2014 COMPLIMENTARY PUBLICATION OF THE TAOS NEWS
T
Thank You Taos For Voting for Ojo Best Place for a Massage • Best Place to Pamper Your Skin • Best Weekend Getaway Best Place to Take a Dip • Best Place to Soak
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What a great time... to be a girl! Thank you, Taos
f taos to s e “People’s
B
201 4
Choice Award”
1
#
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique
Francesca’s Clothing Boutique
Visit us in the magical town of Arroyo Seco on the Ski Valley Road! Open 7 days www.styleintaos.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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the best of taos, as decided by people of taos Anytime anyone says that anything is the “best,” there are skeptics. And rightly so, making such a claim is usually a judgement call; purely subjective and up to the individual preferences of the person or entity making the statement.
h
owever, when The Taos News does its annual Best of Taos (this is our 16th such publication), we don’t leave it up to one person, or our staff to make such decisions. The process is entirely in the hands of the community.
The online poll allows for a wide section of Taos residents, visitors and ex-pats to weigh in on their favorites in a number of categories, making sure everyone has an opportunity to make their voice heard. Our goal is to create a “Best Of” list that represents the consensus opinion of our community. We also like to have a little fun with the survey responders while we
have their attention. Our four “essay” questions give readers the chance to express grievances, celebrate and flaunt the quirkiness of Taos County. The answers are often humorous, insightful and revealing and The Taos News editor, Joan Livingston, gets a kick out of compiling the answers for readers in this publication. As always, if you think you’re favorite business, service or cause was left out of the 2014 Best of Taos, the survey will be online again sometime in March 2015. Thanks to all of the more than 2,500 people who took part in the 2014 Best of Taos survey. — Andy Jones, special sections editor
contents features
12 Buds: Saying it with flowers
best of taos results 06 Best Food & Drink 26 Best Shopping
14 So ... what’s another word for Taos?
38 Best Things to Do
20 Taos time: Carpe Mañana
46 Best Entertainment
22 Pieces Consignment Store: A business on an ‘up-cycle’ 24 Centinel Bank: Serious about customer service 30 Shree Yoga: Dedicated to the pose
50 Best Services
taos news staff Robin Martin, owner Chris Baker, publisher Joan Livingston, editor Chris Wood, advertising manager Andy Jones, special sections editor
32 It could only happen in Taos — Really
Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer
36 Taos Lions Club focuses energy on youth programs
Virginia L. Clark, copy editor
42 What’s the hot issue?
Jennifer Taphorn, production manager
44 Nathaniel Evans: From school bus birth to ‘best teacher in Taos’
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Cover Design: Michelle M. Gutierrez, with photos by Tina Larkin
Thank you for voting Us #1
It could not have been done without the greatest team in Taos: Candice Martin DA 1 year
Cynthia Silva RDH 16 years
Nancy Bourg RDH 15 years Alexa MacQueen DA 5 years
Erica Jeantette Front Office 15 years
Jane Hogsett Office Manager 7 years
Natalie Mondragon DA 11 years
.
NORTHERN
NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY
751-9661
1337 Gusdorf Rd, Suite A, Taos
www.kellieharrisdds.com
Most insurance accepted TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best food & drink 6
BEST OF TAOS 2014
Tina Larkin The Taos Inn’s Adobe Bar earned the distinction of Best Margarita, as well as Best Patio.
best restaurant in best new taos county restaurant 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
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Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
best breakfast 1st
Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com Station Café 3 one 6 316 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0316 facebook.com/ stationcafe3one6
2nd
first place
Michael’s Kitchen Café and Bakery 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178 michaelskitchen.com
second place
Taos Diner I 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374 Taos Diner II 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989 taosdiner.com
best brunch 1st
first place
2nd
second place
Gutiz 812-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1226 gutiztaos.com Doc Martin’s Restaurant 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1977 taosinn.com/restaurant.html
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best food & drink
Elliott Martin Taos County residents hold Lambert’s of Taos in high esteem, as evidenced by the restaurant’s Best Restaurant, Best Ambiance and Best Waitstaff honors.
— continued from page 6 —
best breakfast burrito 1st
2
nd
first place
Mante’s Chow Cart 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3632
second place
Taos Diner I 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374
best place to eat your greens 1st
2nd
1st
first place
1st
second place
Ranchos Plaza Grill 8 St. Francis Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788 facebook.com
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1st
second place
best green
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
2nd
Cid’s Salad Bar 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5683 farmhousecafeandbakery.com
Taos Diner II 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989 taosdiner.com
best red
first place
best new mexican
first place
2nd
second place
Michael’s Kitchen 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178 michaelskitchen.com
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
second place
Ranchos Plaza Grill, 8 St. Francis Plaza Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788 facebook.com
best fast food 1st
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
2nd
first place
first place
Guadalajara Grill: south 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 751-0063 Guadalajara Grill: north 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com
2
nd
second place
Blake’s Lotaburger south 1136 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4771 Blake’s Lotaburger north 809 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-4987 lotaburger.com
best traditional mexican 1st
first place
Guadalajara Grill: south 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 751-0063 Guadalajara Grill: north 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com
2nd
second place
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Ln., Taos • (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
best pizza 1st
first place
Taos Pizza Out Back 712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-3112 taospizzaoutback.com
2nd
second place
Pizaños Pizza and Pasta 23 State Road 150, Taos (575) 776-1050 taospizza.com
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We’re Honored! Best New Restaurant 2nd Best Waitstaff
Prime, aged, hand-cut steaks Fresh, seasonal seafood Signature drink menu & wine list Open for Lunch and Dinner www.martyrs-steakhouse.com Join us in our Honey Locust Bar 575.751.3020 | 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos
Y
L e a m n o d scaping H r uo
nter
Ce
THANK YOU TAOS! BEST HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE 2ND BEST GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY
HARDWARE “the helpful place”
Innovative Solutions for all your landscaping needs Tools and tips for everyone who loves to grow 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR • 575-758-4268 | 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR #1 • 575-751-2061 | www.riograndeacehardware.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best food & drink
Tina Larkin Martyrs Steakhouse earned the promise of future banners as the Best New Restaurant in Taos County. The establishment also earned second place for Best Waitstaff.
— continued from page 8 —
best burger 1st
2nd
first place
5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com
1
Blake’s Lotaburger north 809 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4987 Blake’s Lotaburger south 1136 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4771 lotaburger.com
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2
nd
1
st
second place
Eske’s Brew Pub and Eatery 106 Des Georges Place, Taos (575) 758-1517 eskesbrewpub.com
first place
Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 770-1171
second place
best beer selection st
best roadside food stand
2
nd
second place
best bar 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
Toribio’s: south 1104 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3060 Toribio’s: north 1637 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-4431
best brewery 1st
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2nd
second place
Eske’s Brew Pub and Eatery 106 Des Georges Place, Taos (575) 758-1517 eskesbrewpub.com
best happy hour
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
best place to catch the game 1
st
first place
second place
The Gorge Bar & Grill 103 East Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8866 thegorgebarandgrill.com
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
best patio 1st
first place
Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
KTAOS Solar Bar 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com
2nd
5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com
2nd
second place
KTAOS Solar Bar 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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Buds: Saying it with flowers By Andrew Oxford • Photos Elliott Martin
S
elling flowers is as much about people as anything else.
The shop had just furnished corsages for graduates at UNM-Taos and Mother’s Day had only passed a few weeks prior.
When Buds is at its busiest around Valentine’s Day, the store typically hires five extra delivery drivers and more designers.
Customers call Buds Cut Flowers & More when preparing for a wedding or a funeral. Visitors drop by the store in search of the perfect anniversary gift or a way to say “sorry.”
“But we try to make each occasion special. It doesn’t matter how little,” she said.
The rest of the year, it is usually Eva Martínez behind the counter, Ben Martínez behind the wheel and three designers arranging flowers.
Staff at Buds play a part in some of the most important moments of their clients’ lives — graduations, surgeries, deaths.
The store on Paseo del Pueblo Sur has been in business for more than three decades. The Martínez family purchased Buds in 2004 and since then have prided themselves on a distinct level of customer service that gives meaning to their slogan “cut flowers and more.” Indeed, the store stocks chocolate truffles, commemorative picture frames and a variety of other gifts.
“It’s always an occasion,” said Eva Martínez, who owns the flower shop with her husband of 44 years, Ben. Standing behind the counter of their store in a floral jacket one May morning, Martínez explained that while the weeks surrounding Valentine’s Day are their busiest time of year, work never stops.
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That may well explain why Buds was voted the best place to purchase flowers in Taos.
As she spoke, her husband Ben popped into and out of the store. The shop’s delivery driver, he makes frequent trips around the Enchanted Circle as well as to Peñasco.
Roses — delivered twice each week — and lilies are top-sellers, Eva Martínez said. But the business of flowers is, in many ways, fantastic and the store’s staff can conjure up practically any species through a network of wholesalers who source from South America. “You can get tulips in the summer,” Martínez said. “It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can get what you want.” “I listen to what people want,” she added, explaining
that listening is key when what you are selling is an expression. “A young man will call and say ‘I’m not too good with flowers’ but they need a gift — something to say sorry — and ask if we can make something up,” she said. “I say sure. But I tell them not to say sorry. Say ‘I love you.’” Flowers can say a lot, Martínez said. Roses may wilt but, she added, “enjoy it just for the day. When you give them, you make someone’s day.” Buds Cut Flowers and More 711 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. (575) 758-3555 • taosflowers@qwestoffice.net budscutflowersandmore.com
occasion TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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so ... what’s another word for taos
By Joan Livingston
The town has a new marketing campaign to attract tourists — “There’s a word for it: Taos. Hard to define. Impossible to forget.”
W
e asked those who filled out the Best of Taos survey to tell us one word that describes Taos and why.
Among the 1,000 people who offered their choices, the most frequent answer is “home.”
“Need I explain?” According to another, Taos means “family.” “My entire family has been here for hundreds of years. This is our home. The history of the area is in my blood.”
Other top contenders for a Taos synonym: unique, beautiful, magical, eclectic, quirky, enchanting, magical, spiritual, funky, tri-cultural, and so on.
Here are more:
Thankfully, many people backed up their choice with an explanation.
“Quirky and no explanation is needed and if you need one, you are not quirky enough.”
For instance, one person who answered “unique” also wrote, “Taos is one of a kind and has a specialness you either love or hate.”
“There is a word for it: corruption.”
One person who chose “community” added, “Craziest, funkiest, most caring, eclectic, musically inclined, opinionated, carefree, spiritual folks ever assembled.” Another person wrote “crazy” and then added,
“Mystical. During my visit I realized my chakras opened. My third eye was more clear.”
“Zen. Every time I come here my troubles from the ‘other world’ just seem to recede to the far cobwebs of my mind.” Then, there is the person who said there isn’t a word for it. “Taos needs to be experienced and even then you might not understand what you just experienced.”
“Quirky and no explanation is needed and if you need one, you are not quirky enough.”
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Thank you Taos! For Your Loyalty and Support. Best Ski & Snowboard Area
Come join us for the grand opening of the Taos Ski Valley Mountain Bike Park on June 28.
The best is yet to come.
skitaos.org
You Love Our Chocolate... Coffee Frappes fruit smoothies
Ice Cream Sundaes Floats & Malts
...Now Love Our Frozen Treats! ON Historic TAOS PLAZA
(575) 758-8855
Summer Hours 10AM - 10PM TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best food & drink
Tina Larkin The friendly staff at Guadalajara Grill's southside location. The restaurant was voted Best Traditional Mexican Food and Best Fast Food.
— continued from page 10 —
best margarita 1st
first place
best area winery 1st
Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
2nd
1st
Black Mesa Winery 1502 State Road 68, Velarde (505) 852-2820 Black Mesa Tasting Room and Gallery 241 Ledoux St., Taos blackmesawinery.com
second place
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
first place
best cuppa joe
2nd
second place
Vivác Winery 2075 State Road 68, Dixon (505) 579-4441 vivacwinery.com
first place
Taos Java 1006 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-9405
2nd
best place to satisfy your sweet tooth 1st
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 112 South Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8855 rmcf.com/nm/taos50464
second place
Elevation Coffee 1110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 779-6078 elevationcoffeetaos.com
first place
2nd
second place
Taos Cow Ice Cream Co. 485 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-5640 taoscow.com — continues on page 18 —
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Patagonia • Prana • Kuhl • Gramicci Asolo • Merrell • Reef • Chaco • Olukai
THANK YOU TAOS For voting us one of the
Best Places To Gear Up For The Trail!
Thank You for Your Vote!
Taos’ Personal Jeweler for 35 Years! MUDD-N-FLOOD MOUNTAIN SHOP 103 A Bent St. (near Taos Inn) • Taos • 575-751-9100
Osprey • Wa l la roo
Black Diamond • Big Agnes Hats • Camelbak • Deuter
THANK YOU TAOS! -
Grupo Mezcal would like to thank all Taoseño’s for voting us Best Spanish Language Band in the 2014 People’s Choice Awards
For booking information and to buy CDs contact
Ernie Marquez 575-776-8675 You can also purchase our CD at cdbaby.com
171 Paseo de Peralta DeVargas Center Santa Fe
622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Piñon Plaza Taos
505-988-8009
575-758-9319 www.chavezfinejewelers.com
Thank You Taos for Voting Us Your #1 Florist. Happy Summer!
758-3555
575-758-7772
WE DELIVER WORLD WIDE
Next to Baskin Robbins TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best food & drink
Tina Larkin Voters named Mary Jane's Home Cooking the Best Roadside Food Stand in Taos County.
— continued from page 16 —
best ambiance 1st
best waitstaff
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com
2nd
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The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com
second place
Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com
Voted Best Customer Service and Best Bank! Thank You! From the Centinel Bank family
FIRST PLACE Business with
Best Customer Service
Proud to Serve You Best place to fill up your tank Best liquor store Second best grocery
Check out our fresh sushi made daily. 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 758-3711 - Grocery
758-4824 - Pharmacy TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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carpe mañana m By Joan Livingston
What is Taos time?
Officially, it means being late to anything and everything, according to the 1,596 people who answered that question. So, how late is late?
any said 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes. Several were more specific like the respondent who wrote “exactly 32.724 minutes late.”
Another gave this answer: “10 years behind the rest of the Rocky Mountain west towns.” How about hours and even a day late? Or Taos time is a bit slower than Tulsa time? Here’s another: “Three hours after the expected time. Make that three hours and 11 minutes ago.” What was the most common answer to this question? Mañana time. Some were poetic about Taos time. “An ethereal, elusive time warp that is dependent on the aura of Taos Mountain” was one such answer. “Sorry I missed our appointment, but I saw a double rainbow and just had to take a walk out on the mesa to catch the view” was another. And then, there is: “The Mountain Spirit that sits on your shoulder urging you to slow down and take a minute to enjoy the immense beauty that
is Taos.” But not everyone is happy about Taos’ tradition of tardiness. They wrote Taos time showed a lack of consideration for others such as the person who wrote, “Five minutes after it is too rude to still turn up.” Here are more: “A bad excuse for always being late.” “A business claims they’ll return your call before the business day is out, and you never hear back from them.” “Believing your time is more important than another’s. It’s just a horrible excuse some use to be habitually late!” “Later than the appointed time. I’m not a fan of Taos time. I think it’s inconsiderate to those of us who show up on time.” “Taos time is what time everybody in Taos gets where they are supposed to be. Typically, later than considered acceptable in other places.” And finally, one person summed up Taos time this way: “Slow. Wait VE-RY slow.”
