Make It Better - Best of 2011

fashioncelebrationshome diningrecreation+fitness entertainmentkidsbeautypets 1

best of 2011

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contents 4 best of fashion 6 best of beauty 8 best of celebrations 11 best of dining 16

best of fitness & recreation

18 best of entertainment 26 best of home 33 best of kids 37 best of pets

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best of 2011

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I

t’s gutsy to make a claim that something is “the best.”

But our readers are a gutsy bunch.

We asked and you answered.

In May, our editors asked for your feedback in 101 categories: best coffee shops, children’s photographers, running stores—from necessities to luxuries. Over the following six weeks, readers sent in their nominations via Facebook, Twitter, email and website comments.

Our final selections were based on the popularity of the category and passion of the comments. We loved reading anecdotes about superior customer service, cute waiters and hardware stores that have served communities for three generations.

We live in the best communities, and we’re proud to say that we also have the best of just about everything else.

Look for these icons to see what we love and our reader’s absolute favorites.

Make It Better

Staff Pick

staff pick The businesses that the Make It Better staff loves and relies on.

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reader’s choice

Reader’s Choice The business that received the most votes from readers in a category.

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2011

By Kathryn Achenbach

ONE STOP SHOP FOR MEN AND WOMEN

FOR boys/ teens

Mark Shale

827 Waukegan Road, Deerfield 847-940-4897 guysandco.com

1240 Northbrook Court, Northbrook 847-272-3860 markshale.com 4

fashion

best of 2011

reader’s choice

Guys & Co.

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Make It Better

helpful staff

Vibrato

Make It Better

reader’s choice

Plaza del Lago and The Glen Town Center vibratoboutique.com

giambattista valli dress, chalk; joan & david shoes, lori’s; earrings, eve alfillÉ; bag photo by carol ysla

BEST

best local boutiques everyday chic Fashion

Three Sisters

Chalk Boutique

Urban Flair

Eve AlfillĂŠ

Lori’s Shoes

Shirise

270 Market Square Lake Forest 847-604-8565

jewelry

104 S. Cook Street Barrington 847-274-4549 shopurbanflair.com Shoes + bags

splurgeworthy style

311 Happ Road, Northfield 847-446-3818 585 Central Avenue, Highland Park 847-681-1532 lorisshoes.com

2611 Prairie Ave, Evanston 847-424-0011 chalkboutique.com

623 Grove Street Evanston 847-869-7920 evejewelry.com

341 Park Avenue, Glencoe 866-744-7473 shirise.com

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BEST

2011

beauty

By Marjie Killeen

best eyebrow artistry

Best Practically Pain-free Waxing

Margaret at the Beauty Spot

810 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, 847-735-8920 thebeautyspotonline.com

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Harra, at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa & Beauty Salon 720 N. Waukegan Rd. Deerfield 847-945-1888 reddoorspas.com

Best Place to Find Best Finishing Touch “To Die For� the Next MustHave Treatment Scalp Massage

David, Hairstylist Teddie Kossof Salon Spa at Pascal Pour 281 Waukegan Rd., Elle 368 Park Ave., Glencoe 847-501-3100 pascalpourelle.com

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Northfield 847-999-9566 teddiekossof.com

best spa facilities Best Luxurious Spa Showers

Elizabeth Arden Red Door 720 N. Waukegan Rd., Deerfield, 847-945-1888 | reddoorspas.com

Best Tranquil Spa Lounge

Asha Aveda Salon Spa

1604 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-475-9300 | ashasalonspa.com

make it better’s favorite hair and makeup artist

Jules Ross

Every month for our fashion features, Jules transforms our local fashionistas into divalicious, camera-ready models.

