best of tahoe 2011

BESTof TahoE 2011

The Bestof Tahoe

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tahoe

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businesses

people

places

events

Votedon by

Readers™

2◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

Thank you locals for voting us

# 1 Thai Restaurant!

(530) 544-55412180 Lake Tahoe Blvd -South Lake Tahoe

w w w. t h a i t a h o e . c o m

Open Daily 11am - 10pmSundays 3pm - 10pm

The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ �

�◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com�◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

3079 Harrison Ave.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

530-541-3880

tahoedailytribune.com

Publisher: Kimberly Kuntz

Editor: Annie Flanzraich

Layout & Design: Terri DeLaRosby

Advertising Sales: Natasha Kidman Schue

Ryan Johnson

The Best of Tahoe™ is brought to you by:

contents

get to know the best8 The best of the best

This year, Best of Tahoe™ voters decided that Edgewood deserved the most awards of any other location.

10 Volunteering 101For more than 30 years Pat Frega has been a person people in the south shore can turn to when they need help.

12 Service with a smileBeth Harper been named the best waitress in the 2011 Best of Tahoe™ contest.

14 Fireworks ExtravaganzaVoted the most popular annual event by this year’s Best of Tahoe™ participants.

16 Building strong bodiesCassandra Chandler was voted the best personal trainer by this year’s 2011 Best of Tahoe™ participants.

18 Hit the trailCamp Richardson–the best bike trail according to 2011 Best of Tahoe™ voters.

20-21 Best of Tahoe Map

22 Best Places to

Eat & Drink

27 Best Businesses

32 Best People

36 Best Recreation

Votedon by

Readers™

�◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

Here they are, the crème de la crème, the cream of the crop, the best businesses, locations and people of the south shore according to the people who live, work and play here.

The 17th edition of the Tahoe Daily Tribune’s Best of Tahoe™ has something for visitors and locals. This magazine highlights the people, businesses, places and things to do that make the south shore a great place to call home.

This contest and this magazine would not be possible without our readers. You turned out in droves to vote this year—we received 2,111 eligible ballots during our voting period. That’s a lot of you, and we appreciate it. After all, it’s not an easy task to sift through114 categories — yet you did. Thank you.

Of course, the reputations that made so many businesses and individuals finalists are also the culmination of days, months or years of great work. Congratulations to all of the honorees and runners-up in this issue on your much-deserved honors. Your hard work and efforts make the South Shore a great place.

Welcome, everyone, to Best of Tahoe™ 2011 as chosen by our readers. Cheers to all of you, and to another year of bests!

welcome

Voting by the Numbers:

Total ballots : 2,111Total categories : 114Votes cast: 47,514

All voting was done online at tahoedailytribune.com/bestof

Publisher

�◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

California Sushi & Sake Bar

Open 7 Nights a Week

530.544.55992660 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

Thank you South Lake Tahoe for voting Off the Hook Sushi

#1 for Best Sushi!

The best of the best:

Edgewood Tahoe

Set along the beautiful shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Edgewood Tahoe has been a world-class destination for golf,

dining, weddings and special events since 1968.

And this year, Best of Tahoe™ voters decided that Edgewood deserved the most awards of any other location.

“We keep investing and putting out a good product and a nice place for people to come,” said Bryan Davis, marketing manager at Edgewood. “We believe in putting out a good product and a comfortable place you can come at a good value.”

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is rated by Golf Digest as one of “America’s Top Golf Courses.” Challenging yet fair, the course, designed by legendary architect, George Fazio with enhancements by similarly celebrated designer, Tom Fazio, has been the home of the American Century


Celebrity Golf Championship for the last 21 years, as well as host the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Public Links. The Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant has remained the ultimate in South Lake Tahoe fine dining for more than 40 years, a perfect venue for special events and weddings with unparalleled sunset views along the shore. In the clubhouse, Brook’s Bar & Deck is one of Golf Digest’s “Best 19th Holes in America” for 2008.

Davis shares his thoughts on why Edgewood is the best of the best:

Best place to watch the sunset

It’s the location and having that much beachfront available. People can watch from the Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant, Brook’s Bar and the golf course. It’s not just one type of customer that gets to see the sunset.

You’re right on the lake and there’s nothing to interrupt the view.

Best place to get married

It’s the location again. People can get married on the lakefront and have views inside and outside. There’s also the expansive decks. The food is good, the service is good and they do a good job.

Best fine dining and restaurant view

We produce a good food product at a nice value. We have some long-time employees who provide great service for customers who come locally and those who come from outside the area. And there’s the view that diners can see through the floor to ceiling windows. There’s nothing in between the building, the lake and Mt. Tallac.

Best golf course

We are one of the top 100 golf courses in the country and we are getting better every year. This is one area where we’re not resting on our location. We just finished a $1.8 million irrigation project, we just did some work on the range and we’re improving practice facilities. The company is investing in making sure the golf product is good.

Best date spot

We give options for a casual and a more formal date spot. Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant is a quiet dining

Thank You LocalsFor All YourSupport Overthe Years!

3097 Harrison Ave.South Lake Tahoe 530.541.6516

Edgewood’s 2011 awards:Best Place To Watch The Sunset - 1st place

Best Place To Get Married - 1st place

Best Fine Dining - 1st place

Best Restaurant View - 1st place

Best Golf Course - 1st place

Best Date Spot - 1st place

Best Place to Take a Date - 2nd place

Best Place for Dinner - 2nd place

Best Place for Glass of Wine - 3rd place

room with nice views and the service is attentive, so you feel like you are taken care of. For casual dates, Brook’s Bar & Deck is a nice spot. It’s more upscale than the usual sports bar and there’s the deck. To find out more about Edgewood, visit EdgewoodTahoe.com


For more than 30 years Pat Frega has been someone people in the south shore

can turn to when they need help.

“If somebody needed something I always said ‘Sure I’ll help out if I can,’” Frega said. “That’s just what I do. I just lend a hand whenever I can.”