“The Mountain Spirit that sits on your shoulder urging you to slow down and take a minute to enjoy the immense beauty that is Taos.”
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“A History of Elegance”
S ince 1630
The Benavides and McCarthy families have been making Taos a More Beautiful Place
T hank you for voting us Best B & B again for 2013.
Our success really belongs to the people of Taos. They have supported and encouraged us to succeed and we are truly grateful. We were born and raised here and have never wanted to be any place else. Taos is our home! Taoseños are our people. Tom & Barbara McCarthy
Casa Benavides 137 Kit Carson Rd. • 800-552-1772 • www.taos-casabenavides.com
THANKS, TAOS! YOU’RE THE BEST! Hair, Make-Up and Photo by Marjorie
sa lo n • s pa
(575) 751-7246 237 Ledoux St. Taos, NM salonmarjorie.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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Pieces employee Shawn Jackson models clothing from the consignment store in the home section.
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Pieces Consigment Store: A business on an ‘up-cycle’ By Elizabeth Cleary • Photo by Tina Larkin
B
thousands of dollars to a free box of clothing outside the store. She says most people who consign with her live here in Taos, so the money they make stays in the community.
The owner of Pieces Consignment Goods (voted Best Resale Shop) keeps a compost pile in her yard to put all her food scraps to use. She buys only used cars and always brings her own reusable bags to the grocery store.
Holsinger says that over the years she’s made an effort to listen to customers’ requests and alter her business based on what they want. At the Paseo del Cañon location, she has a youth section and sporting goods section per customers’ requests. She also hopes to create an entire room of free merchandise at the Paseo del Cañon location.
ecky Holsinger has a serious problem with the wastefulness of society.
“Pretty much everything I own, besides socks, underwear and food, is second-hand,” she said. Holsigner moved to Taos about 11 years ago. She noticed the town lacked a place to get quality secondhand goods, and about nine years ago, while working at the Kachina Lodge, the idea popped into her head to open her own second-hand store. Soon after, Pieces was born. The store was at first contained within the middle section of its current location on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Now in its ninth year, the consignment shop now comprises an expanded Paseo del Pueblo Sur location as well as another location on Paseo del Cañon East. Holsinger says Taos is a great place to have a consignment shop because people often come here and realize they want to cleanse their lives. Also, the economy is tough, and this provides a means by which Taoseños can make a bit of extra money. She says the shop has everything from high-end antiques and artwork that can set customers back
Holsigner has been passionate about buying second-hand since she was a child growing up in Pennsylvania. Her father was an estates lawyer so she would often find herself at auctions and estate sales. “I always loved it,” she said. In fact, she recently ran into someone at the landfill who had a truck full of furniture that he was going to throw away. She intercepted the goods, and while they took some refurbishing, she was able to get them in shape to sell at the store. Now, one of her favorite aspects about her job is passing her love for used goods onto other people. She said a woman from Texas recently came into the store and fell in love with a jacket. She said the woman was literally “shaking” because she had never bought anything second-hand before. Like many people who shop at Pieces, the woman came back and was raving about how everyone paid her compliments and demanded to know where she
got her jacket. One of the next steps Holsinger hopes to take is to hold classes where she can teach people how “up-cycle” their old clothing and make new things with it. This could provide a source of income for people in Taos and even help people to get their own businesses off the ground, she says. Pieces has only seven employees, and Holsinger says almost all of those employees have been with her for some time. She says she’s happy to “create an environment that people want to work in.” Because Pieces is a consignment shop and she has so much merchandise, Holsinger has specialized software to keep everything organized. When an item goes up for sale, it gets a sticker with a bar code. Then when it sells, the cashier scans the barcode and all the information about the merchandise and sellers is saved within a database. She can even call up profiles for sellers and get information like the history of how many items a seller has sold and how much money he or she has made. Holsinger says that even though managing the store is a lot of work, “it’s fun.” “And I really enjoy it,” she said. Pieces Consignment Store 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri., noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sat. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sun. (575) 737-0500 • piecestaos.com
cleanse TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Centinel Bank: Serious about customer service By Jim O’Donnell • Photo by Elliott Martin
L
et’s just be perfectly honest, there are some Taos businesses that have a reputation for questionable customer service. We all know it, we all talk about it and the impact can be profound.
The publication Consumer Affairs famously once pointed out that customers who have a positive service experience with a business will tell two to three people about that good experience. On the other hand, a person who has a bad customer experience will go out and tell anywhere from 10 to 20 people. And so there is something to learn from Centinel Bank, named Best Customer Service (and Best Bank) in Taos for 2014. “We take a lot of pride in being a Community Bank,” says John Rainey, marketing director for Centinel Bank. “We are a bank based on relationships with our customers
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
where the only way we can be successful is to help our customers be successful first. And being founded in Taos and dedicated entirely to the people and communities of Northern New Mexico, it’s personal. This is our hometown, so the relationships we build are genuine.” Is there anyone in Taos who doesn’t know Eliu Romero? The Taos native returned from military service and wanted to practice law but couldn’t get a loan of $50 for furniture for his office. He moved on but the sting of iniquity hung on and years later, after building a successful law practice, Romero worked to open a bank to serve locals. It wasn’t an easy task but in 1969 Centinel Bank of Taos opened and dedicated itself to be of service to all the people of Taos, regardless of their ethnicity. Today, according to its website, Centinel is one of the only “minority-owned financial institutions in the county.” “I think everybody at our bank enjoys interacting with our customers,” says Rainey. “It goes back to being a community bank—our customers are our neighbors and we all want to help each other. We’ve been recognized as a ‘Top Workplace’ in New Mexico and that’s in part because we very much have a family atmosphere as a staff, and I think that
Thank You!
To the Taos Community for selecting
Family Practice Associates of Taos
Lucas Schreiber, MD - 1st Place chris killer, MD - 2nd Place
AS The BeST DoCTorS in Town!
carries over to our interactions with our customers — friends, family, neighbors, we all live here and are all working together to thrive in our community.” According to the Centinel website, bank CEO Rebeca Romero-Rainey has been honored for her work by being appointed to the national FDIC advisory board as well as the Federal Reserve advisory board and has advised President Obama on a banking advisory panel. Not bad for a little bank from El Norte. The bank remains locally owned and operated and they only have branches in Taos County. Centinel has resisted the temptation to sell out to other, larger banks says Rainey. “It’s always been about helping our local families and businesses, and that is still our mission and our focus.” He points out that Centinel Bank has gotten “a lot of national praise in the last few years, but it really does mean a lot to us to do a good job for our customers and to be recognized for our efforts by our community. It has been great encouragement for us — to stay focused on our mission and to continue working every day to earn the recognition of Best Bank and Business with the Best Customer Service.”
pride
Same Day Urgent Care
Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4:30pm, Sat. 9 - 11:30am 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150
758-3005
Se Habla Español
Thank You Taos for voting the
Lions Club of Taos #1 CiviC OrganizatiOn We invite you to join us and become a member. A great organization always needs people, like you, willing to help make their community a better place to live. Contact Any Lion or Doug Palmer: 575-776-2647 or dougpalmer1945@gmail.com You can also visit our website: taoslions.org TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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best shopping
J.R. Logan FX/18 was once again voted Best Hip Gift Shop by Taos County residents.
best gallery 1st
2
nd
first place
Lenny Foster Living Light Gallery 107 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-9150 lennyfoster.com
best hip gift shop 1st
2nd
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3255 wnightingale.com
1st
first place
1st
second place
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
first place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
1st
second place
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
best place for bookworms
first place
1st
Second Place
2nd
Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism dept.) taospueblo.com
second place
place to buy fruits & veggies
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
FX/18 Gifts & Jewelry 103-C Bent St., Taos fx18.com Wabi-Sabi 216-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-7801 facebook.com
second place
best grocery store
first place
best place to buy a taos souvenir
2nd
Moby Dickens Bookshop 124-A Bent St., Taos (575) 758-3050 mobydickens.com
Arroyo Seco Mercantile 488 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-8806 secomerc.com
best farmer’s market 1st
first place
best place to buy flowers 1st
first place
Buds Cut Flowers & More 711-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3555 budscutflowersandmore.com
second place
Red Willow Farmers Market 885 Star Road, Taos Pueblo (575) 770-8688 facebook.com/redwillowfarm
second place
Brodsky Bookshop 226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-9468 facebook.com
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
2nd
first place
2nd
second place
Enchanted Florist 233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3030 osflorist.com
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Thank You Taos
for Voting us the
#1
automotive Repair Shop in Taos 13 Years Running Service • Parts • Premium Tires Import • Domestic Serving Taos Since 1974 • 758-1658
2014 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger Best Happy Hour
Craft Drafts - 2.50 • Wine - 3.50 • Burger and Pork Sliders - 1.65 • Appetizers - 1.25 to 2.50 Lobster Slider - 3.50 MON-SAT 11-9, SUNDAY 12-9
Happy Hour 4-6 PM DAILY
Thanks forBeer, your Vote and See You Soon! Wine and Food Specials 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 758.8484 • www.5starburgers.com 575-758-8484
Where to eat, drink, soak, dance, hike float and bike...
5starburgers.com
Thank You Taos!
1032 PASEO del PUEBLO SUR Just south of Wal-Mart
take us with you wherever you go
Thank You Taos
I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Su Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Than Della, Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without A Thanks to the voters, community members and supporters I Would Like To Thank The Wife Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been D I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, Those Who Made made Monetary Donations, Donations of such TheiraTime & Energies that my first few months in office success. Whohave Made Monetary Donations of Their Time & Energies The Race Is Over - Now The andThose Especially My Family andDonations, Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To Work My Continues. andWe’ve Especially My achieved Family andso And A Very Special Thank You My much. But there’s still to beAll done. Wife Della,already Without Whom, I Friends. Couldn’t Have Done It.work Without of To You, Wife Della, Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without“Working All of Together You, The Outcome The Mayoral Race May Have Haveleadership Been Different. I inviteofyou to Taos continue working The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Racewith Maytown Been Different. The Race Is Over Now The Work Continues. Race Is Over - Now ThetoWork as weThe make Taos a better place live, Continues. work and play.
Thank Taos Thank You You Taos
TAOS
Summer Visitor Guide www.taosnews.com/visitors
“Working “WorkingTogether Together
We Made A Difference”
DAN BARRONE DAN BARRONE BARRONE DAN WeMade MadeAADifference” Difference” We
INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING
Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barron
INTEGRITY- -HONESTY HONESTY -- HARDWORKING HARDWORKING INTEGRITY
Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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best shopping
— continued from page 26 —
Tina Larkin Cid’s was voted Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Fruits and Veggies, Best Green Business and was second place in Best Customer Service, as decided by the readers of The Taos News.
best resale shop 1st
2
nd
first place
best women’s clothing boutique
Pieces Consignment Goods 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0500 piecestaos.com
1
CAV Thrift Store 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-4824 taoscav.org/en/thrift-store/
2
st
first place
Francesca’s Clothing Boutique 492 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco • (575) 776-8776 styleintaos.com
second place
nd
best shoe store 1st
The Good Sole 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
2nd
second place (tie)
Michelle’s 136 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 751-3450 facebook.com
2
nd
first place
best place to gear up for the slopes 1st
first place
2nd
second place
second place
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
second place (tie) Substance of Taos 102 Doña Luz St., Taos (575) 751-0992 substanceoftaos.com
best place to gear up for the trail
best place to buy a pair of shades
first place
SunShades of Taos 108 West Plaza, Taos (575) 751-1565 sunshadesoftaos.com
1st
2
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
nd
•
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
second place Mudd-N-Flood Mountain Shop 103-A Bent St., Taos (575) 751-9100 muddnflood.com
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
1st
2nd
first place
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
best best garden hardware & home center & nursery improvement 1 first place Petree Nursery store & Greenhouses st
1st
first place
Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, #1 (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com
second place
Taos Eyewear 710-F Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2205
Cottam’s Ski Shops 101 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8719 207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2822 cottamsskishops.com
2nd
second place
Randall Lumber & Hardware 315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 8 (575) 758-2271 randalltaos.com
25 Petree Lane, Taos (575) 758-3021 petreenursery.com
2nd
second place
Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, #1 (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com
— continues on page 34 —
“If we had known we were going to be popular we’d have picked a different name.” K Bolan
Thank you Taos No other place we’d rather be!
The Damn Band
www.thedamnband.com
www/facebook.com/thedamnband.nm
(575) 770-9360
Read the entire section online, anytime at taosnews.com/bot TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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Shree Yoga: Dedication to the pose By J.R. Logan • Photo by Tina Larkin
W
hen’s the last time you created a hollow space in your armpit or tucked your tailbone? To the uninitiated, a yoga studio is a yoga studio is a yoga studio. But for Taos yogis, one space dedicated to form and grace stands out. Shree Yoga, voted Best Yoga Studio, is not a scene. It’s not rail-thin exercise addicts in $100 pants trying to out-headstand the rest of the class either. Instead, the studio is inviting and warm, and the instructors go out of their way to inspire a sense of freedom. It’s a serious practice, but it doesn’t feel serious. Co-owners Suki Dalury and Genevieve Oswald came to yoga in very different ways, but share a great respect for how it can change lives. They also feed off their complimentary personalities and are constantly learning from one another. Dalury is a lifelong practitioner who has studied under notable yogis like Noah Maze, John Friend, Naime Jezzeny, and her mom, Karen Dalury. Oswald broke her back at 15, debilitating the young athlete who had to relearn to walk. After starting yoga in 2005, Oswald has regained a lot of her physical prowess and confidence. Walking into Shree, one feels lighter, even before you unroll your mat. The studio itself is beautiful. The old adobe has big, south-facing windows, diaphanous curtains, tall ceilings and vigas, and a broad expanse of wood floors. It has a quietness with minimal distractions. Shree is turning five next month, and the studio is really starting to hit its stride. Its popularity has steadily grown, in part because of an emphasis on personal touch. Instructors go out of their way to know you by name, and it’s not unusual for a class to be adapted to fit the students that day. Rather than rigidly ticking through a flow of poses as if they were items on a to-do list, instructors at Shree take the time to explain in great detail the form of each pose. Students are asked to widen their thighbones, pull their belly buttons into their backs, or push their pinkies to the floor. These instructions might seem abstract or overly articulate at first, but they’re vital to creating the necessary space to get into a pose. And they make it safer and more comfortable to get out of it. It’s a way for students to get to know their bodies and advance their practice. Minor adjustments in position and breathing are all part of creating a larger sense of peace and freedom — both of which Shree hold paramount. As one class description at Shree puts it: “Stillness is never static, rigid or breathless, but arises from knowing the subtle spaciousness within our own skin. Befriend the bones and fasciae highways to allow larger muscle groups to swim through space.” For more information, including a schedule of classes and workshops, prices and instructor bios, visit shreeyogataos.com. You can also call Shree at (575) 758-8014.
30 BEST OF TAOS 2014 • TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT 30 BEST OF TAOS • TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
inviting
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT • BEST OF TAOS 2014 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT • BEST OF TAOS
31 31
it could only happen in taos —
really Lots of people, it would appear, have lots of ideas about what makes Taos an unusual place.
