiny houses for the area’s homeless — something Mulligan feels the group could do in the future if they had the capacity. Another thing on the wish list is a vocational building at Taos High School.
TAOS PUEBLO DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS LINE UPTO EMBRACETAOS MILAGRO ROTARY MEMBER LUCILLE GALLEGOS-JARAMILLO ON MAY 16 AFTERTHE CLUB’S MEETING ATTHE EL CAMINO LODGE.GALLEGOS-JARAMILLO DONATED HER "GOOD NEWS" COLLECTION WINNINGS TOTAOS PUEBLO DAY SCHOOL DURINGTHE MEETING.
Rotary also oversees the Interact Club at Taos High School, presently comprised of 16 students. They are collecting toiletries and sundries to personally deliver across the border near Las Cruces to the clinics and midwife services there for the second year in a row.
With more members he knows they could do even more. And growing support of the Chile Challenge would allow them to do that.
TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY CLUB / WEEKLY MEETINGS ARE HELD EVERY WEDNESDAY,7:20 A.M. ATTHE EL CAMINO LODGE,615 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR,TAOS / INFO@TAOSROTARY.ORG TAOSROTARY.ORG
Humility isn’t something the members have to think about. It comes naturally.
ON THE HORIZON TMR membership has been growing. From its inception the numbers have fluctuated, but have gone up by 30 since 2012. Due to growth, they are in search of a larger meeting space that offers breakfast service. For the time being, the club meets every Wednesday, 7:20 a.m., at El Camino Lodge on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Looking ahead, TMR is exploring the idea of erecting
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While Mulligan said they are grateful for the Best of Taos award, and it’s “nice to be recognized by the community, “that’s “certainly not why we do what we do.” “We’re helping kids reach their potential and I am glad that we’re doing that,” Mulligan continued. “For a little, dinky 50-member club in Taos, we’re doing quite well. It is our hope to raise the dialogue in the community about what can be done with more involvement, and I hope this recognition aids in that.”
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SERVICES
BesT OF TAOS
Centinel Bank At-Large Director Rebeca Romero Rainey stands in the bank's lobby in 2015. We’re losing count on how many years this homegrown institution has placed first or second in the “Best Bank” category. TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/ KATHARINE EGLI
BEST BANK 1 . CENTINEL BANK OF TAOS MAIN OFFICE: 512 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-6700 NORTHSIDE: 707 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-6790 MOTOR BANK DRIVE-THRU: 508 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR (575) 758-6788 CENTINELBANK.COM Centinel Bank was started by the Romero family more than 40 years ago. Unlike its larger national counterparts, this community lending institution operates on a kind of closed system, lending only to borrowers in their respective counties. That, and the fact that Centinel Bank is completely local, are a couple of reasons why it is consistently awarded "Best Bank" by the people of Taos County.
2 . NUSENDA FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 640 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 776-2703 NUSENDA.ORG
BEST CIVIC ORGANIZATION 1 . TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY CLUB INFO@TAOSROTARY.ORG TAOSROTARY.ORG See story on Page 42.
2 . TAOS LIONS CLUB PRESIDENT DENNIS SCOTT, (575) 224-1055/BRIDGE4FUN@MAC.COM For a list of more contacts, please go online to taoslions. org. Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m. and the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at Taos Country Club. Meeting dates are subject to change. continues on page 46
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Thank You Taos!
Thank You Taos!
Fun, Funky, Fabulous Finds It means so much to the families we work with to have such amazing community support! To support or volunteer call 758-8082 or visit TaosCAV.org Providing free and confidential services for survivors of sexual/domestic violence
24 HOUR HELP LINE 575-758-9888 Hablamos
OFFICE 945 SALAZAR ROAD 575-758-8082
Español
TaosCAV.org
pieces consignment (575)737-0500 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • Taos, NM 87571
PIECESTAOS.COM
“...the community we serve is the one in which we live.”
Best of Taos for 5 years running!
MAGEE BUILD, INC. Aaron Magee
CSIA Certified | Insured 575 758 1825 terryschimney.com
575-758-1825 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 10-2 or by Appointment
314 D PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE • WWW.TERRYSCHIMNEY.COM
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A premier builder in Taos since 2004
575.741.0456
mageebuild.com
mageebuild@taosnet.com
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Best SERVICES
BEST BARBER SHOP
BEST PLUMBER
1 . JOHNNY’S BARBER SHOP
1 . PHOENIX MECHANICAL
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BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY 1 . BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TAOS
2 . CENTURY 21 SUCCESS 114 DONA LUZ, TAOS, (575) 758-0080 C21SUCCESS.COM
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT 1 . LISA DAVIS NEW MEXICO REAL ESTATE GROUP, 224 CRUZ ALTA, SUITE 1, TAOS (575) 224-6848/(575) 770-2983 ENCHANTEDTAOS.COM See story on Page 56.