That attitude is exactly why this year’s Best of Tahoe™ voters picked Frega as the best volunteer on the south shore for the 2011 contest.

He volunteers at St. Theresa Catholic Church (where he’s a member of the parish council), he’s a member of Kiwanis and the Hero team at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe and Harveys Resort and Casino.

At St. Theresa, he also volunteers with the school where his 11-year-old daughter Patricia attends.

“They’d ask me to do stuff and I’d say, ‘OK, OK, OK,’” he said.

Frega said he likes to volunteer with programs that help children. That’s the reason he’s also an advisor to the Kiwanis Kids service leadership organization. He’s been Kiwanian on and off for most of his life.

This year he helped the K-Kids with a project to provide bears for children who were involved in a traumatic experience.

The bears were given to first responders who in turn gave the bears to the children.

The K-Kids also work with Meals on Wheels to donate items to clients.

“The kids can relate to that,” Frega said. “When you explain to them that the clients don’t leave their homes they get a real charge and a real sense of accomplishment.”

In his spare time (when he’s not working as a table game supervisor at Harrah’s and Harveys, volunteering at St. Theresa or volunteering with Kiwanis), Frega also participates in the Heros program through Harrah’s and Harveys,

“I’m focused on service projects and doing little things to try to make the community a better place,” he said.

Through Heros, Frega has donated his time through Bread & Broth’s Adopt a Day program.

“I try to do something to make someone’s day a little better when they need it,” he said.

But he couldn’t do all of his volunteering without this support of his daughters and his wife Patricia.

“People who go out and do stuff to serve in the community, they don’t do it for awards or rewards,” he said. “It’s all inside.”

Best Volunteer: Pat frega

“I’m focused on

service projects and

doing little things

to try to make the

community a better

place.” -Pat Frega

The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ 11

Lake Tahoe Cruises and Zephyr Cove Resort provide unforgettable

memories. A cruise aboard our paddlewheelers – the Tahoe Queen and

M.S. Dixie II – is a living postcard. A unique perspective on famous

Emerald Bay by day, or dinner and dancing under the stars, blended with

fascinating history and hospitality. Book your passage today.

Playing at Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina is a Lake Tahoe defining

moment (or several). Whether you’re sunning on the sandy shore, making

waves in the refreshing lake, toasting at the beach bar and grille or

savoring lakeview dining. Look up the Cove and stop by today.

Zephyr Cove Resort and Marina operated under a special U.S. Forest Service use permit. Managed by ARAMARK Parks and Destinations.

FOREST SERVICE


Diners on the south shore have probably seen Beth Harper at some point

during their restaurant visits — especially if they’ve eaten at Bert’s Cafe.

Harper has worked at Bert’s for the past 8.5 years and has lived on the south shore since 1986. For most of that time she’s worked in the restaurant business.

This year she’s been named the best waitress in the 2011 Best of Tahoe™ contest. Here’s some of her thoughts on the award

What’s your favorite part of your job?

The customers. You meet dif-ferent people up here in Tahoe, besides your locals. You meet people from all over.

What makes a good waitress?

You have to know your cus-tomers. When I go to work I am doing my job and paying my bills, but I like to have fun with my customers and have a good time. It’s about having a good time.

How do you have a good time on the job?

There’s a lot of sarcasm, and that’s pretty much what I’m known for. I’ve been here a

long time and been in a lot of different restaurants and I know a lot of people, but I think it’s important to make you laugh.

What’s a favorite memory of working at Bert’s?

Probably the people who I work with. We are all one big family and we all get along. And of course my customers who come in.

Do you have any regulars?

Yes, it’s pretty nice when people come in and ask for your section.

What’s the best thing a customer can do?

They have to have a good time and a sense of humor.

What’s your favorite thing to order at Bert’s?

There are so many different things, but I have to say the eggs Benedict. The hollandaise sauce is so awesome. I love all our food, so it’s so hard to pick one. Or the juevos rancheros.

Anything else you want to add?

I am just really thankful. I was shocked when I found out. I love all my customers who come in, I’ve known them for years. It’s just a real gift.

Best Waitress: Beth harper

“I like to have fun

with my customers

and have a good

time. It’s about

having a good time.”

- Beth Harper

The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ 1�

We love Lake Tahoe and consider it an honor to do business with our neighbors. This award is more to us than just another acalade to hang on the wall. It is a sign that you enjoy working with us as well. We would like to humbly thank you for bestowing this honor upon us and we appreciate your business. We hope it shows!

Tahoe Keys Marina • 2435 Venice Drive East, Suite 100 • 888.541.2155 • www.tahoekeysmarina.net

Thank you for Voting us Best Marina!

1�◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

The July 4 Lights on Lake Tahoe Fire-works extravaganza is one of the most popular Independence Day celebra-

tions in the west with more than 100,000 onlookers. It was also voted the most popular annual event by this year’s Best of Tahoe™ participants.

The event has received national media exposure in USA Today, Travel & Leisure and ForbesTraveler.com as one of the nation’s top Fourth of July weekend festivi-ties.

The display includes memories for a lifetime.

Holiday weekend visitors can expect the fireworks show to explode into unusual and whimsical shapes such as jellyfish, stars, butterflies, and smiley faces about 9:45 p.m.

This annual family tradition is choreo-graphed to music and broadcast on local radio stations. “Lights on the Lake” is spon-sored by the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority.

The fireworks are launched from offshore barges and can be seen from all corners of town.

The South Shore offers convenient access to viewing areas via public transportation, paved bike trails, and nearby park and walk venues. Numerous vantage points include:

• South Lake Tahoe’s two paddle wheelers, the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II, both offer dining/viewing packages.

• Nevada Beach State Park has a soft, sandy shoreline equipped with barbecues and picnic tables.

• Regan and El Dorado Beaches offer front row seating that fills up fast.

