2007 Boulder County Gold

Thank you Boulder County for many years of support!

$29,540 AFTER $1,100 FLATIRONS DISCOUNT

$20,700 AFTER $1,940 FLATIRONS DISCOUNT

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED! Flatirons Will Beat Any Advertised Price On A New Subaru!

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

•

KNOWLEDGEABLE SALESPEOPLE

•

NEVER ANY PRESSURE

5995 Arapahoe • Boulder, CO

303.443.0114

w w w . f l a t i r o n s s u b a r u . c o m *Dealer retains all rebates and incentives. Plus Tax & $389 Dealer Handling Fee. Tribeca (#68004) MSRP $30,640. Outback (#78020) MSRP $22,640

BOULDER COUNTY

GOLD PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

T

he 2007 Boulder County Gold People’s Choice Awards results have been dredged up!

Dig through the following pages and you’ll uncover the best nuggets in Boulder County – the people, places and things that make this county great.

This year’s winners and runners up are a precious bunch. Some are repeat winners and some are brand new winners. With so many wonderful choices in our area, the competition was tough. Once again, several categories came

down to just a few votes.

Your votes have been tallied and, after melting down the cheaters, the results follow.

We thank everyone who took the time to vote. Thousands of locals told us why Boulder County is such a great place to live, shop, eat, work and play.

Turn the page to read about the winners! = First Place Winner

= Runner Up

4-17

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

18-34

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

35-49

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

50

FULL LISTING OF WINNERS & RUNNERS UP

Designer & Editor: Aubrey Laurence

Writers:

L.L. Charles Judy Finman Thom Collins Jeanine Fritz Danielle Fox Lulu Tupper

Photographer:

Jonathan Castner

Data Entry & Verification: Bolder Staffing

Research/ Verification Contributor:

Monica Burrous Boulder County Gold is a marketing feature of your Camera. For advertising information, call your consultant or 303.473.1400. Copyright 2007. Look up Boulder County Gold winners throughout the year at DailyCamera.com. To subscribe to your Daily Camera, call 303.444.3444 or visit DailyCamera.com.

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

3

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST BAKERY

Breadworks

2644 Broadway, Boulder, 303.444.5667, www.breadworks.com

“It all started with the bread,” explains owner Larry Domnitz. That was just the first course, so to speak.

Something new is always in the works. Over time the pastry line has increased – both wholesale and retail. Last year’s expansion doubled the size of the café. A wood-burning pizza oven turns out Tuscan-style crispy pizzas.

You can order hot food at lunch and dinner, eat in or take out. Grilled sandwiches and fresh-tossed salads are popular. Breakfast at Breadworks is elaborate, with such hearty victuals as individual frittatas, oven-baked apple pancakes, and polenta or red-fennel hash. But don’t just come in for meals: They spin their own fresh gelato (top-of-the-charts is dark bittersweet chocolate, followed by vanilla bean and wild strawberry) and sorbet (pomegranate, grapefruit and watermelon are mouth-watering originals). What’s cooking for the future?

Domnitz and Executive Chef Colleen Domnitz run the business together and are developing a line of wheatfree and gluten-free baked goods. He explains Breadworks’ success: “We are fanatical about quality. Everything that we serve is as good as we can make it. We’ve built up a reputation over the last 12-1/2 years. We add things that are of interest to our customers and staff. Everything is fresh. We use top-quality ingredients.”

Spruce Confections

767 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.6773; 4684 Broadway, Boulder, 303.449.5819

BEST BAGEL

Moe’s Broadway Bagel

2650 Broadway, Boulder, 303.444.3252; 3075 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.442.4427; www.moesbagel.com

“Moe’s is special because it offers great products in a friendly atmosphere,” says Steve Pagnotta, general manager. “Customers appreciate our quality and freshness.” Moe’s bakes bagels at least every 20 minutes (and are they creative: how about jalapeño, cranberry-walnut or tomato-cheddar?). Pizza (try the thin-crust pineapple or artichoke) and pastries (ooh, those chocolate brownies) are done from scratch. Subs (on fresh-baked sub rolls) and sandwiches are made fresh and to order. They’ve doubled the food menu in the last year. No chain store, Moe’s is still a mom-and-pop operation, founded almost 16 years ago by Patty and John Sherman. “This is their community; they live and work here. They and their families are hands-on,” Pagnotta says. Dive into their lively new Web site, www.moesbagel.com, which invites the community to enter the “Design the Moe’s Van” contest and sign up for tours of the Arapahoe commissary for pre-school and elementaryschool kids. “We’re listening to what the community wants,” Pagnotta says. “Boulder is such a magical place. We’re so grateful to be here.”

Einstein Bros.

2400 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.543.1525; 1693 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 720.565.0413; 2311 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont, 303.651.9063; www.einsteinbros.com

4

THANK YOU BOULDER for nominating us as

Best Tanning Salon another year!

Boulder’s Finest Tanning Salon 9 Beds - 5 Different Tanning Systems • Individual CD Sound Systems • Lotions

303-444-7600

2002 • 2003 2004 • 2005

Appointments are recommended & preferred 30th St. & Walnut • Boulder, CO • www.tanstogo.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT

Chey Thuy

“It’s All About the Food”

Every Wednesday

2655 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.0220 www.chezthuy.com

“Love. I just put a lot of love in the food.” This is how Thuy Le accounts for the popularity of her eclectic Vietnamese restaurant, a familiar Boulder destination since 1993. “I make creations, try something new, not all the traditional dishes,” she says. Actually, she takes traditional Asian dishes – borrowing from Chinese and Thai cuisine, too – and puts her own signature on them. “I took a lot of traditional dishes and Westernized them,” she says. For instance, she adds shrimp to the beef typically stuffed in grape leaves. And stuffed tofu, served in Vietnam with tomato sauce, can be ordered with one of her creations – black bean or coconut sauce. Pad Thai is not like the Thai version; she concocted her own sauce. Her sesame tofu differs from the Chinese version; it is fried once rather than twice. It all adds up to original, delectable cuisine.

“It’s like painting a picture,” she suggests. “If it’s not happy enough, let’s put some red in it.”

All-U-Can-Eat Chicken Dinner $10

Delicious Rotisserie Chicken, mashed potatoes, country gravy, green beans & glazed carrots

Every Friday

All-U-Can-Eat Fish Fry Only $10

Beer Battered Cod, homemade fries, cole slaw & cornbread

Every Saturday Now Serving Beer & Wine

Family Night

$3 Kids Meals & $1 Kids Root Beer Floats

Thanks for voting us Best Take Out Food, Best Place to Bring Kids & runner up Best Deli We Deliver

303-447-DELI

2855 28th Street (SW corner of 28th & Valmont) • Boulder Mon – Fri 10:30am – 9pm • Now Serving Full Breakfast Menu Sat 8am - 9pm • Sun 8am - 3pm Catering Available

Khow Thai

1600 Broadway, Boulder, 303.447.0273 www.khowthaicafe.com

Thank You For Your Continued Support!

IN THE VILLAGE AT 2525 ARAPAHOE CALL 303 447 0210

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

5

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST CATERER

A Spice of Life Event Center & Catering Services EVENT CENTER, Flatirons Golf Course, Boulder, 303.444.3452 CATERING SERVICES, 6333 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.4049 EAST BOULDER COMMUNITY CENTER, 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder, 303.443.4049 www.aspiceoflife.com

BEST BAR

West End Tavern

926 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.3535, www.thewestendtavern.com

With all the bar choices throughout Boulder County, West End Tavern is in a class by itself. “Our covered rooftop bar is a huge factor, with its great view of the Flatirons,” says general manager Mike Lawinski. “Also, our focus on cocktails, made with fresh ingredients, like our Pimms Cup and French mojito. We are a full bar with a lot of spirits selections and a vast selection in every category – bourbon is our specialty, and we feature more than 50 kinds. The crowd is eclectic, with older students and working adults of all ages.” Events draw crowds all week.

Hear live music on the rooftop on Sunday evenings. Warren Miller films are featured Wednesday nights, along with giveaways and drink specials. Besides a spectrum of domestic beers, house wines, well drinks and infusions, there’s a full menu and all appetizers are discounted at Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. – and drop by for a late-night Happy Hour Thursday through Saturday from 10 to 11 p.m.

Red Zone Sports Bar / The Pumphouse Brewery & Restaurant

540 Main St., Longmont, 303.702.0881, www.pumphousebrewery.com

6

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

Whether you crave comfort food or haute cuisine at your wedding, business meeting, holiday party or bat mitzvah, A Spice of Life can make it happen. In the event business since 1987, it offers a wide range of food and pricing – from elegant to casually festive, from full service to a home style meal for your Sunday dinner. Got 10 people coming, or hordes? No problem.

In October 2006 A Spice of Life catered the opening bash for Twenty Ninth Street, feeding more than 3,000 guests. Hold your event at your location or at one of A Spice of Life’s, which boast fine views of the Flatirons. “We have four certified chefs in our kitchen,” says Juls Gunderson, Event Center manager. “Our kitchen staff has been with us for years – they are incredibly talented and capable, whether you want American, Continental or Ethnic food. They can even re-create a favorite family recipe for your event. One of the most important things is that we consistently provide our clients with high quality and a big variety of food and menu offerings,” Gunderson says. “We can design menus around dietary preferences, too, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and slow foods.” Mostly, A Spice of Life caters to corporate deliveries and meetings, and a lot of weddings. “Our wedding specialists are experts,” says Gunderson, “with many years experience working with different venues and vendors in the Boulder-Denver area.”

Dish

1918 Pearl St., Boulder, 720.565.5933

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT

(THREE-WAY TIE)

Cosmo’s Pizza

1325 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.447.1133 659 30th St., Boulder, 303.447.3278 www.cosmospizza.com

Cosmo’s Pizza stays open until 2:30 a.m. every day of the year (except Thanksgiving and Christmas). “We’re one of the only places on the Hill that keeps consistent late-night hours, whether the students are here or not,” explains Ryan Shorter, Cosmo’s owner.

“And I think we’ve got the best pizza in town, so that certainly helps. We make everything in the store fresh every day, from our dough to grinding our cheese, making our own sauce with our own special recipe.” Sounds like a recipe for success!

Old Chicago

1102 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.5031 1805 Industrial Circle, Longmont, 303.651.7000 100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior, 720.304.2048 www.oldchicago.com

Offering a full menu until 1 a.m. is just the start to why Old Chicago is a great place for late-night dining. Great patios, a casual vibe and bartenders friendly enough to make you feel like you’re on set at “Cheers” make the famous pizza place a destination restaurant. Try the famous Chicago Seven calzone (Italian sausage, pepperoni, fresh mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, red onions and melted cheese) or mouth-watering Italian Nachos, and wash it down with one of the 110 beers on Old Chicago’s World Beer Tour.

Corner Bar

2115 13th St., Boulder, 303.442.4880 www.bolderado.com

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

Vic’s

2680 Broadway, Boulder, 303.440.8209 3305 30th St., Boulder, 303.440.2918 801 Main St., Louisville, 303.666.1402 700 Tenacity, Suite 101, Prospect New Town, Longmont, 303.485.6791 1800 Broadway, Boulder, 303.938.6886

New Vic’s coffeehouses are springing up all around Boulder County. Last year another branch opened at 1800 Broadway, and on the CU campus students can get their Vic’s caffeine fix at the ATLAS Building. The first Vic’s opened in Boulder way back in 1992, a time for pioneers in the coffee consumption craze. The store at 2680 Broadway is the original. Despite the competition, Vic’s – like the cream in its coffee – has risen to the top. Owner Mike Hilliker has the formula for success: “Good environment, good people, good service, good product.” No doubt that Vic’s is a big hit. It prides itself on friendly, fast service and on the expertise of its staff: Those who prepare espresso drinks are highly qualified, trained baristas. Sweet accompaniments come fresh from local bakeries: Brillig’s muffins, Spruce Confections’ scones, cookies and croissants; and Family Bakery’s cinnamon rolls, poppy seed rolls and caramel nut rolls. Vic’s also serves soups and Breadworks sandwiches at its 30th Street and Louisville locations.

Amante Coffee

1035 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.546.9999 4580 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.448.9999

The Corner Bar at 13th and Spruce isn’t just another place to grab a plate of buffalo wings at 10 p.m. Sure, you can get the traditional spicy chicken wings with blue cheese if that’s what you have a hankering for, but since the Corner Bar shares a kitchen with the Boulderado’s Q’s Restaurant, you can also have steamed PEI mussels with garlic crostini; handmade spinach tortelloni with morel mushrooms, snap peas and herb and leek puree or mango barbecue shrimp salad. Manager Ann Mecham points out that since the Corner Bar serves full entrees until 11:45 every night, “It’s great after a late show or movie.”

BEST BARBECUE

KT’S Barbecue

2675 13th St., Boulder, 303.442.3717; 7464 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.786.7608 www.ktsbbq.com

Rib addicts frequent KT’s, where the formula for success is simple, according to co-owner Melanie Thibodeau: KT’s serves consistently good barbecue in a friendly atmosphere. Expect tasty, tender meats, and homemade fixin’s like garlic mashed potatoes, hearty beans, key lime pie and brownies. You can spice up your beef, pork, chicken, sausage or ribs with KT’s Texas sweet mild sauce, a Memphis tangy vinegarpepper variety, or Double Diamond straight hot sauce. KT’s has a loyal following of customers and low staff turnover – the waitstaff of college kids tends to leave only after graduation. Besides a Broomfield location, KT’s will add a Denver site in spring 2008.

And its catering business has taken off – for both corporate and private events. “We cater parties from 20 to 2,000 people,” Thibodeau says. “From backyard barbecues to pig roasts.” Sounds finger-lickin’ good.

Illegal Pete’s

1320 College Ave., Boulder, 303.444.3055 1447 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.3955 1085 14th St., Boulder, 303.443.0940

Daddy Bruce’s Bar-B-Que

2000 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.449.8890

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

7

8

thanks for your support for over 35 years!

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT

Taj Indian Cuisine

2630 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.494.5216

There’s no recipe like a classic recipe. How about cuisine based on traditions more than 500 years old? Lucky for us, we didn’t have to wait that long for Taj Indian Cuisine, our favorite place to get succulent Tandoori Chicken, saucy Lamb Korma and creamy Saag Paneer. Perhaps you would favor a curry? Choose fish, shrimp, lamb or chicken, spicy or sweet. And don’t forget the tasty breads from the clay Tandoori oven, including Naan, Cheese Onion Kulcha and Roti. The lunch and dinner buffets are very popular, and there are always vegetarian choices made with fresh ingredients, and never a drop of MSG. Tandoori Grill

619 South Broadway, Boulder, 303.543.7339

todd reed exclusively at

951 P earl S treet - B oulder Tues. - Sat. 10:30 - 5:30

303 443 3424

Skin care for the whole family.

Skin Cancer Detection and Treatment • Acne and Rosacea Eczema; Rashes, Skin Allergies • Skin Discoloration • Cysts IPL for Hair Reduction • Botox • Restylane • Obagi NuDerm Juvederm and Perlane

Illegal Pete’s

1320 College Ave., Boulder, 303.444.3055 1447 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.3955

Ever crave a burrito late at night? You can chow down burritos, tacos, quesadillas and taquitos at Illegal Pete’s until really late (2:30 a.m.) Thursday through Saturday, and 10:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. Numero uno in popularity is the chicken burrito, then chicken pesto, steak and fish. “People love the Big Fish Burrito, made of beans, rice, fried fish and special sauce,” says general manager Milton Geuvara. And this is Boulder, after all, so check out the vegetarian menu, too. “We do a lot of late-night business; the bar crowd gets hungry and comes in,” Guevara says. “We get people of all ages, including tourists on the Pearl Street Mall. We take pride in the quality of the food – “clean, fresh food” is one of our mottos – and our staff is friendly and interactive with the customers, giving the place a community feeling.” He points out that Illegal Pete’s also has a full bar.

Casey Gallagher, MD | Jeanie Leddon, MD, PhD | Hunter Sams, MD

Boulder • Lafayette • 303.604.1444 • www.bvderm.com BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

BEST BURRITO

CAMERA

Chipotle Mexican Grill

919 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.9383 375 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720.890.0670 1100 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite B, Longmont, 303.651.6763 1708 Main St., Longmont, 303.485.6369 1650 28th St., Boulder, 720.406.0500

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

S

SPARIFIC

P

COUPLES MASSAGE

A

Enjoy the Spa Experience together.

Two aromatic swedish massages side by side in your own private treatment suite.

