Delivered to Over 50,000 Homes and Businesses

•JANUARY 2014

FIRST ANNUAL

The Readers’ Local Favorites start here! This quick list of winners and finalists in each category is followed by brief highlights of the qualities that made them rise to the top. These are the businesses, people and places

that support our community and have won spots in the hearts of our readers.

FOOD & DININGOverall Best RestaurantJack’s Lemon Grass Wence’s Haute Stuff

Family/CasualJack’s La Tapatia, Martinez Marty O’s

Date DiningJack’s Barrel AgedWence’s

BBQKinder’s Meats & BBQBack Forty Beaver Creek Smokehouse

BurgerIn N Out Nation’s Five Guys Burgers

Ice CreamCold Stone CreameryBaskin Robbins Main St. Sweets

Frozen YogurtIan’s Coco Swirl Yogurt Land

BreakfastCopper Skillet CourtyardJack’s Plaza Café

LunchJack’s Corner Bakery Chipotle

PizzaZachary’s PizzaMelo’s Marty O’s

SandwichKinder’s Meats & BBQLuigi’s Togo’s

SteakRuth Chris Tahoe Joe’s Outback

ChineseMing’s Sunflower Garden Zen

Greek/Middle EasternYanni’s Jack’s Daphne’sOpa

IndianNaan & Curry Sargam Swagat

Japanese/SushiKobe Japan Restaurant Hanabi Sushi Nama

SeafoodScott’s Yacht Club Dead Fish

MexicanLa Tapatia Cinco de Mayo Los Ponchos

ThaiLemon Grass Royal Thai Do Sit

Italian Dallimonti’s Italian RestaurantDeVino’s Bravo Bistro

BARSSignature DrinkBarrel Aged Jack’s La Tapatia

Beers on TapCreek Monkey Tap HousePyramid AlehouseBJ’s

Wine SelectionVa di Vi Jack’s Haute Stuff Roxx on Main

Happy HourJack’s Kobe JapanTahoe Joe’s

Sports BarMagoo’s GrillJack’s Masses Sports Bar & Grill

Live MusicArmando’s Dallimonti’s Italian RestaurantPyramid Alehouse

HEALTH & BEAUTYHolistic CareMyra Nissen, CCH RSHom(NA) Chris Woolf , Woolf Spinal Care

ChiropractorCasey Strand, Contra Costa Chiropractic Dr. Lujan, Contra Costa Chiropractic

DentistDr. Stephen C. Francis, Muir Family DentistryDr. Daniel LeungKurt Schwartz

Medical DoctorDr. Nikolas MakhoulDr. Rush

OrthodontistDr. Stephen J. HarperDr. Jennifer Martin Tanner and Reichhold Family Orthodontics

Esthetician/Spa/MassageKelly Ann’s Salon & Day SpaSkin Science Medical Spa Changes Salon & Day Spa

GymStep it Up GymYMCA 24 Hour Fitness

Yoga/PilatesStep it Up GymYMCA Aspire Pilates

Boot CampStep it Up Gym

Dance StudioIn Motion Studio ANew You Dance Center

Martial ArtsFamily Martial Arts of America (FMAA) Powell’s Taekwondo CenterUFC

Hair SalonCitrus SalonAlma Bella

Nail SalonLily’s Nail SalonBollinger Nail Salon

HOME IMPROVEMENTCarpet/FlooringGil’s Carpets

Heating & A/CHammer’s Heating and Air ConditioningBig Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

ContractorsBali Construction

Interior DesignLaura Frost Cole’s Interiors

PaintersPayless Painting

PlumbersErnie’s Plumbing & Sewer Services Stefano’s Plumbing & Drain

ElectriciansBrazil Electric

HardwareBill’s Ace HardwareEames Hardware

Pest ControlLeading Edge Pest ControlClark’s Pest Control

Home ApplicationsMoulding Company

PET SERVICESPet SittingMeow & Howl Barbara Booth, Pet and Home Care

GroomingAnimal Crackers

VeterinarianHillcrest VetMontecito Animal ClinicGeary Veterinary Hospital

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESReal EstateFlaskerud / RE/MAXCole’s Real Estate