• Bijou Community Park is set back from

Best annual Event: fourth of July


Women’s-Men’s & Children’s Fashion4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd. #19 ❁ South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

530.544.3315 Located in Raley’s Village Center, one block from the casinos.

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VotedBest Clothing Store &

Best Customer Service!

www.sidestreetboutique.com

J Brand Jeans

Alberto Makali

Virgins, Saints & Angels

Isabella Fiore

Liquid Metal

Rock Revival Jeans

Twisted Heart

UGG Australia

Tommy Bahama

A&G Rock n Roll Couture

❁

the shoreline and boasts many ame-nities such as a skate park, disc golf course, dog park, golf course, and playground to keep the whole family entertained while holding your ideal viewing spot.

• The Tallac Historic Site, off Emerald Bay Road, has an east-view perspective with nearby Baldwin Beach and its picnic tables.

• For the more adventurous, hike to the top of Mount Tallac for a bird’s eye view of the fireworks extravagan-za, but don’t forget your headlamp for the trek back down.

• A Fourth of July favorite is Edge-wood Tahoe Golf Course’s Fourth of July Celebration. This setting of-fers front-and-center viewing of Lights on the Lake from Edgewood’s private beach and an all-you-can-eat buffet.

- Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority

The event has received national media exposure in USA Today, Travel & Leisure and ForbesTraveler.com as one

of the nation’s top Fourth of July weekend festivities.


Pawfection Pet Salon(530) 541-PETS (7387)

2227 James Ave, Suite B • South Lake Tahoe, CA

Ashley Luna ~ Graduate of “The California School of Dog Grooming” Professional and CAH Certifi ed Groomer

Thank you for voting Pawfection Pet Salon #1

Tahoe’s Best NowDoes Even More…

Award Winning Professionals

Open Daily530.541.8477 www.AltitudeSalonAndSpa.com2009

2006 · 20052004 · 2003

Spa Services at Local Prices!

Appointments Recommended ~ Walk-Ins Welcome

Sherry Hawks, Nail Tech Winner Best of Tahoe Years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2011 runner up - owner of Altitude Salon which is located in the Kings Trading Post Center at 2229 Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Call her at (530) 541-8477.

Cassandra Chandler has a passion for build-ing strong bodies and

healthy lives, a love she hopes to pass on to her clients.

“I hope when they see how passionate and dedicated I am to training, hopefully I can get them excited about it also,” she said.

Chandler was voted the best personal trainer by this year’s 2011 Best of Tahoe™ partici-pants.

Chandler has lived on the South Shore since 1988. For more than 16 years she worked as a cocktail server at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe. And then she de-cided to change her life.

In 1999 she won her first fitness competition and she was hooked.

“I’ve been training for so long and I love it,” she said. “I want to pass it on to people so they can feel excited about starting a healthy lifestyle.”

Best Personal Trainer: Cassandra Chandler


Santana and the en re Taco Bell team at both Midtown and the “Y” loca ons would like to say THANK YOU to the residents of South Lake Tahoe for vo ng us your favorite fast food

restaurant for 2011! What a huge honor!

We strive to make your experience great each and every me you visit us. You are not just a customer, you are our guest!

Stop by and Experience...Our Fresco Crunchy Taco from our Drive-Thru-Diet Menu

Our Fruitsta Freeze

Or our XXL Burrito!

BESTFAST FOOD

Voted on by

Readers™

Chandler began weight training while in college and is self taught. For the past eight years she has worked as a personal trainer on both the north and south shores. She also teaches eight fitness classes a week at places like Push Fitness in South Lake Tahoe and High Altitude Fitness in Incline Village.

When a client comes to her for training, Chandler said she tries to focus on more than the results.

“People have results they want to see right then, but my training is educating people about creating a healthy lifestyle,” she said. “I want to help them find a workout that they can do for the rest of their lives.”

When she’s not training others or teaching a class, Chandler is usually staying active herself.

“I love the results of what it does for my body, but for me it’s more of a mental thing — it makes me feel good,” she said.

“I’ve been training for so long and I love it,” she said.

“I want to pass it on to people so they can feel excited

about starting a healthy lifestyle.” - Cassandra Chandler


❄❄❄

Est. 1961

Tahoe’s Famous Burgers

D R I V E I NSno Flake

❄

❄3059 Lake Tahoe Blvd.

530.544.6377

Voted BEST Milk Shakes!

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Visit our wall on facebook and see what others think is the BEST reason to visit the Sno Flake Drive In

The Pope Beach-Baldwin Beach bike trail near Camp Richardson is a family-

friendly, flat, gorgeous 3.4 mile bike route located in South Lake Tahoe.

It’s also the best bike trail ac-cording to 2011 Best of Tahoe™ voters.

The Forest Service maintains this paved bike trail that runs parallel to Highway 89, about one mile north from the “Y”.

The trail starts where the four-lane highway narrows to two lanes.

This popular paved path passes through historic Camp Richardson and offers several scenic side trips to Pope and Baldwin Beach, the Tallac His-toric Site, the Lake Tahoe Visitor Center and Fallen Leaf Lake. Bikers should stay on the paved bike trail when passing through the Tallac Historic Site.

The Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail is heavily used in the summer. Bikers should slow down, warn hikers of their approach and watch out for cars when cross-ing the side roads along the route.

Best Bike Trail: Camp Richardson

2933 US Highway 50Meyers, CA

(530) 577-6946www.RoadrunnerGas.com

www.RoadrunnerGas.com

• Tahoe’s Best Public Restrooms • Brand New Beer Cave• Premium Fuels • Great Beverage Selection • DVD Rental Kiosk • Great Coffee & Fresh Sandwiches


Dogs are allowed on most U.S. Forest trails. Keep dogs on a six-foot leash at all times, control excessive barking, pick up canine waste and don’t forget bags. Keep dogs close when en-countering other people and remember to bring enough water.

