August 25, 2004

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Publication Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Readers' Choice 2004: Almanac readers tell us where they find the best of everything from food and furniture to everyday services

Hundred of our readers marked ballots this year, telling us where they go for Sunday brunch; for a burger, a pizza, or stack of pancakes; for a manicure, haircut or facial; for a fitness workout after savoring that burger, pizza, or stack of pancakes.

They told us where they get the most satisfaction when they bank, get their car serviced, or have a prescription filled.

What follows are our readers' top picks in the Readers' Choice 2004 contest.

BREAKFAST,SUNDAY BRUNCH

Customers flip over breakfast at Stacks' restaurant in downtown Menlo Park. Every weekend there's a line out the door. Stacks' is famous for pancakes, which can be ordered plain or with blueberries, wheat germ, bananas, or raisins and walnuts. The menu also offers crepes, egg scrambles, frittatas, omelets and such house specials as huevos rancheros. Stacks' was also voted the favorite for Sunday brunch. Stacks', 600 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 838-0066.

CHINESE FOOD,TAKE-OUT CHINESE FOOD

Once again it's a landslide. For the 11th year readers have voted Su Hong their favorite Chinese restaurant. The attractive dining rooms and smooth service make dining even more enjoyable. Try the potstickers, orange peel beef, sizzling seafood platter or Kung Pao chicken.
Su Hong To Go was chosen as the best for take-out. The extensive menu includes Su Hong's famous Chinese chicken salad, Mongolian lamb and other favorites. Su Hong, 1039 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-6852. Su Hong To Go, 630 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, 322-4631.

DESSERTS

"Be sure to save room for dessert," says the menu at Max's Opera Cafe in Palo Alto, and our readers agree. Chocoholics swoon over the "Ultimate Chocolate Cake" and the chocolate chip cheesecake, as well as the chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons. Warning: the portions are king-size, large enough to share. Max's Opera Cafe, 711 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 323-6364.

DINING OUT WITH KIDS

Fresh Choice and Chili's Grill & Bar tied for our Readers' Choice award for dining out with kids. Fresh Choice offers the kids much more than salads. There are soups (hearty vegetable and turkey chili), salads (smashed potato and "mom's mac"), pasta, pizza, muffins, and kid-friendly soft-serve ice cream, brownies and pudding for dessert. Fresh Choice, Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 322-6995.

Kids are king at Chili's . They even have their own menu, which includes cheese pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken crispers, burgers and a half rack of baby back ribs. Mom and dad will also find plenty of menu choices. Chili's Grill & Bar, 700 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 321-0330.

FRENCH RESTAURANT

It's a "high-five" for Left Bank as readers once again vote the handsome brasserie their favorite French restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, but always includes classic favorites such as chicken grand-mere and steamed mussels. Try the prawns with Pernod, rack of lamb with ratatouille, or halibut with pistou. Left Bank, 635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 473-6543.

INDIAN RESTAURANT

The food of Northern India is featured at Gaylord India Restaurant, which serves the same style of food in its Menlo Park location as in Gaylord restaurants in Hong Kong and Bombay. Expertly seasoned sauces, tandoori specialties, and freshly baked breads make Gaylord a favorite with our readers for the fifth consecutive year. Gaylord India Restaurant, 1706 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 326-8761.

ITALIAN RESTAURANT, PLACE TO TAKE MOM & DAD

To no one's surprise, Menlo Park's Carpaccio has won raves yet again from readers for its robust Italian food and handsome Pat Kuleto-designed decor. Since it opened 17 years ago, it has become Menlo Park's version of a private club that, happily, anyone can join. Recent specials included: risotto with fresh vegetables, salmon encrusted with pesto, a grilled veal chop with roasted vegetables, and gnocchi with a vodka and tomato sauce. Wednesdays and Fridays are the days for lasagne layered with sausage, plum tomatoes, bechamel cream and parmesan cheese. Carpaccio also rated tops as the place to take Mom and Dad to dinner. Carpaccio, 1120 Crane St., Menlo Park, 322-1211.

JAPANESE RESTAURANT

Established in 1978, Fuki Sushi was the first Japanese restaurant in Palo Alto, and it's still a trendsetter. There is a newly-remodeled sushi bar where chefs prepare sushi and sashimi while you watch. There is also a wide selection of teriyaki dishes, various tempuras, and table cooking. The dining room offers Western-style tables or semi-private tatami matted booths. Fuki Sushi, 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 494-9383.

MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Celia's Mexican restaurant just opened in Menlo Park last year and it has already been voted No. 1. Of course, many diners had already visited one of the several other Celia locations, including one in Palo Alto. The food is tasty and plentiful, and the price is right. The menu includes all the popular favorites, such as chile verde, enchiladas, fajitas, carne asada and chiles rellenos. Celia's, 850 El Camino Real, 321-8227.

NEW RESTAURANT

Oak City Bar & Grill has been a big hit with locals since it opened last year in the space once occupied by Wild Hare. Much of its success is due to executive chef Kerry Scheley, who has created an American menu ranging from good old macaroni and cheese to seared Maine day-boat scallops. Popular entrees include crispy duck-leg confit, shellfish curry and pan-roasted Alaska halibut. Save room for chocolate cake with peanut butter ice cream and peanut brittle. Oak City Bar & Grill, 1029 El Camino Real, 321-6882.

SANDWICHES/DELI,GROCERY, BAKERY, MEAT

Draeger's market is tops with our readers in four categories this year -- including grocery store. The market has streamlined its prize-winning deli to include food items that are packaged and ready to go. About 40 different salads and up to 20 different entrees and hot dishes are available in the deli every day. Barbecued chickens, Chinese take-out and a sushi section add to the variety. Draeger's is also in the winner's circle as top choice in the bakery and meat categories. Draeger's, 1010 University Drive, Menlo Park, 324-7700.

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT, FRESH SEAFOOD

The fish and chips, made with Alaskan halibut, at Cook's Seafood restaurant rate No. 1 with our readers. The New England clam chowder and cioppino are also favorites. On a sizzling summer evening, a crab or shrimp louie makes a satisfying meal. A Menlo Park institution since 1928, Cook's was also named the best in the seafood market category. Cook's Seafood, 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-0604.

THAI FOOD

You will receive a warm welcome at family-owned Siam Garden, which continues to be our readers' favorite Thai restaurant. The cuisine includes pork or chicken satay, pork in red curry sauce, beef with hot pepper, and chicken with Thai basil. Try a fried banana with homemade coconut ice cream for dessert. Siam Garden, 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park, 853-1143.

INTIMATE DINING SPOT

Bordeaux-colored walls, mahogany wainscoting and chocolate brown carpeting create a luxurious and cozy setting for a romantic dinner for two at The Village Pub in Woodside. Smooth, unobtrusive service allows you to gaze in each other's eyes while you dine on chef Mark Sullivan's award-winning food. Special entrees for two include truffle-roasted guinea hen or monkfish meuniere. For dessert why not share bourbon chocolate fudge cake with sour cherries and candied almonds? The Village Pub, 2967 Woodside Road, Woodside, 851-9888.

COFFEE

Ever since Peet's Coffee and Tea introduced Menlo Park to fine coffee 34 years ago, it's been rated No. 1 as the place to go for a cup of joe. Loyal fans continue to gather at the corner of Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive for their morning fix of Peet's.Whether it's Major Dickason blend, Arabian mocha java or Sumatra, there's a Peet's coffee that is likely to please the most demanding coffee connoisseur. Peet's Coffee and Tea, 899 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-8989.

ICE CREAM

It's a landslide vote for Baskin-Robbins ice cream, where the flavor of the month is "campfire s'mores." The company's original 31 flavors have expanded to more than 40 flavors at a time, with 12 new and returning favorites each month. August is the time to re-visit such old favorites as "pink bubble gum," "marathon mint," and "mom's chocolate chip cookie." Mint chocolate chip, introduced in 1948, is the all-time favorite. Baskin-Robbins, 863 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 323-9335.

HAMBURGERS

It's the place to go after a Stanford game, and theplace to get the best burger in town, according to our readers. Burgers come as you like them, with chips on the side, but the big seller at the Oasis is the patty melt, a 1-1/2-pound patty plateful that comes with fries. The Oasis also carries salads, pizzas, and grilled chicken sandwiches, but it's the burgers that pack 'em in. The Oasis Beer Garden, 241 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 326-8896.

