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Publication Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Readers' Choice 2002

Are you looking for a lively eatery where you can savor a fine bouillabaisse or boudin blanc? Do you need that oversized poster you bought -- really cheap -- from Bangkok earlier this year custom-framed to look like a million bucks? Is your garden in need of some vibrant new plants, or would you like to take a class to help turn your thumb green?

Hundreds of Almanac readers shared their opinions about the best places to go for food to bring home, memorable dining-out experiences, and services and goods of all kinds. They voted earlier this summer for their favorites, and here are the results.

DINING OUT
Restaurants
Breakfast

Breakfast at Ann's Coffee Shop has been a Menlo Park tradition since the late 1940s. Loyal customers say there's no better way to start the day than sitting down to crisp bacon and eggs the way you like them at Ann's counter. Try the corned beef hash, hot cakes and omelets served with hash browns and toast. Breakfast is served all day.

Ann's Coffee Shop , 772 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call 322-0043.
Chinese

For nine years our readers have voted Su Hong their favorite Chinese restaurant. The sunny rooms, snowy tablecloths and smooth service make the dining even more enjoyable. Su Hong prepares Mandarin, Szechwan, and Cantonese favorites. Try their minced chicken in lettuce cups, walnut prawns and eggplant in garlic sauce.

Su Hong , 1039 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-6852.
Dessert

Check out the luscious desserts served up at Max's Opera Cafe and you'll understand why readers voted them the best. There are vanilla and chocolate eclairs "big enough to serve six," towering ultimate chocolate cake, macaroons the size of tennis balls, seven-layer cookies and, of course, cheesecake. The huge portions are surely meant to be shared.

Max's Opera Cafe , 711 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 323-6297.
Dining out with kids

Kids love Fresh Choice , where they can see the food and choose what they like. Best of all, there's no waiting to be served. Youngsters especially like the pasta, fresh cut-up fruit, muffins, and frozen yogurt cones.

Fresh Choice , Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 322-6995.
French

Third time's a charm when it comes to Menlo Park's Left Bank, voted the best French restaurant for the third year in a row. The handsome bistro, which was also voted the Best Place for a Date , features "cuisine grand-mere," which translates as roast chicken, mussels, steak frites and tarte tatin. Obviously grand-mere was a great cook.

Left Bank , 635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 473-6543.
Indian

The food of Northern India is the specialty of Gaylord India Restaurant , which serves the same fine food in its Menlo Park location as is found in Gaylord restaurants in Bombay, Kobe, Hong Kong and Tapei. Expertly seasoned sauces, tandoori specialties, and freshly baked breads make Gaylord a favorite with our readers for the third consecutive year.

Gaylord India Restaurant ,1706 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 326-8761.
Italian

Elegant surroundings, friendly atmosphere, smooth service, and great food keep readers voting for Carpaccio as their favorite Italian restaurant. Recent specials include fettuccine with smoked salmon, red, gold and black caviar in a cream sauce; whole roasted game hen stuffed with risotto and asparagus; and baked meringue filled with caramel gelato topped with blackberries and whipped cream. The regular menu features such favorites as cannelloni, veal medallions sauteed with prosciutto, gnocchi in meat sauce, and eggplant parmesan.

Carpaccio , 1120 Crane St., Menlo Park, 322-1211.
Japanese

Established in 1978, Fuki Sushi was the first Japanese restaurant in Palo Alto. The menu ranges from teriyaki dishes and tempuras, to a wide selection prepared at the sushi bar. There is Western-style dining, or you can reserve a tatami room, where kimono-clad servers will recommend popular dishes and daily specials.

Fuki Sushi , 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 494-9383.
Mexican

Fresh fruit margaritas and sizzling fajitas draw diners south of the border to Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant . Salsa, blended fresh hourly, is served with still-warm tortilla chips. Try the mesquite-grilled chicken, beef, shrimp and vegetable fajitas, served with house-made tortillas, as well as traditional tacos, enchiladas, tamales and chiles rellenos.