By Joan Livingston
t
he number one answer among the people who responded to the survey question, not surprising, was the infamous Taos Hum, that mysterious buzz some people say they hear. So what else could only happen in Taos? Many offered weird weather — sometimes four seasons in one day. They wrote about traditions such as fiestas and Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo, Earthships, and “lots of hippies doing hippy things.” Other examples of things truly Taos were “the guy towing his VW with his Harley” and “a woman shopping at Cid’s produce in a 40-yearold wedding dress and no one bats an eye.” Here are others: a mansion and a trailer built next to each other and a pack of feral Chihuahuas running around by Albertson’s. How about “You could trade a house for a bus
and it would be an improvement”? Or, “first prize in a raffle (Talpa Community Center) is a hog ready for slaughter.” Another writer noted one could “bathe with a naked hobo in the hot springs followed by a fine dining experience.” Artist Ed Sandoval got several mentions for riding his horse in the Plaza while in costume. One person wrote he overheard someone say, “Yeah my spiritual therapist said I need to get more grounded, so I order the steak … even though I am a vegetarian.” Here’s another observation: “Something that could only happen in Taos is the beautiful moon, moon, sunsets, etc. over the mountains … and seeing a man with cat on his head.” Finally, one person wrote, “You name it.” Yes, that about sums up Taos.
“Bathe with a naked hobo in the hot springs followed by a fine dining experience.”
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Voted BEST Wi-Fi LOCATION - Thank You, Taos!
coffee cyber cafe gallery At La Posta Road & Felicidad - Behind Albertsons High-Speed Internet - WiFi Hotspot, Computer Rental or bring your own Private Office/Meeting Room Rental, Covered Patios, Beautiful Gardens Absolute BEST Coffees, Teas, Smoothies, Gourmet Foods Art Gallery Featuring Local Artists www.wiredcoffeeshop.com 575-751-WIRE Open 7 days a week
FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE SOUTH SIDE...
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for choosing us
Best of Taos, 2014.
1ST PLACE BEST GYM/ WORKOUT FACILITY SINCE 2003
We are honored.
758-3027 rmdraper@laplaza.org
Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road License # 61030
2ND PLACE BEST YOGA STUDIO
THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE TAOS!
THANK YOU AGAIN TAOS!
We feel so Blessed to call Taos home and Blessed that you again selected the Living Light Gallery the Best In Taos! It has been our good fortune to be in the Taos Historic District for 16 yrs and we appreciate your support over the years. Stop in to see the new work and the new Music from Angel Fire poster with Lenny’s Otonal image! Lenny Foster Living Light Gallery 107 Kit Carson rd (on the boardwalk) www.lennyfoster.com • golenny@lennyfoster.com 575-737-9150
On the e South Sid Some Restrictions Apply
758-1980 www.taosspa.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best shopping
— continued from page 28 —
best place to ship a package 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
The UPS Store 1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8647 theupsstore.com Jack Wrap-It Global 925 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1111
Taos Tack & Pet Supply 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-9798 taostackandpetsupply.com Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply 214 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1841
Tina Larkin Photographer Lenny Foster’s Living Light Gallery was voted Best Gallery by readers of The Taos News.
best place to buy floor coverings
best home furnishings
first place
1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
1st
Dan’s Carpet & Window Coverings 7237 State Road 518, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-2420 Vargas Tile Company 4114 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5986 vargastile.com
first place
2nd
•
second place
Del Norte Liquors 1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-8904
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
Taos Lifestyle 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (855) 550-5520 taoslifestyle.com Graystone Furniture and the Sofa gallery 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1266 graystonefurniture.com
best jeweler 1st
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
BEST OF TAOS 2014
best place to buy a mattress
1st
best liquor store
34
best place to buy pet supplies
2nd
first place
1st
second place
2nd
1st
first place
Wolfgang’s Spa Works 1210 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-1857 wolfgangspas.com
Graystone Furniture and the Sofa gallery 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1266 graystonefurniture.com
best local rock shop
Larry Martinez Jeweler 822 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4169 larrymartinezjeweler.com
Chavez Fine Jewelers 622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-9319 chavezfinejewelers.com
Taos Lifestyle 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (855) 550-5520 taoslifestyle.com
best place to buy a hot tub
first place
best place to fill up your tank 1st
Taos Gems & Minerals 637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3910
second place
Taos Rockers 229 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-2326 taosrockers.com
first place
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
2nd
second place
Northside Allsup’s 507 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-0037
It’s So YOU!
THANK YOU TAOS
Thanks, Taos! You make us the Best Year after Year!
FOR VOTING ME
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Diane Enright
Associate Broker Prudential Taos Real Estate
SALES • MAINT. • SERVICE
Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm • 758-1857 • 1210J Salazar Road • Taos • wolfgangspas.com
Thank you Taos for Your Vote! •
Best Jazz Performer
2014
•
Dan, Larry and I play at the Alley Cantina every Sunday night at 7:30- 9:30
thank you for giving us a reason to smile TAoS DenTAl gRoup: 2nD BeST DenTiST
A special “Thanks” to all our clients & friends. In our office we say that “OUR CLIENTS ARE #1”, and you are. You definitely have my vote for Best of Taos! and Thank You to my fellow Realtors, PruTaos, title companies, mortgage brokers, attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, septic inspectors, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors that are often involved in a single closing. You’re the ones that help make everything happen. And a very, very special “Thanks” to Janet Dearing, the best administrative assistant ever, and my single biggest asset in a demanding business. Upbeat, efficient, caring. I couldn’t do it without her.
Prudential Taos Real Estate 314A N. Pueblo Rd. • Taos, NM
575-758-List(5478) or 575-758-1924
www.taoshomes.com
Thanks Taos for The VoTe of BesT VeTerinarian! SALAZAR ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC
1392 Weimer Road
575.758.8654 575.758.8303
Suite A Suite B
DR. KIm SIDES, DR. TRIShA ALbIN, DR. SuE FELSER
758-9115 • 1025 Salazar Rd. Taos, NM 87571 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Taos Lions Club focuses energy on youth programs By Cody Olivas • Photo by Tina Larkin
B
ack in 1939, a former Lion named Ernie Martínez found the Tío Vivo merry-go-round in a Peñasco barn and acquired it for Taos Lion’s Club. Today, 75 years later, the merrygo-round still makes an appearance at the annual Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana in Taos. Grandparents take their grandchildren on the ride and remember when they themselves were kids riding it. “That’s just a part of Taos,” Lion Lou Sturbois said. “No other club has anything like it.”
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Riding Tío Vivo has always been free and the club wants as many kids as possible to ride it whenever they bring it out. They do put up a donation box on the ride, but the entirety of that money is used for upkeep of the carousel. “We kind of unify around (Tío Vivo),” Sturbois said, noting that every local Lion helps out when they bring the carousel out to share with the community. Tío Vivo is one of the more fun things that Taos Lions Club (voted Best Civic Organization) does. Helping detect eye problems in elementary kids, however, is perhaps the club’s most important endeavor. “It’s so important to get young, elementary children started on the right foot,” Sturbois said. “Children who have impaired vision often fall behind and never catch up.” To that end, the local group scans the eyes of elementary students in Taos, Peñasco, Questa, Angel Fire and Cimarrón every year using sophisticated machines that give them a
comprehensive readout of potential problems. “The eyesight program (KidSight) is the highlight of the club,” Sturbois said. “That’s where we spend most of our resources.” It isn’t the only thing the club spends its resources on though. In 2003, the club started offering scholarships to local high school graduates — giving them $1,000 per year for up to four years of college. In 2010, the group was able to start giving two annual awards away. The club also sponsors local Boy Scout troops and cub packs. The club’s Toast of Taos wine festival and golf tournament, held annually at the Taos Country Club, is the group’s biggest fundraiser. “That’s where we raise almost all of our funds,” Sturbois said. Beyond playing golf and enjoying wine, the community steps up and helps the club make the event a success by signing up as sponsors or donating prizes.
Thanks, Taos for Voting Us the Best!
Home-grown and home-built, we’ve been here for our customers for over 92 years!
315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • 758-2271
1st Place:
Best New Mexican Food Best Red • Best Green Thank you Taoseños for Your loyal support and referrals! -Orlando, Yvette and Crew
1.8 miles north of Taos Plaza • 751.1450
Taos Lions Club was formed in 1927, just 10 years after Lions Club International. Another New Mexico chapter was recognized the same day – and the two are the oldest in the state. Today membership fluctuates in Taos, but the average is around 70 members “We have the means at this point in our lives to give back to the community,” Sturbois said. “We can give our time, energy and resources to the community.” “Service clubs and the arts are what make towns worth living in,” Lion Douglas Palmer said. “Towns (with service clubs) have can-do attitudes.” The club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at the Quality Inn. “Anyone who wants to come to a Lions meeting, we’re glad to welcome them,” Sturbois said. “I’m proud to be a Lion. It’s a great organization and it’s fun to be a part of.”
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best things to do
Tina Larkin Los Rios raft guide Brian Barnhart steers his boat through one of the many rapids in the Taos Box. Los Rios was voted Best Rafting Company by readers of The Taos News.
best annual event best weekend in taos county getaway 1st
first place
1st
Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade Downtown Arroyo Seco July 4, 2014 visitseco.com
2nd
second place Fiestas de Taos Taos Plaza July 18-20, 2014 fiestasdetaos.com
first place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com
2
nd
second place
Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org
most interesting place to take visitors 1
st
first place
Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism dept.) taospueblo.com
2nd
second place
Río Grande Gorge Bridge On U.S. 64 toward Tres Piedras
best local museum 1st
first place
Millicent Rogers Museum 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos (575) 758-2426 millicentrogers.org
2nd
second place
Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 758-9826 harwoodmuseum.org
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Lisa Davis, CRS, GRI Associate Broker Prudential Taos Real Estate Office: 575-758-1924 Cell: 770-2938 Best of Taos 2011, 2012, 2013 and Second Place 2014!
“Thank you Taos: The most magnificent place to call home!”
www.enchantedtaos.com
Thank You!
Your support as donors and volunteers makes CAV Taos County’s Best Non-Profit… Fostering and supporting communities free from all forms of domestic and sexual violence…
Call 758-8082 to volunteer Donate online at taoscav.org or Shop the CAV Thrift Store
24 Hour Domestic / Sexual Violence Crisis Line 758-9888
Community Against Violence, Inc. Founded 1978
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best things to do
— continued from page 38 —
best hiking/ jogging trail 1st
2
nd
first place
1st
first place
second place
2nd
second place
Williams Lake Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/williams_lake.html Wheeler Peak Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/wheeler_peak.html
best place for kids to have fun 1st
best ski & snowboard area
first place
second place
Taos Youth & Family Center 407 Paseo del Cañon East, Taos (575) 758-4160 taosyouth.com
best place to enjoy free wifi 1st
first place
1st
second place Taos Plaza Downtown Taos taos.org/art/taos-plaza
first place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Baños Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com
2nd
second place
John Dunn Bridge On County Road B-007, over the Río Grande near Arroyo Hondo Río Grande National Monument
best place to soak 1st
first place
2nd
second place
Wired? Coffee-Cyber-Café 705 Felicidad Lane, Taos (575) 751-9473 wiredcoffeeshop.com
2nd
Angel Fire Resort Miller Lane, Angel Fire (800) 633-7463 angelfireresort.com
best place to take a dip
Twirl Toy Store & Play Space 225 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 751-1402 twirlhouse.com
2nd
Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com Black Rock Hot Springs Past the John Dunn Bridge taos.org
best rafting company 1st
first place
Los Ríos River Runners 1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (800) 544-1181 losriosriverrunners.com
2nd
second place
Far Flung Adventures (800) 359-2627 farflung.com
Tina Larkin Ashley Macy walks in front of the Arroyo Seco Mercantile truck during 2013 4th of July Parade Extravaganza in Arroyo Seco. The annual parade was voted Best Annual Event in Taos County. Rick Romancito Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was voted the Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors by readers of The Taos News. Andy Jones Twirl Toystore and Playspace was voted Best Place for Kids to Have Fun.
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CARLOS’ BARBERSHOP CARLOS JEANTETE MASTER BARBER 402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR
(575) 758-7187
“BEST BARBER SHOP” 2014
HOURS: Mon-Tues 8:30am to 5:30pm Thurs - Sat 8:30am to 6:30pm Closed Weds & Sun
Michael Hearne and South by Southwest thank you for naming Michael Hearne
Pictured: Zeke Severson, Michael Hearne, Carmen Accioli
“Best Local Country Band” of the year!
Don’t forget my 12th annual Big Barn Dance Music Festival September 4, 5, and 6 at the Taos Ski Valley this year! Hope to see you there!
THANK YOU TAOS! To every member of our Project Teams: Employees, Subcontractors, Material Suppliers and Architects, whose dedication and outstanding efforts make our award winning projects possible; and to our Customers and Project Owners over the years….
Thank you Taos and Northern New Mexico!
For voting Wayne Rutherford General Contractor, Inc. “Best of Taos” for a fourth time.
Of the earth A luxury mountain home balances energy efficiency and sacred space in Valdez
Now on newsstands
We
you, too. First Place:
Best Local Radio Station Best Radio Personality: Paddy Mac Best Live Music Venue Best Place to Watch the Game secOND Place: Website • Patio
thank you, taos!
219 Cruz Alta, Taos, NM
575-751-7028 (voice), 575-758-0707 (fax) NM contractor licenses 50889 & 353973 - GB-98
www.taosdesignbuild.com Build on our Experience. We do.
Full bar & restaurant open 7 days a week, happy hour 4-6 KTAOS Solar Center, 9 State Road 150, Taos Info @ KTAOS.com or 575-758-KTAO TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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what’s the
hot
issue? By Joan Livingston
What are the hottest issues in Taos these days? From the responses we received, it appears the ones from last year may still be simmering.
i town and county, plus hopes they are over.
n particular people focused on conflicts between the
One person wrote, “Can the new mayor bring about positive change, unified working together and economic development?” Another offered, “Corruption at city hall and seeing what the new mayor and his staff will do.” However, many people weren’t easy on politicians, or “lousy politicians” as one person wrote. They wrote about political corruption, politics as usual and politics as always. “Glad the crappy/self-serving ones just got thrown out of office,” one person wrote. The regional airport was the most popular topic. Others were Taos Ski Valley and its sale to billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon, Holy Cross Hospital, land use, the economy — “Can not keep losing businesses (shops, restaurants, galleries) and still keep attracting tourists” was one answer. Then there was the environment, particularly water and the effects of the drought. One person bemoaned the lack of snow: “This is Taos’ main attraction and it has been limited these days.”
“Glad the crappy/self-serving ones just got thrown out of office.”
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Thank you Taos!
Your favorite consignment shop
pieces consignment More Pieces and
Pieces - 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos- 575-737-0500 More Pieces - 216 & 28 Paseo del Canon, Taos -575-737-5112 www.piecestaos.com Pieces Taos on FB
Thank YOu again for Voting uS the BeST of Taos!
BeST BreakFaST “40” Years and Still Cooking 7 Days a week Mon-Thurs: 7:00am to 2:30pm
Open til 8pm Fri - Sun 304 N. Pueblo Road, Taos • 3 blocks north of the Plaza
575-758-4178
Full menu at www.michaelskitchen.com or come by for your menu.
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Nathaniel Evans: From school bus birth to ‘best teacher in Taos’ By Jim O’Donnell | Photos by Tina Larkin
“W
ell, I was born on a school bus in Talpa. Teaching was just destiny, I guess,” says Nathaniel Evans. “Ya. Literally. Born on the school bus.” The people of Taos recently chose Evans as Best Teacher in Taos for 2014. “MysterE” as the kids call him, teaches math and science for 7th and 8th Grade at the Taos Charter School. What does that mean to be the best teacher in our town? What makes a great teacher?
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I posed that question to another amazing Taos educator, Orion Cervio. “A great teacher is a professional dedicated to serving community through upholding the highest standards of dialogue,” he said.
quality of life. While teachers are generally hamstrung by low pay, ideological attacks and widespread poverty among American families, the impact of high-quality teachers should not be discounted.
