Best of Gilbert - 2016

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Three weeks of online polling resulted in thousands of votes to highlight the best Gilbert has to offer. OUR READERS DECIDED WHAT THEY LIKE MOST ABOUT THE TOWN, from the best places to take the kids to the best spot for sushi to the best shop to get a haircut. Some of the winners are well known and well-established landmarks, while others might be new to you. PLEASE JOIN US IN CONGRATULATING THE WINNERS — along with the second- and third-place finishers — and stop in to see what makes these businesses, restaurants, people and places so special.

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EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

PEOPLE & PLACES

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BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

MICHELLE TISCHER

“Each child has his or her own individual learning plan.”

Having been around gifted people her whole life, Tischer said being it is her comfort zone. That’s part of what makes teaching gifted students so rewarding.

“I love it, I love the gifted children,” she said. “They’re quirky and fun and they keep me on my toes just as much as I keep them on their toes. It’s just a very good relationship.”

San Tan Charter Elementary School 3959 E. Elliot Rd. • 480-222-0811 • www.santancharterschool.com

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ichelle Tischer has worked in education for more than 17 years.

In that time she’s taught both at the college level and in elementary school. But it wasn’t terribly long ago that she found her niche.

Tischer, the East Valley Tribune’s Best of Gilbert winner for best elementary school teacher, found that she particularly enjoyed working with gifted children after her third child was considered gifted.

Teaching gifted children is different than teaching the average student, and Tischer has had to adjust her style accordingly.

“It is a completely different style of teaching,” said Tischer, who has a master’s degree in gifted education. “Gifted children learn differently so, when you have selfcontained gifted class, it requires teachers who are specially trained in gifted education.”

Tischer’s lessons revolve around a lot of projects that allow her students to think

SECOND PLACE

Carly Miltun

Spectrum Elementary 2846 Spectrum Way 480-917-0117 or gilbertschools.net THIRD PLACE

Alina Fulghum creatively and freely along with lessons and plans tailored to each child’s needs, pushing the edge of challenging them without creating undue frustration.

“We teach with a lot of independence,” she said. “A lot of it is getting to learn about

the child on an individual level. You need to find out where they are and meet them at their level.”

She said that one of San Tan Charter’s tenets is the ability to respond uniquely to each child.

BEST PRESCHOOL

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL/DISTRICT

WILKINS LEARNING CENTER

GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT

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730 S. Cooper Road 480-813-2796 or wilkinslearningcenter.com

ince 2007, this family-operated learning center has been encouraging young children in Gilbert to jump-start their education with high-quality preschool, preschool plus, Pre-K and summer programs.

The “Wilkins Way” approach to teaching works to inspire, educate and motivate students, teachers and parents. Their lessons include Spanish infusion programs, classical music and learning problem solving skills in fun and unique ways. Sharon Wilkins, president of Wilkins Learning Center, has more than 35 years of childhood education experience. She has won multiple awards for teaching and is the author of the book “Ready for Kindergarten.”

San Tan Charter Elementary 3959 E. Elliot Rd. 480-222-0811 or santancharterschool.com

140 S. Gilbert Road 480-497-3300 or gilbertschools.net

SECOND PLACE

San Tan Montessori Preschool 3959 E. Elliot Road 480-222-0811 or santancharterschool.com THIRD PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse 1059 N. Val Vista Drive 480-926-1317 or littlesunshine.com

ilbert Public Schools District (GPS) is rated an “A” level district by the Arizona State Department of Education and is one of the top 10 school districts in the state. GPS can thank that high rating to its exceptional curriculum, Advanced Placement and Honors courses, and extra-curricular activities. They are also up-to-date when it comes to technology. Just this school year, they rolled out Chromebooks for all junior high students.

They are rich with diverse programs such as music, fine arts, athletics, and career and technical education. With more than 40 schools with 39,000 students, there are plenty of schools within GPS that provide students with an excellent education.

SECOND PLACE

Higley Unified School District 2935 S. Recker Road 480-279-7000 or husd.org THIRD PLACE

Gilbert Classical Academy

55 N. Greenfield Road 480-497-4034 or gilbertschools.net

PEOPLE & PLACES 4

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

ANDREW CLARKE

environment. My students look forward to coming to class each day to learn, and I take a lot of pride in that,” Clarke said.

Being named Best Middle School Teacher is an achievement that Clarke attributes to his students.

“My students will be excited when they find out,” he said. “I know many of them and their parents were voting for me. It means a lot to have that kind of support. I was honored just to have been nominated, so to be in the top three is pretty special.”

Desert Ridge Junior High School 10211 E. Madero Ave. 480-635-2025 or gilbertschools.net

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ndrew Clarke is making history by being named this year’s Best Middle School Teacher. He teaches history at Desert Ridge Junior School.

He was inspired to teach by one of his high school teachers.

“My history teacher brought the subject to life and you could tell she really enjoyed what she was doing. For a long time, I thought I would teach at the high school level but I was placed at Desert Ridge Junior High School for my first teaching internship and fell in love. Once I graduated from ASU, I knew this is where I wanted to be. Thankfully, they agreed and hired me,” Clarke said.

He started working full time at Desert Ridge four years ago. Now he teaches seventh grade social studies, beginning with subjects like the Civil War and working up to the beginning of Word War II. “My favorite topics to teach, and the student’s favorite to learn, are the Civil War,

SECOND PLACE

Troy Nelson

Cooley Middle School 1100 S. Recker Road 480-279-8300 or husd.org/cooley World War I, and the 1920s,” he said.

Clarke credits his ability to thrive as a teacher to Desert Ridge Junior High School.

“I feel lucky to be part of the Desert Ridge Junior High family. Our administration and staff have created an atmosphere where students and teachers can thrive. We are a team with many great leaders, and I am

thankful to be surrounded by so many amazing people,” he said.

One of his biggest strengths as a teacher is building a strong community in the classroom engaging students in the learning process.

“Students will be the most successful when they are comfortable in their

THIRD PLACE

Nicolas Lopat

South Valley Junior High 2034 S. Lindsay Road 480-855-0015 or gilbertschools.net

Secure HD streaming video system allows parents to check in anytime throughout the day from any computer or mobile device

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EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

PEOPLE & PLACES

Higley Unified ScHool diStrict Inspiring Students in the Southeast Valley Since 1909

Now accepting registration for 2016-17 • Preschool through high school

Our schools provide educational opportunities for all learners, including these programs in 2016-17: • Comprehensive Preschools LEARN MORE ABOUT • Higley Program for Accelerated Learning HIGLEY PROGRAM FOR ACCELERATED LEARNING • Spanish Immersion (Kindergarten) 5:30 PM JUNE 1 • Mandarin Immersion (K-3) AT BRIDGES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WWW.HUSD.ORG/BRIDGES • Strong neighborhood schools • Exceptional middle schools with 1-to-1 technology • Nationally recognized high schools with opportunities to earn college credit

To learn more, visit www.husd.org/ourschoolsevt or call 480-279-7000.

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PEOPLE & PLACES 6

BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

HERE WE GROW AGAIN! We are expanding to include: High School, Art Studio, and Sports Facilities.

RACHEL CICCARONE Gilbert High School 1101 E. Elliot Road 480-497-0177 or gilbertschools. net/Domain/11

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hile teaching has always been a passion for Rachel Ciccarone, the Gilbert High School teacher worked in the medical field before realizing and pursuing her passion.

Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a certification in English from ASU in 2005, Ciccarone has taught English at Gilbert High School.

Her sophomore honors and junior students’ curriculum includes classic literature such as “The Great Gatsby,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Inferno.”

In addition to English, Ciccarone also teaches AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a class and program that helps students prepare for college.

