It’s a grand slam for Menlo Center in downtown Menlo Park. Kepler’s Books, Cafe Borrone, British Bankers Club and Palmero restaurant all won readers’ laurels in their categories in the 2006 Almanac Readers’ Choice Awards. It couldn’t have come at a better time after a year when the revered Kepler’s bookstore closed its doors — and then was rescued by investors and community support.
Beyond Menlo Center, readers told us their favorite places to dine, snack, take a date and buy toys for their children. And here are their picks.
BOOKSTORE
When Kepler’s Books and Magazines closed its doors abruptly last August 31 amid financial difficulties, an unprecedented outpouring of community support brought back this community treasure. It’s no surprise that Almanac readers again have chosen Kepler’s their favorite bookstore. Thanks to local investors and community support, Kepler’s reopened October 8. Over 1,800 readers became members of the independent bookstore’s “Literary Circle” by making donations of $200,000. “Without those dollars, the Authors’ Events that brought Amy Tan, Pulitzer Prize winner Taylor Branch and Frances Mayes to the store likely would not have returned,” said Anne Banta, now Kepler’s chief marketing officer. In May, more than 20 authors will visit the bookstore in celebration of Kepler’s 51st anniversary. Kepler’s launched its first travel series, “Journey Around the World with Kepler’s,” two evenings a month. The new “Grassroots Tuesdays” features new and local authors each week. Monthly “Family Fun Days” include storytelling, crafts, music and interactive activities for the family from noon to 4 p.m.
Kepler’s Books and Magazines, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 324-4321.
BAR, LIVE MUSIC
British Bankers Club has been chosen for the seventh straight year as the best bar and live music venue. A classic bar and dining hall, the building was first occupied by American Trust and Savings in 1922. Later it became Menlo Park’s city hall, police department and jail, with the public library upstairs. Today — after adding giant plasma television sets last year — the BBC is expanding its menu under new management and has live music every Friday and Saturday evening. There is a DJ dance party Wednesday nights, and karaoke with a DJ Thursday nights. The BBC offers a late-night appetizer menu until 1 in the morning.
British Bankers Club, 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 327-8769.
PLACE TO MEET PEOPLE
Cafe Borrone has once again been named the favorite place to meet people by Almanac readers. People come for quick coffee and dessert or casual dining indoors or out. The location at the Menlo Center plaza and next to Kepler’s helps attract the crowds. The family-owned cafe has been in business for 16 years, says Marina Borrone, general manager.
Cafe Borrone, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 327-0830.
PLACE TO TAKE A DATE
Carpaccio and Chantilly tied as the best place to take a date. Either place would be sure to impress your companion, whether it’s a first date or a night out for a steady couple.
Carpaccio has excellent Italian (everybody’s favorite) food and a lively atmosphere. You will receive a warm welcome and attentive service. The extensive menu includes wood-fired pizzas, several pastas, fresh fish, chicken and veal dishes. The rack of lamb served with roasted vegetables and red currant mint sauce is outstanding. Carpaccio was also voted our readers’ favorite Italian restaurant.
Carpaccio, 1120 Crane St., Menlo Park, 32201211.
Chantilly restaurant’s luxurious decor and nicely spaced tables are conducive to quiet conversation. The continental menu features such classic favorites as seared fois gras, oysters on the half shell, tournedos of beef, roast duck and Australian lobster tail. Why not splurge for a Grand Marnier souffle for two or baked Alaska? Your date will also be impressed when she receives a complimentary long-stem rose.
Chantilly, 3001 El Camino Real, Redwood City; 321-4080.
GROCERY, BAKERY, MEAT STORE
A perennial favorite with our readers, Draeger’s wins in three categories this year: grocery store, bakery, and place to buy meat. It also tied with the Village Cheese House in Palo Alto for making the best sandwiches to go. Draeger’s has the well-earned reputation of “having it all,” from hard-to-find gourmet items to the most conventional grocery store products. The produce department stocks more than 100 varieties of organic fruits and vegetables. The gourmet deli offers a changing menu of 40 salads, 20 entrees, and “homemade” soups. Tempting treats from fancy chocolate cakes to breakfast pastries are created in the bakery. The market has a well-stocked meat and seafood department. Sausages, including the new chicken-spinach-feta cheese, are developed and produced in the market’s old country smokehouse and sausage kitchen.