847-840-5599 shopgirl274@comcast.net

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Make It Better

Staff Pick

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2011

celebrations

By Jen Luby

Best Spot for a Super Sweet 16 

Viper Alley

275 Parkway Dr., Lincolnshire, 847-499-5000, viper-alley.com Downtown club cool in the ‘burbs.

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Photo by douglas a. salin

BEST

best caterers you are

Hoping to impress the board president Tailgating with flair

you call

Limelight

2000 N. Racine Ave., Chicago, 773-883-3080, limelightcatering.com

Catering by Michael’s

6203 Park Ave., Morton Grove, 847-966-6555, cateringbymichaels.com

Hosting a ladies’ lunch

Sunset Foods

Planning a corporate retreat

Tasty Catering

Determined to have the best spread at Ravinia

Multiple locations, sunsetfoods.com 1900 Touhy Ave., Elk Grove Village, 847-593-2000, tastycatering.com

FoodStuffs

Multiple locations, foodstuffs.com

Best Blooms

FlowersFlowers, Evanston

Make It Better

reader’s

1110 Davis St., Evanston, 60201 choice 847-328-7110, flowers-flowers.com A favorite with our readers, this florist is noted for sophisticated color and texture combinations.

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reader’s choice

Best Photographer

Laura’s Photography 847-224-4094, lauratemplin.com

With 87 nominations (yes, 87!), more than any other business in this issue, Laura must be doing something right. She’s known for her newborn portraits, but Make It Better has also hired her for older kids (see the fashion feature “Prep’s Cool” in the August 2011 issue,) and we loved the results.

Make It Better’s Favorite Make It Better Photogs Staff Picks Here are the fabulous snap artists whose work regularly graces the pages of this magazine.

Erik Davis

John Reilly

Nathaniel Perry

Chicago 312-266-2550, john reillyphotography.com 10

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847-571-1473, erikdavis photography.com

Classic Kids

Multiple locations, classickidsphotography. com doorctyphoto.com

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Diane Hamilton

Wilmette 847-853-0675, dhamilton photography.com

Carol Ysla

Wilmette 847-256-1400, carolbattrell.com

Lee Ross

leerossphotography.com

BEST

2011

dining

By Julie Chernoff

Photos courtesy of the cellar and bistro bordeaux

Smoked Salmon Flat Bread from The Cellar (Evanston)

Best New Dining Destination

Best Restaurant “Man Candy”

Deerfield

Bistro Bordeaux

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Deerfield is this year’s big winner with a trifecta of new entries: DC Sarnies, Townhouse and Tom & Eddie’s, all solid entries in the casual dining arena.

Yowza! Where can I get me one of those?

That’s likely to be your reaction when you feast your eyes on Bistro Bordeaux’s owner/host, Pascal Berthoumieux. Evanston makeitbetter.net

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best coffee shop with a unique vibe

Alchemy Coffee House

deerfield bakery photo by nathaniel perry; real urban bbq photo by erik davis

Owner Blair Cooke roasts the beans in house, pulls the espresso just right, and knows how to properly steam milk. All this, and fresh scones, too.

Wilmette

Leonidas Café Chocolaterie

Make It Better

Staff Pick

Make It Better wouldn’t get published every month—and every day, on our website— without the help of the smooth, rich and locally roasted Intelligentsia coffee from owner Marie Douailly, whose shop is across the street from our office. The shop is also good for a sugar buzz: There’s an array of Belgian chocolates, fresh croissants, gelato, crepes and more.

Wilmette

Runners-Up:

Best Morning-After Brunch dishes Worked up an appetite?

Fuel

Lucky Platter

Fried Green Tomato Benedict: poached eggs, fried green tomatoes, spinach and creamy hollandaise over toasted cornbread (ask for a side of CinnamonGlazed Bacon) Evanston

Fuel Soy Milk Pancakes with Bacon-Powdered Sugar, Chocolate Chips and BlackPepper Pineapple Jam. Wilmette

Orange Green Eggs and Ham: eggs scrambled with basil pesto, diced ham, roasted tomatoes and fresh buffalo Mozzarella. Glenview makeitbetter.net

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best bakeries on the north shore Best Classic Totally calorie-worthy!

Deerfields Bakery

A North Shore institution, this bakery is consistently dependable. Buffalo Grove, Deerfield and Schaumburg

Best All-Around

Best Cupcakes

Three Tarts

Fraîche

This place has it all, from humble fresh breads to fantabulous wedding extravaganzas, perfect peanut butter cookies to paninis. There’s a reason there’s always a line.

Northfield

The cake is always moist and the frosting is out of this world.