Chevy's , 2907 El Camino Real, Redwood City, 367-6892.
Restaurant to take Mom and Dad

Three restaurants -- the Acorn, Sundance the Steakhouse, and Parkside Grille -- tied as the best place to take the folks for a special anniversary or birthday dinner. The Acorn has been a popular choice for dining in Menlo Park since 1971. The Petrakis family serves Greek and American favorites in an attractive, white-tablecloth restaurant with gracious service.

Sundance features steak, prime rib, and seafood in a genteel but casual atmosphere with full bar. Parkside Grille has sophisticated food in a country setting, a short and scenic drive from downtown Menlo Park.

The Acorn , 1906 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 322-6201.

Sundance the Steakhouse ,1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 321-6798.

Parkside Grille ,884 Portola Road, Portola Valley, 529-9007.
New restaurant

Chef Howard Bulka waited 10 years to open his own restaurant, Marche, which has gained a loyal following for his seasonal cuisine based on locally grown vegetables. The French-trained chef offers a tasting menu that changes nightly. Sauteed Peking duck breast, pan-roasted sea bass, and rib eye steak are all accompanied by outstanding side dishes. We hear great things about desserts, such as chocolate-banana phyllo purses with cinnamon ice cream.

Marche , 898 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 324-9092.
Sandwiches, deli

The new streamlined deli at Draeger's market now has many food items packaged and ready to go, so it's easy to grab your favorite turkey on sour dough or ham and Swiss on rye. Chinese take-out and a sushi bar add to the convenience. Draeger's is also in the winner's circle as our readers' top choice in the grocery store category.

Draeger's ,1010 University Drive, Menlo Park, 324-7700.
Seafood

Fish and chips at Cook's Seafood , made with Alaskan halibut, rates number one with our readers. Shrimp and crab Louies, and clam chowder (red or white) are also all-time favorites. For something different, try the deep-fried scallops, oysters and salmon with chips. Cook's was also named the best in the meat/seafood category.

Cook's Seafood , 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-0604.
Sunday brunch

The wait is worth it at Late for the Train , a favorite spot for Sunday brunch. Bring the Sunday paper, have a cup of coffee, and settle down at one of the outside picnic tables. Before you know it, they'll call your name. Along with omelets and scrambles, the mostly organic menu features fresh fruit, house-made scones, breakfast burritos, grilled cornbread with smoked chicken, and salmon cakes. There's a special menu for kids.

Late for the Train , 150 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, 321-6124.
Take-out food

After a busy day at work or on a lazy Sunday, our readers like to pick up take-out at Su Hong . The extensive menu includes Chinese chicken salad, mu shu pork, Kun Pao chicken, Mongolian beef and other favorites.

Su Hong To Go , 630 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park, 322-4631.
Thai food

Siam Garden continues to be our readers' favorite Thai restaurant. Thai artifacts will make you think you're in Bangkok instead of Menlo Park's only Thai restaurant. The mild cuisine includes curried chicken, sauteed prawns with peanut sauce, cold beef salad, pork with Thai basil, and green tofu curry. There are comfortable booths for dining and the friendly staff will likely remember if you have dined there before.

Siam Garden , 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park, 853-1143.
Vietnamese food

For more than 25 years, Vietnam Restaurant has been serving homestyle food to local diners who continue to vote it into the winner's circle. Old-timers will remember when a Vietnamese grocery occupied part of the establishment. Beef and shrimp skewers and barbecue beef wrapped in grape leaves are favorites. The soups include the traditional Vietnamese beef broth with noodles, called pho, as well as a seafood soup you cook yourself at the table.

Vietnam Restaurant , 1010 Doyle St., Menlo Park, 326-2501.
Intimate dining spot

You can actually have a quiet conversation at Chantilly Restaurant , where you dine in luxurious surroundings in an atmosphere of Old World formality. The menu runs to continental cuisine, such as hearts of palm salad, lamb medallions and Maine lobster ravioli. Women guests receive a complimentary long-stem rose. There is a showcase wine cellar and a private upstairs rooms for special events.