Draeger’s, 1010 University Drive, Menlo Park; 324-7700.
PRODUCE
Almanac readers will drive, bike or walk to Sigona’s Farmers Market at Stanford Shopping Center for fresh fruit and vegetables. What began 30-some years ago as a little fruit stand in Morgan Hill has evolved into a trusted specialty store, offering gourmet items in addition to a large selection of organic produce. Most of the produce comes from local farmers. Sigona’s also offers an array of fresh pasta, its own marinara sauce, pesticide-free olive oil, 12-year-old imported balsamic vinegar and one of the best selections of gourmet chocolate. The Stanford store now carries a full line of dairy products, including gelato and sorbet from a local ice cream maker.
Sigona’s Farmers Market, next to Schaub’s Meat & Poultry, Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 329-1340. Sigona’s first store opened in 1985 at 2345 Middlefield Road, Redwood City; 368-6992.
WINE, LIQUOR STORE
Readers have once again raised a glass to Beltramo’s quality wine and liquor. First established in 1882 by Giovanni Beltramo, the store carries more than 3,000 kinds of wine. International brands come from Italy, France, New Zealand, Chile, Switzerland and a host of other countries. There are also about 2,000 types of liquor, wine accessories and gourmet snacks. Pay a set price or by the glass for Saturday wine tastings, conducted from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Beltramo’s Wines and Liquors, 1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 325-2806.
PET STORE
Marc and Lynn Macy, owners of The Pet Place in Menlo Park, are animals’ and pet owners’ best friends because they love what they’re doing. Almanac readers vouch for this husband and wife team’s dedication, compassion and service to animals by rating their store as the favorite for 14 consecutive years since it opened on Santa Cruz Avenue. “We strive to help animals in every way we can and to help people take the best care of their animals,” says Marc. Besides offering a large selection of supplies, unique products and healthy food for pets as well as wild creatures, they become “detectives,” searching for solutions to difficult problems with disabled animals. Customers from the Bay Area and as far as Massachusetts and Hawaii call for advice and place special orders. Their service extends to the community by helping reunite lost animals with owners and finding homes through adoptions and rescue organizations for homeless animals, including rats, cats, chinchillas, birds, dogs and rabbits.
The Pet Place, 777 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 325-7387.
TOY SHOP
Almanac readers have named Cheeky Monkey Toys their favorite place to get toys for the kids for six years. The downtown Menlo Park shop carries a wide range of toys and gifts for newborns up to pre-teens. Many of the toys are designed “to awaken the untamed mind of your child,” say owners Anna and Dexter Chow, also Menlo Park residents. The store offers complementary gift wrapping, too.
Cheeky Monkey Toys, 714 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 328-7975
BAGELS
It’s a tie. Almanac readers liked The Posh Bagel and Noah’s Bagels equally well, although Noah’s has closed its Menlo Park location.
Twenty four varieties of bagels, from Asiago cheese to chocolate chip, are available at The Posh Bagel, however, plain and sesame are still the top sellers. The morning crowd likes breakfast bagels that come with egg, ham or cheese. After school, kids go for pizza bagels. Cream cheese “shmears” come in lots of flavors, from tomato to strawberry.
The Posh Bagel, 869 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 325-7674.
The nearest Noah’s Bagels is in Palo Alto, where it does a lively business in a wide variety of bagels, from classic poppy seed or pumpernickel to chocolate chip and blueberry. There are many luscious “shmears,” including smoked salmon, garlic herb, onion and chive, and strawberry and honey almond for a sweet touch.
Noah’s Bagels, 278 University Ave., Palo Alto; 473-0751.
BREAKFAST
Customers flip over breakfast at Stacks’ restaurant in downtown Menlo Park. Why not? You can start your day with an omelet, crepes, three-egg scrambles, and, of course, the famous pancakes. Plain, blueberry, raisin walnut, wheat germ, take your pick, or go all out with banana, macadamia nut and coconut pancakes. House specials include steak and eggs, and eggs benedict. Although, a relative newcomer to Menlo Park, Stacks’ has such dedicated customers that there’s a line out the door every weekend.
Stacks’, 600 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 838-0066.