Don’t get us started on the fillings. We don’t Best Gluten-Free have room. Evanston Rose’s Wheat-free Best Cookies

Wild Flour

This cafe and bakery makes delicious Kit Kat Cookie Bars, and just about everything 14

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tastes like the world’s best grandma made it - if she were also an awesome pastry chef.

Lake Bluff

makeitbetter.net

Bakery

Not sure how Rose manages to make really tasty baked goods without gluten. Apparently, it involves some form of magic.

Best Upscale Asian And your fortune says…

best bar food

PL8

“I need something to coat my stomach.”

Barrington Hills A l s o n o ta b l e : Karma, Mundelein Lulu’s, Evanston Sushi Kushi, Highland Park

Bar Louie

Loaded Tots (queso, giardiniera, bacon, scallion). ‘Nuff said.

Skokie and Mt. Prospect

Best Gourmet-To-Go “I worked all day. Dinner’s not happening.”

Wisma

The Cellar

Libertyville and Lake Bluff

Smoked Salmon Flat Bread with pesto, goat cheese and arugula. Pizza you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Evanston

The next best things: Apple-A-Day, Glencoe Convito, Wilmette

best bbq

Put some lipstick on that pig!

Northern Outpost

Southern Outpost

City

Real Urban BBQ

Hecky’s

Wicker Park

Highland Park

Lillie’s Q

Evanston

Runners-up: Smoque, Irving Park

Smoke Daddy, Wicker Park

Firkin

Fried Asparagus with Creamy Chipotle Sauce.

It’s both green and fried. Discuss.

Libertyville

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BEST

2011

recreation fitness

By Christy Coughlin

Best Dog Park

Prairie Wolf Dog Exercise Area

lcfpd.org/preserves Waukegan Rd., south of W. Old Mill Rd. Lake Forest For an active outing with your best friend, visit this 44-acre park with large fields, a swimming pond, trails, designated training areas and even a doggy drinking fountain. Daily or yearly permits required.

Best Wilderness Experience

Kettle Moraine State Park /Wisconsin dnr.wi.gov

This huge park stretches from southern Wisconsin up north of Sheboygan.

The area is filled with glacier-formed ponds and lakes called kettles. Try the closer Southern Unit and John Muir Woods, which can be reached from Chicago in about 90 minutes. Hike, bike, run and feel like you are really “out,” without having to travel very far.

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Best Bike/Run Route 

Des Plaines River Trail lcfpd.org/preserves

We love this well-maintained, crushed stone path that travels 31 miles from Lincolnshire to near the Wisconsin Border. The path winds its way along the river through deep woods, open prairies, and back and forth over the river. Plan your route starting from one of several Forest Preserve parking lots. Captain Daniel Wright Woods and Independence Grove are two lovely spots. You’ll find restrooms and drinking fountains along the route.

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reader’s choice: best workouts Best New Workout: The Bar Method 1779 First St., Highland Park, 847-432-9150, highlandpark.barmethod.com

This whole-body workout uses the dancer’s barre and a few props to give you an intense workout that involves aerobic, strength and flexibility training. Your thighs and abs will be shaking as you work like never before.

Best Place for Guys to Workout: Redefined Fitness 1211 Washington Ave., Wilmette, 847-256-8606, redefinedfitness.net

Owners Eric Smoot and Silviu Gansca, along with their team of trainers, work with serious marathoners, recreational athletes, those recovering from injury or guys that just want to get fit and strong.

Best Running Store: Runner’s Edge Chicago, Libertyville and Wilmette, the-runnersedge.com

Although it sounds like just a running store, all three locations have a great selection of swimming, triathlon, yoga and active wear. Knowledgeable staff will help you find a physical therapy tool or get you in the right shoe.

Best Hot Yoga: Forever Om 1407 Western Ave., Lake Forest, 847- 482-9642, foreveromyoga.com

They give the exact temperature range for their yoga classes—from 78 to 98 degrees. So, hot enough that you’re stretching those muscles, but not so hot that you’re passing out.

Best Intense Workout: Crossfit Chicago, Evanston and Wilmette; Various locations

Looking for the next challenge? Crossfit is the cult of the moment. Readers love all the nearby locations, and franchises are spreading—so one is probably coming to your neighborhood.

