Valley Dental Opens in Talent

In late April, Rajesh Chunduri opened Valley Dental - Talent at 160 N. Pacific Highway in Talent. "I am proud to provide a state-of-the-art facility here in Talent for the highest quality dental care available," Chunduri said. "It is one of our top priorities to protect the well-being of our valued patients."
Chunduri, a graduate of Boston University, has been in dentistry since 2002, and had been practicing in Medford since September 2012. "Being in the medical field is like making a living and serving people at the same time," Chunduri explained. "We will help you to restore and maintain oral health, and oral health is very important in maintaining general health."
Valley Dental – Talent is a family dental practice, providing affordable general dentistry for adults and children. "We are confident that you will feel right at home in our office as we welcome all patients as if they were family," Chunduri continued. "Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are essential to oral hygiene as well. We can provide periodontal cleanings and treatment, or refer you to one of our recommended specialists."

Services available at Valley Dental include: exams, cleanings, scaling and root planning, fillings, root canals, extractions, night guards, crowns, bridges, partials, and dentures; as well as the following cosmetic dental options: teeth whitening, veneers, bondings, cosmetic contouring, esthetic composite fillings and crowns.
"While at our office, we make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is of the highest quality," Chunduri said. "To ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine, and we will help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white."
Valley Dental will also submit insurance forms for you and help you recover the most from your benefits. They are "in network" with Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, ODS/MODA, Met Life and most other insurances. They will do everything they can to help you afford the treatment you need and want. For patients who require major work, a complete payment plan is designed with an appropriate payment schedule. Forms of payment accepted by the office are check, cash, or any major credit card.
If you would like to make an appointment, please call 541-897-4466 Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm.

Martolli's Expands to Second Location

When Martolli's Hand Tossed Pizza opened next to the City building at 38 E. Main in February 2010, it wasn't a capricious decision. Owners Mark Hedford and Brad Martell knew what they were doing.
The two grew up in Portland as teenage friends and worked at a café known for its gourmet pizzas. After graduation, Mark moved on to OSU and Brad continued working in the restaurant industry. Their mutual love for skiing and the outdoors led them both to Bend, and in the early 90s they followed their dream by opening their own pizza shop for nearly a decade.
"In 2009 we moved to Ashland after we sold Martolli's Pizza in Sisters, Oregon," Mark said. "We were drawn to Ashland because of the culture, outdoor opportunities, and the feel of a college town. We enjoy being a part of the Ashland community and we value our employees and customers. Hard work is more fun when there is laughter, good music and great food to share."
Since the move, Mark has married and started a family. His wife Fauna and daughter Ella enjoy being a part of the community. Brad's 13-year-old daughter Zee attends the Siskiyou School, and wife Nicole attends SOU, pursuing a nursing degree.
"We are a family at Martollis," Brad said. "The Igoe brothers moved down from Sisters to help us launch in 2010. Matt and Sean and their dad Pat manage the restaurant, and they have been an integral key to our success and the family feel, along with the rest of the employees who we are lucky to call our friends."
Martolli's offers whole pizzas and pizza by the slice. They prepare their yeast doughs from scratch, along with their homemade pizza sauces and salad dressings.
"We use the freshest and highest quality cheeses and grate them daily," Brad said. "We use local in-season vegetables when available, and organic salad fixings. We have a wide and changing variety of beer on tap, wines by the bottle or glass, and unique non-alcoholic beverages."
Customers can also admire great music and enjoy discussing music and concerts.
"Patrons can't help but enjoy the restaurant walls," Mark said. "They're decorated with posters of concerts we've attended and some we have just dreamt of."
HOT NEWS FLASH: Martolli's is expanding to a second location in the Market of Choice Shopping Center (the former home of Giseppi's Pizza) "to offer easier pick-up and delivery." The seating is limited but perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and ideal for take-out. Remember ... you heard it first in the Sneak Preview.
"Our focus is on affordable, quality food with attentive and prompt service," Brad said. "We offer gluten-free crusts, as well as several vegan and vegetarian options, including vegan cheese. Aside from pizza, we have a selection of hot grinders, homemade focaccia bread, loaded salads, and design-your-own calzones. Our daily special includes any slice, a salad and drink for $7.25."
The phone number is 541-482-1918 (Siskiyou Blvd #: 541-482-1913). Website: martollis.com.