2 . DIANE ENRIGHT BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES TAOS, 314-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-1924, 1-800-530-8899 BERKSHIREHATHAWAYHOMESERVICESTAOSREALESTATE.COM
2 . CARLOS’ BARBER SHOP 402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS APPOINTMENT ONLY: (575) 758-7187
BEST LODGING FOR VISITORS 1 . EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT & SPA 317 KIT CARSON RD., TAOS, (575) 758-3502 ELMONTESAGRADO.COM Taos’ 84-room grand eco-resort sits on sacred earth. No two rooms at El Monte are mirror images. The infusion of Native, Mexican, Spanish and American West cultures are seen and felt throughout this lush retreat found within walking distance from Taos Plaza. The holistic environment, which includes a spa and other pampering amenities, makes a bold statement. De La Tierra restaurant, Anaconda Bar, a private wine room and live performances by Taos’ native son, Robert Mirabal, are all icing on the luxury cake.
2 . THE HISTORIC TAOS INN 125 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-2233 TAOSINN.COM
1 . SALON MARJORIE 237 LEDOUX ST., TAOS, (575) 751-7246 SALONMARJORIE.COM A hair salon is more than just a place where people go to get their hair cut or styled. It is an oasis of pampering and a rare opportunity to tune out a hectic schedule. Salon Marjorie at the foot of Ledoux Street is just such an oasis. Marjorie Olsen opened her salon in 1996 and built its reputation by teaching her staff the French haircutting techniques from Jacques Dessange of Paris, where she studied when she worked with Carsten Wilms of Carsten Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, for 8 years. The salon employs a University of New Mexico and Aveda-trained licensed integrative massage therapist for a wide variety of techniques used for a massage session tailored to the individual needs of the client. Deep tissue, Swedish, myofascial, sports, medical, trigger-point, stretching and aromatherapy are some of the styles that can be integrated into sessions.
2 . SHANK 109 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 737-0882 GETSHANKED.COM
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1217 GUSDORF RD., TAOS, (575) 758-3027 PHOENIXMECHANICAL.NET Many Taoseños are in agreement that Phoenix Mechanical can handle most any job that any structure requires. The company has technicians licensed in natural gas, electrical, plumbing and sheet metal — all the mechanical systems that keep a building operating for its occupants. Phoenix Mechanical now employs “Smart Systems,” remote sensing devices that detect issues with hot water heaters, lawn sprinklers, water well pumps — anything mechanical in the home and office.
2 . HAWK MECHANICAL 1132 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-4433 HAWKMECHANICAL.NET
BEST BED & BREAKFAST INN 1 . CASA BENAVIDES INN 137 KIT CARSON RD., TAOS, (575) 758-1772 CASABENAVIDES.COM
BEST PLACE FOR YOUR “NEW DO”
TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO
314-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-1924, 1-800-530-8899 BERKSHIREHATHAWAYHOMESERVICESTAOSREALESTATE.COM Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and its 14 brokers are regularly recognized for their knowledge, accessibility and professionalism, and considering the buying or selling of property can be daunting at best, it’s a time when a little hand-holding is very much appreciated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has represented buyers and sellers of all types of properties for more than 30 years.
308-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS , (575) 758-4286 See story on Page 54.
Casa Benavides is steeped in the history of Taos and two of its prominent families. The reception area bears the look and feel of a Spanish Colonial cathedral. Downtown Taos is right outside the front door, and the “killer breakfast” is one reason why many keep returning here year after year.
2 . ADOBE & PINES INN 4107 STATE ROAD 68, RANCHOS DE TAOS, (575) 751-0947/1-855828-7872 ADOBEPINES.COM
BEST PLACE TO SAY “I DO” 1 . EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT & SPA
BEST CHIMNEY SWEEP 1 . TERRY’S CHIMNEY SERVICE 314 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-1825 TERRYCHIMNEY.COM Terry’s Chimney Service was established to provide a full range of cleaning, repair and restoration services for chimneys, fireplaces and wood, pellet and gas stoves, including installations. And with so many Taos County homes having a fireplace or wood stove, Terry Polis, and his professional and knowledgable crew, are kept busy. This business prides itself on returning phone calls, keeping appointments and respecting customers’ homes and needs. Chim chim cher-ee.
2 . BAILEY’S CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIR 515 UPPER RANCHITOS RD., TAOS, (575) 770-7769 BAILEYSCHIMNEY.COM
317 KIT CARSON RD., TAOS, (575) 758-3502 ELMONTESAGRADO.COM This “living resort and spa” has a variety of customized and set wedding packages, plus a “wedding team” that couples rave about. With a backdrop of mountains, waterfalls, ponds and towering 80-year-old cottonwoods set in “The Sacred Circle,” El Monte Sagrado is a favorite place to begin a new life together.