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BEST

2011

entertainment

By Lauren Heist, Erin Keane, Marjie Killeen, Liz Logan and Kerry Reid Best Sexy Cover Band 

Black Betty

Winnetka (where their bassist hails from, we’re proud to say!) blackbettychicago.com Most cover bands are just providing background music, so it’s a breath of fresh air to hear and watch the band Black Betty. With pitch-perfect vocals and the exuberant energy of professional rockers, the band declares itself the main event from the very first note of its pop covers. Frontwoman Molly “Sweaty Betty” Callinan, who performs in a revealing spandex and pleather body catsuit, brings all the glamour of Lady Gaga to a party. Just don’t get upset if everyone’s looking at them instead of you.

Photo: (Left to right) Sam “Sexy Sam” Varma (guitar/vocals), Dylan “Dirty Dylan” Jones (guitar/vocals), Molly “Sweaty Betty” Callinan (lead vocals), Jeff “El Jefe” Parker (bass/vocals), Dave “Discostick” Ambrose (drums)

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Best Bet to See the Next Big Thing

Northlight Theatre’s “Interplay”

9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, 847-673-6300, northlight.org Tony winners John Mahoney and Rondi Reed might have been the initial draw of Northlight’s heartbreaking and lovely family drama “The Outgoing Tide,” but the world premiere also showed off the theater’s growing knack for fostering new plays. “Interplay” offers staged readings on Monday evenings during the season, followed by a post-show discussion and reception. Other hits birthed from the series include Craig Wright’s “Lady” and Larry Gelbart’s last play, “Better Late,” along with plays that have gone on to full productions elsewhere.

best breakout solo artist

Patrick Stump, Glenview As the band Fall Out Boy rose out of the Chicago hardcore and punk scenes to success on a national scale, the spotlight landed on Patrick Stump’s soulful voice. This summer marked the release of Stump’s first solo album, “Soul Punk,” which Spin deemed one of the “24 summer albums that matter most.”

Why now? He says, “I felt that if I really wanted to do my fusion ‘80s/R&B/ political punk record, it would only work now.” Read the full interview at makeitbetter.net/patrick-stump

Patrick Stump

Best One-Stop Date Night

SPACE and Union Pizzeria

1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-492-8860, evanstonspace.com; 847-475-2400, unionevanston.com You don’t have to venture to the city for a hip night out. Just head to Evanston’s Union Pizzeria for the cult wood-fired pizzas and small plates, along with one of the best craft beer lists around. Then float out of your much-satiated body as you enjoy live music in the attached “Society for the Preservation of Art & Culture in Evanston” (better known as SPACE), a venue as intimate and civilized as your own living room. The entire night is easily achieved for under $150.

the north shore’s theater stars Best Chicago-to-Broadway Director

Anna Shapiro, Evanston

Shapiro was only the second American woman to win a Tony for play direction, for “August: Osage County.” She’s now in such high demand that she can pick her projects— like “The Mother with the Hat,” an addiction drama (and Chris Rock’s Broadway debut), which earned four Tony nominations this year, including Shapiro for Best Director of a Play. She’s also adopted two kids with her husband, actor Ian Barford.

Best Bet to Win the Next Regional Tony

Writers’ Theatre

376 Park Ave., Glencoe | 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org Writers’ Theatre, helmed by Michael Halberstam for 20 years, is well positioned to become the sixth Chicago-area company to bring home this coveted trinket. It’s been called the country’s best drama company by the Wall Street Journal, and Writers’ had a Big Apple triumph at Lincoln Center this year with “A Minister’s Wife,” their musical version of “Candide.”

Best Local Bookstore

The Book Stall

811 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-8880 | thebookstall.com February 2012 marks three decades that Roberta Rubin has owned and run the indie bookstore that’s widely 22

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Best Broadway star who hasn’t forgotten his roots

Arian Moayed, Glenview This year, 31-year-old actor and Iran native Arian Moayed found himself nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Drama, for the play “Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo,” which also starred Robin Williams—a far cry from performing in “Death of a Salesman” at Glenbrook South High.

In “Tiger,” he played an Iraqi translator, who in one scene kills a man and screams at him as he dies.

