Best of SLO County 2013

2 7 T H

A N N U A L

R E A D E R S ’

1 P O L •L

Best

of

sLo 2012 2013

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS MATT FOUNTAIN, JERIME FORD, COLIN RIGLEY, AND NICHOLAS WALTER IN BEST OF SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY DIRECTED BY ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE E. MILLER SHOT ON LOCATION AT SAN LUIS OBISPO LIBRARY

2•

Best

of

sLo 2013

IIff you have to repeat the same day for the sa rest of your life, re then do it at the th Best of SLO’s #1 coffee house # 1 yea 10 years and counting...

1065 Higuera 783-1300

3590 Broad St. 439-1300

796 Foothill 541-9300

Coming Soon!

12300 Los Osos Valley Rd

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 3

5)"/, :06

"-- )"/% 8"4) t &913&44 %&5"*-*/( t '6-- 4&37*$& %&5"*-*/( t '-&&5 "$$06/54 t &913&44 8"9 5*3& %3&44*/( t 6/%&3#0%: 8"4) t 8)&&- 53&"5.&/54 t $"31&5 4)".100*/( t 61)0-45&3: 4)".100*/( t 07&3413": "/% 5"3 3&.07"- t -&"5)&3 53&"5.&/5 t 48*3- ."3,4 3&.07"- '-&&5 "$$06/54 t "-- )"/% 8"4) t &913&44 %&5"*-*/( t '6-- 4&37*$& %&5"*-*/( t &913&44 8"9 5*3& %3&44*/( t 6/%&3#0%: 8"4) t 8)&&- 53&"5.&/54 t $"31&5 4)".100*/( t 07&3413": "/% 5"3 3&.07"- t -&"5)&3 53&"5.&/5 t 48*3- ."3,4 3&.07"- t "-- )"/% 8"4) t &913&44 %&5"*-*/( t '6-- 4&37*$& %&5"*-*/( t '-&&5 "$$06/54 t &913&44 8"9 t 5*3& %3&44*/( 6/%&3#0%: 8"4) t 8)&&- 53&"5.&/54 t $"31&5 4)".100*/( t 61)0-45&3: 4)".100*/( 07&3413": "/% 5"3 3&.07"- t -&"5)&3 53&"5.&/5 t 48*3- ."3,4 3&.07"- t '-&&5 "$$06/54 …WE … CAN CLEAN IT! IF YOUR CAR NEEDS IT…

FIVE YEARS IN A ROW!

GPS WPUJOH VT 4BO -VJT 0CJTQP $PVOUZ T # $BS 8BTIFT

GET2FREE

$253,473.11

WASHES RAISED 8)&/ :06 #6: " #00, 0' $0610/4

4*/$& #: -0$"- 03("/*;"5*0/4

%63*/( 063

Father’s Day Sale starting soon!

.": +6/& -"45 41&$*"- 13*$*/( 6/5*- /07&.#&3

5)306() 4"563%": '6/ 3"*4&34

FUN-Raisers going on now.

Sign your group up!

HOT

SPOT

888 46/4&5/035)$"38"4) $0.

0'' 00

0SJHJOBM )BOE 8BTI

PS BOZ TFSWJDF BOE VQ

Regular Price $14.95 & Up. All SUV’s, Trucks, Jeeps, Vans, Station Wagons & Limos extra. Vehicle must fit through tunnel. Coupon valid at all locations locations.Not valid with any other offers. ffers. ff ers. Good 7 days a week. Expires 12/31/13. "55/ $"4)*&3 0''0)8/5

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1993.

-JLF 6T PO 'BDFCPPL

'063 -0$"5*0/4 */ 4-0 $06/5: "330:0 (3"/%&

& (SBOE "WF BU &MN 489-8455

4"/ -6*4 0#*410

#SPBE 4U BU 4PVUI 543-2110

4"/ -6*4 0#*410 .BSTI 4U BU 0TPT 543-6943

1"40 30#-&4

UI 4U BU 4QSJOH 238-7099

0'' 00 5

&YQSFTT )BOE 8BY

PS BOZ TFSWJDF BOE VQ

Regular Price $39.95 & Up. All SUV’s, Trucks, Jeeps, Vans, Station Wagons & Limos extra. Vehicle must fit through tunnel. Coupon valid at all locations.Not valid with any other offers. Good 7 days a week. Expires 12/31/13. "55/ $"4)*&3 0''&YQ)8/5

-JLF DPVQPOT 4JHO VQ UP HFU UIFN EFMJWFSFE UP ZPVS JOCPY BU XXX TVOTFUOPSUIDBSXBTI DPN

4•

Best

of

sLo 2013

What About a Headline?

T

you on an Arts Scene tour of the county’s artistic offerings, but expect here’s a fine line between being a fan and ending up on the wrong side of a restraining order—especially when the a bumpy ride riddled with mysterious guests from past, present, object of your adoration is one of the planet’s great and future [35]. Do some shopping at your favorite local comedic geniuses, a muse to some of the country’s best book, music, or flower store in Burnin’ Money. Just make and most oddball directors, living proof that comebacks sure Audrey II isn’t lurking in the shadows [42]. Pay a visit can happen at any age, and purveyor of the best deadpan About Town to your favorite local professionals, from The county’s best organizaexpression any side of the Mississippi. But why do lawyers to dentists to veterinarians to gopher-removal tions, businesses, and people we love the things and people we love? What makes hacks. Maybe we made that last category up, but nothing post high scores in New Times’ an actor, or coffee shop, or doctor, or salad, the very, says professional quite like a man on a golf course with Bill Murray-themed Best Of. very best? With Bill Murray as our muse, we sought dynamite [53]. Our Get Out section proves you don’t Intern Jono Kinkade stars the answers to these difficult questions. So to celebrate have to join the army to have an adventure [60]. And as Ernie McCracken. this Murray Best Of, take a page from Phil Connors, throw keep an eye, and man-portable particle accelerator, on the caution to the wind, and stuff your face with the finest fare local county’s heroes and villains in Community Watch [66]. diners, burger joints, and restaurants have to offer in Dining Out. So thanks to Bill Murray. And thanks to the readers, voters, After all, who knows what tomorrow will bring [6]? Make it Suntory time ballot counters, photographer, writers, editors, designers, sales reps, with an After Hours visit to your favorite café or models, and—of course—business owners, community volunteers, and bar, where adventure—and a strong likelihood of other locals who made this happen. miscommunication on par with a visit to a foreign Ashley Schwellenbach country—abound [25]. Let Frank Cross take managing editor

STRIKE

Publishers

Bob Rucker Alex Zuniga editors

Ryan Miller Ashley Schwellenbach Gateway/theme director

Ashley Schwellenbach

assistant art director

Heather Walter editorial desiGner

desiGners

Jenny Gosnell Dora Mountain Brendan Rowe Proofreader

Jenny Gosnell

Kathy Johnston

PhotoGraPher

contributors

Steve E. Miller

Matt Fountain Lareina Gamboa Patrick Klemz Jono Kinkade

1010 Marsh St., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 • (805) 546-8208

Ryan Miller Nick Powell Michael Satchell Ashley Schwellenbach Glen Starkey Spencer Vaishville Anna Weltner

Rhonda O’Dell Rene Rodriguez Tracey Joyner Scuri Georgia Shore

sales

Tadhg Morrison

Neila Denneen Nicole Dewey Colleen Garcia Katy Gray Leslie Neighbors

ballot coordinator

New Times © 2013

PHOTO BY STEVE. MILLER

Best

BEST IN SLO 2013

of

sLo 2013

• 5

6•

Best

of

sLo 2013

Dining Out Colin rigley

as

B

i l l

M

u r r a y

eat like there’s no toMorrow.

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP presents COlIN RIGlEy As phil Connors in DINING OUT DireCteD BY AShlEy SChWEllENbACh photoGrAphY BY STEVE E. MIllER shot on loCAtion At lOUISA’S

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 7

8•

Best

of

sLo 2013

BEST NORTH COUNTY RESTAURANT

The Range 2 2317 E l C a m i n o R E a l , S a nta m a Rg a R ita

“asparagus is perfect, just don’t mess with it too much.” that pretty much sums up Jeff Jackson’s culinary philosophy. the owner and chef at the Range—a low-key, no-reservations, no-credit-cards restaurant in Santa margarita— said the only thing that’s changed at the eatery recently is moving from being open five days a week to seven days a week. the goodies-laden goat cheese appetizer known as “dragon’s breath” continues to be a popular seller, as does the man Salad, served as a wedge. “if you want lamb, there’s lamb,” Jackson said. “and if you want steak, there’s steak.” that includes elk, by the way. it’s simple, really. “Everybody has their own style, and ours is just honest,” Jackson said.

“We try to be honest and old fashioned, and that seems to be working really well. Just pure and honest.” —Ryan Miller

mischief. a mural on the outside wall invites patrons to “come in and monkey around,” which regular diners do with gusto. meat lovers pack the place every night of the week, so newcomers should expect to wait a while. Don’t worry, though. there’s plenty of space in the dark barroom, reminiscent of an old speakeasy, and when your whistle’s good and wet, the staff will seat you to a feast of deliciously smoked, well-seasoned meat cooked to your pleasure. also, every meal comes with salad, sides, and dessert—enough to ensure that every diner leaves stuffed and happy.

—Nick Powell

runner-up: ROOSTER CREEk TAvERN

BEST SOUTH COAST RESTAURANT

ventana Grill 2575 pR iC E S t., p i S m o B E aC H

runner up: IAN MCPHEE’S GRIll

BEST SOUTH COUNTY RESTAURANT

Jocko’s Steak House 125 n o RtH tH o m p So n av E ., n i p o m o

With a rich family legacy of hard work, dedication to quality, and a little bit of bootlegging, Jocko’s Steak House is pure old-fashioned goodness, served with just a hint of

look, one could go on and on about ventana grill’s stunning views or Executive Chef Ricardo ortega’s creative menu full of gourmet, latin-inspired dishes, but why bother? the food really speaks for itself. Just look at the description of their local white sea bass: pumpkin seed crusted, pipian verde, seared spinach, tequila soaked apricots, and spiced pepitas. i have no idea what pepitas are or what “pipian” means, but i want to taste that sea bass so bad. a similar dedication to detail and flavor is apparent in every plate ventana serves, making it a must for any trip to the Central Coast.

—Nick

runner-up: GIUSEPPE’S CUCINA ITAlIANA

BEST NORTH COAST RESTAURANT

Robin’s Restaurant 4 0 95 B u Rto n DR ., C a m B R i a

“Robin’s purpose is to serve tasty fresh global cuisine with generous hospitality,” owner Shanny Covery said.

“We have not strayed from this purpose from day one.”

Fill your culinary journey with ahi tuna poke or chili verde pork sopes. Spin the compass to settle on something different: asparagus salad, grilled sea bass, or moroccan duck. also, watch for prix fixe dinners—from vegetarian to malaysian—that come to the cozy space filled with twining metal and vines.

—Ryan

runner up: T A C O T E M P l E

BEST SAN lUIS OBISPO RESTAURANT

Novo 7 26 H ig u E R a S t., Sa n lu i S o B i S p o

For a truly magical dining experience, there’s nothing like novo Restaurant and lounge with its intimate interior, charming creekside patio dining, and superior customer service. and the food? to die for! global cuisines merge in inventive ways, created under the philosophy that fresh and local is better. that’s why their chefs scour local farmers markets to find delicious foods grown right here in the Central Coast’s mediterranean climate. Executive Chef mike Duffy has been dishing out food that’s simple, approachable, and mouthwatering since

DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

THANKS SLO COUNTY for voting us #1 again!!

#1 Best Sports Bar · #1 Best Salad 6 years in a row #1 Best Meal for the Money 6 years in a row

1001 Higuera St. SLO

783-1001

Carnivore Fare

Best Burger 14 times Best Tri-Tip 13 times

10

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 9

10 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

DI N I NG OUT

from

8

2005, and owner Robin Covey, who opened Robin’s in Cambria in 1985 and also owns the excellent Luna Red, clearly knows how to give gourmands what they want!

—Glen Starkey

RUNNER-UP: CIOPINOT SEAFOOD GRILLE

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

QUICK CONVERTS Phil Connors might not enjoy being the new guy in town in Groundhog Day, but Old San Luis BBQ has quickly attracted a fan base as the Best New Restaurant of 2012.

BEST RESTAURANT, PERIOD

Novo 7 26 H IG U E R A S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

If New Times readers were caught in a time loop, Groundhog Day-style, you bet they’d be eating at Novo every damn day. Maybe a grilled salmon salad one day, with that delicious bleu cheese, those caramelized pecans, and raspberry vinaigrette. Maybe the Moroccan fried chicken another day, with that quinoa pilaf, date-almond chutney, feta cheese, and spiced yogurt. Do the contents of your wallet get replenished in a time loop situation? Well, then. Drinks all around.

I’ll have sweet vermouth on the rocks with a twist. Wait, that’s your favorite? Mine too! It always makes me think of Rome, the way the sun hits the buildings in the afternoon … sigh. What shall we drink to? Personally, I always like to say a prayer and drink to world peace.

—Anna Weltner

RUNNER-UP: CIOPINOT SEAFOOD GRILLE

BEST NEW RESTAURANT OF 2012

Old San Luis BBQ Company

670 H I G U E R A S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

The high stakes game of nuclear engineering simply wasn’t thrilling enough for Matt Pearce, so he and his wife, Danae, advanced to an endeavor with higher stakes: steak. They opened a catering business three years ago, dedicated to the craft of Santa

Maria-style barbecue, and though Matt continued his day job at Diablo Canyon, the venture was successful enough to prompt the pair into opening a storefront in June 2012. Their grub is simple, affordable, and delicious—a big hit with downtown business folk who stop by almost daily and are on a first-name basis with the sauce-slingers. “We’re just trying to do something really authentic and true to the area,” Matt said.

—Nick

RUNNER-UP: ROOSTER CREEK TAVERN DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

11

Thanks!

for making Boo Boos part of your musical community since 1974

Join Us for the International Celebration of Independent Record Stores on April 20th

*In-store performances by: King Walrus & the Magicians Ryan Delmore /// Dead Volts Swinging Doors History Of Painters Proxima Perada Scout’s Honor 620 Collective /// Chris Beland

*100s of limited-run special releases *free silk-screening

DON’T MISS OUT!

Best

DI N I NG OUT

from

10

BEST KID FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

Klondike Pizza 10 4 B R I DG E S T., A R ROYO G R A N D E

It’s hard to say whether the rumors about Bill Murray giving strangers noogies on the subway or crashing parties just to do dishes are myth or legend, and the same could be said of Klondike’s origin story. Did the founders meet and fall in love while gambling and recovering from a Chihuahua-related injury in Alaska? Or were they world-class ice dancers? Does it matter? Somehow they decided to move to Arroyo Grande and open a pizza joint where fun is the only rule, and patrons can push the limits of all-you-can-eat every Tuesday, with imaginative toppings and sauce combos that can’t be found anywhere else.

—Nick

RUNNER-UP: SYLVESTER’S BURGERS

BEST BREAKFAST

Louisa’s Place 96 4 H IG U E R A S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

Let’s see, is this the ninth time Louisa’s Place has won Best Breakfast? Yep, sure is! It’s hard to beat their delicious and extensive menu, not to mention their fair prices and terrific service.

They serve up a mean country fried steak, and their omelets are amazing, like the Italiano: Italian sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, jack cheese, and marinara sauce, topped with parmesan cheese. Mmm. You want healthy? Grab a hearty bowl of oatmeal or a side of fresh fruit. Louisa’s Place, a locally owned

restaurant since 1976, has something for every taste, and don’t forget they serve lunch too! What are you waiting for? —Glen

RUNNER-UP: BIG SKY CAFÉ

BEST VEGETARIAN FARE

Big Sky Café 1121 B ROA D S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

It’s not always easy being a vegetarian in a county where tritip is more of a religion than an entrée and bacon has found its way into alcoholic beverages. But there is one safe haven for the animal lovers amongst us, a restaurant where a salad is far more elaborate than a few wilted pieces of romaine—instead, think Tuscan kale, shredded pine nuts, peppered pecans, and crispy capers. A place where vegetable stir-fries abound, roasted eggplant and three-cheese lasagna are a match made in culinary heaven, and the vegetables they use to create their vegetarian masterpieces are locally sourced. Big Sky Café is a well-earned treat for the socially conscious.

—Ashley Schwellenbach

RUNNER-UP: THE NATURAL CAFÉ

BEST SEAFOOD

Ciopinot Seafood Grille 10 51 N I P O M O S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

How did Ciopinot get its name? By discovering that cioppino (an Italian-American fish stew that originated in San Francisco) paired beautifully with red pinot noir (a black

Thank You for voting us

#1

in San Luis Obispo County

of

sLo 2013

wine grape variety), and that white pinot paired perfectly with oysters! Ciopinot comes from a second-generation restaurant family—proprietor Leonard Cohen’s father Barry founded Olde Port Inn at the end of Port San Luis pier in Avila Beach in 1970. It was there that Leonard learned the business, working his way up from dishwasher to manager.

In 2008, Leonard took his vision to San Luis Obispo, and Ciopinot has been racking up awards ever since. Here you’ll find the freshest fish, the best wine selection, and the Cohen family commitment to excellent service.

—Glen

RUNNER-UP: STEAMERS OF PISMO

BEST MEXICAN FOOD

Qué Pasa Mexican Café

10 0 9 M O NTE R E Y S T., SA N LU I S O B I S P O 6917 E L C A M I N O R E A L , ATA SC A D E RO

It’s rare to find a new restaurant so quickly establishing itself as the best, but in many ways, Qué Pasa Mexican Café isn’t new. The first of its five locations opened in Bakersfield in 1999, offering home-style Mexican cooking with an inventive flair. They hand-make their tortillas daily and offer such classic fare as homemade guacamole, ceviche, tacos, enchiladas de mole, and more. They also have a grande selection of tequilas and make terrific handshaken margaritas with their own exclusive margarita mix.

Viva Qué Pasa!

—Glen

RUNNER-UP: PEPE DELGADO’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING US ON TOP AGAIN!

BLAIR PROPERTIES VOTED BEST REAL ESTATE OFFICE! Blair Properties has been serving the Central Coast for more than 30 years!

We have buyers.. SELLERS WANTED! Arroyo Grande Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor 114 W. Branch St., in the Village of Arroyo Grande (805) 474-4068 168 W. Clark Ave, Old Orcutt • 805-614-7644 Come see us at our Orcutt location!