AROMATIC SWEDISH

$110.00

50 min. MASSAGE

SPA SPECTACULAR A half day retreat with a moon goddess facial aromatic swedish massage. Spa pedicure & manicure catered luncheon included.

BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Efrain’s Mexican

$185.00

101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303.666.7544 Efrain’s II: 1630 N. 63rd St., Boulder, 303.440.4045 Efrain’s III: 451 S. Pratt Pkwy., Longmont, 720.494.0777

Efrain’s owner George Gomez insists in his thick accent, “We have the best prices, the best cooks. We make the best food ... and we make it fresh every day. It’s very, very important. Sometimes a restaurant will put food in the cooler for two days and it’s not the same.” A family business for the past 18 years, Gomez’s five brothers and sisters all work together at the restaurants started by Efrain, the eldest. When you eat at Efrain’s, it’s easy to feel like you’re eating in an authentic Mexican home.

WOW! $45 Tues., Wed., Thurs.

$55 FRI., SAT., SUN

GIVE THE GIFT OF RELAXATION Bridal Specialists Makeup Artistry

Casa Alvarez

S

3161 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.546.0630

BEST PIZZA

Proto’s Pizzeria Napoletana 4670 Broadway St., Boulder, 720.565.1050 489 Hwy. 287, Lafayette, 303.661.3030 600 Airport Road, Longmont, 303.485.5000 2401 15th St., Denver, 720.855.9400 www.protospizza.com

The secret to killer ’za? Go to the source.

“Our pizza is regional, thin crust, high quality ... it’s not Americanized. We’re as European as you can get. We get everything imported from Italy that we can possibly get.

We use the best cheese, we use San Marzano tomatoes. Those tomatoes are coming off hundred-year-old vines in Italy,” says Jovee, the general/operations manager. The first store opened in Longmont eight years ago – it’s since expanded to five stores, including one in downtown Boise, Idaho. Why are folks going so crazy for Proto’s? Jovee laughs, “We’ve dialed in our product ... it’s literally one of the best pizzas in the world and we mean that as objectively as possible.”

S PA

SEPTEMBER 2007

Experienced Staff Redken Color Experts

A AHHH!

•

Sacred Stone Massage

•

Purification Facial

•

Sacred Stone Pedicure

•

Magic Mud Body Wrap

•

Body Waxing Brazilian Bikini

•

Ocean Glow Sea Scrub

WOW!

50% OFF

Take HALF OFF a Brazilian, Bikini, Full or Half Leg Wax. New clients only. Exp. 10/01/07

Abo’s Pizza

2761 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1921 1110 13th St., Boulder, 303.443.3199 4745 Walnut St., Suite D, Boulder, 303.443.6582 637 S. Broadway St., Boulder, 303.494.1274 720 Austin Ave., Erie, 303.828.9777 4626 Centerplace Drive, Longmont, 303.678.0111 1834 Main St., Longmont, 303.678.0111 1355 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.604.9896 7960 Niwot Road, Niwot, 303.652.0830 502 Center Drive, Superior, 720.304.6000 www.abospizza.com

Voted Best Salon 2006

L

SALON SPECIAL

O N

Complimentary Haircut with any Hair Color Service

Full Head Highlight $95 Hair Color Retint $65 Partial Highlight $75 New clients only. Exp. 10/01/07

MONTHLY SPECIALS Moon Goddess Facial Aroma Glow Pedicure • Acne Fix Facial • Sunless Tan • Microdermabrasion • •

Voted Boulder’s Best Salon 2007

$55 $35 $90 $40 $50

50% Off 1st microdermabrasion only.

FINISHING TOUCH SPA · 3131 28th Street · Boulder FINISHINGTOUCHSPA.COM · 303-449-1852 CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

9

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Jax Fish House

928 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.1811, www.jaxfishhouseboulder.com

The folks at Jax Fish House don’t care a whit that Colorado is land-locked. “We pride ourselves in getting the freshest fish possible – the best ingredients – daily, even on Sunday,” explains assistant general manager Aaron Derr. Wild entrees, such as wasabi pea encrusted ono with seaweed salad and perennial favorites like the tempura encrusted bluenose prepared by award-winning Chef Hosea Rosenberg, keep folks around for dinner after enjoying oyster shooters at the bar during happy hour. Says Derr, “We have a reputation for having a very fun, noisy, energetic vibe with a high level of service and quality of food.”

Dolan’s Restaurant

2319 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.444.8758

BEST TAKE-OUT FOOD

Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen

2855 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.3354

Jimmy Eggers and Drew Marx are hometown boys. After many years in the restaurant business the two men – best friends since they were little – decided to go back to their roots, making the foods they grew up on in the place they grew up. “We smoke our own salmon, smoke our own pastrami, roast our own corned beef for 12 hours every night, same as our brisket ... it’s good home-style cooking, comfort food, the food people grew up on,” explains Jimmy. With an all-you-can-eat, all-natural rotisserie chicken dinner, featuring green beans, carrots, mashed potatoes and country gravy on Wednesdays, and all-you-can-eat fish frys, with beer battered cod, homemade French fries, coleslaw and cornbread on Fridays, there’s a reason to stick around. Should you choose not to, Jimmy and Drew will make sure you have your breakfast waffles, your meatloaf sandwich or your Thanksgiving-style turkey dinner – home cooking – ready to take home. “We’ve got regulars who we know by name, we know their orders, and they come by two or three times a week to pick up food ... we’ve never been received so well, so enthusiastically by customers.”

Siamese Plate on the Go

3033 28th St., Boulder, 303.444.3133 1575 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.447.9718 www.siameseplateonthego.com

10

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

BEST SUSHI

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar

1117 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.473.4730 1220 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder, 303.447.9883 www.hapasushi.com

Hapa’s owner, Mark Van Grack, loves his customers. Loves them. And he feels the secret to Hapa’s enduring success is three-fold: stellar customer service from a great staff, a welcoming atmosphere and the freshest sushi around. “We fly our tuna in direct from Hawaii almost every day. We’re very conscious of quality.”

Wildly delicious drink concoctions, an impressive list of sake and traditional favorites abound at Hapa, which features a large variety of sushi, nigiri and sashimi. But with original rolls bearing unique names, such as the Ruby Red (cucumber and avocado wrapped in tuna and drizzled in poke sauce, onions and negi) or Austin’s PB and J Roll (peanut butter and jelly rolled in a slice of bread), Hapa is clearly willing to play with its food.

Sushi Zanmai

1221 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.440.0733, www.sushizanmai.com

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER

Carelli’s of Boulder Ristorante Italiano

645 30th St., Boulder, 303.938.9300, www.carellis.com

Greg Carelli’s passion for architecture, interior design and Italian food is obvious within seconds of entering his 17-year-old establishment. Flying his architect out to Beverly Hills to view Spago resulted in the coziest of dining rooms (and a “Best Design” award from the American Institute of Architects), decorated in cherry, birch and copper, high-backed booths and accented with a 360-degree fireplace. Regularly updating his style with a focus on enhancement, Greg has added a New York schwank banquet room and a crepe bar in recent years. On his regular trips to Italy, Carelli grounds his wine list in 14 of the 20 regions of Italy, offering more than 100 selections.

Carelli also visits his mentor, Augostino Fiasche, a famous Italian chef currently based out of Chicago, a few times a year. “We play. We go to the hot side of the line and just create ... I bring Northern Italian cuisine to him and he brings Southern Italian and we make it work. We’ll do seared sea scallop pesto crepes and then we roast caramelized walnuts and honey for our pesto. Sundried tomatoes and asparagus with monchino cheeses and bing cherry butter sauces ... chili glazed mahi-mahis ... we do a lot with porcini mushrooms and soft polentas, hard polentas. When we do something new it sells like crazy because it’s so different.” With that kind of dedication to improving and updating both his craft and his venue, Carelli has truly created the casually elegant establishment perfect for fine dining and romance that he’s envisioned.

FOR BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT: Laudisio Ristorante Italiano

2785 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.442.1300, www.laudisio.com

FOR BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER: Flagstaff House Restaurant

1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303.442.4640, www.flagstaffhouse.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

11

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE • Full Service Dry Cleaning, Laundry & Alteration • Environmentally Safe GreenEarth Cleaning • Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff • Six Convenient Locations • Free Pick-Up & Delivery Service • Boulder’s Finest Since 1921

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Radda Trattoria

1265 Alpine Ave., Boulder, 303.442.6100

303.447.8700 Official Dry Cleaner for the CU Band & Cheerleaders

The inspiration for Boulder County’s favorite new restaurant is Radda in Chianti, a modest hilltop town located in the northern part of the Sienna Province in Tuscany.

“Everybody who’s had a say in this restaurant, especially Matthew (Jansen, also of Mateo restaurant) has just embraced the hospitality, the neighborhood feel of the trattorias there and we’ve tried to bring that over here to Boulder,” explains general manager and sommelier David Ulfers. The menu and wine list are rooted in Northern Italian and offer some delightful deviations from the norm: Pappardelle al Cinghiale, a house-made pasta with wild boar ragu and rapini has been a runaway hit and pairs nicely with the big beautiful, velvety La Spinetta (il Nero di Casanova). Choosing to price its entrees and wine list “so it doesn’t scare anybody” is just one of the many ways Radda has opened its doors fully to the neighborhood.

Centro

950 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.7771

COLORADO’S BEST ANTIQUE JEWELRY STORE Congratulates Boulder’s Gold Winners

For the truly unique - make it antique!

BEST PLACE FOR TEA

Dushanbe Teahouse

1770 13th St., Boulder, 303.442.4993, www.boulderteahouse.com

Sure, the Dushanbe Teahouse offers 80 to 90 different varieties of teas and hosts special events including the Rocky Mountain Tea Festival, children’s tea parties and holiday afternoon teas. But ambience is everything and Dushanbe has it in spades.

Decorated in Persian art with hand-carved, hand-painted columns, ceiling, stools and exterior ceramics, the teahouse isn’t just a place to get a pot of Jasmine Phoenix Pearls, organic plum oolong or the white tea, Silver Needle, it’s a work of art and a piece of history. Those planning to just pop in for a cup of tea should be prepared for temptation however – the exotic menu is not to be missed.

942 PEARL ST., BOULDER • (303) 938-8851 • TUES. - SAT. 10 TO 5:30 ASK FOR FREE PARKING 12

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

Pekoe Sip House

1225 Alpine Ave., Boulder, 303.444.5953, www.pekoesiphouse.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST HAMBURGER

BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT

Tom’s Tavern

1047 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.9363

Experts can debate the provenance of the humble hamburger. German immigrants? A New York restaurateur, or perhaps the Chinese?

Academics aside, we love our hamburgers in every form. Boulder County’s favorite spot to hook up with a great hamburger continues to be Tom’s Tavern, locally owned and operated in the same spot for more than 45 years. Order yours with just the basics or better (baconcheese, or the chili burger, topped with red chili). Betsy Beasley, one of the friendly servers, reports that by far the favorite is the Cheeseburger.

However you dress it up, the standard treatment is pickles, onions, tomatoes and lettuce on the side, with French fries plus your choice of cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni salad. Tasty! The secret to Tom’s success? Beasley says it’s the friendly service. “People like the Tom’s tradition – it’s been here forever,” she says.

Mountain Sun

1535 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.546.0886, www.mountainsunpub.com

Southern Sun

627 South Broadway, Boulder, 303.543.0886, www.mountainsunpub.com

Sunflower

1701 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.0220, www.sunflowerrestaurant.net

Owner and Executive Chef Jon Pell explains what sets Sunflower apart from everyone else: “True organic and biodynamic quality. All our flour, dairy, nuts, produce – everything we can get our hands on – is organic. We have 46 organic or biodynamic wines on our list, which is way more than anybody else in town.” Culling scathes of awards over its eight-year history, Sunflower has made a name for itself preparing dynamic vegetarian dishes such as the savory tempeh scallopini, seasoned tempeh cutlets sautéed with onions, mushrooms, herbs, white wine, lemon and garlic, then served with mashed Yukon gold potatoes and freshly steamed organic vegetables. But feel free to bring carnivores along with you. Sunflower also takes pride in serving free-range poultry and game, all-natural meats and fresh seafood. “What you put into your body is important. It’s not like a cult or anything, but everybody here is very dedicated to it.”

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

2010 16th St., Boulder, 303.442.1485, www.leafvegetarianrestaurant.com

THANK YOU for your continuous support from all of us at

PC’s Pantry for Dogs and Cats.

Ralphie. P.C., Sundae, Souffle, EmmyLou, Fawkes, Mia, Maggie, Colleen, Karia, Jaunice, Tosh & Mary Lee 2000 30TH ST. BOULDER • 303.245.9909 • OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

13

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST DELI

Salvaggio’s Italian Delicatessen

2609 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.1981 1397 Pearl St. (Pearl Street Mall), Boulder, 303.545.6800 1107 13th St., Boulder, 303.448.1200

Got a friend who gets nostalgic about her East Coast roots? Take her to Salvaggio’s for some NYC-style therapy. To the finest deli meats and cheeses, add tasty fixings, baked-fresh-daily breads, a generous amount of back-and-forth with the staff while you order, and badda bing, everything’s better. With three locations, Salvaggio’s is easy to get to, and a habit easy to get into. Portions are large, so order accordingly. Can’t decide? General manager Maria Gonzales tells us the two most popular choices are the Italian and the Prime Rib sandwiches. So order both, why dontcha!

Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen

2855 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.3354

BEST HAPPY HOUR AND BEST OUTDOOR DINING AND BEST APPETIZERS

Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med)

1002 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.444.5335, www.themedboulder.com

Feeling happy? You should be, because we’re at The Med, and it’s Happy Hour (Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m.).

That means drink specials, special drinks and half-price Tapas, those small plates of tasty morsels that keep you ordering more.

Served hot or cold, your choices run from Melon and Prosciutto to Chicken and Shrimp Croquettes to Caprese, with its layers of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and basil leaves. “Our menu draws from the dishes of Spain, France, Italy and Greece,” explains manager Frank Iaquinta. If the weather is friendly, enjoy lunch or dinner on the colorful patio, with its rustic fountain, stucco and pots of geraniums. Our readers have chosen, and The Med is the best.

FOR BEST HAPPY HOUR: Boulder Café

1247 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4884

FOR BEST OUTDOOR DINING: Chautauqua Dining Hall

900 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.440.3776, www.chautauquadininghall.com

FOR BEST APPETIZERS: Aji Latin American Restaurant

1601 Peart St., Boulder, 303.442.3464, www.ajirestaurant.com

14

BEST ICE CREAM / FROZEN YOGURT AND BEST DESSERT

Glacier Home Made Ice Cream

3133 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.6542 4760 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.4760 1350 College Ave., Boulder, 303.442.4400 1749 Main St., Longmont, 303.485.8834 www.glacierhomemadeicecream.com

When we want a cool treat, Boulder County says Glacier Home Made Ice Cream is Hot, Hot, Hot! Since the beginning, the folks at Glacier have made more than 500 flavors of its premium ice cream, gelato, sorbet and low-fat yogurt. With full production facilities in house, the staff is always trying something new. The secret to Glacier’s success is in its ingredients, says Victor Alcantar, head of production at the 28th Street store. “Good quality isn’t cheap,” he says. “We go all over the world to find the best of everything.” Favorite flavors include the seasonal Fresh Peach (get it while it lasts!), Toffee Caramel Crunch and Death by Chocolate. No matter the flavor, people can’t seem to get enough. Alcantar says he makes 80 to 90 three-pound tubs every week, just for the 28th Street store. Need to chill out with something sweet? Gotta go to Glacier!

FOR BEST ICE CREAM / FROZEN YOGURT: Cold Stone Creamery

1087 Hover Road, Longmont, 303.682.5680, www.coldstonecreamery.com

FOR BEST DESSERT: Cheesecake Factory

1401 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.546.0222, www.thecheesecakefactory.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST RESTAURANT TO BRING KIDS

BEST GUNBARREL / NIWOT RESTAURANT

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits

Colterra

210 Franklin St., Niwot, 303.652.0777 www.colterra.com

Why did Camera readers choose a new restaurant, less than a year old? Maybe they ate this dessert from Colterra’s menu: Chocolate Symphony (dark chocolate mousse, pot de crème, chocolate biscotti, chocolate ganache and chocolate ice cream). Need we say more?

Colterra moved into the digs previously occupied by the much-admired Le Chantecler.

