Best of Taos 2015

Thank You Taos For Voting For Ojo Best Place for a Massage • Best Place to Pamper Your Skin Best Place to Take a Dip • Best Place to Soak

We are committed to protecting the relaxing tranquility of this sacred place.

505.583.2233

Wanda Lucero

ojospa.com

211 Kit Carson Road

ojocaliente

575.737.5433

wandalucero.com

What a great time... to be a girl!

Thank you, Taos f taos to s e “People’s

B

201 5

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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Who decides contents Best of Taos?

You do Y Features 10 Dr. Larry Schreiber:

ou’re the best! No, really, you are. Without you, The Taos News would never be able to put together our annual Best of Taos publication. I mean, we could, but it would just be our opinions. But with the input of our readers we’re able to apply the democratic process to something that is absolutely subjective.

That is, calling anything “the best” is purely subjective. That’s one of those words that doesn’t actually mean much if you’re just casually throwing it around. However, if you take 2,500 people, and 1,251 of them (or 800, 400, whatever it takes to have a majority) say that something is the best, then you might be onto something. It’s at least as scientific as any of those online review sites we like to check out when we’re looking for a restaurant in another town.

So, qualifiers out of the way, here it is; here we are, with our 2015 Best of Taos. As usual, there are some surprises (depending on who you are and what surprises you).

There are also some businesses or organizations who have run the table in their respective categories for years on end. That’s consistency.

Our goal is to create a “Best Of” that represents a consensus opinion of our readers and hopefully the

community at large. Another purpose of our online survey is to have some fun with our readers. That’s where our four essay questions come in. They provide an opportunity for readers to express grievances, celebrate and flaunt the quirkiness of our region.

The answers are often revealing, humorous and insightful. And our editor, Joan Livingston must enjoy the task of reading them and sharing them with our readers, because she volunteers to do it year after year.

At the end of the day this is a survey ... it’s not science and because of all the quality competition in our county (in nearly every single category), there’s a good chance that more people disagree with any single category results than agree. Of course, none of those people agree with each other either. But, in the interest of fairness, we like to suggest that if you don’t like the results of this year’s survey, get to work. The 2016 Best of Taos survey will appear online sometime next March. You have eight months to lobby, or you can work hard and try to earn those votes by doing everything just a little bit better.

Thanks to everyone who

participated in this year’s survey.

— Andy Jones, special sections editor

Once again, Best of Taos,

by Teresa Dovalpage

40

Taos Tattoo and

Body Piercing: At classic Taos

tattoo parlor, friendliness

matches feel-good vibes,

by Cody Hooks

Mezcal: Where 12 Essay: Too hot to handle 44 EltheyGrupo play, the crowd will follow, 18 Wired Cyber-Coffee

by Andrew Oxford

Cafe: Get connected, get caffeinated,

by Jordan Miera

20

Essay: Powering on when the Internet was out

26

Salon X: An urban experience in downtown Taos,

by Gabriel Weinstein

30

W ayne Rutherford: 40-year overnight success story,

by J.R. Logan

32 Black Mesa Winery:

Making New Mexico a wine destination,

by Teresa Dovalpage

36 Essay:

A reality check in Taos

taos news staff

46

Essay: Now for the Taos personality test

48 Stephanie Francisco:

The office guru at NonViolence Works,

by Teresa Dovalpage

Best of Taos Results 6 Best Food & Drink 22 Best Shopping 38 Best Things to Do 50 Best Entertainment 53 Best Services Robin Martin, owner Chris Baker, publisher Joan Livingston, editor Chris Wood, advertising manager Andy Jones, special sections editor Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer Jennifer Taphorn, production manager Katharine Egli, photographer

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Cover Design: Michelle M. Gutierrez and Jennifer Taphorn

Thank You Taos!

Best Financial Advisor

Stop by for a conversation about how we can help you invest in a brighter future.

KNIGHT Financial

Ltd.

Wealth Management Group

La Posta Road Suite D 575.751.3388 115 Taos NM 87571 Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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BEST FOOD & DRINK

Katharine Egli Cid’s Food Market and Salad Bar was selected by The Taos News readers as Best Place to Eat Your Greens, Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Your Fruits and Veggies, and Best Green Business.

Best Restaurant in Taos County 1st

Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com

2nd

The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net

Best Breakfast 1

st

2nd

Best New Restaurant

Taos Diner 908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2374 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989 taosdiner.com Michael’s Kitchen 304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4178 michaelskitchen.com

1st

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5522 taosburgersandbeer.com

Best Brunch

2

Bear Claw Bakery & Cafe 228 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1332

2nd

nd

1st

Gutiz 812 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

Best Breakfast Burrito 1st

Mante’s Chowcart 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3632

2nd

Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 770-1171

Best Place to Eat Your Greens 1

st

2nd

Cid’s Food Market and Salad Bar 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery 1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 758-5683 farmhousecafeandbakery.com

Best New Mexican 1st

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/OrlandosNewMexicanCafe

2nd

Ranchos Plaza Grill 8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos • (575) 758-5788

Best Traditional Mexican 1st

Guadalajara Grill South: 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-0063 North: 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com

2nd

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 facebook.com/OrlandosNewMexicanCafe — continues on page 8 —

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THANK YOU TAOS!

voted best Taos restaurant 2015 voted best wait staff 2015

LUNCH MON-SAT 11:30-2:30 | SAT & SUN BRUNCH 11:30-2:30| DINNER 5:30-CLOSE TREEHOUSE BAR HAPPY HOUR EVERYDAY 2:30-5:30 JOIN US ON OUR BEAUTIFUL PATIO

123 BENT STREET 575-758-1009 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST FOOD & DRINK

— continued from page 6 —

Best Fast Food 1st

Guadalajara Grill South: 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-0063 North: 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-0816 guadalajaragrilltaos.com

2nd

Mante’s Chowcart 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3632

Best Pizza 1st

Taos Pizza Out Back 712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-3112 taospizzaoutback.com

2nd

Pizaños Pizza 23 State Road 150, Taos (575) 776-1050 • taospizza.com

Best Burger 1st

5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com

2nd

Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5522 taosburgersandbeer.com

Best Brewery 1st

Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 • taosmesabrewing.com

2nd

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5522 • taosburgersandbeer.com

Best Roadside Food Stand Mary Jane’s Home Cooking 616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 770-1171

1st 2

Sugar’s BBQ & Hamburgers 1799 State Road 68, Embudo (505) 852-0604

nd

Best Happy Hour 5 Star Burgers 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8484 5starburgers.com

1st

2

8

KTAOS Solar Bar 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

nd

BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Tina Larkin

Orlando’s once again swept both chile categories, earning enough votes to be named Best Red and Best Green.

Best Red

Best Beer Selection

st

1

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 • facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe

1st

Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com

2nd

Ranchos Plaza Grill 8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

2nd

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House 401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-5522 taosburgersandbeer.com

Best Green 1st

Orlando’s New Mexican Cafe 1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos (575) 751-1450 • facebook.com/ OrlandosNewMexicanCafe

2nd

Ranchos Plaza Grill 8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

— continues on page 14 —

Permagrin: [n] A long lasting, blissful smile, usually associated with making others happy.

Best Place to Buy a Mattress 10 Years running!

Best Home Furnishings last 2 years!

Everything home Furnishings 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos 575.758.5885 taoslifestyle.com

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Dr. Larry Schreiber Once again, Best of Taos

By Teresa Dovalpage

D

r. Larry Schreiber has been treating patients in Taos for four decades — he celebrates his 40th year in practice this May. No wonder he was voted the Best Doctor of Taos in 2015 — and 12 other times since The Taos News started this award in 1999.

He was also chosen “Family Physician of the Year 1991” by the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians.

“He is the best, for sure,” patient Lou Vigil said. “He listens to his patients and genuinely cares about them.”

“Well, it has been a good run,” Dr. Schreiber said. “And I have enjoyed it.”

Dr. Schreiber graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1972 and did family practice training at the University of New Mexico Affiliated Hospitals.

His professional life in Northern New Mexico includes his work at the Questa Health Center and the Indian Health Service. He also served with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Dr. Schreiber has transmitted his love of medicine to his family. Three of his children chose health-related careers.

“My son, Lucas has been working as a physician at Family Practice Associates for 12 years and is now a partner,” he said. “He has also been chosen Best Doctor of Taos several times.

