2017 Bayou Buzz Awards

INDEX BODY BEAUTY AND BRAWN... 4 BAYOU BUNGALOW, HOME DÉCOR AND MORE... 8 FAVORITE FARE – FOOD AND RESTAURANTS... 13 LOCAL STORES AND SHOPS... 20 LOCAL LIVING... 22 LAGNIAPPE... 26

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BAYOU BUZZ AWARDS

PUBLISHER’S NOTE Five years ago, our first issue of BayouLife Magazine was published and since that time we have been asked to do a “Reader’s Choice” awards. It took six months for us to work out the details – finding a name, deciding how the nominations would work, when we would publish the results and where we would distribute.

There are so many amazing businesses in our area, but we decided to focus on those that are locally-owned and operated.

The Bayou Buzz Awards is our way of celebrating those business owners who took risks and were successful at developing businesses that have made an impact in our community. Our nominees were chosen by over three hundred people who are actively involved in our community. From that list, the public was invited to vote for their favorites. In the following pages, you will find the top 3 finalists in each category, with the winner listed at the top. We hope that our readers will use this insert as a resource for finding some of the most endeared businesses in our region.

Thank you to all those that participated in our inaugural Bayou Buzz Awards.

CASSIE LIVINGSTON Publisher, BayouLife Magazine

BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN Whether you are looking for a personal trainer to help reach your fitness goals or a stylist to fix your ‘do, we’ve got the best of the best listed below. This group of finalists encompasses our readers’ choices for body, beauty and brawn.

BEST HAIR SALON:

RAIN BEAUTY + BODY OWNERS: HOLLY & JAMES MCCREADY 407 DESIARD STREET, MONROE, LA | 318.651.8088 Serving the community since 2004, Rain is a full-service salon and day spa dedicated to the ultimate guest experience. Located in the heart of downtown, the team at Rain is passionate about giving back and has participated in many community events over the years. Thanks to loyal guests and an incredible team, Rain has had the honor of winning many awards including being recognized as one of the Top 20 Paul Mitchell Focus Salons in the nation 20142016. Now offering the luxury Oribe line of haircare products, they can also indulge even the most decadent beauty desires. The large team of highly-qualified visionary professionals offers hair artistry, eyelash extensions, makeup, skincare, massages and more!

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BEST HAIR SALON (FINALISTS): WINNER: RUMO’S BARBER SHOP THE PARLOR HOUSE

BEST HAIR STYLISTS/COLORIST: WINNER: ASHLEY CHAPMAN, SALON COUTURE FINALISTS: RUSSELL MOORE, RUMO’S BARBER SHOP KATIE ANZALONE, THE PARLOR HOUSE

BEST MANI/PEDI: WINNER: PAMPERED & POLISHED FINALISTS: ART NAILS AND SPA GLAMOROUS NAILS

BEST WAXING: WINNER: LISA BEST, NEW BEGINNINGS FINALISTS: HILLARY SPANN-DANS, RAIN BEAUTY + BODY LAUREN ALBRITTON WILHITE, WAXOLOGY

DAY SPA: WINNER: SPA BELLA FINALISTS: DERMA MEDIQ / SPA NOUVELLE NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

BODY, BEAUTY AND BRAWN

BEST MEDI SPA:

DERMA MEDIQ / SPA NOUVELLE OWNERS: DR. SAIDI SOWMA-FAKHRE, MARY BETH DICKERSON, DREW FARR, ANA LOPEZ HALE & WENDY NEWSOM 1705 LAMY LANE, MONROE, LA | 318.807.1060 DermaMediQ offers safe and effective medical programs such as special vein treatment, permanent makeup or state-of-theart, medically-supervised beauty regimens. Dr. Sowma-Fakhre provides non-invasive aesthetic treatment for teenagers and adults. Spa Nouvelle offers facials, massages, skin treatments, spa parties and spa day escapes. It is your guide to total indulgence.

FINALISTS: NEW BEGINNINGS WELLNESS CENTER & SPA N BLISS SPA

BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST: WINNER: ANA HALE, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: AMBER ZAMBIE, ASPIRATIONS MARY BETH DICKERSON, SPA NOUVELLE

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BEST FACIAL: WINNER: WENDY NEWSOM, SPA NOUVELLE FINALISTS: DREW FARR, SPA NOUVELLE LISA BEST, NEW BEGINNINGS

BEST FITNESS TRAINER: WINNER: BONNIE HAY FINALISTS: SUSAN HOPPER TY GOODIN

BEST ATHLETIC CENTER / GYM: WINNER: MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB (MAC) FINALISTS: THE WELLNESS CENTER CROSSFIT CHIVALRY

BEST YOGA / PILATES: WINNER: BLUE SKY YOGA FINALISTS: MONROE ATHLETIC CLUB INFIT

BAYOU BUNGALOW Home is where the heart is and the finalists in these categories definitely have our love. From the very best in furniture options, to the guys with the green thumb, our Bayou Bungalow winners celebrate the best in home décor and more.

BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE: THE PATIO PLACE

OWNERS: JOHN AND LYNNE CARTER 1844 FORSYTHE AVENUE, MONROE, LA | 318.605.2600 The Patio Place provides a unique shopping venue for all things related to outdoor living. The showroom features a wide variety of outdoor furniture lines and accessories to complete your patios, sunrooms, outdoor kitchens, poolside and more. Since opening the doors in March of 2014, they’ve enjoyed serving Monroe and the surrounding areas and want to thank this community for your continued support. It’s a great honor to be given the Bayou Buzz Award for “Best Outdoor Furniture & Accessories!”

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BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES (FINALISTS): SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE LINCOLN OUTDOOR LIVING

BEST HOME ACCESSORIES: WINNER: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY FINALISTS: BEEHIVE OUTLET LOUISIANA PURCHASES

BEST HARDWARE AND DESIGN MATERIAL: WINNER: TP OUTDOORS FINALISTS: TOM SANDERS BUILDING MART RUSSELL-MOORE LUMBER

BEST FURNITURE STORE: WINNER: PAUL MICHAEL COMPANY FINALISTS: SLEEPY HOLLOW FURNITURE BURNEY’S FURNITURE

BEST PLUMBER: WINNER: KELLY PLUMBING FINALISTS: ALL PLUMBING BRUCE PLUMBING

BAYOU BUNGALOW

BEST HOME BUILDER:

HOLYFIELD CONSTRUCTION OWNER: JOE HOLYFIELD 2371 TOWER DRIVE, MONROE, LA | 318.388.2492 Quality, service, and value. These simple words reflect the cornerstone of every home, office and facility that Holyfield Construction builds.

Founded in 1974, Holyfield Construction began as a hometown business with hometown values. Now, more than 39 years later, Holyfield Construction and Holyfield Inc. have grown from a small, quality home-building company to a regional corporate construction and commercial organization. From plan design to material selection, product customization to specialized and accountable sub-contractors, exceeding expectations when constructing your project is essential.

BEST HOME BUILDER (FINALISTS): BLUE HERON HOMES, BRACO CONSTRUCTION

BEST HVAC / HEATING AND AIR: WINNER: GILLEY’S HEATING & COOLING

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FINALISTS: AIR SERVICE PROFESSIONALS ALBRITTON SERVICE COMPANY

BEST GARDEN SHOP: WINNER: SONNY PANZICO GARDEN MART FINALISTS: SAMMY’S PLANT WORLD O’NEAL’S FARM & GARDEN

BEST COUNTERTOPS: WINNER: TERESA’S FLOORING AND DECORATING FINALISTS: LOUISIANA STONE TWIN CITY GRANITE

BEST PEST CONTROL: WINNER: BAYOU MOSQUITO & PEST MANAGEMENT FINALISTS: ANDERSON PEST CONTROL PRUITT PEST

BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER: WINNER: TISH MILLER FINALISTS: JULIE MAYS SANDY MCMILLAN

BEST PAINTER: WINNER: DONNIE SELLERS FINALISTS: AMY PETERS SIMMERMAKER ADAM COCO

BEST HOME CLEANING: WINNER: KELSEY KLEAN FINALISTS: SOUTHERN CLEANING KELLY CLEANING SERVICE

BEST TREE REMOVAL SERVICE: WINNER: CAJUN TREE CUTTERS FINALISTS: MUNHOLLAND TREE SERVICE HOLYFIELD TREE SERVICE

BEST FLOORING COMPANY: WINNER: TERESA’S FLOORING AND DECORATING FINALISTS: JE DUPUY / LINCOLN FLOORING KIM’S FLOOR DÉCOR

BEST LAWN CARE: WINNER: NORTHPRO LANDSCAPING & LAWNCARE FINALISTS: KILPATRICK LANDSCAPING MILETELLO LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: WINNER: MAYO CUSTOM CABINETS FINALISTS: KEY MILLWORK & SUPPLY BAYOU STATE CUSTOM CABINETS

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FAVORITE FARE Louisiana is known for delicious food, and our Favorite Fare category recognizes the best in the industry. From your favorite mixologist to the best burger in town – we’ve got you covered when it comes to these nom, nom, nominees.

BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME: FIELDHOUSE BAR & GRILL

OWNER: JOEY TRAPPEY 1510 STERLINGTON RD, MONROE, LA | 318.342.9662 The Fieldhouse offers a family-friendly atmosphere and prides itself on serving the utmost quality product. Fresh quality ingredients blended together with great customer service is what they strive for each day. They appreciate all of their customers and look forward to seeing everyone soon!

BEST BAR TO WATCH A GAME (FINALISTS): DAQ’S WINGS AND GRILL PORTICO RESTAURANT AND BAR

FAVORITE FARE

BEST PLACE FOR A CRAFT COCKTAIL: WINNER: RESTAURANT COTTON FINALISTS: DOE’S EAT PLACE ENOCH’S IRISH PUB

BEST BAR FOR BEER: WINNER: FLYING TIGER BREWERY FINALISTS: ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFÉ THE PICKLE BARREL PUB

BEST WINE SELECTION: WINNER: TONORE’S WINE CELLAR FINALISTS: GENUSA’S TIGER MARKET

BEST BARTENDER: WINNER: JOE SUMMERSCALES, NEAT FINALISTS: AMY HORSTKAMP, PORTICO BRAD SHOWS, ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFÉ

BEST STEAK: WINNER: DOE’S EAT PLACE FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1 RESTAURANT WATERFRONT GRILL

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BEST CRAWFISH: WINNER: CORMIER’S RESTAURANT FINALISTS: RIVERSIDE CRAWFISH CRAWFISH CITY

BEST GUMBO: WINNER: MOHAWK TAVERN FINALISTS: TRAPP’S WATERFRONT GRILL

BEST POBOY: WINNER: MAGIC GRILL FINALISTS: TRAPP’S SUNDOWN TAVERN

BEST PIZZA: WINNER: JOHNNY’S PIZZA FINALISTS: ROMA ITALIAN BISTRO PIEWORKS

BEST TACO JOINT: WINNER: AVOCADO’S FINALISTS: IRON CACTUS TACO BANDITO

FAVORITE FARE

BEST FRENCH FRIES: MAGIC GRILL

OWNERS: FAISAL & JADA ALI 2500 ARKANSAS RD, WEST MONROE | 318.396.1603 OWNERS: MICHAEL & ALANA RODRIGUEZ 4331 STERLINGTON RD, MONROE | 318.807.4745

Magic Grill is carrying out a local tradition while embracing the community. They didn’t invent the flavor. Mr. Ray Pierce did, and they’re carrying on the tradition of poboys, fries and gravy. It’s all gravy at Magic Grill!

BEST FRENCH FRIES (FINALISTS): DAQ’S WINGS & GRILL THE PICKLE BARREL PUB

BEST MARGARITA: WINNER: IRON CACTUS FINALISTS: AVOCADO’S EL JARRITO

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BEST FRIED CHICKEN: WINNER: BIG MOMMA’S FINE FOODS FINALISTS: MAGIC CHICKEN THE KITCHEN

BEST ASIAN: WINNER: RAWZ CAFÉ FINALISTS: RONIN STEAK HOUSE & SUSHI PEKING CHINESE RESTAURANT

BEST BURGER: WINNER: THE BURGER GRIND FINALISTS: THE DAWG HOUSE ENOCH’S IRISH PUB & CAFÉ

BEST BBQ JOINT: WINNER: DANKEN TRAIL FINALISTS: BBQ WEST PODNUH’S BBQ

BEST COFFEE: WINNER: THE COFFEE BEAN FINALISTS: LATIN FOOD ROELA ROASTER

BEST ITALIAN: WINNER: ROMA ITALIAN BISTRO FINALISTS: GENUSA’S RESTAURANT GENO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

FAVORITE FARE

BEST BREAKFAST: DAILY PRESS

OWNERS: BENNIE EVANS & SUZONNE UNDERWOOD LOCATIONS: 1115 GARRETT ROAD | 2300 LOUISVILLE AVENUE 2899 STERLINGTON RD, MONROE, LA Daily Press has been serving the Monroe area with the freshest, fastest, most delicious and most convenient breakfast for over five years. They begin early every morning mixing and baking warm muffin tops, croissants and kolaches; and their coffee is ground, tamped and brewed one cup at a time to offer the freshest cup possible. In addition to their fresh grab and go items, Daily Press offers custom burritos and breakfast sandwiches, ordered from a touch-screen kiosk. Their emphasis on quality, innovation, simplicity and attention to detail has set them apart in the breakfast category in our area, and they look forward to serving the community for many more mornings, and many more years.