CHINESE RESTAURANT
Thirteen is no unlucky number for Su Hong, which Almanac readers have voted their favorite Chinese restaurant for 13 years. Sunday night at Su Hong, you might eat next to a Silicon Valley billionaire or Mom and Dad having a night out with the kids. The service is smooth and swift and white tablecloths lend a touch of class. Try the famous Chinese chicken salad and walnut prawns. Some like it hot, so go for the kung pao chicken or Szechuan beef. Since almost everything on the in house menu is available to go, it’s no surprise that Su Hong To Go won best take-out. Try the imperial pork or orange peel beef.
Su Hong, 1039 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-6852.
Su Hong To Go, 630 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park; 322-4631.
COFFEE, ESPRESSO, TEA
What’s a Peetnik? It’s a loyal, some say fanatical, customer who just couldn’t make it through the day without his/her cuppa Peet’s. Menlo Park has plenty of them who have gathered at the corner of Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive ever since Peet’s Coffee and Tea introduced locals to fine coffee 36 years ago. Whether it’s Arabian mocha java, Sumatra, or Major Dickason’s blend, there’s a Peet’s coffee that will please the most demanding coffee lover.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea, 899 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 325-8989.
DESSERTS
Whether it’s a special birthday or you just crave something sweet, treat yourself to a stop at Prolific Oven in downtown Palo Alto. The famous cakes are made with top ingredients. Chocoholics swoon over the chocolate rum, chocolate on chocolate, and chocolate orange almond cakes. The French-style cakes with lots of whipping cream come in luscious flavors, such as apricot brandy cream, strawberry or raspberry cream. The bakery and coffee house also has a wide selection of cookies and pastries, ranging from biscotti to fruit tarts to chocolate chip cookies.
Prolific Oven, 550 Waverley St., Palo Alto; 326-8485.
FRENCH RESTAURANT
Who needs Paris when we have our own handsome French brasserie right in downtown Menlo Park? Left Bank is once again Almanac readers’ favorite French restaurant. The menu changes with the seasons, but some classic favorites, such as mussels Florentine, chicken grand-mere, duck a l’orange, steak frites, and salad nicoise almost always remain. Sidewalk dining is a pleasant option in the warmer months.
Left Bank, 635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 473-6543.
HAMBURGERS
Even Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame is a fan of In-N-Out Burger, the Southern California chain that happily came north a few years ago. Locals are willing to drive to Mountain View for the great hamburgers, fries made from fresh whole potatoes, and shakes made from real ice cream. The food is good. The price is right. We just wish it were closer.
In-N-Out Burger, 1159 N. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View, 800-786-1000.
ICE CREAM
It’s a tie between Peninsula Creamery and Menlo Park newcomer Cold Stone Creamery. for the favorite ice cream store.
Cold Stone Creamery opened in Menlo Park last summer and is one of more than 1,000 Cold Stone franchises in the United States. The store specializes in “mix-ins” — nuts, candy, baked goods and sauces. The mix-ins are folded into the ice cream for each customer on a frozen slab of granite. The ice cream is made fresh every day.
Cold Stone Creamery, 611 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 325-4500. 9 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto; 323-2102.
Peninsula Creamery has been in business in Palo Alto since 1923. Generations of kids have grown up savoring its famous vanilla or chocolate milk shakes, sundaes, and ice cream cones. For decades, the Creamery made its own ice cream. Now that the manufacturing plant has been torn down to make way for development, the store uses Crystal-brand ice cream out of Sacramento. Those milk shakes are still the stuff of dreams.
Peninsula Creamery, 900 High St., Palo Alto; 323-3175.
INDIAN RESTAURANT
Don’t let the strip-mall location put you off. Amber India offers diners excellent servings of tandoori mixed grill, butter chicken, rack of lamb marinated in yogurt, chicken tikka, and other popular entrees. Dinner is a deluxe experience, with professional service. There is also a lunch buffet that includes vegetable pakora appetizers, chicken and vegetable dishes, lentils, rice, salad, dessert and delicious hot puffy nan. There are many local Indian restaurants, but, after 11 years in business, Amber India remains a stand-out.
Amber India, 2290 El Camino Real, Mountain View; 968-7511.
INTIMATE DINING
Chef Mark Sullivan’s award-winning food at The Village Pub could put anyone in a romantic mood. For a cozy dinner, why not choose the truffle roasted Guinea hen for two? Or select seared yellowfin tuna or spiced Moroccan chicken from the regular entrees. For dessert, consider sharing bites of a chocolate souffle, or one of the Pub’s cheese plates with a glass of port. The luxurious decor and smooth, unobtrusive service will help create a night to remember.