2 . IN THE MOUNTAINS taosnews.com/best-of-taos
BEST BUILDING CONTRACTOR 1 . MAGEE BUILD (575) 741-0456 MAGEEBUILD.COM Having grown up with a father (Vishu Magee) who is a renowned home designer and brother (Jed Magee) who is an accomplished home designer, it’s no wonder Aaron Magee worked on his first home at age 15. Aaron Magee, a lifelong Taoseño and Taos High graduate, learned the art of carpentry and was a job site foreman for a Taos builder before starting Magee Build in 2004. Magee is well-versed in projects of all sizes, the use of local materials, pueblo and territorial architectural styles (traditional and contemporary) and green building systems.
Thank You for voting El Monte Sagrado BEST PLACE TO SAY “I DO” & BEST LODGING FOR VISITORS
2 . IAN FORSBERG GENERAL CONTRACTOR INC. (575) 741-1500 IANFORSBERG.COM
BEST SHUTTLE 1 . NORTH CENTRAL REGIONAL TRANSIT DISTRICT (AKA “THE BLUE BUS”) 1327 N. RIVERSIDE DR., ESPAÑOLA, 1-866-206-0754 NCRTD.ORG Car on the fritz? Too cold or rainy for a bicycle commute? Based in Española, the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) has been in service for 10 years. It provides fare-free and premium fare-based bus transit connecting communities and pueblos throughout the counties of Los Alamos, Río Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos, as well as the pueblos of Pojoaque, Nambé, Tesuque, San Ildefonso, Santa Clara and Ohkay Owingeh. Further expanding its reach, the signature RTD Blue Buses provide riders with connections to New Mexico Rail Runner, Santa Fe Trails, New Mexico Park and Ride, Los Alamos Atomic City Transit and Red River Miner’s Transit. NCRTD now provides service throughout the town of Taos on the RTD Chile Line, formerly the Taos Chile Line. In fiscal year 2016, NCRTD reported 517,681 annual passenger trips.
2 . TAOS SKI VALLEY AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE (575) 776-2291, EXT. 2384 SKITAOS.COM/DISCOVER-TAOS/AIRPORT-SHUTTLE/
BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR 707 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 751-7285 EDWARDJONES.COM Planning for retirement, or saving for your children’s or grandchildren’s college education can be unnerving to say the least. The majority of Taos County survey voters say they count on Ric Tredwin to help them through the financial muck and create an effective and appropriate investment strategy.
2 . KNIGHT FINANCIAL LIMITED 115-D LA POSTA ROAD, TAOS, (575) 751-3388 KNIGHTFINANCIALLIMITED.COM
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Emily Joanne Wedding Films & Photography
1 . RIC TREDWIN OF EDWARD JONES
575-758-3502 ElMonteSagrado.com/Weddings
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BEST AUTO REPAIR
BEST LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL
BEST EDUCATOR
1 . TOWN OF TAOS MAYOR DANIEL R. BARRONE
1 . LARRY TORRES
CITY HALL: 400 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA,TAOS, (575) 751-2000 DBARRONE@TAOSGOV.COM TAOSGOV.COM Since taking office in 2014, “Dan, Dan, the lumberman” has won the hearts of our voters with is signature folksy and gregarious personality. Mayor Barrone is a leader within his religious community and is a visible politician who consistently attends all town proclamations. Possibly his most favorite act among Taoseños started three years ago when he put together the New Year’s Eve free barbecue event on Taos Plaza. In 2016, Barrone headed the feast on the Plaza for the Fourth of July as well. Mayor Barrone won his second term this past March.
2 . TOWN OF TAOS COUNCIL MEMBER DARIEN D. FERNANDEZ CITY HALL: 400 CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS, (575) 751-2002, DFERNANDEZ@TAOSGOV.COM TAOSGOV.COM TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO
1 . METRIC MOTORS 1314 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-1658 METRICMOTORSTAOS.COM Everyone dreads car trouble, but whether you drive a BMW, Toyota, Subaru or any other foreign or domesic-made vehicle, Metric Motors certified techs can fix it and fix it right. They also work on diesels. And along with being Taos’ only “green” auto repair shop, Taos has chosen Metric Motors No. 1 for 18 years in a row.
2 . TAOS OFFROAD & PERFORMANCE 1010 DEA LANE, (575) 758-7144 TAOSOFFROAD.COM
1 . WANDA LUCERO — STATE FARM INSURANCE 211 KIT CARSON RD., TAOS, (575) 737-5433 WANDALUCERO.COM Business, community and life all intertwine for Wanda Lucero and the State Farm insurance agency she has run for the past 16 years. Because of this, the Wanda Lucero Insurance Agency has been named Best of Taos 2018 — marking the ninth year in a row that she has been voted the top insurance agency in Taos County. “My occupation is my avocation,” Lucero told The Taos News, who began in the insurance business 35 years ago. “I love what I do because I get to help others.”