BEST FRENCH FRIES (FINALISTS): THE COFFEE BEAN LEA’S OF LECOMPTE

BEST BRUNCH: WINNER: RESTAURANT COTTON FINALISTS: PORTICO RESTAURANT & BAR TRIOS & SQ’S ON THE OUACHITA

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BEST SEAFOOD: WINNER: CATFISH CHARLIE’S FINALISTS: WAREHOUSE NO. 1 RESTAURANT MOHAWK TAVERN

BEST SANDWICHES: WINNER: DAILY PRESS FINALISTS: THE PICKLE BARREL SUNDOWN TAVERN

BEST SWEET TREATS: WINNER: ESKAMOE’S FINALISTS: NOT JUST PIE SOCIAL BITES

BEST VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: WINNER: RAWZ CAFÉ FINALISTS: ATHENA FOR HIS TEMPLE

BEST GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS: WINNER: DAILY HARVEST FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE CHEF ERIC JOHNSON

BEST HEALTH FOOD: WINNER: FIESTA NUTRITION CENTER FINALISTS: FOR HIS TEMPLE GIBSON’S NATURAL GROCER

LOCAL STORES & SHOPS Our local retailers are top notch, offering North Louisiana residents the best shopping around. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends and something outdoors, these local stores and shops have it all.

BEST JEWELRY STORE: HOLLIS & COMPANY

OWNER: JERRY HOLLIS 1815 AVENUE OF AMERICA, MONROE, LA | 318.322.7794 Since 1986, Jerry Hollis has hand-selected an exclusive assortment of jewelry ranging from simple classic designs to more elaborate designs from some of the world’s most successful designers. They feature designer lines, such as John Hardy, Konstantino, Mikimoto, Gurhan, Armenta, and Arman.

They also provide the largest collection of engagement rings and wedding bands ranging from today’s contemporary styles, such as Verragio, Simon G. and Christopher Designs among many others, to Art Deco found in their Estate Collection. Hollis & Company values its customers and looks forward to providing exquisite pieces and exceptional service.

BEST JEWELRY STORE (FINALISTS): RANDY SMITH JEWELERS FLAIR - MONROE’S FINE JEWELER

BEST EYEWEAR BOUTIQUE: WINNER: HAIK HUMBLE EYE CENTER

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FINALISTS: DILLINGHAM OPTICAL, FAMILY EYE CARE

BEST CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE: WINNER: THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE FINALISTS: CARA’S BOUTIQUE, THE MOTHER HEN

BEST GIFT SHOP: WINNER: THE MUFFIN TIN FINALISTS: LOUISIANA PURCHASES, CHARTREUSE PEAR

BEST ATHLETIC WEAR: WINNER: H MICKEL FINALISTS: TP OUTDOORS, IF THE CROWN FITS

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE: WINNER: RIVER OUTFITTERS FINALISTS: THE TOGGERY, PATTON’S WESTERN WEAR

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: THE FLEURTY GINGER, HERRINGSTONE’S

BEST SHOE STORE: WINNER: CARA’S BOUTIQUE FINALISTS: BEEHIVE OUTLET, AVENUE SHOES

BEST SPORTING GOODS: WINNER: TP OUTDOOR FINALISTS: SIMMONS SPORTING GOODS, THE HONEY HOLE

LOCAL LIVING Our Local Living nominees offer the best services in North Louisiana. Whether you’re looking for a realtor or need a caterer for your next big party, these businesses are the cream of the crop.

BEST CATERER:

THURMAN’S FOOD FACTORY OWNER: THURMAN DICKEY 1608 STUBBS AVENUE, MONROE, LA | 318.387.7848 For over 40 years, Thurman’s has created culinary dreams and delicious desserts and has become a staple on the catering scene in northeast Louisiana. They offer some Louisiana staples like boudin balls, shrimp dip, meat pies, marinated crab claws, jambalaya, oysters and even a roasted pig for an added flair, along with various dips, meats, party platters and desserts. For Thurman, catering is his passion. “When you fail to consider quality, you buy disappointment” is his motto.