TaxH & R Block Lemonade Accounting

Senior ServicesPleasant Hill Senior Center Senior Helpers Martinez Senior CenterChateaus 1 & 2 Pleasant Hill, Assisted Living

InsuranceMatt Rinn, State Farm Chuck Reyna, FarmersChristine Sampson, State Farm

Financial PlanningAmy Wasser, Edward Jones John Fuller, Edward Jones

PhotographerSusan Wood PhotograpyTod Gomes Photography

CatererLesley Stiles Wilma Lott CateringHaute Stuff

BakerBella Cakes Saucie’s Bakery & CaféSinful Bliss

Business ServicesCantrell’s Computer Sales and ServiceUPS Store, Martinez

AUTOMOTIVEMechanicHagin’s AutomotiveAA Automotive Martinez Automotive

TiresLes Schwab Tire Center America’s Tire Big O Tires

Auto BodyMartinez Auto Body Mikes Auto Body Pleasant Hill Collision

CONSIGNMENTHomeEstates ConsignmentConsignment Plus

ClothingDéjà VuLeah’s Closet Plato’s Closet

AntiquesAntiques and ThingsAlley Cats Thrift & Collectibles

LEISUREGolfContra Costa Country Club Franklin Canyon Pine Meadows

HikeBriones Martinez Marina Mt. Wanda

ParkPleasant Hill Park Rankin ParkHidden Lakes

Swim ClubRankin ParkPleasant Hill Aquatics Forest Hills

Indoor RecreationYMCA Sky HighPaddock Bowl

Bike ShopDevil Moutain Cyclery Mike’s Bikes

Stephen C. Francis, DDSVictor D. Truong, DDS

“Thank you to all who voted for us as

your Readers’ Favorite.”

Tahoe Joe’s – Finalist999 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 687-8096

Magoo’s Grill – Winner1250 Contra Costa Blvd #203, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-4868

Jack’s – Finalist60 Crescent Dr., Pleasant Hill, (925) 849-6195, www.jacksrestaurants.com

Masses Sports Bar & Grill – Finalist2721 N Main St., Walnut Creek, (925) 256-7665

Armando’s – Winner 707 Marina Vista, Martinez, (925) 228-6985

Dallimonti’s Italian Restaurant – Finalist Dallimonti’s is noted for its family-

style Italian dinners. Owners Ron and Christy enjoy entertaining as well. Ev-ery Friday evening they host Karaoke. You never know who may decide to take part! They host live music ev-ery Saturday night, with a different line up every month. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear owner Ron Dallimonti belt out a few tunes. Come by for dinner and drinks and stay for the music. No cover charge! 1932 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. (925) 944-5224, www.dallimontis.com.

Pyramid Alehouse – Finalist1410 Locust St., Walnut Creek, (925) 946-1520

Myra Nissen, CCH RSHom(NA) – Winner Metabolic balance®, homeopa-

thy and hair mineral analysis are individualized, non-intrusive heal-ing disciplines based on the body’s ability to heal itself, giving you the quality of health to fully enjoy life. Myra offers solutions to ease the symptoms of many health is-sues including weight loss, weight gain, asthma, migraines, depres-sion, sleep problems, PTSD and PMS/PMDD. She can help make a true shift in your health. Her Bay Area office is located at 43 Quail Court Office Park, Ste.102, Walnut Creek. Contact Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), at (925) 826-3858, or www.myranissen.com.