2 . BROWN & BROWN INSURANCE 627 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-2244 BBNM.COM
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1 . CID’S FOOD MARKET 623 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 758-1148 CIDSFOODMARKET.COM This isn’t the first or last award locally owned Cid’s has been or will be given. From being the best grocery store, having the best produce, being the best place to get a pre-made salad and being the best green business in Taos County, it stands to reason that knowledgable, approachable and friendly staff just go with the territory.
2 . CENTINEL BANK OF TAOS
“In the course of his life, Larry Torres has become an esteemed storyteller and keeper of local culture, history and ways of healing. Torres is a prolific writer, quirky thinker, world traveler, deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, though he’s long held the untitled role of spiritual leader in the folk traditions of Northern New Mexico,” as written by Taos News reporter Cody Hooks for “Tradiciones” when Torres was selected as an Unsung Hero in 2017. “But among all of his roles in the Taos community, Torres has cemented his place as a one-of-a-kind educator, teaching thousands of young people in Taos across over a four-decade career ... Torres has been a teacher across New Mexico. He’s held his current post, as a languages professor at the University of New Mexico-Taos (UNM-Taos), for 17 years. Torres won “Best Teacher” in the first-ever Best of Taos poll in 1999 when he was at Taos High School. “National organizations and associations have bestowed numerous teaching awards on Torres throughout the years because he radiates learning, not merely as a profession, but as a calling.”
2 . CHRISSY STREIT FIFTH-GRADE TEACHER AT TAOS CHARTER SCHOOL; (575) 751-7222 EXT. 1005 TAOSCHARTERSCHOOL.ORG
BEST DENTIST 1 . KELLIE HARRIS, DDS
MAIN OFFICE: 512 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 758-6700 NORTHSIDE: 707 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, (575) 758-6790 MOTOR BANK DRIVE-THRU: 508 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR (575) 758-6788 CENTINELBANK.COM TAOS NEWS FILE PHOTO/COURTESY PHOTO
BEST INSURANCE COMPANY
BUSINESS WITH THE BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CHAIR: LINGUISTICS, FOREIGN AND SIGN LANGUAGES, UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO-TAOS, KLAUER CAMPUS, (575) 737-6233, LARTOR@UNM.EDU TAOS.UNM.EDU
BEST DOCTOR 1 . LUCAS SCHREIBER, MD SCHREIBER FAMILY MEDICINE, 630 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, SUITE 125, TAOS, (575) 751-7430 SCHREIBERFAMILYMEDICINE.COM Dr. Lucas Schreiber followed in his beloved late father’s footsteps (Dr. Larry, who won “Best Doctor” in the first Best of Taos poll and for many following years) and has cemented himself as one of Taos’ favorite physicians. Just this year, he branched off to form his namesake practice, Schreiber Family Medicine, LLC. Schreiber is a born and bred Taoseño who is often described by his patients as “compassionate” and “exceptional.”
2 . JEMERY KAUFMAN, MD TAOS MEDICAL GROUP, 1399 WEIMER ROAD, TAOS, (575) 758-4903 TAOSMEDICALGROUP.COM
NORTHERN NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY 1337-A GUSDORF ROAD, TAOS, (575) 751-9661 KELLIEHARRISDDS.COM Building upon a solid, 19-year foundation of compassionate, professional dentistry, Dr. Kellie Harris has expanded her client load and broadened the capabilities of her dental assistants — all in the name of making Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry the office of choice among Taoseños who need dental care.
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BEST DENTIST CONTINUED 2 . TOM SIMMS, DDS TAOS DENTAL GROUP, 1392 WEIMER ROAD, TAOS, (575) 758-8303 TAOSDENTALGROUP.COM
#1 SINGER/ SONGWRITER #2 “THE JIMMY STADLER BAND” (ROCK BAND)
“Thank you everyone for your continued support !” – J I M M Y
BEST VETERINARIAN 1 . SALAZAR ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC 1025 SALAZAR ROAD, TAOS, (575) 758-9115 SALAZARROADVETCLINIC.COM The staff at Salazar Road Veterinary Clinic will tell you that Drs. Trisha Albin, Kim Sides, Olivia Love and Kim Herndon are great vets, very skilled surgeons, extremely personable and passionate about your pet’s well-being. These women have worked with animals for many years. They all have their own pets in their lives, they rescue animals, they place and foster shelter animals, and nurse them in their own homes. That’s commitment.