Chantilly Restaurant, 3001 El Camino Real at Selby Lane, Redwood City, 321-4080.

Quick Fixes Coffee, espresso

Ever since it opened 32 years ago, devoted fans of Peet's Coffee and Tea have gathered at the corner of Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive for their morning fix of Peet's coffee. The original Peet's in Berkeley pioneered the concept of fine coffee in the Bay Area, long before the boys from Seattle arrived.

Peet's Coffee and Tea , 899 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-8989.
Ice cream

Almanac readers with a taste for great ice cream say they head over to Baskin-Robbins , where the original 31 flavors have expanded to more than 40 flavors at a time, with 12 new and returning favorites each month. Mint chocolate chip, introduced in 1948, is the all-time favorite. Ice cream cakes are really cool, as is the frozen yogurt. The August flavor-of-the-month is root beer float.

Baskin-Robbins , 863 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 323-9335.
Hamburgers

The Oasis Beer Garden has served generations of college kids and is the place to go before or after a Stanford football game. The Oasis serves a classic hamburger or cheeseburger with good-quality ground beef cooked the way you like it. The biggest seller is the hefty patty melt that comes with fries.

Oasis Beer Garden , 241 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 326-8896.
Juice bar

Treat your main squeeze to a smoothie at The Juice Patch where the combos come with crazy names like Vida Blueberry, Coconut Grove, and Papaya the Sailor Man (papaya juice, bananas, strawberries and raspberry sorbet.) Juice Patch also serves 33 flavors of frozen yogurt, Hawaiian shave ice, fresh carrot and orange juice. Customers can design their own drinks and add nutritional supplements such as bee pollen, ginseng, protein powder or wheat germ.

The Juice Patch , 626 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 327-2252.
Pizza

It's the best, say readers about the Applewood Inn's pizza, a Menlo Park tradition since 1983. You can design your own pizza or try one of the house specials. For something different, how about the Madrid (avocado, prunes, black olives and almonds) or the Budapest (onions, bell pepper, tomato and Hungarian sausage)?

Applewood Inn ,1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 324-3486.
Bagels

And the winner is: Noah's Bagels , where 20 flavors of New York deli-style bagels await you. Traditionalists will opt for plain, pumpernickel, sesame and poppy, but why not try cranberry orange, chocolate chip, blueberry and cinnamon sugar? Favorite shmears include plain, strawberry, cinnamon raisin, sun-dried tomato, chive, veggie and smoked salmon. Noah's also serves sandwiches that are "thicker than a Brooklyn accent."

Noah's New York Bagels , 746 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 326-4794.

STEPPING OUT
Bar, live music

Menlo Park's British Bankers Club garnered double recognition from this year's voters: as the area's best bar and best live music venue. The BBC, which offers lunch, dinner, and a wide array of beers and cocktails, took best bar honors for the third straight year. Its musical offerings are various and sundry, including three DJs offering jazz, house, and hip-hop; a jazz band; and a top-40 cover band.

British Bankers Club , 1090 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. 327-8769.

FOR THE NEST
Carpets

Stephen Miller says his Stephen Miller Gallery carries new and antique traditional designs "from just about everywhere that exquisite, hand-woven rugs" are made. That includes everywhere from Romania to Afghanistan to Nepal. The gallery has been located in downtown Menlo Park for the last 11 years, and between the gallery and a warehouse showroom in Redwood City, Mr. Miller carries not only rugs, but antique architectural items such as doors and furniture.

Stephen Miller Gallery , 800 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 327-5040.
Bank

Washington Mutual may be the new kid on the block -- its first branch in Menlo Park opened just four years ago -- but it seems to have made some friends. Readers named it the number one bank in the area for services including online banking, free checking, savings, a variety of retirement plans, and home, auto, and education loans. With two locations in Menlo Park and one in Portola Valley, it's also easily accessible.