His next project is a movie he wrote about an Iranian boy growing up in Glenview.

regarded as an institution on the North Shore. Most of us have her to thank for those times when we’ve met our favorite authors and prominent people, such as Jimmy Carter, J.K. Rowling and Studs Terkel, to name a few.

She put Chicago on the map for

book publicity tours when she started out in the ‘80s. In spite of e-books and Amazon, the Book Stall just keeps chugging along, thanks to the ferocious communitybuilding of this endlessly energetic septuagenarian.

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kitchencentrale T he kitchen: heart and soul of the home where days are greeted, stories shared, deals brokered, fellowship fed and evenings put to rest. It is our transitional place, preparing us to meet the world each day and welcoming us home each evening. nuHaus proudly introduces Collection Centrale, a custom line of cabinetry and furniture pieces bridging traditional and modern design. Inspired by the word “central”, meaning both focal and essential as well as middle or between, Collection Centrale offers classic lines and refined details that easily blend into any environment.

We invite you to explore Collection Centrale at nuHaus’ award winning showroom, or click now to see our online look book u

Master Craftsmanship Long-practiced furniture construction methods and details are contemporized for today’s lifestyles.

artful details nuHaus’ custom hardware lines offer classic shapes and simple sweeping lines; available in any metal finish or wood species.

style diplomacy Collection Centrale is the ultimate style diplomat, peacefully negotiating its place in traditional or contemporary spaces with ease.

1665 old skokie road | highland park, il 60035 | nuhaus.com | 847.831.1330

BEST

2011

home

By Kristina Tober

best home decor Traditional

Transitional

Peachtree Place

Material Possessions

For 30 years, owner Lucy Callahan has mastered the business of making beautiful tables and homes. Her shop offers plenty of inventory (frames, artwork, lamps, garden stools, candles and more) to keep your home looking and smelling wonderful.

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954 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka 847-446-8840, materialpossessions.com Forget predictable and go for oneof-a-kind. This Hubbard Woods spot is edgy, urban and all about style for the home. Everything they sell is unique and artisanal in feel — from dinnerware to table linens, bath accessories and home décor. It’s a goldmine for the creatively minded.

Photo by erik davis

303 S. Happ Rd., Northfield, 847441-7585 , peachtreeplaceonline.com

best neighborhood hardware stores

Time to hammer it out. When the sandpaper hits the wood, truth is, we rely on both our neighborhood hardware man and big box retailer. Why? It’s more than just the nuts and bolts … some of us don’t want to read an instruction manual.

Lucky for us there are still some bang-up neighborhood hardware stores that prove earnest customer service and a familiar face (not to mention an eclectic inventory) is all any handyman needs.

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store

the nuts & bolts

the handyman says...

Lake Forest Hardware

More than just hardware, it’s a go-to spot for greeting cards, holiday decorations, and everything you need to win the Pinewood Derby.

“Need a new mailbox? They can order and install. Vacuum plug needs replacing? Done in a jiffy. Always willing and happy to tackle any project.”

Craftwood Lumber and Hardware

Not only do they stock a full lumberyard, but they’ll cut any piece to your dimensions. Full range of paint supplies, including Benjamin Moore paints.

“Anyone who lives nearby and shops at Home Depot instead of Craftwood should have their head examined. Really!”

Bess Hardware

Not only do they have the goods, but the expertise to back it up. There are also plenty of housewares, sporting goods and toys for the kids.

“I love this place. Just browse, you’ll find what you need and even stuff you didn’t know you needed. The staff is knowledgeable and want to help.”

Weiss Ace Hardware

Family business for over 50 years. Just named first Hardware All-Star in Illinois by Home Channel News citing service and values that stand the test of time.

“I could walk to another place in Glenview, but I’d rather drive to Weiss Ace Hardware, have a selection and actually talk to someone who knows and cares.”

825 S. Waukegan Rd. Lake Forest 847-615-8949

1590 Old Deerfield Rd. Highland Park 847-831-2800 craftwoodlumber.com

1875 Willow Rd. Northfield 847-446-8570 besshardware.doitbest. com

1560 Waukegan Rd. Glenview 847-724-3444 acehardware.com

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Make It Better

reader’s choice

Best Handyman 

Get Dwell

523 Green Bay Rd., Wilmette, 847-922-3418, getdwell.com

By an overwhelming vote, Get Dwell was our readers’ favorite for handyman services. Readers love that Daryl Rose and his team do so much more than just fix and repair. Courteous service and on-time appointments were mentioned again and again. Plus, Daryl’s always supporting the community.