Hours: Mon-Thur: 6am to 9pm • Friday: 6am-10pm • Sat: 7am-10pm • Sun: 9am-9pm

• 11

www.BlairProperties.net 1750 El Camino Real, Grover Beach Bruce Blair 805.441.1374, Scott & Sandy Nichols 805.235.4660 or Jennifer Mandulay 805.801.2508

CALL TODAY Our Award Winning Agents will get you SOLD!

12

12 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

THE SCIENCE OF SWEET DI N I NG OUT

from

11

BEST CHINESE FOOD

Mandarin Gourmet 1316 M A DO N N A ROA D, S A N LU I S O B I S P O

Dr. Peter Venkman and friends fueled their ghostbusting forays with cheap Chinese take-out, but San Luis Obispo does it better. We’ve got Mandarin Gourmet, and the name fits like specters in an ecto-containment unit. Medleys of meat and vegetables are served swimming in exotic sauces, some spicy, some sweet and sour, and their Pho noodle soup stands as one of the best hearty meals the city has to offer. Leave the take-out to busy Ghostbusters and get the real deal at Mandarin.

—Nick

RUNNER-UP: MEI’S CHINESE RESTAURANT

BEST JAPANESE FOOD

Yanagi Sushi and Grill PI S M O B E AC H • SA N LU I S O B I S P O • PA SO RO B LE S

Here’s one word that will never be lost in translation: sushi. The epicurean centerpiece of Japanese food in America is the staple of Yanagi’s colorful and expansive menu. Choosing where to dine in a town dotted with Japanese restaurants can be tough, but Yanagi has long stood out with the help of its approachability and a net-

If tomorrow somehow turns out to be today, readers will want to make sure to get to Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in Arroyo Grande, ensuring that both today today and tomorrow today are as delicious as possible.

work of locations spanning the Central Coast.

Be it the friendly staff, upbeat music, or creative rolls, the restaurant’s atmosphere thrives in the space between traditional and modern. They even have a happy hour with specials after 8:30 pm.

For owner Hanna Kim, it’s the carefully orchestrated menu—described as authentic Japanese plus a few creative special house creations—that holds the stock behind the reputation. If you still squirm over raw seafood, there are plenty of alternatives, like steaks and Korean stone bowl dishes. But really, how can you not be intrigued by a “Tiger Eyes Roll,” “Sexy Roll,” or a “Hot Night Roll?” After all, you gotta start somewhere.

—Jono Kinkade

RUNNER-UP: GOSHI

BEST THAI FOOD

Thai Palace

1015 CO U RT S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

I don’t think Bill Murray was ever seen eating Thai food in any of his flicks. Not that I recall, anyway. But really, can’t you just imagine Frank Cross in his 50th floor corner office scarfing pad Thai noodles and guzzling Singha? This is the kind of thing I think about. And I also think Thai Palace’s intimate atmosphere is just the kind of place Murray sightings are made of. The art, fountains, bar, and more were shipped straight from Thailand to San Luis Obispo, so it’s legit. But of course, there’s the food. The noodles are filling, the seafood fresh, the

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

curry steaming, and there’s a full bar. Try the jumbo prawns. Zissou would.

—Matt Fountain

RUNNER-UP: NOI’S LITTLE THAI TAKEOUT

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana 8 91 PR IC E S T., PI S M O B E AC H

Just like a good Italian meal is based on the quality of its ingredients, a good Italian restaurant is based on the quality of its components. Take the bread, for instance. It kicks off a fine dining experience, and at Giuseppe’s Cucina Italiana, the flaky, fluffy, rustic stuff comes out of a woodburning oven imported from the homeland. Of course, a firm foundation can support new ideas, so you’ll find lamb “lolli pops”—chops with dipping sauces—and a “Cow-ABoy” steak on the menu along with jumbo gulf prawns in spicy tomato sauce and mushrooms stuffed with cheese and herbs. You’ve got your capellinis and risottos, your gnocchis and raviolis. And, yes, osso bucco, scaloppine, and pollo done various ways. You’ll get full just looking at the menu.

Be sure to check out a sister restaurant, Palazzo Giuseppe, in San Luis Obispo.

—Ryan

RUNNER UP: ROSA’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

14

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 13

Around Downtown...

Best Community Event: Thursday Night Promotions Farmers’ Market

Best Community Event: Concerts in the Plaza

Thank You SLO!

14 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

DI n I nG OuT

from

12

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

Jaffa Café

13 0 8 M o nte r e y S t., S a n Lu i S o b i S p o 20 6 e . b r a n c h , a r royo G r a n d e 134 4 pa r k S t., pa So ro b Le S

First-time visitors to any of Jaffa’s three locations get free baklava. that’s at each location. ali Saleh, owner and operator of Jaffa café in arroyo Grande, said guests will say, “no, no, no, i’ve eaten in San Luis before,” but if they’re new to the a.G. branch? boom. delicious, sticky, flaky, syrupysweet baklava, on the house. diners hungry for more most often turn to gyros, sinking their teeth into the savory blend of beef and lamb in a wrap. there’s also chicken shawarma, falafel, steaming soup (Saleh, whose brother owns and runs the 10-year-old SLo location, makes a simple but popular red lentil variety), salads, and more. a franchise location opened in paso a few months back, so north county can get in on the good stuff now. plus, Jaffa caters.

—Ryan

runner up: PETRA

BEST PIZZA

Woodstock’s 10 0 0 h iG u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S o b i S p o

they’ve got a wall’s worth of awards from this annual poll. they’ve got the pizza—of course—and the beer. the tVs. the games. the trivia nights that attract the smart and the crazy. and they’ve got the Firebird. Woodstock’s

slice deal (two generous wedges will set you back just $5.01) puts something different, hot, and special into SLo’s hands each day, and while the standard pepperoni is great, and the variety of Mediterranean masterpieces and garlic wonders keeps diners happy, the eye-wateringly, tonguenumbingly delicious Firebird is guaranteed to get me salivating when it makes its way into the special window. they mix the marinara with hot sauce, then sprinkle spicy chicken, jalapeños, and onions over extra cheese. ouch. it hurts so good.

—Ryan

runner up: KlONDIKE PIZZA

BEST CARNIVORE FARE

Jocko’s Steak House 125 n o rth th o M p So n aV e ., n i p o M o

the buffalo no longer roam these parts, but if they did, you’d best believe you’d be able to consume their bloody carcass with a side of chili and coleslaw at Jocko’s Steak house, the county’s best meat house. this is a new category this year, so in the name of the occasion, i decided to get off my tootsie and check it out. bing! the place was popping that Wednesday night, but that was all right. We took to the bar and made some new friends with the friendly staff while we waited. after we were seated, we had our food in no time. i only learned after the fact that why my rib eye tasted so good. they barbecue their steak in a huge oak pit, and i’m not sure if it’s a combination of that and the seasoning, but sweet hunter S. thompson’s ghost! if you need more buttering up, read the best Steak and best South county restaurant categories.

—Matt

runner-up: FIRESTONE GRIll

BEST STEAK

Jocko’s Steak House 125 n o rth th o M p So n aV e ., n i p o M o

Located in the old town of nipomo, resting at the northern tip of the Santa Maria Valley, the family-owned restaurant hails from the birthplace of tri-tip and the popular Santa Maria-style barbecue—an honored tradition combining lip-licking seasoning and slow-burning oak wood. that’s where Jocko’s comes from, and when you’ve got something that good, why change a thing? For those curious carnivores and foodies alike, the restaurant dry ages the meat in house for 30 days and they hold down the old-school tradition that was basically the original new wave of california cuisine, which involved nothing fancy, just good cooking. on the side comes salsa, salad, bread, and pinquito beans, a traditional accompaniment that’s been a staple to the area ever since being introduced by settlers. popular cuts of beef include the marbled, flavorful Spencer (rib eye), and the more delicate, tender filet mignon.

—Jono

runner-up: F. MCClINTOCK’S

BEST BURGER

Eureka!

1141 c h o r ro S t., Sa n Lu i S o b i S p o

eureka! opened its doors in 2011 and has won a best of category every year since. it’s not hard to see why. instead

DINING OUT

r o F u o Y k n Tha n I t s e B e h Voting Us T County!!!

conti n u ed on

Best Salsa

o p s i b O s i u L n a S St. 281 Santa Rosa Ste. 100 3230 Broad St. o, CA. San Luis Obisp

543-2810

17

o, CA. San Luis Obisp

784-0502

5 OTHER LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Taco Roco Solvang 614 Alamo Pintado Rd. Solvang, Ca 93463

Taco Roco Express 2021 S. Broadway Santa Maria, Ca 93454

Taco Roco Central 129 W. Central Street Lompoc, Ca 93436

Taco Roco Lompoc 1140 North H Steet Lompoc, Ca 93436

Taco Roco Buellton 245 Avenue of Flags Buellton, Ca 93427

686-1901

739-8887

737-0255

737-3830

693-0939

Best

of

sLo 2013

7 YEARS IN SLO!

Thank you for voting us one your favorites!

Visit our spa & beauty bar for lash, brow, facial & massage services.

1530 Monterey Street in Uptown San Luis Obispo

And...you are invited to our ribbon cutting party on Friday, May 24th to help us celebrate!!!

Thank you for voting us “Best Butcher.”

www.savviskinstudio.com | 805.544.0142

Thank You Cal Poly for voting us #1

Family run AG Meat Co. is a REAL Butcher Shop that does it all! Everything from a steak to sausages to homemade jerky... and so much more!

We carry only the finest meats, the top 8% of USDA Choice Black Angus as well as Hearst Ranch local grass fed meat.

Stop by and let us cut the best steak you’ve ever had, just the way you want it!

Josh, Henry, Mike & Alfredo

www.agmeatcompany.com 120 East Branch St · Arroyo Grande · 489-2693 Mon. 9:30-5:00 Tues.-Sat. 9:30-6:00

In the Village. 101 S. Exit Grand Ave, Turn Left. We’re on the right side 261 Madonna Road • San Luis Obispo • 544-GEMS (4367)

• 15

16 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

thank you

THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR BILL’S PLACE! Runner Up Best South County Bar

YEARS

VOTed best of

SLO COUNTY Dear Readers, Kevin Main Jewelry wouldnt be what it is today without the love and support that comes from people like you. We’ve come a long way in 10 \HDUV UHWURĂ&#x;WLQJ RXU VKRZURRP EULQJLQJ RQ new designers, growing our custom & repair shop. And now we couldn’t be more excited to launch the Kevin Main Jewerly Online Store.

Thank you for choosing us 10 years and running!

Sincerely,

Shop Online

Bill’s Place 112 E. Branch St. Arroyo Grande Village

805-489-9989

VOTED ONE OF THE BEST FOR 19 YEARS IN A ROW–

THANK YOU SLO!

kevinmainjewelry.com

han r u g y r n e william h reed d d o T s u alex Sepk

805.547.0662 720 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

O P E N DA I LY F O R B R E A K FA S T, LU N C H & D I N N E R

1121 B R OA D S T R E E T | D OW N TOW N S LO (805) 545-5401 | www.bigskycafe.com

Best

Di n i nG Out

from

14

of serving simple stacks of beef, cheese, and produce, these burger wizards conjure edible works of art with unique ingredients (think fig marmalade and goat cheese), and everything is 100 percent made-in-America, including their craft whiskeys and beers that go great with a juicy burger. General Manager Trevor Tyler said they try to use local ingredients wherever possible and credited his hard-working staff for the restaurant’s success.

—Nick

runner-up: SylveSter’S BurgerS

BeSt SAlAD

Firestone grill 10 01 H iG u e r A S T., S A n Lu i S O b i S p O

For a place known for its tri-tip and fries, Firestone serves up some pretty mean salads. Maybe because the meatiest of the menu items tends to sneak in among the greens. Find juicy steak scattered generously among the lettuce, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes of the huge Cobb that comes in a metal bowl. Oh, and don’t forget the bleu cheese and bacon on there, either. if you want to keep your meat where it belongs—sauced and served on a French roll—opt for the Firestone salad, which bears all the same leafy greens and such, but substitutes feta for bleu cheese and puts pine nuts in place of the other proteins. Get your Caesar salad with or without chicken, find crunchy rice noodles and tangy mandarin slices on the Asian chicken offering, or put salad in its place and keep it on the side while you chow down on some serious barbecue.

—Ryan

runner up: Chop Street

BeSt tACo

taco temple 26 8 0 M A i n S T., M O r rO b Ay

When hungry diners want to worship at the altar of tacos, there’s no better place than Taco Temple. The tortillas are homemade and freshly baked, big enough to fill with heaps of tender meat and crisp produce to create tacos the size of dinner plates. With the pacific Ocean just across the highway, owner Adam pollard has a direct connection to the freshest seafood around, and the fact that he’s a good friend with several commercial fishermen helps ensure that his blackened salmon, halibut, scallop, and shrimp tacos are the highest quality possible. “We’re really, really, really picky about what goes into our stuff,” pollard said, adding that his wife and several family members work the kitchen and wait tables as a labor of love.

—Nick

runner-up (tie): Chino’S roCk AnD tACoS runner-up (tie): tACoS De ACApulCo

BeSt Burrito

Chipotle

8 53 S . H i G u e r A , S A n Lu i S O b i S p O 297 M A dO n n A rOA d, S A n Lu i S O b i S p O

if you’re not into getting your burrito fix from a hole-inthe-wall place, you’re probably one of the SLO County locals who voted for the flour tortillas, cilantro-lime rice, and various meats—braised carnitas! barbacoa! adobo marinat-

Le CrémeJewelry

of

sLo 2013

• 17

ed steak and chicken!—of Chipotle. This spicy chain works to source meat from naturally raised animals on family farms, maintains a commitment to employee advancement (plus continuing english language education to employees who want it), and boasts a focus on finding local (within 350 miles) and organic produce. you can get any of that good stuff in a salad or bowl—but with burritos like this, why would you?

—Ryan

runner up: tACoS De ACApulCo

BeSt ChoWDer

Splash Café

197 p O M e rOy Av e ., pi S M O b e AC H 1491 M O nTe r e y S T., SA n Lu i S O b i S p O

A hit with local beach bums and tourists alike, Splash Café captures the essence of pismo beach—even at its SLO location. The chowder is creamy, the bread bowls are perfectly rippable for sopping up every last drop, and the pacific vibe is in the smell of bubbling and frying seafood, in the salt on fellow diners’ skin as they chow down to recharge after a day in the waves, and in the whimsical depictions of clams enjoying the Central Coast—including nude sunbathing at pirate’s Cove—painted on the walls. if brian Wilson had turned to cooking instead of crafting his iconic harmonies, his food probably would have tasted like this. you can find several clam chowder recipes at splashcafe.com, but you’re not going to be able to replicate the Splash taste—or experience—at home.

—Ryan

runner up: olDe port inn DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

PLATEROTI CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

19

TM

is all she wants for Mother’s Day!

G FREE PARKIN TM

PLATEROTI CENTER I N T E G R A T I V E

M E D I C I N E

YOUR PATH TO WELLNESS BEGINS HERE.

EXPAND YOUR HEALTH STANDARDS Dreaming about a life filled with energy, travel, hobbies, or spending more quality time with family and friends?

Do you fear that your dreams will be disrupted by health problems? Prevention is the key to making your dreams come true.

Le Créme Jewelry is one of SLO’s favorite shops for affordable, unique and custom made jewelry. Kelly Maddalena, owner of this popular boutique has filled her store with one of a kind designs, bridal jewelry, veils, clothing, handbags and scarves. Stop by today and see why everyone keeps talking about Le Créme! also visit us at www.lecremejewelry.com

805.541.2736 464 Marsh Street Ste. A, SLO

We offer solutions and prevention, with over 25 years of medical experience we can keep you on the road to your optimal health.

SPECIALIZING IN:

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THE PLATEROTI CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AS PART OF YOUR HEALTHCARE TEAM FOR 20 YEARS!

Andropause Bioidentical Hormones Breast Health/Thermography Detoxification IV Nutrition Therapy Medical Weightloss Nutrition

CALL 805.462.2262 or visit plateroticenter.com 6895 Morro Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

New Location Opening Soon In San Luis Obispo, CA

18 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Linnaea's Café

Th vot ank ing s f for or us!

1110 Garden Street San Luis Obispo (805) 541-5888 www.linnaeas.com

thank you for voting for us!

#1 Best Thai Restaurant

Thank you SLO County!

We appreciate the votes and the support over the years!

1015 Court St. SLO · 594-1744

... s r e m o st u c ur batch lovesaos they love us! as much 1108 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805-458-8159 www.sweetbatch.net

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 19

phOTO bY STeve e. miLLeR

DI n I nG OuT

from

17

BEST SALSA

Taco Roco Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O pa SO RO b Le S

LoST IN SUSHI

“exhibition.” This isn’t just a casual late-Sunday-morning plate of eggs with a mimosa.

This is a serious spread. The show-stoppers are the omelet station, the waffle station, and the chef’s carvery—the latter of which dishes out prime rib with roasted shallots and horseradish cream—but you can get just about anything that falls under the generous breakfast-lunch marriage: eggs benedict, bagels and salmon, sausage, bacon, shrimp and chicken fajitas, sushi with wasabi, fresh fruit, Greek salad, and more. From 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can enjoy it all—and finish off with a raspberry Grand marnier petite cheesecake. now how can we convince marisol to branch into linner territory?

—Ryan

bob harris’ trip to Japan might not have gone as expected, but a trip to Yanagi Sushi and Grill, voted best Japanese Food in San Luis Obispo County, affords a stressfree opportunity to sample the country’s cuisine.

You don’t just drink salsa, right? i mean, no matter how spicy, nuanced, and delicious it is, nobody’s ordering it by the glass and making sure to get a straw to suck it down. Right? So while Taco Roco’s house salsa gets accolades from SLO County voters—who, i’m sure, love it for its own merits and make as many return trips to the fresh salsa bar as necessary each visit—the red (or green, depending on your preference) concoction pairs perfectly with chips. better yet, pour it generously over some carnitas or al pastor tacos. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top and … mmm … boy … is it Taco Tuesday yet?

—Ryan

runner up: TAco TEmpLE

BEST BRUNcH

runner up: Novo

BEST IcE cREAm/ YoGURT

marisol at the cliffs

Doc Burnstein’s

2757 S h e LL b e aC h ROa d, p i S m O b e aC h

if Willy Wonka had pursued a doctorate and turned his tastes to frozen concoctions, his workshop would

There are items on the marisol brunch menu labeled

114 W. b R a n C h S T., a R ROYO G R a n d e

probably resemble doc burnstein’s, a nostalgia-laced ice cream parlor that serves scoops in glass dishware, sends model trains chugging along tracks over diners’ heads, and presents weekly shows that invite the audience to help create a new flavor each Wednesday evening. popular flavors are merlot raspberry truffle, made with real wine from Cerro Caliente; motor oil (dark chocolate and Kahlua swirled with fudge); and sea salt caramel. This year, doc burnstein’s is growing, reported founder Greg Steinberger, with a public stock offering aimed at funding growth into a SLO location and expanding production capacity. The lab donates 10 percent of its profits to schools, educationbased nonprofits, and blood drives, so treat yourself while knowing you’re helping do something sweet for the community.