“I really love the AVID program, I like the idea of individual determination and giving kids the study skills and organization to get into college,” Ciccarone says, who has taught AVID for the past three years.

“We take kids that aren’t necessarily collegebound” and see them apply to college and get scholarships, Ciccarone says.

Ciccarone writes positive aphorisms on her board everyday and has discussions at the beginning of class as warm-up exercises or quick writes.

Her room is full of personality: Pictures of shoes cover one wall, along with a ‘Be Awesome’ decoration above the class agenda board.

She said she always enjoys when students reach out to her at the end of the year.

“I get these kids who write me letters that I, of course, never expect. They always talk about how real I am. I’m very realistic with these kids.”

Although teaching comes with its own challenges, Ciccarone says she enjoys when students come in and tell her what they learned from her class. To her, that’s a sign that she’s made the right decision to become a teacher.

“I get great pleasure when they say ‘Ms. Ciccarone I finally understood what you meant when you talked about such and such.’

When the students self-reflect, that’s when I feel I’m at my best.”

SECOND PLACE

Bill Bitter

Highland High School 4301 E. Guadalupe Road 480-813-0051 or gilbertschools. net/Domain/12 THIRD PLACE

Linda Abbott

Mesquite High School 500 S. McQueen Road 480-632-4750 or gilbertschools. net/domain/219

Private Montessori Preschool Free Public Charter School Montessori K-2 Self-Contained Gifted 1st - 5th Discovery Based Elementary K-5th Free Public Middle School 6th - 8th Free Public High School 9th - 12th

480.222.0811

SanTanCharterSchool.com 3959 E. Elliot Road • Gilbert (Located in Morrison Ranch)

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST CHARTER SCHOOL

SAN TAN CHARTER SCHOOL

3959 E. Elliot Road • 480-222-0811 or santancharterschool.com

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hat started off as a preschool and kindergarten in 2006 has quickly transformed into the Best Charter School in the Gilbert area. With tuition-free education for Pre-K through 12th grade, San Tan Charter School is helping students excel in every way possible. This prestigious school implements individual learning plans for “gifted” students who have academic, social and emotional needs. They also follow the “Love & Logic” approach, which is meant to help build healthy relationships between students and teachers to ensure an exciting and rewarding learning environment. San Tan Charter School strives to make sure every student is on an educational path that is designed for their individual success.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

580 W. Melody Ave. 480-813-9537 or eduprizeschools.net

2061 S. Gilbert Road 480-855-2700 or imaginewestgilbert.org

Edu-prize

Imagine West Gilbert

BEST PLACE TO WORK

GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

140 S. Gilbert Road • 480-497-3300 or gilbertschools.net

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ade up of over 40 schools, Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) serves more than 39,000 students from elementary to high school. Sixty-two percent of their teachers also have advanced degrees. They are recognized for their small class sizes, having a strong professional development, and top-notch technological programs. Since they are a familyoriented district, they look to employ the uppermost talented individuals who are eager to take on leadership roles, with opportunities to advance and thrive in. Whether you’re looking for a part-time or full-time position, GPS has plenty of jobs available to help you boost your career.

With a competitive salary, health benefits and retirement benefits, it’s comes as no surprise that Gilbert Public Schools is the top place to work in the Gilbert area.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

730 S. Cooper Road 480-813-2796 or wilkinslearningcenter.com

3959 E. Elliot Road 480-222-0811 or santancharterschool.com

Wilkins Learning Center

San Tan Charter School

PEOPLE & PLACES

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PEOPLE & PLACES 8

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST CHILDCARE CENTER

Wilkins Learning Center What an honor for us to be nominated, again, for Best of Gilbert Preschool and Childcare!

We extend a HUGE thank you to all our parents and friends for supporting the Wilkins Way Approach in early education! What an honor it is for our compassionate “WLC staff ” to love, respect, and make learning FUN for your precious babies all the way through our PreK Programs. We will continue our mission to effectively and tenderly “grow” kinder, highly-capable children!

From our hearts to yours, THANK YOU for supporting us in Childcare, Preschool, Summer Camps, and our new PreK Spanish Infusion program.

All of you have deposited nuggets of encouragement and love along this journey, and we will be forever grateful.

Stop by and visit us!

WILKINS LEARNING CENTER 730 S. Cooper Road 480-813-2796 or wilkinslearningcenter.com

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t takes a lot to trust others to care for your little one. Wilkins Learning Center will ease your worries. For their childcare, children are placed in classes according to their age.

In the “swaddlers” class (at least 6 weeks old to walking) teachers cuddle, sing and play peek-a-boo with the children. In toddler classes of “crawlers,” “walkers,” “talkers” or “mini 3s,” kids play with blocks, puzzles, water and sand with a caring teacher. The hours are convenient for parents, who can drop their child off as early as 6:30 a.m. and pick them up at 6 p.m. The three ingredients that form the foundation of the company and guide them in their mission are “love, respect and make learning fun!” This saying guides the staff at Wilkins Learning Center to positively impact children and parents.

SECOND PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse 1059 N. Val Vista Drive 480-926-1317 or littlesunshine.com

The Wilkins CD & popular book, Ready for Kindergarten, builds academic skills and empowers confidence in a fun way!

730 S. Cooper Road, Gilbert 85233 NW Corner of Warner & Cooper

480-813-2796

WilkinsLearningCenter.com

General@WilkinsLearningCenter.com

THIRD PLACE

Watch Me Grow Child Care watchmegrowchildcare.com 4100 S. Lindsay Road 480-855-1004 2323 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 104 480-633-5523

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

PEOPLE & PLACES

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RECREATION 10

BEST ANNUAL EVENT

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST PLACE TO ENJOYT THE GREAT OUTDOORS

GILBERT DAYS

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his traditional celebration of the heritage of Gilbert includes activities for all residents and guests of the town.

The annual celebration takes place every November throughout Gilbert.

This year there will be a Gilbert Days water tower lighting and concert on Nov. 17 at Water Tower Plaza. The Gilbert Days 5K and 1 mile run will be Nov. 18 at Freestone Park, and the popular Gilbert Days Parade is set for Nov. 19 in the Gilbert Heritage District. As always, the Gilbert Promotional Corporation will present the 38th annual Gilbert Days Rodeo Nov. 11-13. Visit gilbertdays.org for more details.

RIPARIAN PRESERVE

2757 E. Guadalupe Road • 480-503-6200

SECOND PLACE

Friends for Life BARKtoberfest

143 W. Vaughn Ave. (event at Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive) 480-497-8296 or azfriends.org

THIRD PLACE

San Tan Village Holiday Balloon Glow 2218 E. Williams Field Road 480-282-9500 or shopsantanvillage.com

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iparian Preserve was born in 1986 with the goal of reusing all of the town’s effuse water.

Since then, the location has become an ideal place to enjoy the sunshine as well as premiere bird watching. The preserve is open to fishing with both catch-and-release and catch-and-keep species. The location also has both school and public programs including tours and the Rotary Centennial Observatory, where visitors can catch brilliant views of the night sky.

SECOND PLACE

Freestone Recreation Center 1141 E. Guadalupe Road 480-503-6202

THIRD PLACE

Discovery Park 2214 E. Pecos Road 480-503-6200

BEST PLACE TO BRING KIDS

BEST GOLF COURSE

FAT CATS GILBERT 4321 E. Baseline Road 480-498-3325 or gilbert.fatcatsfun.com

S WESTERN SKIES GOLF CLUB 1245 E. Warner Road 480-545-8542 or www.westernskiesgolf.com

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estern Skies Golf Club offers one of the best golfing experiences in all of Gilbert. No matter your experience, Western offers a course that plays to all tiers of expertise. In addition to the course itself, which plays at anywhere from 3,027 yards at the junior to 6,744 at the championship tees, Western Skies also has the Mulligans Grill and a full-service shop for all of your needs.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

4415 E. Village Pkwy.

480-988-0004 or bluestargolf.com

6683 S. Clubhouse Drive 480-722-8100 or sevillegcc.com

Trilogy Golf Club at Power Seville Golf and Country Ranch Club

ummer break is just about to start, and so is the perennial “I’m so bored” comments. Trevor Cannon, marketing coordinator for Fat Cats, said he has a quick fix for that. Fat Cats is a one-stop shop for healing boredom, or letting kids have a break from homework.