2 . TAOS VETERINARY CLINIC, P.C. 41 STATE ROAD 522 NORTH, EL PRADO, (575) 758-7310 TAOSVETCLINIC.COM
BEST LOCAL NONPROFIT 1 . COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE 945 SALAZAR ROAD, TAOS , 24-HOUR CRISIS LINE: (575) 758-9888, OFFICE: (575) 758-8082 TAOSCAV.ORG Community Against Violence (CAV) has been providing services for children and families affected by domestic and sexual violence in Taos County since 1978. CAV’s expansive array of services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence include advocacy and case management services; crisis intervention and safety planning; counseling and support groups; parenting classes; Batterer’s Intervention Programs; and prevention and educational programs for the community. Volunteers, local donations, sales at the CAV Thrift Store and fundraising supplement funding and grants from various private foundations, corporations, and federal, state and local governments.
2 . STRAY HEARTS ANIMAL SHELTER 1200 ST. FRANCIS LANE, TAOS, (575) 758-2981 STRAYHEARTS.ORG
BEST LOCAL WEBSITE 1 . THE TAOS NEWS 226 ALBRIGHT STREET, TAOS, (575) 758-2241 TAOSNEWS.COM Is it wrong for us to toot our own horn? We think not, because providing timely, accurate and newsworthy information is at the forefront of what we do. Taosnews. com is a popular site where locals and visitors click to find out everything Taos from breaking news, to weather to nightly entertainment. Since 2017, there is no app required for access — just enter taosnews.com on your phone’s browser. There is also improved consistency between cyber and fiber (print) editions, upgraded searchability and better readability with larger type. Sending an email to the editor just got more convenient, too — just look to the left of the banner. If you live here, you get it.
photo by Josey Corral
THANK YOU TAOS FOR VOTING FOR ME AGAIN AS A Diane Enright
Brandon Rose & Janet Dearing
BEST OF TAOS
And of course, Brandon Rose and Janet Dearing, I couldn’t do it without them! And Thank You to my fellow Realtors, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, title companies, mortgage brokers, attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, septic inspectors, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors that are often involved in a single closing. You’re the ones that help make everything happen. IN OUR OFFICE OUR CLIENTS ARE #1
2 . KTAOS 101.9 FM SOLAR RADIO, 9 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 758-5826 KTAO.COM continues on page 50
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515 GUSDORF RD. STE. 4
575-758-List(5478) or 575-758-1924
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Best SERVICES
BEST PLACE FOR A MASSAGE 1 . OJO CALIENTE MINERAL SPRINGS RESORT & SPA 50 LOS BANOS DR., OJO CALIENTE, 1-800-222-9162 OJOSPA.COM Accolades consistently pile up year after year for this legendary and popular Northern New Mexico oasis, which has an extensive array of therapeutic massage and body work choices such as deep tissue to hot stone. And with add-on therapies that focus on everything from feet to hair, rejuvenation is certain.
2 . EL MONTE SAGRADO LIVING RESORT AND SPA 317 KIT CARSON ROAD, TAOS, (575) 758-3502 ELMONTESAGRADO.COM
*
BEST YOGA STUDIO
*
1 . SHREE YOGA TAOS 112-C CAMINO DE LA PLACITA, TAOS, (575) 758-8014SHREEYOGATAOS.COM
BEST PLACE TO GET INKED
continued from page 49
BEST CAR WASH 1 . 4 SEASONS 1384 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (575) 779-6371 FACEBOOK.COM/4SEASONSCARWASHINTAOS/ There’s a saying around here that you can tell a true Taoseño by the amount of dried mud on their vehicle and/or shoes. Scrapping gunk off your hiking boots is your job, but if your car or truck is looking a little grungy or has just a little too much dog hair and stink inside, the consensus of survey voters is to take it to 4 Seasons. Detailing is what they do.
2 . NEVER WINTER DETAIL SHOP 1351 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, (505) 901-7974 FACEBOOK.COM/NEVER-WINTER-DETAIL-SHOP-711981775586538/
BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS 1 . TAOS TENNIS AT QUAIL RIDGE 88 STATE ROAD 150, EL PRADO, (575) 776-3447 TAOSTENNIS.COM Even visitors rank Taos Tennis as one of the top 50 tennis resorts in the world per tennisresortsonline.com. This family-friendly resort boasts 10 hard courts, high quality tennis instruction and a pro shop. In addition to tennis facilities, the 7.5-acre property is also home to a heated swimming pool, a restaurant and condo rental properties. Yearly memberships are available, however, walk-ins are welcome for $15 per day.
2 . TAOS SPA & TENNIS CLUB 111 DOÑA ANA DRIVE, TAOS, (575) 758-1980 TAOSSPA.COM
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1 . TAOS TATTOO & BODY PIERCING GALLERY 208 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, TAOS, (575) 224-3077 TAOSTATTOO.COM Taos Tattoo & Body Piercing Gallery supplies Taos with high-caliber body art within a classic historic adobe structure. The shop offers body jewelry from local glassblowers and woodworkers from Taos Pueblo, keeping their selection both classic and unique. Almost everyone in the shop has at least 10 years of tattooing experience coupled with an energetic and infectious vibe.