—Ryan

runner up: YoGURT cREATIoNS

BEST DESSERT

madonna Inn 10 0 m a dO n n a ROa d, Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

between Copper Café and the Gold Rush Steak house, madonna inn has so many ways to please your sweet tooth you’ll be taking a page from bob Wiley’s

DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

21

20 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa Voted Best Best Place to & Weekend Getaway Get a Massage Thank You...we are so happy!

We love our locals & appreciate all your support.

Lucky Local Specials - All Year Long - Live Here, Escape Here $15 Off Spa Treatments

15% Off Gardens Restaurant

60 minutes or longer Monday-Thursday

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Discounts taken off your total bill

Excludes holidays. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, packages, or promotions. Must mention at time of booking. Valid local San Luis Obispo County ID required at check-in. Subject to availability.

Excludes holidays and special menus. Cannot be combined with any other discounts, packages, or promotions. Excludes alcohol, tax, service charge, gratuity, and happy hour. Valid local San Luis Obispo County ID required.

Local Getaway

$10 Mineral Spring Hot Tub

$139 per night for a one bedroom spa suite with fireplace & balcony hot tub Upgrade to King Suite for $20 per night

Valid Sunday-Thursday for stays through May 26, 2013.Excludes holidays and blackout periods. Price does not include tax and $15 resort fee per day.

Cannot be combined with any other discounts, packages, or promotions.

Must mention at time of booking. Valid local San Luis Obispo County ID required at check-in. Subject to availability.

per hour/per person Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

Excluding holiday periods. Must provide valid local San Luis Obispo County ID at hot tub check-in. Subject to availability.

Promotion ends June 30, 2013.

1215 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo · SycamoreSprings.com · (805) 595-7302

Best

DI n I nG OuT

from

BEST BAKEry

19

dinner antics and oohing and ahing with each bite.

From old-fashioned sodas that will make your nostalgic heart skip a beat—in vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate flavors, of course—to milk shakes, root beer floats, sundaes, and banana splits, there’s plenty of inspiration to set aside adulthood—not to mention an entrée—altogether, and dive straight into dessert.

—Ashley

runner-up: BATCH

BEST SANDWICH

High Street Market and Deli 350 H ig H S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

it’s baffling that artists spend so much time painting bowls of fruit and naked ladies when there are sandwiches in the world. nothing (nothing, i say!) is more beautiful than a stack of juicy meat piled under fresh produce and gooey cheese, especially when it’s just smothered in succulent sauces and stuffed between two fluffy pieces of bread. and sandwiches are somehow even more divine when one is walking on High Street (in any sense of the phrase), because the High Street Deli offers a wide array of unique sandwiches that are “a perfect blend of East Coast tradition and West Coast flavor and freshness,” according to the shop’s owner, Doobie Coates.

—Nick

runner-up: GuS’S GroCEry

Madonna Inn Bakery and Pastry Shop 10 0 M a DO n n a ROa D, S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

if we learned anything from Zombieland—besides the fact that Garfield is probably one of bill Murray’s biggest regrets—it’s that baked goods—specifically, twinkies—are a luxury worth fighting a few zombies for. Of course, you can’t really compare Madonna inn bakery and pastry Shop’s arsenal of cream pies, fruit pies, pecan pies, Swiss twists, French pastries, cupcakes, biscuits, cinnamon rolls, croissants, cookies, and behemoth cakes to the humble twinkie. but judging by the fact that Madonna inn sweeps this category every year, it’s not hard to imagine our readers going to extreme lengths to get their hands on one of their shapely, frosting-laden pastries.

—Ashley

runner-up: ÉClAIr BAKEry

BEST ouTDoor DINING

Novo 7 26 H i g u E R a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

How did novo wind up with the best outdoor patio dining on the entire Central Coast? that’s like asking why bill Murray’s career bounced back from its mid-’90s doldrums. because some places and people just have

of

sLo 2013

21

character and can’t be ignored. if you’ve eaten outside at novo, you know what i’m talking about: it’s a sleek multi-level patio, flattering lighting, the gentle burble of San Luis Creek, all under the shelter of an old oak tree—great for a classy business lunch or an elegant evening date. Does the restaurant owe its character to the creek or does the creek owe its character to its proximity to novo? the benefit is mutual, as far as i’m concerned.

—Matt

runner-up: luNA rED

BEST MEAl For your MoNEy

Firestone Grill 10 01 H i g u E R a S t., Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

Sure, the good people of this country are pulling themselves out of the recession with old-fashioned elbow grease and the sweat of their brows—as messy and slippery as that sounds—but that doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate a good meal that doesn’t empty their pockets. plus, all that effort works up an appetite. While a great many people consider the $8.69 shelled out for a hot tri-tip sandwich at Firestone to be money more than well spent, the chicken sandwich, packed with flavor, sets you back only a fraction of that. add more fries than you can possibly eat—yeah right—for just a couple bucks more, and your stomach and wallet both leave happy and heavy.

—Ryan

runner up: PETrA DINING OUT

conti n u ed on

+ Allergan style 410 “Gummy Bear” Breast Implants Now available Charles Chalekson, MD

Board Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

434-2828

Specializing in Facial, Body & Breast Rejuvenation -BT 5BCMBT 3PBE 4VJUF t 5FNQMFUPO

Common Foot Conditions We Treat: · Heel Pain · Sports Injuries · Arch Pain · Shin Splints · Toenail Problems · Neuropathy

· Stress Fractures · Foot Related Back & Knee Pain

Dr. Michael E. Flaherty, SPORTS PODIATRY Triathlete since the 1980s

Call for an appointment now! Saturday appts. available | (805) 489-9555 310 S. Halcyon Rd. Ste. 101, Arroyo Grande | www.urpersonalbest.com

23

22 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

SUMMER SSU UM M ME MM M ER R CCLASSES CL LLAASSSSES SEESS Importing as a Small Business

Italian Wine Appreciation

May 18 9am–5pm

July 10–July 31

Discover How to Draw the World Around You May 11–June 8

For more classes and information, visit: www.extended.calpoly.edu

CAL POLY C

2013

CHOOSE FROM: 5 Week Session JUNE N 2 24 – JULY 26 or

JULY 29 – AUG. 30

8 Week Session JUNE 24 – AUG. 16

IMPORTANT DATES: OPEN ENROLLMENT STARTS

APRIL 27

ENROLL ONLINE TODAY !

Thanks to our great

customers for your support & for voting for us Best Seafood

www.summer.calpoly.edu

Please visit our website to see registration deadlines for each session.

Thank You SLO County for voting us

#1 Best place for Chowder again!

We also feature freshly baked pastries & desserts as well as locally made chocolates from Mama Ganache Artisan Chocolates

1051 Nipomo Street,San Luis Obispo 547-1111 ciopinotrestaurant.com

SplashCafe.com • SplashBakery.com • Mama-Ganache.com 7am 544-7567 Open for Breakfast

1491 Monterey St, SLO

439-2990

Opening Late May

893 Higuera St, SLO

8am 773-4653 Open for Breakfast

197 Pomeroy, Pismo Beach

Best

DI n I nG OuT

from

21

BEST MEAL TO TREAT YOURSELF

Novo

7 26 H ig u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

Say you’re looking good. You’re feeling good. actually, you’re feeling hungry—and you want to splurge.

You know, for looking and feeling so good and all. Our readers say novo is where to treat yourself. Marketing Manager paula Hosford said popular treats range from avocado-shrimp spring rolls made fresh each day to peppered turkey and avocado on a croissant to the “always extremely popular” salmon bisque. up the ante even more with seared scallops and asparagus, roast duck breast, and made-from-scratch coconut curries. and since you’re treating yourself, don’t forget dessert: crème brulee made with fresh vanilla beans, then lightly browned and topped with berries.

You deserve it!

—Ryan

runner-up: GiUSEppE’S CUCiNA iTALiANA

BEST HANGOVER FOOD

Franks Famous Hotdogs 950 C a Li f O r n i a b Lv d., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

You tied one on last night, singing karaoke and blow-

ing all your dough on Suntory blended whiskey shots and fancy Japanese beer. You feel like hell, and you know the only way to soak up this booze and regain your footing is plenty of water and a hearty breakfast, but your cupboards are bare and you’ve only managed to fish five crumpled bucks and a handful of change out of your slacks. What’s a Suntory drinker to do? Head to franks famous Hotdogs for one of their delicious breakfast burritos or a breakfast sandwich. as bob Harris says, “for recovery times, make it a franks famous time.”

—Glen

runner-up: LOUiSA’S pLACE

BEST FiSH MARKET

Giovanni’s Fish Market and Galley

10 01 f rO nt S t., M O r rO b aY

You don’t have to trek the Belafonte to the far reaches of the Lurisia archipelago to get your hands on the freshest seafood. instead, ship out to Morro bay, where the degarimore family has ruled the waterfront for more than a quarter-century. if the sight and smells of a ship docking next to a marketplace and unloading the haul of the day sounds appealing to you, the experience of giovanni’s is just what you need. albacore, salmon, halibut, swordfish, shark—all available to you at reasonable market prices, as well as made to order either inside or out at the new dining patio overlooking the Morro bay estuary. Wanna send some poor landlocked friend or relative a taste of the

of

sLo 2013

Central Coast? giovanni’s can ship to anywhere in the united States overnight. bon voyage!

—Matt

runner-up: OLDE pORT FRESH SEAFOOD MARKET

BEST BUTCHER

Arroyo Grande Meat Company and Village Butcher Shop 120 e a S t b r a n C H S t., a r rOYO g r a n d e

bill Murray’s never “butchered” anything in his life.

Comparing him to a steak and sausage shop will be tough, so i’m not going to do it. instead, i’ll let arroyo grande Meat Company owner Henry gonzalez do the talking: “i don’t know of any place more expensive, but if you get a hold of one of our steaks, you know it. Our signature is in the flavor.” Some people think all meats are the same, and that the only thing worth shopping for is price, but gonzalez disagrees.

His crew handles meat from the first slaughter to the final cut (to each customer’s individual preference) with a dedication to quality throughout the process. they also serve sandwiches!

—Nick

runner-up: NEw FRONTiERS NATURAL MARKETpLACE

& High Mighty

the awards keep

STACKING UP!

5 TIME WINNER BEST DELI

#1 best sandwich

Thank You For Your Continuous Support updates

follow us on facebook & instagram for daily special

hours 9-5:30 daily

Voted BEST Sandwich in the USA

23

350 High Street • SLO • (805) 541-4738 check us out online highstdeli.com

ALL SANDOS ONLY $4.20

Dont forget the 420 SPECIAL... BETWEEN 4:20-5:30 EVERYDAY!

24 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Thanks for voting for us, SLO!

Join us June 16TH for our Open House & Wine Gala Making exceptional veterinary care affordable!

(805) 545-8212

162 Cross St. San Luis Obispo

www.AnimalCareClinicslo.com

DON’T HASSLE ME I’M WINNING CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE WINNERS! WWW.NEWTIMESSLO.COM

exhibits education events 1010 Broad Street

on the west end of Mission Plaza

San Luis Obispo free admission

sloma.org

pabi chulo

There's no wrong time to make it after hours time.

TOM CONSIDINE

AS

Best

of

sLo 2013

BILL MURR AY

A f ter H ours NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS TOM CONSIDINE IN AFTER HOURS DIRECTED BY ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE E. MILLER

25

26 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

BEST SAN LUIS OBISPO BAR

BEST NORTH COUNT Y BAR

Pa p py M cG re go r ’s Pub and Grill

Black Sheep Bar and Grill

1112 2 P I N E S T. , PA S O R O B L E S

1117 C H O R R O S T. , S A N L U I S O B I S P O

Since I last raved about this little slice of heaven known simply as the Sheep, longtime sudsmen Ben— past recipient of this publication’s now-retired Best Bartender category—Vic, and Matty all flew the coop.

As we work through our separation anxiety, let’s carry on in their memory at SLO’s Best Bar through lunchtime shenanigans with bartender and kindred spirit Nicole Moliné; happy hour with Nicole De La Rosa, Jenna, and Becka; and nighttime merrymaking with Jyrus and Austin. You see, the Sheep is bigger than any one person—it’s an idyllic community in and of itself where the cocktails are mixed to perfection, the beers affordable, Happy Hour is from 3 to 6 p.m. every day of the week, the food menu simply the best in the county, and Moliné plays the finest music to accompany that afternoon drink. Shangri-La! Come join the Black Sheep community and discover why it’s routinely named the best bar in Happy Town. I know Ben, Vic, and Matty would have wanted it that way.

—Matt

RUNNER- UP: MCCARTHY’S IRISH PUB

Good times are poured daily at SLO County’s favorite Irish Pub, Pappy McGregor’s. Formerly known as “The Crooked Kilt,” the pub was renamed in 2011 in honor of the owners’ great grandfather, whose lifelong dream was to build, own, and operate his own pub. Today, owners Donovan Schmidt and Troy Larkin are honored to fulfill their great granddad’s dream and say they’re just as honored to win such an award for the seventh year in a row.

—Spencer Vaishville

remains a must-see location for ever ybody 21 and older. The Tavern also has free live music ever y Friday and Saturday night and Texas Hold ’Em ever y Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday night for people seeking to tr y their hand at poker. According to owner Andrea Pulaski, “You haven’t experienced SLO County until you’ve experienced the Cayucos Tavern.” See you at the tables!

—Spencer

RUNNER- UP: SCHOONERS WHARF

BEST SOUTH COUNT Y BAR

Mongo’s Saloon, Restaurant, and Sports Bar

RUNNER- UP: MOLLY PITCHER

BEST NORTH COA ST BA R

O l d C a y u co s Tave r n and Card Room 13 0 N O R T H O C E A N AV E . , C AY U C O S

Where else can you enjoy a brew or mixed drink as you do a little gambling? Only at Old Cayucos Tavern. This place has the cards, the drinks, and the environment— ever ything you need for a good time in good ol’ Cayucos. With a vast selection of mixed drinks and beers on tap, Old Cayucos Tavern

3 5 9 W. G R A N D AV E . , G R O V E R B E A C H

I ’ve only been to M ongo’s once , but t wo t hing s struck me t he moment I w alked t hrough t he door : This is t he most intelligent ly de signed b ar I ’ve ever seen , wit h sec tions per fec t for ever y k ind of drink ing (st anding and mingling, grooving and sh ak ing, or sit ting and ch at ting), and I could tot ally hook up here . I ’m m arried and didn’t w ant any of t h at busine ss , but t here w as a vibe in t he air t h at hit me immedi ately. B e autiful wome n were ever y where , and none of t he m c ame from t he dolled - up college crowd. No one see med pretentious or stuck up.

AFTE R HOU R S

conti n u ed on

THANK YOU SLO COUNTY! FOR VOTING BLACK SHEEP BEST SLO BAR 3 YEARS IN A ROW! MONDAY DUAL PINT NIGHT STARTING AT 9PM.

BUY A HOUSE PINT GLASS AND WE’LL BE

FILLING THEM UP ALL NIGHT LONG FOR JUST

$2 Pabst Blue Ribbon, or $3.50 for any other draft beer.

HANG ON TO YOUR PINT GLASSES AND BRING THEM IN ON

TECATE TUESDAY FOR $2 TECATE OR PBR

717 HIGUERA ST., SLO

WWW.BUFFALOPUBANDGRILL.COM (805) 544-5515

ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT LONG!!

1117 CHORRO ST, SLO

DELICIOUS FOOD ITEM!!

(805) 544-7433

PLUS SAVE $1 OFF OF ANY

WWW.BLACKSHEEPSLO.COM

28

Best

Thank you for voting us:

Best dessert Best bakery Best place for reception or bash Best place to pay to stay

of

sLo 2013

27

28 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

AFTE R HOU R S

FROM

26

They just w anted to h ave some fun , and t hey k new it could be found at M ongo’s.

—Nick

RUNNER- UP: BILL’S PL ACE

B E S T P L AC E T O DA N C E

The Graduate

BRINGING TH E B E AT Members of Zongo All-Stars have the instruments, talent, and staying power to pull off a Best Local Band win.

990 INDUSTRIAL WAY, SAN LUIS OBISPO

When you’re looking for a place to get down, the Graduate is the place to be. The Central Coast’s biggest dance floor, “the Grad”—as it’s known by locals—is packed with students and music enthusiasts every night of the week. With a different kind of music to dance to every night, there’s something for everyone: Latin night, country night, and hump night, featuring top-40 songs. In addition to their themed nights, they also present a variety of big-name artists you can see for small-town prices. The Grad has something for everyone, so when you’re looking for a place to get your groove on—whatever your groove may be—come in and find out why this poppin’ place is the place to be on any night of the week.

—Spencer

RUNNER-UP: MOTAV

2) When my boyfriend booed his own band, and everyone looked at him with a wounded look, like, “Who is this asshole?”

3) The time a clown sang “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” to the tune of Elvis’ “In the Ghetto,” though, come to think of it, the other way around might have been funnier.

—Anna

RUNNER-UP: FROG AND PEACH

B E S T P L AC E TO GO ON A F I R S T DAT E

N o vo B EST C LU B TO C ATC H A BA N D

S LO B re wing Co. 1119 G A R D E N S T., S A N LU I S O B I S P O

My top memories of SLO Brew—where bands local and national come to perform—in no particular order: 1) When I saw a teenaged girl at a Starfucker show … with her parents. They all looked a little uncomfortable.

7 2 6 H I G U E R A S T. , S A N L U I S O B I S P O

If I wake up tomorrow to Sonny and Cher and fi nd myself doomed to perpetually relive a fi rst date with Andie McDowell, I’d take her to Novo. The setting will be romantic and comforting, the drinks expertly mixed, and the dessert rich enough to pave the road to her heart.

That way, I fi gure, it won’t take weeks to get through the scene, probably just a mere couple days. Four, tops. I’d have us seated in the back—inside, because it’s cold out there today—where it’s intimately lit. I’d order Andie and myself a plate of chevre and a bottle of Claude Riffault.

AFTE R HOU R S

CONTI N U ED ON

29

Best

afte r Hou r S

from

28

After gazing upon those immaculate eyebrows and reading her French poetry from memory, I’d order the 14-ounce New York strip and, for the lady, the spinach and ricotta ravioli. For dessert, Andie digs chocolate, if my memory serves me. Sounds romantic, huh? You bet your Ned Ryerson it does. If only the rest of the night were so easy … .