The attraction features bowling, an arcade, glow golf, movies and Thunder Alley, which allows patrons to hit the pins in the dark. But Fat Cats isn’t just for kids.

“The most fun thing about Fat Cats is we don’t really have a demographic,” Cannon said.

“We can make any age range happy. If you’re the young kid, you can have a birthday party and go glow bowling or watch ‘Angry Birds.’

There are also opportunities for corporate parties and there’s a full-service bar. Plus, I don’t know a parent who doesn’t like to see movies.”

Fat Cats, which will celebrate its one-year anniversary on June 15.

SECOND PLACE

Freestone Recreation Center

1141 E. Guadalupe Road 480-503-6202 or gilbertaz.gov THIRD PLACE

The Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch 2757 E. Guadalupe Road 480-503-6200 or gilbertaz.gov

RECREATION

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

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480-461-1940

S. Gilbert Rd.

Southern Ave.

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Gallery Plaza, 1 Block East of Stapley on Southern

Monday-Saturday 9:00am-5:30pm • Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT 12

BEST DANCE STUDIO

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE VENUE

HALE CENTRE THEATRE

ARTISTIC MOTION DANCE

50 W. Page Ave. 480-497-1181 or haletheatrearizona.com

3341 E. Queen Creek Road 480-284-7300 or artisticmotiondanceaz.com

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amily owned and operated Artistic Motion Dance Studio offers programs for dancers ages 2-18. The goal is for students to have fun, learn proper technique and discipline, and increase their knowledge and skill. The studio also has six age groups for its ‘Stars Performance Team’ ranging from ‘Rising Stars’ to ‘Stars Elite,’ which are selected dancers from auditions that compete in local competitions. AMD Dance Company has five age categories ranging from ‘Micro Company’ to ‘Teen/Senior Company,’ advanced dancers who compete in local and national competitions. Artistic Motion Dance teaches different forms of dance and develops technique with qualified instructors in a fun environment that fosters artistry.

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

SECOND PLACE

Balleto’s Dance Company, at Leap of Faith Dance Studio 690 E. Warner Road 480-507-0777 or leapoffaithdanceaz.com THIRD PLACE

Dance Republic

avid Dietlein is proud of the Hale Centre Theatre and he’s just as enthusiastic about the venue’s patrons and its actors.

“We do quality work and have great actors,” Dietlein said. He enjoys sharing his love of all things Hale Centre Theatre with fans.

“We attract old and young,” he said. “We like to program seasons that are fun and not heavy. We SECOND PLACE like to entertain so patrons can leave their worries Higley Center for the Performing Arts at the front door.”

There have been exceptions to that, Dietlein 4132 E. Pecos Road said. The Hale Centre Theatre recently wrapped up 480-279-7190 its production of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” or higleycenter.org The 110-seat theater-in-the-round has been a hit with Gilbert residents as well as fans Valleywide.

THIRD PLACE Shows are mostly sold out, which makes Dietlein Tuscany Theatre happy.

It’s that quality that makes Hale Centre Theatre Gilbert Tuscany Village, 861 N. the best live performance venue in Gilbert.

Higley Road, Suite 105, Gilbert

480-907-7050 or tuscanytheatre.com

125 S. Higley Road, Suite 103 480-633-7181 or wearedr.com

Sunday, September 25, 2016 · 7pm

October 28 - 29, 2016 · Times Vary

March 11, 2017 · 7:30pm In Close Up On Sale June 6

Sunday, June 12 · 7pm Saturday, November 19, 2016

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ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

MAY IS BETTER HEARING MONTH It is widely accepted that:

Thank you for voting for us!

Best of Gilbert two years in a row

Vision screenings are performed annually.

Dental check-ups occur every six months.

480-507-1807 • azdentistry.com

1170 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite125 • Gilbert, AZ 85234

What about HEARING?

Adults 55 years of age and older should have their hearing checked on an annual basis.

It’s time to make sure annual hearing screenings are just as much a norm as dental check-ups and vision screenings

Mesa Family Physicians “Caring for the Gilbert Community since 2000”

David E. Benton II, MD Steven R. Reeder, MD Gary S. Wallace, MD

James A. Gunn, MD Jennifer Withee, FNPC Joan Ardavanis, FNPC

About 20 percent of adults in the United States - an estimated 48 million - report some degree of hearing loss. How many more haven’t reported any loss or don’t know what they can’t hear?

We’re here to provide diagnostics and hearing health treatment for all patients especially those age 55 Call to make an and older.

appointment for your

FREE HEARING SCREENING

Offices in Mesa & Gilbert 2550 E. Guadalupe Rd. #107 Gilbert, AZ 85234

1440 S. Country Club Dr. #30 Mesa, AZ 85210

480-964-5800

We are accepting new patients!

2058 S. Dobson Rd., Ste. 9, Mesa, AZ 85202

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

480-456-0176 | www.fynesaudiology.com

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PETS

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST VETERINARIAN

DR. KARIN BURNS

Priority Pet Hospital, 4902 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 108 480-857-7234 or prioritypethospital.com

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t’s not out of the ordinary to feel anxious or nervous when going to the vet because, usually, your pet is more nervous than you are. However, Dr. Karin Burns of Priority Pet Hospital is two steps ahead of you.

Her practice is designed to be a calming place for your furry friend.

“We really strive to have a low-stress environment,” Burns said. “The vet clinic can be a very scary place for cats and dogs. We want to help puppies and kittens have happy experiences so they want to come back.”

The hospital is fully stocked with everything needed for total pet care including a surgical suite, dental equipment and separate cat and dog wards

that are designed to keep pets happy and comfy.

Burns made pet comfort a priority when she first went into the practice 18 years ago. It was at an American Association of Feline Practitioners conference where she first was introduced to the idea of keeping pets as calm as possible during their health checkups. She put the theory into practice immediately, taking steps to keep pets content.

This conscious care for an animal’s psychological well-being as well as their physical health is what makes Burns’ veterinary practice Gilbert’s top pick for pets.

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Jill Bronz Seville Veterinary Clinic 6348 S. Higley Road, Suite 109 480-279-2831 or sevillevet.com THIRD PLACE DR. JOHN CARR

Warner Vista Animal Hospital 895 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 102 480-497-9700 or valvistaanimalhospital.com

VOTED 1 IN PET SERVICE #

BEST PET SERVICES/ HOSPITAL

PRIORITY PET HOSPITAL

4902 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 108 • 480-857-7234 or prioritypethospital.com

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he goal of every visit is to help pets and their people feel at ease, according to Dr. Karin Burns and Dr. Billy Griswold. Gentle, low-stress handling, positive reinforcement, patience and compassionate care are hallmarks of the Priority Pet Hospital experience.

The team creates the same warm, inviting atmosphere for pet lovers, too. They know that celebrating, nurturing and preserving the bond you share with your pets takes teamwork. Taking time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions is the best way to develop a trusting partnership between you and the Priority Pet Hospital veterinary team.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Gilbert Farmers Market 222 N. Ash St. (Saturdays, 7-11 a.m.)

