Best of Ashland 2012

Topped off by the cracked beam at the Angus Bowmer Theatre, which rallied the entire community around the Shakespeare Festival.

The City Council didn’t do anything too crazy last year, which is momentous in itself. They thought about turning North Main into a 2-lane street, and they thought about easing up on the restrictions for cell phone towers, but in the end cooler heads prevailed.

The Council also accepted some proposals by the Committee on Homelessness, although they balked at providing free showers at the Grove. The latter, by the way, was pinpointed by the police department as a possible site for expansion, but after catching a lot of flak from the public, the Council also backed off on that proposal.

They didn’t, however, back down from opponents to the Mt. Ashland expansion, as they voted last year to give the special use permit to the Mountain and extricate themselves from all decisions (and liabilities) in the future with respect to Mt. Ashland.

We also did cover stories on noisy helicopters at the airport, the Sunshine Bucy trial, and the big oil companies giving Ana Delfosse the boot at A-Tech 76.
On a somber note, a young man was killed on the bike path on November 19. I was in Corvallis for Dad’s Weekend, but the site where David Grubbs was killed is part of my running route. I run by there at least four or five times a week, usually at that time of night. Scary stuff.

All in all, a fairly exciting year. No earthquakes or tsunamis … just your run-of-the-mill craziness in Ashland. Which is why I want everyone to relax, take a deep breath, and enjoy this 22nd running of the “Best of Ashland.”

We received 401 ballots this year, and we want to thank everyone for taking the time fill them out. Granted, this type of survey is not totally accurate and is subject to a certain amount of ballot stuffing, but all of that is taken into consideration by our team of professional ballot counters.

The results are as close to reality as we can get in an imperfect world, and they also achieve an important goal—recognizing and naming as many individuals, businesses and organizations in the community as we can. And that’s a good thing.

But enough of the rhetoric and on with the show … the 2012 “Best of Ashland.”

DEMOGRAPHICS

We asked the question, “Favorite Movie Ever,” figuring this would give us an insight into the minds of our readers. The results were all over the board and we didn’t even start writing them down until they notched two mentions. The top seven were: Gone with the Wind, Star Wars, Wizard of Oz, Princess Bride, The Notebook, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar. It’s a very well-rounded group of respondents that we have here.

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

Marconi didn’t know the can of worms he was opening when he postulated the possibility of sending signals by radio telegraphy. Little could he know that the invention would make millions of dollars for professional haranguers like Howard Stern and Rush Limbaugh.
Here in Ashland, we keep our haranguing on the radio to a minimum, which is why our readers once again gave their overwhelming voice of approval to Jefferson Public Radio, which ran away with this category.
Other favorites included:

• KBOY.
• Kool 103.
• 102.7 “The Drive.”
• KROG.
• Lite 102.
• KISS-FM.
• KZZE.
• KSKQ.

FAVORITE DJ

There’s a conspiracy theory going around that when the aliens landed at Roswell, N.M., in 1947, they inserted their brains into radio disc jockeys around the world, spreading their message of rock ‘n’ roll, which was invented on their home planet. More on this theory later.
One deejay able to thwart the advances of the alien takeover was JPR’s Geoff Riley, who is the permanent host of “The Jefferson Exchange,” JPR’s weekday public affairs program. Geoff spent 24 years at KDRV-TV, where he performed a variety of news and production assignments. He’s been hosting the Exchange since December 2009.
Other deejay stalwarts featured were:

• Delilah of Lite 102
• Eric Teel of JPR.
• Gemineye of KISS-FM.
• Don Matthews of JPR.

BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

Okay, how many people saw me interviewed on Channel 10 while spending a day at Grants Pass Downs in June? The reporter even zoomed in on my stat sheet, where it showed me winning $1.75 for the day. Last of the big-time spenders, I’ll tell ya.
Once again this category was a runaway as NewsWatch 12 (KDRV) continued to impress viewers with their coverage of the news.
KOBI/Channel 5 and KTVL (Channel 10) also received their fair share of votes.

FAVORITE TV ANCHOR/REPORTER

There’s more to the world than death, mayhem and political machinations at City Hall, and every now and then the newscasters will surprise us with a heart-warming story of local interest. When it comes to presenting the news, our readers named many of the local anchors, including this year’s winner, Trish Glose of Channel 10.
Also high in the ranking were:

• Brian Morton of KDRV.
• Ron Brown of KDRV.
• Dan Joseph of KOBI.
• Ashley Hall of KDRV.

FAVORITE REPORTER AT THE DAILY TIDINGS

He writes a weekly column commenting on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the national political and cultural scene, and Chris Honoré was honored by our readers as their favorite.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• News reporter Vickie Aldous.
• Freelancer John Darling.
• Sports editor Joe Zavala.
• Education reporter Hannah Guzik.
• Reporter Chris Conrad.

FAVORITE PART OF THE SNEAK PREVIEW

To all those who said, “all of it,” we thank you profusely, but we were hoping to break this thing down a little bit. While “The Best of Ashland” held the home field advantage and garnered many votes, we were looking at the other 95% of the paper. Winning the most support again was The Profile, featuring a light-hearted interview with local personalities.
Other favorites include:

• Letters (and the editor’s responses).
• The Calendar of Events.
• The cover stories.
• All of the ads.
• Business Grapevine.
• News Briefs.

PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

Anyone who opens a new business in this economy is a true hero and an eternal optimist. But seriously, the only reason we’re in this economic mess is that we all got a little greedy back during the housing bubble, and the house of cards came tumbling down. We just got to hang in there and support each other.
Anyway, winning this category for 2012 was Papaya! Living, a store on the Plaza featuring artwork, accessories, fine textiles, apparel, collectible jewelry and more.
Coming in a close second was Ashland Envy at 60 E. Main, offering a “line of clothing that represents the unique character of Ashland.”
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Love Revolution at 111 E. Main (downstairs),
• Bump, a maternity/kids’ clothing store at 180 Lithia Way, #102.
• Nature’s Pet Market in the Albertson’s Shopping Center, offering quality products for all your pets.
• Also mentioned were the new improved Renaissance Rose and Hanson Howard Gallery, along with the following restaurants:
• Ruby’s (163 N. Pioneer).
• Larry’s Cupcakes (66 N. Pioneer).
• The Red Zone (corner E. Main and 2nd).
• Playwright Public House (258 A Street).

MOST COMMUNITY-INVOLVED BUSINESSPERSON

This was an interesting category, as Ashland is home to an extraordinary number of businesspeople who devote themselves to the betterment of this community. One of those is Paddington Station’s Pam Hammond, who currently serves as President of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
Others included were:

• Alan DeBoer of TC Chevy.
• Jim Teece of Scarab Media.
• Chuck Butler of Butler Ford/Acura.
• Alex Amarotico of Standing Stone.
• Denise Baxter of the Ashland Art Center.

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

Your time in high school only lasts four years but for many it’s a defining moment in their career as a human being. Why else would high school reunions be so popular?
By definition, we all probably exhibited a certain amount of adolescent behavior at that time, and we should thank our teachers for putting up with us. At AHS, that list would include Bill Gabriel, who not only guides students through the Herculean task of publishing the school newspaper, but also teaches Global Studies, Journalism, Advanced Placement World History and “History through Film.”
Also high on the list were:

• Caroline Spear, Catalyst/English.
• Tammy Anderson, Math.
• Rick Cornelius, English/Social Studies.
• Tim Cate, English/Social Studies.
• Betsy Bishop, Drama.
• Karen Berman, Foods/Academic Advisor.
• John Weston, Woodworking.
• Karen Green, Foods/Yearbook.

FAVORITE PRINCIPAL

When the latest natural disaster hits (a plague of locusts, a 9.2 earthquake, etc.), everyone else in school is allowed to go crazy, bemoaning their fate and generally acting like a human. The principal, however, has got to keep it together and be totally in charge, instilling confidence, directing traffic, and laying down the rules.
Who to turn to when disaster strikes? Our readers most often mentioned Michelle Zundel, principal at Ashland High School, followed by:

• Christine McCollom, Bellview Elementary.
• Steve Retzlaff of the Middle Schoool.
• Adrian Garcia at Helman.

FAVORITE SCHOOL JANITOR

The Second Law of Thermodynamics basically says that everything tends toward disorder. For example, if you didn’t politely suggest to your children that they should keep their rooms clean, it would look like seven miles of bad roads in West Virginia by the end of the week. The same goes with classrooms and school hallways, and we have the janitors to thank for keeping everything sane.
Taking down top honors in this category was Connie Rainwater of Bellview Elementary.
Also mentioned was Dennis McCartney at the High School.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT SOU

In 2006, an article in the New York Times listed SOU as a “hidden gem,” one of forty oft-overlooked but worthy campuses that give outstanding value for the money. On top of the exceptional English and liberal arts curriculum, they wrote that “Ashland is hundreds of miles from a big city, but the Festival and university seem to thrive thanks to mountainous surroundings that attract tourists and faculty.”
And when it comes to dedicated faculty, our readers named quite a few, including this year’s winner Evan Douthit of the History Department.
Others landing near the top were:

• Jean Maxwell, Anthropology.
• Dan Morris, French.
• Mary Russell-Miller, Psychology.
• John Gutrich, Environmental Studies.
• Robert Harrison, History.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT OLLI

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers intellectually stimulating classes and social functions for older adults for an annual low membership fee of $100. Volunteer instructors, most often OLLI members, share their expertise and passions in courses ranging from art and film to politics, science and technology.
Quite a few instructors were named in this category. Landing at the top was Wolf Hoppe, who taught a class on the 2011 U.S. Supreme Court.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Bert Witt for a class on the Inuit (Eskimos).
• Brooke Friendly on “English Country Dance.”
• Louise Pare for “Women in the Global Community.”
• Ray Embry for his classes on novels.

CUTEST BABY BORN IN LAST YEAR

Every year we receive photos with this survey, and I have family members go through and vote on the cutest. This year, we actually had two family members who had babies, so this category ended in a runaway tie between Sawyer Marks and Lily Rose Hayden. The “kissing cousins” are featured on the front page of this issue.

FAVORITE DENTIST

They greet you in the mirror every morning with a beautiful smile, and three times a day they take complete responsibility for making sure your food is properly chewed. So, hey, show ‘em a little respect and visit your dentist.
All of the local dentists were mentioned by our readers at least once in this category, with the final nod going to Eugene Robbins and Mehdi Ghavam.
The balloting was close for the Top Five, and they included:

• Jared Anderson.
• Dan Jackson.
• Brandt Cullen.
• Others mentioned a lot were:
• Zahra Tahvili.
• Pete Schwarzer.
• Gary MacGraw.
• Mike Henneman.
• Dan Marut.

FAVORITE DOCTOR

You could have all the money in the world, live in a beautiful mansion, own expensive cars, and have your own private golf course in the backyard, but if you ain’t feeling well, it’s all for naught. You might as well be holed up in a compound in Pakistan, hiding from Navy Seals.
Visiting your family doctor and learning how to stay healthy is extremely important. Thirty-one different doctors were mentioned by our readers, with number one going to Richard Morris of Southern Oregon Family Practice. Dr. Morris a family practitioner who graduated with an MD 34 years ago from the Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine.
Others high on the list were:

• Jani Rollins.
• John Delgado.
• Craig Mather.
• Sylvia Chatroux.
• Leslie Stone.
• Michael Stone.
• Andy Kuzmitz
• Howard Morningstar.
• Karin Kuhl.

FAVORITE NURSE PRACTITIONER

Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners actually provide a large portion of health care in this area. They are board certified health care professionals with advanced medical education and surgical training. In fact, most doctors in Ashland have an NP or a PA-C in the practice.
Our readers were able to name quite a few NPs in this survey, and the top three ended in a tie between Kathryn Stringer (Jani Rollins’ office); Patti Frires (Delgado Family Care) and Marianna Cooper (Dr. Stone’s office).
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Shannon Rio.
• Carolyn Self.
• Bunny Lewis.
• Mary Beth Burton.

FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

Surgery and a lifelong addiction to pharmaceutical drugs are not always the best solutions to perfect health. Sometimes it just comes down to nutrition and lifestyle, with an emphasis on preventive medicine. And when our readers want to learn more about alternative medicine, they most often mentioned naturopathic doctor Geoff Houghton and acupuncturist Jenn Collins.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Suzanne Sky, acupuncturist.
• Mark Abelle, acupuncturist.
• Marc Heller, chiropractor.
• Linda Herrick, naturopathic doctor.
• Ken Bendat, acupuncturist.
• Jordan Weeda, chiropractor.
• Bonnie Nedrow, naturopathic doctor.

FAVORITE MASSAGE THERAPIST

You just spent the entire afternoon helping your buddy Sisyphus try to roll an immense boulder up a hill, and the damn thing kept rolling back just as you got to the top. Being a former king, he tried to blame it all on you. By the end of the day, every muscle in your body ached, and the only cure was a visit to your favorite massage therapist.
Our readers were able to name quite a few, including the number one choice, Leinani Lundahl, followed by:

• Jode Dawson.
• Lily Baty of Sunshine Salon.
• Judith Sanford.
• Kimberly Hall of Hidden Springs.
• Eden McCarthy.
• Philip Whitmore of Siskiyou Massage.
• Jane Chandler.

FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

Out of the blue, Hollywood called and asked you to emcee the Oscar awards next year, and you’re already freaking out about your hairdo. Forget the fact that millions of people, not to mention George Clooney, will be listening to your introductions and one-liners … what’s most important is that you look good.
Where to go when the Academy calls for you? In this popular category, 36 different hair stylists were named, so the competition was tough. It also turned out to be extremely close, so the award goes to the Top Three: Susan Zastoupil of Be Cherished; Ann-Britt Malden of Renu; and Lisa Caplinger of The Mane Attraction.
The Top Ten featured:

• Betty Camner of Strands.
• Daryl & Katie Yasui of dKor.
• Leon Danielle.
• Lois Jorgenson of Loose Ends.
• Mona Bernard of Hair City.
• Napili Gaston of Salon Isabella.
• Linda Hood of Abbinito.

BEST PLACE TO GET FACIALS/SKIN CARE TREATMENT

In this helter skelter world of tsunamis, Navy Seal attacks, phone hacking in Britain, and bad reality TV shows, you need a little pampering. Nothing says it quite like a facial, where you just lie back and have your face transformed amid a tranquil atmosphere of total serenity. (I missed my calling; I should write ad copy for Vanity Fair.)
Anyway, who are our readers most impressed with when it comes to facials? The majority said The Blue Giraffe, although quite a few were mentioned, including:

• Waterstone Spa.
• Be Cherished.
• Plaza Salon.
• Sunshine Salon.
• Glow.
• Abbinito.
• Alchemy Skin Care Spa.

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

The first car I ever bought was a ’49 Packard in Yellowstone Park the summer of 1969. Four of us chipped in on it, and while driving it home from St. Anthony, Idaho, it broke down on us. Turned out it was unfixable, and the guy gave us half our money back. Doesn’t seem right, does it?
Where would our readers recommend we go if the same thing happened today? Many of the local repair shops were mentioned, with Siskiyou Imports, located at 1713 Siskiyou, getting the number one nod. It was extremely close at the top, however, and the Top Five were:

• Ashland Auto Repair on Lithia Way.
• McClure’s on Siskiyou.
• Euro-Mek in the Railroad District.
• Rudi’s, on Tolman Creek Road.

Others high on the list were:

• Valley View Auto Repair.
• Ashland Automotive Inc.
• Aaron’s Autowerks in Phoenix.
• Henry’s Foreign Auto in Phoenix.
• Master Tech on Valley View Road.

BEST PLACE TO GET LUBE/OIL CHANGE

Even the human body knows the importance of proper maintenance. Every hour, new blood is produced by our bone marrow so that all that old blood doesn’t go clogging up the system. Once they’ve outlived their usefulness, old blood cells are filtered through the liver and kidneys and eliminated in the urine.
The same is true for a car engine, which is why replacing that old oil every 3-4 months is so important (unless you want to just let it drip out and go dry over time, then we’re talking major problems). Where to go in order to do that? The number one choice was the Oil Stop at 2210 Ashland Street, followed by:

• Ashland Auto Repair.
• TC Chevy.
• Valley View Auto Repair.
• McClure’s.
• Rudi’s.

FAVORITE CAR SALESMAN

I still remember the scene in Breaking Away, where the teenage son is helping his car salesman dad at the lot and tells an unsatisfied customer he can have a refund. “REFUND!” the dad screams, then has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital.
Things aren’t nearly that drastic here in Ashland, and our readers appreciate all the hard work that car salesmen put in. Topping the list for 2011 was Rocky Moore of Butler Ford.
The list also included:

• Bill Shevlin at Butler Ford.
• Randy Crutchfield at TC Chevy.

FAVORITE CPA/ACCOUNTANT

Have you ever seen a college textbook on Accounting? It’s about as thick as a New York City phonebook and details all the mistakes people can make when they try to do their taxes and bookkeeping by themselves.
Where to go if you flunked Accounting 101? This one ended in a tie between the friendly folks at Nagel & Padilla (Glenn Cunningham and Julie Padilla); and Dorothy Walsh.
Other favorites included:

• Tom Reid of Reid Hanna & Co.
• Ken Bohn.
• Mike Bakke.
• Chuck Taubner.
• Karine Gabrielle of Reid Hanna & Co.
• Ingrid Edstrom of Ashland Polymath.

FAVORITE FINANCIAL ADVISOR

You don’t need anyone advising you to open a modeling agency in Saudi Arabia (“And introducing the scandalous, new orange burqa …”), but it would be nice if you could have been given a heads up about that Microsoft stock back in the early 80s.
When it comes to investing their money, our readers were able to pinpoint some favorites locally. Their top choice was Liz Murphy of Raymond James, followed by:

• Larry Hayes of Ashland Investment Services.
• Larry Steiner of Edward Jones.
• Jack Gibbs of Fortress Financial Group.
• Robbie Harfst of Harfst and Associates.
• Tom Gau of Retirement Planning Specialists.

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

Okay, did you hear about the new sushi bar that caters exclusively to lawyers? It’s called “Sosumi.” Or did you hear about the terrorists who took a whole courtroom full of lawyers hostage? They threatened to release one every hour until their demands were met.
Seriously, though, we love our attorneys, especially when they’re there to bail us out of bad situations. The lawyer jokes always refer to the other guy’s lawyer.
Eighteen different attorneys were mentioned in this survey, with the top spot going to Jack Davis, who is now a 3-time winner of this event, taking down top honors in 1992 and 2004.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Allen Drescher.
• Bob Good.
• Chris Hearn.
• Gary Turner.
• Susan Krant.
• Jim Simms.
• Jennifer Bridges.

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

We live in a society full of rules, and the only way to ensure the success of such a system is to have a dedicated group of people to enforce them. The best police officers, though, are ones who realize that “the law” should never trump “the people,” and that every situation needs to be approached with some flexibility. That’s my soapbox for the day.
This is always a popular category with our readers, and 19 different police officers were mentioned, including this year’s winner, Officer Tighe Omeara. Tighe is a recent addition to APD, moving here from Detroit where he worked 13 years with the Wayne State University Police.
The favorites also included:

• Malcus Williams.
• Chief Terry Holderness.
• Jason Daoust.
• Carrie Hull.
• Bon Stewart.
• Matt Carpenter.

FAVORITE THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

You sit down for the nightly news and all you hear about are murders, fires, bad economic news, and disasters. Therapists and counselors have become an important part of life in the 21st century, and Ashland is no exception, as they take up more than a full page in the phone book.
I counted 81 of them, and 30 were mentioned in this survey. The votes were all over the place, showing a slight bipolar tendency (just kidding). Landing at the top was Graham Collins, followed by:

• Noel Chatroux.
• Susan Schlosser.
• Suzanne Fine.
• Nancy Bloom.
• Will Nuessle.

FAVORITE MAIL DELIVERY PERSON

E-mail has certainly changed things for the U.S. Postal Service, but they’re a resilient bunch and I’m sure they’ll figure something out. Personally, I still like to receive the holiday cards in the mail rather than those impersonal things that are sent to me by e-mail, but maybe that’s just me. I have the perfect solution to the problems at USPS: Give UPS and FedEx a run for their money. Also, the Internet connection at our house went out this morning for a couple of hours, and it made me realize how tenuous our reliance on that technology can be.
Anyway, we still love our mail delivery people, and topping the list for this year was Steve Case, followed by:

• David Gall.
• Eddie Morgan.
• Jacque Anderson.
• Debbie McKinnis.
• Gary Roberts.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

Ashland has had a renaissance in restaurants over the last ten years, and we can thank a strong cadre of dedicated restaurant owners for that. Thirty-two different people were mentioned in this category, with the top spot going to Crissy Barnett of the Peerless Restaurant.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Daniel Greenblatt of Greenleaf.
• Dal & Renee Carver of the Wild Goose.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Tom & Lisa Beam of Pasta Piatti and Sesame.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh of Loft.
• Charles and Quinn of Alex’s.
• Marty Morlan of Macaroni’s/Martino’s.
• Susan Chester of the Black Sheep.

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

They say that ocean fishermen, loggers, aircraft pilots, ranchers and roofers have the five most dangerous jobs in the world, but those guys wouldn’t last a week as a waitperson. They’d buckle under the pressure and would go back to their day jobs.
This is another popular category, as our readers mentioned 31 different waitstaff as their favorite. Taking down the top nod was Angie Mitchell at the Peerless Restaurant.
The Top Ten featured:

• Bev Burgess of Morning Glory.
• Pai Kim of Omar’s.
• Beth Crites of the Wild Goose.
• Kerrie Baldwin of the Breadboard.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh of Loft.
• Sam King at Taroko.
• Amy Wong (Martino’s).
• Prescott Lewis at Thai Pepper.
• Annie Harvey at Beasy’s on the Creek.

FAVORITE BARTENDER

So a hotdog walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender replies, “Sorry, we don’t serve food here.” Or … a gorilla walks into a bar and orders a beer. The bartender gives him a mug and says, “That’ll be five bucks.” As the gorilla reaches for his pocket the bartender says, “You know, we don’t get many gorilla customers in here.” The gorilla shrugged and replied, “At five bucks a beer, it’s no wonder.”
Where do our readers go when they want to hear great jokes like that? The competition was intense, but in the end David Clark of the Thai Pepper Bar pulled out the win.
Other popular bartenders are:

• Bear Whitmore at Omar’s.
• Paul Schmeling at Martino’s.
• Tonie Stewart at Alex’s.
• Chris Hart at Tabu.
• Gary Allen at Oak Tree.
• Matt Anliss at the Peerless.

FAVORITE LOCAL CHEF/COOK

They rarely make an appearance except at the end of the night when the customers give them a standing ovation, but it’s the chef in the kitchen that makes or breaks a restaurant. Quite a few were mentioned by our readers, and the top nod goes to both Neil Clooney of Smithfield’s and Franco Console of Omar’s. Between them, they’ve also pulled down quite a few Iron Chef competitions.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Chandra Corwin of Cucina Biazzi.
• Sam Jackson at the Peerless.
• Jeremy Vidalo-Singh at Loft.
• Erik Brown and Jamie North at Amuse.
• Jeven Showers at Tabu.
• Rob Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek.

FAVORITE LANDSCAPER/GARDENER

Getting your yard and garden looking good may require a little bit of work, but at the end of the day it’s all worth it. Living in a beautiful surrounding can work wonders for your soul.
And when our readers want some uplifting work done in their yard, they named 22 different people. The top three ended in a tie between Miller’s Renaissance Landscaping; Zack Williams’ Regenesis; and Seth Barnard’s Solid Ground Landscape.
Also in the hunt were:

• John Stadelman.
• George Clark.
• Dan Graham of Yard Pros.
• Ted Loftus.

FAVORITE CARPET CLEANERS

Your daughter gave you a puppy for Christmas, and it took over two months to train the darling little animal not to do its thing on the carpet. Now that he knows to scratch at the door when nature calls, who do you call to have the carpets cleaned? Taking down the number one spot in the category was Joanna Rufo of Swept Away Carpet Cleaning, followed by:

• Sergio Gonzales.
• Jim Boozer.
• New Age Carpet Cleaning.
• Servicemaster.
• Stanley Steemer.

FAVORITE HOUSE CLEANER

Yeah, that party you threw at the house for all your buddies from work was fun, but now you have to get the house clean before your significant other gets back from that seminar. Who to call? Our readers were able to name a few, including the number one choice, the Cleaning Crew.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Stratford Inn Professional Cleaners.
• Veronica’s House Cleaning.
• Harry & Shirley Williams of Just Cleaned.
• Otilia Medina.
• Antoinetta Minniti.
• I Can See Clearly.

FAVORITE HOUSE PAINTER

The Ducks had just won the Rose Bowl, and you called your favorite painter to repaint the house yellow and green. Your significant other, who went to OSU, called the same painter and ordered the house painted black and orange. To avoid conflict, he mixed them all together and came up with the ugliest looking brown imaginable. You both punted.
Who to call when you want to support your school? Derek Volkart took down top honors in this category, followed by:

• Two Stiffs Who Need Work.
• Garrett Edmands.
• Bob Jennings.
• Tobias Cook.
• Jeff Behrends.

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

Downtown Ashland has a definite cache. With the Shakespeare Festival and Lithia Park right there, plus some great restaurants and shops, the place is bustling with activity day and night. Our readers certainly love it, as they named 35 different stores as their favorite. I would love to list all of them, but we’ll have to settle for the top ten.
The number one spot was a battle between four different stores, and they all have their loyal customer bases. Paddington Station and Bloomsbury landed at the top, while two stores on the Plaza—Renaissance Rose and Papaya! Living—were close behind.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Tudor Guild.
• Patina Soul.
• Earthly Goods.
• Outdoor Store.
• Gold & Gems.
• Village Shoes.
• Music Coop.

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

You don’t have to venture to far from downtown to find great stores and bargains. There’s the Railroad District, the college area, the shopping center, and the south end of town, not to mention a sprinkling of stores on the north end.
This balloting again highlighted Déjà Vu, a clothing consignment store located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
The Top Ten included:

• Bi-Mart.
• Nature’s Pet Market, in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.
• Rare Earth, in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture, in the Railroad District.
• Bookwagon, in the shopping center.
• Ashland Artisan Emporium, in the shopping center.
• Fun Again Games, in the shopping center.
• The Dollar Store, in the shopping center.
• Hospice Unique Boutique, at 1618 Ashland Street.

GIFT STORE WITH MOST UNIQUE GIFTS

Variety is the spice of life, and when our readers want to find a lot of different, interesting gifts, they turn their attention to the selection at Papaya! Living and the Tudor Guild.
The top five were pretty close and included:

• Paddington Station.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Rare Earth.
• Others mentioned a lot were:
• Unicorn Gifts & Toys.
• Flower Tyme.
• NW Nature Shop.
• Prize.
• Art fX.
• Love Revolution.

TOY STORE WITH MOST UNIQUE GIFTS

While toys are a great way to keep kids occupied, they’re also meant to help teach them how the world works. From Legos to Barbie dolls, they’re a microcosm of the real world.
Once again Bug a Boo (40 N. Main) and Unicorn Gifts & Toys (242 E. Main) battled it out for the number one spot.
Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Small Change.
• NW Nature’s Shop.
• Tree House Books & Gifts.
• Fun Again Games.
• Rare Earth.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CLOTHES FOR LITTLE KIDS

They’re at the age where “fashion” is not an operable word for them, unless you’re that obnoxious baby on the E-trade commercials (I actually think he’s cute). You never know, though, when some Hollywood agent will “discover” your kid while strolling through Bi-Mart, and you will want him or her looking good.
Anyway, when our readers wanted to really go clothes shopping for the kids, they most often turned to both Small Change (on the Plaza) and Bug a Boo, followed by:

• Bump.
• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Goodwill Store.