My daughter Ciela works with us as a medical assistant, and my daughter YoRi is a medical lab technologist at Holy Cross.”

One of Dr. Schreiber’s greatest satisfactions has been witnessing the evolution of the Taos medical community over the years. He is currently working on a collection of essays, “Do No Harm,” that covers everything from his early days in Taos to his extensive medical career in the United States and abroad.

The book describes life in a refugee camp in Cambodia and the streets of Calcutta, and the author’s adventures in fatherhood (Dr. Schreiber has 14 children, four biological and 10 adopted) among many other topics.

Since 1995 he has been the medical director of Mountain Home Hospice.

Schreiber is also co-founder of ChildRite, Inc., New Mexico’s only specialneeds adoption agency, that in its 20 years placed 248 children without charging fees to the adopting parents.

“I also love watching the children of Taos grow up and flourish,” he said. “I have delivered many of them, treated them through childhood, seen them graduate from high school and college, pursue various interests, and become responsible adults.”

In 1979 he opened his private practice in Taos.

Abe Balsamo is among them. Dr. Schreiber delivered him — and his twin brother.

“Dr. Ellen Warren, a native New Mexican, joined me in 1982 to establish Family Practice Associates of Taos, that became the largest physician-owned practice in town,” he said. “Charles Bonfanti, a physician assistant who many people know as Charlie has been working with me since 1976 in Questa.

Mark Steinberg joined the practice in 1992.”

Talking about former colleagues and mentors, Dr. Schreiber remembers two of his early role models.

“Dr. William Kilgore and Dr. Reynaldo Deveaux, who both passed away in the last few years, were a great inspiration for my family practice,” he said.

Today Balsamo works as a physician assistant at Family Practice Associates of Taos and is the creator of several internationally recognized medical apps.

“It’s so wonderful to see them go out into the world and then come back to work in our community,” Dr. Schreiber said. “That’s what makes a true family practice.”

Dr. Schreiber wants to thank the Taos community for its continued support during these 40 years.

“The people of Taos have been good to me,” he said. “I am honored by their love and trust.”

Katharine Egli

Dr. Larry Schrieber poses for a portrait in one of the exam rooms at Family Practice Associates of Taos, off Paseo del Pueblo Sur.

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Too hot to handle o what is the hottest topic this year in Taos — at least according to those who answered the question on our Best of Taos online survey?

S

Not surprising, the top answer was the airport, specifically its expansion.

Or, as one reader responded: “The airport expansion, which I’m against. Environmentally I foresee big problems. Possible military usage, noise pollution etc.”

What was next on the list? Potholes, or to be specific, as one reader put it, “potholes and more potholes.”

Here are more answers: “horrible pot-holed roads”; “terrible roads”; “the insane amount of potholes down the entire ‘main drag’ ”; “potholes becoming craters”; and, “worst pothole situation ever.”

And, as happened in previous years, people weren’t easy on local politicians.

“How obnoxious and bad role models some of our local politicians are!” one person answered.

“The current Town Council’s unwillingness to listen and work with each other and the community,” wrote another.

For those keeping score, last year’s hottest topic was the conflict between town and county officials. But that one didn’t draw much attention this go-round.

—Joan Livingston

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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It never gets old.

Thanks for voting us “Best Bank In Taos” (again).

FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THE SOUTH SIDE...

Banking Unusual at Peoples is about putting you first. It must be working. You’ve voted us “Best Bank in Taos” 9 years out of the last 10.

We love serving you and being part of this special place we all call home.

BEST GYM AND WORKOUT FACILITY THANK YOU AGAIN TAOS!

®

575.758.4500

bankingunusual.com

Member FDIC

On the e South Sid Some Restrictions Apply

758-1980 www.taosspa.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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BEST FOOD & DRINK

— continued from page 8 —

Best Patio 1st

Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com

2nd

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html

Best Margarita 1st

2nd

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html Gorge Bar & Grill 103 East Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8866 thegorgebarandgrill.com

Best Area Winery 1st

Black Mesa Winery 1502 State Road 68, Velarde (505) 852-2820 Black Mesa Tasting Room and Gallery 241 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 758-1969 blackmesawinery.com

2nd

Vivác Winery 2075 State Road 68, Dixon (505) 579-4441 vivacwinery.com

Best Cuppa Joe 1st

Taos Java 1006 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-9405 facebook.com/taosjava

2nd

World Cup 102-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 737-5299

— continues on page 16 — Tina Larkin

5 Star Burgers brought home Best Burger once again.

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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“A History of Elegance”

S ince 1680

The Benavides and McCarthy families have been making Taos a More Beautiful Place

T hank you for voting us

Best Bed & Breakfast for 2015 Tom & Barbara McCarthy

T ha

n k yo u for continuing to shop at Tuesday M orning

Casa Benavides 137 Kit Carson Rd. • 800-552-1772 • www.taos-casabenavides.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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BEST FOOD & DRINK 16

BEST OF TAOS 2015

Tina Larkin

The Love Apple earned Best Ambiance, and took home second place for Best Restaurant.

— continued from page 14 —

Best Bar 1st

2nd

•

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

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth 1st

2nd

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 112 South Plaza, Taos (575) 758-8855 rockymountainchocolatefacto ry.com Taos Cow Ice Cream Company 485 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-5640 taoscow.com

Best Ambiance 1st

2

nd

The Love Apple 803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-0050 theloveapple.net Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com

Best Waitstaff 1st

Lambert’s of Taos 123 Bent St., Taos (575) 758-1009 lambertsoftaos.com

2nd

Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 751-3020 martyrs-steakhouse.com

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US AND HELPING TO KEEP TAOS COOL!

Best Bar Best Beer Selection Best Brewery Best Patio Best Live Music Venue Best Place to Shake Your Booty

WWW.TAOSMESABREWING.COM

THE DEBUT OF KACHINA PEAK LIFT LAST SEASON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. Topping out at 12,450 feet, it gives skiers and riders direct access to the expansive Kachina Bowl, along with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. With events and activities scheduled year-round, it’s the perfect place to connect with nature. Come stay and play at Taos Ski Valley.

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Wired?

CoffeeCyber-Cafe Get connected, get caffeinated

By Jordan Miera

By Jordan Miera

O

n a sunny May morning in Taos, patrons of Wired?

Coffee-Cyber-Cafe were sprawled across the coffee shop's many different areas. Two patrons were engrossed in a game of chess in a covered patio area while another patron enjoyed a cup of coffee and a short telephone call near a koi pond. All this was set to mostly easy-going music, like a song by Norah Jones.

Wired? has been voted Best Place to Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in Taos every year since at least 2009. Justin Kaysing, manager of the coffee hangout, attributes much of its success to its ambiance.

“There's nooks and crannies; there's all kinds of different little zones to this place,” Kaysing said.

“You have the backyard — kind of an organic gardening space back there. You have the koi room. You've got the quiet computer lab room.

You have the little nook-and-cranny seatings everywhere. A lot of people say it's wonderful to be able to either come here and be social, or not.”

vote on which films will be shown.

Of course, the free Wi-Fi also helps. Business professionals may come and be productive while others may choose to come and use the WiFi simply to pass the time.

Kaysing states speeds via Wi-Fi are currently around 6 Mbps download and 13 Mbps upload. Speeds each individual gets will depend on multiple factors, but their actual download speeds will likely be slower than that. Wired? will get dualbanded service soon, which means another DSL line will be brought in. Kaysing expects those speeds will approximately double with the new service.

The manager will also do some light, free computer work for people who come by the shop if they have viruses or some other problem.

Wired? features a menu with more than just coffee, and Kaysing also attributes that to the coffee shop's success. That menu makes the place more of a “one-stop shop,” according to him.

“Every year, we add something new,” Kaysing said.

The coffee shop has a strong sense of community. Kaysing says he has an amazing crew — and amazing people who come in on a regular basis.

Amongst other things, Kaysing plans to add movie nights later this summer as the weather warms up. With that, Wired? could see extended hours, at least on some nights of the week. The movie nights will likely take place Fridays and Saturdays. Because an outdoor projector will be used, the movie nights will focus on films released for "public viewing" to avoid copyright issues. Moviegoers will be able to

“There's actually a large quantity of my regulars who will help out and trade for a cup of coffee or something to [do], things like filtering our coffee grounds for use in all of our gardens,” Kaysing said.