2 . TALISMAN TATTOO & BODY PIERCING 226 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS, (575) 758-5465 FACEBOOK.COM/TALISMAN TATTOOSBODYPIERCING
RICK ROMANCITO
Best place to get inked? TaosTattoo & Body Piercing Gallery
To the uninitiated, a yoga studio is a yoga studio is a yoga studio. But for Taos yogis, Shree Yoga is one space dedicated to form and grace. The studio is warm and inviting, and the instructors go out of their way to inspire a sense of freedom. It’s a serious practice, but it doesn’t feel that way.
2 . AURAFITNESS 1337-S GUSDORF ROAD, TAOS, (575) 758-9733 AURAFITNESSTAOS.COM
BEST GYM AND WORKOUT FACILITY 1 . TAOS SPA & TENNIS CLUB 111 DOÑA ANA DRIVE, TAOS, (575) 758-1980 TAOSSPA.COM Pick your exercise poison — Taos Spa & Tennis Club has what you’re looking for with plenty of free weights, cardio machines, ellipticals, rowers, recumbent bikes, adaptive motion trainers, free-motion machines, specialty classes, racquet ball and tennis courts, two swimming pools and spa services.
2 . HIGH ALTITUDE HEALTH & FITNESS 1307 PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE, EL PRADO, (575) 751-1242 FACEBOOK.COM/HIGHALTITUDEHF1/
BEST PLACE TO PAMPER YOUR FUR BABY 1 . 10,000 WAGS PET RESORT & BOW-WOW-TIQUE 24822 U.S. HIGHWAY 64 WEST, EL PRADO, (575) 751-9247 10,000WAGS.COM When it comes to pet grooming, boarding, training and daycare, Taoseños put 10,000 Wags at the top of the list. And if pets could vote, they would, too. Pet owners are more than comfortable leaving their dogs and cats at 10,000 Wags, whether for a cut and shampoo or for a weeklong stay. The staff takes great pride in developing relationships with every pet and every human.
2 . UNLEASHED 98 STATE ROAD 150, UNIT 5, EL PRADO (575) 613-7344 UNLEASHEDTAOS.COM
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P H O T O B Y K AT H A R I N E E G L I
2018
THANK YOU TAOS for voting Four Seasons the Best Car Wash!
FIRST PLACE
w h e n
a n d
w h e r e
to
get your FUN on
575-770-6814
BED & BREAKFAST Thanks for Voting us Best Bed & Breakfast 2018!
taosnews.com/calendar |
575.751.0947 • adobepines.com
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS SERVING TAOS Taos County and the Enchanted Circle for Voting Us
Thank You!
Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Nine Years in a Row
! s o a T , u o y k Than
Dan’s Flooring HARDWOOD • CARPET • TILE • CABINETS WINDOW COVERINGS • CORK • LUXURY VINYL PLANKS Ranchos de Taos • 7237 Highway 518
575-758-2420 • danscarpetandfloors.com • dansflooring1@gmail.com taosnews.com/best-of-taos
591 Hondo-Seco Rd., Arroyo Seco, NM 575-758-0433 www.weavingsouthwest.com
20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
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We ASKeD
By Scott Gerdes
X MARKS THE SPOT
If you've lived here your entire life or for more than a decade, chances are you know what someone means when they say, Head toward the OBL. OBL stands for the old blinking light, the stoplight at the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and State Road 150. (It was also the name of a restaurant and bar where Medley restaurant and wine shop is now on State Road 150.) You might answer this question differently if this is new information. In any case, we asked survey-takers,
TAKE THE FIRST RIGHT AT THE OBL. WHERE ARE YOU?
Granted, your answer would depend on which direction you're traveling. From the responses, the majority of people answered as if they were traveling north out of Taos on Paseo del Pueblo Norte since KTAOS Solar Center was the top destination. Others continued on further mentioning Bareiss Gallery (right next door to KTAOS), PizaĂąos and onto Taos Cow in Arroyo Seco, Des Montes and up to Taos Ski Valley. Those who saw themselves traveling from Questa and the Arroyo Hondo areas answered, Taos vet clinic and a propane company. And someone who figured they were coming from the Arroyo Seco area answered, R.C. Gorman's House. All of the above would be correct. Quite frankly, some people don't know where the OBL is: Taos Pueblo. The middle of nowhere. In Heaven, no? The Land of Oz. Lost. Tony Reyna's Indian Shop. People who thought of the former OBL restaurant when answering the question said you'd be on Pueblo land if you took a right from there, and they would be correct. However, we were referring to the stoplight. And some of 1,097 who responded took a stab in the dark with the answer, By a lot of houses.