Colterra owner and chef Bradford Heap received classic European training from culinary legends like Alain Ducasse, and has served as guest chef at the prestigious James Beard House. Heap had successful stints at Full Moon Grill and Chautauqua Dining Hall. Colterra’s menu favors ingredients in season from local farms and growers, naturally raised hormoneand antibiotic-free meats, and sustainably harvested fish from around the world. The cuisine is inspired by the flavors of Southern France and Northern Italy. Chef Heap offers small dishes that invite guests to try a variety of tastes and sip various wines by the glass from a substantial wine list. At special monthly dinners, wines are paired with a four-course dinner.

2580 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.442.0320 2331 Clover Basin Drive, Longmont, 720.652.9229 www.redrobin.com

Got any frisky offspring who can’t sit still in a restaurant? This place caters to them. Kids relate to the kids-centric menu, with those oh-so-popular chicken fingers, mac and cheese, spaghetti and pizza, and 20-plus gourmet burger choices to delight even the grownups in the family. Keep ’em busy with crayons and coloring pages. They get to hold (or pop) balloons and to pet the restaurant’s oversized mascot, a friendly employee decked out in a non-threatening red robin costume. Kimberly McBee, vice president of marketing, sums up the restaurant chain’s modus operandi: “Red Robin serves up wholesome, fun, feelgood experiences in a family friendly environment. At Red Robin one of our core values is ‘Having Fun,’ and that’s exactly what kids of all ages can enjoy doing at any Red Robin restaurant.”

Treppeda’s Italian Ristorante

Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen

300 Second Ave., Niwot, 303.652.1606 www.treppedas.com

2855 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.3354

Get Your Mattress Made at Verlo and See Why We’ve Been Boulder’s Best Mattress for Eight Years in a Row. Locally Owned by Dick & Jane Sumerfield

Why buy a mass-produced mattress when you can get a custom-made Verlo for less?

Doug & Angela Wilson

Full-time teachers Weekend soccer coaches Avid (but lousy) golfers Triplets / 6 year olds (2 boys, 1 girl) Occasional back soreness

As recommended by troubleshooter TOM MARTINO VOTED BEST MATTRESS STORE 99-06

Extra Firm California King Classic Pillow Top latex enhanced for superior back support

Boulder

3080 Valmont St. (Just east of 30th Street)

©2005 VyMaC Corporation

(303) 447-115

0

I-7 Main

St.

HWY 9

Custom Solution:

Lake Dillon

N

Frisco

730 N. Summit Blvd #101 (Hwy 9 just S. of Walmart)

(970) 668-8864

Memory Foam Mattresses • Latex Mattresses Call for the store nearest you: 1-800-224-VERLO • Or visit our website at: www.verlo.com SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

15

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE

BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

Boulder’s Dinner Theatre

Fox Theatre

1135 13th St., Boulder 303.443.3399 www.foxtheatre.com

The Fox showcases up-andcoming bands as well as national headliners. The place rocks with different influences and styles, mixing blues, jazz and rock & roll with soulbased lyrics, hip-hop beats, punk, reggae – you name it.

Joe Seehusen, box office manager, says the Fox is the best venue for exciting live acts “because of the quality of the bands we get, the price, the quality of the sound system, and a great atmosphere.” Most of the audience hails from around Boulder, which Seehusen calls “a great music scene.”

Suburbanites and Denverites join the enthusiastic crowd.

The Fox gets some of the big names that play Red Rocks and the Fillmore.

Boulder Theater

2032 14th St., Boulder 303.786.7030 www.bouldertheater.com

16

5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder 303.449.6000 www.theatreinboulder.com

BEST BREAKFAST AND BEST BRUNCH

Lucile’s Creole Cafe

2124 14th St., Boulder, 303.442.4743; 518 Kimbark St., Longmont, 303.774.9814, www.luciles.com

You may tap your feet to the Zydeco, jazz or Cajun music wafting through the dining room at Lucile’s, transporting you to once-fabled New Orleans. “Basically, it’s a big party! We celebrate Mardi Gras every day,” says Brian Heilman, partner at Lucile’s. “We’ve been doing this for almost 28 years. The food is unique; you can’t get it anywhere else in the area. We have a high-quality product that keeps people coming back. Locals like to show the place off to out-of-town guests. They like the consistency – they know what they’re going to get.” What they’re going to get is a Creole-inspired menu with dishes like Eggs Ponchartrain (fresh pan-fried mountain trout, poached eggs, béarnaise sauce), Pain Perdu (New Orleans-style French toast) and Eggs Sardou (creamed spinach, Gulf shrimp, poached eggs and hollandaise). Add a Creole Bloody Mary and some beignets – powderedsugar covered donuts. Lucile’s makes Cajun sausage in house, along with jams, hot sauce and even its own ketchup. Lucile’s theme is “Lucile’s Creole Café, Exploring Creole Cooking from Around the World.” Creole posters and decorations from the bayou heighten the colorful ambience.

FOR BEST BREAKFAST: Walnut Cafe

3073 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.447.2315; 673 S. Broadway, Boulder, 720.304.8118, www.walnutcafe.com

Ever been served dinner by the actors you are about to see in a fulllength Broadway musical performance? And at intermission they come from backstage to deliver your dessert? People who frequent Boulder’s Dinner Theatre again and again love this aspect of theatre going, as well as the performances.

Artistic Director Michael Duran says, “We focus on the theatrical aspect and try to bring the highest production values to the stage.” He’s from New York and knows quality after working with many of the best directors and choreographers. “In our way we try to bring the same quality to Boulder.” August 19 was the Theatre’s 30th anniversary, an achievement for any performance venue.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

University of Colorado (Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre), Boulder, 303.492.0554 www.coloradoshakes.org

FOR BEST BRUNCH: Greenbriar Inn

8735 N. Foothills Hwy., Boulder, 303.440.7979, www.greenbriarinn.com

Thank You Boulder For Another Wonderful Year!

Voted Best Caterer 2000 and 2002 through 2007!

Corporate Meetings, Picnics, Weddings, Reunions, Served or Delivered C a t e r i n g S e r v i c e s & E a s t L a ke ( 3 0 3 ) 4 4 3 - 4 0 4 9 E ve n t C e n t e r ( 3 0 3 ) 4 4 4 - 3 4 5 2 w w w. a s p i c e o f l i f e . c o m BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LONGMONT / LYONS RESTAURANT

The Pumphouse Brewery

540 Main St., Longmont, 303.702.0881, www.pumphousebrewery.com

You can’t help noticing this lively brewpub in Longmont’s historic downtown area, with its busy dining patio and Longmont’s only indoor/outdoor bar. It boasts a big menu to satisfy any appetite, with all-natural burgers and chicken, wild sockeye salmon (not farm-raised), buffalo burgers, Mexican and southwestern specialties and the numero uno customer favorite: fish and chips.

“We’re an independent place, not a chain,” says Ross Hagen, managing partner.

“We are able to please a wide clientele. We focus on high-quality service.

Everyone hustles and works as a team. We’re accurate, speedy and personable.”

Brewer Dave offers a diverse beer menu – with 10 choices at any time, creating seasonal beers inhouse. Red Zone is an 8,000-square-foot addition to the Brewery with a new twist: It’s a sports bar combining state-of-the-art sports entertainment technology and a laid-back brewpub atmosphere. It features interactive electronic trivia and sports gaming, so that players compete against others in the bar and as a team against bars nationwide.

Oskar Blues Cajun Grill & Brewery

303 Main St., Lyons, 303.823.6685, www.oskarblues.com

BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE

Frasca Food & Wine

1738 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.6966, www.frascafoodandwine.com

The key to great service is making people feel comfortable. That’s what wins awards for great restaurants like Frasca. “It’s all about basics,” says Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey. “Every day we work on the basics, on making people feel comfortable. We work on small details over and over every day.” The seasoned and professional staff ensures a memorable evening with their meticulous attention to detail, expert wine pairing, and extensive knowledge of the menu. “We’re only three years old,” Stuckey notes. “My wife, the chef and I are here every night. We’re not a chain. We show up every night – it’s very important to us.” Frasca is the creation of Stuckey and Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson. Their shared passion for Friuli-Venezia Giulian cuisine and fine wine is reflected in beautifully prepared fare and a wine list boasting more than 200 varieties. The pastoral and elegant dining room evokes the gracious and friendly atmosphere of traditional Italian Frascas.

Flagstaff House Restaurant

1138 Flagstaff Road, Boulder, 303.442.4640, www.flagstaffhouse.com

BEST LAFAYETTE / LOUISVILLE / SUPERIOR / ERIE RESTAURANT

BEST BOULDER COUNTY EVENT

700 Main St., Louisville, 303.666.8020, www.thehuckleberry.com

P.O. Box 108, Boulder, 303.652.4942 www.bouldercreekevents.com

The Huckleberry

Boulder Creek Festival

Here is a restaurant, bakery and tea room in a historic building dating back to 1894, in Old Town Louisville. Today, the Huckleberry serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a dollop of fun. The food is “funky country” – American Classics with a hint of culinary sophistication. The place is painted purple and yellow, in kind of an art deco style. Guests dine in little rooms with names like The Den and The Parlor. The floors creek. General manager Steven Lembke says the building was the first bank in Louisville, joined with the first post office. The owners are the folks who brought you the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. They know tea. The Huckleberry offers an elegant afternoon tea complete with small sandwiches, scones, cream and other goodies, all presented with gracious service. And there are children’s tea parties, with child-size teapots and teacups.

Owner Sara Martinelli blends the tea. Lembke explains Huckleberry’s uniqueness: “We’re so diverse. We have a great bakery that people love, also a full bar, and fancy coffee drinks.

There’s great energy here; we play loud music – popular songs, oldies. We have a friendly crew, and the service is important, as is the quality of the food.”

Efrain’s Mexican

Bolder Boulder

101 E. Cleveland St., Lafayette, 303.666.7544 Efrain’s II: 1630 63rd St., Boulder, 303.440.4045 Efrain’s III: 451 S. Pratt Pkwy., Longmont, 720.494.0777

SEPTEMBER 2007

The Boulder Creek Festival is Boulder’s quintessential annual outdoor community gathering, and last Memorial Day weekend it celebrated its 20th anniversary. And it’s free, too!

The three days of festivities feature plenty for everyone: nine separate event areas and five stages for music and dance (teens get a stage of their own), with 500 vendors who showcase everything from community arts and crafts to health alternatives and technology, carnival rides, food and beverage vendors, and the signature event: The Great Rubber Duck Race!

For next year’s bash, maybe you, too, would like to have a booth, or perform, or volunteer. “We want volunteers,” says Meg Denbow, director of development and marketing for Boulder Creek Events. “We couldn’t put on this event without volunteers. Some people have been doing it for at least a decade.” Go to the Web site or call the number above to get involved.

4571 North Broadway, Boulder, 303.444.RACE www.bolderboulder.com

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

17

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY / OFFICE

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

4875 Pearl E. Circle, Suite 100, Boulder 1.800.343.8885, www.wrightkingdom.com

2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 110, Boulder 303.441.5685, www.richgribbon.com

Wright Kingdom Real Estate

Rich Gribbon, RE/MAX Boulder

Wright Kingdom, a locally owned and independently operated real estate company working with Boulder County for the past 31 years, is unwavering in its commitment to well-rounded service and updated technology. Offering not just agents, but entire divisions dedicated to the unique pursuits of residential, commercial and relocation endeavors, Wright Kingdom “really prides itself on the complete services we offer for lifetime customers,� explains relocations director Jen Ibanez. Every agent is involved in varying aspects of the community, including economic development, chambers, business councils and non-profit organizations. “There are so many facets of moving to Boulder or living in Boulder that aren’t about the house. We really do pride ourselves in being able to provide information or resources to our lifetime customers, directing folks to where they can find services that will best acclimate them to living in this area.�

With 98 percent of his business coming through referrals, real estate agent Rich Gribbon has clearly worked hard to make a good name for himself over the 13 plus years he’s been in the business. “My focus is on outstanding service with the hope that my clients will refer me to someone afterwards.

That’s been successful for me.�

Gribbon understands that information on houses can be found online, such as selling prices and current availability, but stresses the difference a very thorough knowledge of the market and industry expertise can make on a transaction. He sells about 28 houses a year in order to keep his service at the level his clients deserve. “My serviceoriented approach to selling real estate leads to satisfied clients who refer me to their friends and families. That’s my business model.�

Karen Bernardi, Coldwell Banker

RE/MAX of Boulder

2700 Canyon Blvd., Suite 200, Boulder 303.402.6000, www.bernardigroup.com

2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite 110, Boulder 303.449.7000, www.boulderco.com

18

'U /HH :RRGV JLYHV H[SHUW DGYLFH WR WKRXVDQGV RQ 79 +HÂśOO JLYH H[WUDRUGLQDU\ FDUH WR \RXU SHW LQ KLV %RXOGHU KRVSLWDO %URDGZD\ $QLPDO +RVSLWDO LV DFFUHGLWHG E\ WKH $PHULFDQ $QLPDO +RVSLWDO $VVRFLDWLRQ 2QO\ RI DQLPDO KRVSLWDOV LQ WKH 8 6 KDYH DFKLHYHG WKLV VWDWXV

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

6 %URDGZD\ %RXOGHU

ZZZ EURDGZD\DQLPDO FRP

SEPTEMBER 2007

.

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST RETIREMENT / ALTERNATIVE OR ELDER CARE / ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

Frasier Meadows

350 Ponca Place, Boulder, 303.499.4888, http://frasiermeadows.org

Nestled in a Boulder neighborhood, flanked by a park, shopping and other amenities, lies Frasier Meadows, a 47-year-old not-for-profit retirement community that services folks looking for independent living facilities and continuing care. Currently home to approximately 400 residents, Frasier Meadows is locally owned and run by a board of trustees. Mark Venzke, manager of public relations feels one of the reasons Frasier Meadows is so well-loved is because it goes out of its way to engage in lively discourse with the community. “We have probably the most active community members, many are involved in the University and they continue that involvement here ... Not only are our residents active in the community but we also invite the community in when we have lectures. It’s a very active place.”

The Academy

970 Aurora Ave., Boulder, 303.938.1920 or 1.800.943.1920, www.theacademyboulder.com

OVER 0 0 , 0 0 5 !

S E L T TI

S H V / D DV

BEST TANNING SALON

Tans To Go

1842 30th St., Boulder, 303.444.7600, www.tanstogo.com

Celebrating six years in a row as a Boulder County Gold winner (among countless other “best of” awards), Tans To Go prides itself in offering the best tanning options, lotions, bathing suits and sarongs. Enjoy a water, juice or Starbucks coffee after bronzing yourself in one of the five tanning systems (including the stand-up Sun Capsule 200, which cuts tanning time down to nine minutes). Prices range from $8 for a single session in a regular bed to $134 for 10 sessions in either the DelRey or the Sun Capsule 200. Tans To Go also offers one-month, unlimited-tanning passes. “We attribute our success entirely to our staff,” says owner Doug Swartz. “They are highly trained and completely empowered to make any and all decisions to take care of our customers. Customer service is our number one priority.” Clean, well-maintained beds, loads of tanning accessories, comfy chairs, CD players in every room and a staff that can help plan a safe, fabulous tanning experience are just some of the reasons Tans To Go is voted the best, again and again.

Executive Tans

1124 West Dillon Road, Louisville, 303.665.6237 1610 Pace St., Longmont, 303.651.3688 6450 W. 120th Ave., Broomfield, 303.460.8860 www.executivetans.com

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

AS

COLORADO’S LARGEST VIDEO LIBRARY.

“BOULDER’S BEST VIDEO STORE” SINCE 1982!

Fproen e e n u e Co ip eotnlyO G . On mbersh e e On oupon gular m RenVatlid awcitchouCnt. Arulllerse apply re support! u d fut st an a p r ou for y you k n a Th per

Thank You Boulder for All Your Support

1661 28th St.•Boulder•303-440-4448 SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

19

.

20

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

Thanks For

making us the best!

C O M P L I M E N TA R Y G I F T W R A P

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

McGuckin Hardware

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1822, www.mcguckin.com

Hitting the

Road?

We need your newspapers (while you’re out-of-town).

Tired of wandering the hardware store by yourself, looking for a widget and only finding thingamabobs? Then scurry on over to McGuckin Hardware, Boulder’s family hardware store for more than 50 years, and find someone in a green vest. You can probably even catch one outside in the parking lot if you’re anxious about heading into the 60,000-square-foot facility and wending your way through the tangle of aisles without a guide. McGuckin is renowned for its customer service staff, comprised of incredibly friendly, knowledgeable folks. They’ll even help you tie a giant kiddie pool to the top of your car. True story.