747 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-7999 or valvistaanimalhospital.com

Happy Tail Barkery Dog Bakery

Val Vista Animal Hospital

Call Us Today To Make Appointment 480-539-7999

“Providing Excellence In Medicine and Caring” Thanks for Voting for us for Top Vet and Top Pet Service in Gilbert!

As a Thank You to our loyal clients and new clients we are offering

$20 off an exam.

This Special is good thru June 13, 2016

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Congratulations Dr. Keenan!

Phone: 480-539-7999 Fax: 480-539-6440 Email: info@valvistapet.com

SHOPPING & SERVICES

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

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BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

CADENCE RUNNING COMPANY

Beaver says his company’s small size — one location with six employees — makes it special. It also gives him incentive to provide the customer service that sets him apart.

Beaver hopes to thrive, not just survive.

To that end, he’s not looking right now at expanding.

“I don’t want to water down the experience,” he said. “I want to keep track of what’s going on. You can’t if you’re running a store in Peoria and Gilbert and Paradise Valley.

“We’re part of the Gilbert community,” he said. “We’re pretty comfortable where we’re at.”

3107 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 103 480-786-8835 or cadencerunningcompany.com

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on’t let the name Cadence Running Company fool you. The shop, operated by owner Dan Beaver, caters to more than just runners.

Cadence does a lot of medical business, with podiatrists, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. The shop gets medical referrals and helps patients all the time.

“Most of our customers don’t run a step in their lives,” Beaver said.

It’s about making his customers feel better, which is why Cadence Running Company has been voted Best Customer Service in Best of Gilbert for the second year in a row.

“That’s what we strive for every day. We’re just so much different than others in our line of business,” Beaver said.

“You can’t just throw products in the store and hope for the best. You have to be different

SECOND PLACE

Little Sunshine’s Playhouse

1059 N. Val Vista Drive 480-926-1317 or littlesunshine.com THIRD PLACE to be successful in a small business with the advent of online shopping.”

Beaver’s basic service, his “meat and potatoes,” as he says, is to custom fit people with the proper footwear.

“We are completely educating our customers. They don’t pick out something just

because it’s black and says ‘Nike’ on the side.

“The other day, a lady was in here buying her first pair of shoes with us. When I pointed out to her there were three physical therapists in the store buying shoes for their personal use, she was surprised, and happy that she stopped in.”

Dutch Bros. Coffee 459 N. Gilbert Road dutchbros.com

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BEST OF GILBERT

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST OF GILBERT

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

Fat Cats Gilbert Pioneer Elementary

SE Regional Library

Studio 3 Performing Arts

Riparian Institute Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran school

Gilbert Community Center Gilbert Boys & Girls Club

Gilbert Arts Academy

Post Office Gilbert Historical Museum

community map

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SHOPPING & SERVICES 18

BEST HAIR SALON/BARBER

BEST AUTO REPAIR

NETWORK AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTER

SECOND PLACE

CarLife Auto Repair

4461 E. Baseline Road 480-800-3171 or carlifeautocare.com

1021 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 108 480-539-8277 or networkautomotive.com

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ince opening in 1998 in Gilbert, the family owned and operated Network Automotive Service Center has served its THIRD PLACE customers honestly, efficiently and economically, as the shop’s Big O Tires and own objectives state. Network Automotive has a loyal customer Service base, with 75 percent repeat customers. The full-service auto repair and maintenance shops offer A/C and brake repair and bigotires.com maintenance, alignment, emissions, to oil change, radiator service, 750 S. Lindsay Road transmission repair and more. The website has helpful tips for car 480-633-2446 owners including what do to if you have squeaky brakes, what an alignment is and what to do if you have an accident.

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

SAVANTE SALON

1040 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 105 480-503-4247 or savantesalon.com

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avante Salon is a full-service salon that provides hair, nails, waxing, bridal and skin care services by board certified professionals. The salon specializes in hair color services, provides manicures, pedicures and esthetic services including facials, eyelash and eyebrow tinting. In addition, Savante Salon has everything covered on a bride’s big day. With a range of bridal services including hair updos, bridal hair and makeup, bridesmaids/mothers hair and makeup, all a bride’s makeup and hair needs can be met at one salon.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

6683 S. Clubhouse Drive 602-694-4285

861 N. Higley Road • 480-540-1892 607 S. Gilbert Road • 480-545-6150

Erin Romley, Studio E Hair

Angelo’s Barber Shop

SAVINGS FOR YOU, HELP FOR OTHERS COME IN & VISIT OUR NEWEST LOCATION! . 5/25

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Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at a St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Browse any of our 8 Valley locations and you’ll see that we offer better quality at lower costs. And, your purchase helps fund programs for Arizonans in need.

OPEN SUNDAY 11AM-4PM APACHE JUNCTION

MESA

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2011 Best of East Valley Thrift Store Award

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Thank You For Your Votes!

To show our aPAWreciation, we are offering FREE shipping for the entire month of June.

Just go to our website

www.happytailsbarkery.biz and use code BESTOFGILBERT when you check out.

Your dog will love you for it!

480-433-9080

SHOPPING & SERVICES

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

19

BEST NAIL SALON

BEST HOLISTIC SERVICES

BARE NECESSITY WAX & SPA 323 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 117 480-290-5576

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riding themselves on their quality and friendly service, Bare Necessity Wax and Spa was opened in 2010 by owners Amy and Jason Koob, who strive to make their clients feel special by offering a personable and affordable experience. Make an appointment and treat yourself to their waxing services available to ladies and gents. Facials, lifts and chemical peels, foot scrubs and cold eye treatments are offered. Facials range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, and can be personalized to your skin needs such as hydrating, anti-aging or sensitive skin. Various lift treatments can help reduce redness, appearance of wrinkles, or try an organic pumpkin lift — a blend of pumpkin, pineapple and mango to rebalance and regenerate the skin.

Book an appointment and pamper yourself with one of their many personalized services.

SECOND PLACE

QC Reflexology

5340 S. Power Road, Suite 101 • 480-988-4614 4331 E. Baseline Road, Suite B-102 • 480-854-4462

THIRD PLACE

Touch of Tranquility Massage

2730 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 101 • 480-240-2952 touchoftranquilitymassageaz.com

GREENFIELD NAILS & SPA

888 S. Greenfield Road, Suite 104 480-545-2711 or greenfieldnailsandspa.com

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ince acquiring new owners in 2013, Greenfield Nails & Spa has aimed to provide a memorable experience for its clients. The salon wants patrons to relax when enjoying their services and is dedicated to great service and technical excellence. Greenfield offers various manicures including gel and European to a Signature spa pedicure. It’s a normal pedicure with a scrub and mint mask moisturizer and all natural spa pedicure that helps skin rejuvenate. Greenfield also has organic manicure and pedicure treatments such as lemongrass and green tea or mandarin and mango scents as well as facials to further pamper yourself.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

29 N. Val Vista Drive, Suite 103 • 480-507-6900 or elitenailsgilbert.com

2401 E. Baseline Road, Suite 104 • 480-558-5143 or simplyravishingsalon.com

Elite Nails

BEST PLACE TO SHOP

BEST NEW BUSINESS

RISE UP BAKERY

861 N. Higley Road, Suite 109 480-264-3026 or www.riseupbread.com

SECOND PLACE

Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company

721 N. Arizona Ave., ise Up Bakery makes breads every morning, all from Suite 103 • 480-284-9863 scratch in the Gilbert Tuscany Village at the northor www.azwbeer.com

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east corner of Higley and Guadalupe roads. Readers liked this bakery, offering varieties such as whole wheat and honey, jalapeño cheddar swirl, blueberry peach round, black THIRD PLACE Snooze AM Eatery Russian rye and apple cinnamon swirl, among others. Try the overachiever cookie, a chocolate chip cookie with oats, 310 N. Gilbert Road coconut, pretzels, corn flakes and caramel. Readers appar480-664-4488 or www. ently agree with Yelp reviewers, as the bakery scored a 4.5 snoozeeatery.com average out of 5 there.