Washington Mutual , downtown branch, 650 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. 853-2655.
Auto repair

For the third year in a row, Menlo-Atherton Shell topped the list for auto repair. "I think the reason why we're voted the best is we have the best service in town and we really care about our customers," said Dan Bajada, whose family has owned the shop for 32 years, adding that he has "the best employees in town." The shop does tune-ups, oil changes, brake repairs and smog checks, and offers free shuttle service within 3 miles of its location.

Menlo-Atherton Shell , 1400 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-1280.
Furniture shop

If you walk into your home and think, "Wow, this place could use a make-over," then Almanac readers suggest you consult 10-time Readers' Choice Award-winner Flegel's Home Furnishings . Flegel's offers furniture, accessories, lamps, custom window-coverings and carpeting, as well as interior designers on staff to work with customers.

Flegel's Home Furnishings , 870 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. 326-9661.
Nursery

Since 1919 Roger Reynolds has been a Peninsula institute, and our readers once again voted it the best choice for nursery. Owner Sally Halstead says that the business is still a family enterprise. Readers like Roger Reynolds' beautiful setting, its emphasis on service, and its wide variety of plants. The nursery also provides ongoing classes for their green-thumb clientele -- or those customers who'd like to acquire a green thumb.

Roger Reynolds Nursery and Carriage Shop , 133 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park, 323-5612.
Frame shop

Readers were of differing opinions regarding where to have their artwork framed, and that resulted in a three-way tie. The winners: Palo Alto's Van Kampen Framing Gallery ; last year's winner, Menlo Park's Great Frame-Up ; and Fast Frame of Menlo Park. All three have custom-designed frames: Van Kampen, an area staple for 17 years, specializes in handmade closed-corner frames, said owner Cindy Bouchard; Frame-Up owner Marcy Magatelli, who opened her shop 11 years ago, specializes in textiles such as needlework and sports jerseys; Fast Frame has offered a broad range of frames since 1990.

Van Kampen Framing Gallery , 110 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 329-8585.

Great Frame-Up , 1047 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-1097 and 323-1098.

Fast Frame, 603 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 322-2200.
Plumber

Since 1948 this family-owned business has thrived in Menlo Park. Now the third family generation continues operation of Guy Plumbing and Heating , which this year has concentrated on expanding its service and design business with new bathroom suites and kitchen fixtures chosen to help customers "create the kitchen and bathroom of your dreams," according to employee Stewart Seymour.

Guy Plumbing and Heating , 1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 323-8421.
Hardware store

For nine years, Palo Alto Hardware has offered a variety of lawn, garden, and building supplies for anyone with an odd job to do or a yard to tend. This year, the store has garnered recognition from Almanac readers as the best in the business.

Palo Alto Hardware, 875 Alma St., Palo Alto, 327-7222.

PERSONAL BEST
Bike shop

When you visualize the weekend, do you see yourself on a sturdy mountain bike bouncing down steep trails in the foothills of the Sierra? Or maybe your plan for long life, reduced stress and cardiovascular vivacity is to get out of the car and use your legs a little. Either way, Bike Connection , with stores in Menlo Park and Palo Alto, has got what you need, our readers say. For more than five years, it's been connecting people with mountain bikes and hybrid mountain-road bikes.

Bike Connection, 622 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 327-3318; and 2011 El Camino Real, Palo Alto.
Cleaners

Jung Tahk, owner of Delia's , says, "We still offer the highest-quality service at the lowest possible price." Since Mr. Tahk took over the business seven years ago, he has expanded the service that includes leather, rug and fur cleaning as well as drapes. Although its primary business is dry-cleaning, Delia's also provides laundry services for everything from shirts to tablecloths, and specializes in wedding-dress preservation.

Delia's Cleaners and Drapery Center , 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park, 321-7551.
Hair salon, manicurist

Klara Turner Salon has been in business for 12 years. This last year, coinciding with a needed shop expansion, owner Klara Turner changed the name to Los Salonez . And now it is the winner of Readers' Choice awards for best hair salon and manicurist. Ms. Turner and her husband, Carlos Ruiz, both work in the salon along with two additional stylists. Their clients range from 2 to 90 years. Manicurist Thuy Phan "gives the best French manicures in the area," Ms. Turner says. A native of Viet Nam, Thuy has been in the United States for seven years.