Boulder Community Hospital

You can help students in Boulder County while you’re blazing down the highway ... donate your vacation newspapers to our Vacation for Education program.

Your papers will be used as a learning resource through the Daily Camera in Education program.

Your generosity gives local students the opportunity to practice lifelong learning skills as they study reading, writing, science, math, social studies and more using your donated newspapers in their classrooms.

To send your vacation newspapers to school, call our customer service hotline 4 4 4 . 3 4 4 4 or log on to at 303.4 dailycamera.com/customer service The kids thank you!

Boulder Community Hospital, 1100 Balsam Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273 Boulder Foothills Hospital, 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.854.7000 Mapleton Center for Rehabilitation, 311 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273 Community Medical Center, 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.666.4357 www.bch.org

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

Estes Park

1.800.44.ESTES, www.estes-park.com

Trade in the deer that wander through your back yard some weekend for bigger game; in Estes Park, elk wander downtown along with weekenders carrying hiking gear in one hand and saltwater taffy in the other. After a day of horseback riding, hiking, fishing, swimming, snowshoeing, whitewater rafting, bird watching, shopping and scenic driving through Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll probably be hungry. Maybe you’re in the mood for wild game at a romantic hideaway, or perhaps live music in a more casual setting is more your speed. Either way, Estes has you covered. At night, snuggle up in little rustic bungalows or hoity-toity luxury rooms featuring indoor hot tubs. There’s something for everyone in Estes Park and it’s only an hour away.

Gold Lake Mountain Resort

3371 Gold Lake Road, Ward, 303.459.3544, www.goldlake.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE / STUDIO

McGuckin Design Center

2460 Canyon Blvd., Boulder 303.449.3779, www.mcguckin.com

BEST SKINCARE FACILITY

Time to renovate your kitchen?

Finish a bathroom in your basement? According to voters, McGuckin Design Center is the place to go for all your kitchen and bath needs. As a complete kitchen and bath design studio, you can find designer door and cabinet hardware, cabinets, appliances, stone, ceramic tile, shower enclosures, sinks, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, bathroom accessories and more at McGuckin. And when you need a second opinion, a design suggestion, or a guide to the store, the friendly staff at McGuckin is happy to help – excellent customer service is, after all, the cornerstone of McGuckin Hardware’s business.

Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology

4745 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 140, Boulder, 303.604.1444, www.bvderm.com

Taking care of one’s skin isn’t just pampering here in Colorado – it’s essential to your basic health and well-being. That’s why the folks at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology take their work so seriously. Focused on providing the finest medical, surgical and cosmetic services around, the center works to keep abreast of the latest advances in dermatology, while maintaining a strict adherence to safety and integrity.

Among the many services offered, the center treats skin cancer, acne, rosacea, lupus and skin discoloration, and performs photo facials, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, collagen and laser removal of facial blood vessels. It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin, and the highly trained physicians at Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology can help.

Bartlett Interiors

Finishing Touch Salon & Day Spa

2020 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.5194

3131 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.1852, www.finishingtouchspa.com

CELEBRATING 27 YEARS!

THANK YOU BOULDER COUNTY FOR YOUR LOYALTY,

CONFIDENCE,

AND FRIENDSHIP!

WAT E R S T R E E T

2 4 2 5 C A N YO N

BOULDER

303-449-2626

W W W. W A LT E R S A N D H O G S E T T. C O M

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

21

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS AND BEST DAY CAMP

Peanut Butter Players

276 Miner’s Drive, Lafayette, 303.786.8727, www.peanutbutterplayers.com

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

Cain Travel Agency

3004 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.2246, www.caintravel.com

The folks at Cain Travel know you work hard for your money, and that when it’s time to reward yourself a little, it’s important to spend that discretionary money wisely. One of the reasons the company’s been in business for more than 30 years is its commitment to customer service. Cain serves clients on all six continents, but we’re lucky to have them in our own back yard. So whether you’re booking a trip to Akron to see Aunt Tildy, catching a romantic cruise through Scandanavia and the Baltics or planning your first South African safari, the folks at Cain will put everything into making sure your travels are happy.

FOR BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS: Pearl Street Mall

Downtown Boulder, 303.449.3774, www.boulderdowntown.com

FOR BEST DAY CAMP: YMCA

Arapahoe Center, 2800 Dagny Way, Lafayette, 303.664.5455 Mapleton Center, 2850 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 303.442.2778 www.ymcabv.org

Boulder Travel

1655 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.443.0380, www.bouldertravel.com

22

The Peanut Butter Players prides itself on being the premier alternative to a day camp for the past 22 years. Children from pre-school to high school are allowed to channel their natural creative energy via theatrical education, regardless of their level of expertise. Even students with no previous experience can join their peers in studying American musicals and then performing them for the community. With a wide variety of programs, the Peanut Butter Players offer one-week sessions, after-school programs and workshops that can fit anyone’s schedule. The goal, of course, is to foster self-esteem and comfort with public speaking, but if the experience culminates into a career in the arts (one previous PB Player was nominated for a Tony), that’s all the better. A top-notch staff of professional directors, musicians, choreographers, dramatists and stage combat instructors possess both a deep fervor for performance as well as a passion for teaching. Parents can be assured their children will benefit from the expertise of the instructors while having a wildly unique experience they can take advantage of throughout their lives. The Peanut Butter Players mission: “Helping young people make believe and believe in themselves.”

BEST ACTIVIST / COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Josie Heath, President, The Community Foundation

1123 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.442.0436, www.commfound.org

Josie Heath, president of the Community Foundation and one-time Boulder County Commissioner, was quick to give others their due when she heard she’d won this award. “I’ve done a number of things in the community, but the foundation – not just me, but the trustees, the staff and the volunteers – have done a number of projects that build community in a variety of ways.” Dedicated to a range of initiatives that promote overall well-being in Boulder County, Heath is particularly proud of the Millennium Fund. “We asked everyone in Boulder County to donate the equivalent of their last hour of income in the last millennium to create a permanent fund for the new millennium.

We raised $1,800,000. The very fun part for me is that it keeps on living. This year we’ve distributed about $85,000.” That money went to numerous plans, including ones for social interaction, health and human services, the environment, education, arts and culture. “It’s kind of an extension of public service ... in the best sense of what folks who are elected officials do. They’re involved in the community, they want to advocate for the things that will make the quality of life there the best it can be.” A quote of Katherine Graham’s, one of Heath’s favorites, sums it up: To love what you do and feel like it matters: how can anything be more fun?

Jo Anne Lamun, Peanut Butter Players

276 Miner’s Drive, Lafayette, 303.786.8727, www.peanutbutterplayers.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST BOULDER COUNTY SCHOOL

Boulder High School

6500 Arapahoe Road, Boulder 303.442.2430 http://schools.bvsd.org/boulderhigh

BEST SINGLES HANGOUT

The Foundry Billiards Club

1109 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.447.1803, www.foundryboulder.com

“One of the reasons that we remain so popular is that we have such a wide variety of things to do under the same roof,” explains Matt Byrne, general manager at The Foundry. With 11 full-size pool tables, a special room for parties, a much-beloved rooftop bar, and wildly popular dance nights with deejays and $2 well drinks (’80s music on Tuesdays; hip-hop on Thursdays), the classy bar has a little something for everyone. Even its live music nights (rock, funk or blues bands) on Fridays and Saturdays are free of cover charges. “There’s never a risk coming through the door,” reveals Byrne, “and then to kick it all off we’ve got one of the best views of the Flatirons from our rooftop bar. We’re one of the largest bars in Boulder and we’ve got a balcony inside where you can look down. It’s great anywhere you are for people watching.”

Purple Martini

Founded in 1875, Boulder High School is proud of its 132 years of high academic standards and community involvement. As an Advanced Placement Focus School, BHS offers a wide range of AP classes, not just preparing students for higher education, but pushing them to exceed their own expectations. With an open campus that encourages personal responsibility, students enrolled at BHS are treated to a magnificent location at the foot of the University of Colorado. Keeping in mind the individuality of the students, BHS offers almost 30 different activities, ensuring something for everyone.

And with the community attendance at BHS sporting events, it’s clear Panther fans are lifelong.

Fairview High School

1515 Greenbriar Blvd., Boulder 303.499.7600 www.bvsd.org/schools/Fairview

1710 29th St., Boulder, 303.449.1282, www.purplemartini.com

Thank you for voting!

• 100% Blade-Free LASIK

303.665.7577

www.insightlasik.com

2006

• LADARVision® with Eyetracker

• CK™ for people over 40 who have lost their reading vision

• New CustomCornea®

• Free Consultations

1120 W South Boulder Rd in Lafayette

We are the Exclusive Lasik Vision Specialist of the Broomfield Event Center, the Rocky Mountain Rage Central Hockey League Club, and the Colorado 14ers National Basketball Association Development League Club

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

23

24

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST TEACHER

Monica Augustine, Wildflower School of Voice

3217 Walnut St., Boulder, 720.937.9647, http://wildflowerschoolofvoice.com

“I love singing and I know the kids do, too. It’s hard if you don’t have support in the right way ... I just want kids to feel safe, to be able to express themselves, for them to take root and nurture them along the way,” explains Monica Augustine, head teacher and owner of Wildflower School of Voice. “That’s part of our mission here ... we want to honor each student’s unique voice and expression.” Augustine herself went through the gamut of voice teachers as she grew up, and decided pretty quickly how essential it was to build up a student. After running the school from her home for 10 years, she started up the Wildflower School three years ago and enjoys the wonderful community of parents, students and teachers that’s sprung up since. She’s happy to help students (who typically range from 5 to 17) in pursuing their dreams, whether those dreams involve recording contracts or not. Being open to a range of goals is one of the many ways Augustine nurtures her students. “It’s about focusing on what they’re good at, and bringing that out in them ... there are different reasons for why the kids want to do it.”

Lynn Twietmeyer, Douglass Elementary

840 75th St., Boulder, 303.499.4884, www.douglasselementary.com

BEST OIL CHANGE

Grease Monkey

2405 28th St., Boulder, 303.444.9303 2710 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.9844 375 Waneka Parkway, Lafayette, 303.604.2159 2334 North Main St., Longmont, 303.485.9206 1230 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.772.8865 165 McCaslin Blvd., Louisville, 720.214.2840 www.greasemonkeyintl.com

With six convenient locations for Boulder County drivers to get a quality oil change, it’s no wonder locals voted Grease Monkey their favorite. Each independently owned franchise employs automotive technicians trained to service your car in a way that helps prolong the engine’s life, maintain your manufacturer’s warranty and maximize fuel economy. Most automakers suggest your auto needs an oil change every 3,000 miles, and in Colorado, where temperature fluctuations and mountain driving can put a strain on your car, it deserves it. And at Grease Monkey, you don’t need an appointment to give your engine what it deserves.

Jiffy Lube

1788 30th St., Boulder, 303-447.8040; 1408 Hecla Way, Louisville, 720.890.0777; www.jiffylube.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

Humane Society of Boulder Valley 2323 55th St., Boulder, 303.442.4030 www.boulderhumane.org

The Humane Society of Boulder Valley has served its mission – promoting and protecting the lives of animals through fostering healthy relationships between pets and people – for more than 100 years. Providing interim homes for more than 8,000 animals every year, including sheltering animals from around the country (such as those impacted by Hurricane Katrina) and across borders (they just brought over three dogs from Mexico), the Humane Society accepts any animal brought to them, regardless of its needs. With a relatively small staff, but a large pool of volunteers, the Humane Society goes far beyond sheltering animals, creating education programs, reuniting pets and owners and providing healthcare for displaced animals. The wealth of compassion that guides BVHS is one that benefits everyone and deserves continued support.

HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties

2594 Trailridge Drive East, Lafayette 303.449.7740 Grief & Education Center, 1585 Patton Ave., Boulder 303.604.5300 Care Center, 1855 Plaza Drive, Louisville 303.926.3900 www.hospicecareonline.org

THANKS to YOU we’re TURNING 52!

When you’re looking for the

BEST

Look for the

GREEN VEST!

Thank you for your continued loyalty and for voting us

BEST HARDWARE STORE and BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Locally Owned and Operated by the same Boulder Family since 1955!

and RUNNER UP for

Best Garden Center, Best Housewares & Kitchen Goods Store and Best Locally Owned Store 2525 ARAPAHOE • In The Village • Boulder • m-f 7:30-8, sat 8-6, sun 9-6 • mcguckin.com • (303) 443-1822 SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

25

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST CHILD CARE CENTER

YWCA Children’s Alley

2222 14th St., Boulder, 303.443.0419, www.ywcaboulder.org/programs/childrensalley.html

“We have a terrific staff and we provide a wonderful, unique service to Boulder County,” says YWCA Children’s Alley director Kate Johannes. That unique service includes drop-in childcare for parents who have an unexpected appointment or just need a break for a dinner out. (Yes, Children’s Alley is open until 9:45 p.m. four days a week, and all day Friday and Saturday). Parents can also arrange for short-term daily childcare for up to six weeks. Children’s Alley serves up to 24 children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, and boasts new infant, toddler and preschool rooms, too.

Boulder Day Nursery

1518 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.442.7605 www.boulderdaynursery.org

26

BEST DENTIST

Dr. Ted Kawulok, D.D.S., P.C. Whole Family Dentistry 1400 28th St., Boulder, 303.442.8625, www.wholefamilydentistry.com

Dr. Ted Kawulok has been fixing smiles in Boulder for more than 20 years. When readers voted Kawulok their favorite dentist for the second year in a row, they chose a dentist with strong ties to the community. Kawulok went to Sacred Heart School, Boulder High and the University of Colorado, and he and his wife, Kim, raised their five children in Boulder. The team at Whole Family Dentistry provides a wide range of services, including dental rehabilitation that focuses on cosmetic and reconstructive therapies. Kawulok offers a comprehensive periodontal program, as well, including soft tissue therapy and painless root canal therapy. If you just need your teeth cleaned, he can do that, too!

Eurich Steven, L D.D.S.

1120 W. South Boulder Road, Suite 202, Lafayette, 303.666.4653

BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT

Flatiron Athletic Club

505 Thunderbird Drive, Boulder 303.499.6590 www.flatironathleticclub.com

With 55,000 square feet of clean and wellorganized workout space, Flatiron Athletic Club has everything you need to get into and stay in shape. That includes an array of mind and body classes, spinning, free weights and cutting-edge workout machines, two swimming pools, tennis, basketball and racquetball courts, a running track and massage, Rolf and acupuncture services. But Managing Partner Jens Husted thinks it’s the people at Flatiron Athletic Club that make it a special place to exercise. “It’s just a comfortable place to be,” Husted says. “And the members – it’s a great group of people.”

Obviously, readers agree.

Curves

3320 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.440.6400 489 U.S. 287, Lafayette, 303.665.4447 7960 Niwot Road, Suite A-2, Longmont, 303.274.0992 405 Center Drive, Suite G, Superior, 303.543.0500 www.curves.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST SPA

Essentiels Spa

2660 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.440.0711, www.essentielsspa.com

BEST PLACE FOR WORSHIP

First Presbyterian Church of Boulder

1820 15th St., Boulder, 303.402.6400, www.fpcboulder.org

Founded in 1872, the First Presbyterian Church of Boulder has long served the spiritual needs of Bolder County. Modern day churchgoers admire the church for its diversity of programs and worship services, its pleasing mix of tradition and innovation, its clear message in the midst of competing voices, and the missional focus on meeting the needs of people here and around the world. “Our purpose is to joyfully worship a wonderful, just and gracious God, help people grow as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the power of His Spirit share the message of God’s love throughout the world,” reads the church’s mission statement.

Unity of Boulder

2855 Folsom St., Boulder, 303.442.1411, www.unityofboulder.com

Customization is key at Essentiels Spa. “We always have the client fill in a lifestyle form so they can tell us what their goals are, and then our aestheticians chat with them. Together they decide what they think will be best. We try and customize everything to what the customers’ needs are,” explains Marlene Ward, technical services manager at the spa. Both clients and staffers have shown great loyalty to the spa since its inception in 1997. Because the spa works so hard to respond to customer needs and keep up with changes in the industry, loyalty comes easy to them. One specialized treatment Essentiels offers is the Mermaid. The aesthetician chooses a specific seaweed wrap that will produce the desired effect, then programs a thermal bed with steamers and shower heads that massage the client’s head as the seaweed does its trick. The treatment is finished off with a specific lotion that complements the seaweed. Essentiels has a wide range of services, sure to please everyone. “We do have a lot of parties that come in and have a girls’ day out. We can offer little rooms here and cater for them as well.”