Simply Ravishing Salon

SANTAN VILLAGE

SECOND PLACE

Gilbert Farmers Market

2218 E. Williams Field Road, Suite 235 480-282-9500 or www.shopsantanvillage.com 222 N. Ash St. www.gilbertmarket.com

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anTan Village won this category easily with readers.

Anchored by Dillard’s, Macy’s and the Harkins THIRD PLACE Theatres 16-Plex Cinema, this 1 million-square-foot, Cadence Running regional lifestyle center offers an outdoor experience and a special blend of dining and retail. Whether shoppers want Company 3107 S. Gilbert Road, sushi, Skechers or sunglasses, SanTan Village has their needs covered. The center schedules special events and fea- Suite 103 • 480-786-8835 tures such as a splash pad, puppy parties and Apple watch giveaways, just to name a few.

SHOPPING & SERVICES 20

BEST PLACE TO TIE THE KNOT

VAL VISTA LAKES

BEST PLACE TO WORK OUT

SECOND PLACE

Villa Siena

1600 E. Lakeside Drive 480-926-9693 or www.vvlevents.com

V

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

al Vista Lakes Events offers waterfront elegance, sunset draped mountain views, green scenery and distinctly personalized service. There is nothing quite like celebrating your wedding under a beautiful painted sunset with your toes in the sand, serenaded by the sounds of a cascading waterfall. And there is no place in Gilbert quite like Val Vista Lakes. They can accommodate up to 200 guests on their lush, lakeside location featuring frolicking waterfalls, a sandy beach lagoon and tropical greenery. Enjoy the simple elegance, lakeside splendor, and distinctly personalized service that is Val Vista Lakes

890 W. Elliot Road, Suite 104 480-782-7218 or villasiena.com THIRD PLACE

Chapel at the Farm

397 S. Gilbert Road 480-752-3733 or chapelatthefarm.com

DESERT FITNESS

SECOND PLACE

Lifetime Fitness

381 E. Warner Road 740 S. Cooper Road 480-422-7358 or www.desertfitnessaz.com 480-892-5020 or www. lifetimefitness.com

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ilbert’s Desert Fitness offers a wide array of machines and classes to get customers into shape. Ranging in intensity from cardio kickboxing to yoga, Desert Fitness has all of the options to help get rid of those troublesome lipids. The gym also offers personal training, tanning and a kids center, called Desert Kids, to leave the little ones.

THIRD PLACE

Potential Realized Training

6348 S. Higley Road 480-740-7208 or www. potentialrealizedtraining.com

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENCY/AGENT

THE EHLEN TEAM

Re/Max Solutions 1425 S. Higley Road, Suite 104 (602) 320-7056 or (602) 330-3379 or www.theehlenteam.com

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tacia Ehlen was pleased to hear she and her husband, Tim, were voted Best Real Estate Agency/Agents. So, apparently, was her 1-year-old son Cooper. “We’re very excited,” Stacia said as Cooper shouted his approval in the background during a phone call.

The parents, known as The Ehlen Team at Re/Max Solutions, balance family and their real estate agency from home. Husband Tim was busy delivering 4-year-old Natalie to day care. “It’s a little challenging, but rewarding, working at home,” Stacia said. The kids are a huge part of their business, charming homebuyers during open houses. “It’s kind of funny,” she said. “My daughter recently was waiting for little kids during the open house. She wanted to play!” The Ehlen Team is used to working with families. Gilbert has one of the largest concentrations of families throughout the state. The Ehlens know what it’s like for growing families looking for the right home. Stacia has been with Re/Max for more than 12 years, and Tim joined her two years ago, after being in retail management for 15 years. “We’re lucky to still be successful after all this time,” she said.

SECOND PLACE

Christopher Rees

DPR Realty 3850 E. Baseline Road, Suite119 602) 762-0685 or (480) 123-4567 THIRD PLACE

Kati Estrada

Conway Real Estate 1425 W. Elliot Road, Suite 103 • (866) 589-7722 or (480) 205-1280 or www.conwayreaz.com

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

SHOPPING & SERVICES

21

MEDICAL 22

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

BEST AUDIOLOGIST

DR. PETER DUFOUR IV

1467 W. Elliot Road, Suite 103 480-839-2225 or du4chiro.com

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DR. TINA JESSEE

SECOND PLACE

Good Sound Audiology 201 W. Guadalupe Road, Suite 315 480-497-0780 or goodsoundaudiology.com

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ood Sound Audiology’s motto is “Bringing people together through better hearing.” Her administrator Alaina McCormick said, “In a sense, we do a lot of couples therapy.” McCormick says bad hearing can hurt relationships. She tells of husbands and wives arguing over the television volume, neither one realizing the real problem is someone’s hearing loss. “Dr. Jessee gives people the opportunity to reconnect with their life.” She recommends that everyone get a baseline hearing exam.

Dr. Bill Gause

Mesa Pediatrics 2550 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 115 • 480-785-8700 or mesapeds.com THIRD PLACE

Dr. Lafe J. Carroll

Gilbert Pediatrics 4365 E. Pecos Road, Suite 123 • 480-892-3880 or gilbert-pediatrics.com

r. Peter Dufour is no stranger to praises from his patients.

The Best of Gilbert 2016 Best Chiropractor was the 2015 winner, too. Maybe the reason his patients like him so much is because he’s almost always available. “Whatever our hours, I still give patients my cellphone number,” Dufour said. “Whatever hours they need, I’m there.” Lately, the patients that have needed him most are veterans. It’s a service Dufour is happy to provide. “The Veterans Administration has approved us for care. So we get a lot of veterans now,” he said. “I like treating them. It’s a good feeling.

“They’ll come in for acupuncture, and they’ll get an adjustment too. If they need more treatment, they get it.” Dufour also treats accident and injury patients. He sees a lot of lower back pain and neck pain. Dufour has been practicing for 20 years, the last six in Gilbert.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

The Well Chiropractic Clinic 2451 E. Baseline Road, Suite 410 • 480-656-1233

A Plus Chiropractic Care 3048 E. Baseline Road, Suite 130 • 480-649-5868

Dr. Eric Garst

BEST DENTIST

DR. JOHN A. GARZA 754 S. Val Vista Dr., Suite 106 480-539-7979 johnagarzadds.com

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r. John Garza likes his patients to know there’s more to his practice than clean teeth. Garza trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. “I wanted to go above and beyond dental school to have a greater knowledge of dentistry,” he said. In Las Vegas, he learned neuromuscular dentistry and how the teeth, jaw and the muscles come together. Because of that extra training, he can treat other issues. “We can fix migraines, headaches, snoring, teeth grinding.

We understand the function of it all and make the teeth fit,” Garza said. He still offers other dentistry services, and quickly. “We’re doing full-mouth reconstruction in one visit,” he said. With just five employees, Garza has 5,000 active patients. He still makes sure each gets personal service. “I want someone to spend more time with me,” he said. “I like to have a personal relationship with my patients.” Garza is in his 24th year of practice. “I’m going to hang in there,” he said.