BEST PLACE TO BUY ART SUPPLIES

We’re not talking about doing a replica of the Sistine Chapel, but just your normal at-home or in-the-studio art projects that require some serious supplies. In that regard, our readers most often named Ashland Ace Hardware (249 A Street) as their go-to place.
They were followed by:

• Yellow Cupboard (629 A Street).
• Ashland Art Center (357 E. Main).
• SOU Bookstore.
• Central Art Supply in Medford.

FAVORITE ART GALLERY

Ashland may be famous for the Shakespeare Festival, SOU, Lithia Park, restaurants and shops, but its collection of art galleries is quickly becoming the talk of the Pacific Northwest. With a thriving Ashland Gallery Association and a First Friday Art Walk that is becoming a major draw, the art community is making a name for itself.
Our readers named 16 different art galleries as being particularly fun, reserving their number one accolades for Hanson Howard Gallery, which moved to a new location at 89 Oak Street after being in its original building since 1979.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Illahe Studios & Gallery (215 4th).
• Davis & Cline (525 A).
• Gallerie Karon (500 A).
• Ashland Art Center (357 E. Main).
• Blue Heron (90 N. Main).

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE

What do Thomas Jefferson and WC Fields have it common? They both loved wine. TJ: “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.” WC: “I cook with wine. Sometimes I even add it to the food.”
Where would TJ and WC go for wine if they were in Ashland? Most of our readers recommended Lorn Razzano’s Wine Cellar, located just underneath the liquor store, followed closely by Shop ‘N’ Kart.
The list also included:

• Market of Choice.
• Chateaulin Selections.
• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Liquid Assets.

BEST PLACE TO BUY ARTISAN BREAD

Amazingly, I found some great quotes about bread. Julia Child: “How can a nation be great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?” Milton Berle: “Any time a person goes into a delicatessen and orders a pastrami on white bread, somewhere a Jew dies.” Or the Roman poet Juvenal: “Two things only the people desire—bread and the circus games.”
Here in Ashland, many of our readers singled out Sunstone Artisan Bakery, which right now is available at the Food Co-op and the Growers’ Market, although a retail shop is in the works.
They were followed closely by:

• Deux Chats (222 A Street).
• Apple Cellar (2255 Ashland Street).
• Village Baker (372 E. Main).
• La Baguette (340 A).
• Market of Choice.
• Quite a few readers also mentioned the bread from Sammy’s New Cowboy Bistro.

BEST PLACE TO BUY HOME DÉCOR ITEMS

When it comes to decorating my office, a few things are essential: Indiana University basketball posters, a nerf ball hoop, and lots of books. The rest of the house, however, is a different story, and my wife has it looking good, with cool furniture, R. Atkinson Fox paintings, and a decorative style that my feeble, I.U. basketball mind would never contemplate.
Where to go when you want to shop for home décor items? This was a tie between Ashland Recycled Furniture, located on A Street in the Railroad District, and Paddington Station.
Others receiving recognition were:

• Papaya! Living.
• Ashland Artisan Emporium.
• Flower Tyme.
• Rare Earth.
• Hospice Unique Boutique.

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

I really doubt if Lady Gaga is going to talk many women into wearing some of the crazy stuff she comes up with, like a dress with Christmas tree bulbs flashing all around it. Fashion for most women is just a little more functional than that.
And when it comes to shopping for women’s clothes, our readers named quite a few places, starting with Kixx (264 E. Main) and Earthly Goods (142 E. Main).
The top five were close and included:

• Thread Hysteria.
• Patina Soul.
• 250 Main.
• They were followed by:
• Déjà Vu.
• Nimbus.
• Avant Garb.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Frederica Lawrence.
• Red’s Threads.
• Papaya! Living.

BEST SELECTION OF MEN’S CLOTHES

If there’s a Lady Gaga, where’s Mr. Gaga? And what does he wear, an outfit with the heads of golf clubs glued to it?
Anyway, when it comes to men’s clothes, our readers most often chose Nimbus (across from the Plaza), followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Mountain Supply.
• Outdoor Store.
• Travel Essentials.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SHOES

The first time a caveman wrapped a piece of mastodon leather around his feet, a huge technological leap occurred in the history of mankind. Today, we now obsess over our shoes (just ask Imelda Marcos), and luckily our readers can direct you to two stores downtown, which ended up in an exact tie in this category: Village Shoes, located at 337 E. Main; and Earthly Goods.
Lithia Park Shoes, at the corner of E. Main and First Street, is also popular, followed by:

• Outdoor Store.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rogue Valley Runners.

BEST PLACE TO BUY VIDEO GAMES/ELECTRONIC STUFF

I Googled “All Time Favorite Video Games” and learned that “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” was number one, followed by “Super Mario Brothers,” “Legend of Zelda,” “Tour of Duty,” “John Madden’s NFL,” “Guitar Hero,” and “Tetris.”
Where to go when you want to stock up on these, plus all of the new stuff? Many of our readers chose Play ‘N’ Trade, a video game store which opened last year in the Ashland Shopping Center. They also mentioned Bi-Mart and DJ’s, but for electronic “stuff,” the choice was Radio Shack.

HARDEST WORKING FLORISTS

When you think about it, every flower we see was once growing wild in the woods and valleys. It is one of mankind’s great accomplishments that we have taken the best and brightest from the plant kingdom and turned them into beautiful bouquets.
After last year, when three of our local floral shops ended up in a tie, I really wanted one of them to break out of the pack this year. Well, it didn’t happen. There was one vote that separated all three of them, so once again we would like to congratulate Enchanted Florist (180 E. Main); Flower Tyme (on the Plaza); and Eufloria (449 E. Main) for a job well done.
Also mentioned: Albertson’s and Safeway.

BEST PLACE TO BUY STUFF FOR THE YARD/GARDEN

A garden is not just something beautiful to behold but is home to a myriad of animals, from birds and spiders to ladybugs and butterflies. With a little creativity, you can also keep the “bad” animals out without resorting to a lot of pesticides.
Running away with this category again was the Grange Co-op, followed by:

• Ray’s Garden Center.
• Valley View Nursery.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Bi-Mart.

BEST PLACE TO BUY BICYCLES/BIKE ACCESSORIES

The benefits of bicycle riding are many: they get you outdoors breathing fresh air, they get you in shape, they put you in touch with your surroundings, AND you don’t have to fill them up with gas at $4 a gallon every two weeks.
Bicycling is definitely popular in Ashland, and our readers mentioned Cycle Sport, located at 191 Oak Street, as their favorite, followed by:

• Get n Gear, a store featuring used outdoor merchandise at the corner of 2nd and A Street.
• Siskiyou Cyclery (1729 Siskiyou).
• Ashland Bike Works (1662 Ashland Street).
• Bear Creek Bicycle (1988 Hwy 99N).
• Flywheel (in Talent).

GROCERY STORE WITH FRIENDLIEST CHECKERS

Grocery shopping is actually a social event, as you will regularly run into friends and acquaintances, exchanging hugs and war stories in the aisles. The checkers are like the emcees, keeping everything running smoothly and making sure there are no party crashers.
Who do our readers think have the friendliest checkers? The competition was tough among the top three, with Ashland Food Co-op eking out a win, followed by:

• Shop ‘N’ Kart.
• Market of Choice.
• Safeway.
• Albertson’s.

BEST PLACE TO GET A TAN

To all the people who said, “Outside,” “In Hawaii,” or “In the Sun,” we appreciate the humor. We were looking, however, for places that offer tanning beds.
And in that regard, Tan Ashland, located at 1680 Ashland St. (next to Happy Falafel) was the runaway winner in this, followed by:

• Electric Beach.
• Blue Giraffe.

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR THE KITCHEN

Yes, you could sit and watch the Food Channel all day and fantasize about becoming an Iron Chef … or you could just go out and stock your kitchen with all the “stuff” necessary to make that happen.
And according to our readers, the best place to start would be Paddington Station, which won this in a major landslide. A few people lamented that Allyson’s was gone, but I guess life goes on.

FAVORITE GAS STATION

It wasn’t shocking to me to learn that the reason for the recent high gas prices is because speculators back in New York have been driving the price up. I mean, these are the same kind of people who caused the housing bubble/crash, and as long as they can make some quick short-term profit, they couldn’t care less what happens to the rest of us.
Whew! It was good to get that off my chest. Now I think I’ll go fill up the car. Where would our readers recommend? The top choice this year was 76 Station Downtown on Lithia Way.
Other gas stations mentioned a lot were:

• Shell station at the south exit (with the soda pop).
• Texaco station at the south I-5 exit.
• ARCO AM/PM at the south I-5 exit.
• The Astro station (across from Library).
• 76 station at the south I-5 exit.
• 76 station on Valley View Road.
• Shell station on Siskiyou.

FAVORITE STORE IN MEDFORD

Sometimes it is good to just get the hell out of Dodge and visit the rest of the world. And when our readers take the precipitous leap of visiting our neighbors to the north, where do they most like to go? The winner this year was Fred Meyer’s, followed by:

• CostCo.
• TJ Maxx.
• Central Art Supply.
• Terra Firma.
• JC Penney’s.
• Blackbird.
• Target.
• Macy’s at the Mall.
• Barnes & Noble.
• Ross Dress for Less.

CUTEST PET

Once again our internationally-recognized panel of judges (my family members) voted Butters, a Golden Retriever owned by Michael Biggs and Dawn Mellon, as the cutest. Others receiving honorable mention were:

• Iris, owned by Megan Doherty.
• Red, a Redtick Coonhound owned by Derek Volkart.
• Rudy (Jack Altman).
• Gracie, owned by Deborah Morgan and Rick Bleiweiss.
• Clawde Depussy, an orange kitty owned by Anne Novina.

POLITICS

FAVORITE CITY COUNCILOR

This is always a fun category because at almost every meeting the six City Councilors stick their necks out and take stands on local issues that they feel are important. Like society at large, there is rarely a unanimous decision, and that is a good thing.
It was also good to see that all six councilors received votes in this category, and we will list the top three here:

• Greg Lemhouse.
• Carol Voisin.
• Dennis Slattery.

FAVORITE CITY EMPLOYEE

They’re there to make sure everything goes smoothly for the rest of us, from police and fire to water, electricity and Internet. Unfortunately, they don’t receive that many accolades, which is where this survey comes in handy.
And receiving the most votes in this category for 2012 was John Karns, Fire Chief for the City of Ashland. Others mentioned a lot were:

• Barbara Christianson, City Recorder.
• Chris Chambers, Fire Department.
• Brandon Goldman, Senior Planner.
• Mike Faught, Public Works Department.
• Vince Zausky, AFN.
• Mike Cook, Electric Department.
• James Clark, Water Department.

BEST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE LAST YEAR

The overwhelming response by our readers in this category was the total cooperation by everyone in the City, from the top on down, in helping OSF deal with the Angus Bowmer crisis. Especially crucial was allowing a 600-seat tent to be erected in Lithia Park, which pretty much saved the day.
Other outstanding things included:

• Deciding not to convert the Grove into a police station.
• Turning the special use permit over to Mt. Ashland.
• Allowing dogs in some Ashland parks.
• Proposing a “road diet” on North Main.
• Postponing the “road diet” on North Main.

WORST THING GOVERN-MENT HAS DONE

When it comes to government (or even the private sector), there’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. And in the case of “the bad,” our readers most often mentioned failure to approve the Intertie and secure a source of water.
That was followed by:

• Almost cancelling the Halloween Parade (although that was actually the Chamber).
• Not solving the homeless problem.
• Giving up the special use permit to Ski Mt. Ashland.
• Trying to turn N. Main into a two-lane street.
• Not solving the deer problem.

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

Ah … my favorite part of the Best of Ashland. Being a political animal and having worked for a market research company in Denver for 14 years, I always find these answers fascinating. So let’s get it on …

1. Should “Occupy Ashland” protesters be allowed to camp out on the Plaza? Okay, most of us agree that the big banks got off relatively scot free after plunging this country (and basically the world) into an economic crisis. They were pretty smug about it for a long time until a bunch of protesters started showing up at their front door on Wall Street. They tried to ignore them, but they wouldn’t go away, and eventually the protests spread all over the country (and globe), including Ashland. Honest protesters are one thing, but guys just wanting to camp out on the Plaza and party is another. Should they be allowed to do that? Our readers don’t think so.
   Yes, they should: 40%
   No, bad idea: 60%
2. Should restrictions on cell towers be relaxed by the City Council? Right now cell phone companies have an enormous amount of power, thanks in part to the 1996 Telecommunications Law that was written by cell phone company lobbyists. Local municipalities have very little wiggle room, and last fall a proposal was floated to remove all restrictions and let the cell phone companies do what they want. Our readers do not agree with that philosophy.
   Yes, they should be relaxed: 29%
   No, they should not: 71%
3. Should the City pay for a free campground for the homeless? You know what, the local homeless community has been getting some bad press lately. First, one of them accidentally starts a fire that burns down eleven homes in Oak Knoll. Then one of them buys booze for a 16-year-old kid who gets drunk and drowns in Ashland Creek. The last time I was downtown some idiot in front of the Black Swan was screaming obscenities at a fellow homeless person, and I was so irate I had to yell at the guy to shut up. And we should pay to secure them a free campground, huh? Most readers said no to that proposal.
   Yes, build it and they will come: 31%
   No, do not: 69%
4. Is the Mt. Ashland expansion a good idea or not? This idea has been argued ad infinitum for the last twenty years, and this survey is a perfect example of how polarizing it is. After all the ballots were counted, it was an EXACT tie.
   Yes, good idea: 50%
   No, bad idea: 50%

Patience is one of those virtues that every loyal reader of the Sneak Preview learns to cultivate at least once a year. It’s been a long three weeks since Part I of the “Best of Ashland” was published, and we’re glad to report that everyone waited patiently and there were no incidents of rioting or looting in Ashland (as opposed to what happened when Gaddafi’s “The Best of Tripoli” came out a little late last year).
But enough of this long-winded introduction. Let’s move onto the real stuff—Part II of the “Best of Ashland,” featuring restaurants and entertainment. As always, multiple ties will be awarded in any category where the votes had a difference of five or fewer at the top.

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

There must be something in the water (or food) in Ashland, because there were actually THIRTEEN new restaurants to open here in the last year. Almost all of them, however, moved into spaces where other restaurants had been, so there was no net gain.
The top five in this category were very close, with most votes going to both Neil Clooney’s “meat-centric” Smithfields (36 S. 2nd); and Ruby’s, a breakfast-lunch restaurant located at 163 N. Pioneer.
Following close on their heels were:

• Taroko, a Pan-Pacific Bistro at 62 E. Main.
• Coquina, a dinnerhouse at 542 A Street.
• El Paraiso, a Mexican restaurant located at 545 Clover Lane.
• The list also included:
• Playwright Public House, 258 A Street.
• The Red Zone, a new sports bar at the corner of E. Main and 2nd.
• Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
• Café 116, located at 116 Lithia Way.
• Mongo Grill, at 1662 Siskiyou.
• Yogurt on the Rox (293 E. Main).
• Hot Spot Eatery (424 Bridge Street).
• Although Cebolla opened in December just days after the ballot for the “Best of Ashland” was published, they also received a smattering of votes.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR BREAKFAST

When you wake up and your stomach is already growling, you know it’s time to have some breakfast. And the best way to drown out the rumblings from down under is good conversation with friends.
Where do our readers go in that regard? There were actually nine that received the vast majority of the votes. Each has its own following of loyal customers, and while it was very close, here is how it played out once all the ballots were counted:

• Morning Glory Café at 1149 Siskiyou.
• Breadboard (744 N. Main).
• Brother’s at 95 N. Main.
• Dragonfly (241 Hargadine).
• Wild Goose at 2365 Ashland St.
• Ruby’s.
• Oak Tree (2510 Hwy 66).
• Munchies at 59 N. Main.
• Greenleaf on the Plaza.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR LUNCH

This was probably the most popular category in the restaurant section of this survey, as 32 different establishments were named. Lunch apparently is one of those times when we love to socialize (“let’s do lunch,” etc.) and get out of the house.
Topping the list for 2012 was a three-way tie between Dragonfly, located at the corner of First and Hargadine (below Oregon Cabaret Theatre); Wild Goose (on the south end of town); and Taj, an Indian-style restaurant located at 31 Water Street.
Here is a list of the Top Twelve:

• Greenleaf.
• Standing Stone (101 Oak Street).
• Sesame Asian Kitchen, at 21 Winburn Way.
• Munchies.
• Ruby’s.
• Louie’s on the Plaza.
• Morning Glory.
• Hana Sushi on the Plaza.
• Lark’s at Ashland Springs Hotel.

BEST PANCAKES

They almost qualify as a food group all by themselves … wait, maybe that’s fruit I’m thinking of. Anyway, they’re very tasty and filling, and they’re a perfect way to start the morning.
And when our readers want to get their motors running in the early a.m. with some pancakes, they most often chose the morsels at the Breadboard and Morning Glory, followed closely in the balloting by:

• Munchie’s.
• Wild Goose.
• Brother’s.
• Dragonfly.
• Oak Tree.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST DESSERTS

I grew up in a family with nine kids, and we all ate dinner around a huge table. Somehow, my mom always had a dessert ready for us every night, and how she never got nominated for sainthood is beyond me.
Our readers would certainly like to nominate some local restaurants for desserthood, including this year’s winner, a three-way tie between Munchie’s (downstairs on the Plaza); Chateaulin (50 E. Main); and Lark’s (in the Ashland Springs Hotel).
Also having great desserts are:

• Amuse.
• Peerless.
• Winchester Inn.
• Loft.
• Liquid Assets.

BEST REUBEN SANDWICH

At chef school, they actually give degrees in Reubenology, because this isn’t just any ordinary pastrami sandwich … it’s a Reuben.
Which restaurant went to the top of the class this year with regard to this sandwich? Most of our readers saved their accolades for both Munchie’s and Brother’s. Others mentioned a lot were:

• The Breadboard.
• Big Al’s at 474 N. Main.
• Omar’s at 1380 Siskiyou.
• Greenleaf.

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

Going out for dinner can be a cause for celebration or for just wanting to get out of the house. Either way, diners in Ashland have a great selection to choose from. Ending in a tie for first were Peerless, located at 265 4th Street; The Loft, off Guanajuato Way; and Amuse, located at 15 N. First.
Also in the mix were:

• Chateaulin, at 50 E. Main.
• Omar’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Alex’s on the Plaza.
• Winchester Inn at 35 S. 2nd.
• Beasy’s on the Creek (51 Water Street).
• Smithfield’s.
• Lark’s.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

When it comes to romantic lunch spots, you don’t need Edith Piaf at the piano singing “La Vie en Rose,” but you do want an ambiance that isn’t all hectic and stressful.
And when it comes to that, our readers named both Lark’s (in the Ashland Springs Hotel) and the Dragonfly (1st & Hargadine) as their favorites.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Martino’s.
• Thai Pepper.
• Sesame.
• Alex’s.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

Sometimes, instead of sitting there and checking out the scores on Sports Center with one eye, you want to gaze lovingly into the eyes of your significant other and talk about important things, like the Yankees/Red Sox series … just kidding.
In this category, our readers named both Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main) and Chateaulin (50 E. Main) as being particularly romantic.
The Top Five were actually very close, and they included:

• The Peerless.
• Amuse.
• Loft.
• They were followed by:
• Martino’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Dragonfly.
• Loft.

BEST STEAK DINNERS ON MENU

I went on the Internet to check out the leading cattle producers in the world and was shocked to see that India led the way. I always thought cows were sacred in India, and that they could practically get elected president if only they had the right slogan. “Got milk?” would be a good one.
Anyway, when the slogan becomes “Where’s the beef?” our readers once again named Omar’s, located at 1380 Siskiyou, as their number one choice.
It was pretty close between the top three, which included:

• Smithfield’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Others receiving votes were The Loft and Peerless.

BEST SEAFOOD DISHES ON MENU

Oceans cover 75% of the world, and it’s almost amazing that humans are notoriously close to depleting some of the fish stock. I mean, a single (or married) cod produces 9 million eggs per spawning season, and we have somehow depleted them. As a species, we border on being idiots.
When it comes to enjoying some great seafood, though, our readers are pretty smart, naming both Beasy’s on the Creek and The Peerless as their favorites.
Coming in a close third and fourth were Omar’s and The Loft.

BEST PASTA DISHES ON MENU

Pasta comes in a variety of different shapes and is basically unleavened dough of wheat, flour, water, and sometimes eggs. Add some meat and sauces to it, and it borders on being a perfect dish.
Where do our readers go to seek perfection? This year they chose the friendly confines of both Pasta Piatti, located at 358 E. Main; and Wiley’s World at 1606 Ashland Street.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Cucina Biazzi.
• Macaroni’s/Martino’s.
• Callahan’s.

BEST CHICKEN DISHES ON MENU

My daughter got up this morning and complained that someone ate all the eggs, so I simply went out to the chicken coop and collected four of them. Having chickens comes in handy at times. I also showed the eggs to our dog, Brody, and said, “Some pets pull their weight around this house.” He felt guilty, then went out and retrieved the morning paper for me. That’s what we’re talkin’ bout, boy! Now if we can just get the cat to do something besides be adorable.
Where to go when you’re hungry for a really great chicken dish? Topping the charts this year was a tie between Lark’s (in the Ashland Springs Hotel) and Chateaulin (50 E. Main), particularly the Coq au Vin.

BEST SOUPS AND SALADS

They can either accompany a meal or be a meal unto themselves, so what more could you ask for? Our readers didn’t mess around, as they named both Grilla Bites on the Plaza; and Pangea (272 E. Main) as tops in this category, followed by:

• Greenleaf.
• Standing Stone.
• Food Co-op Deli.
• Wild Goose.
• Lark’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

It’s a slice of Mexico City every time you walk into a Mexican restaurant here in Ashland. Not just the cuisine, but the atmosphere and the staff combine to make it a fun, south-of-the-border experience without the expensive plane ticket.
All of the local Mexican-style establishments were mentioned this year, and the new kid on the block, El Paraiso (pronounced para-ee-so) at 545 Clover Lane, tied with perennial favorite La Casa del Pueblo, located at 1209 Siskiyou.
The complete list included:

• Señor Sam’s, in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Agave, at 92 N. Main.
• Tabu (76 N. Pioneer).
• El Tapatio at 1033 N. Pacific Hwy.
• Big Al’s (474 N. Main).
• La Tapatia in Phoenix.
• Inti in Talent.

BEST CHILE RELLENOS

This is a dish that originated in the city of Puebla, which is also famous for being the site of the battle on Cinco de Mayo, 1862, when the Mexican army kicked butt on the French. You take a roasted pepper (Poblano, Anaheim, passila or jalapeño) and stuff it with all kinds of interesting things, and voilà (excuse my French), the end result is exquisite.
Where to go for great chile rellenos? Our readers most often named El Paraiso, followed closely by:

• La Casa.
• El Tapatio.
• Inti.

BEST TORTILLA SOUP

It’s a classic dish in Mexico, and our readers were most impressed with the tortilla soup at La Casa del Pueblo. Others high on the list were:

• Agave.
• El Paraiso.
• Pangea.
• Inti.

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

The first “Asians” crossed over into America about 25,000 years ago via the Bering Strait, setting up their first sushi restaurant at an Eskimo village in Alaska. Since then, Ashland has seen a proliferation of outstanding Asian restaurants, covering the full spectrum of choices.
Taking down the number one spot this year was the triumvirate of Thai Pepper, located at 84 N. Main; Sesame, at 21 Winburn Way; and Hana Sushi on the Plaza.
The list also featured:

• Kobe (96 N. Main).
• Bonsai Teriyaki (in the Albertson’s Shopping Center).
• House of Thai Cuisine (1667 Siskiyou).
• Taroko, at 62 E. Main.
• Taj (31 Water Street).
• Yuan Yuan (in the Shop ‘N’ Kart Shopping Center).
• Lee’s Cuisine, in the Rite-Aid Shopping Center.
• Panda Garden at 1757 Hwy 66.
• Mihama’s (1253 Siskiyou).
• Golden Dynasty (1415 Siskiyou).
• Mongo Grill (1662 Siskiyou).
• Chun’s Palace (310 Oak).
• Bento Express on Granite Street.

BEST THAI DISHES

Breaking it down into restaurants that specifically cater to Thai cuisine, Billy Harto’s Thai Pepper (and his new Thai Pepper Satay Bar), won this category.
Other popular restaurants serving Thai dishes were:

• House of Thai Cuisine.
• Yuan Yuan.
• Taroko.

BEST JAPANESE DISHES

I’m still mad at Japan for beating our women’s soccer team in the World Cup last year, but how can you stay mad at a country that just suffered a devastating earthquake, tsunami, and the breakdown of a nuclear power plant? You can’t, so you go, Japan!
There was stiff competition in this category, as a number of restaurants cater to Japanese dishes, including the top two vote-getters, Kobe (located at 96 N. Main); and Hana Sushi on the Plaza.
The were closely followed by:

• Bonsai Teriyaki.
• Taroko.
• Lee’s Cuisine.
• Mihama’s.

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Poor Italy. It’s one of the most beautiful and fun countries in the world, and they have an ex-president who controls most of the newspapers and TV stations and who messes around with underage girls. I mean, at least Monica was 24-years-old, dude.
We all love our Italian restaurants, however, and in this category our readers named Pasta Piatti as their favorite this year. The Top Three were extremely close and they included:

• Cucina Biazzi.
• Macaroni’s/Martino’s.
• Other favorites included:
• Northwest Pizza & Pasta.
• Wiley’s World.
• Martolli’s Hand Tossed Pizza at 38 E. Main.

BEST SELECTION OF PIZZAS

Watching a video of professional pizza makers is fascinating stuff. They roll the dough around in their hands to make a huge pie, then literally throw it 20 feet in the air, catching it behind their backs, etc.
Here in Ashland, our pizza guys don’t get that crazy, but they do make some mean pizza. The top three in this category really battled it out, with Great American Pizza eking out a win.
But seriously, it was really close, because both Martolli’s (38 E. Main) and Creekside Pizza (92 ½ N. Main) have their loyal followers.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Northwest Pizza & Pasta.
• Giseppi’s.
• Papa Murphy’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST BUFFET/SALAD BAR

Sometimes looking over a menu can be stressful. The names and descriptions all seem to blend together in your left brain, and what you need is to see what you’re going to be eating. That’s where a buffet and salad bar comes in handy … by going straight to the source.
For our readers, this category ended as a tie between Taj, an Indian-style restaurant located at 31 Water Street; and Grilla Bites on the Plaza.
Also mentioned a lot were Food Co-op Deli, Great American Pizza, Mongo Grill, and Northwest Pizza & Pasta.