—Matt

runner-up: Ciopinot Seafood Grille

BEST LOCAL BAND

Zongo All-Stars zo N goA ll S tA R S .co m

Since their f irst show at the Bay wood Park oktober fest in 20 07, zongo All-Stars has had the central coast grooving to their unique caribbeanstyle tunes like “ Syncrosax” and “chango chingon.”

Using a variety of different horns to power the smooth sound of their string and percussion instruments, the zongo All-Stars have created their own genre of music they like to call “cali cubano.”

According to trumpet player Paul Ir ving, for this band it’s all about high energ y and making sure ever y tune is danceable, making this a band that people of all ages will enjoy at one of their upcoming live per formances.

—Spencer

runner-up: nada raSta

B EST PL AC E TO D R I N K LI K E H OM E R S I M PSO N

M cCa r t hy ’s I ris h Pu b 6 0 0 m A R S h S t., S A N lU I S o B I S P o

If you were stuck repeating the same groundhog Day over and over again, you might hope to have spent some of that day at the working man’s bar, mccarthy’s. manager colin Wenzl oversees the local Irish pub, which sells more Jameson than any other place in the country (it’s also their house wine). Bar etiquette runs high, and the regulars hate trouble as much as the working staff, so if someone is acting rowdy, it’s often the regulars who address it first. mccarthy’s has a welcoming, calm atmosphere where the no-nonsense management feels oK with skipping poorly chosen songs on the jukebox.

“I get to come to work every day and say, ‘Is this real life?’” says bartender Suzy hackleman, having way too much fun with her job. mama’s meatball also has a portable pizza oven in the parking lot on thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

— Michael Satchell

sLo 2013

29

list, for eight years. the place regularly wins the “Best Place to Drink like Frank Sinatra” award in our annual readers’ poll. But when I call Koberl for an interview, I’m more interested in the hypothetical drinking habits of another classy devil. “Bill murray? he seems pretty hardcore. I’d say the Blue Shimmer,” says Koberl, when I ask what cocktail she would recommend for the Wes Anderson muse and general living legend. “that drink is straight alcohol: vodka, gin, and Blue curacao, with orange garnish. It’s a strong drink. It’s not for everyone.” Well, Bill’s not your average ghostbuster.

Koberl at Blue’s extensive drinks menu, however, boasts something for just about everyone, including a martini list so inventive some regulars make a game of selecting a new one each time, Koberl says. Sounds like a fun game, I say.

—Anna

runner-up: GiuSeppe’S

B E S T P L AC E T O D R I N K LIKE JIM MY BU FFE T

Creek y Tiki

runner-up: Bull’S tavern

7 8 2 h I g U e R A S t. , S A N l U I S o B I S P o

B E S T P L AC E T O D R I N K L I K E F R A N K S I N AT R A

With 14 new drinks featuring fresh fruit and a cook who used to be the sous chef at thomas hill organics, creeky tiki has all the fixings to put “more emotion in the eyes.” the tiki opened in 2010 and is “uniquely known as catering to young professionals and businesspeople who are right out of school,” said manager and

Koberl at Blue 9 9 8 m o N t e R e Y S t. , S A N l U I S o B I S P o

Patricia Koberl has owned Koberl at Blue, a restaurant and bar famous for its extensive cocktail

Bar ResthteaCuenratrnatl C&oast Since 1975

Serving

of

Thanks for voting the Graduate Best Place to Dance!

afte r Hou r S

conti n u ed on

30

As other Banks are merged into larger ones or just going away,

Founders Community Bank is here to stay.

The Strength of This Bank is the Experience of its People and its Ability to Make Loans that Help Our Communities Grow

RGET DON’T FO ’S...

AY WEDNESD

WEDNESDAY HUMP NIGHT at THE GRAD all night

$2 Vodka Energy Drinks,$4 Long Islands & $5 805 Drafts HIP HOP, TOP 40 & EDM MUSIC

MUST HAVE ID TO GET IN · 18+ $10, 21+ $5 First hour FREE with College ID, or Only $5 until 11pm!

TUESDAY DOLLAR DAZE $1 after 5pm BURGERS · FRIES · NACHOS · SLICE OF PIZZA · HOTDOGS DOMESTIC DRAFTS · WELL COCKTAILS

JAY BECK

Senior Vice President Branch Manager

REESE T. DAVIES

RUSTY HALL

President/Chief Administrative Officer

14 YEARS IN BANKING

47 YEARS IN BANKING LEAH PAULY

RYUN MCCRORY

Assistant Vice President/ Commercial Loan Officer

Assistant Vice President Commercial Loan Officer

10 YEARS IN BANKING THOMAS J. SHERMAN

KELLI BLUE

13 YEARS IN BANKING

Senior Vice President Senior Lender

Chief Executive Officer

Assistant Vice President Commercial Loan Officer

31 YEARS IN BANKING

37 YEARS IN BANKING

12 YEARS IN BANKING

Our knowledgeable staff are committed to “Superior Customer Service” and understand the value of a comprehensive business relationship.

to view our menu or upcoming events: www.slograd.com

Open 7 days a week at 11am

990 Industrial Way,SLO • 541-0969

www.founderscommunitybank.com

237 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo | 863 Marsh. St., San Luis Obispo | 805-543-6500 310 Morro Bay Blvd., Morro Bay | 805-772-8600 Small Business Lending Center | 6100 El Camino Real Atascadero | 805-543-6500

30 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

AFTE R HOU R S

from

29

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

co-owner Michael Marquez.

Get lost in translation with your own Scarlett Johansson or Bill Murray over some good food and live acoustic music. The Creeky Tiki staff can boast that there’s never been a fight or altercation in their establishment—and that they’re heavily involved with local fundraisers.

—Michael

RE D , W H IT E , A ND TA S T Y Tolosa Winery, with its sustainably farmed vineyards, took home the gold for Best Red and Best White Wine.

RUNNER-UP: M R . RIC K’ S

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Marisol at the Cliffs 2757 SHELL BE ACH ROAD, PISMO BE ACH

Whether it’s Milla’ Time or Suntori Time, it’s those happiest of all hours— namely, from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday

AFTE R HOU R S conti n u ed on

31

luis wine bar 1021 higuera street san luis obispo 805.762.4747 www.luiswinebar.com

Best Wine Bar Runner-up

Best New Business Runner-up

As a thank-you for a wonderful first year, mention this ad to receive 10% off at Luis Wine Bar during the month of May. (Excludes retail purchases)

Best

aFTe r Hou r S

from

30

through Friday, at Marisol at the Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach. With the sun setting over the Pacific and $3.50 draft beers and $6 glasses of wine and well drinks— not to mention a rotating menu of daily appetizer specials— at your fingertips, you’ll realize why the Cliffs is this category’s favorite every year. But then again, you probably already knew this. So I’ll just eat up my remaining word count with something that’s fun for both of us. Guess this tune: nana na-na na-na … nananana nana. That’s right! Ray Parker, Jr.! You’re good.

— Matt

runner- up: MoTav

BEST LOCAL RED WINE

Tolosa Winery 4 910 E d n a Roa d, S a n L u I S oBISPo

Cruising the Paso Robles and Santa Ynez highways offers one kind of wine tasting experience. However, the ability to do the Edna Valley circuit by bicycle really sets it apart from the rest of California. Impatience makes Tolosa the first stop for everyone —it’s the closest winery to San Luis obispo —

which means that most visitors pedal in with palates not yet destroyed by heavy reds. Tolosa showcases a number of complex reds, but the pinot noir takes home the highest accolades, including Best in Class in the 2013 SF Chronicle Wine Competition. But, I digress ... .

— Patrick

runner-up: opolo

BEST LOCAL WHITE WINE

To l o s a W i n e r y 4910 E dna Road, San Lu I S oB I S Po

New Times’ Best of issue starts with the reds, but tasting rooms don’t. Before diving into the pinot, it’s worthwhile to explore how the winery exposes its various chardonnay releases to differing extents of malolactic fermentation. Tolosa also features a rotation of seasonal whites.

Winemaker Larry Brooks says the summer seasonal rollout will include a viognier, a grenache blanc, and a sauvignon blanc (an industry-standard white that Tolosa reserves for limited production). a leisurely stroll through the Tolosa whites really sets the table

aFTe r Hou r S

conti n u ed on

32

of

sLo 2013

31

I was 100 lbs overweight when I started Kennedy.

I soon discovered it was less about becoming ‘skinny’ and more about becoming a stronger person.

I want other people to feel the way I feel

--like a brand new person.

If I can do it, so can

YOU!

Learn more at kennedyclubs.com/testimonials

5th Annual GET ACTIVE SLO COUNTY EVERYONE is a MEMBER*!

10-Day VIP Membership is waiting for YOU! Includes FREE Health Assessment ($100 value) and 5 Hours of FREE Child Care

Splash into Summer Sat. May 18th

AL R LOY U O F O O ALL OTI NG US T U O V R IN KY THANATRONS FO H EATE R Y! T P OU NT OVI E

C M BEST IS OBISPO U SAN L

For quick look at our current showtimes & to purchase tickets, along with access to trailers & descriptions of our current & upcoming movies download our new mobile app for your phone!

Search “The Movie Experience SLO” in your app store & download today!

Free ‘Locals’ Guest Day

Family Swim-BBQ-1 Day Sale on select summer programs!

Benefitting

KENNEDY CLUB FITNESS Working together to Make SLO County the Healthiest place in the world Paso Robles-Adventure 500 S. River Rd. 239-8488

Atascadero 3534 El Camino Real 466-6775

San Luis Obispo MultiPlex One 88 Tank Farm Rd. 781-3488

Arroyo Grande 1299 James Way 481-2888

Also don’t forget to like us on facebook!

*To qualify, must be local resident 18+ (or with adult) and not have exceeded 4 free visits in the past year or been a member in the past 6 months* Some restrictions may apply* Ask for details*Offer for a limited time only

1035 Monterey St. SLO · 546-8600

www.kennedyclubs.com

Follow us on

32 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

AFTE R HOU R S

from

31

for the winery’s award-winning pinot— and the rest of Edna Valley.

— Patrick

RUNNER-UP: EDNA VALLEY

oak have quite a bit of anti-microbial proper ties,” Br ynildson said. “If you get a new barrel and keep it f illed with fresh beer, and keep it active, you tend not to have problems.” Only 20 percent of the American-oak-fermented brew goes into the commercially distributed DBA , but locals can get the

1400 RAMADA DR., PASO ROBLES

You really have to be a brewer to appreciate the novelty of fermenting in oak barrels. Brewing is a practice in sanitation, and wood grain provides a notorious asylum for yeast’s natural competitors.

Firestone brewmaster Matt Br ynildson takes measures to make sure each batch of Double Barrel Ale (DBA) comes out the same. “The tannins in

—Patrick

RUNNER-UP: TAP-IT

BEST BARISTA

B EST LO C A L B E E R

Fire sto ne Walker Brewing Co.

genuine ar ticle in the Paso taproom.

G AT H E R ’ R OUN D For delicious wine and upscale interpretations of classic comfort dishes, New Times readers say to look no farther than Gather Wine Bar, voted Best Wine Bar.

Eric Pettis, Blackhorse Espresso and Bakery 10 65 H IG U E R A S T., S LO

Eric Pettis has been working as a barista for Blackhorse’s flagship café on and off since 1997— long before New Times’ annual Best Of competition had a Best Barista categor y for Pettis to dominate. But the truth is (baristas just beginning your careers, take note) being the best coffee slinger east of the 101 is really about customer ser vice. Pettis estimates he has the names, and orders, of about 30 0 customers f iled away. “I think people can tell that I love what

AFTE R HOU R S

AFTE R HOU R S

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

conti n u ed on

conti n u ed on

33

33

Best

AFte r Hou r s

from

32

I’m doing,” he explained. “I make an effor t to treat ever ybody like they’re special.”

— Ashley

runner-up: Andrew At CentrAl CoAst roAsting

B EST LO C A L CO F F E E S H O P

B la ck ho rse E s p re sso a n d B a ker y 10 65 H I g u e r a S t., 359 0 B roa d S t., 796 F ootH I ll B lv d., S a n lu I S o B I S p o

Blackhorse espresso and Baker y prides itself on catering to all tastes. If you want to take a page from phil Connors, or Bill Murray in Cof fee and Cigarettes, and chug drip coffee out of a coffee carafe, the friendly café staff will probably f ind a way to accommodate you. unhealthy living habits aside, Blackhorse has been winning Best local Coffee Shop for so many years you might reasonably star t to believe our Best of competition has gotten caught in some kind of time warp. the truth is, they’ve got three convenient locations, a truly delicious cupcake spread, and some of the friendliest baristas in town, so if you f ind yourself waking up and driving, biking, or walking to your nearest Blackhorse day af ter day, there’s no need to panic and kidnap a groundhog.

You’re in good company.

— Ashley

B EST N O R TH CO U N T Y TA STI N G ROOM

of

sLo 2013

BEST DRINK FO R TH E MO N E Y

McCarthy ’s Irish Pub

Tobin J a m es Cella rs

6 0 0 M a r S H S t. , S a n l u I S o B I S p o

8 950 u n I o n roa d, pa So ro B le S

If you’ve ever worked in the local ser vice industr y, you probably know how to tell if someone’s been to tobin James. If it isn’t the purple-stained lips dyed from their big, paso-style wines, it’s the easily recognizable yellow sun patch — a merit-badge of sor ts— handed out at the tasting room and of ten ending up on hats, shir ts, or even foreheads. It’s so ubiquitous, it’s been spotted on an airpor t desk in Honduras, in vegas, and at padres Stadium in San diego. “ Without the sun, you’re not going to have wine,” said co-owner Claire Silver. “the sun is the true winemaker, and we appreciate the sun.” the tasting room’s fun, family-like atmosphere has helped tobin James become one of the largest wine clubs in the world. Step into their saloon for a free tasting.

— Jono

ever had one of those days where you lose your job, the goons repossess your c ar, your model girlfriend le aves you bec ause she c an’t st and your tito puente records, and then all the plant s die?

Who hasn’t! Well, before you run to the ne arest recruiter, scr ape some change together and he ad to McCar thy’s for a $2 . 50 p abst . S ay what? It ’s happy hour? M ake that $1. 50, Winger! got some quar ters lef t over? Well, pop ’em in the digit al jukebox, my friend. Just no Journey — I ’m tr ying to enjoy myself here .

— Mat t

runner-up: Mongo’s sAloon And restAurAnt

B EST D R I N K W ITH A V I E W

M a risol at t he Clif fs

runner-up: dAou VineyArds

2757 S H e ll B e aC H roa d, pI S M o B e aC H

Seaside sunsets and quality cocktails go together

runner-up: linnAeA’s

AFte r Hou r s

Saturday, May 11, 2013 FREE CLASSES at 11am & 1pm Fun and effective, total body workout. Strengthen, stretch and tone just in time for summer!

HT

TO C

ONTEMPORAR YR OC

BA R

Featuring great local & headliner bands nightly at 9pm, with bands on Saturdays & Sundays at 3pm & 9pm to 2am

CE

conti n u ed on

K

Launch Party

N DA

NIG

Barre Pilates Classes now offered at Five Seasons Pilates!

H CLU B & BEAC

Enjoy bands playing Top 40’s, Contemporary Rock Dance Music Nightly for adults of all ages from 9pm to 2am!

OPEN DAILY UA L 25TH A NN

BEFSSLTO O

COUNTY

NEW TIM ES S 1 RE AD ER

201

PO LL

All classes taught to upbeat music with attention to proper alignment, muscle activation, and joint safety. Classes begin May 6, 2013.

10am to 2am

Thank You SLO County for voting us #1 For 17 Years In A Row We Appreciate All Of Your Support!

ALL classes will

FREE PILATES CLASS or be FREE during PRIVATE LESSON (Exp. May 31, 2013) Preview Week (May 6-10) One Block up from the Pismo Pier 1236 Los Osos Valley Rd. Suite L, Los Osos (Behind Starbucks)

805-528-4572

33

www.fiveseasonspilates.com

690 Cypress Pismo Beach

773-1010

34

34 •

Best

of

G ET OUT

sLo 2013

from

33

like cereal and cartoons, like guitar gods and brightly colored spandex, like Nutella and damn near anything, and the best of both can be found at the Cliffs Resort.

Situated at the very edge of California’s Central Coast, the views can’t be beat, and their selection of specialty cocktails and margaritas goes miles beyond mixing juice and liquor. Their happy hour runs every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m. and includes daily food and drink discounts that attract a diverse clientele of locals and world travelers. “I wouldn’t say ‘rowdy,’ but it’s definitely a lively group,” Food and Beverage Operations Manager Vanessa Solis said. “Our mission is to provide fine dining with a laid-back mentality.”

Mission accomplished.

— Nick

RUNNER-UP: VENTANA GRILL

produc tion f loor. The company mot to? “ It ’s more than just t asting,” wine club manager B rit tney O’ B rien said. Sippers can sample the house f light of variet als indoors or out , and food pairings with the locally sourced cheeses, truf f les, or cured me at s are available in the casual “herit age room” high above the vines.

— Nick

RUNNER- UP: L AETITIA VINEYARD AND WINERY

To l o s a Winery 4 910 E D N A R O A D , S A N L U I S O B I S P O

You don’t have to tr avel f ar from S an Luis Obispo Count y’s largest cit y or the cit y’s airpor t to f ind yourself immersed in an authentic wine countr y experience . Just sount of S LO, the Tolosa Winer y t asting room sit s amid 720 acres of rolling vines in a refreshingly sleek and modern building that overlook s rows of gle aming industrial t ank s on the

RUNNER-UP: LUIS WINE BAR

BEST SPORTS BAR

Firestone Grill

BEST WINE BAR

Gather Wine Bar

1 0 01 H I G U E R A S T. , S A N L U I S O B I S P O

12 2 E A S T B R A N C H S T. , A R R OYO G R A N D E

BEST SOUTH COUNT Y TA S T I N G R O O M

bread on-site!) with her double chocolate brownie, cookie dough eg g roll, and S’more t ar t topping the desser t list . In Gather, Ziegler, a former QA M anager at Level Studios (now Roset t a), seems to have found her passion, admit ting, “This is so much more fun.”

