Readers’ Choice 2014 Continued from page 28
detail, and innovative products and services make La Belle stand out, say readers. La Belle offers brides and attendants hair and makeup services, as well as massages to restore calm after all of that last-minute planning. Two locations: 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto | 326-8522 | and 95 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto | 327-6964
Cleaners In business and family-owned since 1903, Peninou French Laundry & Cleaners is at 1145 Crane St. in downtown Menlo Park as well as four other Bay Area locations. The store is known for handling tricky cleaning jobs, from wedding dresses to Oriental carpets and uses “all green� methods of cleaning, using mild solvents. Customer service includes pickup and deliveries or even car-door services to regular customers who call ahead for a pickup. 1142 Crane St., Menlo Park | 322-7562
Fitness Classes And Gym Readers of all ages enjoy the fun, nurturing environment at Studio Rincon, which won the Readers’ Choice Award in two categories: fitness classes and gym. The studio’s variety of classes offers opportunities for
men, women and children to enjoy numerous youth and adult fitness activities, ranging from dance to yoga to kickboxing. Their Youth Dance Program is currently in its fifth year. “Our guests tell us that what sets Studio Rincon apart is the welcome and warmth that greets them every time they come in,� says owner Bill Petrin. This September, the studio is hosting a special yoga workshop with world-recognized instructor Jason Crandell. 3536 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park | 861-0242
Florist J Floral Artwas founded in 1990, moving after 13 years downtown to the current location in North Fair Oaks in 2006. Partners Jeffrey Adair and Craig Kozlowski say they strive to stay engaged and work directly with customer to meet their special needs. They’ve added event production to their arsenal, providing rentals, entertainment — including singers and dancers — as well as coordinating events anywhere it takes them from beginning to end. Their flowers can be ordered through their website, in person, at the workshop or by phone. Examples of J Floral Arts arrangements can be seen on Facebook and YouTube as well. Clients have included Liza Minelli, Tom Ford, the prime
minister of Canada and the queen of Thailand. 3489 Edison Way, Menlo Park; 363-0313.
Bookstore, Green Business Kepler’s Books once again won two awards from patrons who appreciate both the renovated bookstore as well as its green, sustainable practices. There’s more good stuff on the horizon: “We are looking forward to a lot of things this coming year — finishing up the store renovations; further building out the nonprofit Peninsula Arts & Letters with new programs, more funding, (and a) bigger team; continuing to enhance the in-store inventory of books; and an exciting new literary service we plan to launch in the fall,� said co-manager Praveen Madan. The view from the staff’s perspective sounds equally optimistic: For the first time since the bookstore relaunched in 2012, they received bonuses this year based on the number of hours worked. “I have been working here since Gutenberg invented the printing press and have never had this kind of acknowledgment,� employee Nancy Salmon said, sharing her appreciation. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 3244321
Photo by Ciera Pasturel
Kepler’s managers, from left, Cressida Hanson, Jean Forstner, Karen Pennington and Amanda Hall, and owner Praveen Madan.
Hair Salon Olive Hill Salon has been voted best hair salon for the second year in a row. Owner Danielle Casa says she opened the salon in 2011 “with the goal of creating a boutique salon that specializes in color and styling while also being environmentally and socially responsible.� The salon has grown every year since and currently has six stylists, she said. “This year will be our best yet as Olive Hill transitions to becoming an Aveda Salon,� Ms Casa said. “Aveda’s
Crisis Housing
Education
5 5 7 34 3: 3 5
5 : 6 5 63 4 4 34 BU UJNF PG QSPEVDUJPO
Employment
6 4
30 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N July 23, 2014
mission statement, connecting beauty, environment and wellbeing, mirrors our commitment,� she said. “We believe this new partnership will enhance our commitment to education, community, environment and providing excellent service.� 2920 Woodside Road, Woodside | 8511150 |
Hotel Rosewood Sand Hill, carrying on its six-year Readers’ Choice Continued on page 32