Asking around about what makes Evans a great teacher turns up his respect for the students and how he values their ideas. Others say he creates a sense of community in the classroom and gives his students a sense of belonging. Another common theme about Evans is that he is caring, enthusiastic and available for the kids. As a parent, I know that the best teachers for my children are those that also set high expectations for the students and inspire them through their own love of knowledge and learning. Evans apparently has that too.
A recent study at Harvard University found that an excellent teacher such as Evans has a profound impact on test scores, as well as the likelihood a child will go on to college and how much the child will earn as an adult. An excellent teacher is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to their students through their working lives. The study also found that excellent teachers can even help reduce teen pregnancy rates.
It is not hyperbole to say that our nation’s struggling education system is one of the biggest threats to the wellbeing of our democracy, our economy and our national
“Unfortunately, American political schizophrenia has stripped away the cultural respect that should be afforded to the professional class entrusted with the next generation’s minds and hearts,” Cervio says.
Taos Charter School's seventh and eighth grade math and science teacher, Nathaniel Evans, hard at work.
While Evans steered clear of politics he quickly pointed out that being an excellent teacher requires a supportive atmosphere. “The fun and the good time of education gets lost a lot of the time in this town. Schools and families simply cannot disconnect,” he said. “I love the kids and they love me and we work together to succeed,” he said. “It isn’t just me. We also have supportive parents and an excellent administration that is supportive of teachers. That freedom allows me to be passionate about what I do. That freedom allows me to develop a deeper relationship with the kids. I can fight for them and they know it.” “I’ve gotten letters from graduating seniors who thanked me for the impact I had on their lives. On a tough day, that can really push you through to a good end.”
destiny TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best entertainment
best live music venue 1st
first place
KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktaos.com
2nd
second place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
best place to shake your booty 1st
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2nd
second place
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
best local singer/ songwriter 1st
first place
Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
2nd
second place Max Gomez maxgomezmusic.com
best local jazz group or perform 1st
first place
Christine Autumn (575) 751-1885 christineautumn.com
2nd
second place Big Swing Theory facebook.com
best spanish language band or performer 1st
first place
El Grupo Mezcal facebook.com
2nd Lorraine Wyant Michael Hearne earned enough votes to be named Best Local Country Band or Performer.
second place
Darren Córdova y Calor darrencordovaycalor.com — continues on page 48 —
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Congratulations Ashley Edenfield
2014 Best of Taos Grand Sweepstakes Winner
Ashley Edenfield of Taos (left) receives her prize from Production and IT director Ray Seale. Ashley won a new Apple iPad for voting in The Taos News’ online Best of Taos survey.
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best entertainment 48
Tina Larkin Taos Mesa Brewing was voted Best Brewery, Best Bar and Best Beer Selection. The venue was also named second place in the Best Live Music Venue category.
— continued from page 46 —
best local best local rock group or country band performer or performer
BEST OF TAOS 2014
1
st
first place
1
second place
2nd
st
The Damn Band thedamnband.com
2nd
Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
•
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first place
best local radio station 1st
Michael Hearne michaelhearne.com
second place Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
2nd
first place
best local radio personality
KTAOS 101.9 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktaos.com
1
KKIT 95.9 125 Camino de la Merced (575) 758-4491 facebook.com/ kkitthemountain
2nd
st
first place
best place to hit the jackpot 1st
Taos Mountain Casino 700 Veterans Highway (575) 737-0777 taosmountaincasino. com
Paddy Mac, KTAO 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 • ktaos.com
second place
second place Michael Dean, KKIT 125 Camino de la Merced (575) 758-4491 facebook.com/ kkitthemountain
first place
2nd
second place Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino (877) 455-7775 buffalothunderresort. com
Best Brunch (1st Place) Thank you, Taos!!
Thank you, Taos, for voting us… 2014 Best Place to Gear up for the Slopes
SERVING BEER & WINE
Creative Latin-French cuisine at affordable prices. French Bread, Croissants & Pastries are made fresh daily. Serving Breakfast & Lunch - Tuesday thru Sunday - 8am to 3pm Full menu at www.GutizTaos.com
SERVING SERVING BEER BEER&&WINE WINE
812B Paseo del Pueblo Norte - Taos - (575) 758-1226
THANKS TAOS!
WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE EARNED YOUR VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING: Best Bar Best Beer Selection Best Brewery Best Place to Shake Your Booty
We also have all of your summer needs covered, from skateboarding to clothing and shoes!
Ski ShopS 1-800-322-8267
www.cottamsriogranderafting.com • info@cottamsriogranderafting.com
The UPS Store
™
The UPS Store
ThAnk You for Voting Us
Best Place to Ship a Package Again & Again & Again
We’re Experts in Packing & Shipping of Artwork, Collectibles, & Your Valuables… Locally Owned, Nationally Known Jeanne Timber – “The Shipping Diva”
The UPS Store™
1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • Taos, NM 87571
575-758-8647 • (fax) 575-758-8667 Located Between Days Inn and Super 8
3 minutes west of the old blinking light off highway 54 www.taosmesabrewing.com 575-758-1900
™
Thank you
Taos County & Moreno Valley for Voting Us
Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Five Years in a Row
Celebrating 26 Years Serving Taos
Dan’sCarpets
Hardwood • Tile • window Coverings ranchos de Taos • 7237 Highway 518
575-758-2420 • danscarpetandfloors.com • danscarpet@yahoo.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best services
Elliott Martin Ruben at Johnny’s Barber Shop in Taos maintains his work station meticulously. That same attention to detail has earned the business Best Barber Shop honors in the 2014 Best of Taos.
best real estate agency 1
st
2nd
first place
Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924 prudentialtaosrealestate.com
second place
Century 21 Real Estate 829 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-0080 c21success.com
best pet groomer 1st
first place
10,000 Wags Pet Resort 24822 U.S. 64, El Prado (575) 751-9247 10000wags.com
2nd
best real estate agent 1
st
2nd
second place Avalyn’s Paw Spa 1036 Reed St., Taos (575) 613-6188 avalynspawspa.com
2
nd
1st
first place
Diane Enright, Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5478 taoshomes.com
2nd
Lisa Davis, Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924 enchantedtaos.com
first place
Taos Tattoo and Piercing Gallery 208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 224-3077 taostattoo.com
second place
Local Boyz 726-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 613-2948 facebook.com
best barber shop
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Salon Marjorie 237 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 751-7246 salonmarjorie.com
second place
best place to get inked (tattoo parlor) 1st
best hair salon
Salon X 226-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1584 salonxtaos.com
first place
Johnny’s Barber Shop 308 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4286
second place
Carlos’ Barber Shop 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7187
best place to best place for a pamper your skin massage 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 • ojospa.com El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Baños Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 • ojospa.com El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com — continues on page 52 —
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THANK YOU Taoseños for voting us
HOMEFIRE SECURITY
Best Place To Catch A Game THE
PREVENTING CHIMNEY FIRES SINCE
1978
Thank You Taos for Voting Us Best Chimney Service!
Terry’s
CHIMNEY SERVICE CHIMNEY • STOVE • FIREPLACE
575-758-1825 575-758-8866 thegorgebarandgrill.com located in the historic Taos Plaza
THANK YOU ALL! Best of Taos 2nd Place
Store HourS: Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 10-2 or by appointMent NEW LOCATION 314 D PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE WWW.TERRYSCHIMNEY.COM
Thank You, M ¡ uchas Gracias!
For Voting Us 1st Place Best Roadside Food Stand From Every 9 Years In A Row!
-NM Tourism De
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road Taos, NM 758-3255 www.wnightingale.com
one a t Mary Jan e’s
Voted one of the st 50 best breakfa M burritos in N . ! pt
Mary Jane’s
23 Years in Business • Serving New Mexican Favorites With A Smile! 575-770-1171
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best services
Tina Larkin Taos Spa & Tennis Club earned honors as Best Gym & Workout Facility and was second place in the Best Yoga Studio and Best Place to Play Tennis categories.
— continued from page 50 —
best yoga studio 1st
first place
Shree Yoga 112-C Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-8014 shreeyogataos.com
2nd
second place
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
best bed & breakfast 1st
2nd
52
BEST OF TAOS 2014
•
first place
Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast Inn 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-1772 taos-casabenavides.com
second place
Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast 416 La Lomita Road, Taos (575) 758-0613 dreambb.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
best gym & workout facility 1st
best place to play best lodging for tennis visitors
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
2nd
1st
2
nd
second place
2nd
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
best bank 1st
first place
first place
Centinel Bank 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700 707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com
El Monte Sagrado 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
second place
San Francisco de Asís Church 60 St. Francis Plaza, Taos (575) 758-2754
1st
Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge 88 State Road 150, Taos (575) 776-3447 taostennis.com
Northside Health & Fitness Center Spa 1307 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 751-1242 facebook.com
best place to say “i do”
first place
2nd
second place
Peoples Bank 1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4500
first place
El Monte Sagrado 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
second place
Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com
219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-4211 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur (inside Albertson’s) (575) 758-5999 5 Supermarket Road, Questa (575) 586-2001 121-4D E. Main St., Red River (575) 754-6224 bankingunusual.com
— continues on page 54 —
Thank you Taos for voting us “Best Pet Groomer” We are here to help you with all your grooming needs.
ARROYO SECO’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE
BEST ANNUAL EVENT!
Jen Romero, Grooming Manager
Pet Resort + The Bow-WOW-Tique
575.751.9247
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS Tennis Courts and Lessons • Swimming Pool Walk-Ins Welcome
Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge 575-776-3447 • 88 State Road 150 taostennis.com
THANKS for making us the
#1
rafting and outdoor adventure
operation in Taos!
Thank You Taos!
We will see you Friday, July 4th, Noon.
Thank you everyone! I play for you.
Jimmy 1st Place
Best Local Singer/Songwriter
2nd Place
Best Local Rock Group or Performer Best Local Country Band or Performer
losriosriverrunners.com info@losriosriverrunners.com 575-776-8854 • 800-544-1181
www.jimmystadler.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best services
Tina Larkin Metric Motors was voted Best Auto Repair Shop for the 2014 Best of Taos.
— continued from page 52 —
best plumber 1st
first place
Phoenix Mechanical 1217 Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-3027 phoenixmechanical.net
2nd
1st
best building contractor first place
2
nd
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
•
second place
Earthship Biotecture 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras (575) 751-0462 earthship.com
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
1st
second place
2
best green business 1st
first place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
second place
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
first place
Metric Motors 1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1658 metricmotorstaos.com nd
Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair (575) 770-7769 baileyschimney.com
Wayne Rutherford 219 Cruz Alta Road, Taos (575) 751-7028 taosdesignbuild.com
2nd
best auto repair shop
Terry’s Chimney Service 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1825 terryschimney.com
second place
Hawk Mechanical 1132 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4433 hawkmechanical.net
1st
best chimney sweeps
second place
best insurance company 1st
Wanda Lucero, State Farm 211 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-5433 statefarm.com
2nd
1st
first place
Centinel Bank 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-6700
second place
Brown & Brown Insurance 627 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2244 bbinsurance.com
Taos Offroad & Performance 1010 Dea Lane, Taos (575) 758-7144 taosoffroad.com
business with the best customer service
first place
2nd
second place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com — continues on page 56 —
Year after Year, the Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir and Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm Sunday: 8:30am – 4:30pm Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am. • Shops Available For more information: 575-758-1028 www.taospueblo.com
Thank you every SiNgle year! for voting us best again
1st
1st Place
Best Grocery Store Best Place to Buy Fresh Fruits and Veggies Best Place to Eat Your Greens Best Green Business
2nd
2nd Place
Best Customer Service
The best selection of prepared foods in Taos including hot food and organic salad bars! Pastries baked fresh daily with some gluten-free varieties too! Monday - Saturday • 8:00am - 8:00pm
623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte . Taos, NM
(575) 758-1148
www.cidsfoodmarket.com
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best services
Elliott Martin Dr. Kellie Harris, DDS, and her team at Northern New Mexico Cosmetic Dentistry.
— continued from page 54 —
best financial advisor 1st
first place
best local elected best local website best dentist official 1 first place 1 first place st
1st
Ric Tredwin (Edward Jones) 707 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-7285 edwardjones.com
2
nd
second place
Billy Knight (Knight Financial Unlimited) 115 La Posta Road, Taos (575) 751-3388
first place
Dan Barrone, town of Taos mayor 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-2000 dbarrone@taosgov.com taosgov.com
2
nd
second place
Fritz Hahn, town of Taos councilor 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-2000 fhahn@taosgov.com taosgov.com
st
taosnews.com The Taos News 226 Albright St., Taos (575) 758-2241
2nd
Dr. Kellie Harris (Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry) (575) 751-9661 kellieharrisdds.com
second place
ktao.com KTAOS Solar Radio 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826
2nd
second place
Dr. Justin Nylund 1392 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-8654 taoscosmeticdentalcenter.com
— continues on page 58 —
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
follow us on
www.twitter.com/taosnews www.twitter.com/taosareasports
“IT’S NOT JUST HOW YOU TREAT THE ILLNESS. IT’S HOW YOU TREAT THE PATIENT.” – MARY MERRELL,R.N. | FOUNDER AND CEO, AMBERCARE
Thank You Taos For Voting Us 1st Place To Buy Pet Supplies
When we created Ambercare our mission was clear. Choosing care giving over cost-cutting. Compassion over compensation. Providing a level of loving care that would profit our patients first. 19 years later we still serve our patients from our heartstring, not our purse strings. Isn’t that the care you want for those you love?
Taos Tack and PeT suPPly Top Quality Horse & Pet Care Products
Best of Taos 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575-737-9798 • www.taostackandpetsupply.com
HOME HEALTHCARE | HOSPICE | PERSONAL CARE SERVICES MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
1.877.861.0060 or visit ambercare.com
AMB395_4.75"x11.5"_(m1mm).indd 1
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
best services
Tina Larkin Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge was the voters’ choice for Best Place to Play Tennis.
— continued from page 56 —
best doctor 1st
first place
Dr. Lucas Schreiber 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150 (575) 758-3005 familypracticeassociatesoftaos.com
2
nd
best educator 1st
2nd
2nd
first place
Lions Club International taoslions.org
best administrative assistant 1st
2nd
BEST OF TAOS 2014
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first place
Jeanelle Romo-Lucero, Taos Public Library 402 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-3063 taoslibrary.org
second place
Taos Milagro Rotary Club taosrotary.org
58
second place
Larry Torres University of New MexicoTaos lartor.com
Dr. Christian Killer 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3005
1st
1st
Nathaniel Evans Taos Charter School taoscharterschool.org
second place
best civic organization
first place
best veterinarian
second place
Stephanie Francisco, NonviolenceWorks (575) 758-4297 nonviolentmen.org
2nd
first place
best local nonprofit
Salazar Road Vet 1025 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-9115 salazarroadvetclinic.com
1st
first place
Taos Veterinary Clinic 41 State Road 522, Taos (575) 758-7310 taosvetclinic.com
2nd
second place
second place
Community Against Violence (575) 758-8082 taoscav.org Stay Hearts Animal Shelter 1200 St. Francis Lane, Taos (575) 758-2981 strayhearts.org
What a great time... to be a girl! Thank you, Taos
F TAOS TO S E “People’s
B
201 4
Choice Award”
1
#
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique
Francesca’s Clothing Boutique
Visit us in the magical town of Arroyo Seco on the Ski Valley Road! Open 7 days www.styleintaos.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
3
the best of taos, as decided by people of taos Anytime anyone says that anything is the “best,” there are skeptics. And rightly so, making such a claim is usually a judgement call; purely subjective and up to the individual preferences of the person or entity making the statement.
h
owever, when The Taos News does its annual Best of Taos (this is our 16th such publication), we don’t leave it up to one person, or our staff to make such decisions. The process is entirely in the hands of the community.