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THE TAOS NEWS
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BEST BARBER
JOHNNY’S BARBER SHOP A TAOS ICON BY SCOTT GERDES
MORGAN TIMMS
RUBEN GRAHAM,MASTER BARBER AND OWNER OF JOHNNY’S BARBER SHOP,HAS A CLIENTELE LISTTHAT GOES BACK MORETHAN 20 YEARS.
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The main man at Johnny’s Barber Shop is Ruben Graham — a craftsman with scissors and a razor, a barber’s barber for more than 50 years. Not to mention, he’s one of most genuinely pleasant people you’ll ever meet. There’s often a wait at this classic two-man barber shop on Taos’ main drag, but Ruben is the reason why. For years Taos guys have been saying he’s worth it; Johnny’s has won the “Best Barber” accolade since the first issue of Best of Taos in 1999. “I call him ’The Legend,’ “ said co-master barber Jerome Ortega, “because everyone in Taos knows him and he knows everyone. He’s just a friendly guy and everyone loves him.” October 2017 marked Ruben’s 52nd year of cutting men’s hair. He got his barber’s license in 1965 and began his career in Albuquerque. Two years later, Ruben (a born and bred Taoseño) returned to Taos County and opened a shop in Questa where he remained for about 18 years. He joined the staff at Johnny’s to work with the shop’s original owner, Johnny Tafoya, who opened it in 1968. In 1998, Ruben bought the business after Johnny retired. Ruben didn’t change the name out of respect for Johnny and because the place and the name are Taos icons. Besides replacing the original waiting chairs years ago, adding wall decor here and there, and updating the TV, not much has changed inside this barber shop, including the customers. The morning of this interview, he cut the locks of a 93-year-old gentleman who has sat in Ruben’s chair since 1967. And Gus, the gentleman sitting in Ruben’s chair during the interview, habitually drives in from Questa for a haircut. And Ruben remembers every face, every head of hair and, yes, even how long they have been coming to him. He takes pride in what he does, and when thinking about his repeat customers, his mustache twitches from his signature, genuine grin. “I love that,” he said of his long-timers. “I really do.” Besides his skill and memory related to how all of his customers like their hair sheered and coifed, the reason
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he believes they keep coming back is because his love for his profession shows. Jerome agrees and hopes to follow in Ruben’s footsteps. “I watch what he does on some of the customers just because I know the day’s going to come where he has to retire, and hopefully I could pick up where he left off,” Jerome said.
SERVING NEW MEXICAN FAVORITES
WITH A SMILE FOR
27 YEARS!
Ruben does a lot of the older gentleman’s haircuts because he has a regular clientele. But if a youngster walks in, that’s when Jerome gets to show his skills.
I LIKE DOING THE FADES AND THE SIDEWAYS HAIRCUTS — THE NEW-STYLE HAIRCUTS, he explained. “We want more of the younger crowd to start coming in, so we get a mixture of both the older crowd and the younger crowd.”
The native Questaño has cut hair for a decade. For seven years, Jerome was co-owner of Deuces Barber Shop in Albuquerque alongside his brother. The 1995 Questa High School graduate wanted to bring his wife (also a Questa native) and two sons back to the old stomping grounds, so his brother bought him out. Upon his return, he had some clients in Questa but was looking for more. Come this November, it will be Jerome’s two-year anniversary at Johnny’s. “I’m very happy to be here in Taos,” he said. “Coming here ... it’s just a lot busier, a lot more tourists, a lot more people coming in.”
VOTED BEST ROADSIDE FOOD STAND 14 YEARS IN A ROW
575-770-1171 Monday-Friday 7am-3pm || Closed Weekends
Wilder NightiNgale FiNe art and gallery artists
s k n a h Tyou!
Johnny’s is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The shop use to close an hour earlier, but Jerome took it upon himself to keep the shop open until 6 p.m. He also opens it on Mondays and Thursdays, days Ruben typically kept the shop closed. Jerome will even come in on Sundays if he gets more than a few haircut requests. He’s “a busy guy” now, and that’s how he likes it. With Ruben’s firm legacy and Jerome’s ambition, there’s little doubt Johnny’s Barber Shop will continue its Best of Taos run.
JOHNNY’S BARBER SHOP / 308-A PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR, TAOS / (575) 758-4286
***the howell Building - the ranch at taos - Bryans gallery*** 20 th AnniversaryB • est ofTaos
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BEST REALTOR
LISA DAVIS A STANDARD OF PRACTICE AND RESOURCEFULNESS BY SCOTT GERDES
MORGAN TIMMS
Considered a master of the real estate biz, eight
It was 1995. She was working as a graphic designer
years-in-a-row, Best of Taos winner Lisa Davis credits
and had just bought her first home — a 700-square-
she shared. From that point forward, she never looked back.
moving around a lot as a child as to why owning and
foot Cape Cod a block away from the Oregon coast.
caring for a home gave her “stability, confidence
“I remember before I bought it, walking around and
that process is when she decided to leave the world
looking up at the steep, pitched roof and thinking, ’I
of graphic design and enter into real estate. After
can’t believe I’m going to own something this big,’ “
entering the field in Oregon, she relocated to Taos
and a purpose.” It’s also a reason why she chose real estate as a career ... or did it pick her?