Chris Woolf, Woolf Spinal Care, – Finalist391 Taylor Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 798-1770

Casey Strand, Contra Costa Chi-ropractic – Winner

620 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 680-0640

Dr. Lujan, Contra Costa Chiropractic – Finalist620 Contra Costa Blvd, Pleasant Hill, (925) 680-0640

Dr. Stephen C. Francis, Muir Family Dentistry – Winner Dr. Stephen C. Francis, an Al-hambra graduate, has had a den-tal practice in Martinez for almost 30 years that is shared with his associate, Victor D. Truong, DDS. They provide general, family and cosmetic dentistry in a caring, low-stress environment. Both doctors are experienced in all phases of cosmetic dentistry including ve-neers and same day crowns. They replace missing teeth with den-tal implants, creating beautiful crowns, bridges and dentures. The office is conveniently located in the

Dr. Melissa HubiakEmail: drhubiak@skinsciencemedspa.comPhone: 925.334.2210

Stephanie Knight, Licensed Clinical EstheticianEmail: stephknight@skinsciencemedspa.comPhone: 925.381.5627

JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S.

Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288www.drjennifermartin.com

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Muir Shopping Center at 582 Center Avenue. (925) 372-4747.

Dr. Daniel Leung – Finalist3159 Putnam Blvd., Suite B, (925) 689-4404

Dr. Kurt Schwartz – Finalist3801 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, (925) 372-6969

Dr. Nikolas Makhoul – Winner401 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 682-2401

Dr. Rush – Finalist91 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 685-0843

Dr. Stephen J. Harper – Winner Since 2007, Harper Orthodontics has been treating adults and chil-dren utilizing the latest technology, offering modern braces and appli-ances to help his patients obtain the smile of their dreams. Harper Orthodontics strives to offer the

best and most memorable orth-odontic experience in a friendly, comfortable and fun environment. “We realize that straight teeth not only contribute to healthy teeth and gums, they boost confidence and self-esteem.” 2805 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, (925) 228-8330, www.harperortho.com.

Dr. Jennifer Martin – Finalist A second-generation orthodon-tist, Dr. Martin is dedicated to the practice of orthodontics. She knows and understands her pa-tients, and strives to provide a unique, custom-tailored experience for each individual she treats. As a specialist in orthodontics, Dr. Martin is committed to provid-ing the most advanced orthodon-tic treatment options for optimal care and comfort. She works with patients of all ages providing early, interceptive treatment, phase one and two orthodontics, and Invis-align and Invisalign Teen braces as well as traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces. 401 Gregory

Lane, suite 126, Pleasant Hill. (925) 232-0646, www.drjennifermartin.com.

Tanner and Reichhold Family Orthodontics – Finalist2991 Treat Blvd., Suite F, Concord, (925) 689-4790

Kelly Ann’s Salon & Day Spa – Winner607 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, (925) 944-5655

Skin Science Medical Spa – Finalist With over 22 years of combined experience, Dr. Melissa Hubiak and licensed esthetician Stepha-nie Knight, bring you SkinScience Medical Spa! As a physician owned and operated medical spa, you can be assured that you are getting the highest quality care. We offer cus-tomized treatment plans and state-of-the-art techniques in a friendly and relaxing environment. Come visit us for your Botox, Dysport, Fill-

er (Juvederm and Restylane), chem-ical peels or esthetic services. Find us at www.skinsciencemedspa.com and on Facebook. 101 Gregory Lane, Suite #27, Pleasant Hill, (925) 334.2210 or (925) 381.5627.

Changes Salon & Day Spa – Finalist1475 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, (925) 947-1814

Step It Up Gym – Winner Step It Up Gym is a 24-hour key access gym that offers a variety of equipment in the areas of cardio-vascular, strength, core and flexibil-ity training. Owned and operated by Personal Trainer Ryan McNabb, Step It Up Gym was established to provide equipment and services to accommodate all different goals and lifestyles. With accessibility 24/7, Step It Up Gym can be used by any member at anytime! 2625 Pleasant Hill Rd, (925) 588-8109, www.stepitupgym. com.