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Best of Everything… The Home & Garden Stores We’d Be Lost Without Hands down, green thumb or not, these guys know their target market.

From plants (indoor and out) and home decor, to pet supplies and the best hostess gifts around, they’ve trumped even Target when it comes to going in for one thing and coming out with a cart-full. And the best part is, they open early, so you can start shopping as soon as your kids go to school. f o r c o o k c o u n t y…

Chalet

3132 Lake Ave., Wilmette, 847-256-0561, chaletnursery.com f o r l a k e c o u n t y…

Pasquesi Home & Garden

975 North Shore Drive, Lake Bluff, 847-615-2700 990 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington, 847-381-5511, pasquesi.com

BEST

2011

kids

By Beth Engelman

BEST MAGICIAN

Randy Bernstein magicbyrandy.com

Balloon animals, jokes and mesmerizing magical tricks make Randy Bernstein our top pick for making the birthday blahs disappear.

BEST STORY TELLER

Nili Yelin, “The Storybook Mom” thestorybookmom.com

Nili Yelin is a local treasure. Her storytelling style brings books alive as she combines her love of theatre, song, dance and words in locations throughout the North Shore and Chicago. Imagine opening a storybook and jumping inside. That’s what you get with The Storybook Mom.

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reader’s choice

Cool Threads: Who’s Putting the “Chic” in Chicago Area Kids’ Stores?

W INNER

Principessa Children’s Boutique 453 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park, 847-926-0500 principessaboutique.com

Fashionistas listen up! Principessa Children’s Boutique is making it easier than ever to be on the forefront of fashion without breaking the bank.

Started by Aimee Krupp, who yearned to dress her daughter in high-end clothes for a fraction of the price, Principessa Children’s Boutique is the place to go to buy and sell upscale outfits and accessories.

RUNNER - UP

Lollie Photo by Classic Kids Winnetka, dress and sweater from Lollie

1312 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 847-328-7303 Tired of the same old stuff in department stores?

Lollie is here to rescue you from the fashion blahs.

The store is known for its unique selection of clothes, toys and books, as well as its dedication to finding the highest quality goods made from natural and organic raw materials.

Runner- up

Penny’s from Heaven

215 E. Westminister Ave., Lake Forest, pennyslakeforest.com

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W INNER

KidSnips

655 Deerfield Rd., #112, Deerfield, 847-374-8000 3232 Lake Ave., Wilmette, 847-853-0099 100 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington kidsnips.com

best kids’ hair salon Shear genius!

Which kids’ hair salon is a cut above the rest?

Our readers love the family-friendly atmosphere and the stylists’ willingness to go that extra mile. And did we mention they are really good at cutting hair even when a toddler is throwing a tantrum?

Let’s just say a certain mom (who just might be writing this article) witnessed, first hand, the skill and ease in which the stylists cut, comb and coif hair on even the trickiest of toddlers.

RUNNER - UP

Pigtails & Crewcuts

Cozy couches and a train table please customers of all ages. Services include haircuts, French braids and kiddie manicures. The salon is a great place to host a party.

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Photo courtesy of KidSnips

660 Navy Blvd., Glenview, 847-486-0700 pigtailsandcrewcuts.com

boredom busters: best indoor play spaces Neither rain, nor snow, nor teacher in-service day will keep our kids from having fun, especially with these offerings at our fingertips. activity

place

day/time

cost

details

Parent-Tot Bowling

Pinstripes

Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – Noon

$5/child (not including shoes).

Free for parents.

Enjoy a round of bowling and order from a special parent-tot menu.

Open Play with Inflatables

Jump Zone

Hours vary daily.

$8/child (Mon-Thur.) $10 per child (Fri. & Sun.) Siblings under 2 free.

12 giant themed inflatables, self-contained toddler play area, free Wifi access and big screen TV for parents.