Route Directions

Beginning at Pope Beach located on High-way 89, the paved bike trail meanders through beautiful old growth forests and passes Camp Richardson, the Tallac Historic Site and Bald-win Beach.

The paved easy trail continues 3.4 miles, one way, and ends at Spring

Creek where riders turn around and head back the way they came.

To access Fallen Leaf Lake, riders will need to cross Highway 89 at Fallen Leaf Lake Road and travel about a half mile on the road to the Fallen Leaf Lake Camp-ground on the right. Ride through the camp-ground on the paved road and make a left on the dirt path to the lake.

Route Length: 3.4 miles, one way

Route Difficulty: Easy - Good for All Ages

- Sierra Nevada Geotourism MapGuide

The Forest Service maintains this paved bike trail that runs parallel to Highway 89, about one mile north from the “Y”. The trail starts where the four-lane highway narrows to two lanes.


NevadaCalifornia

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rail

Kingsbury Grade

Lake Tahoe Blvd

Tahoe Keys Blvd

Al Tahoe Blvd

Emer

ald

Bay

Road

Fallen LeafLake

Where in South Lake Tahoe

are the best?

1. Alpine Carpet One

2. Après Wine Company

3. Lake Tahoe Cruises & Zephyr Cove Resort

4. Avalon Lodge

5. Barton Health

6. Beach Hut Deli

7. The Beacon Bar & Grill

8. BioSpirit Day Spa

9. Camp Richardson

10. Chapel of the Bells

11. Dr. Kevin Cassidy

12. Edgewood Tahoe

13. El Dorado Savings Bank

14. Fox Gas

15. The Fresh Ketch

16. Grocery Outlet

17. Heavenly Mountain Resort

18. Lakeside Inn & Casino

19. Lake Tahoe Pizza Co.

20. Linda Wilkins- Farmer’s Insurance

1

5

6

NevadaCalifornia

Pion

eer T

rail

Kingsbury Grade

Lake Tahoe Blvd

Tahoe Keys Blvd

Al Tahoe Blvd

Emer

ald

Bay

Road

Fallen LeafLake

7

9

10

11

1415

16

37

19

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25

26

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The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ 21

NevadaCalifornia

Pion

eer T

rail

Kingsbury Grade

Lake Tahoe Blvd

Tahoe Keys Blvd

Al Tahoe Blvd

Emer

ald

Bay

Road

Fallen LeafLake

Where in South Lake Tahoe

are the best?

21. Mandarin Garden

22. Nels Hardware

23. Norm’s Auto Repair

24. Off the Hook

25. Orchid’s Authentic Thai Cuisine

26. Overland Meat Company

27. Pawfection

28. Realty World- Mike Phillips

29. Sessions Salon

30. Sidestreet Boutique

31. Simpson’s Jewelry

32. Sno-Flake Drive In

33. South Shore Bikes

34. Sports Performance Chiropractic

35. Taco Bell

36. Tahoe Keys Marina

37. Taqueria Jalisco

38. Village Center

39. Winters Electric

SalonSalon

2

3

4

8

12

17

18

30

31

38

Norm’s Auto RepairNorm’s Auto Repair

Pawfection Pet SalonPawfection Pet SalonPawfection Pet SalonPawfection Pet Salon

Tahoe’s Famous Burgers

D R I V E I NSno Flake

South tahoe’S Mall at Stateline

Village Center

MANDARIN GARDEN


The Finest Chinese Food in South Lake Tahoe

for voting

us the BEST

Chinese food

in South Lake

Tahoe

2502 Lake Tahoe Blvd(530) 544-8885

THANK YOU LOCALS

MANDARIN GARDEN

Thank you for voting us

Best Day Spaof South Lake Tahoe

1116 Ski Run Blvd • South Lake Tahoe

All treatments include the use of a Eucalyptus steam room

Waxing: Brows to Brazilians and Lash tinting and extensions

Couples massage, private parties, group events

•

•

•

Providing massage, facials and body treatments that encourage your body and spirit to restore and rebuild vitality and energy.

530.541.5511 • massagetahoe.com

Best Burgers Best of Tahoe: Izzy’s Burger Spa Runners Up: Burger Lounge Big Daddy’s Burgers

Best Chinese Food Best of Tahoe: Mandarin Garden Chinese Restaurant Runners Up: Hunan Garden Restaurant Q Q Express

Best Deli Sandwiches Best of Tahoe: Beach Hut Deli Runners Up: Tahoe Keys Delicatessen Yellow Submarine

Desserts Best of Tahoe: Sugar Pine Bakery Runners Up: Freshies Restaurant & Bar Red Hut Cafe

Best Meal Under $5 Best of Tahoe: Taco Bell Runners Up: Barton Café Taqueria Jalisco

Best Mexican Food Best of Tahoe: Taqueria Jalisco Runners Up: The Cantina Bar and Grill Mazatlan Grill

TheBest places to eat & drink


Best Pizza Best of Tahoe: Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. Runners Up: Blue Dog Gourmet Pizza Fat City Food Company

Best Place for Breakfast Best of Tahoe: Red Hut Cafe Runners Up: Ernies Coffee Shop and Cafe Bert’s Cafe

Best Sushi Best of Tahoe: Off the Hook Runners Up: The Naked Fish Sushi Pier Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Pizza Company


Winters Electric would like to sayTHANK YOU

to the South Lake Tahoe community for voting us the

BEST GREEN BUSINESS!

✔ Free Estimates✔ Outstanding Service✔ Satisfaction Guaranteed

Winters Electric stole the show last month at the Business Expo held in the Mont Bleu convention center when their electric car was unveiled. “It was a great success. Th e car was so popular, our electric bicycles and electric motorcycles were ignored for the most part after being the frenzy last year.”

Visit our website at

WintersTahoe.com to learn more about what we are doing to save energy,

protect the environment and save you money.