BEST CATERER (FINALISTS): CHEF ERIC JOHNSON CORY BAHR (HERITAGE CATERING)

BEST DAYCARE / CHILDCARE: WINNER: BAYOU GYMNASTICS

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FINALISTS: FIRST UNITED METHODIST, MONROE, FIRST BAPTIST WEST MONROE

BEST FLORAL SHOP: WINNER: VEE’S FLOWERS FINALISTS: WESTSIDE FLOWER & GIFT SHOP, DEAN OF FLOWERS

BEST TAILOR / ALTERATIONS: WINNER: CAROLYN’S SEWING FINALISTS: SHIRLEY’S ALTERATIONS, JOSE’S TAILOR SHOP

BEST CAR WASH: WINNER: ROCKETFAST CAR WASH FINALISTS: CARWASH WEST, HAPPY DAYS CAR WASH

BEST PET GROOMER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: DOGGIE STYLE GROOMING, CANINE COUTURE

BEST DRY CLEANER: WINNER: D&D DRY CLEANERS FINALISTS: WEIL CLEANERS, CLEANERS OF RUSTON

BEST VETERINARY CLINIC: WINNER: COOPER VETERINARY FINALISTS: ANIMAL HOSPITAL, MONROE ANIMAL HEALTH

LOCAL LIVING BEST PET BOARDER: WINNER: HAPPY TAILS FINALISTS: THE HAPPY HOUND HOTEL LEFEBVRE VETERINARY MEDICAL CENTER

BEST AUTO DEALER: WINNER: RYAN AUTO GROUP FINALISTS: JIM TAYLOR, CAR TOWN

BEST CREDIT UNION: WINNER: OUACHITA VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION FINALISTS: CENTRIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MONROE TELCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BEST PHARMACY: WINNER: ARON’S PHARMACY FINALISTS: COMMUNITY PHARMACY, DRENNAN’S PHARMACY

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER: WINNER: DARREN OGLESBY FINALISTS: GARY BOOTH, KEN FLETCHER

BEST DANCE STUDIO: WINNER: LINDA LAVENDER SCHOOL OF DANCE FINALISTS: MISSY CRAIN DANCE STUDIOS, DBK DANCE

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BEST DENTIST: WINNER: NELA DENTAL FINALISTS: PEACH TREE DENTAL APPLE DENTAL

BEST ORTHODONTIST: WINNER: CAPLES AND ROBINSON FINALISTS: HUMMEL ORTHODONTICS, TURPIN ORTHODONTICS

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT: WINNER: HEATHER GUILLOT FINALISTS: MISTI HAJJ, HARRISON LILLY

BEST BANK: WINNER: ORIGIN BANK FINALISTS: OUACHITA INDEPENDENT BANK, CROSS KEYS BANK

BEST ACCOUNTANT / CPA: WINNER: TASHIA HINES FINALISTS: GEORGE GRIGGS, GARY DEWITT

BEST ATTORNEY: WINNER: JEFF GUERRIERO FINALISTS: CHRISTIAN CREED, ROBERT KNIGHT

BEST CHIROPRACTOR: WINNER: SHELL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC FINALISTS: TRAXLER CHIROPRACTIC, MAYFIELD CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC

BEST INSURANCE AGENT: WINNER: BLAKE WHEELIS FINALISTS: PEGGY SULLIVAN, GREG MANLEY

LAGNIAPPE These categories represent some of the best products and people in the area. We love following our finalists on Instagram and always look forward to visiting our local art galleries.

BEST LOCAL PRODUCT: MR. P’S TEES

OWNERS: LISSY & BRENT COMPTON www.mrpstees.com

BEST CATERER (FINALISTS): LANDRY’S VINEYARD FLYING TIGER BREWERY

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BEST PUBLIC OFFICIAL: WINNER: CONGRESSMAN RALPH ABRAHAM FINALISTS: SENATOR MIKE WALSWORTH MICHAEL ECHOLS

BEST ART GALLERY: WINNER: MASUR MUSEUM OF ART FINALISTS: GALLERY 203 ARENDER GALLERY

BEST LOCALLY OWNED CHAIN: WINNER: CHICK-FIL-A FINALISTS: NEWK’S EATERY SMALLCAKES

BEST INSTAGRAMMER WINNER: KEMPER BAUGH FINALISTS: MONROE-WEST MONROE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU, TAYLOR BENNETT

BEST PHOTOGRAPHER: WINNER: UNVEILED RADIANCE FINALISTS: ALBRITTON PHOTOGRAPHY, STEVEN MYERS