— Anna

Envisioning a comfor t able, elegant gathering place where wine lovers could sip vint ages from all over the count y, Kari Ziegler opened Gather in the spring of 20 09. With an exclusively local wine list —Ziegler sources wines from regions no far ther than S ant a B arbar a and Monterey counties — delicious gourmet food and desser ts, and a back patio complete with f ire pits, Gather easily f its that description. Ziegler keeps more than 30 wines open, changing the selection of ten, but says her personal favorites tend to come from the S ant a M aria and S ant a Ynez valleys. She also does much of the cooking herself, specializing in dishes that put an upscale t wist on classic comfor t foods. St aples include gourmet grilled cheeses (Ziegler bakes the

I ’m not tr ying to st ar t any thing, but I noticed fewer L akers jerseys this winter at Firestone. As a Chicago fan, Bill Murr ay no doubt approves of the L akers’ decline. Af ter all, the rise of the B ulls’ last dynast y coincided with the fall of the Show time L akers. When (or if ) Derrick Rose ever returns, basketball fans might get to see Bill par t ying cour tside during an NBA Finals for the f irst time since 1998 . Locals, however, will be at Firestone Grill. SLO’s favorite place to watch spor ts holds a dynastic grip on this award categor y because of its viewer-friendly f loor space and solid grub. Unlike the L akers roster, a good spor ts bar never gets old.

— Patrick

RUNNER- UP: L AGUNA GRILL

Come on in & try one of our fabulous dishes in beautiful Shell Beach

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

BEST CHINESE FOOD

DINE IN - TAKE OUT - CATERING

A LPH A State Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian, voted Best Elected Official, knows what it’s like to lead the pack. His constituents have kept him in office for years—and even recently elevated him from county supervisor.

1759 Shell Beach Road · 773-2908 · www.MeisChineseRestaurant.com

COLIN RIGLEY AS BILL MURR AY

Best

of

sLo 2013

A RT S S C E N E •

•

•

•

•

•

35

•

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS COLIN RIGLEY IN ARTS SCENE DIRECTED BY ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE E. MILLER SHOT ON LOCATION AT SLO LITTLE THEATRE

The creaTive

spiriTs are coming for you!

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS COLIN RIGLEY IN ARTS SCENE WITH ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH, AILEEN MANLEY, MAEVA CONSIDINE, SPENCER VAISHVILLE, LAYLA POWELL, NICK POWELL, MATT FOUNTAIN, DAVID SEIDENZAHL, MATT FOOTE, JOSEPH IAN SALETTA, ANA KORGAN, PATTY THAYER DIRECTED BY ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE E. MILLER SHOT ON LOCATION AT SLO LITTLE THEATRE

36 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

BE S T LOCA L A RT I S T—V I S UA L

kidding. We don’t give out trophies!

runner-up: D R E w D A V I S

L ena Rush i ng ( t i e ) le n a ru s h i n g .co m

BE S T MOV I E T H E AT E R

J ef f CL a a s sen ( t i e )

f R emon t t h e at R e

j e f f c l a a s s e n .co m

When longstanding local art hero jeff claassen— he of the street-art-inspired paintings and gallery to match—tied with that crazy upstart lena rushing— she of the haunting, surreal paintings and mixedmedia art—for Best local artist, we knew there was only one way to break the tie: a Bill murray trivia contest. in search of the true winner, New Times asked claassen and rushing 10 identical Bill murrayrelated questions. in Zombieland, for example, what did murray name as his biggest regret? (Both artists correctly named Garfield.) Which actor’s nose did murray break while filming Mad Dog and Glory? “i’ll say christopher Walken. he’s a good guy,” answered claassen. (Walken is a good guy, but the correct answer is robert de niro.) for which film did murray receive an oscar nomination? “Ghostbusters!” replied claassen. (in a cool world, perhaps. alas. neither artist correctly named Lost in Translation.) rushing knew that murray’s favorite musical is Oklahoma!, which is a strange thing to know. (claassen guessed Phantom of the Opera.) Both also knew that murray was the first guest to appear on letterman, and correctly attributed this murray quote from Groundhog Day: “This is pitiful—1,000 people freezing their butts off to worship a rat.” The results? rushing won by two points. Better hand back that trophy, claassen. just

1035 m o nTe r e y s T., s a n lu i s o B i s p o

everyone’s got a story of waiting in line at the fremont for a midnight movie release, or watching a classic with friends through the rewind series. it was there for your first Rocky Horror Picture Show, your first Tarantino film, the ’80s when our love affair with Bill murray really took off, the 2000s when Wes anderson brought Bill back into the limelight and reminded us why we loved him. a few months ago it looked like the fremont Theatre might abruptly close its doors to the public. Then, it didn’t.

While it’s difficult to say what the future will hold for the art deco landmark, the will-they, won’t-they dance doesn’t seem to have diminished the public’s love for the 73-year-old theater. and how could it? The fremont is forever a part of our cinematic history.

—Ashley

runner-up: P A L M T H E A T R E

BE S T F I N E A RT G A L L E RY

st ey n beRg ga L L eRy 1531 m o nTe r e y s T., s a n lu i s o B i s p o

steynberg gallery keeps winning this thing, and it’s no surprise. from the quality of its art exhibits, you’d think you were in a museum, but the adjoining coffee shop has

Join us for CORE's first studio dance performance!

JUNE 9TH AT THE SPANOS THEATRE SLO’s Best Dance Studio Quality Dance Classes for children, teens, adults Exciting Performance opportunities Experienced, Award-winning faculty Home of CORE Dance Company

Thank You!

—Anna

Best Dance Company

805.541.2669 • 3422 Miguelito Ct, Suite 140, SLO coredance.cc@gmail.com • www.coredanceslo.com

the comfortable vibe of a community gathering-place. over the years, steynberg has played host to book signings, pecha kucha nights, concerts, film screenings, and who knows what else, making it a cultural hub of sorts for san luis obispo’s thinkers, artists, and coffee drinkers. steynberg’s a class act, but they’ve always maintained a certain friendly likeability. it’s like they’re the Bill murray of fine art galleries or something!

There, a Bill murray reference. you’re welcome.

—Anna

runner-up: S L O M A

BE S T LOCA L T H E AT E R GR OU P

sa n Lu i s obi sp o L i t t L e t h e at R e 8 8 8 m o r ro s T., s a n lu i s o B i s p o

science gave us microwaves, hot pockets, and ipads, but folks in lab coats still have no idea how to produce icons like Bill “the Beast” murray. The man himself cut his comedy teeth with the second city improvisational group in chicago, and the next mr. or mrs. murray might be honing his or her craft right now in a community theater group somewhere—like the slo little Theatre, perhaps? There, playwrights can testrun original, uncensored scenes every month for no shame, and dedicated actors or casual hobbyists can find a second family backstage in the dozen or so plays the theater stages every year, from gripping dramas to nostalgia-fueled musicals.

—Nick

runner-up: GREAT AMERICAN MELODRAMA ARTS SCENE

conti n u ed on

38

Best

of

sLo 2013

THANK YOU FOR LIF TING US UP! Best Local Non-ProďŹ t Organization for

5 years in a row!!

VOLUNTEER, ADOPT, DONATE Join us on Facebook and stay current on shelter events, specials, and activities!

BEGINNING ON JULY 1ST YOU CAN HOUND US EVERY DAY! To better serve you and the animals in our care we will be open from 12pm-6pm every day!

875 Oklahoma Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 805-543-9316 www.woodshumane.org

37

38 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

ArTS SC e n e

from

36

phoTo By sTeve e. MiLLer

BE S T C OM M U N I T Y EVENT

Fa r m er s market

Dr aW !

Lena rushing challenged multi-year winner Jeff Claassen after the two tied as victors in the Best visual artist category.

Th u r s day n ig hT s , h ig u e r a s Tr e e T, dow nTow n s Lo

Let’s face it.

Bill Murray isn’t the leanest cauliflower at the farmers market. he’s got a lot of enviable traits, but his notorious pig-out diet shouldn’t be copied by anyone, ever. The people of sLo County know this and instead celebrate healthy living and local eating once, twice, sometimes three times a week with an assortment of regular farmers markets held throughout the land. The biggest and best happens every Thursday evening in downtown san Luis obispo, with ripe produce, hot barbecue, fun booths, bounce houses, and people from all walks of life. while Bill’s eating habits ought to be avoided, this event offers primo opportunities for better Murrayinspired antics—like flash mobs, live music performances, and street theater.

—Nick

runner-up: CONCErTS IN ThE Plaza

ARTS SC ENE

HIKE june

slo county

conti n u ed on

39

A special THANK YOU to f yo u , o ur friends and patrons o

- THON

THANK YOU, FROM NOI’S

2013

REGISTER NOW! www.ecoslo.org Kick-Off

After Party

Sat. June 1

Sat. June 29

Laguna Lake Park

El Chorro Park

Blake@SLOtography.com

Pledge for the Month of June

Best Thai Food 1288 2nd Street, Baywood Park, Los Osos, CA • 528-6647

Best

ArTS SC e n e

from

of

sLo 2013

39

38

BE S T TAT T OO A RT I S T

Ja k e S ch roeder , T r a di T iona l TaT T oo 251 H ig u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

in his six years of tattooing, Jake Schroeder has never done a bill Murray tattoo, though he admits the actor would make a pretty cool subject “especially if it’s a portrait from Rushmore.” the four-year traditional tattoo veteran was unwilling to cite one or a few of his past pieces as his best work because, he insists, he’s always trying to outdo his latest piece. but he’s happy to offer advice to tattoo virgins seeking their first ink experience: “Don’t listen to your friends. Your tattoo will outlive most of those relationships.” and, perhaps most importantly: “Sit still; it’s permanent.”

—Ashley

runner-up: G A R y E l l S w O R T h , S I n k O R S w I m T A T T O O

BE S T PhO T OGR A Ph E R

Br i T Ta n y a pp a p p S pH OtOg r a pH Y.cO M

brittany app might be delightful, passionate, and talented, but Dr. peter Venkman would have hated her. When gozer the Destructor gave the ghostbusters the opportunity to choose the form of their impending doom, Venkman demanded that his cohorts clear their minds and think of nothing because thoughts can become reality, and that’s dangerous. app, on the other hand, has dedicated her life to capturing thought and experience and giving them visual shape. She strives to connect deeply with each of her subjects so their true selves can be expressed, and her poignant images of joy, longing, and life testify to her success. in addition to wedding and travel shots, app said she’s been exploring video lately and that winning best Of is “so cool. it’s an honor.” —Nick

runner-up: B A R R y G O y E T T E ARTS SC ENE

conti n u ed on

40

ADDICTED? Is your life out of control?

Would you like to stop using prescription opiate painkillers?

There is a revolutionary new medication that is sweeping the field of Addiction Medicine!

This FDA approved medication stops withdrawal symptoms and eliminates cravings!

Only physicians with special training are allowed to prescribe this extremely safe medication and the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency restricts the number of patients any one doctor can treat.

K. Dane Howalt MD has years of experience treating addicts. He is trained to prescribe this breakthrough medication that has helped thousands of addicts find relief from their disease. Doctor Howalt is also certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is experienced in treating all drug and alcohol addictions.

We provide safe, compassionate outpatient detoxification followed by FDA approved medication so you can stay off drugs.

Our office provides confidential non-judgmental counseling and we will guide you through the simple process of recovery.

ACTUAL STATEMENTS FROM OUR PATIENTS: “If only I had known about this medicine years ago!”

“This medicine helped me beyond my wildest expectations.”

“Now I don’t have to think about or crave drugs anymore.”

Do yourself a favor, call today for a same day appointment!

805-541-0632

Visit our website at www.SLOARC.com for more information

40 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

ArTS SC e n e

from

39

BE S T V E N U E T O SE E A PL AY

C a l P oly Per for m i ng a rt s Cen t er 1 G r a n d av e ., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

duh! That’s all that needs to be said about this particular win. i mean, i could go on about the paC, a state-of-the-art performance facility on the Cal poly campus, incorporating the 1,289-seat Harman Hall, the pavilion, and the 498-seat Spanos Theatre. i could gush about the majestic Forbes pipe Organ, the acoustics, and the comfortable seats in Harman Hall. Or i could simply list the world-class performances that have taken place there, everything from touring broadway musicals to comedians (eddie izzard sold that place out in no time) to dance performances and classical concerts, but i won’t. The paC is not only the best venue to see a play; it’s the best venue, period. but i don’t need to tell you that.

—Anna

runner-up: SLO LiTTLE ThEATrE

BE S T DA NC E C OM PA N Y

Cor e Da nCe 342 2 M i G u e LiTO C T., S u iTe 14 0 , Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

COre dance Company is creative. it’s original. it’s raw. and it’s got energy. Those four elements sum up the 2010-founded company well (psst … and the first letters

of those attributes spell out COre!). The founders wanted to start something new, breaking away from the standard studio method of teaching, by exposing students—from kids to adults—to a variety of teachers, choreographers, and styles, including foundational ballet, hard-hitting hip-hop, and rhythmic tap. Their vision has included local and international performances and tours, as well as a forthcoming first-ever studio recital. Learn more at coredancecompany.org.

—Ryan

runner-up: CiViC BALLET Of SAN LUiS OBiSPO

Ferguson is also known as the idea Man, because of a unique service he provides in which he … thinks up good ideas. Just listening to him describe his process for thinking up new pranks is a testament to this ability: “i sat down and made a list of, where can i hide in plain sight? Like what if i got one of those bodysuits, like Spiderman, that’s like tan, sand-colored, and put on some spray adhesive, and just load me up with sand? and just sit right on the beach in plain sight, and see if people don’t notice me.”

—Anna

runner-up: SOMEThiNg riDiCULOUS

BE S T Li V E M USiC V E N U E

BE S T LOCA L E N T E rTA i N E r

sl o Br ew i ng Co.

r iCh f erguson

1119 G a r d e n S T., Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

TH e iC e b r e a k e r .CO M

rich Ferguson’s unique style of mental magic, or mentalism, has been his claim to fame for the past 15 years.

More recently, however, Ferguson has become internetfamous as the man who sneezed his head off. a video he made last fall of the prank in downtown SLO became one of the most watched videos of 2012, and garnered him an award from Google. “i did it in elevators,” Ferguson divulged, with a look of glee. “imagine if you were in the elevator with me alone, and you didn’t know me. and i’m like, ‘How’s it going—achoo!’ and i sneeze, and my head comes off! i usually do it right before the doors open, just so they can escape.” Ferguson’s unusual magic and, more recently, his highly creative practical jokes have garnered him numerous Tv appearances and gigs at celebrity events. ellen degeneres once called him a “freak.” He’s also a motivational speaker, and does workshops on body language and psychology.

“best Live Music venue?” isn’t that kinda the same as “best Club to Catch a band?” in any case, SLO brew won both categories. What makes the brew so special?

Well, first, there are the performances: everything from Snoop dogg to beach House to Jeff bridges and the abiders. upstairs, the restaurant menu, designed by executive chef alison Watts, offers pub food with a gourmet flair, because there’s nothing worse than going to shows on an empty stomach! Then, of course, there are the lauded micro-brews. downstairs, the brew regularly delivers live musical entertainment to suit all tastes, from local and touring acts alike. recently, the brew even went the extra mile, making indie fans’ dreams come true with Modest Mouse and The postal Service (at the Madonna expo Center). Overachievers!

—Anna

Replace Alain Mikli with Initium

runner-up: P O z O S A L O O N

BEST EYEWEAR…Anywhere!

Urban Optics • Downtown SLO • LA Eyeworks • Oliver Peoples • Initium • Garrett Leight • Francis Klein • Zero G

• Salt Optics • Paul Frank • Lafont • Jeremy Tarian • Bevel • Barton Perreira

Eye Exams • Contact Lenses • Unique Eyewear

Dr. Dave Schultz • 1001 Higuera Street • San Luis Obispo, CA • 805-543-5200 www.urbanoptics.com

Best

of

sLo 2013

41

Feels like home.

7–Time Winner

Best Breakfast served all day

Try Our Lunch!

Burgers · Salads · Sandwiches

Best Breakfast

Best Hangover Food

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6AM–3PM 964 HIGUERA ST. · DOWNTOWN SLO · 541.0227

Treat Mom

to a day of pampering The Escape Package

Aromatherapy Massage, Signature Facial, Firming Body Wrap, Shellac Manicure & Spa Pedicure. Spa lunch, champagne & dark chocolate included.

5 hours $390 (reg $445) expires 5/31/13

The Alves Family Oceano

Private rooms for everyone and the comfort and safety of the county’s only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Sierra Vista’s Birth Center is all about family.

What better place to welcome your newborn baby.

Thanks SLO County for Voting us 2012 Best Place to Look Younger & one of the Best Day Spas

1645 Trilogy Parkway, Nipomo 805.343.7520 ~ SandalwoodTrilogy.com

For birth center tours, classes or a physician referral, call (800) 483-6387 1010 Murray Avenue, San Luis Obispo www.SierraVistaBirthCenter.com | Share Your Story

42 •

M AT T F O U N TA I N A S Best

of

sLo 2013

B

I L L

M

U R R A Y

FEED YOUR

SHOPPING CRAVING, SEYMOUR.

rnin’ u B

money

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP PRESENTS MATT FOUNTAIN AS ARTHUR DENTON IN BURNIN’ MONEY WITH MICHAEL DEXTER AS ORIN SCRIVELLO DIRECTED BY ASHLEY SCHWELLENBACH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVE E. MILLER SHOT ON LOCATION AT KELRIK PRODUCTIONS’ LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS SET

Best

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS!

of

sLo 2013

43

44 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

BEST LOCAL BOOKSTORE

BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSIC

Phoenix Books

Boo Boo records

if there exists a fairer house than prose, i have not seen it. but even prose needs a home, a place where imagination and whimsy and ideas can clutter the floors and wall in untidy splendor. a place like nyC-based poets House, a building constructed specifically to house poetry and literature. to commemorate the space, bill Murray read emily Dickinson’s “i Dwell in possibility” to the construction workers tasked with building the house. or, nearer to our own fair pacific shores: phoenix books. an eccentric palace of books where you wouldn’t be all that surprised to find a celebrity reading the belle of amherst’s impassioned words to a troupe of construction workers.

When it comes to untidy splendor, phoenix books reigns supreme. While walking through sections such as eastern art, health, architecture, and smut, you’re as likely to trip on a good read as you are to find one on a bookshelf. possibly because your gaze was directed to the wall, where 21 barbies, mostly naked, are staring at you from a painting titled Akashic Barbie. or you happened to glance at a painting that reads “if you go to La you will become rich” and are pondering the wisdom of this advice. or maybe you were just so taken with the jewel-toned leatherbound classics beckoning from a shelf across from the register. So, whether you’re the type that likes to dwell in possibility, whimsy, or just a really good book, you’ve found yourself a house for all.