BEST VEGETARIAN DISHES

Human beings are natural omnivores, but for a long time the only food items we regularly had access to were vegetables and fruit, so we probably lean toward that orientation (although a balanced diet that includes some carnivorous delights is not a bad thing).
Many restaurants in Ashland offer vegetarian dishes to complement their omnivorous menu, with Grilla Bites on the Plaza; and Dragonfly (corner of First and Hargadine) getting the top nod.
Also mentioned were Taj and Taroko, followed by:

• Deli Food Co-op.
• Mongo Grill.
• Pangea.
• Greenleaf.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY

“Get that ol’ station wagon loaded up, and let’s head out to dinner!” Grandpa said one night after scratching off 300 lottery tickets. “I just won $74, and the treat’s on me.”
Where to go when Grandpa strikes it rich? The most popular with our readers is The Standing Stone, located at 101 Oak Street.
Other favorites included:

• Munchies.
• Wild Goose.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Northwest Pizza & Pasta.
• Alex’s.

BEST BBQ DISHES

I was at a restaurant a few years ago and got to hear an argument about what was better—Texas-style barbecue or North Carolina barbecue. It got pretty heated, and I thought they were going to take it outside, but someone across the room offered to buy them a couple of shots of bourbon if they’d shut up, and they went for it. Then they argued about what was better—Kentucky Bourbon or Tennessee Whiskey. You can’t win!
Our readers certainly appreciate the efforts of our local barbecue providers, reserving their number one choice for Roscoe’s, a BBQ joint located in Phoenix.
Also mentioned were Taroko, Lee’s Cuisine and Omar’s.

RESTAURANT WITH MOST EXOTIC MENU

It’s always fun to step outside the box and create a menu with a little more flair, something that you don’t find everywhere. And in that regard, our readers were most impressed with the selection at Taroko, a Pan-Pacific restaurant located at 62 E. Main; and Tabu, which offers Nuevo Latino food at 76 N. Pioneer.
The list of favorites included:

• Dragonfly.
• Kobe.
• Coquina.
• Winchester Inn.
• Taj.
• Loft.
• Smithfield’s.
• Blue Greek on Granite.

BEST PLACE TO BUY PASTRIES

They come in all shapes and sizes, from tarts and cakes to scones and cream puffs, but one thing is for sure … we all love them.
When it comes to finding the perfect pastry, our readers most often turned to the creations at both the Market of Choice Deli (1475 Siskiyou Blvd); and Deux Chats, located at 222 A Street.
Other favorites included:

• Munchies.
• Apple Cellar.
• Mix on the Plaza.
• Larry’s Cakes at 66 N. Pioneer (downstairs).
• 4 & 20 Blackbirds.
• Sweet Desire.
• Ichigo Cakes (250 Oak St., #3).

FAVORITE APPETIZERS

Instead of just making a decision off the huge entrée menu available, it’s sometimes best to check out some of the competition. That’s where appetizers come in. They tip you off as to exactly what is happening in the kitchen and how to best make the all-important decision on which entrée to order.
Topping the list for 2012 were the delectable offerings at both Peerless and Dragonfly.
They were followed closely in the standings by:

• Tabu.
• Taroko.
• Alex’s.
• Lark’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Chateaulin.
• Amuse

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

It’s an unenviable assignment, trying to keep everyone happy every second they’re in the restaurant, but our ever-friendly waitstaff are up for the occasion. Thirty-three different restaurants were mentioned in this survey, which is a testament to how friendly they are.
With Beth and Toni leading the way, the Wild Goose was named number one in this category by our readers. They were followed by:

• The Peerless.
• Breadboard.
• Omar’s.
• Munchies.
• Standing Stone.
• Louie’s.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST “QUICK SERVICE” RESTAURANT

Apparently, a few people objected to the term “fast food,” claiming that it has gotten a bad rap in this country lately. Most fast food restaurants have upped their game dramatically in the last decade with regard to nutrition and wholesome ingredients, so we’ve opted for a new nomenclature: “Quick Service” restaurants.
Taking down the top spot in this category for 2012 was Señor Sam’s, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
The Top Five included:

• Happy Falafel, also in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Martolli’s Pizza.
• Agave.
• Taj’s luncheon buffet.
• Others receiving a lot of votes were:
• Taco Bell.
• Bento Express.
• Mihama’s.
• Subway.
• Pita Pit.
• Grilla Bites.
• Wendy’s.

BEST BURGERS

As I’m writing this, I’m waiting for my family to get it together to leave for dinner. Being hungry, just the thought of a big juicy cheeseburger makes me want to start gnawing on my arm … pass the ketchup, please.
In lieu of that, our readers would much rather visit some local establishments known for their burgers. The top three in this category were very close, and it ended in a tie between Big Al’s (474 N. Main) and Louie’s on the Plaza. Standing Stone at 101 Oak came in a close third.
Also making the list were:

• Munchies.
• Omar’s.
• Caldera (31 Water Street).
• Grilla Bites.
• Red Zone.
• Wild Goose.
• Oak Tree.

BET FRENCH FRIES

When stationed in Germany in the army, my buddies and I used to go to Heidelberg and walk the Hauptstrasse, which was almost a mile-long pedestrian-oriented street jammed with tourists and students. We were semi-poor G.I.s, so I practically lived on pom frites, which is what the Germans called French fries. That diet probably did wonders to my G.I., but it was a lot of fun!
Where to go when I want to relive the good old days in Germany? Most readers steered me to the “Greek fries” at Happy Falafel in the Ashland Shopping Center, although the fries at Big Al’s are also a big hit.
The list also included:

• Standing Stone.
• Caldera Tap House.
• Munchies.
• Louie’s.
• Creekside.

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

They can be anything from Dogwoods, wraps, melts, burritos, pasties, etc., but one thing is for certain … we love them. And when it comes to a great selection of sandwiches, our readers again turned to Big Town Hero, located downtown on Granite Street.
Other favorites listed were:

• Pangea.
• Grilla Bites.
• Greenleaf.
• Standing Stone.
• Munchies.
• Pita Pit.
• Subway.
• Zoey’s, located at 199 E. Main.

BEST ICE CREAM/YOGURT/GELATO

While a soothing, tasty ice cream dish is good almost anytime, it’s especially appropriate after a spicy meal. Where to go when you want to soothe that palate, or just taste something outstanding? In this category, our readers most often named Mix, a shop on the Plaza serving ice cream, frozen yogurt, candy, bakeries, coffee and tea.
The Yogurt Hut, located at 140 Lithia Way, is also extremely popular, followed by:

• Zoey’s.
• Yogurt on the Rox.
• Boulevard Coffee.

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR WINE TASTING

You don’t have to get all “Sideways” on us and travel down to the Napa Valley for this category. There are plenty of places in Ashland to enjoy some good wine, and the number one place is Liquid Assets, located at 96 N. Main.
Also landing at the top of the list were:

• Weisinger’s Winery, located at 3150 Siskiyou.
• Winchester Inn Wine Bar.
• Edenvale Enoteca on the Plaza.
• Pachal’s, at 1122 Suncrest Road outside talent.
• Chateaulin Selections.

FAVORITE BARISTA (COFFEE SERVER)

It’s amazing how friendly and upbeat every barista I’ve ever met is. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that they have access to caffeine on a minute’s notice! That would make anyone happy.
Anyway, a number of baristas were named in this category, including this year’s winner, Jared Rennie of Noble Coffee Roasting.
Other popular baristas included:

• Danny of Dutch Brothers.
• David Light of Bloomsbury Coffee.
• Marge at Noble.
• Scotty at Evo’s.
• Tim Case of Case Coffee.
• Dustin of Rogue Valley Roasting Co.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE

Twenty-one years ago, when the Sneak Preview first started in Ashland, there were one or two coffeehouses in town. Today it seems as if they’re at every street corner, with everyone wanting to capitalize on our craving for caffeine. That’s not a bad thing. The quality of coffee has gone up dramatically during that time, and we can thank our local coffee purveyors for that.
Who do our readers first want to thank when it comes to coffee? Once again they voted Noble Coffee Roasting, at 282 4th Street, as their favorite.
It was very competitive, however, as everyone seems to have their favorite place to get caffeinated. They included:

• The Beanery (Walker & Ashland Streets).
• Rogue Valley Roasting Co. (917 E. Main).
• Evo’s (376 E. Main).
• Starbucks (both downtown and near SOU).
• Mix.
• Boulevard Coffee (at the Stratford Inn).
• Dutch Brothers.
• Bloomsbury Coffee House.
• Café 116 (at 116 Lithia Sway).
• Case Coffee at 1255 Siskiyou.
• Human Bean (across from Butler Ford).

RESTAURANT WITH BEST BANQUET ROOM

You’re having a family reunion and the last time you were all seated at a restaurant, you were almost 86ed because it got so loud. It didn’t help that Uncle Roscoe got drunk and started dancing on the table. Where to go when you want to reserve your own private room for some serious partying? The runaway winner in this category was the Ashland Springs Hotel, followed by:

• Peerless.
• Alex’s.
• Callahan’s.

BEST RESTAURANT OUTSIDE ASHLAND

As a great American once said: “Sometimes in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to get the hell out of Dodge and visit restaurants outside Ashland. We, of course, hold these truths to be self-evident, that we are endowed by our Creator with the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of different restaurants.”
Okay, I kind of got out of control there, but you know what I mean, and when it comes to that our readers most often picked New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, located on Highway 99 between Ashland and Talent.
Also popular are:

• The Avalon in Talent.
• Inti in Talent.
• La Tapatia in Phoenix.
• Bambu in Medford.
• Callahan’s at the Mt. Ashland I-5 exit.
• Porter’s in Medford.
• Roscoe’s in Phoenix.
• The Jacksonville Inn.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LIVE CONCERT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

There’s actually a lot of musical action in Ashland, despite what some pundits think. I went through our Calendar of Events for every issue last year and there were six or seven concerts every month for people to feast on.
Many of those were mentioned by our readers, who gave the Concerts in the Bandshell by the Ashland City Band two thumbs up.
Also very popular was the concert by The Devil Makes Three at the Armory in November, followed by:

• The Green Show concerts.
• Southern Oregon Repertory Singer’s Bach’s “Mass in B Minor.”
• The December fundraising show by Gypsy Soul.
• The Rogue Valley Symphony’s November show with celloist Chas Barnard.
• Appearances by The Karen Lovely Band at Alex’s.

BEST PRODUCTION AT THE CRATERIAN LAST YEAR

The Ginger Rogers Craterian Theatre in Medford is one of the classiest venues in all of southern Oregon, and it attracts some outstanding acts. Topping the charts this year was Pink Martini, a Portland-based band with an eclectic range of songs.
Also popular were:

• Talley’s Folly, a play produced by Next Stage Repertory Company.
• The Temptations.
• Tiempo Liebre.

BEST CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

Our readers love the Britt Festival in Jacksonville, and they named quite a few performances, including this year’s favorite, a tie between The Decemberists and The Avett Brothers.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Willie Nelson.
• Michael Franti.
• Ray LaMontagne.
• Boz Scaggs.
• Smokey Robin-son.

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

You don’t have to have a degree in art to appreciate the First Friday Art Walk. Many of the events offer food, refreshments and entertainment, and often the artist is there to explain some of the finer details of his or her work. All in all, it’s one big social event that introduces everyone to the scintillating and colorful world of art.
According to our readers, a good place to start (or end) the evening is The Ashland Art Center at 357 E. Main
Other fun places include:

• Bohemia Framing & Fine Art, located at 552 A Street.
• Hanson Howard Gallery (89 Oak Street).
• Ashland Art Works at 291 Oak.
• Plaza Salon in the Claycomb Plaza.
• The Black Sheep aerial performances.
• Gathering Glass (322 N. Pioneer).
• Gallerie Karon at 4th and A.
• Illahe Gallery (215 4th).
• Adelante Gallery & Tea House at 88 N. Main.

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

Taking down the top spot in this category was Charlotte Abernethy, who works out of her studio in Ashland. She is best known as a pastelist but has begun to work in both oils and acrylics as well.
The list also included:

• Denise Kester.
• Toni DeMello.
• Yang Yu.
• Roberta Reagan.
• Judy Howard.
• Scott Carlson.

BEST FILM AT THE FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR—

It will be celebrating its twelfth year in April, bringing to town movie producers, directors and actors—and their films—dedicated to the art of entertainment and education. It has quickly become one of the premier independent film festivals on the West Coast, enjoyed by locals and out-of-towners both.
Every year, over 80 movies are presented, so this category is a tough one to pin down. According to our readers, though, they loved The Welcome, a documentary which brought together twenty veterans and their families (from Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam) in 2008 for a five-day healing retreat in southern Oregon.
The Top Five included:

• Almost Kings, Max Doty’s story of an awkward high school freshman.
• Hot Coffee, Susan Saladoff’s documentary on frivolous lawsuits.
• Louder Than a Bomb, a documentary about the world’s largest youth poetry slam.
• How to Die in Oregon, a documentary about Oregon’s physician-assisted suicide law.

BEST EXHIBIT AT SCIENCEWORKS LAST YEAR

In 2001 founders Sharon & John Javna and Dave & Marge Bernard opened ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum, and it is now home to nearly 100 interactive exhibits “that encourage children and adults to learn about various scientific principles.”
A number of shows and exhibits were named by our readers, but they were especially fond of Hot Wheels Weekend, in which kids built ramps, jumps, slimepits, etc., in a “kid-powered weekend of fuel-injected fun.”
Also popular:

• Discovery Island.
• Black Bear Garden.
• ExploraZone.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT LITHIA PARK

The City Parks & Recs Commission really stepped up to the plate last summer when they gave special permission to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival to build a temporary 600-seat stage inside a tent after a beam at the Angus Bowmer Theatre cracked last June. Maintaining the integrity of the natural beauty of the park was paramount, and after it was all over, the stage’s footprint was negligible.
The answers to this were all over the place, because when it comes to everyone’s favorite park, it’s hard to pick one thing as your favorite. Most mentioned, however, was the outstanding system of walking trails throughout, followed by:

• The Japanese Gardens,
• The Upper Duck Pond.
• The changing colors in the fall.
• Ashland Creek.
• The playground.
• No dogs.
• The skating rink.

BEST SPORTING EVENT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

While the rest of the state goes crazy over the Ducks, Beavers, and Super Bowl, we in Ashland prefer to keep things local. Our readers voted both SOU football and AHS football as their favorite sporting events.
The list also included:

• Big Al’s tennis tournament.
• The Spring Thaw bike race.
• The Fourth of July run.
• SOU volleyball.
• YMCA soccer.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE HALLOWEEN PARADE

It was a little controversial this year after the Chamber floated an idea to downgrade the parade to an interactive kids event. They didn’t realize how popular the parade was with everyone, and they soon relented. This year’s event featured thousands of participants, and readers once again voted The Thriller Dance as their favorite, although the Samba Band came in a close second.

BEST LOCAL FUNDRAISING EVENT

I love the bumper sticker that says, “It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy bombs.” Money drives the world, but when you’re a struggling non-profit agency with a mission to improve society’s quality of life, you sometimes have to get creative.
In that regard our readers most often mentioned the Puss ‘n’ Boots Halloween Ball, hosted every year as a fundraiser for Friends of the Animal Shelter.
Also mentioned were:

• The Siskiyou Challenge, a bicycle relay race for Rogue Valley Farm to School.
• Play 4 Change, a fundraiser at Ashland Tennis & Fitness for the Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
• Monster Dash, a race sponsored by Kiwanis with profits going to the Ashland Schools Foundation.

FAVORITE NONPROFIT AGENCY

Winning this category in a runaway was the Ashland Food Project, which organizes neighborhoods to help collect food for the local Food Bank.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Jackson County Sexual Assault Response Team.
• ACCESS, the Community Action Agency of Josephine County.
• YMCA.
• Ashland Independent Film Festival.
• KS Wild, an environmental group.

BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING

Once the mood hits, you don’t need Lady Gaga or Madonna screaming at you to get on the dance floor. You just need great music, plenty of room to shake a leg, and some fun people to dance with. According to our readers, the best place to do that was at both Alex’s on the Plaza; and at Tabu (76 N. Pioneer), especially during their Saturday night salsa dancing.
Other great places to dance are:

• Taroko.
• The DanceSpace.
• Vinyl Club.
• The Contra Dance each month.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OFF-BARDWAY)

It was an exciting year for local theater, from crazed serial killers on the Camelot stage to some marvelous singers at Oregon Cabaret Theatre. Our readers were able to mention quite a few nominees. So the envelope please, for “Best Play.” And it is … What a Glorious Feeling, the Oregon Cabaret Theatre production that featured a behind-the-scenes look with Gene Kelly during the filming of Singing in the Rain.
Others high on the list were:

• Sweeney Todd at Camelot.
• The Scarlet Pimpernel at Camelot.
• The Marvelous Wonderettes at OCT.
• Funny Girl at Camelot.
• The Sunshine Boys at Camelot.
• Tomatoes by Ashland Contemporary Theatre.
• Chicago at Ashland High School.
• Talley’s Folly by Next Stage Rep Company at the Craterian in Medford.
• Holmes & Watson Save the World at OCT.
• King Lear at SOU.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE OFF-BARDWAY (MALE)

His presence on the stage was all-encompassing as Netanel Bellaishe sang and danced his way into the hearts of audience and Sneak Preview readers alike in OCT’s production of What a Glorious Feeling.
He was joined in the balloting by:

• Don Matthews for his role as the crazed barber in Camelot’s Sweeney Todd.
• Paul R. Jones in Camelot’s Sunshine Boys.
• John Leistner for his roles in OCT’s Daly News and What a Glorious Feeling.
• Will Cooper in Ashland Community Theatre’s Tomatoes.
• Barry Kraft in SOU’s King Lear.
• Peter Alzado in Next Stage’s Talley’s Folly.
• Mark Ropers for Camelot’s Funny Girl.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE OFF-BARDWAY (FEMALE)

The women’s side of the ledger was a little harder for our readers to decide, but in the end it was won by Rose Passione for her work in Camelot’s Funny Girl, which played last spring.
She was followed closely by:

• Kelly Jean Hammond in Camelot’s Scarlet Pimpernel.
• Shaeny Johnson in OCT’s Marvelous Wonderettes.
• Katie Worley in OCT’s What a Glorious Feeling.
• Shirley Patton in ACT’s Tomatoes.
• Renee Hewitt in Camelot’s Crimes of the Heart.
• Audra Cramer in OCT’s Marvelous Wonderettes.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OSF)

What a year for the Festival! A beam at the Bowmer cracked in June, and alternate sites had to be found for the plays, including a 600-seat tent that was erected in Lithia Park. Through it all, the play went on. I, for one, would have loved to have seen August: Osage County, which won the balloting this year, on the stage in the tent. I did see it in the Bowmer, and I’d have to agree with our readers that it was outstanding.
The Top Five in this category were:

• The Pirates of Penzance.
• Imaginary Invalid.
• To Kill a Mockingbird.
• Julius Caesar.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE OSF (MALE)

There were quite a few nominees in the category, with David Kelly winning for his performance as Major-General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance.
Other notable performances included:

• Christopher Liam Moore in Ghost Light.
• Danforth Comins as Mark Antony in Julius Caesar.
• Michael Winters as Falstaff in Henry IV, Part II.
• Michael Elich as the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE OSF (FEMALE)

This was a runaway as Judith M. Bergen won for her role as Violet Weston in August: Osage County, followed by:

• Vilma Silva in Julius Caesar.
• Robynn Rodriguez as Barbara in August: Osage County.
• Nell Geisslinger as Louison in The Imaginary Invalid.

BEST DIRECTOR (LOCAL THEATER)

There were quite a few mentioned, both Off-Bardway and at the Festival, with the top nod going to Christopher Liam Moore for OSF’s August: Osage County.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Gwen Overland for Camelot’s Sweeney Todd and the Sunshine Boys.
• Bill Rauch for OSF’s The Pirates of Penzance.
• Christopher George Patterson for OCT’s What a Glorious Feeling.
• Livia Genise for Camelot’s Funny Girl.

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/SINGER

Whether they’re kickin’ out the jams with rock ‘n’ roll or waltzing away with classical tunes, local musicians entertain us on a daily basis with their talents and creativity. A number of them were named by our readers, including this year’s winner Pat O’Scannell, lead singer for the band Cover Art, who also presents musical reviews of Edith Piaf and songs from the Roaring 20s on a regular basis at the Avalon. Pat was musical director of the Green Show at the Festival for a number of years.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Robbie DaCosta.
• Karen Lovely.
• Ed Dunsavage.
• Leslie Kendall.
• Jeff Pevar.
• Sarah Jane Nelson.
• Alice DiMicele.

BEST LOCAL ROCK/BLUES BAND

It’s actually kind of hard to define exactly what rock ‘n’ roll is. Some think it’s rockabilly, others heavy metal, and some think of pop music or even the Motown sound. Whatever; it’s a meaningless argument. If it rocks your world … that’s all that counts.
Walking away with top honors in this category for 2012 was The Karen Lovely Band, who can be seen at Alex’s every month or so when they’re not on tour. The top three were pretty close, and they included:

• The Rogue Suspects.
• The Robbie DaCosta Band.
• Others receiving votes were:
• Love Bite.
• David Pinsky’s The Rhythm Kings.
• Hamfist.

BEST JAZZ BAND

Jazz originated in New Orleans, migrated to Chicago and New York, and eventually took over the entire world. Locally we have a number of jazz bands to soothe our souls, including this year’s winner, The Ed Dunsavage Band.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Gabe Young Trio.
• Smokey Red.
• Leslie Kendall.
• Paul Schmeling Band.
• Dave Scoggins Trio.

BEST NIGHTCLUB TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

The scene for live music in Ashland is not overwhelming, but there are still a few places where you can party with live music. The number one spot according to our readers is still Alex’s on the Plaza, where owner Charles Tobey brings in bands every weekend.
The list included:

• Avalon in Talent.
• Wild Goose.
• Roscoe’s.
• Martino’s.
• Tabu.
• Liquid Assets.

BEST THING ABOUT THE 2011 FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

It may not be the biggest parade in southern Oregon, but it’s certainly the most fun, as the creativity and humor of the participants are on constant display. Last year the audience was treated to an entry of people dressed up as deer, carrying signs such as “eat more elk,” “fear the deer,” and “down with fences.” The Volundeer entry was named grand winner in the parade, and our readers concurred with that sentiment.
The list of favorites also featured:

• The jets flying over.
• The samba band, with special mention given to dancer Alonzo Moore.
• The hula dancers.
• The bagpipe players.
• The beer garden in the park.

BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS AFTER WORK

Well, it’s obvious that there are plenty of bars and nightclubs in Ashland, since our readers mentioned 22 in this survey. Just to spread around the wealth, I’m going to name the top three in each category as the winners.
And when you want to unwind after work, our readers mentioned Alex’s on the Plaza; Standing Stone; and Oak Tree as number one.
The Top Thirteen included:

• Black Sheep.
• Caldera Tap House.
• Omar’s.
• Tabu.
• Wild Goose.
• Louie’s.
• Paddy Brannan’s.
• Red Zone.
• Martino’s.
• Creekside.

BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS LATE AT NIGHT

It’s probably not something you want to do every night, but hitting the bars to connect with friends can be very healthy when practiced in moderation. There, that’s my public service message for the day.
And when it comes to fun bars where friends can meet late at night, there was a three-way tie between the Creekside; Black Sheep; and Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Martino’s.
• The Beau Club.
• Alex’s.
• iPub.
• Paddy Brannan’s.
• Omar’s.
• Tabu.
• Taroko.

BAR WITH MOST ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE

Bars aren’t all loud music, football games on TV, pool tables and raucous laughter. There are also places where you can relax and have a refreshing drink while carrying on a scintillating conversation with your significant other or close friends. Topping the list in this category was Martino’s; Liquid Assets; and Peerless, followed by:

• Chateaulin.
• Winchester Inn.
• Smithfield’s.
• Kobe.
• Tabu.
• Alex’s.

BEST BAR TO WATCH SPORTS ON TV

Sports bars are growing in popularity all over the country, and here in Ashland two of them dominate the scene, with the new kid on the block, The Red Zone (at the corner of 2nd and East Main), edging out Louie’s on the Plaza.
Other favorites are:

• Omar’s.
• Oak Tree.
• Northwest Pizza & Pasta.
• Paddy Brannan’s.
• Creekside.

FAVORITE PART OF THE GROWERS MARKET

The Tuesday Growers Market at the Ashland Armory on East Main, and the Saturday Market downtown on Oak Street have evolved into not only great places to buy fresh produce and crafts, but a social scene and gathering place for many in the community.
The variety at the market is endless, but our readers most appreciated the selection of organic produce that was available. Also important are:

• Pennington Farms.
• Fry Family Farms.
• The donuts.
• The live music.
• Carol the sprout lady.
• Sunstone Bakery products.
• Tamales.

FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE VALLEY

All of the courses in Jackson County received some recognition by our readers, and there was a lot of loyalty involved in their final selection of Oak Knoll Golf Course, a beautiful, 9-hole course located just east of Ashland.
The list also included:

• Stoneridge.
• Centennial.
• Eagle Point.
• Stewart Meadows.
• Quail Point.
• The RV Country Club.

BEST VINEYARD/WINERY

Loyalty again served the day in this category, as Weisinger’s of Ashland was named number one, followed by:

• RoxyAnn.
• Paschal.
• Woolridge.
• Troon.
• Slagle Creek.
• Grizzly Peak.
• Pebblestone.
• Valley View Vineyard.There we go … 144 categories and another year under my belt. Looking forward to 2013! If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at ashland@sneakpre.com. —C.H.

2025 Best of Ashland Part 1

It just seems like yesterday that the very first “Best of Ashland” was published in January 1991. I actually introduced the first readers’ survey in Southern Oregon, “The Best of the Rogue Valley,” in Grants Pass in 1987. I’d borrowed the idea from Westword, a weekly newspaper in Denver, whose “Best of Denver” was extremely popular. Now we embark on our 36^th annual survey in Ashland, and it’s as popular as ever, as over 200 people sent in ballots, along with 75 people who sent in an online form that we closely monitored.

As an example of how those online surveys subvert the whole process, we received an email last month from a business in Kitsap County, Washington, asking us to vote for them in an online poll sponsored by one of their local newspapers. We didn’t even know where Kitsap County was, nor did we feel qualified to vote on anything. Made no difference to them. They noted that we “didn’t even have to live in Kitsap County, and we could send in a new ballot every day.” Seriously? Kind of makes you wonder how valid those surveys are.

That’s actually something we worry about, and we go to great pains to make this survey as fair and balanced as possible. To achieve that, we asked people to fill out a minimum of 25 different categories. Then, just because Aunt Mildred organized a ballot stuffing campaign with her friends and family to win “Best Blackjack Dealer,” they all had to answer the rest of the survey, and everything balanced out. Not very scientific but it’s better than most online polls out there.

That being said, the 36^th annual “Best of Ashland” is another fun one, and we want to thank everyone who took the time to send in a ballot. We entered all 200 voters into a raffle for a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant, and we congratulate Deirdre Pearson of Ashland, who chose a night out at Larks.

So without further ado … the 2025 Best of Ashland.

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

Before the Internet there was television, and before TV there was the radio, and before the radio were newspapers. I would presume that before newspapers there were town criers, which would have made the old adage “don’t kill the messenger” a little gruesome. Technology definitely moves in its petty pace from day to day, and all of the above, except the town crier, still hold an important place in society. Considering that there are 39 radio stations in Southern Oregon, radio is certainly not a dying breed.