The Finishing Touch Salon & Day Spa

3131 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.1852, www.finishingtouchspa.com

BEST MOVING COMPANY

Taylor Moving

4949 N. Broadway, #110, Boulder, 303.443.5885 www.taylormove.com

Taylor Moving, last year’s Bolder County Gold Runner Up for Best Moving Company, has moved on up to become Boulder County’s Best Moving Company! Opened more than 10 years ago by longtime mover Glen Taylor, Taylor moving is a locally- and family-owned and operated business that is licensed, bonded and insured, and has made Troubleshooter Tom Martino’s exclusive Referral List. Taylor Moving offers a number of services, including local and national moves, residential and commercial moves, loading and unloading, local and one-way truck rentals, expert packing and storage. And with Taylor Moving, you get personalized, careful service at competitive pricing (with no hidden fees). “Our goal is to make our customers happy,” says Taylor.

Boulder Valley Transfer

3075 75th St., Boulder, 303.530.7333 www.bouldervalleytransfer.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

27

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST AUTO DEALER AND BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP / SERVICE DEPT.

BEST CAR WASH

5595 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 1.800.835.7798, www.flatironsacura.com

3100 28th St., Boulder, 303.447.9274, www.puddlecarwash.com

Flatirons Acura/Subaru

Flatirons Acura/Subaru keeps giving customers what they want in an auto dealership and auto repair shop, and Camera readers keep voting Flatirons Boulder County’s best in both categories. Boasting one of the state’s largest new-car inventories, each member of the Flatirons’ sales staff are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations. That emphasis on customer service doesn’t stop in the front lot – the repair shop goes the extra mile in keeping Boulder County cars running right, too. Flatirons’ Acura technicians are factory trained and carry an average of 15 years of experience.

FOR BEST AUTO DEALER: Fisher Chevrolet Honda Pontiac

6025 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 1.800.873.0119, www.fisherauto.com

The folks at Puddle Touch-Free Car Wash have been dedicated to keeping Boulder County’s cars beautiful for more than 30 years.

They’ve developed a loyal customer base because of it, and were once again voted Best of Boulder County by Camera readers.

Experience, expertise and attention to detail are first and foremost at Puddle. And they do quality work quickly. “We provide a quick, friendly service at an affordable price,” says Rich Hart, Puddle’s general manager for the past 20 years. “We appreciate all of Boulder County for voting for us, and we hope to continue to provide the same superior service.”

Black Diamond Car Wash

FOR BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP/SERVICE DEPT.: Hoshi Motors

1417 Hecla Drive, Louisville, 303.666.6696

2504 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.449.6632, www.hoshimotors.net

28

Puddle Touch-Free Car Wash

BEST HEARING AID CENTER

Hearing HealthCare Centers

4800 Baseline Road, Suite E108, Boulder, 303.499.3900 1515 Main St., Suite 15, Longmont, 303.776.8748 www.hearinghealthcarecenters.com

Hearing HealthCare Centers has been helping the hard-of-hearing and their loved ones since 1984. Hearing HealthCare Centers offer clients a wide range of hearing instruments – notably top-quality digital and digitally programmable devices by renown manufacturer Audibel, the premier division of Starkey Lab, which is the largest hearing aid manufacturer. “We always offer a 60-day, risk-free evaluation period on all products,” says Jim Boggess, BA, BC-HIS. “And we feature the new ‘open fit’ design, a no occlusion, no feedback, lightweight and totally discreet hearing instrument for today’s modern lifestyle.” Hearing HealthCare Centers also understands the importance of protecting hearing for the future, and to that end, they offer preventative products and services, such as ear plugs and free hearing evaluations.

Family Hearing Centers

3059 Walnut St., Boulder, 303.443.5085; 2770 Arapahoe Road, Suite 126, Lafayette, 303.665.0454; www.familyhearingcenters.net

Thank You

To Daily Camera Readers that voted for Elevations Credit Union as “Best Financial Institution”!

Open an account!

Find out why we've been voted Best Financial Institution each and every year since 1999.

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,

2005 and 2006.

Stop by a branch in Boulder, Lafayette, or Longmont today!

ElevationsCU.com 303.443.4672

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST GOLF COURSE

Flatirons Golf Course

5706 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.442.7851, www.flatironsgolf.com

With its full-service pro shop, central location and well-maintained course, it’s no wonder readers voted Flatirons Golf Course the best place to play 18 holes in Boulder County. “It’s a very easy walking golf course with tree-lined fairways, which makes it comfortable to play during the summer,” says head golf pro Tim Stevens. Golfers especially appreciate the greens at Flatirons. “Probably 75 to 80 percent of our customers come into our golf shop and comment on the condition of our greens being the best around,” Stevens says.

Indian Peaks Golf Course

2300 Indian Peaks Trail, Lafayette, 303.666.4706, www.cityoflafayette.com

BEST KARATE / MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO

Easton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

1750 30th St., Unit 22, Boulder, 303.938.1275, www.eastonbjj.com

Amal Easton, owner of Easton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, explains that Brazilian jiujitsu is a realistic, modern form of self defense that has marshaled in the mixed martial arts events that are popular today. “It’s easy to watch these events on TV,” he says, “but our goal is to get people off the couch and on the mat – only there can the benefits of martial arts be revealed.” Right now, Easton has hundreds of children and adults on his mats, a fact he takes great pride in. “Our program is complete,” he explains. “It’s not just for kids, like many programs. We have over 200 adults enrolled right now.” Easton adds that all the instructors are full-time martial arts instructors who are eager to teach their students that Brazilian jiujitsu is not only an exercise, but also a path to better goal setting, self-confidence and self-discovery.

We thank you for your support for the last 60 years!

Tran’s Martial Arts & Fitness Center

3101-1/2 28th St., Boulder, 303.402.9460, www.transmartialarts.com 117 S. Sunset St., Longmont, 303.776.1887, www.trans-mafc.com

BEST AC / HEATING SERVICE

Precision Plumbing & Heating

5035 Chaparral Court, Boulder, 303.581.1455, www.precisionplumbing.com

Whether it’s keeping things cool in the summer or heating up the winter, Precision Plumbing & Heating gets it right. At least that’s what Boulder County residents think, as Precision has now won the Best AC/Heating Service category several years in a row.

“We are honored to have been serving Boulder County for 25 years, and that our loyal customers have voted us No. 1 for the sixth year in a row,” says Mayoura Phannadeth, marketing assistant at Precision. A precise blend of expertise and personalized attention make Precision popular. “We not only have the best technicians, but we offer topnotch customer service, too,” Phannadeth says.

Meyer’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

260 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.6640

SEPTEMBER 2007

l

Boulder Travel ~ 303-443-0380

1655 Folsom St. Boulder, CO 80302 • info@bouldertravel.com www.bouldertravel.com CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

29

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST DRY CLEANER / LAUNDROMAT

Art Cleaners

1715 15th St., Boulder, 303.440.8600 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.494.2709 2570 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.7030 1501 Lee Hill Road, Boulder, 303.447.8700 3980 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.443.0158 www.artcleaners.com

When it comes to dry cleaning and laundering your garments, it’s all about customer service. Art Cleaners – “where cleaning is an art” – has been going out of its way to do both the big and the little things for customers since they first opened in Boulder in 1921. “We’ll do whatever customers ask,” says owner Brian Hansen.

“We’re full service. We do it all in house and we have free pickup and delivery. It’s convenient, efficient and done right.” Art Cleaners employs a full-time seamstress for minor garment repairs, and the company’s “Green Earth Cleaning System” is always easy on the environment.

John’s Cleaners

3325 28th St., Boulder, 303.444.2877 1848 30th St., Boulder, 303.442.8508 4800 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.499.5554

30

BEST HOLISTIC CARE / WELLNESS CENTER

Whole Health Wellness Center, Inc.

1790 30th St., Boulder, 303.444.3833 www.wholehealthwellness.com

Are you looking for assistance in restoring and maintaining complete health and balance for a greater expression of life? If yes, look to Whole Health Wellness Center, a unique clinic founded in 2000 by hypnotherapist Deborah and chiropractor and applied kinesiologist Tim Fleming to offer clients a coordinated treatment program using natural therapies. Staff members include David Abookire, a massage therapist; Dr. Richard Ramos, a chiropractor; Pam Morrison, a Rolfer; Nicola McGill, an aromatherapist; Sylvia Kroeger, a hypnotherapist; Jodi Reed, an energy healing science practitioner; and Therese Kallstrom, a psychotherapist – all of whom are dedicated to helping clients achieve their highest state of health.

The Wellness Center at Frasier Meadows

350 Ponca Place, Boulder, 720.562.4317, www.frasiermeadows.org

Thanks for making us Boulder’s Favorite Housewares & Kitchen Store for over 7 years!

cook. decorate. entertain. give.

1235 Pearl Street | 303-449-5847 M-Sat 10-6 | Sun 11-5

Possibly The Best Store Ever!

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

Whole Pets Boulder’s Premier Place for Pets and People

Thank you

for your support from all of us at

Whole Pets!

BEST HAIR SALON

Finishing Touch Salon & Spa

3131 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.1852, www.finishingtouchspa.com

When people in Boulder County want to take a trip to the Mayan Riviera without hopping on a plane and traveling to Mexico, they can always get their hair done at Finishing Touch Salon & Spa. First opened in 1973 as a small wig shop, Finishing Touch has evolved into a spacious, full-service salon where patrons are pampered in rustic surroundings reminiscent of a Mexican getaway. Many of Finishing Touch’s staff members remain from the salon’s early days, and that means longtime clients have been trusting the salon with their appearance for years. It’s no wonder Finishing Touch has been voted Best Hair Salon seven years and counting.

2835 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80301 www.wholepets.com • 303-444-4733

Fix

1810 Twenty Ninth Street, Suite 2000, Boulder, 303.442.4247, www.fixhairsalon.com

BREADWORKS CAFÉ FEATURES : Cold & Hot Soups • Large & Small Salads Tossed to Order Salads • Wood-Burning Pizza Oven Grilled & Cold Sandwiches • Bakery-Spun Gelato & Sorbet Fresh Entrées & Sides All Day • Full Line of Breakfast Pastries & Desserts Over 40 Varieties of Hearth-Baked Artisan Breads & Rolls

Everything made fresh on-site Everyday Open EVERYDAY at 7am

2644 North

Independent Locally Owned Bakery/Café Broadway • Boulder • 303-444-5667

SEPTEMBER 2007

•

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

31

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

BEST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE

Nesheim’s Cleaning Services, Inc.

1212 Commerce Court, Lafayette, 303.666.8888, www.nesheims.com

With more than 25 years of experience, the folks at Nesheim’s enjoy a well-earned reputation in the carpet-cleaning business.

They use a 10-step cleaning process on every job that includes a hot-water steam extraction method that eliminates shampoo residue. And Nesheim’s anti-allergen cleaning regimen aims to eliminate those invisible pests that live in your carpet. They also clean area rugs, wood floors, grout and upholstery. The company’s 100 percent money-back guarantee makes Nesheim’s a can’t-miss investment. Nesheim’s wants your carpets as clean as you do, and Camera readers know that.

Chem-Dry of Boulder

3835 Silver Plume Circle, Boulder, 720.304. 3910

32

BEST PET BOARDING SERVICE

Cottonwood Kennels

7275 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.2602, www.cottonwoodkennels.com

What do you do when Rover can’t go to Dover with you? Take him to Cottonwood Boarding Kennels, five-time winner in this category. Cottonwood is a self-described “play and stay for pets that’s as comfortable as a bed and breakfast with all the fun of doggie play care.” Located on a small farm inhabited by ducks, chickens, sheep and alpaca, Cottonwood offers its boarders (which can include everything from dogs and cats to birds and ferrets) spacious indoor and outdoor playrooms, personalized human interaction, quality diets, playthings, and more. Special needs pets are welcomed, and if you’re worried about your pooch or pussycat, you can always call the kennel’s toll-free phone number for a status report. “One thing that allows us to function at this level is our staff,” says Tom Bonfili, who owns the kennel with Penny Bardell. “It’s a large staff of big-hearted, dedicated, hard-working people.” The question is not whether you can trust your pets here, but if your own vacation accommodations will be quite as nice!

Broadway Animal Hospital

1405 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.5505, www.broadwayanimal.com

Elevations Credit Union

2960 Diagonal Hwy., Boulder, 303.443.4672 4760 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.443.4672 607 South Broadway, Suite E, Boulder, 303.443.4672 1669 Euclid Ave., UMC Room 143, Boulder, 303.443.4672 1079 South Hover St., Suite 100, Longmont, 303.443.4672 1900 West South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.443.4672 www.elevationscu.com

For nine consecutive years, readers have chosen Elevations Credit Union (formerly U of C Federal Credit Union) the best place to bank in Boulder County. When you do business at Elevations, you’re not just opening an account or securing a loan, you’re joining a community, one that’s been intimately involved with the local economy for more than 50 years.

“Any money deposited in our accounts is money that is recycled into the Boulder economy,” says Rich Jones, vice president of marketing at Elevations. Education is also part of Elevations’ mission. “It’s not just about the car loan; it’s not just about the mortgage with us,” Jones says. “It’s about how to make a good consumer decision.”

K Y N OU A H T

Aspen Grove would like to thank Boulder County for all their support and for voting us the

#1

Grocery Delivery service in Boulder.

AspenGroveMarket.com 303.865.5999 Open 8am-8pm 7 Days a week BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

Wells Fargo Bank

653 30th St., Boulder, 1.800.869.3557 3307 30th St., Boulder, 303.448.3784 3289 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.565.8804 1690 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.441.0341 6525 Gunpark Drive, Boulder, 1.800.869.3557 1242 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.441.0355 623 S. Broadway, Boulder, 1.800.869.3557 1137 S. Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.441.0379 399 S. Hover St., Longmont, 303.682.4560 www.wellsfargo.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST LASIK / LASER EYE FACILITY / SURGEON

InSight LASIK

1120 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.665.7577 www.insightlasik.com

“Our customers trust us with their eyes – that’s an incredible statement, and we take it to heart,” says Dr. Jimmy Jackson, who, along with Dr. Keith Miller and Dr. Warren Tripp, has treated more than 25,000 people in the Boulder/Denver area and earned the Boulder County Gold People’s Choice Award for Best Lasik five times. “We consider this business high touch (slow and methodical by nature) and high tech (we invest in new technology, even if only incremental improvements have been made),” he explains. Yet the surgeons at InSight know that new technology is not effective unless you know how to use it properly – their extensive Lasik experience and rigorous training (beyond government requirements) has allowed them to continually provide patients with quality results.

“Receiving this recognition will never get old,” says Jackson. “It’s something we’re very proud of.”

Beyer Laser Center

1810 30th St., Suite B, Boulder, 303.499.2020 www.bouldereyes.com

BEST LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE

UPS

3795 Frontier Ave., Boulder, 800.742.5877; 230 Goldern Rod Ct., Longmont, 800.742.5877; www.ups.com; UPS Public Relations 404.828.7123

UPS, or United Parcel Service, delivers 15.6 million packages and documents daily to more than 200 countries and territories. The shipping giant has 94,542 package cars, vans, tractors and motorcycles, 282 jet aircrafts and 325 chartered aircrafts to ensure your package will be delivered safely and on time. Already this year, UPS was named number one in the shipping industry category and number eight overall in Business Week magazine’s first-ever ranking of “Customer Service Champs.” It’s no wonder, then, that UPS was voted Boulder County’s best delivery service.

Boulder/Denver Couriers

1722 14th St., #105, Boulder, 303.444.9833, www.dbcouriers.com

BEST MEDICAL FACILITY AND BEST LOCAL EMPLOYER

Boulder Community Hospital

Boulder Community Hospital, 1100 Balsam Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273 Boulder Foothills Hospital, 4747 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 720.854.7000 Mapleton Center for Rehabilitation, 311 Mapleton Ave., Boulder, 303.440.2273 Community Medical Center, 1000 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.666.4357 www.bch.org

Rich Sheehan, director of public relations at Boulder Community Hospital, attributes the receipt of this award to first-rate physicians, superb nurses and technicians, and cutting-edge technology. Put together, these attributes mean excellent patient care, he explains. “Our employees and volunteers are really committed to taking care of the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients in addition to their physical needs, and the community recognizes that,” says Sheehan. In turn, the hospital’s 2,300 employees enjoy working at the Boulder Community Hospital because the non-profit, communityowned organization gives them the resources to do their job well. “These are people who got into the medical field because they want to help people,” Sheehan says, “and the Boulder Community Hospital gives them the means to provide the kind of care they can be proud of.”