—Ashley

boo boo records is a gem of a record store: sort of well worn and well loved in that independent record store kind of way. i’m still not sure what the store’s enigmatic name really means, or what that has to do with the roosters in the logo, but who cares? open since 1974, boo boo’s boasts an impressive selection of vinyl and CDs, as well as a collection of books and strange memorabilia, and a staff with near-encyclopedic musical knowledge. it’s no wonder boo boo’s regularly takes “best place to buy Music” in our readers’ poll. but this badass little store isn’t just a local favorite: in 2010, Rolling Stone named it one of the best record stores in the united States.

—Anna

9 9 0 M o nte r e y S t., S a n Lu i S o b i S p o

runner-up:

NaN’s Pre-OwNed BOOks

978 M o nte r e y S t., S a n Lu i S o b i S p o

runner-up: CheaP Thrills

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

Patrick James

6 41 H i g u e r a S t., S u ite 10 0 , S a n Lu i S o b i S p o

you’re the razor’s edge. a modern day Don Johnston. you’ve got more swagger than nick the Lounge Singer. More rave reviews than Lost in Translation. More depth than a Wes anderson movie. So what are you doing in your sweatpants and sandals? you don’t go out looking for a job dressed like that, do you? on a week

day? oops—wrong theme. What i was trying to say was: you need to suit up, son! patrick James in downtown SLo has you covered in fine wares: casual wear, suits, collared shirts, belts, and shoes from brands like tommy bahama, true grit, and Corneliani. they have an incredibly helpful staff happy to help you find the fit that tells the ladies you have a job, you definitely don’t still live with your parents, and you’ve left your beer pong days behind you. they’ll never be the wiser.

—Matt

runner-up: MeN’s warehOuse

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

ambiance

737 H ig u e r a S t., Sa n Lu i S o b i S p o

Quite possibly the prettiest store downtown. the white and pink décor and interesting style reminded me of that bill Murray movie Broken Flowers. i hear ambiance has some pretty sweet duds, too. that’s if you’re a female, of course, which i’m not. but i’m writing this brief anyway! according to Marketing Director Coral Kessler, the boutique has been serving the discerning woman’s fashion needs for 40 years, and as such, employees have watched generations of customers grow as trends and tastes change. She added that the shop’s unique style is a direct result of the type of clientele they serve. “they’re the stranger you stop to compliment on the street, and the one you

Burnin ’ money

conti n u ed on

CALIFORNIA FUSION

Taco Temple Crew Thanks You For Your Support!

BEST TACO

Tuesday May 7th Customer Appreciation Day 5-7pm Come on down for a free plate of food!

45

Best

of

sLo 2013

Burnin ’ money

A rose

BY AnY oTHer nAMe ...

If bill murray’s career is any indication, we have an obsession with rediscovering the beauty, humor, and value of relics of the past. And where better to get your antique fix than ruby rose?

45

from

44

secretly hope will sit beside you at dinner,” Kessler said.

I heard that! And Ambiance emphasizes fashion with a conscience; focusing on quality, U.S.-made brands that practice ethical manufacturing.

And Ambiance does more than sell the flavor of the month; buyers forecast trends and curate collections six to 12 months in advance to stay fresh and ahead of the curve. Congrats, ladies!

—Matt

runner-up:

Coverings

BEST LINGERIE SHOP

Fanny Wrappers 79 9 H Ig U e r A S t., SA n LU I S O b I S p O

tired of fighting off poly Dollies at the “semiannual clearance events” for decent prices?

Or sick of having to venture to a big city mall

Burnin ’ money

pHOtOS by Steve e. mILLer

Get your toes ready for summer!

FOR VOTING US THE

We carry every color of OPI POLISH under the sun!

RADIO STATION

ne of o e ’r e w y h w e e S beauty the best salon & stores in town!

20% OFF EVERYTHING! Come in & get ready for summer!

Excludes sale items. Exp. 6/1/13

conti n u ed on

ON THE CENTRAL COAST Endless selection & variety o products f !

Beauty Secrets of Pismo Beach Ross OSH Center 847 Oak Park Blvd. | Pismo Beach | 489-3373

90.1 FM Check out our new programming at KCBX.org

47

46 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Thank you SLO County Clients, Friends & Family!

We’re the #1 Hair Salon because of YOU!

Visit www.thebladerunner.com & download our complete brochure 894 Monterey Street, SLO

805.541.5131

www.TheBladerunner.com

Best

of

sLo 2013

47

Photo By steve e. Miller

spinnin’ WHeels Bu r n I n ’ mon e y from

45

if the wheels on your bus, or vehicle, aren’t going ’round and ’round the way they should, New Times readers recommend The Tire Store.

for higher fashion names? Well, once again, Fanny Wrappers has been named the Best Lingerie Shop in town. Owner Terry Treves has had her shop open for nearly 30 years and provides barely there, sexy-night-in lingerie, as well as lounge-around-with-a-glassof-wine kind of nightgowns and sleepwear. Brides-to-be can also find fun, glammed-up pieces for their bachelorette parties. And if you’re looking to put the flame back into your love life, there’s a small section to help you with that, and all of the associates are more than happy and enthusiastic to help you make your final decisions!

—Lareina Gamboa

runner-up:

Victoria’s secret

BEST THRIFT STORE

Goodwill

AtA sc A d e ro • G rov e r B e Ac h • PA so ro B le s • s A n lu i s o B i s P o

i don’t know about you, but i’ve found some sweet deals at Goodwill. Matching decorative vases? heck yes. Paint-by-number artwork? Gimme that. Wedding

dress? Sure—just in case! Snow gear? Why not? underwear? i’ll pass! remington typewriter? score. it’s like a treasure hunt every time! Plus, Goodwill does good things, helping people with barriers to employment. And if you’re really daring, there’s the outlet—located at 880 industrial Way in SLO—where clothes go for $2 per pound.

Two dollars!

—Anna

runner-up: Hospice

BEST ANTIQUE SHOP

ruby rose

1335 WA lk e r s t., s A n lu i s o B i s P o

What separates a great antique store from a good one? not being a slave to tradition. “We’re antique, but on the side of vintage,” explained proprietor Stephanie hendry, who named the store after her daughter. “A lot of people think antique and think 100 years old, but we have things from the ’60s and ’70s too. i’m a huge fan of the ’70s.” You can find old globes, old flags, old maps, home furnishing, vintage clothing and jewelry, Western boots, tooled leather. Don’t be surprised if every time you go in it feels like you’re visiting a new store, since hendry says it “changes weekly.” For instance, the film

Moonrise Kingdom recently charmed hendry, so she set up a vintage tent filled with vintage camp gear. “Most items we find on the road. We love road tripping and the experience of being on road. i’d describe the store as very eclectic and very curated.” Follow her road adventures at rubyrose805.blogspot.com.

—Glen

runner-up:

VillaGe antique Mall

BEST PET STORE

lemos Feed and pet supply

s A n lu i s o B i s P o • A r royo G r A n d e G rov e r B e Ac h • AtA sc A d e ro • los osos M o r ro B Ay • n i P o M o • PA so ro B le s

it’s bad enough dealing with a person who’s a picky eater. But when you’re trying to provide healthy fare for a pet who can’t tell you what it wants or needs, it’s a whole other level of frustrating. This is where Lemos Feed and Pet Supply’s extensive list of alternative, healthy brands of pet food comes in handy. The company’s testimonials page is filled with stories of happy matches between picky pets and healthy diets, including a story of pet owners who credit Sweet Potato cat food with prolonging their sick cat’s life—keep a

Bu r n I n ’ mon e y

conti n u ed on

49

48 •

Best

of

sLo 2012 2013

Thank You

We are grateful to be a part of this wonderful community.

13 times winner Best Health Food Store Runner Up

- Best Grocery Store - Best Butcher www.facebook.com/newfrontiersmarket www.NewFrontiersMarket.com 4BO -VJT 0CJTQP t 1531 Froom Ranch Way (on Los Osos Valley Rd. near Home Depot) 4PMWBOH t 1984 Old Mission Dr. (corner of Alamo Pintado and Mission Dr.)

We’re all about your quality of life

Mandarin Gourmet Thank You for Voting Us #1 Best Chinese Food

Now Serving Pho (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup)

follow us on

BEST CHINESE FOOD

Free Delivery 541-4590 · Fax 541-6128

1316 Madonna Road · SLO Laguna Shopping Center @ Corner of Madonna & Los Osos Valley Rd

www.mandaringourmetslo.com

To Show Appreciation For Your Votes

15% Off

Your entire bill.

With this ad.

Expires 7-31-13

Best

Bu r n I n ’ mon e y

from

47

Kleenex dispenser nearby when you read it. Of course, they also carry medications, grooming products, toys, and treats to keep the furball in your life happy and healthy.

—Ashley

runner-up:

Petco AnimAl SuPPlieS

BEST LOCAL HARDWARE STORE

miner’s Ace Hardware

AtA sc A d e ro • M o r ro B Ay • Los osos G rov e r B e Ac h • A r royo G r A n d e • n i p o M o sA n Lu i s o B i s p o

When i feel like Bill Murray in Moonrise Kingdom and get the urge to chop down a tree, it’s time to take a stop at Miner’s, where i can get the right tool to do the job myself, whatever it may be. need to fix your caddyshack and you’re just standing there repeating, “What the hell is that thing?” Don’t be such a dude— ask some of the helpful staffers. i tell you from experience there’s someone in that store who can tell you what you need to do and what you’ll need to do it with—without the sales pitch. plenty of locations, tools, and gear up the wazoo, plus someone who’ll basically draw you instructions that even Carl Spackler could follow? nice.

—Matt

runner-up: PiSmo BoB’S

BEST GROCERY STORE

trader Joe’s

397 7 h i G u e r A s t., s A n Lu i s o B i s p o 955 r A n c h o pA r k WAy, A r royo G r A n d e 1111 ros s i roA d, te M pLe to n

Trader Joe’s is full of good stuff—too much to list.

But chris popp, a merchant speaking from the san Luis obispo store, decided to at least start one: “the first thing i feel obligated to say that is a dynamic in our store right now is our amazing produce,” he said, citing good values on weekly surprises. next? “i think our flowers are a really great value, and that’s something you see right when you come in the door.” (i can attest that tJ’s bouquets last forever.) next up were “simple staples,” like olive oil, which is higher quality here for less money than at other stores. “Beyond that, i think it’s our excellent personality,” popp summed up. i could hear him smiling over the phone as he said this, describing seeing families grow over the years as they shop at the county’s favorite grocery store.

—Ryan

runner up:

of

sLo 2013

49

men, and penny. no, no, no, and no. penny’s surly friends leave you unconscious, with a cut near your left eye.

Who helps you in your moment of crisis? Who bandages your wounds? Who arms you with pink carnations before your visit to the resting place of the last woman on your list, making the cruelty of loss and old age bearable? Why, the flower girl! For all their apologies, introductions, congratulations, and expressions of love, New Times readers chose open Air Flowers. so the next time you hop into a rental car with a CD of Ethiopian jazz and a list of old flames, make sure to pay a visit to open Air first.

—Anna

runner-up:

SHell BeAcH FlorAl DeSign

BEST VIDEO GAME STORE

game Stop

487 MAdonnA roAd, suite 4, sAn Luis oBispo 218 0 e L c A M i n o r e A L , AtA sc A d e ro 9 4 n i B Lic k roA d, pA so ro B Le s

new FrontierS mArketPlAce

BEST FLOWER SHOP

open Air Flowers 10 55 o sos s t., s A n Lu i s o B i s p o

say your name is don Johnston, just like Bill Murray’s character in Broken Flowers. you receive an anonymous letter saying you have a son. The letter is from a former lover. you have had many lovers. so this doesn’t really narrow it down. you look up Laura, dora, car-

The closest most mortal men and women can actually get to being Bill Murray is playing his character in the video game Ghost Busters: Sanctum of Slime. it’s a far cry from the real thing, but what can you do? The game can be found among several thousand others at three local Game stop locations, so go ahead. Be the Murray. The assistant manager of the Arroyo Grande store, Matt truesdell, said his team specializes in trading old games for new and rare finds, so customers always have

Bu r n I n ’ mon e y

conti n u ed on

NATIONAL COLLEGE PLANNING SOLUTIONS

Comprehensive Planning, Exceptional Results

Your Adventure Starts Here!!

Thank You SLO County!

· Career Development

Career Assessments, Job Shadowing, Internships

· Student Positioning

Academic Counseling, School Selection, College Visits, Essay Support, College Applications, Demonstrated Interest and Much More…

· Financial Strategies

Maximizing Aid: Gift Aid, Scholarships & Appeals SANTA BARBARA 14 State Street 962-0049 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10-6 Fri 10-7 • Sun 11-5 Plenty of Free Parking

Setting the Standard for Over 30 Years! www.mountainairsports.com

SAN LUIS OBISPO 667 Marsh Street 543-1676 HOURS: Mon-Sat: 10-6 Thurs 10-8 • Sun 11-4 Plenty of Free Parking

Call us for a free consultation: Includes an analysis of your potential �inancial aid package, answers to your personal questions and a discussion of what you should be doing today to begin preparing for college.

WWW.NATIONALCPS.COM

805-624-7800

50

50 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Bu r n i n ’ mon e y

from

BEST JEWELRY STORE

49

a stack of fresh virtual adventures next to their consoles.

—Nick

Kevin Main Jewelry

runner-up:

Cheap Thrills reCords

Diamonds are forever, but are they for everyone? that can be left up for debate, but no matter the type of jewelry or your price range, this spot is worth a visit. Kevin Main boasts a wide collection of breathtaking, expertly crafted engagement and wedding rings, as well as pieces resting elegantly on the fringe of fashion and style. asked about the storefront’s sparkling appearance, ownerjeweler-designer Main and his wife Kathi were disarming as they described the various services and merchandise they offered. they do repair, host a gallery, and sell silver and moderately priced earrings, in addition to carrying the highest of high end, including product lines from Hearts on Fire, described as “the world’s most perfectly cut diamond.” the store even welcomes a tattoo show from time to time during art after Dark, this year on May 3. “no matter who you are, there will come a day when you need, not want, when you need to buy a fine piece of jewelry,” said Main, adding that his friendly staff is approachable in those situations. When that time comes, stop on in.

—Jono

Urban optics eye Care

10 01 H ig u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

Let’s face it: Sometimes it’s hard to wear glasses without feeling a little like egon Spangler, sidekick to the ohso-cool peter Venkman. Or maybe russell Ziskey, yet another bespectacled sidekick to bill Murray’s private John Winger. Sure, Ziskey gets the girl. but we were all surprised when it happened. enter urban Optics—a downtown eyewear proprietor that practically reeks of retro chic. With 800 frames from collections like Oliver people, intium, Leisure Society, and a new line called garrett Leight designed by a former Cal poly student and urban Optics employee, urban Optics makes visual impairment one of the trendiest fashion decisions you never get to make. their bold, statement glasses are just so damned cool they’ve even managed to attract customers who don’t require prescriptions. and with 25 years in business, optometrist David Schultz is more than qualified to ensure that your glasses feel as good as they look. —Ashley

Tom’s Toys

6 82 H ig u e r a S t., Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

7 2 0 H i g u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

BEST EYEWEAR STORE

BEST TOY STORE tom’s toys is so rad. even being put on hold was a joy. i got to listen to a lovely story about a boy and a relay race. then manager Carlos Macias picked up the phone, and we talked about toys. Since owner ted Frankel founded it in the late ’70s, tom’s toys has been making kids’ (and grownups’) dreams come true. at its custom-built two-story downtown location, you can find everything from the latest craze to perennial favorites like Legos and action figures to classic items such as puzzles, yo-yos, rubik’s cubes, and Slinkies. tom’s toys is also known for its helpful, friendly staff and free gift-wrapping, which is especially handy for last-minute gift giving. and while ostensibly geared toward kids, the store caters to customers of all ages, because no matter how old or important you are, you’re never too old to enjoy a rubber band gun. Or an art kit. Or a remotecontrol airplane. tell me you don’t want to play with that.

—Anna

runner-up: whiz Kids

BEST SHOE STORE

Charles shoes

runner-up (tie):

The Gold ConCepT

runner-up (tie):

runner-up: MiChael’s opTiCal

8 67 H ig u e r a S t., Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

if you’re anxious about where to get your new kicks, “You’ve got to take baby steps! baby steps to Charles Shoes!” said manager Jason ashley. From Dansko clogs

Broadway Jewelers

Bu r n i n ’ mon e y

conti n u ed on

51

Thank you

for supporting your favorite local, gourmet pizzeria since 1996!!!

Thank you San Luis Obispo for choosing Smiling Dog Yoga as the Best Place for Yoga 4 years in a row!

Mention this ad & receive

$3 off any 12” pizza

Come in and see why our students love us.

New Student Special:

$30 for 30 Days of Unlimited Yoga!

(Activated the day of purchase, offer valid for a limited time only)

Lots of Other Savings!

$70 Monthly Unlimited Yoga Membership $55 Massage-A-Month Membership Acupuncture & Eco-Conscious Retail Offers expire 5.31.13

We present over 35 yoga classes each week in a variety of styles to serve the different needs of people of all ages and from all walks of life. With skillful teachers, affordable prices, a lovely studio, retail boutique, and a cafe serving wholesome vegetarian cuisine, find out why yoga is the answer to your health and sanity.

891 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo, CA

Store Hours 10-6 M-F, 10-3 Sat, 10-1 Sun Cafe Serves 11-3 M-Sat (closed Sun)

smilingdogyoga.com / 1227 Archer SLO / 805 546 9100

Check out our reviews on Yelp

805-544-8786 pizzasolo.com

Best

Bu r n I n ’ mon e y

from

50

to comfortable and fashionable styles for ladies this spring, Charles offers a range of sizes and widths. Sit down for old-fashioned shoe service and have a little retail therapy. “Trending right now in styles for men would be classic silhouettes with unexpected materials,” Ashley said. They also have plenty of fun and eye-catching styles for women, as well as the classics. Remember, take a hint from What About Bob and realize all you have to do is take baby steps. Baby steps to get on the bus, baby steps to the elevator ... .

—Michael

runner-up: Takken’s shoes

BEST TIRE STORE

The Tire store

252 H i g u e R A S T., S A n Lu i S O B i S p O

The day before i called Joe Beckwith of The Tire Store to get the lowdown on his shop, my wife spent a small fortune at a big box store on two tires for our commuter car. imagine my dismay when Beckwith told me we’ve got a really common tire size and could have spent anywhere from $40 to $150 less on a decent set. “We keep it basic and honest,” Beckwith said. “We don’t try to sell people on what they don’t need.” now he tells me. The Tire Store has been in business since 1989 and has one of the largest inventories around, so stop by the big yellow shop when your ride needs new treads.