“Some folks come who will just help get those prepped and out on the garden beds. We have a couple regulars who will just come in and weed garden beds. It's a community space, and it is a joy to see that.”

Out front, there are gardens, ponds and other water features.

Katharine Egli

Taoseños enjoy free WiFi at Wired? Cyber Cafe.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Powering on when the Internet was out

or nine hours on March 12, cell phone and Internet service was disrupted in the Taos area — once again — when a fiber-optic line was cut.

F

So we asked folks what they do during these all-toocommon Internet outages.

By the answers it seemed many of those who were Internetdeprived returned to less techy stuff like reading — the number one answer.

One person wrote, “Read The Taos News.” Another wrote, “Read The Taos News more carefully.” (Thank you very much.)

Other people relaxed. Some slept.

“Play music, play with the dog, play outside” was one answer.

“Use actual words with real people” was another.

People took hikes and went on walks. One person answered, “Leave the house and let the sun blind me! Argh, it’s TOOO bright!”

“Enjoy the opportunity to be disconnected.”

“Listen to classical music, sip a little wine and pet my dogs.”

A lot of people claimed to do absolutely nothing.

But for many, the lapse in service was not all fun and games.

One person had to explain to the boss “I can’t work because beavers eat cables where I live.”

Some people admitted to screaming. There appeared to be a lot of crying.

But then there were a number of people who earned bragging rights because they had subscribed to Taosnet, which was unaffected by the outage.

—Joan Livingston

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Thank You Taos!

Thank You Taos

Thank You Taos for Voting Us Your #1 Florist.

Happy Summer!

I Wouldpeople Like To The You are an incredible andThank I thank youVoters for of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies trusting me to help this community andmake Especially My Familymove and forward.

Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To My Wife Della, Without Whom, I Have Done It. Without All of You, I feel we as a community have some great momentum Couldn’t in bringing The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different.

ThetoRace Overwe - Now Taos to a better place, a place we are proud live, Is a place inviteThe ourWork Continues.

Thank You Taos

friends and family, a place where we all work together towards “Workinggoals Together

I Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters, that make the people of Taos as Amazing its Landscape.

Those Who MadeasMonetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To My I look forward to continuing to work withWhom, you. I Couldn’t Have Done It. Without All of You, Wife Della, Without The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different.

We Made A Difference” Thank You for giving me this opportunity toThe serve asIsyour Race OverMayor.

- Now The Work Continues.

Sincerely

DAN BARRONE “Working Together

Your Mayor, Dan Barrone INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING We Made A Difference”

758-3555

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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BEST SHOPPING

Tina Larkin

Clasp your hands together and say “cheese” because photographer Lenny Foster’s Living Light Gallery has once again been voted the Best Gallery in the Taos area.

Best Gallery 1st

2nd

Lenny Foster Living Light Gallery 107 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-9150 lennyfoster.com Michael McCormick Gallery 106 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1372 mccormickgallery.com

Best Hip Gift Shop

22

BEST OF TAOS 2015

st

1

FX|18 103-C Bent Street, Taos (575) 758-8590 fx18.com

2nd

Wabi Sabi 216-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-7801 wabisabigifts.net

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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir 1st

2nd

Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism department) taospueblo.com Millicent Rogers Museum Gift Shop 1504 Millicent Rogers Road, El Prado (575) 758-2462 millicentrogers.org

Best Place to Buy That Perfect Card 1st

2nd

Garden & Soul 137 North Plaza, Taos (575) 751-1825 gardenandsoul.com Unicorn School Supply 311 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4106

Best Place for Bookworms 1st

2nd

Moby Dickens Bookshop 124 Bent Street, Taos (575) 758-3050 mobydickens.com Taos Library 402 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-3063 taoslibrary.org

Best Grocery Store 1st

2nd

Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com

Best Place to Buy Fruits & Veggies 1st

Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com

2nd

Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza (Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., second week of May through October) taosfarmersmarket.org — continues on page 24 —

Thanks Taos!

Thank you

Taos County & Moreno Valley for Voting Us

Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Six Years in a Row

Celebrating 27 Years Serving Taos

Dan’sCarpets

HARDWOOD • TILE • WINDOW COVERINGS Ranchos de Taos • 7237 Highway 518

575-758-2420

•

danscarpetandfloors.com danscarpet@yahoo.com •

218A Paseo del Pueblo Norte 575-758-1241 | www.moxieyarn.com

TAOS DENTAL GROUP OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY

Thank You For Giving Us A Reason To Smile.

Best Dentists: Tom Simms (1st) & Justin Nylund (2nd) Best Administrative Assistant: Carla Gonzales, 2nd Place 1392 Weimer Road

575.758.8303

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST SHOPPING

Tina Larkin

Francesca Medina at Francesca’s Clothing Boutique in Arroyo Seco. Francesca’s was voted Best Women’s Clothing Boutique.

— continued from page 22 —

Best Farmers Market 1st

2nd

Taos Farmers Market Taos Plaza (Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., second week of May through October) taosfarmersmarket.org Red Willow Farmers Market 885 Star Road, Taos Pueblo (575) 770-8688 facebook.com/RedWillow Farm

Best Place to Buy Flowers 1st

2nd

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Best Place to Buy Yarn 1st

2nd

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Taos Fiber Arts 108-A Doña Luz St., Taos (575) 758-8242 taosfiberarts.com

Best Resale Shop 1

st

Buds Cut Flowers & More 711-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3555 budscutflowersandmore.com Enchanted Florist 233-C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3030 taosflorist.com

Moxie Yarn 216-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1256 taosmoxie.com

2

nd

Pieces 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 737-0500 216 and 218 Paseo del Cañon, Taos (575) 737-5112 piecestaos.com CAV Thrift Store 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-4824 • taoscav.org

Best Women’s Clothing Boutique 1st

2nd

Francesca’s Clothing Boutique 492 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco (575) 776-8776 styleintaos.com

1

2nd

1st

Substance of Taos 102 Doña Luz St., Taos (575) 751-0992 facebook.com/substanceoftaos

Best Shoe Store st

Best Place to Gear Up for the Slopes

Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com TaoShoes 133 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-4711 taoshoes.com

2nd

Cottam’s Ski & Outdoor Shop 207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (800) 322-8267 101 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley (575) 776-8719 40 North Angel Fire Road, Angel Fire (575) 377-3700 cottamskishops.com Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com — continues on page 28 —

Thank you everyone!

Working Smarter for our Clients!

I play for you.

-Jimmy Thank you Taos! :)

“Best Real Estate Agent” 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015!

Lisa Davis

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate 575-758-1924 ext 234 lisa@enchantedtaos.com

www.enchantedtaos.com

1Best Local

ST PLACE Rock Group or Performer

Best Singer/ Songwriter

www.jimmystadler.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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Salon X An urban experience in downtown Taos

By Gabriel Weinstein

A

s a child Delta Bayer had no intentions of owning an award-winning salon.

She paid little attention to the local salon scene during her childhood in Taos. Yet, her business, Salon X, was chosen as the Best Hair Salon in this year’s Best of Taos.

“I am not your classic hair-stylist,” Bayer says. “I was a tomboy. I played with cars and trucks and Star Wars figures and dug in the dirt. I was not your classic girl that wanted to grow up and be a hair stylist.”

For the past eight years Bayer and her team at Salon X Hair Salon and Day Spa have offered Taoseños and Taoseñas world-class hair cuts, massages, manicures, pedicures, styling, coloring and spa services.

Salon X also sells environmentally friendly beauty and skin products as well as crafts and jewelry.

Bayer has worked in salons in Seattle, New York City, Paris and Taos. She went to beauty school in Seattle and trained with Jacques Dessange in Paris and Toni & Guy in New York City.

Bayer’s experience in France had a major impact on her development as a stylist. She says she cuts in a French style and that her experience in Paris was crucial in her career development.

“That brought me from being an OK hairstylist to being a really good hair stylist. That changed it for me,” she says.

Bayer and her stylists, estetician

and massage therapist have a combined 99 years of experience in their fields.

“Everyone who works here is really talented and a really, really great hair stylist,” Bayer says.

She is proud that she and her staff work hard on continuing education classes and gaining new certifications.

Bayer and stylist Heather Miro are working on becoming certified American Board Colorists.

Bayer’s vision for a chic salon in the heart of the mountains grew out of her eclectic experiences.