The online poll allows for a wide section of Taos residents, visitors and ex-pats to weigh in on their favorites in a number of categories, making sure everyone has an opportunity to make their voice heard. Our goal is to create a “Best Of” list that represents the consensus opinion of our community. We also like to have a little fun with the survey responders while we
have their attention. Our four “essay” questions give readers the chance to express grievances, celebrate and flaunt the quirkiness of Taos County. The answers are often humorous, insightful and revealing and The Taos News editor, Joan Livingston, gets a kick out of compiling the answers for readers in this publication. As always, if you think you’re favorite business, service or cause was left out of the 2014 Best of Taos, the survey will be online again sometime in March 2015. Thanks to all of the more than 2,500 people who took part in the 2014 Best of Taos survey. — Andy Jones, special sections editor
contents features
12 Buds: Saying it with flowers
best of taos results 06 Best Food & Drink 26 Best Shopping
14 So ... what’s another word for Taos?
38 Best Things to Do
20 Taos time: Carpe Mañana
46 Best Entertainment
22 Pieces Consignment Store: A business on an ‘up-cycle’ 24 Centinel Bank: Serious about customer service 30 Shree Yoga: Dedicated to the pose
50 Best Services
taos news staff Robin Martin, owner Chris Baker, publisher Joan Livingston, editor Chris Wood, advertising manager Andy Jones, special sections editor
32 It could only happen in Taos — Really
Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer
36 Taos Lions Club focuses energy on youth programs
Virginia L. Clark, copy editor
42 What’s the hot issue?
Jennifer Taphorn, production manager
44 Nathaniel Evans: From school bus birth to ‘best teacher in Taos’
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Cover Design: Michelle M. Gutierrez, with photos by Tina Larkin
Thank you for voting Us #1
It could not have been done without the greatest team in Taos: Candice Martin DA 1 year
Cynthia Silva RDH 16 years
Nancy Bourg RDH 15 years Alexa MacQueen DA 5 years
Erica Jeantette Front Office 15 years
Jane Hogsett Office Manager 7 years
Natalie Mondragon DA 11 years
.
NORTHERN
NEW MEXICO CENTER FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY
751-9661
1337 Gusdorf Rd, Suite A, Taos
www.kellieharrisdds.com
Most insurance accepted TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
5
best food & drink 6
BEST OF TAOS 2014
Tina Larkin The Taos Inn’s Adobe Bar earned the distinction of Best Margarita, as well as Best Patio.
best restaurant in best new taos county restaurant 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
•
Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
best breakfast 1st
Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com Station Café 3 one 6 316 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0316 facebook.com/ stationcafe3one6
2nd
first place
Michael’s Kitchen Café and Bakery 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178 michaelskitchen.com
second place
Taos Diner I 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374 Taos Diner II 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989 taosdiner.com
best brunch 1st
first place
2nd
second place
Gutiz 812-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1226 gutiztaos.com Doc Martin’s Restaurant 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1977 taosinn.com/restaurant.html
— continues on page 8 —
best food & drink
Elliott Martin Taos County residents hold Lambert’s of Taos in high esteem, as evidenced by the restaurant’s Best Restaurant, Best Ambiance and Best Waitstaff honors.
— continued from page 6 —
best breakfast burrito 1st
2
nd
first place
Mante’s Chow Cart 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3632
second place
Taos Diner I 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374
best place to eat your greens 1st
2nd
1st
first place
1st
second place
Ranchos Plaza Grill 8 St. Francis Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788 facebook.com
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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1st
second place
best green
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
2nd
Cid’s Salad Bar 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com Farmhouse Cafe and Bakery 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5683 farmhousecafeandbakery.com
Taos Diner II 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989 taosdiner.com
best red
first place
best new mexican
first place
2nd
second place
Michael’s Kitchen 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178 michaelskitchen.com
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
second place
Ranchos Plaza Grill, 8 St. Francis Plaza Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788 facebook.com
best fast food 1st
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
2nd
first place
first place
Guadalajara Grill: south 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 751-0063 Guadalajara Grill: north 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com
2
nd
second place
Blake’s Lotaburger south 1136 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4771 Blake’s Lotaburger north 809 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-4987 lotaburger.com
best traditional mexican 1st
first place
Guadalajara Grill: south 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 751-0063 Guadalajara Grill: north 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com
2nd
second place
Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Ln., Taos • (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe
best pizza 1st
first place
Taos Pizza Out Back 712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-3112 taospizzaoutback.com
2nd
second place
Pizaños Pizza and Pasta 23 State Road 150, Taos (575) 776-1050 taospizza.com
— continues on page 10 —
We’re Honored! Best New Restaurant 2nd Best Waitstaff
Prime, aged, hand-cut steaks Fresh, seasonal seafood Signature drink menu & wine list Open for Lunch and Dinner www.martyrs-steakhouse.com Join us in our Honey Locust Bar 575.751.3020 | 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos
Y
L e a m n o d scaping H r uo
nter
Ce
THANK YOU TAOS! BEST HARDWARE & HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE 2ND BEST GARDEN CENTER & NURSERY
HARDWARE “the helpful place”
Innovative Solutions for all your landscaping needs Tools and tips for everyone who loves to grow 1381 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR • 575-758-4268 | 223 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR #1 • 575-751-2061 | www.riograndeacehardware.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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best food & drink
Tina Larkin Martyrs Steakhouse earned the promise of future banners as the Best New Restaurant in Taos County. The establishment also earned second place for Best Waitstaff.
— continued from page 8 —
best burger 1st
2nd
first place
5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com
1
Blake’s Lotaburger north 809 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4987 Blake’s Lotaburger south 1136 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4771 lotaburger.com
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2
nd
1
st
second place
Eske’s Brew Pub and Eatery 106 Des Georges Place, Taos (575) 758-1517 eskesbrewpub.com
first place
Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 770-1171
second place
best beer selection st
best roadside food stand
2
nd
second place
best bar 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
Toribio’s: south 1104 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3060 Toribio’s: north 1637 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-4431
best brewery 1st
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2nd
second place
Eske’s Brew Pub and Eatery 106 Des Georges Place, Taos (575) 758-1517 eskesbrewpub.com
best happy hour
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
best place to catch the game 1
st
first place
second place
The Gorge Bar & Grill 103 East Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8866 thegorgebarandgrill.com
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
best patio 1st
first place
Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
KTAOS Solar Bar 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com
2nd
5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com
2nd
second place
KTAOS Solar Bar 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com
— continues on page 16 —
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
11
Buds: Saying it with flowers By Andrew Oxford • Photos Elliott Martin
S
elling flowers is as much about people as anything else.
The shop had just furnished corsages for graduates at UNM-Taos and Mother’s Day had only passed a few weeks prior.
When Buds is at its busiest around Valentine’s Day, the store typically hires five extra delivery drivers and more designers.
Customers call Buds Cut Flowers & More when preparing for a wedding or a funeral. Visitors drop by the store in search of the perfect anniversary gift or a way to say “sorry.”
“But we try to make each occasion special. It doesn’t matter how little,” she said.
The rest of the year, it is usually Eva Martínez behind the counter, Ben Martínez behind the wheel and three designers arranging flowers.
Staff at Buds play a part in some of the most important moments of their clients’ lives — graduations, surgeries, deaths.
The store on Paseo del Pueblo Sur has been in business for more than three decades. The Martínez family purchased Buds in 2004 and since then have prided themselves on a distinct level of customer service that gives meaning to their slogan “cut flowers and more.” Indeed, the store stocks chocolate truffles, commemorative picture frames and a variety of other gifts.
“It’s always an occasion,” said Eva Martínez, who owns the flower shop with her husband of 44 years, Ben. Standing behind the counter of their store in a floral jacket one May morning, Martínez explained that while the weeks surrounding Valentine’s Day are their busiest time of year, work never stops.
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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That may well explain why Buds was voted the best place to purchase flowers in Taos.
As she spoke, her husband Ben popped into and out of the store. The shop’s delivery driver, he makes frequent trips around the Enchanted Circle as well as to Peñasco.
Roses — delivered twice each week — and lilies are top-sellers, Eva Martínez said. But the business of flowers is, in many ways, fantastic and the store’s staff can conjure up practically any species through a network of wholesalers who source from South America. “You can get tulips in the summer,” Martínez said. “It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, you can get what you want.” “I listen to what people want,” she added, explaining
that listening is key when what you are selling is an expression. “A young man will call and say ‘I’m not too good with flowers’ but they need a gift — something to say sorry — and ask if we can make something up,” she said. “I say sure. But I tell them not to say sorry. Say ‘I love you.’” Flowers can say a lot, Martínez said. Roses may wilt but, she added, “enjoy it just for the day. When you give them, you make someone’s day.” Buds Cut Flowers and More 711 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mon. through Fri. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sat. (575) 758-3555 • taosflowers@qwestoffice.net budscutflowersandmore.com
occasion TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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13
so ... what’s another word for taos
By Joan Livingston
The town has a new marketing campaign to attract tourists — “There’s a word for it: Taos. Hard to define. Impossible to forget.”
W
e asked those who filled out the Best of Taos survey to tell us one word that describes Taos and why.
Among the 1,000 people who offered their choices, the most frequent answer is “home.”
“Need I explain?” According to another, Taos means “family.” “My entire family has been here for hundreds of years. This is our home. The history of the area is in my blood.”
Other top contenders for a Taos synonym: unique, beautiful, magical, eclectic, quirky, enchanting, magical, spiritual, funky, tri-cultural, and so on.
Here are more:
Thankfully, many people backed up their choice with an explanation.
“Quirky and no explanation is needed and if you need one, you are not quirky enough.”
For instance, one person who answered “unique” also wrote, “Taos is one of a kind and has a specialness you either love or hate.”
“There is a word for it: corruption.”
One person who chose “community” added, “Craziest, funkiest, most caring, eclectic, musically inclined, opinionated, carefree, spiritual folks ever assembled.” Another person wrote “crazy” and then added,
“Mystical. During my visit I realized my chakras opened. My third eye was more clear.”
“Zen. Every time I come here my troubles from the ‘other world’ just seem to recede to the far cobwebs of my mind.” Then, there is the person who said there isn’t a word for it. “Taos needs to be experienced and even then you might not understand what you just experienced.”
“Quirky and no explanation is needed and if you need one, you are not quirky enough.”
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
Thank you Taos! For Your Loyalty and Support. Best Ski & Snowboard Area
Come join us for the grand opening of the Taos Ski Valley Mountain Bike Park on June 28.
The best is yet to come.
skitaos.org
You Love Our Chocolate... Coffee Frappes fruit smoothies
Ice Cream Sundaes Floats & Malts
...Now Love Our Frozen Treats! ON Historic TAOS PLAZA
(575) 758-8855
Summer Hours 10AM - 10PM TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
15
best food & drink
Tina Larkin The friendly staff at Guadalajara Grill's southside location. The restaurant was voted Best Traditional Mexican Food and Best Fast Food.
— continued from page 10 —
best margarita 1st
first place
best area winery 1st
Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html
2nd
1st
Black Mesa Winery 1502 State Road 68, Velarde (505) 852-2820 Black Mesa Tasting Room and Gallery 241 Ledoux St., Taos blackmesawinery.com
second place
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
first place
best cuppa joe
2nd
second place
Vivác Winery 2075 State Road 68, Dixon (505) 579-4441 vivacwinery.com
first place
Taos Java 1006 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-9405
2nd
best place to satisfy your sweet tooth 1st
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 112 South Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8855 rmcf.com/nm/taos50464
second place
Elevation Coffee 1110 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 779-6078 elevationcoffeetaos.com
first place
2nd
second place
Taos Cow Ice Cream Co. 485 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-5640 taoscow.com — continues on page 18 —
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Patagonia • Prana • Kuhl • Gramicci Asolo • Merrell • Reef • Chaco • Olukai
THANK YOU TAOS For voting us one of the
Best Places To Gear Up For The Trail!
Thank You for Your Vote!
Taos’ Personal Jeweler for 35 Years! MUDD-N-FLOOD MOUNTAIN SHOP 103 A Bent St. (near Taos Inn) • Taos • 575-751-9100
Osprey • Wa l la roo
Black Diamond • Big Agnes Hats • Camelbak • Deuter
THANK YOU TAOS! -
Grupo Mezcal would like to thank all Taoseño’s for voting us Best Spanish Language Band in the 2014 People’s Choice Awards
For booking information and to buy CDs contact
Ernie Marquez 575-776-8675 You can also purchase our CD at cdbaby.com
171 Paseo de Peralta DeVargas Center Santa Fe
622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Piñon Plaza Taos
505-988-8009
575-758-9319 www.chavezfinejewelers.com
Thank You Taos for Voting Us Your #1 Florist. Happy Summer!
758-3555
575-758-7772
WE DELIVER WORLD WIDE
Next to Baskin Robbins TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
17
best food & drink
Tina Larkin Voters named Mary Jane's Home Cooking the Best Roadside Food Stand in Taos County.
— continued from page 16 —
best ambiance 1st
best waitstaff
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com
2nd
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The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com
second place
Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte (575) 751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com
Voted Best Customer Service and Best Bank! Thank You! From the Centinel Bank family
FIRST PLACE Business with
Best Customer Service
Proud to Serve You Best place to fill up your tank Best liquor store Second best grocery
Check out our fresh sushi made daily. 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 758-3711 - Grocery
758-4824 - Pharmacy TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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carpe mañana m By Joan Livingston
What is Taos time?
Officially, it means being late to anything and everything, according to the 1,596 people who answered that question. So, how late is late?
any said 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes. Several were more specific like the respondent who wrote “exactly 32.724 minutes late.”
Another gave this answer: “10 years behind the rest of the Rocky Mountain west towns.” How about hours and even a day late? Or Taos time is a bit slower than Tulsa time? Here’s another: “Three hours after the expected time. Make that three hours and 11 minutes ago.” What was the most common answer to this question? Mañana time. Some were poetic about Taos time. “An ethereal, elusive time warp that is dependent on the aura of Taos Mountain” was one such answer. “Sorry I missed our appointment, but I saw a double rainbow and just had to take a walk out on the mesa to catch the view” was another. And then, there is: “The Mountain Spirit that sits on your shoulder urging you to slow down and take a minute to enjoy the immense beauty that
is Taos.” But not everyone is happy about Taos’ tradition of tardiness. They wrote Taos time showed a lack of consideration for others such as the person who wrote, “Five minutes after it is too rude to still turn up.” Here are more: “A bad excuse for always being late.” “A business claims they’ll return your call before the business day is out, and you never hear back from them.” “Believing your time is more important than another’s. It’s just a horrible excuse some use to be habitually late!” “Later than the appointed time. I’m not a fan of Taos time. I think it’s inconsiderate to those of us who show up on time.” “Taos time is what time everybody in Taos gets where they are supposed to be. Typically, later than considered acceptable in other places.” And finally, one person summed up Taos time this way: “Slow. Wait VE-RY slow.”
“The Mountain Spirit that sits on your shoulder urging you to slow down and take a minute to enjoy the immense beauty that is Taos.”
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“A History of Elegance”
S ince 1630
The Benavides and McCarthy families have been making Taos a More Beautiful Place
T hank you for voting us Best B & B again for 2013.