2nd Year Anniversary Coming Soon for Paddington Jewel Box

It's definitely a family affair at The Paddington Jewel Box, located at 180 E. Main Street (next to the Varsity Theatre). In 2012, Kelly Jean Hammond joined forces with her parents, Don and Pam Hammond, to open the unique and quaint gift store across the street from the Hammonds' Paddington Station, which is a landmark in Ashland.
"We're a sister store to Paddington Station," Kelly Jean said. "We specialize in items and gifts geared toward a more feminine feel, and we carry name-brand merchandise in clothing, jewelry, bath and accessories. We also boast a substantial department of the ever-popular Vera Bradley merchandise, and we have won two national awards from them."
Don and Pam met while attending college in San Diego for Music. In 1994 they moved to Ashland, hoping to open a B&B. Plans changed when they discovered Paddington Station was for sale, and the rest is history.
"As Paddington Station grew to the 20-person operation it is today, Kelly Jean became more and more involved with the buying and management," Pam said. "Eventually, we needed to expand, and when we learned the space of the old Ashland Flower Shop was available, we jumped at the chance."
It wasn't a smooth transition. The Hammonds had to tear out walls, remove a giant walk-in cooler, paint, create new lighting, decorate, and find special and unique merchandise. The Paddington Jewel Box is getting ready to celebrate its second anniversary and boasts a beautiful collection of unique gifts, jewelry, and apparel. Paddington Station, by the way, recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
"We strive to offer products that are spectacular and sophisticated from all over the world," Kelly Jean said. "We also feature many local artisans and products, and we are proud to call Ashland home."
Products include Lollia (a luxury bath line), Bernie Dexter (handmade pin up dresses from an Oregon designer), Vera Bradley purses and accessories, Darling U.K (a vintage clothing line imported from London, England), Boma (a sterling silver earring line), Dogeared Jewelry (Beautiful layering necklaces), Effie's Heart (the run-away clothing hit of the season), and countless other one of a kind lines. Services include complimentary gift wrap and phone orders.
For more info, the phone number is 541-488-1715.

Fun and Fast Mexican Food at Milagros

Milagros Fresh Mexican, located at 1456 Siskiyou in the Market of Choice Shopping Center, has a slight change in management, as owner Michael Rozenfeld is now running the show. Michael moved to Ashland ten years ago to manage the deli at Ashland Food Co-op. He was there for three years and helped plan the deli remodel. He ran a catering business for a couple of years and managed the prepared food department at Whole Foods Market in Bend before buying into Milagros.
"I worked in three Mexican restaurants back east, both as a chef and sous chef," Michael said. "I also worked in fine dining. I have a great love of food, and I strongly believe in working with local farmers and using their ingredients. With Milagros, I've been able to emphasize local ingredients, good quality, and great tasting food."
Milagros focuses on local, fresh, and natural foods. All of their meats are raised in the Pacific Northwest, and they're all hormone- and antibiotic-free.
"All of our produce is local, too, and the majority of it is organic," Michael said. "Some of our staples are guaranteed to always be organic, like rice, beans, and tofu. We don't have any microwaves or freezers, so you know our food is always prepared and cooked fresh. Nothing comes from a can, either. We want our customers to feel good about the food they're eating."
Customers at Milagros can expect helpful and friendly customer service in a clean, family-friendly environment. In addition to more traditional foods, they can expect multiple menu items that cater to vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and paleo diets.
"I believe in making good food that anyone can eat," Michael said. "In a small town like Ashland, it's especially important that our menu is inclusive, not exclusionary."
Milagros offers breakfast and lunch burrito specials, as well as full-service catering. Every Friday and Saturday night, they host after-hours events, featuring live music from local and traveling bands. In honor of SOU's graduation on June 14, they will be offering food and drink specials to SOU students all day.
"One of our newest additions is the custom wall mural by Don Sutton," Michael said. "Working with him is a great opportunity to combine my passion for music, art, and local talent. The mural really makes the restaurant stand out, and we already have plans to over more of the walls."
For more info, the phone number is 541- 708-0190 or go milagrosashland.com.
If you would like to make an appointment, please call 541-897-4466 Monday-Friday, 9am to 6pm.