Once again topping the list with our readers was Jefferson Public Radio. According to Wikipedia, “KSOR signed on in April 1969 as a 10-watt station operated by students at what was then Southern Oregon College (SOC). It began moving away from its college radio roots during the 1970s, becoming a full NPR member by the end of the decade. In the early 1980s, it began building a massive system of translators covering large portions of Oregon and California. Realizing that its service area was virtually coexistent with the (mythical) State of Jefferson, it rebranded itself as Jefferson Public Radio in 1989.”  And the rest is history.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• 107.5 “The Beat”
• KSKQ 89.5 – “Our Voice in the Siskiyous”
• KBOY, 95.7 FM, Classic Rock
• Lite 102
• 107.5 KISS-FM
• 101.9 KCMX

FAVORITE LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

It’s not all just fires, murder and mayhem. Almost every night our local TV news stations have breaking stories on “how to best prune your hydrangeas” and “what do about those nasty calluses on the bottom of your foot.” There’s also a healthy dose of sports and weather, making for an enjoyable 60 minutes and a great way to stay on top of what’s happening in the community.

This was a 3-way horserace, but in the end, Channel 12 KDRV, with anchors Jerry Howard and Hailey Gravitt leading the way, took down top honors.

The list also included:

• KOBI Channel 5
• KTVL Channel 10
• PBS (Public Broadcasting Station)

FAVORITE REPORTER AT ASHLAND.NEWS

 I’ll have to admit, I miss the daily print edition of the Daily Tidings. It was a great way to stay in touch with what was happening in the community, and it didn’t require much effort. It was delivered to the house, you opened ‘er up, and within minutes, you could be up to date. They eventually gave way to the Medford Mail Tribune, which had this uncanny ability to totally ignore what was happening in Ashland. It was a literal house of cards, and it was just a matter of time before the whole thing caved in on them. To the rescue came an online publication, ashland.news, with the ever-capable Bert Etling as the editor. Bert had actually made the Daily Tidings a viable print tabloid about ten years ago before the vultures from the Mail Tribune (and their out-of-town owner) pulled the plug. When you click on ashland.news, you’ll be greeted to a wide variety of options (I counted 71 different categories, including 22 “columnists”). My only criticism is the sports section. I used to love getting the Saturday paper during football season to see how the Grizzlies did on Friday night. I clicked on the AHS Sports section of ashland.news, and the latest update was a June 2, 2024, article about the boys volleyball team. Seriously, Bert, how hard would it be to at least post some scores and cover major games? I know the kids at the high school would appreciate some recognition for their hard work.

Anyway, ashland.news does feature a stable of very talented writers. Leading the way with our readers was Morgan Rothborne, who reports on city government and other newsworthy topics.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Holly Dillemuth on the education beat
• Editor Bert Etling
• Theater reviewer Lucie Sheuer
• Columnist Herb Rothschild
• Photographer Bob Palermini
• Columnist Chris Honoré

 PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

 Did you know that over 99% of all American companies with employees are small businesses? And that overall, about two out of every three new businesses make it through two years. Of course, that does mean that one-third of all new businesses will fail in two years, but let’s concentrate on the good news.

And in that regard, our readers actually named quite a few new businesses, starting with the Ashland Wellness Collective at 599 E. Main, featuring a fitness studio, holistic skin care, a sauna/cold plunge, a hair salon, and an outdoor café.

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Noble Fox, a restaurant at 101 Oak Street, where Standing Stone used to be
• Hopper’s Landing, a combination gift store and mail center at 1409 Hwy 99 N.
• Go Bowld, a restaurant at 1469 Siskiyou Blvd., from the Martolli’s Pizza people
• Dangerous Lee’s Local 31 Pub, Chef Julian Jones’ new fun spot at 31 Water Street
• Indulge Artisan Cheesecakes at 33 3^rd Street, Unit 4
• The new Paddington Station, which expanded into the space at 142 E. Main formerly occupied by Earthly Goods and The Haven
• The new Mountain Provisions, a sporting goods store which finally got relocated to 357 E. Main
• Mason’s on Main, a restaurant located at 345 E. Main
• Hummingbird Heart, a non-alcoholic and dry elixir bar at 90 N. Main
• Le Petit Café & Creperie, an outdoor stand at the corner of Main and Water
• Liquid Lounge, a wine bar at 370 E. Main

FROM OUR READERS:

(Editor’s Note: Wish we had room for everything, but here is a good sampling):

• Most fun vibe: Matcha Boba
• Best SOU event: Annual Pow-Wow
• Favorite fire person: Nick Palmesano
• Streets for Everyone (SFE), part of the Ashland Climate Collaborative, is working tirelessly to making Ashland safe and convenient for pedestrians and bicyclists. Their efforts have resulted in safer routes for bikes, including protected bike lanes; a reduction of carbon emission from fewer auto trips; monthly First Friday family bike rides at 5pm from the Plaza; and increasing local business participation in Bicycle Benefits that offer discounts to cyclists who do their shopping by bike
• Best Art Gallery and Best Place to Buy Jewelry: American Trails
• Best Group Fitness Instructor: Zoey Belyea
• Best Yoga Teacher: Kaitlyn Jones
• Oregon Cabaret Theatre consistently puts on solid shows throughout the entire year. This is a theater that somehow survived the pandemic when so many theaters around the country had to shut down. Credit where credit is due.
• Best Artisan Market Vendor: Love Sweater Vintage
• Favorite Local Charity: KS Wild
• Kudos to Painter Bees. They gave the Ashland Independent Film Festival fresh paint for their October Festival and helped to highlight the art work of Joanna Priestly during the Festival. The crew went way beyond the scope of work. They’re now my “Favorite Painting Company.”
• Favorite Acupuncturist: Molly Romero
• Favorite Massage/Body Work Therapist: Raven Stamper at Thrive Massage
• Kudos to Stella, the Zamboni driver at the ice rink
• Kudos to Pastor Dan Fowler at the First Presbyterian Church for his outreach to the homeless population
• Kudos to the organizers, donors and volunteers at the Ashland Food Project
• Best Day Hike: Pilot Rock
• Best Improvement to Ashland: The green-painted bike lanes
• Best Locally Filmed Movie: “Above the Trees”
• Most Dedicated “Unhoused” Advocates: Jason and Vanessa Houk
• Kudos to Pam Marsh, a most efficient and balanced politician
• Favorite Local Hangout: Gil’s
• Best Civic Organization: Ashland Rotary Club
• President Richard Bailey at SOU and OSF Artistic Director Tim Bond are my heroes
• Kudos to the Chamber of Commerce and Travel Ashland for the parades, sidewalk sales, and the Mystery Fest. They never stop doing Ashland events.
• Best Solar Installer: True South Solar
• Best Group Providing Food and Shelter to the Needy: Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice
• Kudos to Janai Mestrovich for delivering food to the homeless
• Kudos to Grizzettes, a group of retired Ashland School District employees who promote community through monthly good deeds

MOST COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESSPERSON

 You would think after working 60 hours a week keeping their business running smoothly, that most businesspeople would go home and relax by the fire, sipping a glass of Chardonnay and petting the dog. Nope, some of them feel compelled to volunteer their time and energy to community organizations and projects, lending valuable expertise and direction.

Topping the list in this category was Eric Hansen, who not only runs True South Solar, one of the largest solar installation companies in Southern Oregon, but also finds time to serve on the Ashland City Council, which is practically a full-time job in itself.

The list also included:

• Jim Teece of Project A and Ashland Home Net
• Alan DeBoer of TC Chevy
• Pam Hammond at the Paddington Station family of stores
• Sandra Slattery at the Chamber of Commerce

FAVORITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

All I can tell you about elementary school (and middle school) is that my teachers were all nuns, and they wore black burqas with only their faces showing. I never had a lay teacher until high school. The nuns all had nondescript names like Sister Marie David or Sister Beata, but then there was Sister Annette, who was my favorite. In the 1950s, her name was synonymous with Annette Funicello, a hottie on the Mickey Mouse Show, and all of us boys imagined that if given the chance, Sister Annette would happily renounce her nunship and flee to a deserted island with one of us, there to live happily ever after. Never happened, but we can all dream, right?

Here in the Rogue Valley, our readers mentioned quite a few teachers as their favorites, including their number one, Mary Snowden, a 2^nd grade teacher at Helman Elementary, followed by:

• Ingrid Hansen, 2^nd grade, Bellview
• Kathleen Mateas and Amy Preskenis, 1^st and 2^nd grade combo at Walker
• Toni DiMaggio, 1^st grade teacher at Helman
• Christy Bartow, 3^rd grade at the Siskiyou School
• Emily Bland at Willow Wind Community Learning Center
• Max Schmeling, 5^th grade at Bellview

CUTEST BABY

Three babies made the playoffs this year (see pic on front page), and they were: Julia Stout, Jack Latham and Hugo. As far as the parents were concerned, it was an exact tie.

CUTEST PET

Same goes to the three pets who also made the front page with photos. They were: dogs Reina and Aggie, and kitty cat Willow. We’ll let our readers form their own judgment on who was the “cutest.”

FAVORITE TEACHER AT SOU

Ah, college … such a distant memory, yet so dear to my heart. You might say I was a professional student: got a BA in Social Work and Sociology at Indiana University, went back for a post bac in education at IU, got out of the army, then received a Master’s in Public Administration at IU, and four years later decided to go back and get a masters in neurobiology from the University of Colorado-Denver. My list of favorite teachers could go on forever, but let’s move on to more important things.

Quite a few teachers were mentioned at SOU, and the number one spot went to Dr. Alexander Gonzalez, Director of Bands. Before joining SOU, Dr. Gonzalez served as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin, where he also earned his master’s degree in Wind Conducting.

The list also included:

• Craig Wright, creative writing, fiction, short story writing, and songwriting
• Eva Skuratowicz, Director of the SOU Research Center
• Michael Stanfill, Associate Professor of Theater
• Dee Fretwell, Business
• Terry Longshore, Music (percussion)

FAVORITE DENTIST

My most memorable visit to the dentist was in basic training during the army (May 1970). The sadists woke us up at 5:30 every morning for a quick breakfast, then a 3-mile run in army boots, followed by 90 minutes of calisthenics and pushups. I was in pretty good shape back then, and none of it bothered me. One night at three in the morning, though, I came down with an excruciating toothache and immediately went on sick call that morning, where the dentist pulled the tooth and sent me straight back to the exercise session. The drill sergeant was amazed that I was back at it and remarked, “Hayden, I do believe you’re indestructible.” My claim to fame in my army career, LOL.

Back here in the civilian world, our readers were able to name 17 different dentists as their favorites. Leading the way was Zahra Tahvili of Ashland Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Tahvili was raised in Tehran, Iran, and moved to the U.S. to pursue her education in 1985. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1993.

Also high on the list were:

• Brandt Cullen of Ashland Family Dentistry
• Brian Kitchell of Ashland Dental Health
• James Burneson of Today’s Dentistry
• Brandon White at White Dental Studio
• Daniel DeCillis at SoulSmile
• Mehdi Ghavam at Talent Dental

FAVORITE DOCTOR

Now I’m reading a textbook on developmental biology, and it’s fascinating stuff. Every organism on earth starts its journey as a fertilized egg (zygote), and within that zygote are transcription factors that direct certain genes to turn on and get proteins situated in specific areas. After six generations of the organism doubling itself (the 64-cell stage) more genes are transcribed and “stuff” starts turning into organs, blood cells, neurons, arms, legs, etc. It is an extraordinary process, and if one little thing goes wrong, you’ll be visiting your doctor a lot. But don’t worry—he or she will figure it out in no time.

This was a popular category, as our readers were able to name 27 different doctors, starting with Dr. Roxanne Alsbury, MD, family medicine and childbirth at Asante Ashland Family Birth Center. Dr. Alsbury received her medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine in Columbia, Missouri, and did her residency in family medicine in Pennsylvania.

Others high on the list were:

• Karin Kuhl
• John Sager
• Jani Rollins
• Benjamin Merbler
• Sara Walz
• Tara Frazier-Rice
• John “Jeb” Reid

 FAVORITE NURSE PRACTITIONER

From Wikipedia: “A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner. FNPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, prescribe medications and formulate treatment plans. FNP training covers basic disease prevention, coordination of care, and health promotion.”

Kind of sounds like a doctor, doesn’t it? Which is why most doctor’s offices also include primary care providers to help deal with the national shortage of physicians. That’s certainly the case in Ashland, as our readers named 17 nurse practitioners in this survey. The number one nod went to Kathryn Stringer of Medford Women’s Clinic, followed by:

• Patty Frires
• Christine Buckley
• Annie Taylor at Ashland Family Practice
• Cecilia Howard
• Kasia Mannix

 FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

What a day. First the washing machine broke down with two minutes to go in the rinse cycle, and you had to wring the water out of your underwear by hand. Then the #2 bus to downtown caught a flat tire and you had to walk the last nine blocks to the office. Then the A/C went down at work, and your boss set up fans at everyone’s cubicle, destroying any semblance of a carefully coifed hairdo. Then your hair stylist called and said that she’d accidentally used insecticide on your hair instead of hairspray … something about the bottle being mislabeled, and could you come in immediately? And then you woke up!

Yeah, nightmares are almost as scary as bad hair days, which is why your hair stylist is on speed dial. And in that regard, our readers most often named Ann-Britt Malden of Strands. And just to prove her staying power, Ann-Britt also won this category in 2012 and 2015.

The list also included:

• Steven Newsome of Waterstone Salon
• Carrie Delanty of Salon Juliet
• Renee Whyte
• Leon Danielle
• Edythe Westbrook
• Tera Shea at Strands
• Kevin Huggins of Hair City

BEST PLACE FOR FACIALS/SKIN CARE

You just got back from climbing Mt. Everest and all the sherpas were laughing hysterically because your face looked like 15 miles of bad roads in West Virginia. The icicles on your eyelids were kind of funny. By the time you got back home, it was imperative to get a facial and rejoin the world of the living.

Who to call? Many of our readers chose the friendly folks of Posh Organics, located at 253 E. Main.

Others high on the list were:

• Abbinito
• Blue Giraffe
• Plaza Salon
• Hive + Honey Holistic Skin Care
• Serena Beach
• Be Cherished

BEST DAY SPA

From Wikipedia: “A day spa is a visit to a place that offers various spa treatments, such as massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services. Unlike destination or resort spas, which provide overnight accommodations, day spas cater to guests who visit for a single day of pampering.”

Here in Ashland there are a number of day spas to choose from, and our readers most often mentioned Waterstone Spa, located at 236 E. Main, followed by:

• Blue Giraffe
• Chozu Bath & Tea Gardens
• Hive + Honey
• Posh Organics

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

More funny scenes from the courtroom …

Male judge: I shop at your Publix. Do you recognize me?

Potential female juror: I might recognize you without your clothes on.

Whole courtroom laughs.

Juror: I meant robe, Judge. I meant robe.

* * * * *

Defense counsel: Why did you wake up my client (your husband) when he was peacefully sleeping in the backyard?

Prosecutor: Objection, relevance?

Judge: Overruled (turning to witness): I want to know what compelled you to wake him up if he was being unruly before.

Victim: I went out to check on him and I had to wake him up because our dog isn’t fixed and was humping his face.

Judge, clerk and prosecutor start laughing out loud.

* * * * *

Our readers named quite a few attorneys in this survey, with Robert Good leading the way. Robert’s firm’s focus “is on the legal issues that commonly arise in people’s lives, from estate planning, wills, trusts and probate, to family law matters.”

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Jack Davis
• Rachele Selvig
• Scott Bucy
• David Seulean
• Sarah Vaile
• Michael Balocca
• Chris Hearn

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

There’s nothing like seeing flashing red & blue lights from a police cruiser suddenly appear in your rear view mirror to set your entire sympathetic nervous system into overdrive (excuse the pun). It was April 1977 and I was on I-225 in east Denver after just dropping off my brother at Stapleton Airport. I looked at my speedometer and was going a mere 62 miles an hour in my beat-up Datsun station wagon, so everything was cool there. I pulled over, expecting to get an earful about something illegal I’d done. “Sir,” he said. “There’s a briefcase on top of your car.” I couldn’t believe it. My idiot brother put his briefcase on top of my car while unloading his suitcase from the trunk. I had to laugh. “Thank you, Officer,” I said. “You’re worth more money every day.”

The police can definitely save the day, and when it comes to that, our readers named Police Chief Tighe O’Meara as their number one, followed by:

• Matt Carpenter
• Bon Stewart
• Brian Greidanus
• Rick Spence

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

It’s a tough business, and the competition in Ashland is intense, with over 100 restaurants vying for customers’ attention. Our readers apparently love their restaurants as they named 20 different owners as doing an especially good job. Landing at the top was Nat and Grace Borsi, owners of Coco Rico at 15 N. 1^st Street, where “guests will discover an entirely-made-from-scratch menu with thoughtfully sourced ingredients cooked and served with love.”

Others high on the list were:

• Nicole Ruibal at Kobe
• Gary Allen of Oak Tree
• Rob and Annie Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek, Harvey’s Place and Martino’s/Macaroni’s
• Jen Sink at Omar’s
• Julian Jones of Dangerous Lee’s Local 31 Pub
• Tom and Lisa Beam of Pie & Vine and Skout
• Renee Carver of Wild Goose
• Drew Gibbs at Alchemy and Chateaubriand 36

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

The Vatican just announced that they are accepting nominations for sainthood in a new category: waitpeople. You know, like the one who dutifully took your order while the one-year old in the chair next to her is drooling on her sleeve. Or the one who brought the martini shaken-not-stirred to the table that had a small drop of ice on it because the space-case bartender didn’t know what he was doing. Or the one who tried to take ten orders in his head without writing anything down and forgot the side order of French fries on one order, only to hear from the 10-year-one that he was a fricking idiot. Yep, all those.

In this popular case, the number one this year was Chino Orozco at El Paraiso, followed by:

• Amy Wong at Martino’s
• Ricky Price at Brickroom
• Deb Owre of Greenleaf
• Ramon De La Cruz at Puerto Mazatlan
• Amanda Harto of Thai Pepper and Billy’s
• Brian Jimenez at Kobe

FAVORITE BARTENDER

I suppose I wasted a lot of my carefree bachelor days in bars, and I plead guilty as charged. But I learned a few things along the way, like how to do a jump shot on the pool table, knowing exactly how hard you can shake a pinball machine before it tilts, knowing when to keep quiet when the drunk next to you wants to argue religion or politics, and figuring out what the best songs were on the jukebox to dance to. Those skills cannot be taught; they have to be earned.

And, of course, having a bartender to back you up always helps, and in that regard, our readers voted Kimmi Hudson at Omar’s as their favorite.

Also mentioned were:

• Tonie Stewart at Taqueria Picaro
• Sydney Mullings of Thai Pepper/Billy’s
• Kate Kuhn at Oak Tree
• Sharon and Todd at Wild Goose
• Dexter Reid III at iPub

FAVORITE PLUMBER

Here’s the thing about water: it has a mind of its own, and when you add in gravity and water pressure, it will find a way to make your life miserable if every single valve isn’t working properly. That’s one of the reasons why I counsel people to just forget all those fix-it-yourself projects when it comes to plumbing. You might as well just get it done right and save yourself a lot of money and hassle down the road.

Who to call? Our readers named quite a few plumbers, with Jonathan and Thomas Latham of Latham Plumbing garnering the most votes, followed by:

• SOS Plumbing & Drain Service
• Andy Smith
• Scott Fitch
• Eagle Plumbing
• Economy Plumbing

FAVORITE ELECTRICIAN

So our electricity went out for about six hours a few months ago when a tree fell on a utility line on the south end of Ashland. We lit some candles and opened a bottle of wine and amazingly were able to get through the ordeal. My wife had to listen to a lot of my war stories, but the wine helped her forget that she’d heard most of them them five to ten times before. I can’t imagine what those people did in North Carolina last September when Hurricane Helene hit, and they were without power for five days.  That would’ve required a couple of kegs of wine!

Anyway, electricity is now a fact of life for most households across the world, and our readers appreciate the efforts that our local electricians provide to make sure things run smoothly. Topping the list was a tie between Jeff Benson Electric and J.R. Robertson’s Rogue Valley Electric.

Others high in the balloting were:

• John Fiore Electric
• Ricco Patterson
• Ashland Electric
• Welburn Electric

FAVORITE LANDSCAPER/YARD MAINTENANCE

When it comes to improving your living quarters, the outside is just as important as the inside. Sure, you can just plant some trees and shrubs willy-nilly, add a few perennials, place a small statue of Buddha just to show everyone how cool you are, but if it ends up looking like something out of a prison yard community garden, you aren’t doing yourself any favors. Sometimes, it’s best to call a professional who will not only provide you with a design plan but will bring in all the foliage you need to make sure it’s properly located and is aesthetically pleasing.

And in that regard, our readers most often mentioned both Solid Ground Landscape and Ahimsa Gardens, followed by:

• Bearclaw Services
• Eric Simpson Landscaping
• KenCairn Landscape Architecture
• Sage Hill Landscape

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

While a lot of downtowns in mid-size American cities are boarding up, Ashland has seen a renaissance in the last twenty years, primarily because of a vibrant business community, some great bars and restaurants to foster a night life, the First Friday Art Walk which encourages the artistic community, the nearby Lithia Park, and a lot of fun special events.

Our readers agreed and they named 32 different stores as their favorites, including perennial favorite Paddington Station, which again won this category, although Bloomsbury Books came in a close second.

The Top Ten included:

• NW Nature Shop
• American Trails
• Tree House Books
• Manzanita Home & Flowers
• Mountain Provisions
• Prize
• Jupiter Row
• Gold & Gems Fine Jewelry

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

For the person who mentioned Nordstrom’s in San Francisco, we weren’t really thinking that far from downtown Ashland. A five to ten minute drive is more like it, and in that regard, our readers once again named Déjà Vu, a consignment clothing story in the Ashland Shopping Center as their favorite. They narrowly edged out their neighbor, Ashland Artisan Emporium, a store with over 60 booths “filled with spectacular items from local artists and small businesses.”

Also receiving votes were:

• Bestow Plants & Gifts at 1606 Ashland Street
• Get ‘n’ Gear, a consignment outdoor store in the Railroad District
• Ashland Ace Hardware on A Street in the Railroad District
• Bi-Mart on the south end
• Hopper’s Landing, 1409 Highway 99 North
• Ashland Food Co-op in the Railroad District
• The Dollar Store in the Ashland Shopping Center
• The Grange in the Railroad District

BEST GIFT SHOP

I took the liberty of Googling some important “holidays” in January just in case you want to plan your gift shopping in advance. January 10^th is “National Houseplant Appreciation Day,” so don’t let that rhododendron you have growing in the living room feel left out. January 12-18 is “Universal Letter Writing Week” just in case you want to reconnect with old friends from high school. January 13 is “National Clean Off Your Desk Day.” I’m probably going to have to hire some specialists for that task. And January 19 is “National Popcorn Day,” so make sure you put Orville Redenbacher on your gift list.

Where to go in Ashland for a great selection of gifts? Our readers most often mentioned both Paddington Station (including Paddington Jewel Box, Inspired by Oregon, and their new store in the old Earthly Goods location); and NW Nature Shop in this category, followed by:

• Ashland Artisan Emporium
• Crown Jewel
• Prize
• Jupiter Row
• Manzanita
• American Trails
• Rare Earth

BEST PLACE TO BUY CHILDREN’S TOYS

After observing eight siblings, countless nieces and nephews, three children, and four grandchildren, I can safely say that when a child is given a sweater for a present, he or she will simply roll the eyes. Hand them a toy—any kind of toy—and they will squeal with delight. They could walk around in rags all day in exchange for that new Nintendo Switch. Even a yo-yo will send them to Seventh Heaven.

Where to go when you need to be buy them something that will hold their interest for more than two seconds? Northwest Nature Shop at 154 Oak Street, topped the charts in this category with a wide variety of gifts for children young and old.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Bugg’s Toys
• Tree House Books
• Earth Friendly Kids
• Paddington Station
• Goodwill store
• Bi-Mart

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

I grew up with six sisters so I pretty much know everything there is about women’s clothing. Just kidding … all I did was hang out in my room and pretty much avoided the attic, which my parents had converted into a palace for the girls. Sometimes my brothers and I would sneak up there and play around in the labyrinth of closets, getting a good look at all the dresses and blouses, but that’s about as far as my interest went. And of course, they all went to Catholic schools where every girl wore the same uniform, and that was kind of boring but certainly saved on the expense. And paying for Catholic schools was not cheap.

Anyway, where to go when you’re tired of wearing uniforms every day? Most of our readers chose Kixx, located downtown at 264 E. Main, although the top five were plenty close. They included:

• Déjà Vu
• Thread Hysteria
• Outback in the Temple of Venus
• Paddington Station (and their Jewel Box)

The list also featured:

• Avant Garb
• Jupiter Row
• Goodwill

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

I’m not sure why we limited this category to Mother’s Day because a bouquet of beautiful flowers will brighten up any day. Of course, you’re talking to a guy who planted close to 300 flowers in the yard this year. I seriously don’t mess around when it comes to the garden. It’s my hobby, and looking out my office window every day lifts the spirit.

According to our readers, their favorite this year was Manzanita Gifts & Flowers, located on the Plaza in downtown Ashland, followed by:

• Eufloria
• Ashland Food Co-op
• Albertson’s
• Ashland Greenhouses
• The Grange

GROCERY STORE WITH BEST SELECTION OF VEGETABLES

Here’s the thing about vegetables: they take essential nutrients from the soil and store them in their tissues so that they can be used by human beings who would not do well without them. Think scurvy, etc. And think about selenium, which is a known anti-carcinogen and helps with the immune response. Modern agriculture has pretty much depleted selenium from the soil, which is problematic, although by adding selenium salts to chemical fertilizers that problem can be avoided. Either way, eat your vegetables!

Where to go for the best selection of veggies? All of the local grocery stores were mentioned, but taking down top honors was Ashland Food Co-op, located on First Street in the Railroad District.

The list also included:

• Shop N Kart
• Market of Choice
• Albertson’s
• Safeway

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT JOBS

It isn’t necessary to call a professional for every little thing that goes wrong in the kitchen, bathroom or patio. Sometimes just a quick trip to YouTube will do the trick, because they’ll tell you every little thing you need to do and every little gadget (and tool) you’ll need to have. Just follow the instructions, and voila, problem solved. And if your eyes start to glaze over while trying to follow the video, well, there’s always the professional.

Where to go to find all the widgets and gadgets needed to get the job done? The runaway winner in this category was Ashland Ace Hardware, located on A Street in the Railroad District.

Others mentioned were:

• Home Depot
• Bi-Mart
• Grange

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR THE YARD/GARDEN

Winter time is relatively stress free when it comes to the yard and garden. Everything has gone dormant, all of the leaves have been picked up, the bears are hibernating, the squirrels are getting fat on their stored acorns, and most of the birds have gone south to Brazil. Come springtime, though, when all of the flowers and shrubs start blooming and photosynthesis goes crazy, your yard will be almost impossible to keep up with. That’s why it’s important to have all the tools, seeds, soil supplements, flower starts and fertilizers handy on a minute’s notice.