Our success really belongs to the people of Taos. They have supported and encouraged us to succeed and we are truly grateful. We were born and raised here and have never wanted to be any place else. Taos is our home! Taoseños are our people. Tom & Barbara McCarthy
Casa Benavides 137 Kit Carson Rd. • 800-552-1772 • www.taos-casabenavides.com
THANKS, TAOS! YOU’RE THE BEST! Hair, Make-Up and Photo by Marjorie
sa lo n • s pa
(575) 751-7246 237 Ledoux St. Taos, NM salonmarjorie.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Pieces employee Shawn Jackson models clothing from the consignment store in the home section.
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Pieces Consigment Store: A business on an ‘up-cycle’ By Elizabeth Cleary • Photo by Tina Larkin
B
thousands of dollars to a free box of clothing outside the store. She says most people who consign with her live here in Taos, so the money they make stays in the community.
The owner of Pieces Consignment Goods (voted Best Resale Shop) keeps a compost pile in her yard to put all her food scraps to use. She buys only used cars and always brings her own reusable bags to the grocery store.
Holsinger says that over the years she’s made an effort to listen to customers’ requests and alter her business based on what they want. At the Paseo del Cañon location, she has a youth section and sporting goods section per customers’ requests. She also hopes to create an entire room of free merchandise at the Paseo del Cañon location.
ecky Holsinger has a serious problem with the wastefulness of society.
“Pretty much everything I own, besides socks, underwear and food, is second-hand,” she said. Holsigner moved to Taos about 11 years ago. She noticed the town lacked a place to get quality secondhand goods, and about nine years ago, while working at the Kachina Lodge, the idea popped into her head to open her own second-hand store. Soon after, Pieces was born. The store was at first contained within the middle section of its current location on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. Now in its ninth year, the consignment shop now comprises an expanded Paseo del Pueblo Sur location as well as another location on Paseo del Cañon East. Holsinger says Taos is a great place to have a consignment shop because people often come here and realize they want to cleanse their lives. Also, the economy is tough, and this provides a means by which Taoseños can make a bit of extra money. She says the shop has everything from high-end antiques and artwork that can set customers back
Holsigner has been passionate about buying second-hand since she was a child growing up in Pennsylvania. Her father was an estates lawyer so she would often find herself at auctions and estate sales. “I always loved it,” she said. In fact, she recently ran into someone at the landfill who had a truck full of furniture that he was going to throw away. She intercepted the goods, and while they took some refurbishing, she was able to get them in shape to sell at the store. Now, one of her favorite aspects about her job is passing her love for used goods onto other people. She said a woman from Texas recently came into the store and fell in love with a jacket. She said the woman was literally “shaking” because she had never bought anything second-hand before. Like many people who shop at Pieces, the woman came back and was raving about how everyone paid her compliments and demanded to know where she
got her jacket. One of the next steps Holsinger hopes to take is to hold classes where she can teach people how “up-cycle” their old clothing and make new things with it. This could provide a source of income for people in Taos and even help people to get their own businesses off the ground, she says. Pieces has only seven employees, and Holsinger says almost all of those employees have been with her for some time. She says she’s happy to “create an environment that people want to work in.” Because Pieces is a consignment shop and she has so much merchandise, Holsinger has specialized software to keep everything organized. When an item goes up for sale, it gets a sticker with a bar code. Then when it sells, the cashier scans the barcode and all the information about the merchandise and sellers is saved within a database. She can even call up profiles for sellers and get information like the history of how many items a seller has sold and how much money he or she has made. Holsinger says that even though managing the store is a lot of work, “it’s fun.” “And I really enjoy it,” she said. Pieces Consignment Store 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Mon. through Fri., noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sat. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sun. (575) 737-0500 • piecestaos.com
cleanse TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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Centinel Bank: Serious about customer service By Jim O’Donnell • Photo by Elliott Martin
L
et’s just be perfectly honest, there are some Taos businesses that have a reputation for questionable customer service. We all know it, we all talk about it and the impact can be profound.
The publication Consumer Affairs famously once pointed out that customers who have a positive service experience with a business will tell two to three people about that good experience. On the other hand, a person who has a bad customer experience will go out and tell anywhere from 10 to 20 people. And so there is something to learn from Centinel Bank, named Best Customer Service (and Best Bank) in Taos for 2014. “We take a lot of pride in being a Community Bank,” says John Rainey, marketing director for Centinel Bank. “We are a bank based on relationships with our customers
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where the only way we can be successful is to help our customers be successful first. And being founded in Taos and dedicated entirely to the people and communities of Northern New Mexico, it’s personal. This is our hometown, so the relationships we build are genuine.” Is there anyone in Taos who doesn’t know Eliu Romero? The Taos native returned from military service and wanted to practice law but couldn’t get a loan of $50 for furniture for his office. He moved on but the sting of iniquity hung on and years later, after building a successful law practice, Romero worked to open a bank to serve locals. It wasn’t an easy task but in 1969 Centinel Bank of Taos opened and dedicated itself to be of service to all the people of Taos, regardless of their ethnicity. Today, according to its website, Centinel is one of the only “minority-owned financial institutions in the county.” “I think everybody at our bank enjoys interacting with our customers,” says Rainey. “It goes back to being a community bank—our customers are our neighbors and we all want to help each other. We’ve been recognized as a ‘Top Workplace’ in New Mexico and that’s in part because we very much have a family atmosphere as a staff, and I think that
THANK YOU!
To the Taos Community for selecting
Family Practice Associates of Taos
Lucas Schreiber, MD - 1st Place chris killer, MD - 2nd Place
AS THE BEST DOCTORS IN TOWN!
carries over to our interactions with our customers — friends, family, neighbors, we all live here and are all working together to thrive in our community.” According to the Centinel website, bank CEO Rebeca Romero-Rainey has been honored for her work by being appointed to the national FDIC advisory board as well as the Federal Reserve advisory board and has advised President Obama on a banking advisory panel. Not bad for a little bank from El Norte. The bank remains locally owned and operated and they only have branches in Taos County. Centinel has resisted the temptation to sell out to other, larger banks says Rainey. “It’s always been about helping our local families and businesses, and that is still our mission and our focus.” He points out that Centinel Bank has gotten “a lot of national praise in the last few years, but it really does mean a lot to us to do a good job for our customers and to be recognized for our efforts by our community. It has been great encouragement for us — to stay focused on our mission and to continue working every day to earn the recognition of Best Bank and Business with the Best Customer Service.”
pride
SAME DAY URGENT CARE
Mon. - Fri. 8am - 4:30pm, Sat. 9 - 11:30am 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150
758-3005
Se Habla Español
Thank You Taos for voting the
Lions Club of Taos #1 CIVIC ORGANIZATION We invite you to join us and become a member. A great organization always needs people, like you, willing to help make their community a better place to live. Contact Any Lion or Doug Palmer: 575-776-2647 or dougpalmer1945@gmail.com You can also visit our website: taoslions.org TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best shopping
J.R. Logan FX/18 was once again voted Best Hip Gift Shop by Taos County residents.
best gallery 1st
2
nd
first place
Lenny Foster Living Light Gallery 107 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-9150 lennyfoster.com
best hip gift shop 1st
2nd
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3255 wnightingale.com
1st
first place
1st
second place
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
first place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
1st
second place
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
best place for bookworms
first place
1st
Second Place
2nd
Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism dept.) taospueblo.com
second place
place to buy fruits & veggies
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
FX/18 Gifts & Jewelry 103-C Bent St., Taos fx18.com Wabi-Sabi 216-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-7801 facebook.com
second place
best grocery store
first place
best place to buy a taos souvenir
2nd
Moby Dickens Bookshop 124-A Bent St., Taos (575) 758-3050 mobydickens.com
Arroyo Seco Mercantile 488 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-8806 secomerc.com
best farmer’s market 1st
first place
best place to buy flowers 1st
first place
Buds Cut Flowers & More 711-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3555 budscutflowersandmore.com
second place
Red Willow Farmers Market 885 Star Road, Taos Pueblo (575) 770-8688 facebook.com/redwillowfarm
second place
Brodsky Bookshop 226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-9468 facebook.com
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
2nd
first place
2nd
second place
Enchanted Florist 233 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3030 osflorist.com
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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Thank You Taos
for Voting us the
#1
automotive Repair Shop in Taos 13 Years Running Service • Parts • Premium Tires Import • Domestic Serving Taos Since 1974 • 758-1658
2014 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger Best Happy Hour
Craft Drafts - 2.50 • Wine - 3.50 • Burger and Pork Sliders - 1.65 • Appetizers - 1.25 to 2.50 Lobster Slider - 3.50 MON-SAT 11-9, SUNDAY 12-9
Happy Hour 4-6 PM DAILY
Thanks forBeer, your Vote and See You Soon! Wine and Food Specials 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur 758.8484 • www.5starburgers.com 575-758-8484
Where to eat, drink, soak, dance, hike float and bike...
5starburgers.com
Thank You Taos!
1032 PASEO del PUEBLO SUR Just south of Wal-Mart
take us with you wherever you go
Thank You Taos
I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Su Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Than Della, Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without A Thanks to the voters, community members and supporters I Would Like To Thank The Wife Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been D I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, Those Who Made made Monetary Donations, Donations of such TheiraTime & Energies that my first few months in office success. Whohave Made Monetary Donations of Their Time & Energies The Race Is Over - Now The andThose Especially My Family andDonations, Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To Work My Continues. andWe’ve Especially My achieved Family andso And A Very Special Thank You My much. But there’s still to beAll done. Wife Della,already Without Whom, I Friends. Couldn’t Have Done It.work Without of To You, Wife Della, Without Whom, I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without“Working All of Together You, The Outcome The Mayoral Race May Have Haveleadership Been Different. I inviteofyou to Taos continue working The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Racewith Maytown Been Different. The Race Is Over Now The Work Continues. Race Is Over - Now ThetoWork as weThe make Taos a better place live, Continues. work and play.
Thank Taos Thank You You Taos
TAOS
Summer Visitor Guide
“Working “WorkingTogether Together
We Made A Difference”
www.taosnews.com/visitors
WeMade MadeAADifference” Difference” We
DAN BARRONE
INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING
Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barron
INTEGRITY- -HONESTY HONESTY -- HARDWORKING HARDWORKING INTEGRITY
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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best shopping
— continued from page 26 —
Tina Larkin Cid’s was voted Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Fruits and Veggies, Best Green Business and was second place in Best Customer Service, as decided by the readers of The Taos News.
best resale shop 1st
2
nd
first place
best women’s clothing boutique
Pieces Consignment Goods 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0500 piecestaos.com
1
CAV Thrift Store 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-4824 taoscav.org/en/thrift-store/
2
st
first place
Francesca’s Clothing Boutique 492 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco • (575) 776-8776 styleintaos.com
second place
nd
best shoe store 1st
The Good Sole 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
2nd
second place (tie)
Michelle’s 136 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 751-3450 facebook.com
2
nd
first place
best place to gear up for the slopes 1st
first place
2nd
second place
second place
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
second place (tie) Substance of Taos 102 Doña Luz St., Taos (575) 751-0992 substanceoftaos.com
best place to gear up for the trail
best place to buy a pair of shades
first place
SunShades of Taos 108 West Plaza, Taos (575) 751-1565 sunshadesoftaos.com
1st
2
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
nd
•
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
second place Mudd-N-Flood Mountain Shop 103-A Bent St., Taos (575) 751-9100 muddnflood.com
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
1st
2nd
first place
Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com
best best garden hardware & home center & nursery improvement 1 first place Petree Nursery store & Greenhouses st
1st
first place
Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, #1 (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com
second place
Taos Eyewear 710-F Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2205
Cottam’s Ski Shops 101 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8719 207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2822 cottamsskishops.com
2nd
second place
Randall Lumber & Hardware 315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 8 (575) 758-2271 randalltaos.com
25 Petree Lane, Taos (575) 758-3021 petreenursery.com
2nd
second place
Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, #1 (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com
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Shree Yoga: Dedication to the pose By J.R. Logan • Photo by Tina Larkin
W
hen’s the last time you created a hollow space in your armpit or tucked your tailbone? To the uninitiated, a yoga studio is a yoga studio is a yoga studio. But for Taos yogis, one space dedicated to form and grace stands out. Shree Yoga, voted Best Yoga Studio, is not a scene. It’s not rail-thin exercise addicts in $100 pants trying to out-headstand the rest of the class either. Instead, the studio is inviting and warm, and the instructors go out of their way to inspire a sense of freedom. It’s a serious practice, but it doesn’t feel serious. Co-owners Suki Dalury and Genevieve Oswald came to yoga in very different ways, but share a great respect for how it can change lives. They also feed off their complimentary personalities and are constantly learning from one another. Dalury is a lifelong practitioner who has studied under notable yogis like Noah Maze, John Friend, Naime Jezzeny, and her mom, Karen Dalury. Oswald broke her back at 15, debilitating the young athlete who had to relearn to walk. After starting yoga in 2005, Oswald has regained a lot of her physical prowess and confidence. Walking into Shree, one feels lighter, even before you unroll your mat. The studio itself is beautiful. The old adobe has big, south-facing windows, diaphanous curtains, tall ceilings and vigas, and a broad expanse of wood floors. It has a quietness with minimal distractions. Shree is turning five next month, and the studio is really starting to hit its stride. Its popularity has steadily grown, in part because of an emphasis on personal touch. Instructors go out of their way to know you by name, and it’s not unusual for a class to be adapted to fit the students that day. Rather than rigidly ticking through a flow of poses as if they were items on a to-do list, instructors at Shree take the time to explain in great detail the form of each pose. Students are asked to widen their thighbones, pull their belly buttons into their backs, or push their pinkies to the floor. These instructions might seem abstract or overly articulate at first, but they’re vital to creating the necessary space to get into a pose. And they make it safer and more comfortable to get out of it. It’s a way for students to get to know their bodies and advance their practice. Minor adjustments in position and breathing are all part of creating a larger sense of peace and freedom — both of which Shree hold paramount. As one class description at Shree puts it: “Stillness is never static, rigid or breathless, but arises from knowing the subtle spaciousness within our own skin. Befriend the bones and fasciae highways to allow larger muscle groups to swim through space.” For more information, including a schedule of classes and workshops, prices and instructor bios, visit shreeyogataos.com. You can also call Shree at (575) 758-8014.
30 BEST OF TAOS 2014 • TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT 30 BEST OF TAOS • TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
inviting
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT • BEST OF TAOS 2014 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT • BEST OF TAOS
31 31
it could only happen in taos —
really Lots of people, it would appear, have lots of ideas about what makes Taos an unusual place.
By Joan Livingston
t
he number one answer among the people who responded to the survey question, not surprising, was the infamous Taos Hum, that mysterious buzz some people say they hear. So what else could only happen in Taos? Many offered weird weather — sometimes four seasons in one day. They wrote about traditions such as fiestas and Christmas Eve at Taos Pueblo, Earthships, and “lots of hippies doing hippy things.” Other examples of things truly Taos were “the guy towing his VW with his Harley” and “a woman shopping at Cid’s produce in a 40-yearold wedding dress and no one bats an eye.” Here are others: a mansion and a trailer built next to each other and a pack of feral Chihuahuas running around by Albertson’s. How about “You could trade a house for a bus
and it would be an improvement”? Or, “first prize in a raffle (Talpa Community Center) is a hog ready for slaughter.” Another writer noted one could “bathe with a naked hobo in the hot springs followed by a fine dining experience.” Artist Ed Sandoval got several mentions for riding his horse in the Plaza while in costume. One person wrote he overheard someone say, “Yeah my spiritual therapist said I need to get more grounded, so I order the steak … even though I am a vegetarian.” Here’s another observation: “Something that could only happen in Taos is the beautiful moon, moon, sunsets, etc. over the mountains … and seeing a man with cat on his head.” Finally, one person wrote, “You name it.” Yes, that about sums up Taos.