The Village Pub, 2967 Woodside Road, Woodside; 851-9888.
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Almanac readers love Carpaccio, which has been voted best Italian restaurant year after year. In 2006 it also rates as the best place to take a date. The handsome decor by Pat Kuleto gives the feeling of a private club, but, more important, is the consistently delectable food. The extensive menu includes signature carpaccio and roasted Portobello mushrooms, a smoked salmon and caviar pizza, gnocchi with meat sauce, cannelloni, rack of lamb, veal scaloppini and veal piccata. Lasagne layered with sausage, tomatoes, bechamel creme and parmesan cheese is available Wednesdays and Fridays.
Carpaccio, 1120 Crane St., Menlo Park; 322-1211.
JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Established in 1978, Fuki Sushi was the first Japanese restaurant in Palo Alto and its popularity continues. You may choose to sit at the sushi bar, where chefs prepare sushi and sashimi while you watch, or choose Western-style tables or semi-private tatami matted booths. There is a wide selection of tempuras, teriyaki dishes or entrees to be cooked at your table.
Fuki Sushi, 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 494-9383.
JUICE BAR
One of Jamba Juice’s fruit smoothies is a pleasant way to get your “five (fruits) a day.” What will it be? Mega mango, grape escape or raspberry rainbow? There are many luscious fruit combos or, if you prefer, have your carrot or orange juice straight with perhaps a shot of wheat grass.
Jamba Juice, Town and Country Village, Palo Alto; 325-2582.
MEXICAN RESTAURANT,
DINING WITH KIDS
What did we ever do without LuLu’s.? Only one year old, the attractive little restaurant has become a West Menlo favorite for Mexican food. Almanac readers also voted it the best place to dine with kids. If you don’t believe that, stop by for lunch or dinner on Saturday. LuLu’s is named for chef Lourdes Lopez, whose family owns taquerias in Mexico. Try her posole or chicken tortilla soup. The menu also includes burritos, tacos, enchilada plates and chopped salad.
LuLu’s, 3539 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park; 854-8226.
PLACE TO TAKE MOM & DAD
The folks will have plenty to look at while waiting for their order at Buck’s of Woodside. The place is a study in kitsch with a giant mural of Roy Rogers and his horse, Trigger, the Statue of Liberty welcoming visitors at the front door, and model airplanes hanging from the ceiling. The restaurant’s mascot, Buck the Buffalo, is mounted over the bar. The restaurant features a large menu with specials that change every Friday. Longtime favorites include Margaret’s pork chops, chicken fried steak, lasagna, New York steak, chicken piccata, and the hot Dungeness crab sandwich with melted cheddar cheese.
Buck’s, 3062 Woodside Road, Woodside; 851-8010.
NEW RESTAURANT
Palermo Italian restaurant is a welcome new addition to the local restaurant scene. Owner Renato Cusimano features food from all over Italy, including his native Sicily. Start your meal with one of the many hot or cold antipasti dishes, such as eggplant parmigiana or tomatoes with white anchovies. Dishes prepared with house-made fresh pasta are outstanding, including the crab ravioli with creamy tomatoes in a vodka sauce. The buttery sea bass served with marinara sauce, potatoes and spinach, is a favorite.
Palermo, Menlo Center, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 322-2157.
PIZZA
There’s pizza and then there’s Applewood pizza, which, once again, our readers consider in a class by itself. A Menlo Park tradition since 1983, Applewood offers 21 toppings and 18 specialty combos, including the Budapest (sauteed onions, bell peppers and tomatoes, and Hungarian sausage), and Roma (peppered ham, mushrooms, bell peppers and fresh tomatoes). Menlo Park even has its own namesake, the Menlo Combo (pepperoni, salami, Italian sausage, mushrooms, black olives, red onions.)
Applewood Inn, 1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 324-3486.
SANDWICHES
It’s a tie between two longtime local favorites: Draeger’s in Menlo Park and Village Cheese House in Palo Alto.
The streamlined deli at Draeger’s has many delectable sandwiches packaged and ready to go, or have them make up your favorite. The selection ranges from favorites, such as turkey, roast beef, vegetarian, ham, tuna or egg salad, to deluxe crab. There are also several specialty sandwiches. For a party, consider the 6-foot stadium sandwich filled with enough meat and cheese to fit a hoard of hungry people. Draeger’s also was named tops in three other categories: grocery store, bakery, and place to buy meat.