Los Salonez , 1010-1012 Alma St., Menlo Park, 328-0735.
Barber

Louie Arenas has owned Golden Shears for almost 40 years now. It's a full-service shop, taking care of everyone in the family -- from kids to adults -- offering everything from standard haircuts to hair coloring and styling. Appointments are encouraged, but this is one of the few shops left that will take walk-ins if you don't mind a wait. From the early days of the buzz-cut crew to today's blow-dry and coiffed styles, Golden Shears has seen it all and does it all.

Golden Shears , 814 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-0943.
Day spa

Our readers have named LaBelle Day Spas for three years in a row as the place to go for a refreshing and rejuvenating spa experience. Founder Bella Schneider mixes her own formulas to treat the entire body's needs, including full facials, waxing and body wraps.

LaBelle Day Spas , 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 326-8522; 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, 327-6964.
Pharmacy

Almanac readers threw their support to two local pharmacies in this year's contest, resulting in a tie between Preuss Pharmacy , last year's winner, and Longs Drugs in the Sharon Heights center. Preuss is known for home delivery and durable health care equipment. Longs offers prescription and nonprescription drugs, photo developing services and gift cards.

Longs Drugs , 325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park, 854-4642.

Preuss Pharmacy , 844 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 321-8045.
Health/fitness center

When it comes to pumping up and working out, our readers seem to have a taste for the unusual: Neither Axis nor the Page Mill YMCA is exactly what one might imagine when picturing spandex-clad aerobicizers. Axis, last year's winner, takes a highly personalized approach involving one-on-one personal trainers. The YMCA, on the other hand, might seem more conventional, with racquetball courts and free weights available -- but then again, it's not every day you come across a gym with a charter demanding that it provide volunteer and financial support to local low-income communities.

Axis , 550 Ravenswood Ave., Menlo Park, 463-1920.

Page Mill YMCA , 755 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, 858-0661.

FOR THE HEART
Jewelers

Two years at the store's Menlo Park location and Marilyn Fidge says, "The best is yet to come, with our great group of artistic designers." Her team at Timothy Fidge & Co. is composed of master goldsmiths and gemologists who create unique pieces from family heirlooms to one-of-a-kind designs since 1976. Timothy Fidge is one of the few jewelry stores with an on-site workshop. The showroom is laced with numerous design awards along with six Readers' Choice Awards.

Timothy Fidge & Co. , 642 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 323-4653, Timothyfidgeandco.com.
Place to meet people

Again, Cafe Borrone has taken the award as the best place to meet people. The European ambience and outdoor seating makes it a great place to meet and greet. The cafÈ is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can always enjoy just a cup of coffee or glass of wine and watch the world go by. The doors stay open well into the night, making it a great place to go before or after the movie or concert.

Cafe Borrone , 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 327-0830.
Stationery store

Village Stationers again took the Readers' Choice Award for best stationery store in the area. The business was launched in 1966 in Town & Country Village, and opened in Menlo Park in 1976. Owner Kerry Hoctor says, "our biggest reason for still being here is personal service and unique product selection." Many on the staff have been with Village Stationers for 10 years. Seeing the same staff consistently over the years and the relationships they have built with their customers makes it a winner with readers.

Village Stationers , 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 321-6920.
Travel agency

Travel Now has been our readers' top choice for a travel agency for five years in a row. "Customer service is what keeps us on top" says Anita Douglas, owner of Travel Now. "We treat all requests with the same care and attention regardless of price or demand." Anita travels a great deal herself, researching sites to ensure her customers get what they paid for. Her staff of seven -- one of whom has been with her since 1984 --are seasoned professionals. As Anita puts it, "This is a tough business and it is getting harder and harder, but we still give out paper tickets at no additional charge."