Where to go to stay on top of things and get expert advice? Our readers most often mentioned the Grange Co-op, located on A Street in the Railroad District, followed by:

• Ashland Greenhouses
• Valley View Nursery
• Ashland Ace Hardware
• Bi-Mart
• Home Depot

POLITICS

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

Each year we ask our readers to answer four political questions just to gauge the mood of the community. These answers are “relatively” accurate since very few people stuff the ballot for them.

1. Should the Community Center on Winburn Way be saved? It’s been a part of the Ashland community since 1922, but unfortunately things are starting to fall apart, and a couple of years ago it was closed due to safety issues. The City hired a firm to make repairs but according to the City, “Work on the long-closed building was paused after Outlier Construction workers on the project uncovered additional structural issues.” So it was back to the drawing board, and the City had to make the painful decision on whether to just tear it down or proceed straight ahead. Our readers want the City to save the building, and that is exactly what the City announced a couple of weeks ago that it was going to do, hoping that the current contract of just under $1 million can do the job. Demolition and construction of a new building, by the way, would cost $1.6 million.

Yes, save the Community Center: 93%

No, let it go: 7%

2. Should Ashland restrict the use of 5G towers in town? This is a fairly emotional issue for some people, as they’re convinced that all that electro-magnetic radiation is causing irreparable harm to cells in the body, most notably the brain. Others argue that the concerns are overblown and that radio waves are just a part of the universe. (Editor’s Note: yes, radio waves are part of the universe, but powerful transmitters that emit enough radio waves for everyone in Ashland to download movies onto their cell phones is something else. If you think about it logically, it’s not natural). Are the concerns over 5G transmitters enough to make us question the use of cell phones? Our readers were torn on this one.

Yes, the use of 5G tower should be restricted: 47%

No, let them be installed: 53%

3. Should the City do more to help local restaurants in this economy? They are the biggest employer by far in the entire city and they act as tax collectors for the City via the meals tax. Knowing all that, you’d think the City would cut them some slack. They also operate in an industry with a small profit margin and little room for error. Should the City do more to help restaurants survive? Should they ease up on some of the rules and regulations and make life a little easier for the restaurants? Our readers certainly agree.

Yes, help them as much as you can: 85%

No, let them twist in the wind: 15%

4. Should the City make it easier for affordable housing to be built? First of all, there’s a difference between affordable housing and affordable housing. The first, the adjective, means housing that is affordable for the average person to live in. That is defined as “housing that costs 30% or less of a household’s gross income.” The second, the noun, means housing that’s partly subsidized by the government (or lenders) and is available to low-income households. Here in Ashland (and elsewhere), we’re trying to do both, but it’s not easy in one of the most expensive places to live in the state. The cost of land and construction is so high that it’s hard for the average person to find a place that is less than 30% of their gross income. The City mainly concentrates on finding housing for low income households, and that’s cool. Our readers agree that the City should find a way to make more affordable housing available. If successful, that pool just might lower the cost of housing across the city … but don’t hold your breath.

Yes, make it easier: 86%

No, don’t bother: 14%

* * * * *

Well, that was certainly invigorating. I’ve been sitting in a chair for two days tabulating and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          writing this thing and am ready to join the real world again. I’ll keep you in the loop. Anyway, see you in February for Part II.

—C.H.

2025 Best of Ashland Part 2

I know there has been a lot of hand wringing, nail biting, and all-round general mayhem waiting an entire month for Part II of the “Best of Ashland” to come out, but even fine wines taste better with a little aging, right? So let’s see, has anything big happened since Part I came out? Well, Oregon got beat in the football playoffs, there was a huge celebration on January 20^th for Martin Luther King Day, and fires devastated whole swaths of Los Angeles. No wonder our readers poll got pushed off the front page of U.S. Today! Other than that, it’s been a fairly uneventful four weeks.

Amazingly, I checked our mailbox at the UPS Store the other day and found forty more ballots in the mail, even after I checked the box two days after the deadline. Apparently, the Post Office’s new policy of sending all the mail in Ashland to Anchorage, Alaska, by banana boat for processing is slowing things down a little bit. Sadly, three of the ballots included photos, which we will belatedly recognize. They include “Cute Baby” Arlo Riedl, “Cute Dog” Neeka Hrvatin, and “Cute Cat” Daisy Mae. Better late than never!

Anyway, enjoy Part II of the “Best of Ashland,” featuring restaurants and entertainment.

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

It’s a big leap of faith to open a restaurant. When I look back at my Restaurant Guide from 25 years ago, only about 15 of the 100 restaurants listed are still around today. But if you have faith in yourself (and your recipes), and you’re willing to put in the long hours, success will come your way.

Our readers were actually able to name eight different establishments that popped up in Ashland this year, so maybe the economy is back on track locally (thank you, Shakespeare Festival). Topping the list was Noble Fox, located at 101 Oak Street, in the old Standing Stone building.

Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Go Bowld at 1469 Siskiyou Boulevard
• Dangerous Lee’s Local 31 Pub, located at 31 Water Street. They just suffered water damage, but owner Julian Jones says they should be back open soon. Stay tuned for details.
• Billy’s Sports Bar & Lounge at 82 N. Main, which is actually connected to Thai Pepper, upstairs where the bar is located
• Mason’s on Main, at 357 E. Main, next to the Beau Club
• Indulge Artisan Cheesecakes, located at 33 3^rd Street, Unit 4
• Le Petit Café & Creperie, an outdoor stand at the corner of E. Main and Water Street, next to Plaza Salon
• Liquid Lounge, a wine bar at 370 E. Main

BEST BREAKFAST

Seriously, you have dinner around 6:00, watch reruns of “How I Met Your Mother,” go to bed around 10:00, and finally wake up at seven in the morning. You’ve gone 13 hours without any food and to make matters worse, you had a dream that you were stuck in a Moroccan prison for smuggling kumquats across the border, and all that the guards would feed you was moldy hummus and stale bread. No wonder you were hungry!

This is always a popular category, and the top five regularly get a ton of votes. Number one in the hearts (and stomachs) of readers this year was Morning Glory Café, located at 1149 Siskiyou, where Ryan took over from the Bernards last year.

The Top Five included:

• Brothers
• Breadboard
• Wild Goose
• Oak Tree

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Ruby’s
• Brickroom
• Greenleaf
• Hither

BEST LUNCH

Back in my carefree bachelor days, lunch meant whatever fast food restaurant happened to be on my radar. Probably the most healthy time of my life was when I was substitute teaching middle school and high school and would get in line for the cafeteria food. The only time I ever had to pack a lunch to work was working in Yellowstone National Park on the West District road crew. Baloney sandwiches were my “go to” option in those days, but I was young and dumb so I had a good excuse.

Once again, our readers were all over the map on this category, naming 28 different restaurants as their favorite. The competition was fierce, and this category ended as a tie between the Brickroom (35 N. Main, upstairs on the Plaza) and Ruby’s, located at 163 N. Pioneer, followed by:

• Pangea
• Sammich
• Greenleaf
• Brothers
• Breadboard
• Morning Glory
• Skout
• Oak Tree

BEST OMELETTES

I just read where egg prices are rising again and not because of misplaced political decisions but because the HPAI bird flu is decimating chickens around the world. When are these viruses going to leave us alone? Did you know that over 92 million birds have been killed since the outbreak in 2022, and now they’re worried about it spreading to cattle. Farmers are having to euthanize their stock of chickens just to play it safe. Here’s hoping it doesn’t jump to humans; we don’t need another pandemic.

Fortunately, our faithful and loyal chickens keep producing, making it possible to enjoy omelettes at our favorite restaurants. And according to our readers, that would be The Breadboard, located at 744 N. Main.

The list also included:

• Morning Glory
• Oak Tree
• Brothers
• Wild Goose
• Brickroom
• Greenleaf

BEST BLOODY MARYS      

It’s ironic that Queen Mary was given this nickname considering that she preferred burning people alive rather than chopping their heads off. She should have been called Flaming Mary. Anyway, this is a cocktail that doubles as an appetizer since it can include such things as herbs, celery, olives, and pickled vegetables, topped off with vodka, tomato juice, lime juice and Worcestershire sauce.

And when are readers were searching for the perfect Blood Mary, they most often named The Wild Goose Café & Bar at 2365 Ashland Street, followed by:

• Brothers
• Ruby’s
• Omar’s
• Brickroom
• Oak Tree

BEST CLAM CHOWDER     

What exactly are clams, anyway? I had to Google it to find out. They’re bivalve molluscs that burrow into the sand of the seafloor or river beds but do not attach to a substrate like oysters and mussels do. Some clams have life cycles of only one year, while at least one has been aged to over 500 years old. And you thought Joe Biden was old! The clam in question was named Ming and it was found off the coast of Iceland in 2006. Here’s hoping he didn’t end up in a clam chowder in Reykjavik.

Anyway, when it comes to the perfect clam chowder, our readers most often mentioned the ones at Pangea, located at 272 E. Main Street downtown.

Others singled out were:

• Sammich
• Omar’s
• Oak Tree
• Greenleaf
• Wild Goose
• Harvey’s
• Beasy’s on the Creek

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

Back when I first visited Ashland for the first time in 1976, there were only two dinnerhouses in the entire town. Now our readers were able to name 18 of them. We’re definitely not a two-horse town anymore, which is good because variety is the spice of life.

Topping the charts in this category for 2025 was a tie between Larks in the Ashland Springs Hotel downtown and Alchemy Restaurant & Bar, located in the Winchester Inn at 35 S. 2^nd.

Also high on the list were:

• Cocorico
• Beasy’s on the Creek
• Peerless
• Hearsay
• Omar’s
• Osteria La Briccola
• Chateaubriand 36
• Noble Fox

RESTAURANT WITH BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

It’s not like we live in a concrete jungle in Ashland. We have Ashland Creek running right through town and mountain views on both sides. I spent nine days in Paris last year, and I’ll have to admit that outdoor seating can be a lot of fun. On almost every single block, there were two or three cafes with tables out in front right off the sidewalk. Of course, the weather has to cooperate, but Paris has it down with retractable awnings and heaters.

Here in the Paris of Southern Oregon, our readers are most impressed with the outdoor seating arrangement at Peerless, located at 265 4^th Street, set amidst a beautiful flower and shrub garden.

The list also included:

• Skout
• Hearsay
• Greenleaf
• Noble Fox
• Beasy’s on the Creek
• Louie’s
• Thai Pepper

BEST STEAK ENTREES ON THE MENU

So according to the Internet, the ancestor of today’s cows (which provide us with meat, milk and cheese) were some beasts known as aurochs, “formidable creatures that stood about 6 feet tall.” Sometime around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent (Turkey, Syria, Iraq, etc.), early humans realized that the aurochs’ size, strength, and adaptability could be a great benefit, and they began to selectively breed them, eventually leading to the diverse cattle breeds we have today. The last remaining aurochs went extinct in the 1600s, likely due to hunting and habitat loss.

Today, there are millions of these descendants providing protein for billions of people around the globe on a daily basis. Where to go in Ashland for some great steaks? Most of our readers once again named Omar’s (1380 Siskiyou) as their favorite, although Chateaubriand 36 (36 S. 2^nd, across from Winchester Inn) came in a close second, followed by:

• Beasy’s on the Creek
• Bar Julliet
• Alchemy
• Cocorico
• Larks

BEST SEAFOOD ENTREES ON THE MENU

Back in my softball days, I used to play for the RCC team in Grants Pass, and one year Gerry Ford, a teacher at RCC and one of the funniest guys I ever met, recruited these two young hotshots, Derek and Aaron, to play left field and center field. They were truly amazing athletes and could run down any ball hit within their vicinity. During one game, after Derek made an unbelievable catch right near the fence, Gerry yelled out, “Three-quarters of the world is covered by oceans; the rest is covered by Derek and Aaron.” It got a pretty good laugh, and every time I eat something that comes out of the ocean, I think of Gerry, may he rest in peace.

When it comes to seafood dishes, our readers named both Kobe (96 N. Main) and Beasy’s on the Creek (51 Water Street), as their top favorites.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Sushi Heaven
• Omar’s
• Bar Julliet
• Peerless
• Alchemy
• Larks

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Sometimes my wife and I get carried away and end up eating at Mexican restaurants three nights a week. But then, when we visit Cabo san Lucas we eat Mexican food seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so what’s the big deal? Ya gotta do what makes you feel good, right?

And when our readers want to feel good about Mexican restaurants, they have quite a few to pick from in Ashland. Amazingly, there were four restaurants that garnered a lot of support, and since they were all separated by just a few votes, it was hard to unilaterally declare one to be the favorite. So in lieu of that, here are Ashland four favorite Mexican restaurants in alphabetical order:

• Agave (5 Granite Street)
• El Paraiso, located at 545 Clover Lane, east of the south Interstate
• Puerto Mazatlan (1209 Siskiyou Boulevard, across from the college)
• Taqueria Picaro, located at 76 N. Pioneer

Also mentioned a lot was El Tapatio, Ramiro’s fun restaurant located at 1633 Highway 99 North, above Ashland Motor.

BEST MARGARITAS

One of my favorite scenes from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure from the far distant 1980s took place in a biker bar in Texas with Pee Wee on top of the bar in six-inch heels dancing to the song “Tequila.” Just now I typed in “Pee Wee Herman Tequila” on Youtube and watched it again. Hilarious! Almost makes me want to take a break and visit a local restaurant for a nice cool margarita.

Where would I go? Our readers were most impressed with the concoctions of both Agave and Taqueria Picaro, both located in downtown Ashland, followed by:

• El Paraiso
• Puerto Mazatlan
• El Tapatio
• Ruby’s
• Oak Tree

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

The Olympics last summer were certainly exciting. Like a lot of people, I was watching the gold medal race between the U.S. and China. Nothing against China, but they take young kids with potential and train them at special schools designed to produce Olympic champions. The kids actually have no life, and it almost seems like cheating to me. China took an early lead in the gold medal count, mainly because of obscure sports like underwater basket weaving, but in real sports like track and field, the U.S. excelled. Finally on the last weekend, the U.S. men’s and women’s basketball teams won gold medals (the final games were both against France, which was pretty amazing since they were the host country) and we tied China 40-40 for gold medals.

Back to the real world, our readers mentioned all of the local Asian restaurants as their favorites, and this ended as a tie between Thai Pepper (84 N. Main) and Kobe, conveniently located just three doors down at 96 N. Main.

Here’s the complete list, even ones who got only a few votes:

• Sushi Heaven
• Sawadee Thai & Asian Cuisine
• Mam’s Happy Thai
• Bonsai Teriyaki
• Umami
• Blue Toba
• Taj
• House of India
• Yuan Yuan
• Masala
• Harana
• Golden Dynasty
• Happy Bowl
• Hiro Ramen

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

One of my favorite movies of all time is Roman Holiday, featuring Audrey Hepburn, who won an Academy Award in 1954 for her portrayal of a young princess who goes rogue in Rome and pretends to be an average person. She “hooks up” with Gregory Peck, a young reporter looking for a story, and when he finds out surreptitiously that she’s the missing princess, the plot thickens.

Meanwhile, in Grants Pass our readers were definitely not missing as they named Osteria La Briccola (18 Calle Guanajuato) as their favorite, although Martino’s (58 E. Main) came in a close second, followed by:

• Carlito’s
• Pie & Vine (unfortunately, they sold the business)
• Martolli’s

FAVORITE PIZZA PLACE

I ended up in southern Oregon because two of my buddies from college days in Indiana moved out here with their wives and opened a pizza (and stromboli) restaurant in Grants Pass called The Bistro. I stopped by in February 1976 after finishing a tour of ski resorts in western states and loved it so much I kept coming back. I even helped out in the restaurant, mainly tending bar and delivering Chicago-style deep dish pizzas to the tables. Fun times.

And when it comes to pizzas, this category also featured three restaurants that were virtually tied, so in alphabetical order, here are the favorite pizza places in Ashland:

• Creekside Pizza Bistro, 91 ½ N. Main
• Great American Pizza at 1448 Ashland Street
• Martolli’s Hand-Tossed Pizza (38 E. Main, across from the Plaza)

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• NW Pizza & Pasta
• Clyde’s Corner in Phoenix
• Papa Murphy’s (unfortunately, they closed down)

RESTAURANT WITH BEST APPETIZERS

Every good waitperson knows this cardinal rule: before doing anything, ask everyone at the table if they would like to be served any drinks. Even if the kitchen is a little slow, the customer will still be happy sipping on that Basil Hayden Manhattan. Then, just in case the kitchen is real slow, you can ask them if they’re interested in some appetizers to tide them over until the entrees are served. Keeping customers happy ain’t rocket science, especially if the kitchen is slow.

Our readers apparently love their appetizers, as they named 15 different restaurants in this survey, starting with their number one, Bar Juillet on the Plaza, followed by

• Omar’s
• Cocorico
• Skout
• Alchemy
• Brickroom
• Noble Fox

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

In some alternate universe, all restaurants will be staffed by surly people who will make fun of the way you dress, slam menus on the table after making you sit there for 15 minutes twiddling your thumbs, coughing up phlegm as he or she delivers the food, then demanding that you leave a 30% tip or you won’t be allowed in the restaurant again. Brutal, huh? That scenario should be enough to make you appreciate all the hard-working friendly waitstaff we have here in the Rogue Valley.

And in that regard, our readers most often named the friendly staff at Cocorico, located at 15 N. 1^st Street.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Greenleaf
• Harvey’s
• Puerto Mazatlan
• Breadboard
• Wild Goose
• Oak Tree
• Omar’s
• Caldera

FAVORITE “QUICK SERVICE” RESTAURANT

Fast food and “quick service” restaurants definitely serve a purpose: when you’re really really hungry and in a big hurry because you’re late for that golf outing, you don’t want to lollygag at a sit-down restaurant. They also come in handy when the boss gives you 30 minutes for lunch and don’t be late or you can just kiss that year-end bonus goodbye.

Where to go for quick, efficient service and great food? Our readers most often mentioned Burrito Republic (46 E. Main) and their sister restaurant on the south end, Falafel Republic, located at (1465 Siskiyou, just down from Market of Choice).

Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Ruby’s/Gil’s
• Taqueria Picaro
• Agave
• Go Bowld
• Flip
• Wendy’s
• Taco Bell
• Bento Express
• Simple Cafe

BEST SELECTION OF BURGERS

The city of Hamburg, Germany, is famous for two things: 1. The Beatles got their start there from 1960-1962, and 2.) For its specially designed sandwiches featuring “two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun” (shh … don’t tell McDonald’s I used their copyrighted slogan).

Ashland may be 5,258 miles from Hamburg, but that didn’t stop our readers from naming Flip (92 N. Main) as their favorite, although Sammich (424 Bridge Street), Louie’s on the Plaza, and Big Al’s (474 N. Main) all received their fair share of votes.

The list also included:

• Brickroom
• Omar’s
• Dangerous Lee’s Local 31 Pub
• Skout
• Wild Goose

BEST VEGETARIAN SELECTION

We may be carnivorous, but we aren’t the only ones. Nature is red in tooth and claw, so we aren’t the only predators out there who are stalking fellow animals and then eating them for calories. I sometimes feel guilty about eating chickens and cows, but then I watch a Discovery channel segment on lions taking down huge wildebeest on the Serengeti, and I realize it’s just life. I also realize that eating a whole food diet is a lot better for one’s health, and I’ve been trying to incorporate that as much as possible lately.

Where to go for a great selection of vegetarian options?  Our readers most often mentioned Sauce, located in the Ashland Shopping Center, followed by:

• Pangea
• Ashland Co-Op Deli
• Blue Toba
• Taj
• Sawadee
• Hither
• Go Bowld
• Greenleaf

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

They come in all shapes and sizes, from bite-size sandwiches at an English High Tea to foot-long monstrosities on sourdough bread. You can also add all the accoutrements and condiments of your choosing, including various kinds of meat, cheeses and vegetarian selections. The possibilities are endless, which is why the Great American Sandwich has become so popular worldwide.

And when it comes to a great selection of sandwiches, are readers once again named Sammich, Melissa McMillan’s restaurant at 424 Bridge Street, although Pangea, located at 272 E. Main in downtown Ashland, came in a close second.

The list also included:

• Ashland Food Co-op Deli
• Breadboard
• Louie’s
• Morning Glory
• Subway
• Oak Tree
• Wild Goose
• Brothers
• Ruby’s

BEST PLACE TO GET COFFEE

This should have been broken down into two categories because a.) sometime people are in a big hurry and just want to visit a drive-up coffee stand, and b.) others want to sit and relax in a coffeehouse, mingling with friends and turning it into a social event. In that latter respect, this was a 3-way tie between Rogue Valley Roasting Company (917 E. Main), Noble Coffee Roasting, located at 282 4^th Street, and Mix on the Plaza.

Also mentioned a lot was Pony Espresso, located at 175 Lithia Way, followed by:

• Remix
• Case Coffee
• Human Bean
• Dutch Brothers
• Bloomsbury Blends
• Starbucks
• Hither

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LOCAL CONCERT LAST YEAR

Ashland residents aren’t hurting for musical events, from the Rogue Valley Symphony to local bars and restaurants, so there’s plenty of action to go around.

This year our readers were most impressed with the performance by the Blue Lightning Band at the Green Show last summer, followed by:

• The Rogue Valley Symphony concert in April with renowned violinist Nancy Zhou
• The concerts in Lithia Park hosted by Epic Ashland
• Pink Martini’s concert at the Britt Festival
• Concerts by Southern Oregon Rep Singers, Siskiyou Singers and Rogue Valley Chorale
• Concerts by the Ashland City Band at the Bandshell
• The Tutunov Piano Series at Oregon Center for the Arts at SOU
• The Chris Izaak concert at Britt

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

The concept is simple and popular: open up art galleries and local businesses to a celebration of art and local artists, provide refreshments and music entertainment, and let everyone stroll the streets of Ashland while also enjoying food and libations at local bars and restaurants. It easily turns into a fun social event for the entire community.

All of the usual suspects were mentioned by our readers in this category, and the top nod went to Art & Soul Ashland at 247 E. Main in the historic Elks Building and featuring a strong lineup of local artists.

Other venues mentioned a lot were:

• KS Wild
• Vida Bakery
• Art on 1^st
• Ashland Art Works
• Gypsy Rose Studio
• American Trails

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

Everyone talks about how Van Gogh only sold one painting in his life, but did you know that Leonardo da Vinci spent fourteen years working on the Mona Lisa, and then never even gave it to the del Giocondo family who’d been subsidizing his lifestyle? It was acquired by King Francis of France in 1519 after Leonardo’s death. Now that’s what I call a labor of love, which probably describes most artists when talking about their work.

A number of artists were mentioned by our readers, and the number one choice was Betty LaDuke, who has gained an international reputation for her murals, paintings and sketches. “Her work tends to express socialist progress and life’s continuity, from images of America’s civil rights struggles to women’s struggles for survival in war-ridden spoiled lands.” Betty was also voted Favorite Artist in 2014.

Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Julia Janeway
• Gabriel Lipper
• John Pugh
• Chris Briscoe
• Cathy Dorris
• Art Van Kraft

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OFF-BARDWAY)

There’s nothing like seeing people in the flesh portraying their characters without note cards or teleprompters, relying on their memory and their interpretation of the character. It’s very exciting, and in addition to having a world-renowned Shakespeare Festival in our midst, there are plenty of local theater groups more than willing to entertain us.

Our readers agreed, and this year they named Little Shop of Horrors, which played to packed houses at Oregon Cabaret Theatre last spring, as their number one choice.

Also receiving votes were:

• Camelot Theatre’s Anything Goes
• Collaborative Theatre’s Witch
• Rogue Theatre Company’s Gidion’s Knot
• OCT’s Legally Blonde
• Camelot Theatre’s Sound of Music
• Rogue Theatre’s Off Peak
• Collaborative’s A Christmas Carol

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE (OFF-BARDWAY)

A select group of actors was named by our readers in this category, with the top mention going to Russel Lloyd for his performance as Ebeneezer Scrooge in Collaborative Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol, followed by:

• Jake Swain in OCT’s Little Shop of Horrors
• Michael Elich in Rogue Theatre’s Off Peak
• Barret O’Brien in Camelot’s Scarpino
• Galloway Stevens in OCT’s Legally Blonde
• Nick Ferucci in OCT’s Sherlock Holmes and the Study in Scarlet
• Marcus Hardesty in Collaborative’s Tom Jones
• Ryon Lane in Camelot’s Sound of Music

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE – FEMALE (OFF-BARDWAY)

On the female side of the ledger, the number one favorite was Amirah David for her role as Maria in Camelot Theatre’s Sound of Music.

The list also included:

• Morgan Heckler in OCT’s Legally Blonde
• Tegan Kelly as Puck in Collaborative’s Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Domenique Lozano in Rogue Theatre’s Gidion’s Knot
• Gwendolyn Duffy in Camelot’s Anything Goes
• Dani Brady in OCT’s Little Shop of Horrors

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OSF)

The Festival was back up and running at full strength last year. The pandemic almost did them in (join the club), but with the help of the community and some new leadership, they survived and put together a strong season, with more to come. Our readers were able to name all ten productions as their favorite last year, which is a testament to the strength of the company’s program. Taking down top honors was Lizard Boy, which told the story of a lonesome outsider in his hometown, whose skin turned green and scaly after a childhood encounter with a dragon. The show was set in the Festival’s intimate Thomas Theatre.

The Top Five included:

• Much Ado about Nothing
• Born with Teeth
• Virgins to Villains
• Macbeth

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE – MALE (OSF)

There were plenty of strong performance from the guys, with the number one nod going to Rodney Gardiner, playwright and performer in Smote This, A Comedy about God … and other Serious *H*T, followed by:

• Justin Huertas in Lizard Boy
• David Kelly as Duncan in Macbeth
• Kevin Kennerly as Macbeth
• Barzin Akhavan in Behfarmaheen (if you please)

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE – FEMALE (OSF)

The women had it going, too, and in this category, Robin Goodrin Nordli won for Virgins to Villains, a show she created chronicling her “journey with Shakespeare’s women.”

The list also featured:

• Amy Kim Waschke as Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing
• Kiki deLohr in Lizard Boy
• Erica Sullivan as Lady Macbeth
• Jennie Greenberry as Jane Eyre

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/SINGER

My wife makes fun of me when I claim to be a karaoke singer by belting out “Stranger in the Night” by Frank Sinatra. I think it’s pretty good and I have no idea why every dog in the neighborhood is going crazy. Some people just don’t appreciate good music … I’m kidding; my voice is actually horrible.

Our readers certainly appreciate music, and they named Rihanna Shae, an aspiring singer-songwriter as their favorite. Born and raised in Ashland, Rihana found success with indie pop releases. She’s now embracing the raw, earthy sounds that reflect her roots. With a small tour on the horizon this spring and summer, Rihana invites fans to experience her new music firsthand.

Others popular with our readers were:

• Robbie DaCosta
• Shae Celine of the Rogue Suspects
• Jeff Kloetzel
• Erik Connolly
• Karl Iverson
• Michael Palewicz

BEST DANCE BAND

This is another category near and dear to my heart as a confirmed danceaholic. I went back to Indiana last June for a wedding of a grandniece, and I danced with 19 different people at the reception, including the groom … he asked me to dance LOL. I assume many of our readers are also dancers, as this was a popular category, with the Rogue Suspects winning, although Blue Lightning and the Robbie DaCosta Band were not far behind.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Brothers Reed
• Salsa Brava
• Cooler Heads

BEST VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC 

Ashland is not a total wasteland when it comes to live music, as our readers were actually able to name 13 different places. And to prove it to you, I’m going to name all 13, starting with the two top vote getters, The Wild Goose (2365 Ashland Street) and Dangerous Lee’s Local 31 Pub (31 Water Street, downstairs).