JUICE BAR

Almanac readers chose Joe Carcione's Juice Patch as their favorite juice bar. If it can be squeezed out of fruit, or even some veggies, Joe's got it. The specialty is the smoothie, a blend of fruit juice, frozen yogurt or sherbet, and fresh fruit. How about trying a "Sweet Home Ala-banana," "Pineapple Express," or a "Grape-ful Dead?" Customers can design their own drinks and add nutritional supplements, such as bee pollen, ginseng or wheat germ. The Juice Patch, 626 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 327-2252.

PIZZA

Winner and still champion ... Once again readers declare Applewood Inn the place to go for the best pizza this side of Naples. A Menlo Park tradition since 1983, Applewood offers 32 toppings, ranging from anchovies to linguica, and 18 combos, including the prosciutto (white sauce, provolone, asiago and Romano cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes), and the Menlo (pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives and onions). Applewood Inn, 1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 324-3486.

BAGELS

Oy vey, chocolate chip bagels? Our readers like all 18 varieties of Noah's Bagels enough to vote them No. 1, but plain, poppy seed and sesame bagels still are the top sellers at the downtown Menlo Park store. Shmears come in lots of flavors, too, such as plain, strawberry, cinnamon raisin, veggie and smoked salmon. Noah's also serves sandwiches, including the "Rachel" and the "Reuben." Noah's Bagels, 746 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 326-4794.

BAR, LIVE MUSIC

For the fifth year, Menlo Park's British Bankers Club is top vote-getter as the best bar and best live music venue. Under new ownership, the BBC will soon be undergoing a face-lift, with two large plasma televisions installed in time for the football season. The music line-up at the BBC includes a DJ on Wednesday night; karaoke on Thursday night; live entertainment, with a jazz band or a top-40 cover band on Friday and Saturday nights; and casual drop-in entertainment on Sunday nights. British Bankers Club, 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 327-8769.

AUTO REPAIR

For the fifth year in a row, our readers chose Menlo-Atherton Shell as the best auto repair shop. M-A Shell has been family-owned for 34 years, and in addition to regular maintenance services such as smog checks and tune-ups, it also provides free shuttle service to points within three miles of its location. Menlo-Atherton Shell 1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-1280.

NURSERY

Our readers recommend Roger Reynolds Nursery and Carriage Stop as the best nursery for its wide selection of plants, shrubs and bedding. The nursery, now in its 85th year of business, also sells indoor plants and has a gift boutique. The nursery recently began offering an outdoor staging service to assist people in creating outdoor gardens. Roger Reynolds Nursery and Carriage Stop 133 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park, 323-5612.

PLUMBER

For 56 years and four generations, Guy Plumbing and Heating has been offering a wide range of plumbing services, including remodels, additions, new construction, plumbing repairs, Rheem water heaters, and low-flow toilets. A recently remodeled showroom features working displays. Guy Plumbing and Heating 1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-8421.

PAINTER

Rick Kazakoff is the third-generation owner of Kazakoff, Inc. Painting & Decorating , a company founded by his grandfather. He and his nine employees offer both interior and exterior painting for houses and commercial buildings. They also install interior moldings, crowns, chairs, baseboards, door casings and offer faux finishing. Mr. Kazakoff says that they go out of their way to be clean and effective and to educate their customers. Kazakoff, Inc. Painting & Decorating 6 Parkridge Court, Belmont, 594-1594.

HARDWARE STORE

Palo Alto Hardware is once again Almanac readers' top choice for hardware store. It offers everything from basic paint and electrical supplies to solar energy equipment. Recently the store added a new paint program, "Color Your Life," that has new paint, updated paint equipment, and a paint-matching computer. Palo Alto Hardware 875 Alma St., Palo Alto, 327-7222.

BANK

The atmosphere of Washington Mutual is more like Starbuck's than to that of a traditional bank, says regional representative Joe Arbona. Teller towers in the middle of the lobby, a kids' play area, and a concierge all appear to have increased the bank's appeal for our readers. The bank also offers free checking, free identity-theft service and free online bill paying. Washington Mutual 650 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 853-2655. 170 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, 854-3792.

FURNITURE STORE

For the 12th year running, our readers have named Flegels Home Furnishings the best furniture store. Flegels, which is staffed by interior designers, celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. In addition to its regular stock of furniture, lamps and accessories, Flegels is carrying a new line of hand-made furniture from Italy. Flegels Home Furnishings 870 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 326-9661.