2280 Lake Tahoe Blvd. ▲ South Lake Tahoe, CA

Best Cocktail Best of Tahoe: The Beacon Bar & Grill Runners Up: Riva Bar and Grill Lakeside Inn and Casino

Best Happy Hour Best of Tahoe: Lakeside Inn and Casino Runners Up: Chevys Fresh Mex Off the Hook

Best Pastry/Bagels Best of Tahoe: Rude Brothers Bagel & Coffee Runners Up: Sugar Pine Bakery Safeway

Best Fine Dining Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant Runners Up: Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe Chart House - Lake Tahoe

Best Thai Best of Tahoe: Orchid’s Authentic Thai Cuisine Runners Up: Thai Nakorn Thai One On

Best Seafood Best of Tahoe: The Fresh Ketch Restaurant Runners Up: Chart House - Lake Tahoe Freshies Restaurant & Bar


Fresh Ketch Restaurant


At Highway 50 & Heavenly Village Way South Lake Tahoe • One Block from Stateline

We have it all!

Village CenterSOUTH TAHOE’S MALL AT STATELINE

Top Brands, Unique Shoppes

ApparelAdoreHot Cha ChaSavvySidestreet BoutiqueSidestreet Formal WearSidestreet KidsSidestreet Leathers & FursTop Drawer

Art GalleriesArtifactsJon Paul GalleryMarcus Ashley GallerySun Art GalleryUntamed ArtWyland Galleries

EateriesBaja FreshBlue Dog PizzaJamba Juice Raley’s DeliStarbucksSubway

Services Bike Rentals - Sports Ltd.Buckingham Vacation PropertiesCentury 21Escape Nail SpaImagine SalonRaley’s PharmacyRaley’s SuperstoreWells Fargo Bank

Specialty ShoppesAlpaca Exotic ImportsBeads ETC.Dog.Dog.Cat.Lake Tahoe Holidays Simpson’s JewelersSports, Ltd.Tahoe Trading Post True Value Hardware

Best Bakery Best of Tahoe: Sugar Pine Bakery Runners Up: Safeway Raley’s

Best Meat/Seafood Market Best of Tahoe: Overland Meat Company Runners Up: Safeway Raley’s

Best Place for Glass of Wine Best of Tahoe: Après Wine Company Runners Up: Riva Bar and Grill Edgewood Tahoe

Best Sports Bar Best of Tahoe: Mo’s Place Runners Up: Steamers Bar & Grill Turn 3

Best Milkshake Best of Tahoe: Sno-Flake Drive In Runners Up: Red Hut Cafe Burger Lounge

Best Dining for Kids Best of Tahoe: McDonald’s Runners Up: Denny’s Chevys Fresh Mex


Linda Wilkins Insurance AgencyAuto • Home • Commercial • Life • Health • Vacation Rentals

Serving All of Califonia & Nevada for Over 25 Years3053 Harrison Avenue #202

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150email: [email protected] • Lic # 059453

(530) 541-0260

Thank you Tahoe for voting me

Best Insurance AgentHARDWARE • PAINT • RENTALS

GARDEN CENTER

1050 Fremont St.So. Lake Tahoe

(530) 544-4126Fax (530) 544-2445

5050

Sandy Way

Frem

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Mono Ln

Treehaven Dr

Win

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or best garden supplies

bestbusinessesThe

Best Coffee Shop Best of Tahoe: Ernies Coffee Shop and Cafe Runners Up: Starbucks Red Hut Cafe

Best Place for Dinner Best of Tahoe: Freshies Restaurant & Bar Runners Up: Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant Chart House - Lake Tahoe

Place for Lunch Best of Tahoe: Freshies Restaurant & Bar Runners Up: Sprouts Cafe 4 Seasons Soup & Salad Cafe

Buffet Best of Tahoe: Forest Buffet - Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Runners Up: Dragon Buffet Hunan Garden Restaurant

Best Fast Food Best of Tahoe: Taco Bell Runners Up: Jack in the Box McDonald’s

Restaurant View Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Restaurant Runners Up: The Beacon Bar & Grill Chart House - Lake Tahoe



Susan and Lothar KnieriemenO W N E R O P E R A T O R S

Visit our website at: mtnposta l .com

530-542-1943 BUSINESS 530-542-1976 FAX

1034 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150in the Raley’s & K-Mart center @ the corner of Hwy 50 and Hwy 89

Weship it

all!

Weship it

all!

THANK YOUFOR VOTING US

SKI RUN CENTER • SKI RUN BLVD. AT HWY 50 • APRESWINECO.COM • 530.544.WINE

BEST PLACE FOR A GLASS OF WINE

Thank You for Voting Us #1 Bike Shop &Keeping Our Community Bike Friendly!

945 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe (530) 544-RIDE(7433)

Thank you for voting us #1 Deli!

1072 Emerald Bay Road • SLT

530.541.SURF • sltbeachhutdeli.com



Best Outdoor Dining Best of Tahoe: The Beacon Bar & Grill Runners Up: Riva Bar and Grill The Fresh Ketch Restaurant

Best Salad Bar Best of Tahoe: Tep’s Villa Roma Runners Up: Chart House - Lake Tahoe Lake Tahoe Pizza Co.

Best Italian Best of Tahoe: Tep’s Villa Roma Runners Up: Passaretti’s Scusa! on Ski Run

Best CasinoBest of Tahoe: Lakeside Inn and Casino Runners Up: MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Best Florist Best of Tahoe: Thran’s Flowers Runners Up: Safeway The Enchanted Florist

Best Garden Supplies Best of Tahoe: Nel’s Tahoe Hardware Runners Up: Aspen Hollow Nursery Kmart

Best Gas Station Best of Tahoe: Fox Gasoline Runners Up: Roadrunner Gas & Liquor 7-Eleven

Best Tire Store Best of Tahoe: Les Schwab Tire Center Runners Up: Ken’s Tire Center Lilly’s Tire Service

businessesTheBest

Thank you for voting us #1 Deli!