Customers tell Bayer that the salon has the vibe of a bustling urban salon, which was her goal when Salon X moved into its space on Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

“I wanted a place that felt kind of urban that you could be anywhere in the world walking in here ... you could be in New York or Seattle or anything when you walk in,” she said.

Hair-styling is one of many creative outlets for the Salon X staff.

Bayer has made hats, jewelry and done fashion design throughout her life and wanted her salon to be a versatile creative space. Local artists’ work hang throughout the space and the salon has hosted poetry readings and other creative events in the past.

The fusion of hair and beauty with other art forms was a no-brainer for Bayer.

“Hair is art,” she says. “It’s all creative.”

Katharine Egli

The ladies of Salon X.

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BEST SHOPPING

Katharine Egli

Petree Nursery and Greenhouse was voted Best Garden Center and Nursery.

— continued from page 24 —

Best Place to Gear Up for the Trail Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com

1st

2nd

SunShades & Optics of Taos 108 Camino de Santa Fe, Taos (575) 751-1565 sunshadesoftaos.com

1

2nd

1st

Mudd‐N‐Flood 103 Bent St., Taos (575) 751-9100 muddnflood.com

Best Place to Buy a Pair of Shades st

Best Hardware & Home Improvement Store

Taos Mountain Outfitters 113 North Plaza, Taos (575) 758-9292 taosmountainoutfitters.com

2nd

BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Randall Lumber & Hardware 315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2271 randalltaos.com

1st

Dan’s Carpet 7237 State Road 518, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-2420 danscarpetsandfloors.com

2nd

Vargas Tile Company 4114 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5986 vargastile.com

Best Home Furnishings 1st

Best Garden Center & Nursery 1st

2nd

28

Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com

Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings

Petree Nursery & Greenhouse 25 Petree Street, Taos (off Blueberry Hill) (575) 758-3021 Río Grande Ace Hardware 1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4268 223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-2061 riograndeace.com

2nd

Taos Lifestyle 701 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-5885 taoslifestyle.com Graystone Furniture & the Sofa Gallery 815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1266 graystonefurniture.com

Best Place to Buy a Mattress 1st

Taos Lifestyle featuring Sleep Sanctuary 701 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-5885 taoslifestyle.com

2nd

Woody’s Furniture 1551 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-3211

Best Place to Buy a Hot Tub 1st

Wolfgang’s Spa Works 1210 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-9667 wolfgangspas.com

Best Liquor Store 1st

2nd

Del Norte Liquors 1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-8904 Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com — continues on page 34 —

We Love You Taos!

Serving Domestic & Import Beers Wine • Margaritas

You make us the Best Year after Year!

SALES • MAINT. • SERVICE

Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm • 758-1857 • 1210J Salazar Road • Taos • wolfgangspas.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST IN TAOS! e oe Stor

h E: Best Sfor the Trail C A L P es Up 1ST of Shad to Gear

ce Pair Best Pla o Buy a lopes t e c a l st P the S Up for ACE: Be 2ND PLest Place to Gear B

Taos’ Best Outdoor Shop

Taos’ BEST Mexican Restaurant

Open 7 Days a Week | 113 N. Plaza | 575-758-9292 www.taosmountainoutfitters.com

THANK YOU 2015 First Place - Fast Food Service

We are overjoyed that you have chosen the Living Light Gallery for the 3rd year in a row as Taos’ Best Gallery! WE are honored that even from humble beginnings in our 2 small room gallery, 16 years ago, you have supported us. We celebrate this achievement by giving Glory to the creator and to you who inspire us to share Love, Light and Spirit!

-Lenny Foster

LENNY FOSTER’S LIVING LIGHT GALLERY 107 kit carson rd 575-737-9150 www.lennyfoster.com | golenny@lennyfoster.com

SOUTH SIDE 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur (across from Ace Hardware) 751-0063 NORTH SIDE 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos 737-0816

guadalajaragrilltaos.com Nominee for the Best Restaurant of the Year in 2014 in New Mexico!

By the Boots, Bolos & Brews Hospitality Industry Awards sponsored by the New Mexico Restaurant Association.

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Wayne Rutherford 40-year overnight success story

By J.R. Logan

W

ayne Rutherford has come a long way from the young contractor who showed up in Taos circa 1978 with a Volkswagen Bug and four grand to his name.

But after decades of building, Rutherford is at the top of his game.

He and his business, Taos Design Build, were voted Best Building Contractor in this year’s Best of Taos.

“I’m an overnight success after 40 years,” Rutherford says.

Since he was a kid, Rutherford has had a knack for tackling projects.

He grew up in rural California, and had to assume the role of the self-reliant handyman around the house. “It kind of fell on me to keep the well going and put the shingles back on,” Rutherford explains. An innate interest in seeing a project through from initial design to final detail work grew into a passion for building.

In Taos, Rutherford has found longevity in an industry that is notoriously fickle, in a place with plenty of challenges.

If you ask Rutherford, his success comes largely because of an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a willingness to tackle tough projects, and an ability to communicate clearly “My reputation is that of a problem solver: If you give me a difficult job, I’ll figure it out,” Rutherford says. “I take on jobs

that nobody else would touch. But somebody has to build them, and somebody has to find a way to do it.”

Rutherford says a big part of solving these puzzles is knowing how to talk to an array of professionals and laymen in a language they can understand.

“It’s more than just putting a building up,” Rutherford says.

“It’s a whole spectrum of events and planning, and you rely on other people every step of the way.

Communication has been essential for me.”

Rutherford’s quiet but confident conversational style speaks to someone who’s used to articulating quickly and clearly, whether it’s with a client, a subcontractor or a banker.

To learn the lingo and keep his edge, Rutherford has expanded his horizons beyond construction; he has continuously enrolled in college-level courses in subjects like photography, law and English.

He also sits on a slew of trade boards at every level in order to establish contacts and stay at the vanguard of the industry.

A builder in Taos has a diversity of projects to pick from, Rutherford says, from residential, commercial, historic restoration, landscaping and site development. And for him, that variety keeps things interesting.

“I’ve never had the same day, one to another,” Rutherford says. “And I’ve never built the same building twice.”

Katharine Egli

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Wayne Rutherford in his office off Cruz Alta Road.

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Black Mesa Winery Making New Mexico a wine destination

By Teresa Dovalpage

B

lack Mesa Winery has won the Best of Taos award for Best Winery for the second year in a row. The Velarde vineyard opened the tasting room in downtown Taos in 2013.

Tasting room manager and assistant winemaker Craig Dunn and his wife Laurie Mitchell Dunn, assistant tasting room manager, have one common goal — helping New Mexico become a wine destination just like California, Oregon, and Washington.

“Even Italy and France,” said Mitchell Dunn. “Our wines are that good. They meet the highest standards for wine, not only for New Mexico, but also on the international stage.”

Black Mesa Winery, owned by Jerry and Lynda Burd, just won two silver medals at the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

“People taste our wines and realize that we have great products,” said Dunn. “But other local wineries are making good wines too. We aren’t competing with them. In fact, we want all the wineries in our state to succeed.”

Katharine Egli

Craig Dunn and Laurie Mitchell Dunn of Black Mesa Winery on the patio at the Black Mesa Winery Taos Tasting Room.

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A collective effort “The Best of Taos Award goes to the winery as a whole, including our tasting room,” said Mitchell Dunn, “Which wouldn’t exist without winery owners Jerry and Lynda Burd, and our talented winemaker Karl Johnsen.

We all have worked hard to create a comfortable, welcoming place for people to drink wine, listen to live

music and have a great time with their friends, inside or outside.”

The shady patio area, with a nice view of the mountains, will be open during the summer.

Perfect pairing The tasting room offers small plates with artisan cheese, hummus and gluten-free crackers as well as packaged cheese and some non-alcoholic beverages.

These are five of their best wines, paired with the perfect cheese: Dry white Viognier ’14 — Fullbodied and smooth, with notes of melon, with pesto-pinenut goat cheese.

Black Mesa dry rosé — Fruity and bright on the palate, with Extraordinaire (plain goat cheese).

Montepulciano ’12 — Classic Italian style dry red, earthy with dried cherries, with cave-aged goat cheese.

Velarde Syrah ’11 — Made with Velarde grapes with hints of blackberries and pepper, with smoked Gouda cheese.

Antelope ’11 — A classic Bordeauxstyle blend of Cab Sauv and Merlot with aged cheddar cheese.