Open Gym

Dreams Gymnastics

Mon. 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.; Wed. 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.; Fri. 6 – 8:30 p.m.

(Open Play is Mid-Oct. – Mid-May ONLY) Mon – Thurs 9:30 – 11 a.m.; Wed 3:30 – 5 p.m.

$5 members Large tumbling areas, $6 guests foam pits, rope swings and more.

1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook, 847-4802323, and 100 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington, 847-844-9300, pinstripes.com 6374 W. Howard St., Niles, 847-213-9260, jumpzoneparty.com

3070 N. Lake Terrace, Glenview, 847-65738785, dreamsgym.com

Drop-by Together Time

The Family Room

Jammin’ Jungle Indoor Playground

Highland Park’s West Ridge Center

3009 Central St., Evanston, 847-328-PLAY famroom.org

Mon. and Wed. 3 – 5 p.m.; Tues. and Thurs.

636 Ridge Rd., Highland 9 – 11 a.m., 6 – 8 p.m.; Sat. Park, 847-831-3810 9 – 11 a.m. pdhp.org

$15/family $100 / 8 visit punchcard

Drop-in playtime for parents and children, birth to 4. Includes creative play toys, snacks, stories and songs. Early childhood specialists are on-hand.

Free

Indoor playground perfect for kids ages 2-6. Includes slides, bridges, seesaws and climbing equipment.

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Best Pet Photographer Photo courtesy sutton studios

David Sutton of Sutton Studios Evanston suttonstudios.com

pets

BEST

2011

By Elyse Russo

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Best Dog Treat Baker Who Also Gives Back

Tricia Hansen, “The Treat Diva” Gurnee, treatdiva.com

It’s one thing to bake delicious dog treats but Treat Diva Tricia Hansen also uses her home-based dog treat business to raise money for disabled animals. “I have four rescue dogs—three of them are disabled or have been abused,” Hansen says. She has received so much help for her dog Hope—who only has the ability to walk with her two front legs—that she wanted to give something back. top treats at 3 other bark-tastic bakeries Some serve up cat treats, too—meow!

Happy Husky Bakery

Evanston, happyhuskybakery.com Most popular dog treat: Crazy Twist (Chicken and Flaxseed) Most popular cat treat: Little Yummies (Salmon, Flaxseed and Yogurt)

Cody & Carl’s Blvd.

Barrington, codyandcarlsblvd.com Most popular dog “cookie:” Soft Bon Bons (Peanut Butter with Yogurt)

Follow Your Nose

Evanston, followyournosehere.com Most popular dog treat: Pupcakes (Sugar-free Cupcakes) Most popular cat treat: Salmon or Tuna Biscuits 38

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best overnight destination for pets

Kennelworth Kennels in Glenview (kennelworthkennels.com) vs. Village Dog in Wilmette (thevillagedog.net) Kennelworth Kennels Most affordable?

Kennelworth Boarding starts at $30 Boarding starts at $50 per night for one Kennels per night for one dog and $20 per night for dog. one cat.

Best Each dog is housed in a accommodations? private room equipped with an indoor and outdoor run.

All animals welcome?

Village dog

Village Dog Dogs live together in a home-like environment, and can lay, play and walk around where they’d like.

Up to 40 dogs can stay Only 15 to 20 canines Kennelworth Kennels at a time can stay here, and a few “cat here. condos” are on the premises.

Most access to Each dog has access outdoor playtime? to its own outdoor run whenever they choose, and DayCamp or Playtime costs extra.

Village Dog Doggy doors allow pooches easy access to the facility’s “backyard” whenever they wish.

Best extra perks?

Kennelworth - Only eco-friendly products are used to Kennels clean the facility.

- Owner Julie Thomas lives on the premises.

- Close to the Metra train.

- Pet supplies are sold on site.

- Co-owners Zack and Jane Karr live on the premises.

- Obedience training is offered for an extra fee.

And the winner is … Kennelworth Kennels! But we do love Village Dog for canines that get along well in packs.

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Photo courtesy sutton studios

Best Groomer with More than One Location

Best Emergency Vet— No Matter the Pet!

Kriser’s

Animal 911

Park Ridge, Wilmette and South Barrington, krisers.com

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Skokie, animal911.com

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