—Nick

runner-up:

Big Brand Tires

Restaurant THANK YOU FOR VOTING MONGO’S

BEST SOUTH COUNTY BAR & RUNNER UP BEST DRINK FOR THE MONEY Come on by and see why we are the Best Bar!

805-489-3639 • 359 WEST GRAND AVE, GROVER BEACH

GREAT FOOD, GOOD TIMES AND LIVE MUSIC

of

sLo 2013

51

52 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Photo Contest

DCPP C ALENDAR

W W W. D C P P C A L E N D A R C O N T E S T . C O M

Whether it’s Oceano at sunset or Adelaide at dawn, we want to see your best San Luis Obispo County photographs! The 13 contest winners will have their photos published in 100,000 DCPP Emergency Planning calendars and distributed in the County.

For official rules and entry guidelines, go to www.dcppcalendarcontest.com Entry deadline is July 15, 2013

enter now! www.dcppcalendarcontest.com

Sponsored by

“A Hole in one!”

NICK POWELL

as

B

I L L

M

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 53

u r r a y

About Town

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP presents NICK POWELL in ABOUT TOWN DirecteD BY AShLEy SChWELLENBACh pHOtOGrApHY BY STEVE E. MILLER sHOt On LOcAtiOn At RIVER OAKS GOLf COURSE

54 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

BEST LOCAL RADIO STATION

KCBX 90.1FM 9 0.1, S LO • 91.7 Pa SO RO b Le S 9 0.9 av i L a b e ac h , c a m b R i a • 91.1 c ay u cOS

KcbX is everything real radio listeners love about quality programming, due in large part to music Director Neal Losey—who single-handedly acts as host to the wildly popular Morning Cup every weekday morning —as well as national programs such as Democracy Now!; Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me; Car Talk; A Prairie Home Companion; and harry Shearer’s brilliant Le Show, featuring that darling little piece of radioactivity, attie. The station’s lineup underwent some changes this year, including the elimination of the board of supervisors broadcast, but it also includes some exciting upcoming new programming, such as an increased emphasis on local news coverage. Whoa, hold on KcbX! encroaching on our turf, huh? Sounds like we’ve got an Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy-style street brawl on the horizon. you’re on notice, Neal!

—Matt

runner-up: Wild 106 FM

BEST AUTO MECHANIC

Rizzoli’s Automotive 258 4 v ic TO R i a av e ., S a N Lu i S O b i S P O

in an industry widely known for fleecing its customers, auto mechanics have to go well beyond the expected norms of service to establish a reputation of integrity, and in the 36 years they’ve been in business locally, the technicians at

Rizzoli’s automotive have proved themselves reliable again and again. The family-owned and -operated shop received a 100 percent customer satisfaction rating through aaa, and general manager Kyle Rizzoli said his crew understands that behind every repair, there’s a person who depends on that car for his or her livelihood. To that end, mechanics regularly stay late to complete same-day fixes, and they offer a local shuttle service so customers can get to work even though their cars are in the shop.

—Nick

in the center of downtown San Luis Obispo, but add a creek and a delightful staff into the mix? Perfection.

Resting along the gentle waters that parallel higuera Street is Tigerlily Salon and Spa, a quiet escape for people seeking some spa treatment on a day off or looking to freshen up that hairstyle. Tigerlily offers everything from professional hair styling to highlights to perms—that’s right, i said it: perms. Whether you’re looking to try something new, get a quick touch-up, or get your hair and makeup did, Tigerlily is sure to have you feeling good and looking even better.

—Spencer

runner-up: Villa Automotive

runner-up: Blue Bird

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR HAIR DID (tie)

BEST HEALTH CLUB

The Bladerunner

Kennedy Club Fitness

894 mONTeRey ST., SaN LuiS ObiSPO

PaSO RObLeS • aTaScaDeRO • SaN LuiS ObiSPO aRROyO gRaNDe

hopefully you’re not in as desperate need of a haircut as bill murray’s character in Kingpin, ernie mccracken, but who needs an excuse to look good? bladerunner has been providing quality cuts and soothing massages at their quaint downtown location since 1986. Whether you’re looking to rock that job interview, pamper yourself on your wedding day, or get rid of that uncanny mccracken look, bladerunner has a style for every occasion that is sure to be a strike!

—Spencer

With its multiple locations, Kennedy club Fitness is frequented by more than 17,000 SLO county residents.

So it’s no wonder Kennedy is regularly voted “best health club” in New Times’ annual readers’ poll. a San Luis Obispo location boasts a swimming pool, more than 80 classes per week, and more than 50,000 square feet of cardio and strength training equipment. Plus, you can avoid a bill-murray-in-Lost-in-Translation moment with the help of a team of certified personal trainers. Remember when bill murray was on the elliptical and it just kept going faster and faster with no one to help him? Well, that won’t happen here.

—Anna

Tigerlily Salon and Spa

runner-up: The Edge

670 higueRa ST., SaN LuiS ObiSPO

it’s hard to sit comfortably as you get your hair cut with the sounds of horns honking and sirens blazing

ABOUT TOWN

conti n u ed on

55

Step Into Spring With

color

Voted #1 Thrift Store for over 14 years!

THANK YOU SLO COUNTY

REUSE

RECYCLE

REVISIT

NO SALES TAX EVER!

®

Designer Names Vintage to Vogue Funk to Formal Casual to Cowboy Mattresses

w w w.scgoodwill.org • San Luis Obispo •

like us on

In the SLO Promenade 487 Madonna Road, Suite 3 San Luis Obispo

Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 12-5

Store: 15 South Higuera • 544-4965 •Outlet & Vehicles: 880 Industrial Way • 544-0542

• Paso Robles • 1020 Park Street

• Atascadero •

8310 El Camino Real

• Grover Beach •

1628 W. Grand Ave

Best

ABOuT TOW n

from

54

BEST PLACE TO GET A MASSAGE

Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort 1215 Avil A Be Ach Dr ., SAn luiS OBiSpO

The hands connected to the spa staff at Sycamore Mineral Springs should be registered as national treasures. Stress, pain, and stiffness melt away under their expert care, and a list of nine treatment options ensures that every client leaves happy and relaxed. Get rubbed down alone or in pairs, with hot stones or with wine. have the masseuse focus on feet, hands, shoulders, or back; it’s all up to you! Though the resort’s renowned for great getaways, locals don’t get left out. SlO county residents get $15 off any massage longer than an hour. —Nick

runner-up: Savvi Skin Studio

BEST LOCAL NEWS SOURCE

KSBY

1771 cAlle JOAquin, SAn luiS OBiSpO

Who you gonna call when you’ve got a breaking news tip? not New Times, apparently. Well, you’ll call New Times second, after multi-time Best local news Source winner KSBY. And maybe after picking up a to-go order of chinese food. Maybe it’s because they have better hair than the shag rugs most of us New Times writers are sporting on our heads, maybe it’s because KSBY weatherman Dave hovde is always predicting sunshine for the central coast—in which case, he reports the weather, people, he doesn’t make it—but the television news outlet has this category

on tighter lockdown than the environmental protection Agency sniffing out an unlicensed nuclear device being used to imprison hundreds of ghosts.

—Ashley

runner-up: New Times

BEST PLACE FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION OR BIG BASH (tie)

Cliffs Resort

2757 Shell BeAch rOAD, piSMO BeAch

Ah, the beach wedding. it sounds like the most romantic, breathtaking venue there is to tie the knot with your dearly beloved—until you include the howling wind, the unforgiving sand, the unpredictable weather, and need i go on? Some of you who might have had a wedding on the beach may have had a better experience, but isn’t there a more pleasant (and cleaner) way to have a beach wedding? Of course, and here’s the solution: Keep the beach, lose the sand, and don’t worry about the weather because the cliffs resort has all of those things covered for your special day. With indoor and outdoor reception areas, exceptional cuisine, and views that will give your mother something to blame her tears on after the ceremony (OK, Dad, you too), the cliffs is your ideal, picture-perfect wedding location—unless you enjoy picking out every grain of sand from your wedding dress or tuxedo. in that case, let’s hope it’s a rental.

—Spencer

Madonna Inn 100 MADOnnA rOAD, SAn luiS OBiSpO

The Madonna inn has come a long way since opening with only 12 rooms on christmas eve in 1958. nowadays, the pink place offers 110 uniquely themed rooms that, depending on

of

sLo 2013

• 55

your taste (or your pocketbook), are equipped with waterfalls, rock showers, balconies, and/or fireplaces. With room titles like “caveman,” “Oriental Fantasy,” or “Golfer’s room,” there’s sure to be an accommodation suitable for every one of your crazy relatives after your wedding reception in one of their beautiful, also-uniquely-themed banquet rooms. Don’t believe me? check out photos at madonnainn.com see just how unique and sophisticated this place is.

—Spencer

runner-up: Santa Margarita Ranch

BEST NEW COMPANY OF 2012

The Sal Paradise 1028 chOrrO ST., SAn luiS OBiSpO

part of the growing poor But Sexy empire, the Sal paradise Bakery, Sandwiches, and Focacceria arrived in 2012 to join Sidecar restaurant and Kreuzberg book bar and coffee lounge. named after Jack Keroauc’s analog in his On the Road, Sal’s offers literary- and fantastically goofy-themed sandwiches, ranging from the titular hero’s salami, Black Forest ham, and pepperoni creation on Back porch crunch bread—try it, really—to the ex-Girlfriend, which boasts chicken breast, bacon, and mozzarella sticks. Other sandwiches you’ll have to order to taste: the Bronze Bull, Bobbie lou’s Back Seat, and the narwhal prince. Get a lollipop with your order, pick up a loaf for later, and keep your eye out for owner James Whitaker, who cycles through all of his business locations to be sure they’re running smoothly.

—Ryan

runner up: Luis Wine Bar ABOUT TOWN

conti n u ed on

TOBIN JAMES… IT’S ALL TRUE! Thank you wine lovers, for all your support and for voting us the #1 Tasting Room!

8950 Union Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446 (805) 239-2204 | Open daily 10am–6pm | www.tobinjames.com

57

56 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

FREE EVENTS CONTESTS PRIZES DISCOUNTS

rideshare's

MAY 2013

locally owned and operated

PRICES ARE BORN HERE...

RAISED ELSEWHERE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! • Tires • Wheels • Brakes • Shocks

• Alignment M-F: 8 - 5:30 S: 8 - 4 SUN: Closed

(805) 541-8473 252 HIGUERA STREET SAN LUIS OBISPO (Yellow building across from Smart & Final)

Best

ABOuT TOW n

from

and whether you’re a new or returning customer, they’re there to help. as their website states, you can “Join sEsLOC if you live, work, worship, or attend school in san Luis Obispo.” also: “serving members is the only reason we exist.”

—Lareina

55

BEST CAR WASH

Sunset North Car Wash and Detail Center

runner-up: Heritage Oaks

1023 M a r s h s t., s a n Lu i s O b i s p O

When the Ecto-1 has reached that critical point where a couple weeks’ worth of fighting ghouls have amassed a healthy heap of psychomagnotheric slime and you can’t even make out the Ghostbuster logo anymore, it’s time to blast on over to sunset Car Wash, where you’ll be in, out, and back on the road in your former hearse in no time. We at the New Times office are graced with being neighbors with sunset, and we’ve seen these guys at work. Complete wax in 20 minutes or less? Yes, please!

—Matt

runner-up: Quicky Car Wash

BEST LOCAL BANK/ CREDIT UNION

SESLOC

San LuiS ObiSpO • paSO RObLeS • aRROyO GRande • ataScadeRO

i always feel like i need to use my indoor voice when i enter a house of money. so please, join me as i applaud repeat-winner sEsLOC with a quick round of golf claps. For about 70 years, the credit union has been providing service to our community, and it’s still going strong with more than 33,000 members. When you open an account, you become a part owner! the staff is always friendly and quick to welcome you,

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY IN SLO COUNTY

Sycamore Mineral Springs 1215 aviLa bEaCh Dr., san Luis ObispO

Everyone needs a vacation, but who has the time? Well, when you’re looking to get the most out of your weekend, sycamore Mineral springs has quite a treat in store for you. Complete with spa suites, massages, facial treatments, and more, the destination is the ideal spot for a quick couple of days of rejuvenation before heading back to the realities of life. it also offers access to hiking trails along California’s coast and a labyrinth to clear your mind and leave you feeling relaxed. after your walk, massage, or whatever you decide to do, you can head over to the Gardens of avila restaurant, which serves dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. daily. treat yourself to a weekend of pampering and relaxation—you’ll be glad you did.

—Spencer

Animal instincts

the team at pismo beach veterinary Clinic—voted best vet—will treat your furry family members with the love and respect they deserve.

runner-up: Cambria Pines Lodge

of

sLo 2013

• 57

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Blair Properties 1750 EL CaMinO rE aL , GrOvEr bE aCh

While mortgages and home financing have been a hefty and controversial topic recently, people are still sweating it out to taste that apple pie. Fantasy aside, buying a house around here can be an expensive proposition. after all, san Luis Obispo’s the place some say is the “happiest City in america,” and if it isn’t the weather or the coast or the perfect area for young families, there’s nothing like arbitrary notoriety to make property in sLO County more and more desirable. if you’re in the market, you might as well go to the good guys. that’s where blair properties comes in. Echoing the office’s mission statement, realtor bruce blair said the reason they stand out among the pack is simple: “honesty. integrity. Knowledge.” basically, it’s a place where you won’t get Scrooged. blair has been doing this more than 30 years, and says his success over the years is a product of the great people working in the office and constant referrals that direct buyers and sellers alike toward him. it’s a business where a name means a lot, and being a fourth-generation area-native helps. “We take care of buyers and we take care of sellers,” blair said.

—Jono

runner-up: Century 21

BEST LAWYER

Chuck Kirschner 770 MOrrO baY bLvD., MOrrO baY

You may have been too distracted by neve Campbell and Denise richards making out topless to remember that

ABOUT TOWN

conti n u ed on

59

phOtO bY stEvE E. MiLLEr

58 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Best

ABOUT TOW N

from

BEST DENTIST

57

Bill Murray played a double-crossing lawyer in the 1998 film Wild Things. No, I’m serious—topless. People expect certain things of a lawyer, such as assurances the attorney won’t sell you out to a sexual rival. It’s about integrity, right? Morro Bay attorney Chuck Kirschner thinks loyalty to his clients is a main reason SLO County voted him Best Lawyer. “I suspect it’s because I put their interest above mine,” Kirschner says. “So many lawyers are into billing.”

Billing and neck braces.

—Patrick

RUNNER-UP: Jeff Stulberg

BEST PLACE TO PAY TO STAY

Madonna Inn 10 0 MADONNA ROAD, SAN LUIS OBISPO

Had Phil from Groundhog Day spent the night of Feb. 2 at Madonna Inn, he probably wouldn’t have minded waking up every morning in the same cozy bed and spacious room ad infinitum. It would take a long time for any of the hotel’s 110 themed rooms—the Caveman Room, the Jungle Room, the Golfer’s Room (Welcome, Carl Spackler!), the Austrian Suite, etc.—to get old, especially since each one was painstakingly renovated from 2007 to 2009, according to Clint Pearce, president of Madonna Enterprises. For those lucky travelers who aren’t locked in a wacky time loop, the Madonna Inn is a destination that practically guarantees a memorable vacation.

—Nick

RUNNER-UP: Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort

Dr. Ron Barbieri, DDS 1131 PACIFIC ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO

Everyone dreads going to the dentist—except those who see Dr. Ron Barbieri, apparently. Barbieri’s humor and personality shine as brightly as his patients’ teeth after each visit, and he strives to build a relationship with each of his patients to ensure a comfortable environment to come and get your teeth cleaned. A humble Barbieri insists it’s not the dentist, but rather the friendly staff that keeps people coming back. Having been in practice for 37 years in San Luis Obispo, Barbieri keeps his patients’ smiles bright with his state-of-theart cleaning tools and his clever humor.

—Spencer

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Scott Morton

BEST GENERAL DOCTOR

Dr. René Bravo

3241 S. HIGUER A ST., SAN LUIS OBISPO

Former surfer and biology enthusiast Dr. René H. Bravo has served kids in the area for more than 23 years, but opened his current pediatric office in 2007. His office is themed after the wonders of the ocean and features a giant canvas mural of underwater life. Hidden in the mural is a picture of a shark, which kids hunt for while they wait. Together, René and Debbie Bravo have five sons, all of whom are probably capable of quoting The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou from memory. Dr. Bravo himself searches for dinosaurs, lions, turtles, as well as endangered and mythical animals within the ears of children. “Working on a child is different than working with any other kind of human being because you can

Specializing in D, DD & E Cu ps

of

sLo 2013

• 59

make a difference in a lifetime. There’s a positive view of humanity in pediatrics ... plus kids are hysterical,” Dr. Bravo said. “Since they can’t often pronounce the ‘Br’ in my name, I get called Bobo, Bibu, and even Boo Boo.” His favorite quote from a child is: “I don’t know what I want, but I want it right now!” He’s also found that children are much more enthusiastic about stickers than they are about health care. From the neon fish tank to the aquatic theme of each room, Dr. Bravo seems enthralled with children’s curiosity directed toward the natural world.

—Michael

RUNNER-UP: Dr. Frank Mazzone

BEST VET

Pismo Beach Veterinary Clinic 990 PRICE ST., PISMO BE ACH

Jack’s vomiting and you don’t know why. Cat Cat swallowed her stuffed turtle filled with catnip. There are few situations in life that render you quite so vulnerable as a sick pet. But when the worst happens—and however protective a pet parent you might be, it always does—there’s nothing better than a team of competent, caring experts in your corner. And while it’s important to know where to go to get the best burrito or haircut, it’s exponentially more valuable to know that when my Jack started vomiting and no one knew why, this was the team of veterinarians that patiently and persistently navigated a course of testing that resulted in a successful diagnosis.

This was the team that helped fight for Jack’s health. And a happy, healthy (if slightly overweight) orange cat is the highest recommendation I can give.

—Ashley

RUNNER-UP: Animal Care Clinic

Village Antique Mart Thank you to our loyal customers & voters!

The Village Antique Mart is located in the very heart of the famous Village of Arroyo Grande. Excellent service and tradition for the last 24 years! *Bring in or mention this ad for a customer appreciation discount of 10% off any purchase of $20 or more in the month of May! *some exclusions apply.

SLO

SWIM WE SuiT YOU BEST

795 Higuera Street San Luis Obispo (805) 781-9604 sloswim@att.net

THANK YOU SLO!