Draeger’s, 1010 University Ave., Menlo Park; 324-7700.
Village Cheese House, tucked into a back corner at Town & Country shopping center in Palo Alto, has been a local favorite since it opened in 1959. Palo Alto High School kids swarm there at lunch time and there’s a line out the door on Stanford football days. For many, it wouldn’t be a visit back home without a stop for one of the thick double-decker sandwiches. Some say the “secret” sandwich spread is what makes Cheese House sandwiches so special.
Village Cheese House, 157 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto; 326-9251.
SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Cook’s Seafood Restaurant is a Menlo Park family-owned institution dating back to 1928. Its signature dish is fish and chips made with Alaskan halibut. The crisp, never greasy, fish is paired with steak cut fries. The array of entrees includes a satisfying clam chowder, cioppino, shrimp and crab Louies. You never have to ask if the fish is fresh at Cook’s. It comes from Cook’s Seafood Market right next door.
Cook’s Seafood, 751 El Camino Real, 325-0614
SUNDAY BRUNCH
Stacks’ and St. Michael’s Alley tied as the best place to have Sunday brunch. Stacks’ was a hit in Menlo Park from the time it opened a few years ago, perhaps because so many customers had already visited its Redwood City location. The food is good, the decor is attractive, and the prices are reasonable. No wonder there’s a crowd gathered every Sunday morning. Free coffee is available while you wait to be seated.
Stacks’, 600 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 838-0066.
St. Michael’s Alley, named after St. Michael’s Alley in London, where the first English coffeehouses were born, was said to be the Peninsula’s first coffeehouse. Today it is a charming European-style bistro, perfect for a leisurely Saturday or Sunday brunch. All the morning favorites are featured on its extensive brunch menu: pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles, eggs benedict and eggs Florentine, omelets and scrambles. The menu also offers a variety of sandwiches (turkey club, hamburgers), salads (baby spinach, nicoise), even a risotto.
St. Michael’s Alley, 806 Emerson St., Palo Alto; 326-2530.
THAI RESTAURANT
Open since 1978, Siam Garden continues to be a reader favorite. The family-owned restaurant features cuisine from the Bangkok area of Thailand, known for food a little less spicy than other regions. Chicken or pork satay and deep fried prawns are popular appetizers meant to be shared by two. Entree favorites include beef with cashews, panang chicken, chicken with Thai basil, red, green and yellow curries. The extensive menu offers many options. For dessert try coconut, mango or tropical forest (a combination of four flavors) ice cream.
Siam Garden, 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park; 853-1143.
TRAVEL AGENCY
AAA Travel Agency has won over Almanac readers who like its one-stop shopping approach. Customers use it for help with travel near and far, including making reservations and car rentals, finding a cruise deal, or planning everything from a tour of Europe to an exploration of the national parks of the United States.
AAA Travel Agency, 430 Forest Ave., Palo Alto; 321-0470.
BARBER SHOP
Golden Shears barber shop is a tradition and hub in downtown Menlo Park for many families. There you can get a traditional hair cut or contemporary styles from a staff of seven barbers and stylists, some of whom (such as Wayne Slocum) have cut hair there for years. This is the sixth time the shop, owned for 43 years by Louie Arneas, has won the Almanac Readers’ Choice award.
Golden Shears, 814 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 325-0943.
BICYCLE SHOP
The news was bittersweet. The Bike Connection won the 2006 Readers’ Choice award just before the planned closing of the Menlo Park shop at 622 Santa Cruz Ave. this month or next. The landlord sold the building, says Bike Connection’s owner Gregg Forrest. Customers, however, are referred to the Palo Alto store at 2011 El Camino Real, where the Menlo Park manager, Jesus Mendoza, is expected to relocate. There, cyclists can find the product selection and service that earned the Bike Connection a 2006 ranking as one of the top 100 bike shops in the United States by Bicycle Retailer magazine.
Bike Connection, 2011 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; 853-3000.