Dr. Howard Fern

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

DR. PAUL E. ENGLISH, M.D., F.A.A.D

English Dermatology Center 3011 S. Lindsay Road, Suite 111 480-507-5011 or www. englishdermatology.com

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r. Paul E. English has been serving Arizona’s dermatology needs for 23 years and has been practicing in Gilbert since 2000. The office strives to get to know patients and be responsive to their needs. English did his undergraduate at Weber State University before finishing medical school at the University of Utah. English has been the official licensed dermatologist for the Arizona Diamondbacks since 1999 and is the referring dermatologist of the Arizona State University Health Services.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Contemporary Dentistry 1170 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 125 • 480-507-1807 or azdentistry.com

1534 E. Ray Road, Suite 121 • 480-963-8373

Desert Sky Dermatology and Surgical Center 1684 E. Boston St., 480-855-0085

Arizona Dermatology 4001 E. Baseline Road, Suite 202 480-844-0510

Dr. Kathy Jacobson

Dr. Brett Quackenbush

Dr. Matthew Woods, M.D.

Marlene Wright

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

MEDICAL

DDS • LVIF • BSC • PC

Cosmetic and Neuromuscular Dentist

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JOHN A. GARZA DDS, LVIF, BSC, PC

ilbert cosmetic dentist, Dr. John Garza is a dental pioneer who has introduced the latest techniques, and best materials to his patients. As an instructor for Cerec technology and creator of the “Crane” a dental crown removal tool, Dr. Garza has become one of the most recognized cosmetic dentists in the valley, and as a cosmetic dentist with more than 23 years of serving friends, neighbors, and celebrities, he has become a household name in the community.

Born in Hayward, CA. Dr. Garza grew up in the Bay area near San Francisco. He has never stopped in his pursuit of dental excellence. After completing his undergraduate education at The University of Oklahoma in Norman receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1990, he pursued dental training at the University of Oklahoma in OKC, where he received his DDS in 1994. He is a dentist who believes you should never stop learning, and since receiving his DDS he has added thousands of hours of continuing education to his knowledge base. Along with traditional dental concepts, Dr. Garza has always sought to push the boundaries of dental excellence by emphasizing cosmetic dentistry, complex dental reconstruction, and the treatment of head, neck, and facial pain. In recognition of his tireless pursuit of dental knowledge, Dr. Garza received his fellowship from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced dental studies in June of 2015. The LVIF designation is given for work specifically in dental and facial cosmetics, and neuromuscular dentistry. This includes TMJ, Bruxism, Migraines, and Jaw pain.

Although Dr. Garza is committed to integrating the most advanced technology into his practice, he never forgets that technology is only a tool and is never a substitute for the personal attention and relationship every patient deserves.

Additionally, Dr Garza believes in giving back to our Gilbert community. Four times a year, he provides free care to the under privileged and under insured.

In his free time, John enjoys scuba diving. He earned his PADI Master Instructor recently and enjoys teaching others how to scuba dive. He is an ambassador to the ocean respecting the ecosystem.

754 South Val Vista Drive, Suite 106 • Gilbert, AZ 85296 480.539.7979 • info@johnagarzadds.com

WWW.JOHNAGARZADDS.COM

23

MEDICAL

24

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST EYE CARE

BEST HOSPITAL/URGENT CARE

MERCY GILBERT MEDICAL CENTER 3555 S. Val Vista Dr. 480-728-8000 www.dignityhealth.org

M SAN TAN EYE CENTER

2680 S. Val Vista Drive, Suite 111 480-807-0288 or www.eyecare-gilbert.com

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an Tan Eye Center has been providing eye care to Gilbert for 30 years. Dr. Jack Hostetler and Dr. Jonathan Wold are committed to supplying the best care for Gilbert. Both Hostetler and Wold graduated from Arizona State University as undergraduates. Hostetler then graduated from the Southern California School of Optometry while Wold graduated from the Houston School of Optometry. San Tan Eye Center provides a wide range of services including comprehensive eye examinations, pediatric eye care, contact lens exam and fitting, LASIK evaluations, medical eye care, and free infant examinations.

2450 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 107 480-507-0600

ercy Gilbert Medical Center has become an integral component to Gilbert’s health and economy since opening in 2006. The non-profit hospital has 198 beds, and is a member of Dignity Health, the fifth largest health system in the US. The medical center employs upwards of 899 physicians representing a range of specialties, 588 other employees, and enjoys the services of 525 volunteers. The award-winning hospital is home to a full range of services, including cardiovascular, emergency care, family birth center, gastroenterology, sleep center, orthopedics, diagnostic services, and more.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Desert Vista Eye Specialists

Carlsson Family Eye Center

3592 S. Atherton Blvd.

Suite 111 480-988-4131

Banner Gateway Medical Center 1900 N. Higley Road 480-543-2000 or www. bannerhealth.com

THIRD PLACE

Gilbert Hospital 5656 S. Power Road 480-984-2000 www.gilberter.com

Thank You For The Nomination Gilbert!

See Great! Look Great! Feel Great!

• Contact Lens Exams, Fitting and Follow-up, including Standard, Disposable, Astigmatic (Toric), Multi-Focal and Specialty Lenses • Lasik Pre and Post Op Management • Medical eye services available including eye emergency, same day office visits

• Ortho K

Comprehensive Eye Examinations for All Ages

• Specialty Scleral Lens Fittings and Treatment Options

Call for your appointment today!

• Treatment for Stress-related Visual Problems, including Nearsightedness, Headaches or Computer Vision Syndrome (C.V.S.)

3592 S. Atherton Blvd. Ste. 111, Gilbert

• Eyewear Designing and Dispensing

• Sports Vision Correction and/or Improvement

480-988-4131 CarlssonEye.com

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST GENERAL PRACTICE DOCTOR (TIE)

DR. DALE GUTHRIE, M.D., F.A.A.P Gilbert Pediatrics 4365 E. Pecos Road, Suite 123 480-892-3880 or www.gilbert-pediatrics.com

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r. Dale Guthrie has been serving Gilbert at Gilbert Pediatrics since 1988. Guthrie founded the practice with Dr. Randy Leavitt after his residencies at Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Guthrie said he loves Gilbert and its family focus. “Gilbert is really a family centered community and people seem to really care about each other,” Guthrie said. “There’s a lot of good people that live here.” Guthrie said the best part of pediatrics is being able to develop long-term relationships with his patients. Guthrie went to Mesa Community College and Arizona State University before completing his medical education at Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Gilbert Pediatrics provides services to those 18 and younger, Guthrie said.

MEDICAL

We Care About Our Gilbert Community.

That is why we encourage advance planning.

We are a third generation family owned and operated funeral home, cemetery and advanced planning center. Known for our caring, compassionate, and helpful staff, we will guide you through the process during one of life’s most challenging trials.

We will take care of every aspect of your funeral arrangements on-site, including a beautiful cemetery. We care about our community and that is why we encourage Advance Planning. Come in to find out how Advance Planning reduces the burden on those you love.

Funeral Services • Cemetery • Cremation

DR. GARY WALLACE, M.D. Mesa Family Physicians 2550 E. Guadalupe Road, Suite 115 480-964-5800 or www.mesafp.com

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or the third consecutive year, Dr. Gary Wallace is Gilbert’s choice for Best General Practice Medical Doctor. “We love the community,” Wallace said. “My wife and I raised our family here. We have amazing teachers, amazing schools, and an amazing community. We love the core values here and we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Wallace has spent his entire career with Mesa Family Physicians and has been practicing there since 2000. “It’s a nice way to spend your day, caring for people,” said Wallace. “I try to take a personal interest in my patients and care for them in a way that I would want to be cared for.” Wallace earned his undergraduate degree in microbiology from Arizona State University, earned his medical degree at the University of Arizona, and did his residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix. All of the doctors at Mesa Family Physicians are board-certified family doctors, said Wallace. Mesa Family Physicians is a family practice that provides care to everyone from infants to seniors.

480-832-2850 | www.mvfuneralhome.com

SECOND PLACE

Dr. Jeanne Wolfe, M.D.