126 E Branch St # A, Arroyo Grande (805) 489-6528 www.villageantiquemart.net

60 •

Best

of

You don't need to join the armY to start an adventure.

sLo 2013

M at t f o u n ta i n a s

B

i l l

M

u r r a y

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP presents MATT FOUNTAIN in GET OUT as John DirecteD BY AShlEy SchWEllENbAch photoGraphY BY STEVE E. MIllER shot on Location at SANTA MARGARITA ADVENTURES

Best

Thanks

To all of our customers for voting us one of your favorite bike shops!

ALWAYS #1 IN SOUTH COUNTY

of

sLo 2013

• 61

62 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Best

BEST PLACE TO GET SWIMWEAR

SLO SWIM 795 H ig u e r a S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

bill Murray may be known for his suits, but he’s often spotted in the three-piece kind. two-pieces are more in the realm of SLO Swim, a San Luis Obispo shop that prides itself on offering bra-sized swimwear, including D through g cups. the helpful staff emphasizes confidence and comfort when it comes to selecting a bikini or onepiece. “Designer” is also a key word, and summer-seeking shoppers can find pieces from collections that artfully walk the fine line between fashion and function. When new times readers are looking to hit the surf, or the pool, or the party, or wherever, they start with help from SLO Swim.

—Ryan

runner-up: M O O n d O G G I E S

BEST BOARd SHOP

CEnTRAL COAST SuRfBOARdS 8 55 M a r S H S t., S a n Lu i S O b i S p O

there’s something mystical and magical about a really good surf shop. Started in 1975 by a trio of Cal poly kids, Central Coast Surfboards is that kind of shop. their current selection of shapers includes boards by Cole, rusty, Firewire, Santa Cruz, and South County shaper gabriel Loyd. “We also have a great snowboarding gear selection in winter, surfboard and wetsuit rentals, tons

of skateboards and accessories, and lots of gear for men, women, and kids,” said shop manager tom brubaker. “in fact, we’re a great source for the entire family, whether you surf or not. You’ll get great service from the moment you walk in the door.”

—Glen

runner-up: M O O n d O G G I E S

BEST GOLf COuRSE

Av I L A B E A C H G O L f R E S O RT 6 4 6 4 a n a b aY D r ., av i L a b e aC H

bill Murray loves golf. More than bowling. and New Times loves bill Murray. Obviously. back to work. the point is, when it isn’t time to get back to work, but is, instead, the perfect afternoon for a round of golf (or a soak in the hot springs, some nude sun-tanning, or a jaunt in a boat from the harbor), head out to avila. the avila beach golf resort is known as one of the area’s premier golf courses, as well as a popular concert venue.

Here, the idyllic weather is perfected by the beautiful and archetypal Californian surroundings, where even rodney Dangerfield would enjoy a round. When asked to brag about how the grounds crew established their dominance in this competitive field, Superintendent ron Siskey was modest, giving all credit to the weather: “ever been out here at 4 o’clock in the afternoon? not windy, not hot.” as for the never-ceasing gophers, the crew has tried everything from bait to Wrigley’s gum.

—Jono

runner-up: MOR RO B Ay GOL f COu R S E

of

sLo 2013

• 63

BEST HIKE

BISHOP PEAK 35°18´0 9´n , 12 0 °41´51´ W

Judging by the number of times you’ve voted bishop peak as best Hike, you’ve probably ascended the 1,546-foot mountain a time or 12. but have you ever bothered to ask the peak how it’s feeling? Or, hell, where its name comes from? in case you fancy some small talk, the next time you’re navigating those endless switchbacks, here’s some trivia: bishop peak got its name because it resembles a bishop’s mitre (picture the pope’s funny hat, for reference). Of the nine Sisters—the others are Morro rock, black Hill, Cabrillo peak, Hollister peak, Cerro romauldo, Chumash peak, Cerro San Luis, and islay Hill—bishop peak is the tallest, and its inhabitants include eagles, owls, vultures, deer, raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions. and the occasional lost hiker, of course.

—Ashley

runner-up: MOnTAñA dE ORO

BEST LOCAL O u T d OO R S T O R E

M O u n TA I n A I R S P O RT S 6 67 M a r S H S t., Sa n Lu i S O b i S p O

Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend camping trip or catching some snow at the slopes, Mountain air is the place to get all of the latest equipment. Locally owned since 1975, it’s the place to go when seeking the

GET OUT

conti n u ed on

65

Thank you San Luis Obispo for Voting Que Pasa #1!

GRAND OPENING May 11th, 10-4

Cinco de Mayo Specials Taco Trio $5 House Tequila Shots $5 House Margaritas $3 Coronitas $1

Your Local San Luis Obispo Tack Shop is Here!

Vendor Representatives Attending!

Raffle Prizes! Storewide Discounts!

Happy Hour M-F 2pm – 6pm

Music · Coastal Peaks Coffee & Snacks · Fun for Everyone!

Prizes donations from: Ariat · Bar H Equine · Best Ever Saddle Pads · Bitless Bridle · Circle Y Classic Equine · Cinch/Cruel Girl · Da Brim · Devon Aire · EasyCare EOUS · Equibrand · EquiFuse · FITS · Passier · Heritage Gloves Hold Your Horses · Horseware · JPC · LaSelleria/Prestige · Noble Equine Ponytail · Professional’s Choice · Reinsman · Supracor · Troxel Wahl · Zephyr’s Garden · and MORE!!!

‘Like’ our Facebook Page!

Check out our menu & info online: www.qpmexicancafe.com Que Pasa San Luis Obispo

1009 Monterey St. · 805-541-0411

www.RidingWarehouse.com | 181 Suburban Rd. SLO | 888.420.4327

Restaurant Hours: 11am–9:30pm Bar Open until 11:30pm

Que Pasa Atascadero

6917 El Camino Real · 805-462-1400 Restaurant Hours: 11am-9:30pm Bar Open until 1:30am

64 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

THANK YOU! We’re Happy to be your favorite grocery store!

Best Grocery Store

SLO Crew n Cre Templeto

Arroyo G r

w

3977 S. Higuera Street San Luis Obispo 783-2780

1111 Rossi Road Templeton 434-9562

955 Rancho Parkway Arroyo Grande 474-6114

ande Cre w

1303 S. Bradley Santa Maria 925-1657

Thank You

Let us be your Designated Driver!

We provide rentals for: · Chevy Tahoe · 8-Passenger Limousine · 14-Passenger Party Shuttle · 22-Passenger Limo Bus · Rent a Personal D river!

Revel Rides provides transportation services throughout San Luis Obispo County for Wine Tours, Brewery Tours, Weddings, Proms, Night on the Town, Airport Transportation, and all other Special Events. Our driver’s are professional, courteous, and safe.

Book with Revel Rides Today!

(805) 591-9190 · www.RevelRides.com · TCP#24159-A

SLO County for the Votes!

Please visit our Tasting Room Every Saturday where we feature LIVE Music from 1-4pm.

Bring a picnic and your family and friends, enjoy a bottle of wine and find out why we are one of your favorite tasting rooms!

453 Laetitia Vineyard Drive, Arroyo Grande · 805.481.1772 · www.laetitiawine.com

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 65

photo By steve e. MiLLer

G eT OuT

from

63

best gear for all of your outdoor expeditions, including backpacking, camping, snowboarding, and skiing. Need to rent a snowboard or some camping equipment for your weekend getaway? Mountain Air’s knowledgeable staff will equip you with the tools you need to get the most out of your next adventure.

—Spencer

Roll ouT SLO County is a very twowheel-friendly place to live, with its bike trails and beautiful scenery. Locals who love their bicycles voted Art’s Cyclery best bike Shop.

RunneR-up: 4 SeaSonS

BeST FRIenD To THe enVIRonMenT (TIe)

ecoSlo 75 H ig u e r A S t., S A N Lu i S O b i S p O

A cause without a leader is like a foot without a big toe. eCOSLO emerged as the preeminent local conservation group from modest beginnings as a recycling outfit. Although eCOSLO no longer takes the local lead on environmental politics, it still leads plenty of educational hikes and beach cleanups. the group plans to hold a month-long hikeathon during June where participants log the hours they spend cruising SLO County’s open spaces. “Our goal is to get people out on the trails,” said eCOSLO board chair Sandra Marshall. We all owe a round of applause to one of our oldest local conservation groups and big toe, eCOSLO. —Patrick

lanD c o n S e R Va n c y oF Slo counTy 5 47 M A r S H S t., S A N Lu i S O b i S p O

Sorry, Land Conservancy, but no bill reference for you. i just can’t tie anything in the Murray filmography into conservation easements. the very fact that a public-interest landowner tied with perennial winner eCOSLO shows just how much public awareness of the group’s work has grown. executive Director Kaila Dettman credits the Land Conservancy’s outreach efforts in increasing visibility. playing a role in the pending completion of the bob Jones trail also probably had something to do with it. And what about bob? Aha, there you go.

—Patrick

RunneR-up: THe SIeRRa cluB

BeST BIKe SHoP

a RT ’ S c y c l e R y 181 S u b u r b A N rOA D, S A N Lu i S O b i S p O

bikes are really neat. but i don’t need to tell you that, SLO County! this place was made for cyclists. We’ve got sweet bike trails. We’ve got bike Month, which is happening right now.

We’ve got bike Night, where bikes rule the road! Woooo!

During Farmers Market, we’ve even got valet parking for bikes.

So when i tell you that our readers voted Art’s Cyclery the best bike shop around, you know they’re not messing around.

Art’s opened in Los Osos back in 1982, and it’s grown into an invaluable place for everything bike-related. these days, Art’s isn’t just a retail store boasting friendly service and a selection of road bikes, mountain bikes, cycling accessories, helmets, apparel, and parts galore—it’s also a fantastic online resource offering even more cool stuff, as well as a learning center with helpful videos to help you become a biker babe in no time.

Check it out at artscyclery.com.

—Anna

RunneR-up: I R a ’ S

B e S T n u R S e R y/ GaRDen SToRe

M I n e R’ S a c e H a R D wa R e AtA sc A d e ro • M o r ro B Ay • Los osos G rov e r B e Ac h • A r royo G r A n d e n i p o M o • s A n Lu i s o B i s p o

there’s nothing like a good, old-fashioned neighborhood hardware store. Miner’s is a locally owned company that’s been serving the SLO County community for 57 years. Whether you’re looking for barbecues, lumber, electrical and plumbing supplies, paint, house wares, or tools, Miner’s has it all. but it’s best known for its extensive nursery and garden supply center and its commitment to customer service. New Times readers say that with seven locations to serve you, you’ll find whatever you need for your next project at Miner’s Ace Hardware.

—Glen

RunneR-up: R o n S

66 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

NEW TIMES MEDIA GROUP presents MATT FOUNTAIN, JERIME FORD, COlIN RIGlEy, AND NIChOlAS WAlTER in COMMUNITy WATCh DirecteD BY AShlEy SChWEllENbACh pHOtOGrApHY BY STEVE E. MIllER sHOt On LOcAtiOn At SAN lUIS ObISPO lIbRARy

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 67

we win so you win!

Thanks for Voting Us Best Pizza for the 25th Time!

We appreciate all of our customers support & invite anyone who has not tried SLO’s Best Pizza to do so! + Fresh Salads, Sides & Decadent Desserts Lotsa Beers on Tap Sports on HD TV’s Video Games Free Wi-Fi & More

Onl�e Or�r�g Avai�b�! i b !

FREE pi�a

Buy A Large or XL Pizza w/1 /1 ee or More Toppings & Get a Free Pizza of Equal or Lesser Value ue

! � v eli

We D

T24 Not valid w/other offers. Exp 5/16/13. NT24

1000 Higuera St | 805-541-4420 | woodstocksslo.com

20-TIME WINNER

Thank You! for voting for Heritage Oaks Bank.

Celebrating 30 years of service to the Central Coast.

www.heritageoaksbank.com Member FDIC

BEST SANDWICH • patio • pitchers • potato wedges • & lots of other great foods & goodies that start with various letters

(805) 543-8684 1638 Osos St. SLO

Thank you for voting us 1 of the Best Sandwiches in the County!

68 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

Choose SESLOC, Your Local Favorite ^ Car Loans ^ Home and Construction Loans ^ Online and Mobile Access ^ and much more...

SESLOC Federal Credit Union is a member owned, not for profit financial institution that returns profits to members through low or no fee services and higher dividends and lower interest on loans.

We have proudly served the members of our community for over 70 years as their financial institution of choice. Join SESLOC if you live, work, worship or attend school in San Luis Obispo County.

Thank you for making us number 1 for 6 years in a row.

Where You Belong

www.sesloc.org | 543-1816

Best

of

sLo 2013

• 69

well everyone out there understands the concept of taxes. In light of that fact, you could probably argue that our public education system is also a pretty good contender for Best Waste of Taxpayers’ Money. —Ashley

locals voted schools—in general—as Best use of Taxpayers’ Money. If we all have to pay the government, it seems, we like our cash to benefit students.

runner-up:

W W W. s lOcO u nT y.c A .gOv/ BOs /D I s TR Ic T_ 2 . hTM

If we’ve learned anything since supervisor Bruce gibson publicly admitted he’d been having an affair with his assistant cherie Aispuro, it’s that the good people of san luis Obispo county really like calling women whores. And that they’re remarkably obsessed with the sex lives of their elected officials. hopefully in the months and years to come we’ll find a way to recover from the horror and

Either our readers hate the homeless or they like them so much they want them to experience the quintessential American pastime: camping. Every day. Regardless of how bad the weather is. Of course, given that there were people who voted New Times’ Best Of survey as the Best Waste of Taxpayers’ Money, I’m not really sure how

communit y watc h conti n u ed on

phOTO By sTEvE E. MIllER

Thank You SLO, for Voting us #1!!!

New Styles for Men & Women from

Responsive medical care is only minutes away…. We’re here for YOU. Dr. Mazzone’s team at Family & Industrial Medical Center, provides a unique combination of quality medical care unlike anything else in San Luis Obispo County. We’re more than urgent care, we’re also your friendly & dependable family care provider.

Open 7 Days a week, mornings & evenings. 22 years and going strong!

Frank Mazzone, M.D. Board Certified Family Physician, Medical Director

47 Santa Rosa Street, San Luis Obispo

(On the corner of Santa Rosa & Meineke. *Free parking in back.)

805-542-9596 www.fimcslo.com

Thank You, SLO County for Voting Us #1 Shoe Store for the 13th Year!

867 Higuera • Downtown • San Luis Obispo • 543-4054

Mon thru Sat 10:00-6:00 • Thurs Night til 8:00 • Sun 12-5 • www.charlesshoes.com

70

70 •

Best

of

sLo 2013

com m u n it y watc h

from

69

tragedy, and I’m sure there are support groups forming for those of you who just can’t seem to get beyond it. After all, it’s not every day that two consenting adults have sex.

—Ashley well played, New Times readers. you’ve bested me. I mean, just what the hell am I supposed to say in 100 words about how cool schools are? Did you guys get together on this beforehand and plan it out? Did you book a conference room at the Embassy suites and hold a stick-It-to-matt party while I was out of town? Argh. yes, of course our children’s education is the best investment of our hard-earned dough. have you seen the state of our classrooms lately? you’ve got 10 kids sharing a calculator, 20 lined up to use a microscope. teachers are the only professionals who steal supplies from home to take to work. I don’t mind paying my share, do you? hell, I’d even pay more. the passage of Proposition 30 was a little too narrow for my taste. sadly, not everyone agrees with this winner.

—Matt

runner-up: Lisa Solomon

w w w. s loco u nt y.c A .gov/ bos /D I s tr Ic t_ 3. htm

while enough people find Adam hill sufficiently irritating to crown him best Annoying Public Figure two years in a row, no one can say he’s not a good sport about it. he’s been called opinionated, bombastic, and combative, but hill said that sometimes being annoying gets results. And it always earns him plenty of “fan mail.” In a way, hill takes pride in getting under some folks’ skin. his favorite targets? “conspiracy addicts, fundamentalists of every stripe, nobel peace laureates, sociopaths, ancestor worshippers, and people who pose for pictures in yachting costumes,” he said. hell, bill murray’s made a career out of playing lovable loudmouths, and hill relates best to carl spackler from Caddyshack since both are “licensed by the government of the united nations.”

—Nick

runner-up: bike paths

w w w. A rc . A s m .c A .gov/ m E m b E r /A D35

If there’s one guy in the state legislature who’s hard to pin, it’s our very own state Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian. he weaves, he swerves; he dodges partisan attacks from progressive zealots on the left, conserva-

runner-up:

Your

dreams & goals

tive hard-liners on the right. he refuses gifts, is the only republican chair of a policy committee in the state, and steps forward from his own party to sponsor a bill closing loopholes that protect rapists. much debate has and will continue to follow Achadjian’s voting record, and whether he got your vote or not, one thing is clear: New Times readers like a dark horse who doesn’t toe the line.

—Matt

runner-up: SLo County Sheriff Ian Parkinson

875 o K l A h o m A Av E ., s A n lu I s o b I s P o

we’re all very different people. we’re not watusi. we’re not spartans. we’re san luis obispans. you know what that means? we actually have things good enough that we make the welfare of other species our most popular charitable cause. It makes sense, because humans made pets dependent on us. we took a wild dog and tinkered until it became a floppy-eared mutt equipped to do little more than make us happy. woods humane society rescues and cares for mutts—and cats and bunnies and other animals as well, but I’m making a point—because that’s the bargain our species struck with theirs, and because there’s no animal that’s more faithful, more loyal, more lovable than the mutt.

—Patrick

runner-up:

“Our experience was wonderful. Wouldn’t hesitate to do it again, but only with “Envoy Mortgage.” –Deborah B.

are most important to us

If you feel the same, call us to discuss your next real estate purchase or refinance.

*Scored 25 out of 25 when surveyed on customer service. *The 25 out of 25 customer satisfaction score was received during the months of March and April 2013 on 100 customer satisfaction surveys.

(805) 548-8680 envoymortgage.com 1135 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo Envoy Mortgage, Ltd. NMLS #6666

Best

Congrats to all of the wonderful winners!

of

sLo 2013

Slender, ender, Athletic, Athletic hletic, nd Fiercely and avorful Type Typ Flavorful Seeks Same or Delicious Deliciou for Dining and Full-Sensory ull-Sensory Adventure...

546-8208 1010 Marsh St. SLO | www.newtimesslo.com

Ninkasi Total Domination IPA in ���oz. bo�les, �� oz. �-Packs and Dra�; Now Pairing with Be�er California Living

Thanks for your support!

See you in the shop!

NINKASIBREWING.COM • EUGENE, OREGON

• 71