“Bathe with a naked hobo in the hot springs followed by a fine dining experience.”
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Voted BEST Wi-Fi LOCATION - Thank You, Taos!
coffee cyber cafe gallery At La Posta Road & Felicidad - Behind Albertsons High-Speed Internet - WiFi Hotspot, Computer Rental or bring your own Private Office/Meeting Room Rental, Covered Patios, Beautiful Gardens Absolute BEST Coffees, Teas, Smoothies, Gourmet Foods Art Gallery Featuring Local Artists www.wiredcoffeeshop.com 575-751-WIRE Open 7 days a week
FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE SOUTH SIDE...
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for choosing us
Best of Taos, 2014.
1ST PLACE BEST GYM/ WORKOUT FACILITY SINCE 2003
We are honored.
758-3027 rmdraper@laplaza.org
Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road License # 61030
2ND PLACE BEST YOGA STUDIO
THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE TAOS!
THANK YOU AGAIN TAOS!
We feel so Blessed to call Taos home and Blessed that you again selected the Living Light Gallery the Best In Taos! It has been our good fortune to be in the Taos Historic District for 16 yrs and we appreciate your support over the years. Stop in to see the new work and the new Music from Angel Fire poster with Lenny’s Otonal image! LENNY FOSTER Living Light Gallery 107 Kit Carson rd (on the boardwalk) www.lennyfoster.com • golenny@lennyfoster.com 575-737-9150
On the e South Sid Some Restrictions Apply
758-1980 www.taosspa.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best shopping
— continued from page 28 —
best place to ship a package 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
The UPS Store 1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8647 theupsstore.com Jack Wrap-It Global 925 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1111
Taos Tack & Pet Supply 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-9798 taostackandpetsupply.com Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply 214 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1841
Tina Larkin Photographer Lenny Foster’s Living Light Gallery was voted Best Gallery by readers of The Taos News.
best place to buy floor coverings
best home furnishings
first place
1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
1st
Dan’s Carpet & Window Coverings 7237 State Road 518, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-2420 Vargas Tile Company 4114 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5986 vargastile.com
first place
2nd
•
second place
Del Norte Liquors 1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-8904
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
Taos Lifestyle 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (855) 550-5520 taoslifestyle.com Graystone Furniture and the Sofa gallery 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1266 graystonefurniture.com
best jeweler 1st
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
BEST OF TAOS 2014
best place to buy a mattress
1st
best liquor store
34
best place to buy pet supplies
2nd
first place
1st
second place
2nd
1st
first place
Wolfgang’s Spa Works 1210 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-1857 wolfgangspas.com
Graystone Furniture and the Sofa gallery 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1266 graystonefurniture.com
best local rock shop
Larry Martinez Jeweler 822 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4169 larrymartinezjeweler.com
Chavez Fine Jewelers 622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-9319 chavezfinejewelers.com
Taos Lifestyle 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (855) 550-5520 taoslifestyle.com
best place to buy a hot tub
first place
best place to fill up your tank 1st
Taos Gems & Minerals 637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3910
second place
Taos Rockers 229 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-2326 taosrockers.com
first place
Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com
2nd
second place
Northside Allsup’s 507 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-0037
It’s So YOU!
THANK YOU TAOS
Thanks, Taos! You make us the Best Year after Year!
FOR VOTING ME
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT Diane Enright
Associate Broker Prudential Taos Real Estate
SALES • MAINT. • SERVICE
Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm • 758-1857 • 1210J Salazar Road • Taos • wolfgangspas.com
Thank you Taos for Your Vote! đ?…Ą
BEST JAZZ PERFORMER
2014
đ?…Ą
Dan, Larry and I play at the Alley Cantina every Sunday night at 7:30- 9:30
thank you for giving us a reason to smile TAoS DenTAl gRoup: 2nD BeST DenTiST
A special “Thanks� to all our clients & friends. In our office we say that “OUR CLIENTS ARE #1�, and you are. You definitely have my vote for Best of Taos! and Thank You to my fellow Realtors, PruTaos, title companies, mortgage brokers, attorneys, appraisers, surveyors, septic inspectors, plumbers, electricians, and inspectors that are often involved in a single closing. You’re the ones that help make everything happen. And a very, very special “Thanks� to Janet Dearing, the best administrative assistant ever, and my single biggest asset in a demanding business. Upbeat, efficient, caring. I couldn’t do it without her.
Prudential Taos Real Estate 314A N. Pueblo Rd. • Taos, NM
575-758-List(5478) or 575-758-1924
www.taoshomes.com
THANKS TAOS FOR THE VOTE OF BEST VETERINARIAN! SALAZAR ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC
1392 Weimer Road
575.758.8654 575.758.8303
Suite A Suite B
DR. KIM SIDES, DR. TRISHA ALBIN, DR. SUE FELSER
758-9115 • 1025 Salazar Rd. Taos, NM 87571 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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Taos Lions Club focuses energy on youth programs By Cody Olivas • Photo by Tina Larkin
B
ack in 1939, a former Lion named Ernie Martínez found the Tío Vivo merry-go-round in a Peñasco barn and acquired it for Taos Lion’s Club. Today, 75 years later, the merrygo-round still makes an appearance at the annual Fiestas de Santiago y Santa Ana in Taos. Grandparents take their grandchildren on the ride and remember when they themselves were kids riding it. “That’s just a part of Taos,” Lion Lou Sturbois said. “No other club has anything like it.”
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Riding Tío Vivo has always been free and the club wants as many kids as possible to ride it whenever they bring it out. They do put up a donation box on the ride, but the entirety of that money is used for upkeep of the carousel. “We kind of unify around (Tío Vivo),” Sturbois said, noting that every local Lion helps out when they bring the carousel out to share with the community. Tío Vivo is one of the more fun things that Taos Lions Club (voted Best Civic Organization) does. Helping detect eye problems in elementary kids, however, is perhaps the club’s most important endeavor. “It’s so important to get young, elementary children started on the right foot,” Sturbois said. “Children who have impaired vision often fall behind and never catch up.” To that end, the local group scans the eyes of elementary students in Taos, Peñasco, Questa, Angel Fire and Cimarrón every year using sophisticated machines that give them a
comprehensive readout of potential problems. “The eyesight program (KidSight) is the highlight of the club,” Sturbois said. “That’s where we spend most of our resources.” It isn’t the only thing the club spends its resources on though. In 2003, the club started offering scholarships to local high school graduates — giving them $1,000 per year for up to four years of college. In 2010, the group was able to start giving two annual awards away. The club also sponsors local Boy Scout troops and cub packs. The club’s Toast of Taos wine festival and golf tournament, held annually at the Taos Country Club, is the group’s biggest fundraiser. “That’s where we raise almost all of our funds,” Sturbois said. Beyond playing golf and enjoying wine, the community steps up and helps the club make the event a success by signing up as sponsors or donating prizes.
Thanks, Taos for Voting Us the Best!
Home-grown and home-built, we’ve been here for our customers for over 92 years!
315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • 758-2271
1st Place:
Best New Mexican Food Best Red • Best Green Thank you Taoseños for Your loyal support and referrals! -Orlando, Yvette and Crew
1.8 miles north of Taos Plaza • 751.1450
Taos Lions Club was formed in 1927, just 10 years after Lions Club International. Another New Mexico chapter was recognized the same day – and the two are the oldest in the state. Today membership fluctuates in Taos, but the average is around 70 members “We have the means at this point in our lives to give back to the community,” Sturbois said. “We can give our time, energy and resources to the community.” “Service clubs and the arts are what make towns worth living in,” Lion Douglas Palmer said. “Towns (with service clubs) have can-do attitudes.” The club meets the first and third Thursday of every month at the Quality Inn. “Anyone who wants to come to a Lions meeting, we’re glad to welcome them,” Sturbois said. “I’m proud to be a Lion. It’s a great organization and it’s fun to be a part of.”
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best things to do
Tina Larkin Los Rios raft guide Brian Barnhart steers his boat through one of the many rapids in the Taos Box. Los Rios was voted Best Rafting Company by readers of The Taos News.
best annual event best weekend in taos county getaway 1st
first place
1st
Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade Downtown Arroyo Seco July 4, 2014 visitseco.com
2nd
second place Fiestas de Taos Taos Plaza July 18-20, 2014 fiestasdetaos.com
first place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com
2
nd
second place
Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org
most interesting place to take visitors 1
st
first place
Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism dept.) taospueblo.com
2nd
second place
Río Grande Gorge Bridge On U.S. 64 toward Tres Piedras
best local museum 1st
first place
Millicent Rogers Museum 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos (575) 758-2426 millicentrogers.org
2nd
second place
Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 758-9826 harwoodmuseum.org
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Lisa Davis, CRS, GRI Associate Broker Prudential Taos Real Estate Office: 575-758-1924 Cell: 770-2938 Best of Taos 2011, 2012, 2013 and Second Place 2014!
“Thank you Taos: The most magnificent place to call home!”
www.enchantedtaos.com
Thank You!
Your support as donors and volunteers makes CAV Taos County’s Best Non-Profit… Fostering and supporting communities free from all forms of domestic and sexual violence…
Call 758-8082 to volunteer Donate online at taoscav.org or Shop the CAV Thrift Store
24 Hour Domestic / Sexual Violence Crisis Line 758-9888
Community Against Violence, Inc. Founded 1978
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best things to do
— continued from page 38 —
best hiking/ jogging trail 1st
2
nd
first place
1st
first place
second place
2nd
second place
Williams Lake Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/williams_lake.html Wheeler Peak Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/wheeler_peak.html
best place for kids to have fun 1st
best ski & snowboard area
first place
second place
Taos Youth & Family Center 407 Paseo del Cañon East, Taos (575) 758-4160 taosyouth.com
best place to enjoy free wifi 1st
first place
1st
second place Taos Plaza Downtown Taos taos.org/art/taos-plaza
first place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Baños Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com
2nd
second place
John Dunn Bridge On County Road B-007, over the Río Grande near Arroyo Hondo Río Grande National Monument
best place to soak 1st
first place
2nd
second place
Wired? Coffee-Cyber-Café 705 Felicidad Lane, Taos (575) 751-9473 wiredcoffeeshop.com
2nd
Angel Fire Resort Miller Lane, Angel Fire (800) 633-7463 angelfireresort.com
best place to take a dip
Twirl Toy Store & Play Space 225 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 751-1402 twirlhouse.com
2nd
Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com Black Rock Hot Springs Past the John Dunn Bridge taos.org
best rafting company 1st
first place
Los Ríos River Runners 1033 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (800) 544-1181 losriosriverrunners.com
2nd
second place
Far Flung Adventures (800) 359-2627 farflung.com
Tina Larkin Ashley Macy walks in front of the Arroyo Seco Mercantile truck during 2013 4th of July Parade Extravaganza in Arroyo Seco. The annual parade was voted Best Annual Event in Taos County. Rick Romancito Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was voted the Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors by readers of The Taos News. Andy Jones Twirl Toystore and Playspace was voted Best Place for Kids to Have Fun.
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CARLOS’ BARBERSHOP CARLOS JEANTETE MASTER BARBER 402 PASEO DEL PUEBLO SUR
(575) 758-7187
“BEST BARBER SHOP” 2014
HOURS: Mon-Tues 8:30am to 5:30pm Thurs - Sat 8:30am to 6:30pm Closed Weds & Sun
Michael Hearne and South by Southwest thank you for naming Michael Hearne
Pictured: Zeke Severson, Michael Hearne, Carmen Accioli
“Best Local Country Band” of the year!
Don’t forget my 12th annual Big Barn Dance Music Festival September 4, 5, and 6 at the Taos Ski Valley this year! Hope to see you there!
THANK YOU TAOS! To every member of our Project Teams: Employees, Subcontractors, Material Suppliers and Architects, whose dedication and outstanding efforts make our award winning projects possible; and to our Customers and Project Owners over the years….
Thank you Taos and Northern New Mexico!
For voting Wayne Rutherford General Contractor, Inc. “Best of Taos” for a fourth time.
Of the ear A luxury mountain home balances energy efficiency and sacred space in Valdez
Now on newsstands
We
you, too. FIRST PLACE:
Best Local Radio Station Best Radio Personality: Paddy Mac Best Live Music Venue Best Place to Watch the Game SECOND PLACE: Website • Patio
Thank you, Taos!
219 Cruz Alta, Taos, NM
575-751-7028 (voice), 575-758-0707 (fax) NM contractor licenses 50889 & 353973 - GB-98
www.taosdesignbuild.com Build on our Experience. We do.
Full bar & restaurant open 7 days a week, happy hour 4-6 KTAOS Solar Center, 9 State Road 150, Taos Info @ KTAOS.com or 575-758-KTAO TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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what’s the
hot
issue? By Joan Livingston
What are the hottest issues in Taos these days? From the responses we received, it appears the ones from last year may still be simmering.
i town and county, plus hopes they are over.
n particular people focused on conflicts between the
One person wrote, “Can the new mayor bring about positive change, unified working together and economic development?” Another offered, “Corruption at city hall and seeing what the new mayor and his staff will do.” However, many people weren’t easy on politicians, or “lousy politicians” as one person wrote. They wrote about political corruption, politics as usual and politics as always. “Glad the crappy/self-serving ones just got thrown out of office,” one person wrote. The regional airport was the most popular topic. Others were Taos Ski Valley and its sale to billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon, Holy Cross Hospital, land use, the economy — “Can not keep losing businesses (shops, restaurants, galleries) and still keep attracting tourists” was one answer. Then there was the environment, particularly water and the effects of the drought. One person bemoaned the lack of snow: “This is Taos’ main attraction and it has been limited these days.”
“Glad the crappy/self-serving ones just got thrown out of office.”
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Thank you Taos!
Your favorite consignment shop
pieces consignment More Pieces and
Pieces - 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos- 575-737-0500 More Pieces - 216 & 28 Paseo del Canon, Taos -575-737-5112 www.piecestaos.com Pieces Taos on FB
THANK YOU AGAIN for Voting US the BEST of Taos!
BEST BREAKFAST “40” Years and Still Cooking 7 Days a week Mon-Thurs: 7:00am to 2:30pm
Open til 8pm Fri - Sun 304 N. Pueblo Road, Taos • 3 blocks north of the Plaza
575-758-4178
Full menu at www.michaelskitchen.com or come by for your menu.
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Nathaniel Evans: From school bus birth to ‘best teacher in Taos’ By Jim O’Donnell | Photos by Tina Larkin
“W
ell, I was born on a school bus in Talpa. Teaching was just destiny, I guess,” says Nathaniel Evans. “Ya. Literally. Born on the school bus.” The people of Taos recently chose Evans as Best Teacher in Taos for 2014. “MysterE” as the kids call him, teaches math and science for 7th and 8th Grade at the Taos Charter School. What does that mean to be the best teacher in our town? What makes a great teacher?
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I posed that question to another amazing Taos educator, Orion Cervio. “A great teacher is a professional dedicated to serving community through upholding the highest standards of dialogue,” he said.
quality of life. While teachers are generally hamstrung by low pay, ideological attacks and widespread poverty among American families, the impact of high-quality teachers should not be discounted.
Asking around about what makes Evans a great teacher turns up his respect for the students and how he values their ideas. Others say he creates a sense of community in the classroom and gives his students a sense of belonging. Another common theme about Evans is that he is caring, enthusiastic and available for the kids. As a parent, I know that the best teachers for my children are those that also set high expectations for the students and inspire them through their own love of knowledge and learning. Evans apparently has that too.