Gilbert Center for Family Medicine 652 E. Warner Road, Suite 107 480-539-8680 or www.gilbertcenter.net

480-888-2682 | www.queencreekfuneralhome.com

25

FOOD & DINING 26

BEST ASIAN FOOD

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST BAKERY/DESSERT

RISE UP BAKERY 861 N. Higley Road, Suite 109 480-264-3026 or riseupbread.com

T DRAGON WOK FINE CHINESE RESTAURANT 727 W. Ray Road, Suite B1 • 480-782-6889 • dragonwok.biz

U

sing high-quality and fresh ingredients, Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant serves up tasty Chinese dishes with specialties like ‘Happy Family’ (lobster tail, shrimp, scallops, chicken and vegetables) to ‘Phoenix Dragon’ (chicken, shrimp, straw mushrooms, baby corn and mushrooms). Dragon Wok Fine Chinese Restaurant has variety for every palette, with traditional appetizers such as egg rolls and crab puffs, egg drop soup and dishes like Mongolian beef and orange chicken.

SECOND PLACE

Thai Chili 3641 E. Baseline Road 480-219-8330 or thaichili.us THIRD PLACE

Pei Wei 1084 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 601 480-926-9749 or peiwei.com/ arizona/9-gilbert

here’s not much better than the smell of freshly baked bread. That’s Rise Up Bakery’s philosophy. Since opening in 2014, its made-from-scratch breads, bars, cookies and granola have won over customers in the East Valley and kept them coming back.

One reason is the bakery’s breads, including flavors like jalapeño cheddar swirl, whole wheat and honey, chocolate babka and apple cinnamon. Sweet treats include the Mississippi mud bar, a chocolate brownie cake base with melted marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate icing. You can also cool down at Rise Up. One featured ice cream sandwich features chocolate chip cookies with vanilla ice cream.

SECOND PLACE

Lisa’s Rum Cake

219 S. William Dillard Drive, Suite 135 480-304-5077 or lisasrumcake.com THIRD PLACE

Frost Gelato

2150 E. Williams Field Road 480-899-2160 or frostgelato.com/ phoenix.html

Thank you for voting us Best Italian Food in Gilbert

$5 off

Spaghetti Dinner Special Mon & Tues 11am-9pm

$5.99

Includes Dinner Salad - dine in only

$22.99 - Family Meal

Large 1 Topping Pizza Fried Artichokes - Cheesecake - dine in or take out

your Total Bill of

$20 or more.

Must Present Coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 6/30/16

Wine Wednesday

50% Off All Bottles All Day

1652 N. Higley Road Gilbert

Dueling Pianos

480-218-2338

$29.99 - Italian Feast

Large 1 Topping Pizza, LG House Salad, Rigatoni Alfredo w/ Chicken Cheesecake - dine in or take out

Let us cater your next event!

Call Dina for details: 480-747.0756.

Every First Saturday 7pm-10pm Reservations Suggested

NE Corner of Higley and Baseline

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-9pm Sat 3pm-9pm - Closed Sun

www.zapponesbistro.com

FOOD & DINING

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

27

BEST BARTENDER/SERVER

EDDIE KOBZIAK AT OREGANO’S

BEST BREAKFAST SPOT

328 N. Gilbert Road 480-882-9336

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fter sitting down with Eddie Kobziak for a few minutes, it’s easy to see how he won Best Bartender in Gilbert. Accommodating, friendly, and easily approachable, he has a reputation as fantastic as his commitment to the job. Kobziak has been behind the bar at Gilbert Oregano’s for the past 9 1/2 years. “I’m one of the last original employees,” he says while mixing drinks. Sure enough, it has been about 10 years since its inception and he was there to see it. The location is nestled under the historic Gilbert Water Tower, built with original Chicago bricks, and features cool neon signs that are hard to miss. Even after this many years, Kobziak informs us, without missing a beat, that his favorite dish after a shift is “Lady is a Scampi.” This meal offers nearly a half pound of big, wild caught fresh ocean shrimp with corkscrew pasta in a yummy chipotle sauce. Looking for a drink with your meal? The Moscow Mule is refreshing in the triple-digit heat. So how does one become the Best Bartender in Gilbert?

Kobziak says it’s a team effort. “It’s our overall level of customer service we provide and our great management team. We love serving the community of Gilbert.” Want to stop in and meet Kobziak yourself? He works Monday through Friday behind the bar from 3:30 to 10 p.m. From June 6-10 buy any pasta dish and Oregano’s will donate three pasta dinners to feed hungry families through St. Mary’s Food Bank and Community Food Band of Southern Arizona.

SECOND PLACE

Mike at Flancer’s 610 N. Gilbert Road 480-926-9077 or www.flancers.com THIRD PLACE

Scott at Postino East 302 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 102 480-632-6363

HENHOUSE CAFÉ

3244 E. Guadalupe Road 480-219-7379 or www.henhouse-cafe.com

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amily owned and operated, Henhouse Café prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients in its breakfast and lunch selections. Size isn’t a concern either as its hefty portions leave even the hungriest customers satisfied. Henhouse Café caters to early birds, opening at 6:30 a.m. every day.

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE

228 N. Gilbert Road 480-926-0676 or www. farmhouseofgilbert.com

310 N. Gilbert Road 480-664-4488 or www. snoozeeatery.com

The Farmhouse Restaurant Snooze: an A.M. Eatery

FOOD & DINING 28

BEST BBQ

JOE’S REAL BBQ

301 N. Gilbert Road 480-503-3805 or www.joesrealbbq.com

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oe’s Real BBQ has been serving Gilbert since 1995 and dishing out the best BBQ in the city. Joe’s, the brainchild of two former coffee chain workers, serves all of the best BBQ classics like brisket, hot links, ribs and other carnivorous selections. The pricing is also very affordable, with most of the entrees not costing more than $12, providing ample bang for your buck. Have a larger party? Joe’s also provides catering and banquet service.

BEST BURGER LOCATION

SECOND PLACE

Famous Dave’s

2206 E. Williams Field Road 480-722-2781 or www. famousdaves.com THIRD PLACE

Ryno’s BBQ

2795 S. Market St. 480-988-0724

ZINBURGER

344 N. Gilbert Road 480-387-5000 or www.zinburgeraz.com

Z

inburger gets readers’ votes for the perfect, juiciest burger. The high-end chain offers cooked-toorder burger masterpieces and a happy hour from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday. If your sweet tooth is calling, its gourmet milkshakes are sure to satisfy. If you’re looking to host a group event, Zinburger is happy to oblige. Visiting www.foxrcevents.com for your event.

BEST COFFEEHOUSE

BERGIES COFFEE ROAST HOUSE

309 N. Gilbert Road 480-497-3913 or www.bergiescoffee.com

B

ergies Coffee Roast House’s motto is “Experience the difference,” and there is certainly a difference between Bergies coffee and your average, steaming cup of joe.

Bergies offers all the coffee shop favorites including iced coffee, macchiatos, lattes and just about any coffee concoction. On weekends, Bergies hosts a variety of events on a rotating basis so events — like the coffee — are always fresh.

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

SECOND PLACE

Dutch Bros.

Coffee

722 N. McQueen Road 480-539-8888 or www. dutchbros.com THIRD PLACE

The Coffee Shop

3000 E. Ray Road 480-279-3144 or www. thecoffeeshopaz.com

SECOND PLACE

Joe’s Farm Grill

3000 E. Ray Road 480-563-4745 or www. joesfarmgrill.com THIRD PLACE

In-N-Out Burger

2449 S. Market St. 800-786-1000 or www. in-n-out.com

BEST DELI /SANDWICH SHOP

FLANCER’S

SECOND PLACE

F

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610 N. Gilbert Road 480-926-9077 or www.flancers.com lancer’s namesake Jeff Flancer brought his restaurant to the world in 2000 and has been cranking out great sandwiches ever since. But to call Flancer’s merely a sandwich shop would be doing it a disservice. The restaurant also serves burgers and pizza in addition to its wide array of sandwiches. And, if you’re looking for a hint of mystery with your meal, ask about the legend of the Flancer’s Goat.