All the cheeses come from the Old Windmill Dairy, in Estancia.

Black Mesa Winery Tasting Room is located at 241 Ledoux St., just west of Taos Plaza. (575) 758-1969; blackmesawinery.com

THANK YOU TAOS FOR VOTING US #1

RAFTING ADVENTURES from MILD TO WILD

The original, most trusted & experienced river rafters on the Rio Grande & Rio Chama.

Ask about our Rock Climbing, Bicycling, Horseback Riding & Camping with Feasts.

losriosriverrunners.com

800.544.1181

A BIG hug to you, Taos!

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 SHOPPING

Rick Romancito

At “Real Indian Stuff” shop, visitors are treated to some pointedly amusing commentary. The shops at Taos Pueblo were voted Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir.

— continued from page 28 —

Best Jeweler 1st

2nd

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

Best Local Rock Shop

34

BEST OF TAOS 2015

1st

Taos Gems & Minerals 637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3910 facebook.com/ TaosGemsMinerals

2nd

Taos Rockers 229 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-2326 taosrockers.com

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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Best Place to Fill Up Your Tank 1st

2

nd

Smith’s Food & Drug Center 224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3711 smithsfoodanddrug.com Chevron 823 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2290

Best Place to Ship a Package 1st

UPS Store 1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Unit 1, Taos (575) 758-8647 taos-nm-2317.theupsstorelocal. com

2

Taos Crating 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Suite 1, El Prado (575) 758-3587 taoscrating.com

nd

Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies 1st

Taos Tack & Pet Supplies 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 20, Taos (575) 737-9798 taostackandpetsupply.com

2nd

Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply 214 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1841

THANK YOU!

Serving together for 33 years To the Taos Community for selecting Larry Schreiber, MD – 1st Place Ellen Warren, MD – 2nd Place

AS THE BEST DOCTORS IN TOWN!

Family Practice Associates of Taos DAILY WALK-IN CLINIC

Mon.-Fri. 8-11:30 am & 1:30-4:30 pm, Sat. 9-11:30 am 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150

758-3005

Se Habla Español

Taos County Chamber of Commerce presents

Thank You Taos for voting TPL as Best Annual Event!

Join us for a special Patriotic Sunday Afternoon, July 5, 2015 for the 531st Air Force Band!

5/28/2015 5/28/2015 6/4/2015 6/4/2015 6/11/2015 6/18/2015 6/18/2015 6/25/2015 7/2/2015 7/2/2015 Sun 7/5/2015

6:00 The Julian Lucero Band 7:00 John Carey Band 6:00 Pot Creek String Band 7:00 Muddy Mountain Orchestra 6:00 – 8:00 Big Swing Theory 6:00 Cullen Winter Band 7:00 Out of Nowhere 6:00 – 8:00 The Damn Band 6:00 Kathy & the Cruisers 7:00 Bones of Romeo 2:00 pm 531st Air Force Band

7/9/2015 7/23/2015 7/23/2015 7/30/2015 8/6/2015 8/6/2015 8/13/2015 8/20/2015 8/20/2015 8/27/2015 9/3/2015

6:00 – 8:00 Tough Country 6:00 Sweet Deal 7:00 Jennifer Peterson Band 6:00 – 8:00 Jimmy Stadler Band 6:00 Les Nouveau Antiquarians 7:00 Bone Orchard 6:00 – 8:00 Katy P & the Business 6:00 Lori Ortega 7:00 Pete Martinez y Suave 6:00 – 8:00 Last to Know 6:00 – 8:00 Jerome Grant y los Amigos Unidos

Schedule subject to change, please check online at www.taoschamber.com for the latest information.

Voted Best Annual Event in Taos County

Where Taos Comes Alive on Thursday nights from 6:00 - 8:00pm!

For more information call 751.8800 www.taoschamber.com

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A reality check in Taos ne of the essay questions we asked readers in this year’s Best of Taos online survey was, “where’s the best place to show visitors the so-called real Taos?”

O

Not surprising, their suggestions included Arroyo Seco, the Gorge Bridge and Taos Plaza.

And, also not surprising, Taos Pueblo was the clear top vote-getter.

As one respondent wrote, “There would be no Taos without the Pueblo.”

Many people suggested specific restaurants, bars and coffee shops, including the bench outside World Cup. Some even offered driving routes to get a feel for what’s real. Here is one: “Take Los Cordovas from the country club road and wind northward up Blueberry Hill til reaching the Old Blinking Light.”

Another reader suggested driving the neighborhoods of Cañon, Talpa and Ranchos.

Others noted Taos’ scenic mountainous landscape while others focused on its not-soscenic landscape of potholes and trash. One person wrote: “Wherever there’s a mansion built next to a trailer park.”

Of course, there were several who debated the concept of reality in Taos.

“No one spot represents the ‘real’ Taos ... it is all around us in nature and the community and the people.”

“Is there still a ‘real’ Taos?”

“It’s gone, we just muddle through.”

“All of Taos is real.”

And finally, a favorite response: “It’s all real, silly!”

Illustration by Chipper Thompson www.chipperthompson.com © 2013 The Taos News

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

—Joan Livingston

•

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS

Thank you Taos for voting us the Best Place to get a Cup of Joe!

From: Donna, Brenda, Anita, & Ryan

Tennis Courts and Lessons • Swimming Pool Walk-Ins Welcome

Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge 575-776-3447 • 88 State Road 150 taostennis.com

We Appreciate Being Recognized as the Best Civic Organization and Look Forward to Serving Our Community in the Future.

TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY www.rotarytaos.org

Convenient Drive Thru • 1006 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Open Mon - Fri 5:30am - 3pm, Sat 5:30am - 1pm and Sun Closed

575-751-9405

• Best Grocery Store • Best Place to Eat Your Greens • Best Green Business • Best Place to Buy Your Fruits and Veggies ALL OF US AT CID’S FOOD MARKET WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU, OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, FOR ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZING US AS THE BEST OF TAOS IN THE 2015 PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST THINGS TO DO

Tina Larkin

Twirl Toystore & Playspace was voted Best Place for Kids to Have Fun.

Best Annual Event in Taos County Taos Plaza Live!

Taos Plaza Every Thursday, 6-8 p.m., through the summer taoschamber.com

1st

2nd

Arroyo Seco 4th of July Parade Downtown Arroyo Seco visitseco.com

Best Weekend Getaway 1st

2nd

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org

Most Interesting Best Local Place to Take Museum Visitors 1st Millicent Rogers Museum 1st

Taos Pueblo (575) 758-1028 (tourism department) taospueblo.com

2nd

Río Grande Gorge Bridge On U.S. 64 toward Tres Piedras

1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos (575) 758-2426 millicentrogers.org

2nd

Harwood Museum of Art 238 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 758-9826 harwoodmuseum.org

— continues on page 47 —

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ONLINE. IN PRINT. ANYTIME.

D VOTE ACE PL BEST KIDS FOR AVE TO H !

FUN

DISCOVER

Thanks Taos! we love you This much!

twirl

twirltaos.org 575.751.1402 angel fire red river sipapu Taos ski Valley

VisiTor & newcomer guide

2015

summer/fall

The official guide of The Taos counTy chamber of commerce and The Town of Taos VisiTor cenTer

Voted BEST Wi-Fi LOCATION - Thank You, Taos!

a complimenTary publicaTion of The Taos news

discovertaos.com

THE TAOS NEWS

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

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Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing At classic Taos tattoo parlor, friendliness matches feel-good vibes

By Cody Hooks

W

hen you stand outside the Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery, it looks like any other historic adobe in Taos. But once through the doors, it’s a full-on trip out — or so says Dano Sancho, one of the shop’s four ink-artists.

Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery brings high-caliber tattooing and piercing to a classic venue where the walls are papered with sketches and drawings of timeless tattoos, the sort-of hula girls inked on a sailor during the war. But the allure of the shop and the mystique of ink-artistry won’t stop anyone from having a good time — the artists run the shop as a collective, and folks are always dropping in, hanging out on the porch and joking and getting tattooed late into the night.

The only thing missing from that party is a live band. Though sometimes they get out an amp and guitar if things are slow.

“We immerse ourselves in this and give everyone our all,” Sancho said. Perhaps that electric energy is why Taoseños voted Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery the Best Place to Get Inked.