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Davis enjoyed fixing up the small cottage. During
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and worked as an independent agent for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate for 15 years. This past April, she teamed up with Jarred Conley at New Mexico Real Estate Group.
“It’s all about due diligence. It’s a lot
Because of her family’s circumstances, Davis lived in many places and thus many dwellings throughout her childhood. It was shortly after Davis purchased her most recent house that the thought occurred to her that when she was a child, she often felt like she was living on “quicksand” because of all the moving around.
care, such as people from out of state
“I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen next,” she said. “The house I live in now is built on solid rock, so I’ve gone from quicksand to solid rock and it feels good.” Her personal home purchases have meant a great deal to her, and she feels there’s a lot of responsibility that goes with home ownership. “I believe we are so fortunate in this country to be able to have a home,” she expressed. “And I believe it’s our obligation to take care of them.”
of documents, and it’s definitely a process from beginning to end that requires a lot of attention,” she said. And some buyers require a little extra looking for a second home. “I remember one time working with a man out of New York, and I’m on the phone trying to explain that the house is made out of mud,” she laughed. “He said, ’What do you mean made
x
of mud?’ “ It’s no secret that Taos is a popular destination for people looking for a second home. Davis explained that her take on the fundamental dynamic of the Taos market is that “nobody really has to live here because there’s not a big industry that drives a primary residence market, unlike bigger cities like Albuquerque, Denver or Dallas.” Over certain years, especially during the housing bubble around 2008, about 95 to 98 percent of her clients
And Davis takes care of the home seekers and buyers who come to her in search of their dreams. Her success, she said, is a combination of a standard of practice and resourcefulness. What that means to her is knowing every aspect of the real estate business and how she addresses attention to detail, care and concerns ... and thinking on her feet.
were second-home seekers. The
There’s so many pieces and parts,” Davis said of buying and selling real estate. “I don’t think people realize how much there is to selling real estate, in Taos especially, because we have so many levels and layers here that are unique to our community.”
genuinely loves what she does. She
Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important purchases in a person’s life. Davis knows it has to be handled carefully, and she strives to have the best information out there.
another set of different situations,”
She thinks of real estate in three parts: 1) You’re either working with a buyer looking at property or you’re selling a property for someone, meaning you’re either showing or you’re marketing; 2) Even with detailed state forms, there’s still a lot of “subtlety” in helping clients understand it all; and 3) closing on the property.
them on a great journey.”
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percentages fluctuate during any given time period, but lately the number of second-home buyers and locals looking to upgrade or downsize is “more balanced” than she’s seen in years. The unpredictability of the market doesn’t phase Davis because she said she could talk about real estate all day every day, and she means it. “I go to bed at night and I look at the clock, and I think how I can’t wait to get up in the morning and go tackle
“A History of Elegance”
Casa Benavides inn Since 1680
Thank you for voting us best bed & breakfast 2018 The Tom Mccarthy and the Benavides families have been making Taos a more beautiful place
she described. “You just know when you’ve shown someone their ideal house. It’s fun to see people get excited, and hopefully it launches
LISA DAVIS,NEW MEXICO REAL ESTATE GROUP 224 CRUZ ALTA,SUITE 1,TAOS / OFFICE: (575) 224-6848 DIRECT: (575) 770-2983 / ENCHANTEDTAOS.COM
137 Kit Carson Road, Taos, New Mexico • 575.758.1772 www.casabenavides.com
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We ASKeD
By Scott Gerdes
LIKE NO OTHER PLACE ON EARTH
UNIQUE. ECCENTRIC. BEAUTIFUL. CULTURAL. FUN. MAGICAL. ACCEPTING.
When 1,036 people answered our question,
DESCRIBE THE REAL TAOS IN SIX WORDS OR LESS, the former
adjectives and their synonyms appeared most often.
More common descriptions of this place we call home included soulful, multicultural, creative and mellow. Some not-so-flowery sentiments refer to Taos as being a haven for crazies and that it's dirty —well, it is the high desert and we don't get much rain— expensive, crabby and smug. And one person thinks Taos needs more duct tape, whatever that means. Most respondents see Taos as historic, quaint and friendly with an unrivaled natural beauty. And while it may be isolated and a little weird, that's what many people love about living or visiting here. Other descriptions include A city different in every way, Eeeeeeeee!, The best place to be yourself, Worn edges, but sharper than glass, Scruffy with potholed streets and Taos is my place of healing. No matter the words you would choose to characterize Taos, as one person astutely wrote, Chances are, it'll change your life.
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