FOR BEST MEDICAL FACILITY: Boulder Medical Center (BMC)

BMC Main, 2750 Broadway, Boulder, 303.440.3000 BMC Foothills, 4745 Arapahoe Ave., Ste. 200, Boulder, 303.938.4700 BMC Avista, 80 Health Park Drive, Suite 100, Louisville, 303.673.0448 www.bouldermedicalcenter.com

FOR BEST LOCAL EMPLOYER: InSight LASIK

1120 W. South Boulder Road, Lafayette, 303.665.7577, www.insightlasik.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

33

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES

BEST PET GROOMING SERVICE (TIE)

The Hydrant 2900 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.7550

Pamper your pooch at The Hydrant, a grooming salon “for pets of distinction and owners who care.” Serving Boulder for 37 years, The Hydrant is known for its high level of professional service provided by groomers Laura Tolp (also the manager), Elisha Martinez and Valerie Bradner, as well as by pet bather Mark Matthews. “We are the best because we have awesome clients who care about pets as much as we do,” says Tolp, adding that she would like to thank her grooming clients for this honor.

Cottonwood Kennels 7275 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.2602, www.cottonwoodkennels.com

BEST VETERINARIAN

Alpine Hospital for Animals

3210 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.443.9661; www.alpinehospitalforanimals.com

This voters’ favorite is bigger and better than ever: Only a couple of months ago the Alpine Hospital for Animals moved from a 1,900-square-foot facility to a new one that is about three times as big. For owner Karen McCormick, DVM, CVA, this means more room for what they do best: care for animals and their owners. “My philosophy is that we are here only to be truly helpful to each person who comes to us with their pet,” says McCormick, referring to her team of six doctors and five certified acupuncturists. Yes, acupuncturists! Alpine Hospital for Animals offers alternative treatments, such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines, because they like to give their clients choices in care. They also offer cuttingedge technology, such as laser-light therapy (to treat conditions like arthritis). Perhaps the hospital’s biggest asset, though, is its compassionate staff. “All of us have a passion for being here,” McCormick says.

Broadway Animal Hospital

1405 S. Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.5505, www.broadwayanimal.com

Besides being this year’s Best Pet Boarding Service, Cottonwood Kennels has also grabbed top honors for its beauty salon. Experienced fur stylists give quality cuts and baths using only the finest allnatural shampoos and conditioners, then coats are brushed and fluffed with gentle warm air for a fabulous finish. Visits also include ear cleaning, nail trimming and more. Your pet can be transformed from frumpy to fabulous in no time!

3 34

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

PETSMART

2982 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.939.9033 402 Center Drive, Superior, 303.543.6060 1125 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 303.702.9526 www.petsmart.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST GROCERY STORE

Whole Foods Market

2905 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.545.6611, www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Natural and organic food products are no longer the way of the future – they’re what Boulder County residents want to put on their tables now. Whole Foods Market offers a wide and varied selection in an inviting atmosphere. With its trendsetting olive bar, assortments of chocolates, the plentiful salad bar and lovely selection of ready-made entrees, aromatic breads, brilliant, healthy produce and wide selection of free-range meats, it’s no wonder Whole Foods is such a popular spot. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, the grocer is well known for its large and helpful staff, who are sure to lead you to the right aisle.

Peanut Butter Players present...

Disney’s

King Soopers

1650 30th St., Boulder, 303.443.9622 6550 Lookout Road, Boulder, 303.530.1020 3600 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, 303.499.4004 480 N. Hwy 287, Lafayette, 303.604.3070 995 South Hover Road, Longmont, 303.702.0099 200 Lashley St., Longmont, 720.652.9618 2255 North Main St., Longmont, 303.772.7950 1611 Pace St., Longmont, 303.776.7560 1375 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.673.1800 www.kingsoopers.com

CINDERELLA

BEST HOUSEWARES & KITCHEN GOODS STORE

Peppercorn

1235 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.5847, www.peppercorn.com

From the kitchen to the bedroom, the bath to the dining room, Peppercorn is a dreamland for those who want to add warmth, style and convenience to their home.

Or if you want a unique gift – cutlery, linens, fine china or that one special cookbook you’ve been looking everywhere for – Boulder County folks know Peppercorn is the place to go. With 12,000 square feet of floor space, the store is beautifully divided by theme. “We like to create vignettes that suggest style and color and coordination,” says Peppercorn’s Doris Houghland. It helps make the Peppercorn shopping experience one of a kind.

SEPTEMBER 21, 22 OCTOBER 6, 12, 13 & 20

Show at 11:00 am, lunch at 12:00 pm Lunch at 1:00 pm, show at 1:45 pm $10 admission includes lunch

Consistently Voted “Best Place to Entertain Kids”

McGuckin Hardware

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1822, www.mcguckin.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

Boulder Theater, 2032 14th Street Reservations requested.

Call 303-786-8727 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

35

36

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST SHOPPING DESTINATION

Pearl Street Mall

Downtown Boulder, 303.449.3774, www.boulderdowntown.com

When it comes to shopping destinations, the word on the street says Pearl Street Mall is the place to go. As one of Boulder’s original main streets, Pearl Street has been home to just about every type of business you can imagine (the street itself was named after a famous Madam from yesteryear). Reopened as a pedestrian-only shopping district in 1977, the mall is now the No. 1 destination to bring your out-of-town friends for the essential Boulder experience.

From summer POP fountain fun for the kids to the romantic look of the mall awash in holiday lights in winter, Pearl Street Mall is always a special event. For an in-depth look at Pearl Street’s history, check out Sylvia Pettem’s book, “Positively Pearl Street: A Chronicle of the Center of Boulder, Colorado, 1859 to Present.”

Twenty Ninth Street

Canyon Boulevard and 29th Street, Boulder, www.twentyninth.com

BEST TREE FARM

The Tree Farm

11865 Mineral Road (Hwy 52), Longmont, 303.652.2961, www.TheTreeFarmLongmont.com

Arborially speaking, Boulder County says The Tree Farm is top of the crop for all your tree needs. With 35 acres of shade, fruit and flowering trees from which to choose, your choices seem endless. Don’t know a cottonwood from a cotoneaster?

No worries. The folks at The Tree Farm have been helping us find just the right tree since 1980. Manager Mike Gittleson says, “Our knowledgeable staff will work with your budget to help you find the best choices for your project. And we can help you do the planting, too.” Gittleson says The Tree Farm is the best place to find the compact species of trees that today’s smaller yards and patio lifestyles demand.

Creekside Tree Nursery

3283 North 61st St., Boulder, 303.668.7647, www.CreeksideBoulder.com

BEST JEWELRY STORE AND BEST COMPANY / STORE THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers 2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.449.2626, www.waltersandhogsett.com

Walter Vieregg grew up in a small Midwestern town, and he brought that small-town ethic with him to Colorado when he opened Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers in 1980.

Vieregg and his partners believe in taking care of those around them. “I just feel, in a small town, you get involved in the community. You just do it,” Vieregg says. Last year, the family-owned jewelry company gave to three dozen charities. The store is run on old-fashioned principles, too.

That means the customers’ needs are first and foremost when they walk into the charming store in the Water Street complex.

FOR BEST JEWELRY STORE: Hurdles Jewelry

1402 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.1084, www.hurdlesjewelry.com

FOR BEST COMPANY/STORE THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY: Whole Foods Market 2905 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.545.6611, www.wholefoodsmarket.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST PET STORE AND BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE

P.C.’s Pantry For Dogs and Cats

2600 30th St., Boulder, 303.245.9909, www.pcs-pantry.com

Ask P.C.’s Pantry owner Mary Lee Withers why she thinks P.C.’s is such a popular store and she says, “We really enjoy the animals and the people that come into the store. We really enjoy what we do. I think animals pick up on it, and the people, too.” Notice how Withers mentions the animals before their guardians? “We know the animals’ names better than we do the people’s names,” Withers admits with a chuckle. We’re not saying the local pet population had anything to do with the outcome of these two Boulder County Gold categories, but it’s clear that animals are loved when they walk into P.C.’s. It’s the place to be for biscuits, deli items and “bark-day cakes,” all made onsite by the store’s full-time baker. Stop by and say hello to Withers, and the seven cats and two dogs that hang out at P.C.’s, too.

FOR BEST PET STORE: PETSMART

2982 Iris Ave., Boulder, 303.939.9033 402 Center Drive, Superior, 303.543.6060 1125 S. Hover Road, Longmont, 303.702.9526 www.petsmart.com

FOR BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE: McGuckin Hardware 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1822 www.mcguckin.com

1212 Commerce Ct., Lafayette

Carpet

303.666.8888

Upholstery

www.nesheims.com

Oriental Rugs Oriental Rug Pads Carpet Repairs and Restretching Water Restoration Sewer Clean up Hardwood Floor Refinishing and Recoating Leather Tile and Grout

Mon.- Fri. 8am - 5pm Sat. 8am- 12:30pm

5 Important Reasons To Choose Nesheim’s Cleaning Services 1. Reputation. Nesheim Cleaning enjoys a reputation that is second to none. The area’smost seasoned carpet professionals, interior designers, and real estate agents refer our services, as well as being a member of the Troubleshooter.com referral list.

2. Experience. Nesheim Cleaning is experienced in all methods of carpet cleaning, all carpet and fabric types, as well as the most unusual soiling conditions. We are often called on to correct soiling conditions that other cleaners aren’t even familiar with.

3. Education. Nesheim Cleaning is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification).

THANK YOU Boulder County for voting us best!

We appreciate your continued loyalty and support.

4. Systems. Nesheim Cleaning is committed to first class customer service. You will be treated with the utmost respect. We offer the most advanced cleaning technology on the market that does not over-wet your carpet or leave a sticky residue behind.

5. Guarantee. Nesheim Cleaning offers a 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not completely thrilled with the service experience you receive from us, we will rush back to your location at no charge and no obligation. If you are still unimpressed, we will issue a 100% refund.

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

37

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOW TREATMENTS

Innovative Openings

1672 30th St., Boulder, 303.449.6465, www.innovativeopenings.com

Your classy windows deserve the best treatments, don’t they? At Innovative Openings, you choose from only the best draperies, shutters, blinds, awnings and solar screen shades. The free in-home measuring and design service lets you avoid costly mistakes by taking out the guesswork, so that you get just the right color, style and size. The professional installation service (with a one-year labor warranty) lets you rest easy. And with the 31,000 square-foot Service Center in Louisville ready to make it all happen, you know you’re in the right hands with Innovative Openings.

TIE: 3 Day Blinds

2525 Arapahoe, #E-25, Boulder, 303.447.8100, www.3day.com

Cloth Constructions

2087 30th St, Boulder, 303.449.2102

Boulder’s Unique Holistic Health Center Relax in a warm, friendly

environment

Receive total commitment to

your health from our experienced practitioners

BEST RUNNING STORE

Rejuvenate with healing

Boulder Running Co.

treatments

2775 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.786.9255, www.boulderrunningcompany.com

Transform your mind, body

Boulder Running Company has a full stock of running apparel, but it all starts with the shoes. Whether you’re a novice jogger or an Olympic athlete – and Boulder County is home to plenty of both – there’s more to choosing a running shoe than walking in and picking the prettiest pair on the rack. “There’s definitely a science behind the shoes,” says Amanda Charles, general manager of Boulder Running Company. “We do our best to try and explain that.” That education includes free video gait analysis and oneon-one attention for every customer so the trained staff can help you discover the best shoe for your individual needs. “Everyone who comes into the store, we really encourage them to get on to the treadmill. Then, not only can we do our jobs better, but they can also see for themselves what we’re trying to do for their (running) mechanics,” Charles says.

& spirit with our coordinated care program

303-444-3833

www.wholehealthwellness.com

Thank You Boulder For Your Continued Support!

Sussex One • 1790 30th St. Advanced Holistic Care Chiropractic Massage Energy Work Counseling Reflex Touch Yoga Hypnotherapy Acupuncture & Herbs Smoking Cessation Aromatherapy Rolfing

38

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

Fleet Feet Boulder

2624 Broadway, Boulder, 303.939.8000, www.fleetfeetboulder.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST LIQUOR STORE

Liquor Mart

1750 15th St., Boulder, 303.449.3374 www.liquormart.com

Sometimes bigger is, indeed, better. Boasting a huge, clean and easily navigable store, Liquor Mart offers Boulder County a large inventory of fine wines, microbrews and liquors, as well as popular-brand beers and champagnes. Whether you’re hosting a block party or just need a nice Chianti to go with your pasta, Liquor Mart has your bottle. Perhaps general manager Jack Stoakes says it best when he describes the Liquor Mart business model: “This store was built originally in 1969 on selection, service and good prices,” Stoakes says. “Those things have stood the test of time.”

North Boulder Liquor

3990 Broadway, Boulder, 303.442.0894

BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE AND BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION STORE

REI

1789 28th St., Boulder, 303.583.9970, www.rei.com

At the risk of stating the obvious, people in Boulder County are wild about the outdoors.

They’ve been pretty wild about REI, too, since the national outdoor sports retailer opened its store in Boulder on 28th Street. Whether camping, climbing, biking, skiing or any other outdoor adventuring is your thing, REI has what you need, and then some. The store also sponsors regular presentations and chit chats with local and national outdoor athletes. At REI, you can get what you need, and receive tips on how to use it, too.

FOR BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE: Sports Authority

3320 North 28th St., Boulder, 303.449.9021 2251 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.651.9697 301 Marshall Road, Superior, 303.554.0161 www.sportsauthority.com

FOR BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION STORE: Neptune Mountaineering

633 South Broadway, Suite A, Boulder, 303. 499.8866, www.neptunemountaineering.com

BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Robb’s Music

1580 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.443.8448, www.robbsmusic.com

Both local musicians and players traveling through Boulder have been hanging out at Robb’s Music, strumming guitars, fingering keyboards and testing the latest in sound technology for nearly three decades. Simply put, it’s a local institution. The laid-back, customer-focused and friendly environment at Robb’s has always reflected the store’s namesake, Robb Candler, a terrific musician in his own right who started selling instruments to the public back in 1978. Robb’s always welcomes new players (and offers lessons, too), and serves as a home away from home for the old pros. The music always sounds better in a friendly atmosphere.

H.B. Woodsong’s

2920 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.0516, www.hbwoodsongs.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

39

.

40

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST GIFT SHOP

Paper Doll

1141 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.1661

Becca’s having a baby, Daniel just graduated and Aunt Ruby is getting hitched (her third, his second). Sounds like you’re in bad need of a good gift shop. How about the best?

Camera readers have once again voted The Paper Doll as the top spot for unique jewelry, purses and artful whatnots just perfect for gift giving – or keeping! You’ll also find exceptional stationery, cards and wrapping papers that you won’t see elsewhere. Is it really better to give than receive?

Jacque Michelle

2670 Broadway, Boulder, 303.786.7628

Thank you Boulder for your support.

The Academy … Life at its Best.

Now offering two different locations – Providing Boulder with not just one unique community – but two!

We invite you to call us to learn more about all that we have to offer.

www.theacademyboulder.com www.academybellavista.com

BEST GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE

Aspen Grove Market

2885 Wilderness Place, Suite B, Boulder, 303.865.5999, www.aspengrovemarket.com

Aspen Grove Market offers home delivery and pick-up for an extensive array of groceries at a surprisingly affordable price. How does it work? It’s easy: Customers can order groceries online or via the telephone. Then Aspen Grove staff members carefully select and package each individual order from their large, temperature-controlled warehouse. Then, in a timely manner, the grocer delivers to homes and businesses within an approximate 10-mile radius of its warehouse, which includes Boulder and most parts of Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont and Superior. For convenience and to save on gas, locals call the folks at Aspen Grove!

King Soopers

at

BellaaViststa BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

1650 30th St., Boulder, 303.443.9622 6550 Lookout Road, Boulder, 303.530.1020 3600 Table Mesa Drive, Boulder, 303.499.4004 480 N. Hwy 287, Lafayette, 303.604.3070 995 South Hover Road, Longmont, 303.702.0099 200 Lashley St., Longmont, 720.652.9618 2255 North Main St., Longmont, 303.772.7950 1611 Pace St., Longmont, 303.776.7560 1375 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.673.1800 www.kingsoopers.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST FLOOR COVERING STORE

Atlas Flooring

4920 North 28th St., Boulder, 303.442.3221

Whether you live in a McMansion or a McAverage home, nothing makes it shine like a new hardwood floor from Atlas Flooring. Perhaps you prefer a stone floor of slate or travertine marble, or more traditional carpeting. Whatever you want to walk on, Atlas Flooring has got you covered. The friendly folks at Atlas know their flooring and are happy to guide you through the wide choice of materials available, from bamboo to Berber. And whatever you choose for your dream home, you can be sure that Atlas Flooring stands behind every product – and we’re glad to stand on them!