The shop sports body jewelry from local glassblowers and woodworkers

by artists from Taos Pueblo, and they make sure to keep their offerings both classic and unique. Add in that almost everyone in the shop has at least 10 years experience tattooing, and you have a team whose creativity, intention and energy keep the shop humming every day of the week.

Sancho and the other artists regularly tour other tattoo shops in the Southwest, honing their techniques and keeping their work fresh. Once or twice a month, the shop brings in guest artists, many who used to live, work and play in Taos, to offer even more inking variety, especially for repeat customers.

Tattoos aren’t just for the muscled, hardcore elite. Sancho sees all types of folks walk through the doors, and there’s no stereotype anymore.

He took his tattooing needles to a granddad-granddaughter duo who got matching tats. While some folks who get a tattoo are just testing the waters, others think of tattoos like potato chips — they can’t have just one.

“Getting a tattoo is so intimate,” Sancho said. “We bond with a lot of people in here, and we end up becoming friends.”

Katharine Egli

Dano Sancho in the Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing gallery.

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Thank You Taos for Voting Us Best Liquor Store

Del Norte Liquors

1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Ranchos de Taos 87557

Luxury Horse Property Custom home for elegant entertaining, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office, big views of Taos Mountain, beautiful gardens, horse fenced pasture, and guest house on 2.7 acres.

3 car garage. Barn has 4 roomy stalls with attached outdoor paddocks partially covered plus 2 more stalls, washing station, and heated tack room with 1/2 bathroom. Separate hay barn, 2 wells, Large sand riding arena and the list goes on.

You and your horses will love living here!

$1,150 M

Debra de la Torre Real Estate 505.379.1127 MeriwetherEstateTaos.com

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6716 Los Trechos Ct NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

THANK YOU TAOS AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT!

Thanks to Our Great Customers for Voting for Us in Best of Taos!

Stop In To Check Out O ur Weekly Spec ials

575-613-7344

www.unleashedtaos.com

Thank you Taos!

Your favorite consignment shop

pieces consignment and

We Couldn’t Do It Without You!

More Pieces

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 for voting us #1

Your Local Ashley Furniture Dealer

Monday-Friday: 10:00a.m.- 6:00p.m. Saturday: 10:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. Sunday: Closed Accepting Visa, Mastercard, Discover 575.751.3211 • 1553 A Paseo del Pueblo Sur Ask about our Lay-A-Way Plan! Financing Available

Thank You Taos For Voting Us 1st Place To Buy Pet Supplies

Taos Tack and PeT suPPly Top Quality Horse & Pet Care Products

salonxtaos.com 575.758.1584

226 paseo del pueblo norte, unit B

Best of Taos 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos

575-737-9798 • www.taostackandpetsupply.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

43

El Grupo Mezcal Where they play, the crowd will follow

By Andrew Oxford

W

Ernie Márquez says he has also been influenced by the musicians who were popular during his youth, though.

But the teens just sat watching, lead singer and guitarist Ernesto (Ernie) Márquez recalls.

“When I was growing up, I was listening to Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Antonio Aguilar and Vicente Fernández,” he said.

“We played one of ours and the dance floor filled up,” he says.

So naturally, El Grupo Mezcal, in many ways, defies easy categorization.

hen El Grupo Mezcal once played a prom, the band’s members planned on performing a lot of rock ‘n’ roll.

No surprise there.

El Grupo Mezcal has had Northern New Mexico dancing since the early 1980s with its brand of Spanish, rock and country music.

Children who once jumped around in front of the stage are now dancing to El Grupo Mezcal at their graduation parties and weddings, Ernie Márquez says.

A fond local favorite, the band has won The Taos News’ readers choice poll for Best Spanish Language Band or Performer each year since we introduced the category in 2012.

El Grupo Mezcal comprises Ernie Márquez along with Antonio (Archie) Márquez on bass and vocals, Adonais (Nité) Márquez on keyboards and vocals, as well as good friend Rex Martínez on drums.

The Marqúez brothers write songs for the band and Ernie attributes a lot of their musical interest to their father.

“My dad was a musician,” he explains.

“He played on the guitar and he taught me one cord. He died real early but whatever he taught us grew and kept growing.”

Their parents have been an influence in other ways, too.

The band’s last album, “Se Los Llevó,” is dedicated to their parents and drew heavily on their loss.

Indeed, El Grupo Mezcal’s music is deeply rooted in real life — both the darker and lighter sides of Northern New Mexico from divorce to love and a lot in between.

Growing up in the Arroyo Seco-Des Montes area, the band’s members were immersed in Northern New Mexico’s musical tradition.

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“That was my intention from the beginning — to be more versatile,” Ernie Márquez said.

The band’s last album — its ninth — was released in late 2011 and Nité recently indicated he is ready to get back into the studio.

“I’ve got a few ideas and I’d like to see if they will work out,” he said. “Some of ’em work out and some of ’em don’t.”

Judging by the loyalty of their fans, plenty of those ideas will work out but it’s hard to tell which ones.

A song about Ernie Márquez’s divorce, “Bueno Bye,” for example, has become one of the group’s biggest hits.

But that proved there is no telling what will resonate with fans.

The song was written in just a few minutes outside a recording as the band finished an album. “It turned out to be one of the biggest hits that we had,” Ernie Márquez said.

The group has won more than its share of awards.

In 2012 alone, the group brought home five New Mexico Hispano Music Association awards.

The Taos music scene has changed, though, during El Grupo Mezcal’s decades on stage.

“We’ve been around so long, we’ve seen places come and go,” Ernie Márquez said.

Herb’s Lounge, for example, is now Midtown Lounge while Ramona’s has long since become a grocery store.

The band’s reliability seems to be what keeps the fans coming back again and again, or as Nité put it, “the people will follow us.”

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Katharine Egli

El Grupo Mezcal performs live at KTAOS Solar Center on May 9.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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45

Now for the Taos personality test hello! my name is

o what does it take to live in Taos? For that question in our Best of Taos online survey, we specifically meant a personality trait and it was clear from the answers, those who responded had similar ideas.

S sage

Among the top answers were: acceptance, flexibility and patience (the most frequent response) in all of their incarnations.

So we also have adaptability, tolerance and perseverance.

Of course, those traits would come in handy because others noted Taosenõs have to be “whacky and weird.”

“You have to be a little crazy,” one writer noted.

Another suggested a person must be “capable of changing their name to Sage.”

Other valuable traits were the ability to carry two or three jobs and to dodge potholes.

“You better be rich so you can open a restaurant,” wrote one person.

Then, some writers offered advice, including dealing with so-called “Taos time.”

“Wave punctuality bye-bye.” “Try not to be in a hurry and not mind dust.” “Be unable to show up to anything on time, preferably a couple hours late.”

Then there were the philosophers. One person advised wannabe Taoseños to, “Let go of your old self.”

And yet another wrote, “I’d love to say ‘be yourself ’... But Taos will show you what you’re being.”

—Joan Livingston — continues on page 48 —

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

BEST THINGS TO DO

Tina Larkin

Ojo Caliente took home several banners for this year’s Best of Taos honors, including Best Place to Take A Dip, Best Place to Soak, Best Weekend Getaway and Best Place to Pamper Your Skin.

— continued from page 38 —

Best Hiking/ Jogging Trail 1st

Williams Lake Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/williams_lake. html

2

Wheeler Peak Trail Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Forest taostrails.com/wheeler_peak. html

nd

Best Place for Kids to Have Fun 1st

2nd

Twirl Toystore & Playspace 225 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 751-1402 • twirltaos.org Taos Youth & Family Center 407 Paseo del Cañon East, Taos (575) 758-4160 taosyouth.com

Best Place to Enjoy Free WiFi 1st

Wired? Coffee‐Cyber‐Café 705 Felicidad Lane, Taos (575) 751-9473 wiredcoffeeshop.com

2nd

Taos Plaza Downtown Taos taos.org/art/taos-plaza

Best Rafting Company 1st

Los Ríos River Runners (800) 544-1181 losriosriverrunners.com

2

Far Flung Adventures (800) 359-2627 farflung.com

nd

Best Ski & Best Place to Snowboard Area Soak 1st

2nd

Taos Ski Valley State Road 150, Taos Ski Valley (866) 968-7386 skitaos.org Sipapu Ski & Summer Resort 5225 State Road 518, Vadito (800) 587-2240 sipapunm.com

1st

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com

2nd

Black Rock Hot Springs Past the John Dunn Bridge on County Road B-007 taos.org

Best Place to Take a Dip 1st

2nd

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com John Dunn Bridge On County Road B-007, over the Río Grande near Arroyo Hondo, inside the Río Grande del Norte National Monument TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

47

Stephanie Francisco The office guru at Nonviolence Works

By Teresa Dovalpage

S

tephanie Francisco worked hard to win the Best of Taos award for Administrative Assistant.