The full list included:

• Ashland Historic Armory
• The Green Show
• Growler Guys
• Grizzly Peak Winery
• Belle Fiore
• SOU Music Recital Hall
• Oberon’s
• The Bandshell in Lithia Park
• Paschal Winery
• Liquid Lounge
• Elk’s Club

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF BEER

I didn’t really become a fan of beer until I reported for duty in the U.S. Army in Mannheim, Germany, in August 1970. Our first night in Frankfurt, we went to the E.M. (enlisted men) Club to have some beers, and we were greeted with these huge 18-ounce jobbers that had a little ceramic top that you could secure for later enjoyment. I had two of those beers and could hardly walk back to the barracks, but there’s nothing like the taste and feel of a good German beer.

Where to go when searching for a good selection of beer? There were quite a few places mentioned, but the number one choice was both Caldera Brewery & Restaurant (590 Clover Lane) and Growler Guys, located at 345 Lithia Way, followed by:

• Skout
• Gil’s
• Oak Tree
• Irish Pub

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF COCKTAILS

Yeah, my great-great-great granduncle was named Basil Hayden, and in the early 1800s he was well known in eastern Kentucky for the bourbon he made from a huge still out in the woods. Years later the Hayden family would go legit, and a bottle of Basil Hayden soon became one of the best selling bourbons in the country. During an episode of the TV series Deadwood, set in 1876, the brothel owner said to the bartender to “send up a fine bottle of Basil Hayden to the room.” I felt so proud! I’m now addicted to Basil Hayden Manhattans.

And when it comes to finding that perfect Manhattan, our readers most often mentioned Alchemy Restaurant & Bar, located at 35 S. 2^nd Street.

Others making the list were:

• Brickroom
• Bar Juillet
• Hearsay
• Larks
• Noble Fox
• Omar’s
• Liquid Lounge

FAVORITE GETAWAY ON THE COAST

When it gets up to 108 degrees in the shade, there’s nothing like getting into an air-conditioned car and driving to the coast. The views are breathtaking, the power of the ocean is awe-inspiring, and the community welcomes out-of-towners as an important part of their economic base.

And in this regard, our readers love the town of Bandon, with beautiful views of the ocean, good restaurants and nightlife, and some world-famous golf courses.

The list also included:

• Brookings and the nearby Harris Beach State Park and Whaleshead Beach Resort
• Newport
• Gold Beach
• Coos Bay
• Florence
• Yachats
• Port Orford

FAVORITE VENDOR AT THE GROWERS’ MARKET

It’s practically an institution in Ashland, with a Tuesday Market at ScienceWorks, and a Saturday Market downtown on Oak Street, where scores of local vendors offer everything from fruits and vegetables to cheese, desserts, tamales, and crafts.

Taking down the top honors this year was Fry Family Farm on 90 acres of land off Wagner Creek Road, where Suzi and Steve Fry started farming in 1990.

Also garnering a lot of votes were:

Rise Up Artisan Breads, operating out of 280 acres of forest and farmland in the Little Applegate Valley where they bake their bread in the French Artisan bread tradition

• Gerardo’s empenadas
• Jo Cullumbine’s Green Springs Bodyworks
• Griffin Creek Coffee
• Wandering Roots Farm
• Willow Witt Ranch
• The donuts
• Wild Bee Honey Farm

FAVORITE WINERY/VINEYARD

My wife and I visited a vineyard, Saint-Émilion, outside Bordeaux, France, in 2019, and there were thousands of acres of grape vines everywhere you looked. It was truly amazing and beautiful, and while the Rogue Valley will never come close to the Bordeaux region, we can certainly give it our best shot.

Our readers love their local vineyards, naming 18 of them in this survey, reserving their number one nod for Weisinger Family Winery, Ashland’s original craft winery since 1988, located at 3150 Siskiyou Boulevard, followed by:

• Irvine & Roberts
• Longwalk
• Dana Campbell
• Grizzly Peak
• Paschal
• Belle Fiore
• Dancin’

* * * * *

Well, there you go, another year, another Best of Ashland. If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at sneakpre@mind.net. —C.H.

Another year, another “Best of Ashland,” and once again our readers responded beautifully, sending in over 300 ballots. Yes, there were 144 categories and while some complained that it was too much, we only asked that readers respond to as many as they felt comfortable with.
It’s been a fairly ho-hum year in Ashland since the last “Best” was published in February 2014, so maybe this survey will help bust things open. The highlights from last year included:

• A citizens’ request to the City Council to ban the open carrying of guns brought the crazies out of the woodwork. In the end, the Council decided to do nothing because, heck, we all need to pack weapons when walking around town.
• The Council also voted in February to speed up the construction of the Talent-Ashland-Phoenix water Intertie. It was finished in late August, just in time for the drought (although we never had to use it, thanks to the citizens stepping up and conserving water).
• It was a bad year for Mt. Ashland as the ski area failed to open for the first time ever. They achieved a short-term loan to stay afloat and began to majorly pray for snow this year. Their prayers were answered.
• The biggest story of the year was the citizen-driven ballot measure in May that banned GMO crops from Jackson County. Despite Monsanto donating $28 zillion to defeating the measure, it passed with 64% of the vote. Take that, Monsanto!
• The Legislature passed a bill allowing for medical marijuana dispensaries. Although some cities placing a one-year moratorium on them, dispensaries started cropping up in southern Oregon. In November, voters would actually legalize the use of recreational marijuana, and it will soon be a brave, new world in this state.
• Jim Giancarlo of Oregon Cabaret Theatre unexpectedly died in August, and the outpouring of support at his memorial service was extraordinary.
• The November election for City Council was a yawner, as both Pam Marsh and Steffani Seffinger won in landslides. In the rematch race for the State Senate, incumbent Alan Bates was able to fend off a vigorous challenge by Dave Dotterer.
• The City Council instituted a plastic bag ban, which went into effect November 1. The Conservation Commission wanted to charge people 25¢ for paper bags, but the Council balked and changed it to a dime.

But onward to the future! These results were painstakingly compiled by our staff with a keen eye on ferreting out ballot stuffing. This is not an exact science nor is it the final arbiter on the “popularity” of anything but is, rather, an opportunity to recognize as many people, businesses and organizations as possible. On categories that were close, we have awarded multiple ties; in a survey like this, that is the only fair way to do it.
Anyway, have fun with this, our 24th annual “Best of Ashland.”

DEMOGRAPHICS

To gauge exactly what kind of people were answering this survey, we asked the question “favorite movie of all time.” We got probably 100 different responses but only recorded answers that received at least two responses. The results show how eclectic our readership is:

• Gone with the Wind.
• Sound of Music.
• The Princess Bride.
• Out of Africa.
• Shawshank Redemption.
• Wizard of Oz.

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

You’d think in this era of instant video gratification with Youtube, Skype, Facebook and Instagram, that no one would take the time to listen to a box with people talking … but you’d be wrong. It seems that radio is as popular as ever, and this is one category which every single one of our voters answered.
I wish I could say that a commercial station challenged the supremacy of Jefferson Public Radio in this category, but once again it was a major landslide victory.
Other favorites included:

• KRWQ.
• KCMX (Lite 102).
• KISS-FM (107.5).
• KROG.
• KBOY.
• KSJK (1230-AM0.

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

They also go by the moniker “disc jockey,” aka dj’s, but not all radio personalities play Top 40 songs amid pithy repartee, one-liners and up-to-date reports on I-5 drug busts. Take, for instance, this year’s winner Geoffrey Riley, who has been a journalist in southern Oregon for over three decades now, from radio to TV. He’s now the full-time host of The Jefferson Exchange on JPR.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Don Matthews at JPR.
• Maria Kelly at JPR.
• Gemineye at KISS-FM.
• Colleen Pyke at JPR.
• Leslie Haze at Lite 102.

BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

On the radio you can hear about the big pileup on I-5, but with TV you can see all the mangled bodies and severed limbs … just kidding, just kidding. Our local TV newspeople are very discrete about that kind of stuff, and we thank them for staying on top of local happenings every day of the week.
And in that regard, our readers once again chose NewsWatch 12 (KDRV) as their favorite. The battle for number two ended up in an exact tie between KTVL (Channel 10) and KOBI/Channel 5.
Also receiving votes were Fox 26 and Southern Oregon Public Television.

FAVORITE TV SPORTS ANCHOR/REPORTER

Covering the Ashland High School volleyball team’s rush to the playoffs might not be as exciting as reporting on the World Cup from Rio de Janeiro, but for most people it’s way more important. Seriously, how life-shattering is it that Germany beat Brazil 7-1 when the Lady Grizzlies are winning tournaments in Bend?
Taking down the number one spot this year was Chris Leone of KDRV NewsWatch 12. Chris has been with the NewsWatch 12 team since October 2010. He grew up in the Northeast and graduated from Syracuse University in 2008 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism.
Also making the list were:

• Will Maetzoid of KTVL.
• Brandon Kamerman of KDRV.

FAVORITE REPORTER AT THE DAILY TIDINGS

There was a major change at our favorite almost-daily newspaper in August, when they followed the lead of the Sneak Preview and went to a tabloid-sized publication. The change was a good one, as they brought in a new editor who actually lives and works in town, while employing a host of local writers to concentrate on Ashland. Taking down the top spot this year was sports editor Joe Zavala, who practically became a household name with his coverage of the SOU football team winning a national championship this year.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Vickie Aldous.
• John Darling, freelance reporting.
• Bert Etling, the new editor.
• Chris Honoré, columnist.
• Angela Decker, columnist.

BEST PART OF THE SNEAK PREVIEW

When I started the Sneak Preview 28 years ago, there was one column that I knew had to be included every month: a Profile featuring someone in the community who was active in an organization. It would be a chance for the person to plug his group while also answering important questions like “Favorite Movie” and “Favorite Beatle Song.” I knew it would be a popular column, and I was right, as The Profile once again won this category.
Practically every article or column got some kind of recognition, and our writers appreciate the accolades. Coming in second place were our monthly cover stories, which attempt to report on local issues in a more in-depth, Gonzo-style manner.
Also popular with our readers are:

• The Business Grapevine.
• The Ads, (“Very good local resource,” one person wrote).
• The “Best of Ashland.”
• Letters to the Editor.
• News Briefs.
• Calendar of Events.
• “Twenty Years Ago Today” article.
• Theater, music and art reviews.
• Rick Bleiweiss’s stuff.
• And our favorite: “All of it!”

PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

Each month I write a “Twenty Years Ago Today” column in which I go through Sneak Previews from 20 years ago. I’m totally amazed at how many businesses are no longer with us. Being an entrepreneur is risky business (pun intended), but it can also be extremely rewarding … especially if you succeed. Even in failure, though, you can at least say you gave it a try.
Anyway, winning this category for 2015 was a tie between Harvey’s Place (50 E. Main) and The Brick Room (35 N. Main, upstairs). These two businesses had some tough shoes to fill, as Harvey’s replaced the downtown institution Chateaulin Restaurant, while The Brick Room is where Alex’s used to be. A changing of the guard!
Coming in a close third was Piccadilly Cycles at 525 A Street, followed by:

• Granite Taphouse at 23 N. Main (upstairs).
• Live at the Armory, promoting events at Ashland Historic Armory.
• Home State BBQ (376 E. Main).
• NW Raw Organic Juice Bar at 370 E. Main.
• Dobrá Teahouse at 75 N. Main.
• Blue Toba (Indonesian food) at 1690 Ashland St. (next to Printfast).
• The Lunch Show at 165 E. Main.
• Swing Tree Brewing Company at 300 E. Hersey.
• The Leaf & Dragon (33 N. First).
• Platt Anderson Cellars Winery.

FAVORITE BUSINESSPERSON

One of the keys to having a successful business is to ensure that your community is strong and vital. Most businesspeople you see on this list just don’t open the doors to their business every morning and hope for the best. They donate their time, energy and money to community organizations and projects that generate goodwill among their customers and a thriving local economy. Among those was this year’s winner Jason Gallagher, the head honcho at Live at the Armory, a production company that is trying to bring the magic back to the Ashland Historic Armory with plenty of shows and events.
The list also included:

• Pam and Don Hammond of Paddington Station.
• Tom Beam of Pasta Piatti and Sesame.
• Alex Amarotico of Standing Stone.
• Morgan George of Northwest Pizza and Pasta.
• Neil Clooney of Smithfield’s.
• John Brenes of the Music Coop.
• Jim Teece of Ashland Home Net.

FAVORITE FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

You gotta love a place where mom, dad, siblings, nieces, nephews and even grandparents chip in to help the cause. There are quite a few businesses in town where it’s a “family affair.” Winning the hearts and minds of our readers this year was La Casa del Pueblo, where the De La Cruz family (Salvador, Lupe, Ramon, etc., etc.) try to make you feel at home and part of their extended family.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• NW Nature Shop.
• Paddington Station.
• Gold & Gems.
• Breadboard.
• Standing Stone.
• Weisinger’s Family Winery.

FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER

It’s hard to pick a time in our lives that holds more power over our imagination than high school. As soon as you get out, people are already planning reunions, and it never stops, from the 10th to the 50th.  The friends you make in high school are forever, and some of the teachers helped determine your direction in life. You can be 50 years old when you run into an old teacher at Safeway, and you’ll still refer to him as Mr. Smith.
Quite a few teachers were mentioned in this survey, starting with the number one choice, Todd Hobein, who teaches Earth Science and Biology.
He was followed in the balloting by:

• Nikki Thommen, Humanities.
• Betsy Bishop, Humanities and Fine Arts, including Drama.
• Jay Preskenis, Humanities.
• Kate Kennedy, Science.
• Caroline Spear, Fine Arts and Alternative Education.
• Charlie Hall, PE teacher and head football coach.

FAVORITE PRINCIPAL

When you’re young and in school, the principal is equivalent to being President of the World. Actually, President of the World would be a step down from the all-knowing, all-wise position of principal. Almost all of the local principals were named in this survey, and we’ll name the Top Four, starting with Steve Retzlaff at the Middle School, and followed by:

• Michelle Zundel at the high school.
• Glenna Stiles at Helman Elementary.
• Catherine Razi at the Siskiyou School.

FAVORITE CROSSING GUARD

Who would have thought that a crossing guard could be controversial, but that’s exactly what happened when this year’s favorite, Chris Miller, decided to liven the job up by donning elaborate and funny costumes while blasting rock music from his car on Walker Street, near the Middle School and Walker Elementary. Unfortunately, the School District felt that it was a distraction, and Miller graciously cleaned up his act.
Others popular with our readers were:

• Lillian Toothman at the middle school.

FAVORITE LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE

Whether you’re quarterback of the football team or backup wrestler in the 120-pound division, you still give it your all. While quite a few local athletes were mentioned, it was Hope Baldrica, a star volleyball player, who got the most recognition. Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Gabe Lehrburger, boys soccer.
• Georgia Williams, girls basketball.
• Kyle Weinberg, quarterback, football team.
• Facie Graham, girls soccer.
• Jordan Tilley, volleyball.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT SOU

 Watching SOU win the national championship on ESPN was total fun, but the players still had to come back to Ashland and take finals. Life just kind of goes on, doesn’t it? Quite a few faculty members were mentioned in this survey, including this year’s winner Mike Jones, in the Department of Health & Physical Education.
Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Miles Inada, Digital Arts.
• Edwin Battistella, English.
• David Humphrey, Theatre Arts.
• Dennis Slattery, Business.
• Paul French, Choral Studies.
• Vickie Purslow, Music.

CUTEST BABY BORN IN LAST YEAR

The balloting was fast and furious this year for “Cutest Baby,” but in the end Twain Nunes garnered the most support. Our congratulations to Twain and his parents, Ashley and Matt.

FAVORITE DENTIST

Did you know that sharks grow a new set of teeth every two weeks to replace worn teeth? (Probably from eating surfers and old Michelins floating in the ocean.) That would certainly keep the shark dentists busy. Humans aren’t that lucky; we have to take really good care of our teeth or problems can occur at any time. Dentists come in handy to not only handle emergencies but to also prevent problems from occurring in the first place.
There was some extraordinary interest in this category this year, and three dentists battled it out for the top spot. Our congratulations to the winners—Eugene Robbins, Brandt Cullen and Brady Frank.
The Top Twelve featured:

• Brian Kitchell.
• Ed Warr.
• Gary McGraw.
• Tom Dumont.
• James Benson.
• Dan Jackson.
• Joe Cochran.
• Eric Jones.
• Mike Henneman.

FAVORITE DOCTOR

Here in Oregon, we have the luxury of having a doctor for governor, and John Kitzhaber has been making the news lately for stopping at scenes of medical emergencies and working his magic. When we don’t have the gov around, however, we have to make do, and our readers named 35 different doctors as their favorites.
Topping the list this year was Jani Rollins, who also won this category in 2008 and 2001.
The list also included:

• Craig Mather.
• Sylvia Chatroux.
• John Sager.
• John Delgado.
• Leslie Stone.
• Dee Christlieb.
• Richard Morris.
• Karin Kuhl.

FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONER

I Googled “Obamacare and Alternative Medicine” just now and was relieved to hear that the Affordable Care Act will make a point of including complementary medicine as part of its coverage (unless, of course, the Supreme Court decides otherwise, but that’s a topic for another day). Preventive medicine is actually the wave of the future, and I think everyone should be relieved to hear that you don’t have to be on pharmaceutical drugs to be healthy.
Anyway, there were 30 alternative medicine practitioners mentioned in this survey, which is a testament to its growing strength all across southern Oregon. The number one mention in this category was Dr. Deborah Gordon, an MD who practices holistic medicine, “treating patients by looking at the body as a whole.”
The list of favorites was fairly extensive and included:

• Acupuncturist Jenn Collins.
• Naturopathic doctor Geoff Houghton.
• Acupuncturist Ken Bendat.
• Naturopathic doctor Bonnie Nedrow.
• Chiropractor Kathleen Manley.
• Acupuncturist Jody Herriott.
• Chiropractor Marc Heller.
• Mona Tara, MD, specializing in holistic care.
• Acupuncturists Jason and Kara Miller, of Jade Mountain.
• Acupuncturist Suzanne Sky.
• Chiropractor Jordan Weeda.

FAVORITE NURSE PRACTITIONER

According to Wikipedia, Nurse Practitioners “have completed advanced coursework and clinical education that gives them clinical competencies for expanded practice beyond that of a registered nurse (RN).” Our readers obviously know who they are, as they were able to name 15 of them in this survey, including their number one choice, which was a tie between Patti Frires and Kathryn Stringer.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Carolyn Self.
• Shannon Rio.
• Caroline Dryland.
• Cindy Parks.

FAVORITE MASSAGE THERAPIST    

You just got back from a weight lifting tournament, and then your neighbor asked you to carry her new refrigerator up three flights of stairs. Now, for some obscure reason, every muscle in your body aches. Where to go? Ashland certainly has its share of massage therapists, and I would love to name all 32 of them that our readers singled out, but we’ll have to stick with the top ten. Topping the charts again this year was Leinani Lundahl, followed by:

• Kelly Vittoria.
• JoAnn Lewis of Family Massage Education Center.
• Lily Baty of Sunshine Salon.
• Jode Dawson of Clear Creek Healing Arts.
• Ruby Henrie of Cascade Massage.
• Beka Chandler.
• Noah Volz.
• Eden McCarthy.
• Gema Allen.

FAVORITE HYPNOTHERAPIST

To the person who wrote in, “I.M. Sleepynow,” we’ll have to admit, that was pretty funny. Hypnotherapy can actually be fairly effective for resolving some personal issues, and when our readers wanted to get some help in that regard, they most often called (in alphabetical order):

• Rochelle Jaffe.
• Renee Miereanu.
• Lydia Norris.

Also receiving votes were:

• Nancy Bloom.
• Teja Shankara.

FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

So your date comes to pick you up for a wonderful night out on the town, and when he or she pulls up in front of the house, you notice that the car is a convertible. You panic, but since you have your hair stylist on speed dial, you agree to have him or her meet you at the restaurant for a quick once-over in the bathroom. Then voilá, you look like a million bucks again.
Whom to call when you need that emergency once-over (or even a monthly tune-up)? Our readers were able to mention 38 different hair stylists, with the top nod being a tie between Ann-Britt Malden of Renu (who also won this event in 2012), and Leon Danielle, who won back in the Dark Ages of 1998.
The Top Ten featured:

• Susan Zastoupil of Be Cherished.
• Linda Hood of Victoria’s Salon.
• Shirley Remington of Salon Juliet.
• Sherrie Rockwell at Sunshine Salon.
• Katie and Darrell Yasui of Dkor Hair Design.
• Renee Fox-Rowe of Kurl Girl, above Abbinito.
• Julie Schmeiss of the Blue Giraffe.
• Lezlie Green of the Waterstone Spa.

BEST AESTHETICIAN (FACIALS)

The skin on your back or even your arms can begin to look like seven miles of bad roads in West Virginia, but when it comes to your face, there’s not a whole lot of compromise. You gotta look at that every day in the mirror, so it pays to keep it lookin’ good. The science on that is fairly exacting, and skin experts have been working 24/7 for the last, oh, couple of thousand years to work out the logistics of every single pore in your face.
The balloting was pretty close on this one, but in the end Tiana Bramson of Abbinito shared the award with Lily Baty of Sunshine Salon, followed by:

• Diana Taracena of Pure Alchemy.
• Tasa Painter of Glow.
• Serena Beach of The Beach House.
• Katie Hartman.
• Kate Wasserman and Gretchen Lee of Imani Institute of Cosmetology.

FAVORITE MAIL CARRIER

The Post Office has been going through some tough times lately with declining profits, etc. I have a great way to help them out which, for the lack of a better phrase, we’ll call The Hayden Plan. It’s simple—every state in the union would institute vote-by-mail. The P.O. would get an infusion of hundreds of millions of dollars a year in mailings, and maybe that would help make the nut.
Out there in the field, our carriers are still hoofing it to get the mail to us in a prompt and efficient manner. Our readers appreciate it and named David Gall, who covers the downtown route, as their favorite.
The list also included:

• Steve Case.
• Debbie McKinnis.
• Eddie Morgan.
• Rick Georgeson
• Steve Meyer.
• Jackie Anderson, although she retired a year ago.

FAVORITE CAR SALESMAN

You’ll have to admit that the automobile was one of the biggest game-changing inventions of all time. It allowed people the freedom to travel, visit relatives, go shopping and be anywhere on a minute’s notice. It turned the U.S. from a nation of introverts to extroverts overnight.
And there to help you make that extroverted decision is the car salesman. Tell him or her what you’re looking for, and with their expertise, they can steer you in the right direction. Leading the list of friendly car salesmen this year was Dave Skolnik at TC Chevy, who used to own a record shop here in town.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• John Thomas of Ashland Motor Company.
• Joel Nickerson of Butler Ford.
• Brian Darby of TC Chevy,
• Rocky Moore of Butler Ford.

FAVORITE MECHANIC

Every mechanic has a special area of the brain, the Cardate Nucleus, that is specifically reserved for information about automobiles. It’s not cluttered with useless information like politics and sports, but helpful things like A/C compressors, drain hoses, air filter restriction indicators, etc. There’s also a neurological pathway that goes straight to the ear, allowing the mechanic to hear even the most obscure noise from the engine and decipher EXACTLY what is going on.
Our readers named 22 different mechanics as their favorite, with Zach Edwards of Ashland Automotive Inc., and Dan Dawson of McClure’s tying for the pole position. They were followed by:

• Bo DeBey at Siskiyou Imports.
• Alan Sommers.
• Rudi at Rudi’s Car Service.
• Dave Welch at Butler Ford.
• Dan Wolff.
• Tony Bonsell of Euro Mek.
• Donnie at Southern Oregon Automotive.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR OIL CHANGED

You seriously don’t want to go very long without checking the oil and getting it changed. Car engines have way too many moving parts that create friction, and if those parts aren’t properly lubricated, disaster can happen at any time (like in the middle of Death Valley in August).
Where to go to keep your engine happy? Our readers most often picked Ashland Auto Repair at the corner of Lithia Way and Pioneer, although it was a hard fought battle between the Oil Stop (near Shop ‘n’ Kart) and the Texaco Pit Stop on Lithia Way.
Others getting lots of votes were:

• Valley View Automotive.
• Rudi’s Car Service.
• Dan Wolff Auto Repair.

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

Fifteen years ago I was sued by some crazy person and hired a lawyer. It was a frivolous lawsuit, and I was quoted in the Grants Pass Daily Courier as saying, “If this isn’t thrown out of court, I’ll buy everyone in Josephine County a drink.” Luckily, it got thrown out of court, and having a lawyer definitely came in handy. It saved me a lot of money, but I’m sure the local bars were bummed out.
Where to go when some crazy person sues you? Or even for your run-of-the-mill legal needs? This year’s balloting was another barn burner as both Allen Drescher and Jack Davis, who have won a combined total of ten times in the last 24 years, landed on top.
The list also included:

• Mike Balocca.
• Robert Good.
• Gary Turner.
• Susan Krant.
• Alexis Packer.
• Sydnee Dreyer.
• Carolyn Anderson.
• Chris Hearn.

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

Policemen have been in the news a lot lately, but one thing to keep in mind is that they are out there every day putting their lives on the line to keep us safe from the crazies. Granted, a very small percentage of those officers may be crazy themselves, but we have to trust that the system will weed them out before they do any harm.
Anyway … our readers appreciate their local police officers, naming 15 of them in this survey, starting with their number one favorite, Corey Falls, who thrilled everyone in Jackson County in November by winning the race for County Sheriff. We’ll miss you, Corey.
Others mentioned a lot were:
• Officer Bon Stewart.
• Deputy Chief Tighe O’Meara.
• Police Sergeant Hector Meletich.
• Officer Malcus Williams.
• Police Chief Terry Holderness.
• Officer Bob Smith.

FAVORITE CPA/ACCOUNTANT

You may think they’re overpaid just for pushing a bunch of numbers around while wearing green visors, but when they save you a couple of thousand dollars during tax season, you’re ready to take them to Las Vegas for the weekend (they would come in real handy at the blackjack table). Who to turn to when you want to splurge in Sin City? Landing at the top this year was Julie Padilla and Glenn Cunningham of Nagel & Padilla, followed by:

• Tom Reid.
• Marty Peterson.
• Marilyn Hanna.
• Mike Bakke.
• Dorothy Walsh.
• Lisa Cooper.
• Liberty Tax Service.

FAVORITE BANK TELLER

They’re there to greet you with a smile, even when you make a deposit of 1,500 nickels. Our readers had a hard time making up their minds on this category, but in the end named both Sara of U.S. Bank, and Julie at Key Bank as their favorite.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Shannon at Umpqua Bank.
• Alan at Key Bank.
• Maria at Umpqua Bank South.
• Shannon at People’s Bank.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

According to Wikipedia, the “modern idea of a restaurant—as well as the term itself—appeared in Paris around 1765 when Monsieur Boulanger, a tavern keeper, opened an establishment where one could order a meal from a range of choices and eat it on the premises.” Since then, restaurants have become a way of life for a lot of people. Here in Ashland, we love our 100+ restaurants, giving them as much support as possible.
This is always a popular category with our readers, and they named quite a few restaurant owners, starting at the top with Marty Morlan of Macaroni’s and Martino’s.
Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Pete and Kristal Foster of Breadboard.
• Dal and Renee Carver of Wild Goose.
• Daniel Greenblatt of Greenleaf.
• Crissy Barnett of Peerless.
• Rob and Annie Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek and Harvey’s Place.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Tom and Lisa Beam of Sesame and Pasta Piatti.