Firehouse Subs

2894 S. Village Pkwy.

480-855-0900 or www. firehousesubs.com

Liberty Market

230 N. Gilbert Road 480-892-1900 or www. libertymarket.com

FOOD & DINING

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST HAPPY HOUR SPOT

POSTINO EAST

302 N. Gilbert Road, Suite 102 480-632-6363

S

29

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

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Kona Grill

2224 E. Williams Field Road 480-289-4500

imilar to their other locations, Postino East wow’d visitors from day one. With eight wines on tap, plenty of wines THIRD PLACE by-the-bottle, and multiple beer options, few question how Blue 32 Sport Grill they made it to the top as Gilbert’s Best Happy Hour. For those who can sneak out before closing time, the $5 wines before 5 p.m. 1524 E. Williams Field is a local favorite. Pair the happy hour wine with their famous Road bruschetta board and dinner is complete in time for your nightly 480-963-0032 sitcom at 7 p.m. Enjoy the winning mix of indoor/outdoor dining for the few weeks of beautiful weather we have left.

ZAPPONE’S ITALIAN BISTRO 1652 N. Higley Road, Suite 103 • 480-218-2338

Z

appone’s Italian Bistro brings classic, uncomplicated Italian back to the table. The daily-made pastas and breads paired with fresh ingredients truly make a difference in taste. Gilbert residents rave about Zappone’s customer service going above and beyond for their patrons regularly. “It is great to see people understand how hard we work, and how much we care,” said Bernardina Zappone.

Don’t have time for dinner? They have monthly $5 customer appreciation lunches that are a must-attend. If it has been a while since your last visit, their remodel looks splendid.

SECOND PLACE

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza 1150 S. Gilbert Road 480-633-2226 THIRD PLACE

Cassanova Brothers

929 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-6200

Celebrating Our 8th Year in Gilbert!

Thank you to all our customers for your continued support!

Authentic New York Pizza, Subs & Entrees

CALL FOR DAILY SPECIALS • DINE IN & TAKE-OUT

Come to Casanovas, where Mike & Tony Casanova make you feel like you’re part of the family.

“Forget about it!”

Coming Soon, 2017!

50% off

X-Large Pizza

We Serve Slices All Day

Order 1 X-Large 1-Topping Pizza, Get 2nd X-Large Pizza of Equal or Lesser Value 1/2 Off

Visit us at: casanovabrospizza.com

Casanova Bros. Gilbert • 480-539-6200 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 7/6/16.

Cassanova Brothers’ ! bigger & better location

16" Large

12

$

99

Casanova Bros. Gilbert • 480-539-6200 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers. Exp. 7/6/16.

929 N. Val Vista Drive (NE corner of Val Vista & Guadalupe) Gilbert • 480-539-6200 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 11am-9pm • Sun. 12pm-7pm

1-Topping Pizza

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BEST MEXICAN FOOD

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST PIZZA PLACE

CASANOVA BROTHERS PIZZA AND PASTA

929 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-6200

RANCHO DE TIA ROSA 891 N. Higley Road • 480-396-8787

D

on’t let the nondescript strip mall fool you, local gems have been found in stranger places. Many feared the location change for Rancho de tia Rosa would destroy the memories and fantastic tastes. By the astounding number of votes they received this year, it is clear to see the food, decor, and cherished customer service traveled with it to their new home.

Their happy hour menu includes smaller food plates and drinks.

For dinner, we recommend pairing the chicken mole enchiladas with a beautifully presented margarita.

Editor’s note: Rancho de tia Rosa closed its doors after voting had ended for this year’s Best of Gilbert.

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Nandos Mexican Cafe 3519 E. Baseline Road 480-633-1313 THIRD PLACE

La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen 638 E. Warner Road 480-545-2880

M

ichael and Anthony “Tony” Casanova have made a name for themselves in the East Valley.

They began their journey to stardom in 2008 and news quickly spread not only of their delicious pizza and pasta, but the atmosphere they bring into the restaurant. It may be counter service, but when a customer is greeted by one of the owners upon walking in, everyone is family from that moment foreword. The Casanova brothers are true New Yorkers and it shows in their quality of food. Whether it is a pizza, calzone, or pasta, it feels like Central Park is right outside. Make sure to bring a friend because the portions are true to New York as well.

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1150 S. Gilbert Road 480-633-2226

1431 E. Williams Field Road 480-917-0111

Sal’s Gilbert Pizza

BEST SPORTS BAR

Barro’s Pizza

BEST STEAKHOUSE

THE KEG STEAKHOUSE

2240 E. Williams Field Rd 480-821-1500

I BLUE 32 SPORTS GRILL 1524 E. Williams Field Road 480-963-0032

B

lue 32 Sports Grill is the quintessential American sports bar, and that’s not a bad thing! If a game is on and a burger is what you crave, head to Blue 32. Worried seating may be difficult?

Blue 32 Sports Grill features, on average, 30 TVs at their locations.

All food is made in-house and it shows. No microwaves or greasy bar food available here. It can get loud during games, but it’s definitely kid-friendly. It is hard to offer a favorite because their food is all fantastic, but we recommend visiting their happy hour during the week from 3 to 7 p.m.

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Zipps Sports Grill

211 E. Warner Road, Suite 103 480-539-1600

t may seem easy to brush off The Keg as a chain-like steakhouse fearing it to be overpriced and average at best.

Nothing could be further from the truth at The Keg Steakhouse in Gilbert. The steaks served are juicy and the accompaniments make it hard to finish the steak.

We highly recommend the twice baked potato and wedge salad with any meal. For those not keen on steak, their seafood options wow as well.

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Buffalo Wild Wings

970 S. Gilbert Road 480-632-9464

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THIRD PLACE

3961 S. Gilbert Road 480-726-7427

25 E. Ray Road 480-306-4545

Texas Roadhouse

JC’s Steakhouse

EAST VALLEY TRIBUNE BEST OF GILBERT 2016

BEST SUSHI

BLUE WASABI SUSHI AND MARTINI BAR 2080 E. Williams Field Road 480-722-9250

W

ith 12 years of service, Blue Wasabi continues to be the go-to sushi location in Gilbert. The minimalist design and bright colors give a cool, fresh feel to the restaurant.

They add a fun atmosphere with silly sushi roll names like “Marilyn Monroll” and “Badda Bing.” Make sure to have a designated driver because their martinis are to die for and half off on Sundays. This location will be fantastic for a light dinner as the summer heat visits. Interested in learning how to make sushi? Check out their sushi school.

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Kona Grill

2224 E. Williams Field Road 480-289-4500

Temari Fine Japanese Cuisine 919 N. Val Vista Drive 480-539-0159

BEST WINGS

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 970 S. Gilbert Road • 480-632-9464

D

o you look for variety in your wings? Buffalo Wild Wings offers 16 signature sauces and five seasonings. Whether you love them traditional, boneless, dry, or sauced, there is something for everyone. Mix and match the sauces to find a favorite flavor. The Buffalo Wild Wings Gilbert location is family owned and the staff treat each other more like family than coworkers. Make sure to check the nicknames on their name tags. (Word on the street is this location is an Ohio State Buckeye bar).

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THIRD PLACE

211 E. Warner Road, 480-539-1600

151 E. Williams Field Road 480-899-8325

Zipps Sports Grill

Teakwood’s Tavern & Grill

FOOD & DINING

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Sale ends 6/15/2016