“I had gotten second place last year and was determined to get first place this time,” she says. “I was so excited when my coworkers came into the office to let me know that I had won!”

Francisco is the business manager at Nonviolence Works, where she has been employed for four and a half years.

“I started as the intake coordinator and worked my way up,” she said.

A little bit of everything Francisco considers herself “an office guru.”

“I do a little bit of everything here, except for clinical work,” she says.

“I do the billing and deal with the insurance companies, and I work

closely with both our CEO, Simon Torrez, and our clinical director, Katia Torrelli-Delgado.”

Francisco says that every day is different for her — and that’s the way she likes it.

“My daily routine changes so much that it isn’t really a routine,” she says. “Besides the administrative work, I do many other things. If the printer breaks down, I will fix it; I run errands, I take care of paperwork ... that makes my job difficult to describe but makes it very exciting at the same time. I love coming to work every day!

Fulfilling a mission “Our mission at Nonviolence Works is to inspire, train and empower all people to lead lives of nonviolence,” Francisco says. “We are here to teach them skills that promote healthy relationships and productive community life.”

Katharine Egli

Stephanie Fransisco from NonViolence Works, earned the distinction of Best Administrative Assistant for this year’s Best of Taos.

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TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Office Guru Stephanie Francisco

T

he organization has implemented a variety of programs, with 70 percent of their services geared toward youth. Francisco is happy to talk about these programs and the effect they are having on the entire Taos community.

“We offer mentorship, support groups, counseling, gang prevention and nonviolence education, among other services,” Francisco says. “Working behind the scenes to implement them is a key element of my work, and the outcome of our collective efforts gives me the greatest satisfaction. We support families with parenting training and supervised

“Stephanie is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable and capable assistants I’ve ever had.

We all are very grateful to have her as an employee.”

—Simon Torrez, Nonviolence Works CEO visitation, and offer them classes and workshops.”

She is also pleased with the fact that the

Taos, thank you for voting for Gutiz!

BEST BRUNCH 2015!

organization has given “a voice for Taos youth.”

“We work with many other

organizations to carry out our work,” she says. The Taos Center for the Arts partnered with us for the second time to present the ‘Art of Nonviolence’ exhibit.

With the help of art teacher Michael “Smokey” Martinez, the students explored the theme of nonviolence and presented over 100 pieces to the show. That’s how we fulfill our mission and it is also what makes my work so satisfying here.”

The CEO speaks “Stephanie is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable and capable assistants I’ve ever had,” says Nonviolence Works CEO Simon Torrez. “We all are very grateful to have her as an employee.”

Thank You, M ¡ uchas Gracias!

For Voting Us 1st Place Best Roadside Food Stand From Every 10 Years In A Row!

one a t Mary Jan e’s

Voted 2nd Best o!

Breakfast Burrit

gutiztaos.com Grand Re-Opening June 2015!

Same Gutiz, more elbow room...

Breakfast/Lunch Tues-Sun 8am-3pm Dinner Thurs-Sat 5-9pm 812B Paseo del Pueblo Norte - Taos - (575) 758 -1226

Mary Jane’s

24 Years in Business • Serving New Mexican Favorites With A Smile!

575-770-1171

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

49

BEST ENTERTAINMENT

Katharine Egli

Taos Mesa Brewing was voted Best Live Music Venue, in addition to being chosen by The Taos News voters as Best Place to Shake Your Booty, Best Bar, Best Beer Selection, Best Brewery and Best Patio. Pictured here is Max Gomez performing at the inaugural Music on the Mesa Festival this past May.

Best Live Music Venue Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com

1st

2nd

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Best Place to Shake Your Booty 1st

2nd

Taos Mesa Brewing 20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado (575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

Best Local Singer/ Songwriter 1st

Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com

2

Max Gomez maxgomezmusic.com

nd

Best Local Jazz Group or Performer 1st

Christine Autumn (575) 751-1885 christineautumn.com

2nd

Big Swing Theory facebook.com

— continues on page 52 —

THANK YOU TAOS!

FOR VOTING US BEST MARGARITA

Thank You Taos

for Voting us the

#1

automotive Repair Shop in Taos 14 Years Running Service • Parts • Premium Tires Import • Domestic Serving Taos Since 1974 • 758-1658

Open daily at 11am 575.758.8866 www.thegorgebarandgrill.com

Thank you Taos Market A locally owned natural food store

Muchas Gracias!

We’re honored to be your #1.

Our favorite place to be.

Organic • Gourmet • Paleo • Gluten Free • Local Foods • Juice bar Featuring Bulletproof coffee-Drink butter in your coffee to feel Bulletproof

Our favorite people to please.

Healthy food for a healthy lifestyle Market open 7 days a week, 9am to 7pm Sundays 8am - 8pm

910 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos NM 87571

575.758.7093

(575) 758-3112

712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST ENTERTAINMENT 52

BEST OF TAOS 2015

Tina Larkin

KTAO morning DJ, Paddy Mac, was once again chosen by voters as the Best Local Radio Personality.

— continued from page 50 —

Best Spanish Language Band or Performer 1st

El Grupo Mezcal facebook.com

2nd

Darren Córdova y Calor darrencordovaycalor.com

Best Local Rock Group or Performer

Best Local Best Local Radio Best Place to Hit Country Band or Personality the Jackpot Paddy Mac, KTAO Performer 1st 1st Taos Mountain Casino 1st

Michael Hearne michaelhearne.com

2nd

The Rifters rifters.net

Best Local Radio Station

1st

Jimmy Stadler (575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712 jimmystadler.com

1st

KTAO — 101.9 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

2nd

Katy P & the Business katypandthebusiness.com

2nd

KNCE — 93.5 (575) 737-8326 truetaosradio.com

•

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

2nd

Michael Dean, KKIT 125 Camino de la Merced, Taos (575) 758-4491 facebook.com/kkitthemoun tain.com

700 Veterans Highway, Taos (575) 737-0777 taosmountaincasino.com

2nd

Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino (877) 455-7775 buffalothunderresort.com

Thank you, Taos, for voting us…

THANK YOU

2015 Best Place to Gear Up for the Slopes

TAOS!

For voting CAV as Taos County’s Best Non-Profit…

Your support helps CAV make a safer community for everyone.

For over 37 years, CAV has provided free & confidential services for survivors of domestic & sexual violence.

To support or volunteer, call 758-8082 or visit taoscav.org.

To donate goods visit CAV Thrift Store, 751-4824.

We also have all your summer needs covered, from skateboarding to clothing and shoes!

SKI SHOPS COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 575-758-9888

575-758-2822 207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos

www.cottamsskishops.com • info@cottamsskishops.com

Thank You Voters!

Photo by Debbie Lujan

First Place: Most interesting place to take visitors First Place: Best Place to buy a Taos Souvenir

Monday-Saturday: 8:00am – 4:30pm Sunday: 8:30am – 4:30pm 120 Veterans Highway, Taos NM 87571 575-758-1028 www.taospueblo.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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BEST SERVICES

Tina Larkin

Joel Schantz, qualifying broker at Berkshire Hathaway, snips the red ribbon last Novemeber, signifying the real estate agency’s official switch from Prudential to Berkshire Hathaway. The business was voted Best Real Estate Agency in this year’s Best of Taos.