FloorCrafters

1501 Lee Hill Road, Unit 1, Boulder, 303.449.3084, www.floorcrafters.justgoodbusiness.biz,

Thank You Boulder County!

For your continued support

BEST FLORIST AND BEST GARDEN CENTER

Sturtz & Copeland

2851 Valmont, Boulder, 303.442.6663

Giving flowers, getting flowers – it’s the thought that counts. And if you thought right, those flowers came from Sturz & Copeland, the perennial favorite for all things floral.

A full-service FTD and Teleflora florist, Sturtz & Copeland is ready to create and deliver artful flower arrangements to Boulder and beyond. The Garden Center is the other part of this winning combination. Manager Beth Smerek says, “We strive to be the best. Our staff are gardeners themselves, and our customers know we’ll go the extra mile to answer their questions. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll find out.”

FOR BEST FLORIST: Fiori Flowers

1227 Spruce St., Boulder, 720.565.2434, www.FioriBoulder.com.

FOR BEST GARDEN CENTER: McGuckin Hardware

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1822, www.McGuckin.com.

SEPTEMBER 2007

Paper Doll 1141 Pearl Street • 303-449-1661

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

41

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST IMPORTED GOODS STORE

Cost Plus World Market

1685 28th St., Boulder, 303.938.0757, www.worldmarket.com

Rugs from India, Balinese dinnerware, Malaysian Melon Bowl Candles, floor cushions from Turkey.

Cost Plus World Market truly is an international bazaar nestled in the heart of Boulder. But the store’s secret ingredient may be its unique collection of food stuffs. “It’s perfect if you’re entertaining or throwing parties,” says Carley Williams, the Boulder store’s general manager. Got a taste for specialty chocolates, Spanish olives, English crème wafers, German sausages or Austrian Lingonberry spreads? Chances are, the Market can feed that need. “A lot of our customers are people who maybe grew up in Europe or spent time overseas. And so these things are really familiar to them,” Williams says. The store even has specialty Texas hot sauces, too!

Indochine

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.444.7734 1779 Valtec Lane, Boulder, 720.565.8262 www.homeimport.com

BEST HARDWARE STORE

McGuckin Hardware

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.1822 www.mcguckin.com

Go ahead and try it: Try walking through the dozens of aisles in McGuckin Hardware without having a nice person wearing a green vest ask if they can help you find something. It’s more difficult than fixing a broken garbage disposal, replacing a ceiling fan or painting your backyard fence. And the friendly associates at McGuckin are exceptional at helping you find the right tools, gadgets and hardware for those household maintenance tasks, too. Excellent customer service (McGuckin also won Best Customer Service) and a stock of more than 200,000 items in its 60,000square-foot store are why readers voted McGuckin their favorite stop to shop for hardware in Boulder County, yet again.

Home Depot

1600 Twenty Ninth Street, Boulder, 303.449.4221 393 South Hover Road, Longmont, 720.494.0319 1200 Dillon Road, Louisville, 303.661.9600 www.homedepot.com

BEST ANTIQUE DEALER AND BEST HOME FURNISHINGS STORE

Amazing Garage Sale

4919 N. Broadway, Boulder, 303.447.0417, www.TheAmazingGarageSale.com

Step into the Amazing Garage Sale, ladies and gentlemen, and prepare to be ... amazed! Everywhere you look, treasures from the past await your discovery. Bentwood chairs share wall space with framed prints. A plaster Indian stands on an antique Japanese chest, lit by a lamp fashioned from the leg of a mannequin. Gathering all this vintage Voola together for your pleasure and purchase is owner Judi Lesta, the heart and soul of the garage sale that’s lasted 10 years. “There’s something new every time you come in here,” says one enthusiastic shopper. “You really find the good stuff here.”

FOR BEST ANTIQUE DEALER: Bedell & Co.

767 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.939.9292, www.bedellandco.com

FOR BEST HOME FURNISHING STORE: HW Home

1941 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.545.0320; The Village at FlatIron Crossing, Broomfield, 720.887.1223 www.hwhome.com

42

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST SHOE STORE

Pedestrian Shops

1425 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.449.5260; 2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder 303.449.7440 www.comfortableshoes.com

Pedestrian Shops has strived to make the world comfortable by selling the world’s most comfortable shoes, sandals, clogs and boots since 1969.

“Our loyal customers tell us we have the best selection and the best service in town,” says general manager Lauren Polk. With brands like Dansko, Crocs, Birkenstock, Merrell and Keen, Pedestrian Shops is indeed the source for the happiest feet in town. The store is also doing its part to make the world a better place. Its inventory includes plenty of earth-friendly footwear, recycled shoeboxes are used wherever possible, the store is 100 percent wind-powered with Renewable Energy Credits, and every year Pedestrian Shops encourages the community to donate slightly used shoes in exchange for a 10 percent discount on any new pair of shoes in the store. The thousands of shoes that are collected as a result are then given to local assistance organizations. So you can feel good shopping at Pedestrian Shops from head to toe.

Boulder Running Company

2775 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.786.9255, www.boulderrunningcompany.com

BEST BOOKSTORE

Boulder Book Store

1107 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.447.2074, www.boulderbookstore.com

Locally owned and fiercely independent since 1973, Boulder Book Store is a perennial favorite of locals and visitors alike. Its extensive inventory is dispersed among 20,000 square feet of shelf space. And yet shopping here is a very cozy experience. The store is broken up into four stories and a myriad of themed rooms, encouraging you to savor the experience and get lost in a good read. Boulder Book Store is also home to frequent book signings, presentations and interactive discussions with top-flight authors. All this, plus its attentive staff, parking validation, frequent buyer program and attached coffeehouse, The Bookend Cafe, keeps bibliophiles from all walks of life coming back to Boulder Book Store for more.

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

2915 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.442.1665, www.bn.com

BEST EYE CARE STORE

Aspen Eyewear

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Suite E-23, Boulder, 303.447.0210, www.aspeneyewear.com

Heinz Ebner and his wife created Aspen Eyewear in 1986 from scratch – sometimes quite literally, as was the case when they built the display stands. It’s been a labor of love from the beginning, one that has blossomed into one of Boulder County’s most successful and popular locally owned businesses. Aspen Eyewear is home to a staggering inventory of fashionable frames and the only custom lens-finishing lab in Boulder. After years of hard work, Ebner remains gracious: “Thanks to Boulder for your loyalty and patronage through 20 years.

I also want to thank my family and the Aspen Eyewear staff, the A Team.”

Ebner’s A Team includes his two daughters, both certified opticians, as well as several more American Board of Opticianry-certified professionals, an independent doctor of optometry for on-site eye examinations and a master optician known for his miracle repair skills – all of whom share the goal of providing exceptional service.

Envision Boulder

1230 Spruce St., Boulder, 303.939.8021, www.envisionboulder.com

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

43

AHHHHH yeah.

.

BEST LONGMONT RESTAURANT 2003, 2004, 2005

COME CHECK OUT COLORADO’S PREMIER SPORTS BAR

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST CHILDREN’S STORE

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe

2525 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.443.0780 300 Center Drive, Suite C, Superior, 303.499.0780 www.grtoys.com

Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe has been instilling wonder, dispensing delight and making learning fun for the children of Boulder County since 1977. The store recently moved into an expanded location – a testament to its continued success – and customers couldn’t be happier. “The best compliments we’ve been getting this year have been about how bright and open and easy it is to shop in our new space,” asserts bookkeeper Kathi Patrick. Today’s hottest toy must-haves, such as Cranium and Webkinz, mingle happily with classic favorites, like Lincoln Logs and modeling clay. There’s something for every age level, price range and occasion. And you can be sure that every product was selected based on the store’s original philosophy: to provide high quality, aesthetically pleasing playthings that contribute to a child’s learning and development.

Playfair Toys

1690 28th St., Boulder, 303.444.7502; Twin Peaks Mall, 1250 South Hover St., Longmont, 303.678.1852 www.playfairtoys.com

Thanks for your support!

540 Main Street • Downtown Longmont • 303.702.0881

BEST BICYCLE SHOP

University Bicycles

THANK YOU FOR 24 YEARS OF EARS!

839 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4196, www.ubikes.com

In 1985, Doug Emerson opened a bike shop on Pearl Street. 22 years and several thousand square feet of retail space later, University Bicycles is in a league of its own.

“Our customers say we are the friendliest, most helpful shop around,” asserts general manager Lester Binegar. Whether you’re looking for a high-end racing cycle, a cruiser or something with training wheels for your daughter, you’ll be treated to the best customer service in the business. Plus, every new bike purchase includes a lifetime of free adjustments while you wait, giving you time to peruse must-have accessories such as jerseys, gloves, sunglasses and racks. If you have friends in town or want to road test some different wheels, University Bikes has a huge fleet of mountain, town and road rentals. Go ahead, think like a champion. Says Binegar: “We are one of the only stores in the country that rents Tour de France-quality carbon road bikes from Trek and Specialized.”

Thanks for your support, Boulder County!

Full Cycle

1211 13th St., Boulder, 303.440.7771; 1795 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.440.1002; www.fullcyclebikes.com

BEST RECYCLED GOODS / THRIFT STORE

Savers

695 South Broadway, Boulder, 303.499.6979, www.savers.com

Service First and Always Since 1984 4800 Baseline Rd., Suite #E-108 Boulder, CO 80303 303.499.3900 44

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

1515 Main St., Suite #15 Longmont, CO 80501 303.776.8748 CAMERA

Second-hand shopping can be an artform for many, and Savers has become a popular treasure-hunting spot for people in Boulder County. Savers operates under a unique business model: Locally, the store purchases second-hand goods from non-profit companies, then sells them to the public at the south Boulder store. So when you shop at Savers, you’re helping local charities, plus you’re keeping reusable goods out of our landfills. Nationwide, in more than 200 outlets, Savers has paid more than $1 billion dollars to charitable organizations over the past 53 years. So, let’s go shopping!

Hospice Thrift Store

5290 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.604.5353, www.hospicecareonline.org

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

The Regiment Shops of Colorado 2425 Canyon Blvd., #F, Boulder, 303.443.2713 www.theregimentshops.com

BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

JJWells

2640 Canyon Blvd., Boulder, 303.449.2112, www.jjwells.com

“We’re a bunch of wild and crazy Boulder women who love clothes and our customers,” laughs JJWells co-owner Dana Culbertson, referring to herself, her partner and her staff. “We like to have fun with what we wear.” This passion and flair is obvious the moment you step into the store, where you’ll find unique casual clothing, professional attire, handcrafted jewelry and fun accessories. JJWells celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. “That’s because we keep evolving, seeking out hot trends within the fashion industry with a twist to fit our Boulder customers,” explains Culbertson. JJWells once had the reputation of housing more conservative clothing. Asserts Culbertson: “We’re not that kind of store anymore. It’s not about dressing for an age; it’s about dressing for an attitude.” So if you haven’t been to JJWells in a while, it’s high time for another visit. And don’t miss its new sister store, Besos, at 1949 Pearl St.

The Regiment Shops of Colorado have been dressing the men (and women) of Boulder County for success since 1959.

Classic lines, rich colors and interesting textures characterize the clothing. Pieces from Tommy Bahama, Couture, Robert Banks, Ferrel Reed and many more fill the racks. And fit is everything. The Regiment Shops of Colorado have Italian trained master tailors on staff to ensure you look your best. Alterations are included with every regular-price purchase and are available at reasonable rates for any item, whether it’s from the store or elsewhere. You can also get a customcrafted, made-to-measure garment in just seven days. It’s all part of The Regiment’s philosophy of “great fashion and great quality with wonderful service,” says co-owner Gary Cartwright. Trends change, but good taste is always in style at The Regiment Shops of Colorado.

Weekends

Chelsea

1200 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.444.4231 www.weekendsboulder.com

935 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.447.3760, www.chelseabella.com

Thank you for your votes!

Boulder’s Best Florist & Boulder’s Best Garden Center since 1929 florists, greenhouses & fine stationery 2851 Valmont • 303-442-6663 Mon-Fri 8-6, Sat 8-5, Sun 10-5

For all your flower & gardening needs.

SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

45

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST CAMERA STORE

Mike’s Camera

2500 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.443.1715 www.mikescamera.com

We’re not the only ones who are impressed with Mike’s Camera. The store just received Photo Industry Reporter’s prestigious 2007 Photofinisher of the Year award. “National recognition is something for us to be very proud of because it’s from our peers,” explains vice president of finance and administration Jirair Christianian. “But the votes we get from our customers are ultimately the final word on the services we provide in our market, the final measure of what we’re doing right.” According to Camera readers, Mike’s Camera does a lot right. Photofinishing, cameras, accessories, rentals and repairs – you’ll find all your photography needs under one roof. You’ll also find skilled staff to answer questions, help you find the right products and elevate your pictures to the next level. After 40 years of business, Mike’s Camera is only getting better. Says Christianian: “Our goal is to go on and provide all the new things the industry has to offer, with great service and at great prices.”

Wolf Camera

2520 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.544.9845, www.wolfcamera.com

BEST ART SUPPLY & HOBBY STORE

Michaels

4800 Baseline Road, Suite A-108, Boulder, 303.494.2008; 410 Marshall Road, Superior, 720.304.3224; 205 Ken Pratt Blvd., Suite 200, Longmont, 720.494.2673; www.michaels.com

Michaels is the nation’s largest retailer of arts and crafts supplies. From paints to paper crafts, frames to flowers, beads to baskets, candles to clay, scrapbooking materials to seasonal decorations, and much more, you’ll find it here. But the plethora of products is only part of the story at Michaels. The store’s driving goals are to inspire and empower creativity.

The knowledgeable staff at Michaels doesn’t just want to sell you merchandise; they want to help you make the project of your dreams. In-store events and classes are a staple, as are instructional displays. So whether you’re a novice crafter or a glue gun guru, Michaels is home to the raw materials and expertise you need.

Art Hardware

1135 Broadway St., Boulder, 303.444.3063, www.arthardware.com

46

BEST BEDDING / LINENS / MATTRESS STORE

Verlo Mattress Factory Stores 3080 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.447.1154, www.verlo.com

Is there anything more precious, more restorative, more exquisite than a good night’s sleep? Not really.

Which is why so many Boulder County folks own a Verlo mattress. At Verlo Mattress Factory, every bed is made with its owner in mind. Experienced craftsmen construct the mattresses on-site based on custom specifications. So if you’re looking for a firm but not-too-firm bed with a pillow top, that’s exactly what you’ll get, guaranteed. “We’ve always strived to put quality of product and customer service as our primary goals,” says owner Dick Sumerfield, “That’s always what we’re trying to improve upon.” Shopping at Verlo also ensures a great deal: Because the mattresses are made right here in Boulder, you’ll enjoy factory-direct prices.

It’s the stuff of sweet dreams.

Bed Bath & Beyond

1741 28th St., Boulder, 303.415.0302; 205 Ken Pratt Blvd., Longmont, 303.772.8300 www.bedbathandbeyond.com

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

SEPTEMBER 2007

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

THAI

•

SUSHI

FULL SERVICE DINING! 1575 Folsom St. BOULDER

BEST VIDEO STORE

N. of Arapahoe on Folsom

The Video Station

303-447-9718

1661 28th St., Boulder, 303.440.4448, www.thevideostation.com

Though The Video Station has an excellent chocolate candy selection, it’s probably more likely that the huge selection of movies – more than 57,000 and the largest collection in Colorado – earned the locally owned video store this award. The Video Station has numerous copies of all the new releases to rent, plus harder-to-find movies, such as foreign titles, independent films, silent films and more. “We cover all the bases,” says Bruce Shamma, the store’s co-owner. The Video Station is also known for its knowledgeable staff and wide selection of for-sale DVDs. Adds Shamma, “The Video Station has been in business in Boulder for over 25 years now, and we couldn’t have done it without the great support the city gives to independents and smaller retailers.”

ON-THE-GO DINING! 3033 28th St. BOULDER N. of Valmont on 28th St.