A recent study at Harvard University found that an excellent teacher such as Evans has a profound impact on test scores, as well as the likelihood a child will go on to college and how much the child will earn as an adult. An excellent teacher is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to their students through their working lives. The study also found that excellent teachers can even help reduce teen pregnancy rates.
It is not hyperbole to say that our nation’s struggling education system is one of the biggest threats to the wellbeing of our democracy, our economy and our national
“Unfortunately, American political schizophrenia has stripped away the cultural respect that should be afforded to the professional class entrusted with the next generation’s minds and hearts,” Cervio says.
Taos Charter School's seventh and eighth grade math and science teacher, Nathaniel Evans, hard at work.
While Evans steered clear of politics he quickly pointed out that being an excellent teacher requires a supportive atmosphere. “The fun and the good time of education gets lost a lot of the time in this town. Schools and families simply cannot disconnect,” he said. “I love the kids and they love me and we work together to succeed,” he said. “It isn’t just me. We also have supportive parents and an excellent administration that is supportive of teachers. That freedom allows me to be passionate about what I do. That freedom allows me to develop a deeper relationship with the kids. I can fight for them and they know it.” “I’ve gotten letters from graduating seniors who thanked me for the impact I had on their lives. On a tough day, that can really push you through to a good end.”
destiny TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best entertainment
best live music venue 1st
first place
KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktaos.com
2nd
second place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
best place to shake your booty 1st
first place
Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com
2nd
second place
The Alley Cantina 121 Teresina Lane, Taos (575) 758-2121 alleycantina.com
best local singer/ songwriter 1st
first place
Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
2nd
second place Max Gomez maxgomezmusic.com
best local jazz group or perform 1st
first place
Christine Autumn (575) 751-1885 christineautumn.com
2nd
second place Big Swing Theory facebook.com
best spanish language band or performer 1st
first place
El Grupo Mezcal facebook.com
2nd Lorraine Wyant Michael Hearne earned enough votes to be named Best Local Country Band or Performer.
second place
Darren Córdova y Calor darrencordovaycalor.com — continues on page 48 —
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Congratulations Ashley Edenfield
2014 Best of Taos Grand Sweepstakes Winner
Ashley Edenfield of Taos (left) receives her prize from Production and IT director Ray Seale. Ashley won a new Apple iPad for voting in The Taos News’ online Best of Taos survey.
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best entertainment 48
Tina Larkin Taos Mesa Brewing was voted Best Brewery, Best Bar and Best Beer Selection. The venue was also named second place in the Best Live Music Venue category.
— continued from page 46 —
best local best local rock group or country band performer or performer
BEST OF TAOS 2014
1
st
first place
1
second place
2nd
st
The Damn Band thedamnband.com
2nd
Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
•
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
best local radio station 1st
Michael Hearne michaelhearne.com
second place Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com
2nd
first place
best local radio personality
KTAOS 101.9 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktaos.com
1
KKIT 95.9 125 Camino de la Merced (575) 758-4491 facebook.com/ kkitthemountain
2nd
st
first place
best place to hit the jackpot 1st
Taos Mountain Casino 700 Veterans Highway (575) 737-0777 taosmountaincasino. com
Paddy Mac, KTAO 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 • ktaos.com
second place
second place Michael Dean, KKIT 125 Camino de la Merced (575) 758-4491 facebook.com/ kkitthemountain
first place
2nd
second place Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino (877) 455-7775 buffalothunderresort. com
Best Brunch (1st Place) Thank you, Taos!!
Thank you, Taos, for voting us… 2014 Best Place to Gear up for the Slopes
SERVING BEER & WINE
Creative Latin-French cuisine at affordable prices. French Bread, Croissants & Pastries are made fresh daily. Serving Breakfast & Lunch - Tuesday thru Sunday - 8am to 3pm Full menu at www.GutizTaos.com
SERVING SERVING BEER BEER&&WINE WINE
812B Paseo del Pueblo Norte - Taos - (575) 758-1226
THANKS TAOS!
WE’RE PROUD TO HAVE EARNED YOUR VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING: Best Bar Best Beer Selection Best Brewery Best Place to Shake Your Booty
We also have all of your summer needs covered, from skateboarding to clothing and shoes!
SKI SHOPS 1-800-322-8267
www.cottamsriogranderafting.com • info@cottamsriogranderafting.com
The UPS Store
™
The UPS Store
THANK YOU for Voting Us
Best Place to Ship a Package Again & Again & Again
We’re Experts in Packing & Shipping of Artwork, Collectibles, & Your Valuables… Locally Owned, Nationally Known Jeanne Timber – “The Shipping Diva”
The UPS Store™
1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • Taos, NM 87571
575-758-8647 • (fax) 575-758-8667 Located Between Days Inn and Super 8
3 minutes west of the old blinking light off highway 54 www.taosmesabrewing.com 575-758-1900
™
Thank you
Taos County & Moreno Valley for Voting Us
Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Five Years in a Row
Celebrating 26 Years Serving Taos
Dan’sCarpets
Hardwood • Tile • window Coverings ranchos de Taos • 7237 Highway 518
575-758-2420 • danscarpetandfloors.com • danscarpet@yahoo.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best services
Elliott Martin Ruben at Johnny’s Barber Shop in Taos maintains his work station meticulously. That same attention to detail has earned the business Best Barber Shop honors in the 2014 Best of Taos.
best real estate agency 1
st
2nd
first place
Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924 prudentialtaosrealestate.com
second place
Century 21 Real Estate 829 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-0080 c21success.com
best pet groomer 1st
first place
10,000 Wags Pet Resort 24822 U.S. 64, El Prado (575) 751-9247 10000wags.com
2nd
best real estate agent 1
st
2nd
second place Avalyn’s Paw Spa 1036 Reed St., Taos (575) 613-6188 avalynspawspa.com
2
nd
1st
first place
Diane Enright, Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5478 taoshomes.com
2nd
Lisa Davis, Prudential Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924 enchantedtaos.com
first place
Taos Tattoo and Piercing Gallery 208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 224-3077 taostattoo.com
second place
Local Boyz 726-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 613-2948 facebook.com
best barber shop
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Salon Marjorie 237 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 751-7246 salonmarjorie.com
second place
best place to get inked (tattoo parlor) 1st
best hair salon
Salon X 226-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1584 salonxtaos.com
first place
Johnny’s Barber Shop 308 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4286
second place
Carlos’ Barber Shop 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7187
best place to best place for a pamper your skin massage 1st
first place
1st
first place
2nd
second place
2nd
second place
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 • ojospa.com El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 50 Los Baños Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 • ojospa.com El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com — continues on page 52 —
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THANK YOU Taoseños for voting us
HOMEFIRE SECURITY
Best Place To Catch A Game THE
PREVENTING CHIMNEY FIRES SINCE
1978
Thank You Taos for Voting Us Best Chimney Service!
Terry’s
CHIMNEY SERVICE CHIMNEY • STOVE • FIREPLACE
575-758-1825 575-758-8866 thegorgebarandgrill.com located in the historic Taos Plaza
THANK YOU ALL! Best of Taos 2nd Place
STORE HOURS: MON-FRI 9-5, SAT 10-2 OR BY APPOINTMENT NEW LOCATION 314 D PASEO DEL PUEBLO NORTE WWW.TERRYSCHIMNEY.COM
Thank You, M ¡ uchа Graciа!
For Voting Us 1st Place Best Roadside Food Stand From Every 9 Years In A Row!
-NM Tourism De
Wilder Nightingale Fine Art 119 Kit Carson Road Taos, NM 758-3255 www.wnightingale.com
one a t Ma Jan e’s
Voted one of the st 50 best breakfa M burritos in N . ! pt
Ma Jane’s
23 Years in Business • Serving New Mexican Favorites With A Smile! 575-770-1171
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best services
Tina Larkin Taos Spa & Tennis Club earned honors as Best Gym & Workout Facility and was second place in the Best Yoga Studio and Best Place to Play Tennis categories.
— continued from page 50 —
best yoga studio 1st
first place
Shree Yoga 112-C Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-8014 shreeyogataos.com
2nd
second place
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
best bed & breakfast 1st
2nd
52
BEST OF TAOS 2014
•
first place
Casa Benavides Bed & Breakfast Inn 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-1772 taos-casabenavides.com
second place
Dreamcatcher Bed and Breakfast 416 La Lomita Road, Taos (575) 758-0613 dreambb.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
best gym & workout facility 1st
best place to play best lodging for tennis visitors
first place
1st
second place
2nd
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
2nd
1st
2
nd
second place
2nd
Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com
best bank 1st
first place
first place
Centinel Bank 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700 707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com
El Monte Sagrado 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
second place
San Francisco de Asís Church 60 St. Francis Plaza, Taos (575) 758-2754
1st
Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge 88 State Road 150, Taos (575) 776-3447 taostennis.com
Northside Health & Fitness Center Spa 1307 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 751-1242 facebook.com
best place to say “i do”
first place
2nd
second place
Peoples Bank 1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-4500
first place
El Monte Sagrado 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-3502 elmontesagrado.com
second place
Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com
219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-4211 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur (inside Albertson’s) (575) 758-5999 5 Supermarket Road, Questa (575) 586-2001 121-4D E. Main St., Red River (575) 754-6224 bankingunusual.com
— continues on page 54 —
Thank you Taos for voting us “Best Pet Groomer” We are here to help you with all your grooming needs.
ARROYO SECO’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE
BEST ANNUAL EVENT!
Jen Romero, Grooming Manager
Pet Resort + The Bow-WOW-Tique
575.751.9247
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS Tennis Courts and Lessons • Swimming Pool Walk-Ins Welcome
Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge 575-776-3447 • 88 State Road 150 taostennis.com
THANKS for making us the
#1
rafting and outdoor adventure
operation in Taos!
Thank You Taos!
We will see you Friday, July 4th, Noon.
Thank you everyone! I play for you.
Jimmy 1ST PLACE
Best Local Singer/Songwriter
2ND PLACE
Best Local Rock Group or Performer Best Local Country Band or Performer
losriosriverrunners.com info@losriosriverrunners.com 575-776-8854 • 800-544-1181
www.jimmystadler.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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best services
Tina Larkin Metric Motors was voted Best Auto Repair Shop for the 2014 Best of Taos.
— continued from page 52 —
best plumber 1st
first place
Phoenix Mechanical 1217 Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-3027 phoenixmechanical.net
2nd
1st
best building contractor first place
2
nd
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
•
second place
Earthship Biotecture 2 Earthship Way, Tres Piedras (575) 751-0462 earthship.com
TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
1st
second place
2
best green business 1st
first place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
2nd
second place
Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza taosfarmersmarket.org
first place
Metric Motors 1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1658 metricmotorstaos.com nd
Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair (575) 770-7769 baileyschimney.com
Wayne Rutherford 219 Cruz Alta Road, Taos (575) 751-7028 taosdesignbuild.com
2nd
best auto repair shop
Terry’s Chimney Service 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1825 terryschimney.com
second place
Hawk Mechanical 1132 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4433 hawkmechanical.net
1st
best chimney sweeps
second place
best insurance company 1st
Wanda Lucero, State Farm 211 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-5433 statefarm.com
2nd
1st
first place
Centinel Bank 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos • (575) 758-6700
second place
Brown & Brown Insurance 627 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2244 bbinsurance.com
Taos Offroad & Performance 1010 Dea Lane, Taos (575) 758-7144 taosoffroad.com
business with the best customer service
first place
2nd
second place
Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com
707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos • (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com — continues on page 56 —
Year after Year, the Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir and Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors
Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm Sunday: 8:30am – 4:30pm Guided Tours available daily starting at 9:00 am. • Shops Available For more information: 575-758-1028 www.taospueblo.com
Thank you EVERY SiNgle year! for voting us best again
1st
1st Place
Best Grocery Store Best Place to Buy Fresh Fruits and Veggies Best Place to Eat Your Greens Best Green Business
2nd
2nd Place
Best Customer Service
The best selection of prepared foods in Taos including hot food and organic salad bars! Pastries baked fresh daily with some gluten-free varieties too! Monday - Saturday • 8:00am - 8:00pm
623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte . Taos, NM
(575) 758-1148
www.cidsfoodmarket.com
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best services
Elliott Martin Dr. Kellie Harris, DDS, and her team at Northern New Mexico Cosmetic Dentistry.
— continued from page 54 —
best financial advisor 1st
first place
best local elected best local website best dentist official 1 first place 1 first place st
1st
Ric Tredwin (Edward Jones) 707 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-7285 edwardjones.com
2
nd
second place
Billy Knight (Knight Financial Unlimited) 115 La Posta Road, Taos (575) 751-3388
first place
Dan Barrone, town of Taos mayor 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-2000 dbarrone@taosgov.com taosgov.com
2
nd
second place
Fritz Hahn, town of Taos councilor 400 Camino de la Placita (575) 751-2000 fhahn@taosgov.com taosgov.com
st
taosnews.com The Taos News 226 Albright St., Taos (575) 758-2241
2nd
Dr. Kellie Harris (Northern New Mexico Center for Cosmetic Dentistry) (575) 751-9661 kellieharrisdds.com
second place
ktao.com KTAOS Solar Radio 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826
2nd
second place
Dr. Justin Nylund 1392 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-8654 taoscosmeticdentalcenter.com
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
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“IT’S NOT JUST HOW YOU TREAT THE ILLNESS. IT’S HOW YOU TREAT THE PATIENT.” – MARY MERRELL,R.N. | FOUNDER AND CEO, AMBERCARE
Thank You Taos For Voting Us 1st Place To Buy Pet Supplies
When we created Ambercare our mission was clear. Choosing care giving over cost-cutting. Compassion over compensation. Providing a level of loving care that would profit our patients first. 19 years later we still serve our patients from our heartstring, not our purse strings. Isn’t that the care you want for those you love?
TAOS TACK AND PET SUPPLY Top Quality Horse & Pet Care Products
Best of Taos 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575-737-9798 • www.taostackandpetsupply.com
HOME HEALTHCARE | HOSPICE | PERSONAL CARE SERVICES MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
1.877.861.0060 or visit ambercare.com
AMB395_4.75"x11.5"_(m1mm).indd 1
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BEST OF TAOS 2014
best services
Tina Larkin Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge was the voters’ choice for Best Place to Play Tennis.
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best doctor 1st
first place
Dr. Lucas Schreiber 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150 (575) 758-3005 familypracticeassociatesoftaos.com
2
nd
best educator 1st
2nd
2nd
first place
Lions Club International taoslions.org
best administrative assistant 1st
2nd
BEST OF TAOS 2014
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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT
first place
Jeanelle Romo-Lucero, Taos Public Library 402 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-3063 taoslibrary.org
second place
Taos Milagro Rotary Club taosrotary.org
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second place
Larry Torres University of New MexicoTaos lartor.com
Dr. Christian Killer 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3005
1st
1st
Nathaniel Evans Taos Charter School taoscharterschool.org
second place
best civic organization
first place
best veterinarian
second place
Stephanie Francisco, NonviolenceWorks (575) 758-4297 nonviolentmen.org
2nd
first place
best local nonprofit
Salazar Road Vet 1025 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-9115 salazarroadvetclinic.com
1st
first place
Taos Veterinary Clinic 41 State Road 522, Taos (575) 758-7310 taosvetclinic.com
2nd
second place
second place
Community Against Violence (575) 758-8082 taoscav.org Stay Hearts Animal Shelter 1200 St. Francis Lane, Taos (575) 758-2981 strayhearts.org