1072 Emerald Bay Road • SLT





2358 Lake Tahoe Blvd.South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

(530) 542-1077www.groceryoutlet.com/solaketahoego-ca/

the Best Place in South Lake Tahoe to Buy Wine

Thank you for Voting

Best Day SpaBest of Tahoe: BioSpirit Massage Therapy Runners Up: Onsen Spa at MontBleu Elements of Tahoe

Best Wedding Chapel Best of Tahoe: Chapel of the Bells Runners Up: Lakefront Wedding Chapel The Wedding Chapel at Harveys Lake Tahoe

Best Green Business Best of Tahoe: Winters Electric Runners Up: Embassy Suites Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Best Clothing Store Best of Tahoe: Sidestreet Boutique Runners Up: Ross Dress for Less Sealed With A Kiss

Best Customer Service Best of Tahoe: Sidestreet Boutique Runners Up: Tahoe Sports Ltd. Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Best Day Care/Child Care Best of Tahoe: Lake Tahoe Sitters Runners Up: Kindertown Preschool Boys & Girls Club

Best Dry Cleaners Best of Tahoe: John’s Cleaners Runners Up: Tahoe One Hour Cleaners Tahoe Keys Laundromat

TheBest businesses

Sidestreet Boutique


e are honored to receive such significant recognition from the readers ofthe Tahoe Daily Tribune. It has always been our goal to make thisYOUR

casino, where being fair and offering value is how we do business.

We relate to the local as no corporate conglomerate can. We live, love and playhere just like you do.

We thank you for your support over the past twenty-six years.More important, weappreciate your recognition of the fine people who work here.

Just .7 miles from the state line but a world away in attitude. (775) 588-7777 or (800) 624-7980 LakesideInn.com

Sincerely,Lon Rusk, President

W

Best Health Care Facility Best of Tahoe: Barton Memorial Hospital Runners Up: Stateline Medical Center Alpine Family Practice

Best Pet Grooming Best of Tahoe: Pawfection Pet Salon Runners Up: Dog Wash of Tahoe Pet Station

Best Place to Buy WineBest of Tahoe: Grocery Outlet Runners Up: Après Wine Company The Cork and More

Best Tattoo Shop Best of Tahoe: Lake Monster Tattoo & Body Runners Up: Mush’s Underground Tattoo Cosmic Creations Tattoo

Best Video RentalBest of Tahoe: Video Library Runners Up: Redbox Video Maniacs

Best Plumbing CompanyBest of Tahoe: Nixon Heating Air Conditioning Runners Up: Apollo Plumbing Clark Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning

Best Roofing Company Best of Tahoe: AAA Roofing Inc. Runners Up: Summit Roofing Company Roof Masters

�0◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

TheBest businesses

949 Tahoe Keys Blvd.

530.544.5395530.545.1389 (mobile)

RealtyWorldLakeTahoe.com

Best Landscaping Company Best of Tahoe: Aspen Hollow Runners Up: Z’s Lawn & Landscape Trinity Landscape & Snow Removal Services

Best Art Gallery Best of Tahoe: Marcus Ashley Fine Art Gallery Runners Up: Wyland Galleries Jon Paul Gallery

Best Auto Repair Best of Tahoe: Norm’s Auto Repair Runners Up: Kingsbury Automotive & Supply Eloise Automotive & Alignment

Best Hair Salon/Barber Shop Best of Tahoe: Sessions Salon Runners Up: Just Kuts Simplicity Salon

Best Date Spot Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Runners Up: Après Wine Company Cafe Fiore

Best Grocery Store Best of Tahoe: Safeway Runners Up: Raley’s Grocery Outlet

Best Hardware Store Best of Tahoe: Scotty’s Hardware Runners Up: Nel’s Tahoe Hardware Meek’s Lumber & Hardware

Best Jewelry Store Best of Tahoe: Simpson’s Jewelers Runners Up: Epiphany Fine Jewelry & Design Round Hill Jewelers

The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ �1

Best Catering Best of Tahoe: Blue Angel Cafe & Catering Runners Up: The Cork and More Elegant Affair Catering

Best Bank Best of Tahoe: El Dorado Savings Bank Runners Up: Bank of the West Wells Fargo Bank

Best Bike Shop Best of Tahoe: South Shore Bikes Runners Up: Tahoe Sports Ltd. Wattabike Shop

Best Carpet/Floor Center Best of Tahoe: Alpine Carpet One Runners Up: Champion Floors To Go Summit Carpet

Best Electronics Best of Tahoe: Radio Shack Runners Up: Accurate Audio Video Frank’s TV & Electronics

Best Place to Stay The Night Best of Tahoe: Avalon Lodge Runners Up: Fantasy Inn & Wedding Chapel Montbleu Resort, Casino and Spa

Best Shopping Center Best of Tahoe: Cresent V/Village Center Runners Up: Heavenly Village The “Y”

bartonhealth.org

Voted Best of Tahoe! Thank you for choosing us for your medical needs.

Best Health Care FacilitiesBarton Memorial Hopsital

Full Service Hospital/24 Hour Emergency Care 530.541.3420 2170 South Ave, SLT, CA

Barton Urgent Care Located at Stateline Medical Center

775.589.8900 155 Hwy 50, Stateline, NV

Best Physicians Paula Crenshaw, MD

Barton Internal Medicine Paul Marlowe, MD Barton Urgent Care

Michael Doyle, MDLake Tahoe Pediatrics


Best Ski/Snowboard Shop Best of Tahoe: Shoreline of Tahoe Runners Up: Tahoe Sports Ltd. Pyramid Peak Ski & Snowboard

Best Fishing Store Best of Tahoe: Tahoe Fly Fishing Outfitters Runners Up: The Sportsman Tahoe Sport Fishing Company

Best Cab Company Best of Tahoe: Yellow Cab Runners Up: Tahoe Taxi Blue Go

Time to taste the BEST!