ORIENTAL CARPETS

The Stephen Miller Gallery offers both antique rug reproductions and hip contemporary designs. The gallery sells rugs from places as diverse as Iran, Nepal, Turkey, Pakistan, China and Egypt, and specializes in customizing rugs in both color and size. The showroom has been expanded three times, and more than 250 rugs are now on display. Stephen Miller Gallery 800 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 327-5040.

BICYCLE SHOP

Once again, our readers have chosen Menlo Velo as the best spot to meet their bicycle needs. Menlo Velo sells a wide variety of makes, styles and sizes of both bikes and accessories. It also provides rental and repair services. Menlo Velo 433 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 327-5137.

CLEANERS

Debbi Cho has owned and operated Menlo Shirt Laundry and Dry Cleaners for 17 years. She says that the personal relationship she has with her customers is one reason readers chose Menlo Shirt Laundry for this year's Readers' Choice award. The quality of the dry cleaning and Ms. Cho's emphasis on community is what keeps her customers coming back, she says. Menlo Shirt Laundry and Dry Cleaners 1115 Chestnut St., Menlo Park, 323-2744.

HEALTH/FITNESS CENTER

The personal and low-key atmosphere of Basic Training Fitness Club has led our readers to name the club the best health and fitness center around. Basic Training Fitness has weight machines and free weights, as well as an array of cardio equipment. They also offer one-on-one and small-group personal training. Basic Training Fitness Club 161 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, 853-1778.

DAY SPA

LaBelle Day Spas has been recognized by our readers for the fifth year in a row. The spa provides everything from hair-styling, manicures and pedicures to facials, hair removal and massages. They also mix their own formulas for waxes, facials and wraps. LaBelle Day Spas 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 326-8522. 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 327-6964.

HAIR SALON, MANICURIST

For the third consecutive year, Los Salonez has been voted best hair salon and best manicurist. In addition to highly trained hair and nail professionals -- who are especially noted for their French manicures, says owner Klara Turner -- Los Salonez has an extensive retail selection, including a line of Mistral products from Provence, the Green Valley Spa line and the Joe Grooming line. Products and services cover all price points, and it is a non-tipping salon. Los Salonez 1010-1014 Alma St., Menlo Park, 328-0735.

BARBER

This is the fourth time that our readers have named Louie Arenas' barber shop, Golden Shears , the best in its field. Louie has been in the business for more than 40 years. He said that his shop focuses on styles for the whole family, keeps up with all the new hair trends, and provides reliable, well-rounded service. Golden Shears 814 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-0943.
APPAREL

Nordstrom won our readers' recognition this year for best apparel. Nordstrom sells clothes for men, women, children and teens, and offers a variety of other services, including on-site alterations and tailoring, international shipping, special ordering, a personal-touch service for free outfit consultations, live operators, free makeup consultation and a shoeshine stand. The store also has a marketplace cafe, an espresso bar and live piano music. Nordstrom 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 323-5111.

BOUTIQUE

When locals in the market for eye-catching fashion go shopping, they often head for Calla , which has once again been voted best boutique. Calla carries brands including Isda, Lilly Pulitzer, Colehaan and Donald Pliner, and also features Cambio jeans. You can also find unique jewelry, accessories and gifts, and can special order merchandise at Calla. Calla 895 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 322-5524.

JEWELERS

The Readers' Choice award for best jeweler goes to Hirzel Fine Jewelry for the second year in a row. The family-run store, which has been in Menlo Park for 52 years, customizes jewelry, carries nationally and internationally known designers, appraises and does repairs. It is now carrying new colored gemstones. Owner Carl Weimer said he and his staff focus on providing customers with good information and good communication. Hirzel Fine Jewelry 728 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 328-6030.
PLACE FOR A DATE,PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE

Our readers have again named Cafe Borrone both best place to meet people and best place to take a date. Employees describe the atmosphere as eclectic, relaxed, and European. The cafe, with a large outdoor seating area on the Menlo Square plaza, offers a large breakfast menu as well as an all-day menu that features soups, salads and sandwiches. In September, Borrone hosts an annual wine festival. Cafe Borrone 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 327-0830.