303-444-3133

VOTED BEST THAI RESTAURANT 18 YEARS RUNNING

Blockbuster

4800 Baseline Road, Boulder, 303.494.8419 2400 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder, 303.413.0952 3135 28th St., Boulder, 303.413.0750 1610 Pace St., Longmont, 303.772.0653 965 Hover St., Longmont, 303.651.1293 1751 N. Hover Road, Longmont, 303.651.1343 976 Dillon Road, Louisville, 720.890.7828 1335 South Boulder Road, Louisville, 303.665.0550 3333 Arapahoe Ave., Erie, 303.926.4200 1691 E. Coalton Road, Superior, 303.554.1300 www.blockbuster.com

11AM-10PM DAILY ORDER ONLINE siameseplateonthego.com

Boulder’s Choice for Hardwood Flooring 303.449.3084 SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

47

48

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST ART GALLERY

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOWS

Art & Soul Gallery

Champion Windows, Siding & Patio Rooms

1615 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.544.5803 www.artandsoulboulder.com

The work at Art & Soul Gallery has always been innovative. Canvases flaunt bold patterns and impossibly rich colors. Sculptures twist hither and yon. Mixed media pieces push the envelope of the expected. Wearable art, created by international, awardwinning jewelry designers, sparkles.

And, according to owner Debbie Klein, we haven’t seen anything yet.

“We have some amazing new emerging artists coming up this fall,” she says. “We’ve been trying to respond to the increased sophistication of the clientele, who’ve been responding to more contemporary, cutting-edge artwork.” Customers have clearly noticed. The gallery’s most effective form of advertising has always been, and continues to be, word-of-mouth. Declares Klein: “We’ve proven that the Boulder County community does indeed support the arts, and Art & Soul in particular, and for that we are honored and greatly appreciative.”

www.championwindow.com 877.221.0770 or 888.528.4455

A national company, Champion serves 71 markets across the United States. But its Colorado market is special: Not only does the company install and service windows here, it also manufactures the windows in Denver. “We offer the highest quality windows at the most competitive prices,” says Steve Lambert, division manager.

“And we offer the best warranty in the industry: a free lifetime warranty on materials and installation.” If your window cracks, they’ll replace it; if your screen rips, they’ll repair it. Another advantage Champion has over its competitors: windows that far exceed the Energy Star energy efficiency guidelines, which, in the long run, will pay off in lower heating and cooling bills for you.

Every year about 7,000 customers along the Front Range take advantage of Champion’s award-winning combination of quality merchandise and service.

Exhibitrek

SolarGlass Window & Door

1711 15th St., Boulder, 303.998.1711 www.exhibitrek.com

7123 Arapahoe Road, Boulder, 303.442.4277 www.solarglass.com

1999

We’re Rolling Back the Prices to THIS MONTH ONLY!

ScheduleYour FREE In-Home Consultation Today!

Enjoy 1999 pricing on all Champion products!

2005 2004

303-499-7800

Click!

24 Hou A Dayrs

Visit!

7 Da A Weeys k

www.ChampionFactoryDirect.com

2003

1999

2001

5950 Byrd Dr. Loveland

GABLE PATIO ROOMS DOG DOOR

Bring Your Measurements, Ideas and Photos Into Our HUGE Factory Showroom For Instant Pricing!

Mon-Thurs 9-8, Fri-Sat. 9-5, Sun. 12-4

They’re Rock Bottom!

MAINTENANCE-FREE SIDING Exclusively at Champion

*September 1999 pricing expires 9/30/07.

Sorry, no adjustments can be made to prior sales.

REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

CAMERA

Applies to Champion Vinyl Replacement Windows & Patio Rooms

SEPTEMBER 2007

OFFER CODE: BC09

©Champion 2007

24 Hou A Dayrs

TE10632

2006

It’s Easy!

Call!

SHOPPER’S PARADISE

BEST ANTIQUE JEWELRY STORE

Classic Facets Ltd.

Be precise. Call Precision.

942 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.938.8851, www.classicfacets.justgoodbusiness.biz

In the world of antique jewelry – where every piece comes with a past, a story, a personality of its own – Classic Facets enjoys an international reputation. “For 22 years we have tried to grow with our customers, to give our very best service and share our extensive knowledge and expertise about our authentic antique jewelry,” says owner Mikki Rainey. The store is home to more than 20,000 pieces from consignors in 36 states and nine countries. “We welcome new consignors, ‘just lookers’ and buyers to enjoy our treasures,” adds Rainey. “Since we never know when or what is coming in the door, our ever-changing inventory is as exciting to us as it is to our customers.”

Offering vintage, costume, premiere, estate and fine jewelry, Classic Facets has something for every price range and occasion – whether you’re popping the question, popping up an outfit or just popping by for fun.

Boulder County Gold winner for

‘Best AC/Heating Service’ 6 years in a row!

303.442.0154

www.precisionplumbing.com

Bedell & Co.

767 Pearl St., Boulder, 303.939.9292, www.bedellandco.com

HONEST • EXPERIENCED • RELIABLE

Taylored to your needs!

Full Service Moving & Storage THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ONE OF BOULDER'S BEST MOVING COMPANIES! Licensed, Bonded & Insured Member of Tom Martino’s Referral List Locally owned & operated by the Taylor Family

303.443.5885 • WWW.TAYLORMOVE.COM SEPTEMBER 2007

CAMERA

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

49

2007 BOULDER COUNTY GOLD PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

BEST GUNBARREL/NIWOT RESTAURANT Colterra RU: Treppedas Italian Ristorante

WINNERS

BEST LAFAYETTE/LOUISVILLE/SUPERIOR/ERIE RESTAURANT Huckleberry RU: Efrain’s Mexican

EATS, DRINKS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST ASIAN RESTAURANT Chez Thuy RU: Khow Thai BEST BAGEL Moe’s Broadway Bagel RU: Einstein Bros.

BEST BAKERY Breadworks Cafe RU: Spruce Confections BEST BAR West End Tavern RU: Red Zone / The Pumphouse Restaurant & Brewery BEST BARBECUE KT’s Barbecue RU: Daddy Bruce’s Bar-B-Que BEST BURRITO Illegal Pete’s RU: Chipotle BEST CATERER A Spice of Life RU: Dish BEST COFFEEHOUSE Vic’s RU: Amante Coffee BEST DELI Salvaggio’s Italian Delicatessen RU: Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen BEST HAMBURGER Tom’s Tavern RU: Mountain Sun / Southern Sun BEST HAPPY HOUR AND BEST OUTDOOR DINING AND BEST APPETIZERS Mediterranean Restaurant (The Med) RU for Best Happy Hour: Boulder Café RU for Best Outdoor Dining: Chautauqua Dining Hall RU for Best Appetizers: Aji BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT AND BEST DESSERT Glacier Home Made Ice Cream RU for Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt: Cold Stone Creamery RU for Best Dessert: Cheesecake Factory Best Indian Restaurant Taj Indian Cuisine RU: Tandoori Grill BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT AND BEST PLACE FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER Carelli’s of Boulder Ristorante Italiano RU for Best Italian Restaurant: Laudisio Ristorante Italiano RU for Best Place for a Romantic Dinner: Flagstaff House Restaurant

50

BEST LATE-NIGHT RESTAURANT (THREE-WAY TIE) Cosmo’s Pizza Old Chicago Corner Bar RU: Illegal Pete’s BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT Efrain’s Mexican RU: Casa Alvarez BEST NEW RESTAURANT Radda Trattoria RU: Centro BEST PIZZA Proto’s Pizza RU: Abo’s Pizza BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT Jax Fish House RU: Dolan’s Restaurant BEST SUSHI Hapa Sushi RU: Sushi Zanmai BEST TAKE-OUT FOOD Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen RU: Siamese Plate on the Go BEST PLACE FOR TEA Dushanbe Teahouse RU: Pekoe Sip House BEST VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT Sunflower RU: Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant

BOULDER COUNTY GOLD

BEST LONGMONT/LYONS RESTAURANT The Pumphouse Restaurant & Brewery RU: Oskar Blues Cajun Grill & Brewery

BEST MEDICAL FACILITY AND BEST LOCAL EMPLOYER Boulder Community Hospital RU for Best Medical Facility: Boulder Medical Center RU for Best Local Employer: InSight LASIK BEST MOVING COMPANY Taylor Moving RU: Boulder Valley Transfer BEST PET BOARDING SERVICE Cottonwood Kennels RU: Broadway Animal Hospital

BEST BREAKFAST AND BEST BRUNCH Lucile’s Creole Cafe RU for Best Breakfast: Walnut Cafe RU for Best Brunch: Greenbriar Inn

BEST PET GROOMING SERVICE (TIE): The Hydrant and Cottonwood Boarding Kennels RU: PETSMART

BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE Frasca Food & Wine RU: Flagstaff House Restaurant

BEST VETERINARIAN Alpine Hospital For Animals RU: Broadway Animal Hospital

BEST RESTAURANT TO BRING KIDS Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Spirits RU: Jimmy & Drew’s Delicatessen

BEST PLACE FOR WORSHIP First Presbyterian Church of Boulder RU: Unity of Boulder

BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC Fox Theatre RU: Boulder Theater

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Rich Gribbon, Re/Max Boulder RU: Karen Bernardi, Coldwell Banker

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE Boulder’s Dinner Theatre RU: Colorado Shakespeare Festival

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY/OFFICE Wright Kingdom Real Estate RU: Re/Max of Boulder

BEST BOULDER COUNTY EVENT Boulder Creek Festival RU: Bolder Boulder

BEST RETIREMENT/ALTERNATIVE OR ELDER CARE/ ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY Frasier Meadows RU: The Academy

SERVICES, FACES & PLACES BEST AC/HEATING SERVICE Precision Plumbing & Heating RU: Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. BEST AUTO DEALER AND BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP/SERVICE DEPT. Flatirons Acura/Subaru RU for Best Auto Dealer: Fisher Chevrolet Honda Pontiac RU for Best Auto Repair Shop/Service Dept.: Hoshi Motors BEST OIL CHANGE Grease Monkey RU: Jiffy Lube BEST CAR WASH Puddle Touch-Free Car Wash RU: Black Diamond Car Wash BEST CARPET CLEANING SERVICE Nesheim Cleaning Services, Inc. RU: Chem-Dry of Boulder BEST CHILD CARE CENTER YWCA Children's Alley RU: Boulder Day Nursery BEST FINANCIAL INSTITUTION Elevations Credit Union RU: Wells Fargo Bank BEST DRY CLEANER/LAUNDROMAT Art Cleaners RU: John’s Cleaners BEST DENTIST Dr. Ted Kawulok, D.D.S., P.C., Whole Family Dentistry RU: Eurich Steven, L D.D.S. BEST GOLF COURSE Flatirons Golf Course RU: Indian Peaks Golf Course BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT Flatiron Athletic Club RU: Curves BEST HAIR SALON Finishing Touch Salon & Spa RU: Fix BEST HEARING AID CENTER Hearing Healthcare Center RU: Family Hearing Center BEST HOLISTIC CARE/WELLNESS CENTER Whole Health Wellness Center Inc. RU: Frasier Meadows BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE/STUDIO McGuckin Design Center RU: Bartlett Interiors BEST KARATE/MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO Easton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu RU: Tran’s Martial Arts & Fitness Center BEST LASIK/LASER EYE FACILITY/SURGEON InSight LASIK RU: Beyer Laser Center BEST LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE UPS RU: Boulder Denver Couriers

CAMERA

BEST BOULDER COUNTY SCHOOL Boulder High School RU: Fairview High School BEST TEACHER Monica Augustine, Wildflower School of Voice RU: Lynn Twietmeyer, Douglass Elementary BEST SKINCARE FACILITY Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology RU: Finishing Touch Salon & Spa BEST SPA Essentiels Spa RU: Finishing Touch Salon & Spa BEST TANNING SALON Tans To Go RU: Executive Tans BEST TRAVEL AGENCY Cain Travel Agency RU: Boulder Travel BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE McGuckin Hardware RU: Boulder Community Hospital BEST SINGLES HANGOUT The Foundry Billiards Club RU: Purple Martini BEST PLACE TO ENTERTAIN KIDS AND BEST DAY CAMP Peanut Butter Players RU for Best Place to Entertain Kids: Pearl Street Mall RU for Best Day Camp: YMCA BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY Estes Park RU: Gold Lake Mountain Resort BEST NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION Humane Society Boulder County RU: Hospice Care of Boulder and Broomfield Counties BEST ACTIVIST/COMMUNITY CHAMPION Josie Heath, The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County RU: Joanne Lamun - Peanut Butter Players

SHOPPER’S PARADISE BEST ANTIQUE DEALER AND BEST HOME FURNISHINGS STORE The Amazing Garage Sale RU for Best Antique Dealer: Bedell & Co. RU for Best Home Furnishings Store: HW Home BEST ANTIQUE JEWELRY STORE Classic Facets Antique Jewelry RU: Bedell & Co. BEST ART GALLERY Art & Soul Gallery RU: Exhibitrek The Gallery BEST ART SUPPLY & HOBBY STORE Michaels RU: Art Hardware BEST BEDDING/LINENS/MATTRESS STORE Verlo Mattress Factory RU: Bed Bath & Beyond BEST BICYCLE SHOP University Bicycles RU: Full Cycle

SEPTEMBER 2007

BEST BOOKSTORE Boulder Book Store RU: Barnes & Noble Booksellers BEST CHILDREN’S STORE Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe RU: Playfair Toys BEST CAMERA STORE Mike’s Camera RU: Wolf Camera BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE The Regiment RU: Weekends BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE JJWells RU: Chelsea BEST SHOE STORE Pedestrian Shops RU: Boulder Running Co. BEST EYE CARE STORE Aspen Eyewear RU: Envision Boulder BEST FLOOR COVERING STORE Atlas Flooring, Inc. RU: FloorCrafters BEST FLORIST AND BEST GARDEN CENTER Sturtz & Copeland Florists RU for Best Florist: Fiori Flowers RU for Best Garden Center: McGuckin Hardware BEST TREE NURSERY Tree Farm RU: Creekside Nursery BEST GIFT SHOP Paper Doll RU: Jacque Michelle BEST GROCERY STORE Whole Foods RU: King Soopers BEST GROCERY DELIVERY SERVICE Aspen Grove Market RU: King Soopers BEST HARDWARE STORE McGuckin Hardware RU: Home Depot BEST HOUSEWARES & KITCHEN GOODS STORE Peppercorn RU: McGuckin Hardware BEST IMPORTED GOODS STORE Cost Plus World Market RU: Indochine BEST JEWELRY STORE AND BEST COMPANY/ STORE THAT GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers RU for Best Jewelry Store: Hurdles Jewelry RU for Best Company/Store that Gives Back to the Community: Whole Foods BEST LIQUOR STORE Liquor Mart RU: North Boulder Liquor BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Robb’s Music RU: H.B. Woodsong’s BEST PET STORE AND BEST LOCALLY OWNED STORE P.C.’s Pantry For Dogs and Cats RU for Best Pet Store: Petsmart RU for Best Locally Owned Store: McGuckin Hardware BEST RECYCLED GOODS/THRIFT STORE Savers RU: Hospice Thrift Store Best Running Store Boulder Running Co. RU: Fleet Feet Boulder BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE AND BEST OUTDOOR RECREATION STORE REI RU for Best Sporting Goods Store: Sports Authority RU for Best Outdoor Recreation Store: Neptune Mountaineering BEST VIDEO STORE Video Station RU: Blockbuster Video BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOWS Champion Windows, Siding & Patio Rooms RU: SolarGlass Window & Door BEST PLACE TO BUY WINDOW TREATMENTS Innovative Openings RU TIE: 3 Day Blinds Cloth Construction Boulder BEST SHOPPING DESTINATION Pearl Street Mall RU: Twenty Ninth Street

$29,540 AFTER $1,100 FLATIRONS DISCOUNT

$20,700 AFTER $1,940 FLATIRONS DISCOUNT

LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEED! Flatirons Will Beat Any Advertised Price On A New Subaru!

STRAIGHT ANSWERS

•

KNOWLEDGEABLE SALESPEOPLE

•

NEVER ANY PRESSURE

5995 Arapahoe • Boulder, CO

303.443.0114

w w w . f l a t i r o n s s u b a r u . c o m *Dealer retains all rebates and incentives. Plus Tax & $389 Dealer Handling Fee. Tribeca (#68004) MSRP $30,640. Outback (#78020) MSRP $22,640

Thank you Boulder County for many years of support!