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

In the Waitress Hall of Fame in Great Falls, Montana, tourists can watch a dioramic history of waitressing, complete with life-size wax models of all the famous waitresses in history, from Flo in the TV show Alice (“kiss my grits”) to the waitress in Five Easy Pieces when Jack Nicholson wants to order toast but it isn’t on the menu. So he orders a chicken salad sandwich, and tells her to hold the butter, the lettuce and the mayo. “You want me to hold the chicken, too?” she says. “Yeah,” Nicholson replies. “I want you to hold it between your knees.” A classic scene.
Anyway, 25 different waiters and waitresses were mentioned in this survey, and topping the charts this year was Kerri Baldwin of the Breadboard, who also won this category in 2007.
The list also featured:

• Beth Crites of Wild Goose.
• Pai Kim of Omar’s.
• Amy Wong at Martino’s.
• Anna Hogan of Salame.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh at the Loft.
• Chino Orozco at El Paraiso.
• Gina Velando at the Standing Stone.
• Dexter Reid at Pasta Piatti.

FAVORITE BARTENDER

So a chicken walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “We don’t serve poultry!” The chicken replies, “That’s okay; I just want a drink.” Then this one: A grasshopper walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “Hey, we have a drink named after you.” The grasshopper says, “Really? You have a drink named Steve?”
Yeah, I know, a career in comedy is probably not coming my way, but if I really wanted to hear the latest jokes, I’d visit our friendly local bartenders. The favorite this year with our readers is Chris Arthur at Omar’s.
He was followed in the balloting by:

• Paul Schmeling of Martino’s.
• Steve Owsley at Peerless.
• Tonie Stewart at Granite Taphouse.
• Lindsey McIntosh at the Wild Goose.
• Angela Yackley at Oberon’s.
• Lucy Blackinton at Liquid Assests.
• Jen Jamison at the Beau Club.

FAVORITE VETERINARIAN

Our cat Pebbles died a few months ago, and she was the end of our line of outdoor cats. We adopted her grandmother as a stray, watched her mother be born on the floor of my office in the spring of 1995, and woke up one morning in July 1996 to find Pebbles and her three siblings under our daughter’s bed. Through it all, our friendly vets were there for every lailment they encountered—some big, some small—and we are grateful for their professional help.
Our readers also appreciate their local vets, and they named quite a few of them. The top spot was a 3-way tie between Anette Heaslet of The Cheerful Vet; Scott Knox at the Animal Medical Hospital; and Stephen Tesluk of the Ashland Vet Hospital.
Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Alice Sievers of Bear Creek Animal Clinic.
• Tiffany Graebner.
• Kathleen Blackshear.
• Leanna Ahlbrecht of Animal Medical Hospital.
• Dallas Hymans of A Street Animal Clinic.

CUTEST PET

It was a tough decision, but Wags,  a 5-year-old Australian shepherd, won this year. Coming in a close second were three dogs (Iris, Luna and Athena Louise) and two cats (Miss Priss and Ozlyn). They can fight it out among themselves.

FAVORITE HOUSE CLEANER

Back in my bachelor days, house cleaning was fairly low on my list of priorities, especially when I had a bunch of roommates. Pieces of pizza could lie on the floor for months before anyone even noticed. As a family man, a clean house zoomed up near the top of the list, which is where house cleaners have come in handy.
Our readers were able to pinpoint quite a few local cleaners, with the number one nod going to Felicia at Grace Works House Cleaning, followed by:

• The Cleaning Crew.
• Shirley & Harry of Just Cleaned.
• Coral Harding-Console.
• Stratford Inn Professional Cleaners.
• Antoinetta Minitti.
• Affordable House Cleaning.

FAVORITE HOUSE PAINTER

When you have to look at the exterior paint job every day of the year, you want it to be exactly the color you chose. You also don’t want the job to take five weeks, nor do you want paint chips cluttering up your flower beds. And it’s really not necessary for the painters to be blasting rap music outside all day. Am I being picky?
When it comes to picking a house painter, our readers most often mentioned Derek Volkart, who also won this in 2012, followed by:

• Garrett Edmonds.
• Andy Stallman.
• Bob Jennings.
• John Arnold.
• Michael Meyers.
• Andre Anderson.

FAVORITE APPLIANCE REPAIRMAN

In the last month alone, we’ve had appliance guys come by to fix the refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher. When it rains, it pours, I guess. Where to go when a deluge hits your appliances? Topping the list for 2015 was Warren Willis at Courtesy Appliance, who’s been serving Ashland for almost forever.
The list also included:

• Rob Raby of Total Home Maintenance.
• Dave Backer.
• Handyman John Arnold.
• Elijah at Ashland Home Center.

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

From First Friday Art Walk, the Ashland Parade, Halloween, Sidewalk Sales, the Chocolate Festival, the Film Festival, Christmas Celebrations, and outstanding stores and restaurants, downtown Ashland proves that Big Boxes can’t keep a good downtown down. Every year it grows in popularity, and this year our readers named 32 different favorites.
Once again, Paddington Station, located at 125 E. Main, ran away with the balloting, although Papaya (on the Plaza) and Bloomsbury Books (290 E. Main) gave them a good run for their money.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Travel Essentials.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Outdoor Store.
• Nimbus.
• Gold & Gems.
• Crown Jewel.
• Earthly Goods.
• Flower Tyme.
• Love Revolution.

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

From the Northside, Railroad District, College District, Ashland Shopping Center, and the Southside, there are plenty of choices for Ashland shoppers. While Bi-Mart actually garnered the most votes, we were looking for smaller stores with a more personal feel. Topping the charts this year was a tie between Déjà Vu, a consignment clothing store located in the Ashland Shopping Center, and Ashland Artisan Emporium, conveniently located next to Déjà Vu.
The list also included:

• Rare Earth in the Railroad District.
• Bookwagon in the Shopping Center.
• Get n Gear in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture in the Railroad District.
• Dagoba Chocolate, 1105 Benson Way.
• Bombshell in the Railroad District.
• Piccadilly Cycles in the Railroad District.
• Earth Friendly Kids, on Siskiyou Blvd, just outside downtown.
• Revive in the Railroad District.
• Hill Station in the Railroad District.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Of course, this category isn’t just restricted to Mother’s Day. As far as I’m concerned, every day is reason enough to buy a gift for one’s mother, or anyone for that matter.
Where to visit first? According to our readers, they most preferred the selection at Papaya and Renaissance Rose, on the Plaza, although Paddington Station came in a close third.
Others high on the list were:

• Flower Tyme.
• Ashland Artisans Emporium.
• Eufloria.
• Crown Jewel.
• Manzanita.
• Soundpeace.
• Rare Earth.
• Paddington Jewel Box.
• Bloomsbury Books.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

 You have to get semi-creative when it comes to choosing gifts for ‘ol dad. Picking out a fishing rod or a 9-iron is a little chancy, as are sweaters and ties. It’s always good to consult with a professional, and in that regard, our readers most often chose Bi-Mart and the Outdoor Store as the place to go, followed by:

• Nimbus.
• Get n Gear.
• Travel Essentials.
• Ace Hardware.
• NW Nature Shop.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TOYS

To the person who wrote in “Love Revolution,” we have to admire your sense of humor. We were, however, looking for children’s toys, and when it comes to that, our readers were a little torn and couldn’t quite make up their minds. So here are the Top Five in alphabetical order:

• Bug a Boo at 40 N. Main.
• NW Nature Shop (154 Oak Street).
• Small Change at 5 N. Main on the Plaza.
• Tree House Books (15 N. Main on the Plaza).
• Unicorn Gifts & Toys at 242 E. Main.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rare Earth.
• Tudor Guild.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GARDEN FURNITURE

If done right, gardens can be considered another room of your house, except in this case you have hundreds of roommates. You get the right furniture, add some pots with flowers and shrubs, and the patio just calls for a gin and tonic after work (or play).
Where to go when shopping for garden furniture? Most people picked Bi-Mart in this category, followed by:

• Grange Co-op.
• Valley View Nursery.
• Ace Hardware.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture.
• Revive.

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

According to Wikipedia, “perforated beads suggesting shell jewelry made from sea snail shells have been found dating to 75,000 years ago in a cave in Kenya.” Most people probably want something a little more current than that, and when do, they can choose between the selections at Gold & Gems on the Plaza, and Art Fx (45 E. Main), which tied in this category.
Also receiving votes were:

• Papaya.
• Crown Jewel.
• Bella Terra.
• Paddington Jewel Box.
• Lithia Artisans Market.
• Heart & Hands.

BEST PLACE TO BUY OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

We live in the middle of an outdoor paradise, with mountain trails just outside our back door, high-country lakes a short distance away, a ski mountain, and the Coast just a two hour drive. It’s nice to be prepared for those experiences, and according to our readers, the best place to start is the Ashland Outdoor Store, located at 37 N. 3rd Street, followed by:

• Get n Gear.
• Bi-Mart.
• Mountain Supply also received votes, but they unfortunately closed their doors in December after almost 30 years in Ashland. It was a sad day.

BEST PLACE TO BUY BICYCLES

In this modern era where exercise and diet are considered the keys to a healthy life, bicycles are becoming more and more popular. Not only that, but you can ride them to work and kill two birds with one spoke. There are a number of excellent bike shops in Ashland, and our readers most often named both Cycle Sport (191 Oak Street) and Piccadilly Cycles, located at 525 A Street, followed by:

• Ashland Electric Bikes.
• Get n Gear.
• Bear Creek Bicycle.
• Siskiyou Cyclery.
• The Rogue Bicycle.
• Flywheel in Talent.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CD’s/ALBUMS

It’s kind of funny how music aficionados complain that CDs don’t sound as good as the old cassette tapes. Before that, they complained that cassette tapes didn’t have the same sound quality as albums. Now here we are today and a lot of people are downloading stuff on the Internet. I’m not an expert, but I’ll have to admit that the sound quality isn’t nearly as good. Give me a CD/cassette tape/album any day.
And when shopping for CDs and albums, our readers most often directed us to Music Coop, located at 268 E. Main, just down from Bloomsbury.
Long-time record store CD or Not CD also received a lot of votes.
Others mentioned were:

• Bi-Mart.
• Garage sales.

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

When you look up “history of fashion” on Google, you find things like when the button was invented, who were the first ones to sew (and how), and a complete history of the hemline. Modern shoppers don’t want their brain muddled by such facts … they just want to look good. Where to go in that respect? Earthly Goods (142 E. Main), Kixx (264 E. Main), and Thread Hysteria on the Plaza tied for that honor.
Patina Soul (342 Lithia Way), and 250 Main (250 Main Street), were also quite popular, as were:

• Déjà Vu.
• Red’s Threads.
• Avant Garb.
• Three Penny Mercantile.
• Papaya.
• Heart & Hands.
• Fredrica Lawrence.
• Bombshell.
• Nimbus.

BEST SELECTION OF MEN’S CLOTHES

Men aren’t nearly as picky about their clothes—t-shirts, dress shirts, pants, jeans … did I cover everything? And when it comes to that, our readers first chose perennial favorite Nimbus (25 E. Main), followed by:

• Outdoor Store.
• Bi-Mart.
• Goodwill.

BEST PLACE TOBUY SHOES

As Nancy Sinatra once said, “These boots are made for walkin’.” Then, of course, Carl Perkins sang about his “Blue Suede Shoes,” while KC and the Sunshine Band put on their “Boogie Shoes.” There was actually a Google site called “Top 10 Songs about Shoes.” Don’t you love the Internet?
And when you want to go shopping for those blue suede, walkin’, boogie shoes, where should you go? Our readers most often mentioned Village Shoes at 369 E. Main Street as their favorite, although Earthly Goods came in a close second.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Lithia Park Shoes.
• Rogue Valley Runners.
• Dan’s Shoe Repair.
• Bi-Mart.
• Déjà Vu.

FAVORITE FLORAL SHOP

I look out my office window and see an ocean of flowers in repose. They’re just biding their time waiting for Groundhog Day (unofficially the first day of spring). Until then, there’s nothing to do but head down to one’s favorite floral shop and stock the inside of your house with flowers.
And in that regard, our readers chose Flower Tyme on the Plaza as their favorite. It was definitely close among the top three, and they included:

• Eufloria.
• Enchanted Florist.

Also receiving votes were:

• Safeway.
• Albertson’s.
• Food Co-op.

FAVORITE ART GALLERY

Ashland may have the Shakespeare Festival, the college, Lithia Park, and a lot of great shops, restaurants and bars, but it has also become a mecca for artists over the last twenty years. Despite losing Davis & Cline and Illahe last year, the art scene is still alive and vibrant, as our readers were able to name 15 different art galleries, starting with their number one favorite, Hanson Howard Gallery at 89 Oak Street, followed by:

• Ashland Art Center.
• Gallerie Karon.
• Adelante.
• Art & Soul.
• Schneider Museum of Art.
• Thomas Lee Gallery.

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR THE GARDEN

According to Wikipedia (and it’s got to be right!), gardening is great stress reliever. It gets you into the sunshine and fresh air, and the end result is a more beautiful surrounding to enjoy every day of the year. For some information on how to get started or what to concentrate on now, go to one of your local nurseries or garden centers for advice and information.
And in that regard, our readers once again named Grange Co-op at 421 A Street as their favorite.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Valley View Nursery.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Bi-Mart.
• Growers’ Market.

GROCERY STORE WITH BEST SELECTION OF FISH

It doesn’t have to come straight out of the Rogue River or be flown in by jet from Alaska, but it would be nice if it didn’t have a fishy smell when you opened the package. Where to go to ensure the freshest fish possible? This ended up a runaway as Ashland Food Co-op won by a huge margin over:

• Albertson’s.
• Safeway.
• Market of Choice.
• Shop N Kart.

BEST PLACE TO BUY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

I know that many local musicians bemoan the lack of venues in Ashland, but there’s actually a lot going on. From the Shakespeare Festival and the college, to the Ashland Armory and gigs at local restaurants/bars, there’s something for everyone. Which is why it’s absolutely essential that we keep our musicians happy and supplied with the appropriate equipment. Where to go? The landslide winner in this category was Cripple Creek Music (353 E. Main), which has been serving southern Oregon musicians since 1976.
Also receiving votes was Fretwell Music in the Ashland Shopping Center. And, of course, one person mentioned craigslist.

BEST PLACE TO BUY KITCHEN APPLIANCES

We may spend the most time in the bedroom and, of course, we watch TV in the living room, but the kitchen is by far the most important room of the house. It plays a huge role in our lives, going full tilt three times a day to make sure the energy stores in our body are fully replenished. And in that regard, our readers are most appreciative of the selection found at Paddington Station.
Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Bi-Mart.
• Home Depot.
• Kitchen Company in Grants Pass.

FAVORITE GAS STATION

I wonder how long Oregon will continue to ban self-serve gas stations? It undoubtedly adds to the cost, but I’ll have to admit that when I traveled to California a couple of months ago and had to get out and pump my own gas, I was a little put out. How dare they!
And in this category, the friendly staff at the 76 station on Lithia Way won top honors, followed by:

• The Chevron station at Exit 14.
• The Astro station downtown.
• ARCO at Exit 14.
• Valero at Exit 14.
• Valley View Auto.
• The Texaco station at Exit 14.
• The 76 station at Exit 14.
• The Shell station on Siskiyou.
• The Texaco station on Lithia Way.

FAVORITE STORE IN MEDFORD

Sometimes it’s extremely important, just for one’s peace of mind, to get out of Dodge and see that other world. You know, Medford, our neighbors to the north. And when our readers get brave enough to venture out, they most often visit Trader Joe’s, although CostCo was a close second.
Other favorite destinations are:

• Fred Meyer.
• REI.
• Ross Dress for Less.
• Barnes & Noble.
• Central Art.
• Macy’s at the Mall.
• TJ Maxx.
• Crafter’s Warehouse.

POLITICS

FAVORITE CITY COUNCILOR

Ho hum … no recalls or sex scandals or anything in Ashland last year. What’s an investigative reporter supposed to do, write a novel and make things up?
In this category, all six City Councilors received votes, with the top nod going to Carol Voisin. The Top Three included:

• Pam Marsh.
• Dennis Slattery.

FAVORITE CITY EMPLOYEE    

After the Festival, SOU, health care, and the School District, the City is one of the biggest employers in Ashland. They’re here to serve us and to make sure that everything runs smoothly. We take a lot of things for granted in life, but it’s important to remember there are many people working behind the scenes to make life easier for us.
Our readers certainly appreciate their employees, as they named 21 different people in the category, with number one going to Public Works Director Mike Faught. You know, the guy who makes sure that our water, electricity, sewer, and roads are all in working order.
The list also featured:

• Street Supervisor John Peterson.
• City Administrator Dave Kanner.
• AFN’s Vince Zauskey.
• Community Development’s Brandon Goldman.
• City Recorder Barbara Christensen.
• Assistant Planner Amy Gunter.

BEST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

The plastic bag ban was our cover story in December, and our readers are definitely on board, as they named it the best thing government did last year. Other things receiving votes were:

• Obamacare.
• Legalization of marijuana.
• Allowing for medical marijuana dispensaries.
• The Talent-Ashland-Phoenix Water Intertie.
• The conservation of water.

WORST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

Somehow, this category didn’t get much traction this year. Some people are still upset over the Road Diet and the Plaza Remodel, but that’s old news from the year before. And some aren’t happy with the Plastic Bag Ban, but other than that, it was a mellow year in Ashland.

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

Each year we ask our readers to answer four political questions just to gauge the mood of the community. These answers are “relatively” accurate since very few people stuff the ballot for them.

1. Should the SOU Pool be saved? This is a touchy subject because the pool is used by a lot of different groups in the community, including a certain percentage of SOU students. Recently, SOU came up with $29 million to upgrade their athletic facilities, and as of right now, the Master Plan calls for razing the pool and not replacing it. They point to a survey taken by SOU students that didn’t show much support for the pool, yet the survey was not well-promoted, nor was it done scientifically. Supporters of the pool claim it can retrofitted for $850,000, a mere fraction of the $29 million earmarked by the university. What does the community think? Should it be saved? Apparently yes.
Yes, it should be saved: 80%
No, get rid of it: 20%

2. Should the Plaza get another makeover? This is still in the news, as a group of activists not happy with the original design want to do some major tweaking. The City seems reluctant to do a complete makeover, and the majority of citizens agree and are ready to move on.
Yes, do a makeover: 41%
No, let’s move on: 59%

3. Should the City do something about all the deer? When you consider traffic accidents, ticks causing Lyme’s Disease, the destruction of flower and vegetable gardens, and attacks on humans and pets, the overpopulation of deer in the city limits is a major problem. And it’s not like we intruded on their territory because this is a recent problem. Twenty years ago, deer were limited to the outskirts of town, mainly above the boulevard. Today, they’re everywhere, and I’m not sure why. They would be much happier, and healthier, in a natural habitat. They are cute, though, which is why our readers were split down the middle.
Yes, do something: 50%
No, leave them alone: 50%

4. Should the City have its own GMO labeling law? I agree with a number of our readers who questioned how this law could be implemented and enforced in such a small locale, but I thought it was an idea worth pursuing. A majority of people agreed.
Yes, do it: 53%
No, dumb idea: 47%

* * * * *
Well, that was certainly fun. I’ll see you next month for Part II of the “Best of Ashland.” May the Sneak Preview be with you.                          —C.H.

 

I know, it’s been a nail-biting four weeks waiting for Part II of the “Best of Ashland.” There were a lot of ballots to count, but I made it a personal goal to do ten a day, giving each one my personal attention. As always, any category where the vote was “close,” ties were awarded. In some categories, 20-30 restaurants were named, but there wasn’t room to list everyone. For those not mentioned, don’t feel bad—rest assured that you do have your supporters. And so …

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

There were eight new restaurants recognized by our readers, and they were all good ones. The top three were replacements for restaurants that had made their mark on or near the Plaza, and are now initiating a changing of the guard. The winners were, in alphabetical order:

• Brickroom (35 N. Main on the Plaza, upstairs); former location of Alex’s.
• Granite Taphouse (23 N. Main on the Plaza, 3rd floor); former location of Hong Kong Bar.
• Harvey’s Place (50 E. Main, across from the Plaza); former location of Chateaulin.

Good luck to everyone!
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Blue Toba, located in the Ashland Shopping Center next to Printfast.
• Home State BBQ, at 376 E. Main, former location of Evo’s.
• Lunch Show (165 E. Main).
• NW Raw at 370 E. Main.
• Dobrá Tea (corner of E. Main and Granite).

BEST PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR BREAKFAST

You get a call from your alleged best friend telling you that he’s organizing a big breakfast get-together at your house. Say what! You gently suggest that you all meet at your favorite breakfast place. Where would that be in Ashland? Our readers were once again torn between their perennial three favorites:

• Morning Glory (1149 Siskiyou).
• Breadboard at 744 N. Main.
• Brother’s (95 N. Main).

The top three got some strong challenges this year from:

• Wild Goose at 2365 Ashland Street.
• Ruby’s, located at 163 N. Pioneer.

Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Greenleaf (on the Plaza).
• Oak Tree at 2519 Highway 66.

BEST PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR LUNCH

The workday is officially half over, and it’s time to celebrate with fellow office workers and/or friends and neighbors. Our readers actually named 35 different restaurants in Ashland in this category, which is a testament to the vibrant restaurant industry in this community.
Taking down the number one spot this year was a 3-way tie between Larks (located in the Ashland Springs Hotel); Standing Stone, at 101 Oak Street; and Ruby’s, located at 163 N. Pioneer.
The Top Ten also featured:

• Wild Goose.
• Breadboard.
• Sammich (424 Bridge Street).
• Pangea at 272 E. Main.
• Taj (31 Water Street).
• Greenleaf on the Plaza.
• Sesame at 21 Winburn Way.

BEST STEAK AND EGGS

Here’s the thing about protein: when consumed and broken down by the body, it produces amino acids which are necessary building blocks for all kinds of important functions in the body. Steak and eggs are packed with protein, and if you want to get your day started right, they’re the perfect combination.
Where to go to stock up on amino acids? Many of our readers picked the steak and eggs at Wild Goose (2365 Ashland Street), followed by:

• Ruby’s.
• Breadboard.
• Oak Tree.
• Smithfield’s (on Sunday morning).

BEST REUBEN SANDWICHES

I was reading the “Metropolitan Diary” in the New York Times the other day, and a reader sent in a story about being at a deli in NYC, and some yahoo from the Midwest (probably Indiana) ordered a Reuben sandwich with mayonnaise. The server gave her the sandwich with a side order of mayonnaise and said he couldn’t with good conscience desecrate the sandwich by putting mayo on it.
Here in the more cosmopolitan Ashland, our readers were able to name ten different restaurants that make great Reubens, starting with their number one choice, Sammich, located at 424 Bridge Street.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Ruby’s.
• Breadboard.
• Wild Goose
• Lark’s.
• Brother’s.
• Red Zone (at 303 E. Main).

BEST SOUPS

How you can argue with something that is tasty, convenient and filling? Soups are great as an accompaniment to an entree or as meal unto itself, and usually the broth is chock full of stuff that is good for you.
The competition was intense in this category, but in the end our readers chose both Pangea, located at 272 E. Main, and Ashland Food Co-op, at 237 N. 1st Street, followed by:

• Lark’s.
• Pasta Piatti (358 E. Main).
• Greenleaf.
• Standing Stone.

BEST SALADS

Most people think of salads as small things that accompany meals, but you can order huge salads complete with a wide variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs and grains. It can be your entire meal with the right combination of proteins and carbs. Just what the doctor ordered!
The votes were pretty evenly spread around on this category, and the top three vote-getters were:

• Greenleaf (on the Plaza).
• Lark’s (in the Ashland Springs Hotel).
• Standing Stone (101 Oak Street).

Other favorites include:

• Martino’s/Macaroni’s (58 E. Main).
• NW Raw.
• Food Co-op.
• Granite Taphouse.

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

You just finished watching the nightly news with mayhem in Sierra Leone, Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Paris and Nigeria, and you have no energy left to make dinner (watching the news these days can be a draining experience). So you and your significant other decide to let someone else do the cooking while you’re free to discuss non-stressful topics like the upcoming March Madness or the latest reality TV show.
Where to go? The balloting was close at the top and ended in a tie between Smithfield’s (36 S. 2nd), Loft (17 Calle Guanajuato), and Peerless (243 4th Street).
It was a tough battle at the top, though, and the Top Six featured:

• Omar’s.
• Amuse.
• Alchemy Restaurant.

They were followed by:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Kobe.
• Lark’s.
• Salame.
• Coquina.
• Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT: LUNCH

This would be a place with soft music, subdued lighting, great views, attentive waitstaff, and bathrooms with little dispensers of perfume and cologne … just kidding about that last part, but you get the idea.
And when it comes to romantic places for lunch, our readers most often picked Lark’s, located in the Ashland Springs Hotel, followed by:

• Martino’s.
• Sesame.
• Omar’s.
• House of Thai Cuisine.
• Black Sheep.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT:

DINNER

The balloting came in a little different for this category, as it was a 3-way tie between Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main); Amuse (15 N. 1st); and Alchemy Restaurant (in the Winchester Inn).
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Peerless.
• Loft.
• Lark’s.
• Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
• Kobe.
• Salame.
• Thai Pepper.
• New Sammy’s (between Ashland and Talent).
• Smithfield’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Harvey’s.

BEST STEAKS

The movement to get everyone to cut back on their meat-eating hasn’t gained a lot of traction lately, probably because a good juicy steak tastes so good to us carnivores (okay, fine, we’re probably omnivores but try telling that to a hunter-gatherer back in the day who just brought a wild boar back to camp).
Once again this category ended up in a statistical tie, as Omar’s (1380 Siskiyou) and Smithfield’s (36 S. 2nd) took down top honors.
The list of great steak selections included:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Alchemy Restaurant.
• Peerless.
• Amuse.

BEST SEAFOOD

Fish are the oldest known vertebrates in the world and have developed elaborate mechanisms for extracting oxygen out of water (H2O). They also lay about 200,000 eggs at a time, which comes in handy when you’re tasked with helping to feed humans. Add in the fact that fish are full of the good omega-3 fatty acids, and it’s no wonder that seafood is so popular.
And when it comes to seafood, our readers most often chose Omar’s followed by:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Peerless.
• Kobe.
• Alchemy.

BEST PASTA
DISHES
ON MENU

It’s a great source of carbohydrates, and you need “x” amount of them every day to replenish your energy sources. They also taste great, especially when combined with some zesty sauces and chunks of meat. And when it comes to great pasta dishes, our readers most often mentioned Pasta Piatti, Tom and Lisa Beam’s restaurant located at 358 E. Main.
They were closely followed in the balloting by:

• Wiley’s World (1606 Ashland Street).
• Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Martolli’s (at 38 E. Main and at 1469 Siskiyou in the Market of Choice Shopping Center).
• NW Pizza & Pasta.