“Where homemade is not a novelty, but the norm, because we are not just

another cheesy franchise.”

We have been “doughing” original pizza for 38 years . . . Same owner, same manager

still trying to get it right!

Thank You for Voting Us #1

for Best Pizza!

LAKE TAHOE PIZZA COMPANY1168 Hwy 50 • South Lake Tahoe, CA • Open at 4 p.m. Daily

530-544-1919

TheBest people

Best Car Salesperson Best of Tahoe: Chris Alper Runners Up: Robert Klemer Derek Simon

Best Chiropractor Best of Tahoe: Dr. Adam Spindler Runners Up: Dr. Joshua Welch Dr. David Borges

Best Dentist Best of Tahoe: Dr. Kevin Cassidy Runners Up: Dr. Thomas A. Jarrett Acevedo Dentistry

Best Financial Advisor Best of Tahoe: Eric Campbell Runners Up: Colleen Karcher Marc Klover

Best Optometrist Best of Tahoe: Dr. William Arthur Downey Runners Up: Dr. Richard Leland Kahn Dr. Richard Beck

The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com ◆ ��

2227 Lake Tahoe Blvd.(Kings Trading Post)

(530) 544-3204Open DailyWild Seafood Only

Fresh Fish Overnight Direct from Hawaii every Friday

OVERLANDMEAT & SEAFOOD

COMPANYWWW.OVERLANDMEATCO.COM

Serving So. Lake TahoeSince 1987

Voted on by

Readers™

Thank You Lake Tahoe for 24

Years in Business

BEST OF TAHOE

SINCE 1998Now open on Sundays during the Summer

Best Pet Groomer Best of Tahoe: Ashley Luna Runners Up: Jamie Brown

Best Photographer Best of Tahoe: Thomas Honesco Runners Up: Anglene and Greg Hall John Paul

Best Volunteer/Charity Best of Tahoe: Pat Frega Runners Up: Robert Schimmel Kathy Haven

Best Insurance Agent Best of Tahoe: Linda Wilkins Runners Up: John Heatherton Richard Thompson

Best Local Band Best of Tahoe: Lavish Green Runners Up: Trey Stone Cool Black Kettle

Best Pharmacist Best of Tahoe: Garnet Carlson Runners Up: Douglas W. Mundy Adam Schweim

��◆ The Best of Tahoe™ 2011 ◆ tahoedai lytr ibune.com

Best Physical Trainer Best of Tahoe: Cassandra Chandler Runners Up: Eufay Wood Rhonda Beckham

Best Nail Technician Best of Tahoe: Sandy Pape Runners Up: Sherry Hawks Erika Ray

Best Realtor Best of Tahoe: Mike Phillips Runners Up: Deb Howard Brooke Hernandez

Best Veterinarian Best of Tahoe: David Monroe Runners Up: Carl S. Kelly Neil Powell

Best Doctor Best of Tahoe: Dr. Paula A. Crenshaw Runners Up: Dr. Michael P. Doyle Dr. Paul L. Marlowe

Best Bartender Best of Tahoe: Dan Huber Runners Up: Jonathan “Johnny Mac” McClea Aric Dohm

Best Physical Trainer

TheBest people

(530) 544-1112 • 1-800-247-4333

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY

2700 Lake Tahoe Blvd. • S Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Wedding Chapel

Voted on by

Readers™

2005 • 2007 • 2008 2009 • 2010 • 2011

for Voting Honesco

Photography Best in 2011!

ThankYou

Votedon by

Readers

Votedon by

Readers

www.honescoweddings.com • (888) 246-6372


20042005 20062007

2008200920102011

MEANS YOU SAVE MORE!

South Lake Tahoe 2212 Lake Tahoe Blvd. PHONE: 530-541-6171

Plus Great Financing Plans

1,000 STORE

BUYING POWER

Thank You Tahoe for Voting Us Best Carpet and Flooring Center

8 Years in a Row…

Friendliest Casino Employees Best of Tahoe: Lakeside Inn and Casino Runners Up: Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Harveys Lake Tahoe

Best Hair Stylist Best of Tahoe: Kelly Meyer Runners Up: Erika Ray Brian Switzer

Best Massage Therapist Best of Tahoe: Autumn Gelfand Runners Up: Moya Sanders Vicky Waldo

Best Mechanic Best of Tahoe: Nick Phillips Runners Up: Norm Noble Carl @ KC Auto

Best Waitress/Waiter Best of Tahoe: Beth Harper Runners Up: Betsy Sommerfeldt Jonathan “Johnny Mac” McClea

Best Ski Instructor Best of Tahoe: Christine Woodcock Runners Up: Robin Barnes Chris Rodgers & Ben Faulk

Best Teacher Best of Tahoe Joel Dameral Runners Up: Bridey Heidel Sarah Corder

Best Wedding Planner 3-way tie: Lori Cramer, Heidi Treadwell, John Spinola

Best Contractor Best of Tahoe: Tom Borek Runners Up: Don Goodyear Craig Ball

Best Attorney Best of Tahoe: John Castellano Runners Up: Laub & Laub Mike McLaughlin


Best Golf Course Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course Runners Up: Lake Tahoe Golf Course Bijou Golf Course

Best Picnic Spot Best of Tahoe: Regan Beach Runners Up: Kiva Beach Pope Beach

TheBest recreation

M.S. Dixie II

Norm’s Auto RepairYour Independent Subaru Specialist

Locally Owned & Operated For 26 Years

“Thank you all, for your continued support

throughout the years”

2186 Ruth Avenue, South lake Tahoe • (530) 544-0953

gasolineF X

3376 Lake Tahoe Blvd. • SLT, CA

530.541.6735

BESTGAS STATION

THANK YOU TAHOE FOR VOTING US #1

Ultimate state-of-the-art car wash recycling our water


Best Place to Hike Best of Tahoe: Mt Tallac Runners Up: Fallen Leaf Lake Desolation Wilderness

Best Place to Ski/Snowboard Best of Tahoe: Heavenly Mountain Resort Runners Up: Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort Kirkwood Mountain Resort

Best Boat Cruise Best of Tahoe: Tahoe Queen Runners Up: M.S. Dixie II Lake Tahoe Boat Rides

Best Campground Best of Tahoe: Camp Richardson Runners Up: Fallen Leaf Lake Nevada Beach

Best Cross Country Ski Best of Tahoe: Hope Valley Runners Up: Kirkwood Mountain Resort Camp Richardson

Best Gym Best of Tahoe: Sierra Athletic Club Runners Up: Push Fitness Kahle Community Center

Best Reason to live in Tahoe Best of Tahoe: The lake Runners Up: Summer Beauty

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

S ie r raAth le t i cC lub .com

This is Your Gym.