Best Real Estate Agency 1st

2nd

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (800) 530-8899 or (575) 758-1924 berkshirehathawayhs.com

1st

Coldwell Banker Lota Realty 204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (800) 829-8673 or (575) 758-8673 cblotataos.com

2nd

Best Hair Salon 1st

2nd

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

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Best Real Estate Agent

Salon X 226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1584 salonxtaos.com Salon Marjorie 237 Ledoux St., Taos (575) 751-7246 salonmarjorie.com TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Lisa Davis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate 314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1924, ext. 220 enchantedtaos.com Diane Enright, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate 515 Gusdorf Road, Suite 4, Taos (575) 758-5478 taoshomes.com

Best Barber Shop 1st

2nd

Johnny’s Barber Shop 308 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4286 Carlos’ Barber Shop 402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-7187

Best Pet Groomer 1st

2nd

10,000 Wags 24822 U.S. 64, El Prado (575) 751-9247 10000wags.com Unleashed 98 State Highway 150, Unit 5, El Prado (575) 613-7344 unleashedtaos.com

Best Place to get Inked (Tattoo Parlor) 1st

Taos Tattoo and Piercing Gallery 208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 224-3077 taostattoo.com

Best Place to Pamper Your Skin 1st

2nd

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort & Spa 50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente (800) 222-9162 ojospa.com El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-2985 elmontesagrado.com

Best Yoga Studio 1st

Shree Yoga 112 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 758-8014 shreeyogataos.com

2nd

Aura Fitness 1337 Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-9733 aurafitnesstaos.com — continues on page 56 —

2015

Thank You to The Alley Cantina for their persistent support of Jazz in Taos.

Special Thank You to Dan Lizdas and Larry Audette.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

Romancito House Media

Best Jazz Performer

Thank you to the Taos Community for Your Votes!

The UPS Store

™

THANK YOU for Voting Us

Best Place to Ship a Package Again & Again & Again!

for choosing us

Best of Taos, 2015.

We are honored.

We’re Experts in Packing & Shipping of Artwork, Collectibles, & Your Valuables…

Locally Owned, Nationally Known Jeanne Timber – “The Shipping Diva”

The UPS Store™

Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road License # 61030

758-3027

rmdraper@laplaza.org

Find out what You’re missing!

ALL IN ONE CLICK.

The official calendar for Taos enjoy a more intuitive calendar experience with images, videos, maps and links to find your favorite events and happenings.

THE TAOS NEWS taosnews.com/calendar

1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur • Taos, NM 87571

575-758-8647 • (fax) 575-758-8667 Located Between Days Inn and Super 8

THANK YOU TAOS & NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

For voting Wayne Rutherford General Contractor, Inc. “Best of Taos” for a fifth year.

Every member of our project team contributes: employees, subcontractors, material suppliers and design professionals. Their dedication and outstanding efforts make our award winning projects possible. And, most importantly, we thank our customers and project owners over the last four decades.

219 Cruz Alta, Taos, NM 575-751-7028

www.taosdesignbuild.com Build on our Experience. We do.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

55

BEST SERVICES

Tina Larkin

Taos Spa & Tennis Club was voted Best Gym & Workout Facility and was second place in the Best Place to Play Tennis category.

— continued from page 54 —

Best Gym & Workout Facility Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com

1st

2nd

Northside Spa 1307 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado (575) 751-1242

Best Place to Play Tennis

BEST OF TAOS 2015

1st

El Monte Sagrado 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-2985 elmontesagrado.com

2nd

The Historic Taos Inn 125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-2233 taosinn.com

Best Bed & Breakfast

1

Taos Tennis @ Quail Ridge 88 State Road 150, El Prado (575) 776-3447 taostennis.com

1st

2

Taos Spa & Tennis Club 111 Doña Ana Drive, Taos (575) 758-1980 taosspa.com

2nd

st

56

Best Lodging for Best Place to Say Best Bank Visitors “I Do” 1st Peoples Bank

•

nd

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

1st

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-2985 elmontesagrado.com

2nd

San Francisco de Asís Church 60 St. Francis Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-2754

1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4500 219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4211 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 1, Taos (575) 758-5999 5 Supermarket Road, Questa (575) 586-2001 121 East Main St., Unit 4D, Red River (575) 754-6224 bankingunusual.com

Best Plumber

Casa Benavides 137 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 758-1772 taos-casabenavides.com

1st

Adobe & Pines Inn 4107 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos (575) 751-0947 adobepines.com

2nd

Phoenix Mechanical 1217 Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-3027 phoenixmechanical.net Hawk Mechanical 1132 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4433 hawkmechanical.net

2nd

Centinel Bank of Taos 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700 707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com

BEST SERVICES Best Chimney Sweeps Terry’s Chimney Service 314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1825 terryschimney.com

1st

2nd

Bailey’s Chimney Cleaning & Repair (575) 770-7769 baileyschimney.com

Best Auto Repair Shop 1

Metric Motors of Taos 1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-1658 metricmotorstaos.com

2nd

Taos Offroad & Performance 1010 Dea Lane, Taos (575) 758-7144 taosoffroad.com

st

Best Insurance Company 1st

2nd

Wanda Lucero, State Farm 211 Kit Carson Road, Taos (575) 737-5433 wandalucero.com Brown & Brown 627 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-2244 bbnm.com

Best Building Contractor 1st

Wayne Rutherford, Taos Design Build 219 Cruz Alta Road, Taos (575) 751-7028 taosdesignbuild.com

2nd

Ian Forsberg Arroy Seco (575) 741-1500 ianforsberg.com

Business with the Best Customer Service

Best Green Business

Centinel Bank 512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700 707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-6790 centinelbank.com

1st

2nd

Peoples Bank 1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4500 219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4211 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 1, Taos (575) 758-5999 5 Supermarket Road, Questa (575) 586-2001 121 East Main St., Unit 4D, Red River (575) 754-6224 bankingunusual.com

1st

Cid’s Food Market 623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-1148 cidsfoodmarket.com

2nd

KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

Best Financial Advisor 1st

Billy Knight, Knight Financial Limited 115 La Posta Road, Suite D, Taos (575) 751-3388 knightfinanciallimited.com

2nd

Ric Tredwin 707 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-7285 edwardjones.com

— continues on page 58 —

THANK YOU Taoseños!

Grupo Mezcal FOR VOTING

#1 Best Spanish Language Band Year after Year!

For booking information and to buy CDs contact

Ernie Marquez 575-776-8675 or Nite Marquez 575-776-2106 You can also purchase our CD at cdbaby.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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BEST OF TAOS 2015

57

BEST SERVICES

Katharine Egli

Mayor Dan Barrone was chosen by voters as the Best Local Elected Official.

— continued from page 56 —

Best Local Elected Official Dan Barrone, town of Taos mayor 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos (575) 751-2000 dbarrone@taosgov.com taosgov.com

1

st

2nd

Fritz Hahn, town of Taos council member (575) 751-2000 fhahn@taosgov.com taosgov.com

Best Dentist 1

st

2nd

taosnews.com 226 Albright St., Taos (575) 758-2241 taosnews.com

2

58

BEST OF TAOS 2015

nd

•

ktao.com 9 State Road 150, Taos (575) 758-5826 ktao.com

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

Dr. Justin Nyland, Taos Dental Group 1392 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-8303 taosdentalgroup.com

Best Educator 1

st

2nd

Best Doctor 1st

Best Local Website 1st

Dr. Charles “Tom” Simms, Taos Dental Group 1392 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-8303 taosdentalgroup.com

2nd

Dr. Larry Schreiber Family Practice Associates of Taos 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3005 familypracticeassociatesoftaos. com Ellen Warren Family Practice Associates of Taos 630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-3005 familypracticeassociatesoftaos. com

Larry Torres University of New MexicoTaos Associate Professor Linguistics, Foreign & Sign Languages (575) 737-6233 taos.unm.edu Orion Cervio Chrysalis Alternative School 522 Evergreen Lane, Taos (575) 751-7291 taosschools.org

Best Local Nonprofit 1st

CAV — Community Against Violence 945 Salazar Road, Taos (575) 758-8082 taoscav.org

2nd

Stray Hearts 1200 St. Francis Lane, Taos (575) 758-2981 strayhearts.org

Best Civic Organization 1st

Taos Milagro Rotary Club taosrotary.org

2nd

Lions Club taoslions.org

Best Administrative Assistant 1st

2nd

Stephanie Francisco NonViolence Works 1337-E Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-4297 nonviolenceworks.us Carla Gonzales, Taos Dental Group 1392 Weimer Road, Taos (575) 758-8303 taosdentalgroup.com

2015 BEST OF TAOS Best Burger

Thanks for your Vote and See You Soon!

575.758.8484 5starburgers.com 1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Best Happy Hour Craft Drafts - 2.50 • Wine - 3.50 • Burger and Pork Sliders - 1.65 Lobster Slider - 3.50 • Appetizers - 1.25 to 2.50