PHARMACY

The Preuss Pharmacy has once again -- this time for the fourth consecutive year -- earned our Readers' Choice Award. The pharmacy specializes in prescription compounding, which includes hormone replacement therapy, chronic pain management and veterinary products. Owner John Celedon says he and his staff are on a first-name basis with most of their customers, and that the business has been family-run for more than 20 years. Preuss Pharmacy 844 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 321-8045.

HOTEL

The Stanford Park Hotel , with newly renovated business rooms, was chosen as favorite hotel for yet another year. It offers wireless high-speed Internet access, not only in every room and the lounge, but also by the pool. Its restaurant, the Duck Club, has a new chef, and both the restaurant and the Lounge -- a place that provides lighter snacks -- have new menus. Stanford Park Hotel 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 463-1920.

STATIONERY STORE

By a landslide, Village Stationers won again this year for best stationery store. Opened in 1976, the store provides a variety of office supplies, stationery, cards and gifts. Kerry Hoctor, whose parents opened the store, said that one reason Village maintains its popularity is because there are so few traditional stationery stores remaining, and because his store works on maintaining a strong relationship with the community. Village Stationers 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 321-6920.

FRAME STORE

The Great Frame-Up has once again been singled out as our readers' favorite frame shop. The store offers both hand-made and custom-designed frames, as well as museum-quality conservation framing. Owner Marcy Magatelli was trained at the Art Institute of Chicago. The store also supports young artists by providing gallery space for art students from Menlo-Atherton High School. It sells mirror and photograph frames as well as posters and prints. Great Frame-Up 1047 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-1097.

TRAVEL AGENCY

Travel Now is our readers' favorite travel agency for the seventh year in a row. The agency specializes in international travel, including safaris, adventure travel, and intricate European itineraries. Hawaii, however, remains her clients' most popular destination, says Travel Now owner Anita Douglas, who has traveled to more than 100 countries. Travel Now 713 Santa Cruz Ave (above Ritz Camera), Menlo Park, 853-0333.

FLORIST

For 21 years Cindy's Flowers and Gifts has been providing flowers for the residents of Menlo Park. Owned by Cindy Smith, the store offers an extensive array of flowers as well as potted plants, balloons, cards and gourmet baskets. Cindy's Flowers and Gifts 657-1/2 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, 321-4864.

TOY STORE

Almanac readers have for the fifth year named Cheeky Monkey Toys their favorite place to get toys for the kids. The downtown Menlo Park shop carries a wide range of merchandise for infants and children, including interactive toys designed "to awaken the untamed mind of your child," according to the store's Web site: www.cheekymonkeytoys.com. The store offers complementary gift wrapping, too. Cheeky Monkey Toys 714 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 328-7975.

PET SHOP

The Pet Place now has an even dozen Readers' Choice awards, courtesy of loyal pet owners who buy their dog chow, scratching posts, dinner bowls and toy mice from the downtown shop. The Pet Place is more than just a place to buy supplies, though. It's a gathering spot where animal lovers chat with the staff and other customers, and owners Marc and Lynn Macy post information about lost pets or animals needing a new home. The Pet Place 777 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-7387.

WINE AND LIQUOR

Our readers have consistently named Beltramo's , founded in 1882 by Giovanni Beltramo, their No. 1 choice when they shop for wine and liquor. Beltramo's carries thousands of wines, with especially strong inventories of high-performers from Italy and California. The store has in recent times broadened its inventory of Australian and Spanish wines as well, says Gary Mulleneaux of Beltramo's. No reservations are needed for weekly Saturday wine tastings from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. But call the store to find out when its evening tastings and annual champagne event will be held -- and to reserve a glass. Beltramo's Wines and Liquors 1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-2806.

BOOKSTORE

It's no contest: Year after year, Almanac readers name Kepler's Books and Magazines the best bookstore -- by a landslide vote. A Menlo Park institution since 1955, Kepler's offers an enormous selection of books and other publications, and a well-lighted space in which to browse or lose yourself in a book. The store's staff will special order books that you can't find in stock, or you can shop online at keplers.com. Evening author readings bring in an eclectic range of writers -- from the famous to the promising fledgling; from cookbook writers to novelists; from masters of the thriller to political satirists. Kepler's Books and Magazines 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 324-4321.

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