MembershipsFrom Just$30/Month*

* $30/month for our limited-hours economy gym membership. Processing and towel fees may apply.

“Thank you South Lake Tahoe, for once again

recognizing SierraAthletic Club as the

“Best Place to Work Out!”Weights, machines, group fitness and more. Walk-ins are welcome,and Punch Cards are available.


3320 Sandy Way 530-541-2722

www.ses s ionsa lon . com

We are proud of Kelly and Sandy for being voted best stylist and manicurist!

Thank you for our 12th win since 1986! ~ from the Sessions Family

Celebrating 25 YearsFaces may change over 25 years but Sessions will remain committed to providing a fun yet professional experience to all of our valued clients.

SalonSalon

Voted on by

Readers™

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Thank you fo r vo t ing us #1Dr Cassidy and his staff would like to give a special thanks to our patients and the caring community for all their continued support throughout the years.

Zoom 2 lazer bleaching $299 Summer Special

Accepting new patients

We accept most insurance

Payment plans OAC

Se habla espanol

585 Tahoe Keys Blvd. • South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150530.541.3772 • www.tahoedentist.com

Best Place to ATV/Snowmobile Best of Tahoe: Zephyr Cove Resort Runner Up: Sierra-at-Tahoe

Best Annual Event Best of Tahoe: Fourth of July Runners Up: Valhalla Renaissance Faire American Century Celebrity Golf Championship

Best Beach Best of Tahoe: Kiva Beach Runners Up: Pope Beach Baldwin Beach

Best Bike Trail Best of Tahoe: Camp Richardson Runners Up: Toads Flume Trail

Best LTCC Professor 3-way tie for 1st! Connie Foff, Kelly Alvarez, Scott Valentine

Best Place to Take a Date Best of Tahoe: The beach Runners Up: Edgewood Tahoe Après Wine Company

Camp Richardson

TheBest recreation


Best Fishing Charter Best of Tahoe: Tahoe Sport Fishing Company Runners Up: Eagle Point Fishing Charters Tahoe Top Liners

Best Marina Best of Tahoe: Tahoe Keys Marina Runners Up: Ski Run Marina Zephyr Cove Marina

Place to Watch the Sunset Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Runners Up: Nevada Beach Cave Rock

Loosest Slots Best of Tahoe: Lakeside Inn and Casino Runners Up: Harveys Lake Tahoe Harrah’s Lake Tahoe

Best Place to Get Married Best of Tahoe: Edgewood Tahoe Runners Up: Chapel of the Bells Fantasy Inn & Wedding Chapel

★ Awarded the 5-Star Rating since 1993 by Bauer Financial Reports, as one ofthe safest and strongest fi nancial institutions in the U.S.

★ Awarded the Green Three Star Rating in January 2005, by Veribanc, the highest classifi cation by this respected bank rating service.

★ Rated one of the 20 “Strongest Banks & Thrifts” in the U.S. by SAFE MONEY Report in September 2009.

El Dorado Savings Bank is the largest locally-owned fi nancial institution in the area. We realize that our success depends upon your confi dence and satisfaction. Please accept this expression of our gratitude for your continued support, patronage and friendship.

www.eldoradosavingsbank.com

Thank You,Tahoe Region

For Voting El Dorado Savings Bank Your Favorite Bank And For

Helping Us Achieve The Following Recognition And Awards:

TAHOE CITY • 740 North Lake Blvd. • 583-3718TAHOE VALLEY • 942 Emerald Bay Road • 541-5054

BIJOU • 3443 Lake Tahoe Blvd./Highway 50 • 544-1900AL TAHOE • 1036 Al Tahoe Blvd. • 541-8000

GARDNERVILLE • 1517 Highway 395 North • 782-7222CARSON CITY • 3788 Highway 395 South • 267-0116

SPARKS • 5235 Vista Blvd. • 626-9600

Over 50 years of putting customer service fi rst.

Rated “Superior” by IDC Financial Publishing in December 2010.

Over 53 years of putting customer service fi rst.


tahoe keys marina ~ right on the water TheFreshKetch.com ~ 530.541.5683

Fresh Bar, Fresh Food, Fresh Views...three reasons to head upstream

Thank you Lake Tahoe for voting The Fresh Ketch south shore’s Best Seafood Restaurant!

Try one of our newest, latest cocktails with all fresh ingredients: fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs and more!Enjoy our new menu, daily fresh fish specials and more!Outdoor dining provides you with on-the-water views! The Fresh Ketch has it all – top to bottom.

Home of the Rum Runner& Best Beer Selection in Tahoe

The Beacon Bar & GrillVoted Best Cocktail, Best Outdoor Dining

530.541.0630

CampRichardson.com Camp Richardson is operated under Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

FOREST SERVICE

Camp Richardson Historic Resort & MarinaVoted Best Campgroud, Best Bike TrailJust minutes from Emerald Bay is a year-round oasis waiting to be explored. Enjoy historic lodging, lakeside dining, boat rentals, biking, sports gear rentals, and more. 800.544.1801

Thank You Tahoe

best of tahoe 2011

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