Travel Now , 713 Santa Cruz Ave. (upstairs next to Ritz Camera), Menlo Park, 853-0333.
Florist

Cindy's Flowers & Gifts has won the Readers' Choice Award for florist for the third consecutive year. Owner Cindy Smith says she creates unique, non-contrived, natural designs "tailored to my clients personal needs." Cindy's has been in business for over 19 years in Menlo Park.

Cindy's Flowers & Gifts , 657-1/2 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park, 321-4864
Hotel

The Stanford Park Hotel opened for business in1984 and is clearly the winner of Readers' Choice for hotels. The Stanford combines old-world charm and creature comforts with leading-edge technology, offering wireless high-speed Internet access in the all the rooms, the lounge and poolside. As Kevin Lanigan, manager of the hotel, says, "You can check you e-mail at home from the lounge before you get home." Kevin attributes the success of the Stanford Park Hotel to "a wonderful staff and great community." The hotel offers facilities for parties and business meetings.

Stanford Park Hotel, 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 322-1234.

BRINGING IT HOME
Boutique, clothing

Calla , a winner or co-winner in two categories last year, is again our readers' favorite boutique this year. It also takes home new honors in the category of clothing and shoe store. The store, which has been in business for eight years, offers a variety of clothing brands, including Isda, Tommy Bahama and Lilly Pulitzer, and shoes by Colehaan and Donald Pliner, among others, says owner Lee Murphy. Calla was also co-winner with Kepler's in this year's "favorite local business" category.

Calla , 895 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 322-5524.
Bakery

Gerry Stagi is a second-generation baker at Gerry's Cakes . He is the reason the bakery won the Readers' Choice Award again this year. Gerry learned his skill from his father, who for many years ran the Pink Pastry on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park. Gerry recalls the time he was commissioned to make the cake for the Transamerica building opening many years ago: "It took me two days to put it together (because) it was 7 feet tall." Gerry's lease has been purchased, and he will be relocating in January 2003, he says.

Gerry's Cakes , 1441 Chestnut St., Menlo Park, 326-6282.
Produce

Almanac readers have named Sigona's Farmers Market as the best place to buy produce for seven years straight. The Sigona brothers diligently provide shoppers with a bounty of fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as exotic, hard-to-find items to perk up your meals. An impressive array of olive oils, salad dressings, jams, pastas and other items also are available at both stores.

Sigona's Farmers Market , Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 329-1340; and 2345 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, 368-6993.
Wine and liquor

Beltramo's opened its doors in 1882 and remains a family business, owned and operated by Dan and John Beltramo. It also remains our readers' favorite place to go for fine wines and liquor. Beltramo's has wine tasting on Saturdays, and special events and tasting on Wednesday evenings for everyone -- from novice to the connoisseur.

Beltramo's Wines and Liquors , 1540 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 325-2806.
Bookstore

Kepler's Books and Magazines is the place to go to satisfy your hunger for information and literary adventure, our readers have told us year after year. The store is a Peninsula institution, founded in 1955 by the late Roy Kepler and now operated by Roy's son, Clark. In addition to its inventory of more than 150,000 book titles, Kepler's carries an impressive array of magazines, newspapers and literary journals. It hosts author readings, book groups and open-mike poetry readings as well. The longtime favorite bookstore of Almanac readers, it also tied with Calla for first-place in the "favorite local business category."

Kepler's Books and Magazines, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 324-4321, www.keplers.com.
Pet shop

"We don't just have the basic supplies you find in other pet stores," says Lynn Macy, co-owner with husband, Marc, of the Pet Place , now a 10-time Reader's Choice winner. The Pet Place carries books, beds, toys and treats from all over the country -- but the heart of the business, says Ms. Macy, consists of pet rescues and problem solving. "We share a lot of knowledge and resources," she says. The store also focuses on supplies for disabled animals.

Pet Place , 777 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, 325-7387.
Toy store

Cheeky Monkey took the top prize again this year as our readers' favorite toy store. Cheeky Monkey carries toys for kids from the cradle till they think they're too cool for you. Many of the toys have an educational or developmental bent.

Cheeky Monkey Toys , 714 Santa Cruz Ave, Menlo Park, 325-7387.