CLEANERS
Menlo Park loves its dry cleaners, and readers this year named two as their favorites: Peninou French Laundry & Cleaners, and Menlo Shirt Laundry & Dry Cleaners. The eco-friendly cleaning process — “we don’t use hazardous chemicals” — makes Peninou, where Brian Crosby is director of operations, popular with customers. Debbi Cho, owner of Menlo Shirt Laundry & Dry Cleaners, says the 19-year-old business likely won the award for the same reasons it won in the past: personable and quality service.
Peninou French Laundry & Cleaners, 558 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park; 322-2324.
Menlo Shirt Laundry & Dry Cleaners, 1115 Chestnut St., Menlo Park; 323-2744.
DAY SPA
LaBelle Day Spas is celebrating this year not only its sixth Almanac Readers’ Choice award but also 30 years in business (it first opened in San Francisco). LaBelle provides facials and body treatments created by its owner, Bella Schneider, and it has its own product line. “You can’t get our facials anywhere else,” says corporate manager Mila Recania. “We’ve sustained our business for so long; customers have a comfort in knowing that.” Among its services: hair-styling, manicures, pedicures, facials, hair removal, massages, scrubs and wraps.
LaBelle Day Spas, 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto; 326-8522. 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto; 327-6964.
FITNESS
AXIS Performance Center in Menlo Park offers personal trainers, massage therapy and group classes. There are no membership fees or prepayment requirements. All services are scheduled by appointment, which allows AXIS to provide a level of personal attention and quality of service not available at fitness clubs or gyms, says founder Scott Norton.
AXIS Performance Center, 550 Ravenswood Ave., Menlo Park; 463-1920.
HAIR SALON,
MANICURIST
This is the fifth year that owner Klara Turner and her Los Salonez has won readers’ recognition for favorite hair salon and manicurist. The spacious salon has a staff of six, offers lots of retail products, and even showcases jewelry. Customers like the clean and professional atmosphere of Los Salonez, which has been at this Menlo Park location for 14 years. “We specialize in hair color, taking people back from over-processed hair,” says Ms. Turner. “We’re saving the world one head at a time.”
Los Salonez, 1012 Alma St., Menlo Park; 328-0735.
PHARMACY
Prompt and predictable. That’s what customers say they like most about Walgreens pharmacy, which has been on Santa Cruz Avenue in downtown Menlo Park since 2002. “We have the medicine ready when they get here,” says store manager Matthew Murphy. With some other stores, you can go in to pick it up and have to wait two hours, he says. “When you don’t feel well — you have a cold or flu — and you’re told the medicine will be ready at 4 p.m., usually we’re pretty good at seeing that it’s there.”
Walgreens, 643 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 321-2227.
APPAREL, BOUTIQUE
Almanac readers chose Calla for the eighth consecutive year as their preferred boutique for women’s clothing and accessories. Calling Menlo Park home for 12 years, Calla keeps on top of the trends, offering an eclectic collection of women’s fashions by top-rated designers, as well as jewelry, accessories and gifts. The shop accommodates special orders.
Calla, 895 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 322-5524.
FLORIST
Cindy’s Flowers and Gifts has won over Almanac readers who voted it their favorite florist. Located on Oak Grove Avenue in Menlo Park, on the parking plaza next to the post office, Cindy’s personalizes each order and designs arrangements for special occasions, such as Mother’s Day. Owned by Cindy Smith, the business takes orders 24 hours a day by phone or Web (CindysFlowersandGifts.com) and gives refunds to unsatisfied customers.
Cindy’s Flowers and Gifts, 657-1/2 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park; 321-4864.
FURNITURE STORE
For an astounding 14 years in a row, Flegel’s Home Furnishings has been named the favorite furniture store of Almanac readers. It’s considered one of the outstanding furniture stories in the nation, with customers from around the world. Flegel’s has hand-crafted, heirloom-quality furniture and a team of designers — certified by the American Society of Interior Designers — who work with customers to furnish their homes. A Menlo Park landmark for 52 years, Flegel’s also offers standard furniture. It’s headed by president and CEO Mark Flegel, son of the founders, Art and Cleora Flegel.
Flegel’s Home Furnishings, 870 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 326-9661.
PLUMBING
Dave Guy, the owner of Guy Plumbing, says that “opening our showrooms for customers and specializing in carrying things people want” are the things that make this family-run business popular with Almanac readers. Now in 58th year, the store offers a range of services from remodeling and installation to repair.
Guy Plumbing and Heating, 1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 323-8421.
PAINTER
In business for 25 years, Mike Garl Painting provides quality painting services for homeowners all over the Peninsula. Customers say they appreciate the wide range of services and the experienced employees known for punctual work. The business offers a five-year guarantee on all work.
Mike Garl Painting; 367-7118.
JEWELRY STORE
Hirzel Fine Jewelry, in business for 54 years, is a long-popular store in the heart of Menlo Park that sells, repairs and appraises fine jewelry, timepieces and gems. Owned by Carl Weimer, the store is a member of the American Gem Society and has a staff that includes certified gemologists. Hirzel searches near and far for its inventory, which can include one-of-a-kind pieces. It custom designs jewelry and can update an existing setting.
Hirzel Fine Jewelry, 728 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 328-6030.
AUTO REPAIR
In business since 1968, M&R Automotive is the Almanac readers’ auto repair shop of choice. “We have some of the top technicians and our service is helpful in explaining everything to the customers and taking care of their needs,” says owner Wes McNay. M&R uses only quality parts and offers upfront estimates.
M & R Automotive, 1281 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 325-3900
HARDWARE STORE
The Almanac readership has voted Palo Alto Hardware the favorite hardware store for the fifth year straight. The customer service policy is to treat all who enter the same whether their needs are simple or complex. In addition to being a comprehensive hardware and supplies store, it helps customers with installations. It sells solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for home and commercial use.
Palo Alto Hardware, 875 Alma St., Palo Alto; 327-7222.
NURSERY
For the sixth year in a row, Almanac readers say that Roger Reynolds Nursery and Carriage Stop is the best nursery around. The family-owned business offers a wide range of services, including help with garden design, soil preparation and planting. It publishes an e-newsletter with tips, such as “things to do in April.” Every season Roger Reynolds hosts a variety of events. On Saturday, April 29, it will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Carriage Stop with an ice cream social from 1 to 3 p.m., and 10 percent off on everything in the Carriage Stop, the former home of Edy’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Roger Reynolds Nursery (323-5612) and Carriage Stop (322-8914), 133 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park. Landscape service: 327-7982.
ORIENTAL CARPETS
Two galleries tied in this category: Stephen Miller Gallery and St. Clair Gallery, both in Menlo Park.
Stephen Miller Gallery attracts interior designers as well as businesses and homeowners. The selections includes tribal, antique, custom, traditional and contemporary rugs, carefully selected and hand-woven. There is a showroom in Redwood City as well as in Menlo Park.
Stephen Miller Gallery, 800 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 327-5040.
St. Clair Gallery sells a number of styles of carpets from all over the globe. The gallery is expansive with many hand-made carpets on display. The employees are known for their knowledge of the products.
St. Clair Gallery, 855 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 321-8495.
FRAME STORE
The Great Frame-Up shop in Menlo Park — has again won readers’ laurels. Owned by Marcy Magatelli, the shop offers an extensive selection of frames and framing styles for anything you might want framed: from artwork and family portraits to certificates and diplomas. The trained staff is adept at protecting you most sensitive pieces for generations to come. On-site custom framing and a diverse selection of frames and prints are available.
The Great Frame-Up, 1047 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-1097.
STATIONERY STORE
Almanac readers again choose Village Stationers as the best stationery store around. The store carries a huge collection of stationery products, office supplies, and greeting cards, but is best known for its personal service. Having been in Menlo Park for 30 years, Village Stationers has become a fundamental part of downtown. Owner Kerry Hoctor says the store’s history “builds continuity with your customers; we have a real symbiotic relationship with the people of Menlo Park.”
Village Stationers, 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 321-6920.
BANK
Washington Mutual has been chosen by Almanac readers who participated in the Readers’ Choice Awards survey as their favorite bank. The bank is famous for its free checking and online banking. Its convenient locations and customers accommodations are among reasons for its growing popularity.
Washington Mutual, 650 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park; 853-2655. 170 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; 854-3792. 300 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto; 853-8609.
HOTEL
For five consecutive years, Almanac readers have rated the Stanford Park Hotel their favorite. The four-story English colonial and European-style luxury hotel offers an appealing location for business meetings, social gatherings and weddings. The Duck Club, specializing in French American cuisine, and the casual Lounge at the Park for cocktails and light dining, are highly regarded dining options. Stanford Park Hotel also features 24-hour room service, including a full gourmet menu, and garden courtyards to wander in.
Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; 322-1234.
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