BEST CHICKEN
DISHES ON MENU

They’re both egg-laying machines and supper. Our hats are off to our fine-feathered friends who sacrifice so much for the nutritional needs of human beings. They definitely taste good, and our readers appreciate the efforts put forth by local restaurants, including this year’s winner, Loft (on Guanajuato Way behind the Plaza).
They were followed by:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Lark’s.
• Thai Pepper.
• Greenleaf.
• Standing Stone.

FAVORITE
MEXICAN
RESTAURANT

So I heard in the news that some Texans want to secede from the Union. I have a better idea…why don’t we give Texas back to Mexico? Just kidding about that, but it would solve the immigration problem in one fell swoop.
Here in Ashland, we love our Mexican restaurants, and all of them were named by our readers in this survey. This year it was actually a tie between three different establishments, and our sombreros are off to them. They were, in alphabetical order:

• Agave, now in a new space at 5 Granite Street.
• El Paraiso, at 545 Clover Lane on the other side of the Interstate.
• La Casa del Pueblo, located at 1209 Siskiyou, across from the college.

Coming in a close fourth was El Tapatio at 1633 Hwy 99, just down from Butler Ford.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Tabu.
• Señor Sam’s.
• Milagros.
• La Tapatia in Phoenix.

BEST BURRITOS

These are so addictive they could easily be placed on the Attorney General’s list of banned substances. Just kidding, but when you stuff all kinds of goodies—from chicken, vegetables and rice—into a tortilla, you want to order more … and more … and more.
Where to go for great burritos? Our readers’ first choice was perennial favorite Señor Sam’s, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
It was close, however, as Milagros, located down the street at the Market of Choice Shopping Center, gave them a good run for the dinero.
Others making the short list were:

• Ruby’s.
• El Paraiso.
• Agave.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• El Tapatio.
• Taco Bell.

BEST MARGARITAS

I don’t know if this is good or bad, but my wife and I have become connoisseurs of margaritas, especially the Cadillac variety. Top shelf (or at the minimum, middle shelf) tequila, fresh limes, on the rocks, with salt on the glass. Just the way James Bond liked them … or was that martinis? Whatever.
Where would James Bond go for a great margarita? Our readers’ first recommendations were the concoctions at both Tabu (76 N. Pioneer) and Agave (5 Granite street), followed by:

• El Paraiso.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• El Tapatio.
• Liquid Assets.
• Alchemy Restaurant.
• Black Sheep.

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

The ties to Asia on the West Coast are a lot stronger than our ties to the Mayflower. That fact was proved with this category, as our readers named quite a few Asian restaurants as their favorites.
We’ll start at the top, where Billy Harto’s Thai Pepper & the Satay Bar (84 N. Main) tied with Kobe (96 N. Main) as favorites.
It was a battle, though, between the top six, and they included:

• Sesame.
• Taroko.
• Bonsai Teriyaki.
• House of Thai Cuisine.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• Umi Sushi.
• Yuan Yuan.
• Star Sushi.
• Tot.
• Taj.
• Golden Dynasty.
• Mihama’s.
• Blue Toba.
• Panda Garden.

BEST THAI DISHES

I had a fraternity brother back in Indiana in the late 1960s who was from Thailand. About six years ago, I reconnected with Pat Boonpracong via Facebook. He was involved in all the protest demonstrations five years ago, and I haven’t heard from him since. Pat, if you ever get out of detention, come to Ashland and we’ll have dinner either at Thai Pepper (and its upstairs Satay Bar), located at 84 N. Main, or House of Thai Cuisine (1667 Siskiyou), which tied in this category.
Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• Sesame.
• Yuan Yuan.

BEST JAPANESE DISHES

It’s a stratovolcanic archipelago of 6,852 islands with a history that dates back 32,000 years. The key word in that sentence is “stratovolcanic,” as the Japanese have been subjected to numerous devastating earthquakes since the islands were settled. Every year, though, the resilient Japanese people bounce back.
Here in Ashland, there are a few Japanese restaurants to choose from, most notably Kobe (96 N. Main), which once again won this category.
It was close, though, as both Taroko (62 E. Main) and Bonsai Teriyaki (in the Albertson’s Shopping Center) received plenty of support, followed by:

• Star Sushi.
• Umi Sushi.
• Mihama’s.

BEST FORTUNE COOKIES

When I met my wife 27 years ago, someone tried to talk me out of pursuing the relationship. That afternoon I went to a Chinese restaurant, and the fortune cookie read, “Your lover will never want to leave you.” And the rest is history!
Where to go when you want to prove your friends wrong? Most of our readers mentioned the fortune cookies at Golden Dynasty (1415 Siskiyou), followed by:

• Yuan Yuan.
• Panda Garden.

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Rome was founded in 753 B.C., and it didn’t take long for them to conquer most of the known world. And so they brought Italian restaurants to all ends of the earth, including Ashland, where Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main) was voted number one by our readers.
It was close, though, as both Martino’s/Macaroni’s and Pasta Piatti received a lot of votes, as well as:

• Wiley’s World.
• Martolli’s.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.

BEST SELECTION
OF PIZZAS

In my college days, it was generally well known that pizza contained all the essential food groups that one needed for a balanced diet. Carbos, protein, vegetables, fruit … what else would you need? Beer maybe.
And when it comes to great pizzas, our readers once again named both Great American Pizza (1448 Ashland Street) and Martolli’s (at 38 E. Main and at 1469 Siskiyou in the Market of Choice Shopping Center), followed by:

• Creekside Pizza.
• Granite Taphouse.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.
• Papa Murphy’s.
• Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
• Standing Stone.

BEST BUFFET/
SALAD BAR

You don’t necessarily have to be starving to appreciate a buffet, but coming in with a big appetite helps the cause. Winning this category for 2015 was Taj Indian Restaurant, located at 31 Water Street, whose lunch buffets are very popular.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Greenleaf.
• Great American Pizza.

BEST VEGETARIAN DISHES

Whether you’re a confirmed vegetarian or just someone trying to cut back on your consumption of meat, it’s always good to find a restaurant that caters to your needs.
Here in Ashland, there are a lot of options, and our readers were appreciative of the effort. Their number one choice was the selection at Sauce, located in the Ashland Shopping Center, next to Radio Shack.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Taj.
• Greenleaf.
• Food Co-op.
• Wiley’s World.
• NW Raw.
• Lark’s.

BEST CAESAR SALADS

We didn’t come here to bury Caesar, we came here to EAT him! There’s a lot to love—romaine lettuce and croutons topped with parmesan cheese, olive oil, an egg, garlic, black pepper and anchovy dressing. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
And when it comes to Caesar salads, our readers most often named the creations at Martino’s/Macaroni’s, which ran away with this category, followed by:

• Standing Stone.
• Greenleaf.
• Pasta Piatti.
• Caldera Brewery & Restaurant.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST APPETIZERS

This can actually be one of the most fun parts of the meal. You can order tasty small plates of everything from chicken wings and beef bites to clams and calamari frites. THEN you can get started on your dinner.
Topping the list of great appetizers this year was Peerless Restaurant, located at 243 4th Street, which tied with Salame (on the Plaza) in this category.
Also receiving plenty of votes were:

• Amuse.
• Thai Pepper.
• Brickroom.
• Loft.
• Alchemy Restaurant.
• Taroko.
• Sesame.

BEST ICE CREAM/YOGURT/GELATO

You don’t have to be an Eskimo to appreciate frozen concoctions, but if any relatives from Iqaluit do show up unannounced, our readers recommend that you take them to three different places:

• Mix (on the Plaza) for gelato and ice cream.
• Zoey’s (corner E. Main and 1st) for ice cream.
• Yogurt Hut (140 Lithia Way) for yogurt.

Also mentioned a lot was Rocky Mountain Chocolate at 33 E. Main.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST DESSERTS

You gotta love the All American Sweet Tooth. After every meal, we have this unbelievable urge to order an apple pie with ice cream, or a crème brulee, or five or six bear claws, or an entire vat of cherry sorbet, or … maybe I should stop there.
Anyway, our readers appreciate all of the desserts offered by our local restaurants, reserving their number one nod for Lark’s, in the Ashland Springs Hotel, followed by:

• Amuse.
• Loft.
• Alchemy Restaurant.
• Smithfield’s.
• Wild Goose.
• Black Sheep.

BEST PLACE TO BUY BAKED GOODS

This category can include everything from bagels and pound cakes to muffins, scones and cookies. And topping the list for 2015 was Little Shop of Bagels, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Mix.
• Village Baker (372 E. Main).
• Deux Chats at 222 A Street.
• Market of Choice.
• La Baguette (340 A Street).
• The Tuesday Growers’ Market.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

There’s nothing like being out there with the birds and the bees while you’re eating, but hopefully they’re behaving themselves. 🙂 Quite a few places were mentioned by our readers, and the number one nod went to Peerless Restaurant (243 4th Street), which is set amidst a glorious outdoor garden.
There were followed in the balloting by:

• Thai Pepper.
• Smithfield’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Loft.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Pasta Piatti.

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

The cooks and chefs might be putting out the best food on the planet, but if the front staff don’t make the customers feel welcome, you might as well pack it in. All of the Ashland restaurants recognize that fact, which made this category very popular with our readers, as they named 25 different establishments. Number one on the Friendly Scale was Oberon’s Three Penny Tavern on the Plaza, where they’re not only friendly but they transport you back to Elizabethan England for some fun times.
The list also included:

• Wild Goose.
• Lark’s.
• Breadboard.
• Standing Stone.
• Harvey’s.
• Ruby’s.
• Morning Glory.

BEST “QUICK SERVICE”
RESTAURANT

We changed this to “quick service” from “fast food” a few years back after a few restaurants complained that “fast food” had a negative connotation. Either way, our readers were looking for a place where they could order their food and get back on the road because, you know, we’re all in a hurry these days.
The votes on this were spread out all over the place, with Señor Sam’s and Wendy’s taking top honors (and they’re conveniently located next to each other in the Ashland Shopping Center).
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Milagros.
• Mihama’s.
• Taco Bell.
• Bento Express.
• Big Al’s.
• Koko’s (outside Ashland Hardware).

BEST SELECTION OF BURGERS

Apparently, the first hamburger was created in New Haven, Connecticut, by Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant. Good thing we didn’t have a strict immigration policy back then, or we wouldn’t have hamburgers!
And when it comes to great hamburgers, our readers were a little torn, as three different establishment ended up at the top. They were, in alphabetical order:

• Granite Taphouse.
• Louie’s.
• Standing Stone.

Other hamburgers favored by our readers were:

• Caldera Brewery & Restaurant.
• Big Al’s.
• Omar’s.
• Oak Tree.
• Wendy’s.

BEST FRENCH FRIES

Well, slap me silly! I went on the Internet to see how to make French Fries, and there are all kinds of ways. I thought you just dumped them in a deep-fat fryer and let the cholesterol go to work, but there are actually all kinds of creative ways to make French Fries.
Where to go when you want to have some creative Fries de Francais? Quite a few people mentioned the offerings at Standing Stone (their sweet potato fries were specifically honored) and Granite Taphouse, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Ruby’s.
• Big Al’s.
• Wild Goose.
• Creekside.
• Oak Tree.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY

So Aunt Alice and Uncle Roscoe are passing through town, and they want to treat you and the family to the restaurant of your choice. Where to go where a loud, boisterous family can gather? Many of our readers mentioned Caldera Brewing & Restaurant, located at 590 Clover Lane, on the other side of the Interstate.
They were followed closely in the standings by:

• Standing Stone.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.
• Lark’s.
• House of Thai Cuisine.
• El Paraiso.
• Great American Pizza.

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

They are classic American inventions, although we probably borrowed the basics from the French. And the concept is ingenious—pile a bunch of goodies inside a bun and tell everyone to just go for it. And usually the more goodies the better.
When it comes to packing in the goodies, our readers named quite a few places, with the number one mention being Sammich, located at 424 Bridge Street.
The list also included:

• Food Co-op.
• Pangea.
• Ruby’s.
• Pita Pit.
• Lunch Show.
• Market of Choice.

FAVORITE BARISTA (COFFEE SERVER)

Apparently, there’s going to be a sequel to Breaking Bad: Walter White’s son is going to surreptitiously brew coffee beans in his basement and try to sell them to local baristas, bypassing the Mexican cartel. Stay tuned here for future developments.
When it comes to baristas, our readers named quite a few, including this year’s winner Dustin Bernard at Rogue Valley Roasting Company.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• • David at Bloomsbury Coffee.
• • Summer at the downtown Starbucks.
• • Jared at Noble.
• • Nicole at the Beanery.
• • Tristan at Mix.
• • Danielle at Dutch Brothers.
• • Heidi at the campus Starbucks.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE

Back in 1992, you could have bought gold for $333 an ounce and sold it today for $1,295. Or … you could have gotten into another commodity, coffee, and made an even bigger killing (and a lot safer … the price of gold in 2001 was $276 and could easily go down again). When it comes to liquid gold (no, not oil), our readers most often preferred the friendly confines of both Noble Coffee Roasting (281 4th Street), and Rogue Valley Roasting Company (917 E. Main), which tied in this category.
The Top Seven were actually pretty close, and they included:

• Mix.
• Starbucks (both downtown and near the college).
• Bloomsbury Coffee House.
• Case Coffee.
• The Beanery.

Others receiving votes were:

• La Baguette.
• Human Bean.
• Dutch Brothers.

BEST RESTAURANT OUTSIDE ASHLAND

We’re officially a nomadic, on-the-move society, which means getting out of Dodge is part of our DNA. And when our readers want to express their genetic imperative, they most often traveled to New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, located between Ashland and Talent.
The list also included:

• La Tapatia in Phoenix.
• Kaleidoscope Pizza in Medford.
• Porter’s in Medford.
• Arbor House in Talent.
• Callahan’s at the Mt. Ashland exit.
• Julek’s in Talent.
• The Talent Café.
• Pomordori Italian Restaurant in Medford.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LIVE CONCERT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

A number of bands and venues were named in the category, but the number one mention was the concert last fall by Michael Franti at the Ashland Historic Armory.
Also mentioned were:

• Paula Cole as part of the Gaia Project .
• The concerts in Lithia Park by the Ashland City Band.
• The Rogue Valley Jeff All-Stars at Grizzly Peak Winery in September.
• The Palo Alto Chamber Concert in June.
• All of the concerts by the Rogue Valley Symphony.
• Siskiyou Singers’ “Color of Music” in May.
• Southern Oregon Rep Singers‘ “Matthew’s Passion” in May.

BEST PRODUCTION
AT THE CRATERIAN LAST YEAR

As of August 2012, it was officially renamed the Craterian Theater at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts, named for James Collier, a large benefactor in the Rogue Valley. They still fondly remember, however, Ginger Rogers, who performed there as early as 1926.
The Theater presents 5-6 shows a month, and tops with our readers last year was the Pink Floyd Tribute concert, followed by:

• Folk singer Gordon Lightfoot.
• Thomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas.
• The Teen Musical Theater of Oregon’s Shrek, the Musical.
• Next Stage Rep’s production of Mrs. Mannerly.
• The Broadway production of Hair.
• The concert by the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon.

FAVORITE CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL

When it comes to attracting tourists from all over the country, the Britt Festival is second only to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in popularity. They bring in top names in the music industry, and the setting outside under the stars is hard to beat.
Quite a few names were mentioned, but our readers reserved their number one nod for folk singer and 1960s icon Joan Baez.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Tori Amos.
• Pink Martini.
• Joan Jett.
• Avett Brothers.

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

This has turned into a major social event each month, as hundreds of people descend on downtown Ashland, the Railroad District and the college for art, conversation, refreshments, and entertainment. It’s also a great way for starving and/or well-fed local artists to show their works to the public (who might actually buy something).
Taking down top honors this year was a tie between the Ashland Art Center (357 E. Main) and Hanson Howard Gallery at 89 Oak Street.
Other favorites include:

• The scene on A Street.
• Gallerie Karon (500 A Street).
• Plaza Salon (60 N. Main).
• Adelante Gallery (130 E. Main).

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

It was an impressive list this year, topped by Gabriel Mark Lipper, whose work “celebrates the timeless antiquity of the world.” At the Bilmes Art School in Ashland, he found a mentor, Semyon Bilmes, classically trained in the schools of Russia. Now, “the range and command of his pallet are as brilliant and sophisticated as any major artist of our time.” And he lives in Ashland.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Denise Kester.
• Betty LaDuke.
• Julia Janeway.
• Xavi.
• Kevin Chrisman.
• Sarah Burns.

BEST FILM AT FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

Who needs Sundance or Cannes when you have the Ashland Independent Film Festival? Soon to present its 15th annual affair, the Festival has grown into one of the most popular film festivals on the West Coast. Over its five days, the Festival presents over 90 documentaries, features, and short films. Our readers definitely love it, as they named 20 different films as their favorite, starting with Obvious Child, “an honest and authentic comedy about what happens when a 20-something Brooklyn comedian Donna Stern (Jenny Slate) gets dumped, loses her job, and discovers she’s pregnant—just in time for Valentine’s Day.”
Also popular were:

• The Case Against 8, a documentary on the historic case to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage.
• Last Days in Vietnam, director Rory Kennedy’s look at the chaotic final days of the Vietnam War.
• Hank and Asha, a romantic comedy about two strangers in search of a human connection in a hyper-connected world.

BEST EXHIBIT AT SCIENCEWORKS LAST YEAR

Well, this was a runaway as the Dinosaurs Exhibit last summer was the overwhelming favorite. Others mentioned a lot were:

• Da Vinci’s Garage.
• TinkerFest.
• Bee TV.

FAVORITE THING ABOUT ASHLAND’S HALLOWEEN PARADE

Every year the kids (and the kids-at-heart) gather in front of the library for the scary trek down Main Street. It has grown from a parade just for kids to a community-wide event that celebrates the creative diversity of Ashland, young and old. Of course, everyone’s favorite thing about the parade is seeing all the children having fun, followed by:

• All the great costumes.
• A family affair.
• The samba drummers.
• The zombies.
• The “pink poodle girl.”

BEST SPORTING EVENT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

This was another runaway, since the ballots were being filled out just when the Southern Oregon University Raiders’ football team won the national championship in Daytona Beach, Florida, before a nationwide audience on ESPN. It was a great run, including a playoff win in Helena, Montana, in the middle of a blizzard that sent them into the Final Four. Will there be a two-peat in 2015?
Also mentioned a lot were:

• The Grizzlies football team’s march to the playoffs.
• The SOU volleyball team.
• AHS boys soccer.
• AHS girls soccer.
• The 4th of July 10K race.

BEST PLACE TO GET
A “WORKOUT”

Want to stay healthy? The main ingredients are eating the right kinds of food, avoiding risky lifestyles (smoking, excessive drinking, driving race cars, etc.), reducing your stress levels, taking vitamins and supplements, and exercising. If you can pay attention to all of that, your doctors’ bills will go down dramatically and will more than pay for your club membership.
And when it comes to that, our readers most often mentioned the Ashland Family YMCA, followed by:

• Snap Fitness.
• Anytime Fitness.
• Ashland Tennis & Fitness.
• Ashland Crossfit.
• Lithia Park.
• Mountain bike trails.
• The Pacific Crest Trail.
• Karolina’s kick boxing class.

BEST PLACE TO
PLAY TENNIS

While quite a few people mentioned Lithia Park, it is fairly dependent on the weather, which is why Ashland Tennis & Fitness, located at 735 Jefferson, won this category.
Other locales receiving votes were:

• Hunter Park.
• Wimbledon … yeah, right.

BEST PLACE TO
GO DANCING

You want to find an exercise program that is both fun and rewarding? Try dancing. Instead of waking up at 6am to hit the fitness center, you could go to a local bar every night where music is playing and dance for 30-40 minutes. It combines physical fitness, coordination and mental clarity, in addition to being loads of fun. Sooo, where to go? The number one spot mentioned by our readers was Tabu (76 N. Pioneer), which has salsa dancing every Saturday night.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Granite Taphouse.
• Live at the Armory.
• YMCA.
• Vinyl Club.
• Hersey Street Dance Space.
• Monthly Contra Dances.
• Elk’s Club.

BEST PLAY (OFF-BARDWAY)

There’s Oregon Cabaret Theatre, Camelot Theatre, Ashland Contemporary Theatre, Thanks for the Memories, SOU, AHS … did I miss anyone? We obviously live in a theater-oriented town, and many of our readers attend local plays and have their own opinions. What did they think was the best play last year? Many of them chose Camelot Theatre’s Les Miserables, which played to sold-out audiences last summer.
The list of favorites included:

• Backwards in High Heels at Oregon Cabaret Theatre (OCT).
• Driving Miss Daisy at Camelot.
• The Producers at Camelot.
• Ain’t Misbehavin’ at OCT.
• Little Shop of Horrors at SOU.
• Freud’s Last Session by Ashland Contemporary Theatre (ACT).
• It’s a Wonderful Life at OCT.
• Lion in Winter at Camelot.
• Cabaret at Ashland High School.
• Almost Maine by Thanks for the Memories.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) – OFF BARDWAY

All of the guys turned in excellent performances last year, but our readers reserved their number one accolades for David King-Gabriel for his role as Jean Valjean in Camelot Theatre’s production of Les Miserables. He was also mentioned for his work in Camelot’s The Producers.
Others high on list were:

• John Stadelman in OCT’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
• Bob Jackson Miner at Camelot’s Pump Boys & Dinettes.
• Joe Charter in ACT’s Freud’s Last Session.
• Christopher George Patterson in OCT’s Ain’t Misbehavin’.
• John Ramsey in OCT’s Backwards in High Heels.
• Don Matthews for Camelot’s Lion in Winter.
• Roy Von Rains, Jr., in Camelot’s Driving Miss Daisy.
• Jonathan Connolly in AHS’s Cabaret.
• Peter Wycliffe in Camelot’s The Producers.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) – OFF BARDWAY

There were equally strong performances from the female actors, particularly the work done by Kelsey Stalter as Ginger Rogers in OCT’s Backwards in High Heels, who tied with Shirley Patton in Camelot’s Driving Miss Daisy.
Also mentioned were:

• Kelly Hammond in Camelot’s The Producers.
• Kendra Taylor in Camelot’s Les Miserables.
• Audra Cramer in OCT’s Caps and Gowns.
• Abena Mensah-Bonsu in OCT’s Ain’t Misbehavin’.
• Livia Genise for Camelot’s Lion in Winter.

BEST PLAY (OSF)

The Oregon Shakespeare Festival was founded in 1935 by Angus L. Bowmer, and 80 years later it’s still going strong. Every year eleven different plays are offered, from Shakespeare to the latest world premiere. All eleven were mentioned in this year’s survey with the top nod going to The Great Society, the sequel to the Tony Award-winning All the Way two years ago.
The Top Five included:

• The Cocoanuts.
• Water by the Spoonful.
• A Wrinkle in Time.
• Into the Woods.

BEST THEATER PER-FORMANCE (MALE) OSF

Once again, Jack Willis won this for his captivating performance of President Lyndon B. Johnson in last year’s production of The Great Society.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Dan Donohue as Richard III.
• Mark Bedard as Groucho in The Cocoanuts.
• John Tufts as Chico in The Cocoanuts.
• Daniel José Molina in Water by the Spoonful.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) – OSF

On the female side of the ledger, our readers were most impressed with the work of Miriam Laube as a witch in the musical Into the Woods, followed by:

• Vilma Silva in Water by the Spoonful.
• K.T. Vogt in The Cocoanuts.
• Erica Sullivan in Two Gentlewomen of Verona.
• Kate Hurster in The Tempest.

BEST DIRECTOR (LOCAL THEATER)

A number of local directors were named by our readers in this category, and they reserved their number one nod for Jim Giancarlo, who was the founder and Artistic Director for Oregon Cabaret Theatre before he passed away unexpectedly last summer. Our hats are off to Jimmy!
Others receiving a lot of votes were:

• Bill Rauch at OSF.
• Livia Genise at Camelot.
• Renee Hewitt at Camelot.
• Jeannine Grizzard at Ashland Contemporary Theatre.
• Christopher George Patterson at OCT.

BEST LOCAL
MUSICIAN/SINGER

This category featured some of the Rogue Valley’s most talented musicians, and singing her way to the top was Shae Johnson, the lead singer for the rock band, the Rogue Suspects,
Also making the short list were:

• Jazz bassist Ed Dunsavage.
• Rocker Robbie DaCosta.
• Singer/songwriter Alice DiMicele.
• Guitarist Jeff Koetzel.
• Guitarist Grant Ruiz.

BEST LOCAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND

Just for fun, I went to YouTube and played Starship’s “We Built This City on Rock ‘n’ Roll.” It was a classic song for the 80s and pretty much sums up the influence of rock ‘n’ roll on popular culture.
Anyway, winning this category for 2015 was the Rogue Suspects, followed by:

• 100 Watt Mind.
• Robbie DaCosta Band.
• St. Cinder.
• David Pinsky Band.
• Lovebite.

BEST JAZZ BAND

We were in Martino’s a few nights ago, and bartender Paul Schmeling was regaling us with stories about the Ashland music scene from 30 years ago. And yet here he is still plugging away, as the Paul Schmeling Trio, which plays every Monday night at Martino’s, was voted number one this year.
Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• The Ed Dunsavage Trio.
• The Mackay Project.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MIXED DRINKS

When you want to get that special drink with exotic names like “Monte Carlo” and “Galapagos” and “Caipirinha” (I cheated just now and went through a book called Art of the Bar and gleaned those names), where do you go? According to our readers, they most prefer the selections at both Thai Pepper (and the Satay Bar), located at 84 N. Main, and the Brickroom, upstairs on the Plaza, where Alex’s used to be.
Others high on the list were:

• Liquid Assets.
• Alchemy Restaurant.
• Tabu.
• Granite Taphouse.
• Martino’s.
• Harvey’s Place.
• Peerless.
• Taroko.
• Black Sheep.
• Kobe.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MICROBREWED BEERS

Back in the day, Bud, Miller and Schlitz made up 95% of the offerings at bars. Today, with the proliferation of microbreweries, especially in the Pacific Northwest, the selection is endless. Where to go for the widest selection of beers? Number one on our readers’ taste buds was Caldera Brewing & Restaurant (590 Clover Lane) and its sister establishment, Caldera Taphouse, downtown at 31 Water Street.
Others high on the list were:

• Standing Stone.
• Granite Taphouse.
• Martino’s.
• Oberon’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Brickroom.
• Omar’s.
• Playwright.

BAR WITH FRIENDLIEST BARTENDERS

Okay, more bartender jokes: What did the bartender say when two jumper cables walked into a bar? “You guys better not start anything in here!” Or … What does a termite say when he walks into a bar? “Is the bar tender here?” Or: “So a dyslexic walks into a bra…”
Yeah, I know, semi-juvenile, but at least I was having fun! Where to go when you want to commiserate with bartenders who know how to have a good time? The winner in this category was Martino’s, located at 58 E. Main, followed by:

• Tabu.
• Omar’s.
• Wild Goose.
• Oak Tree.
• Playwright.
• Louie’s.
• Red Zone.

BEST BAR TO WATCH SPORTS ON TV

Five years ago I got talked into joining a Fantasy Football League, and now my wife wants to send me to rehab. It is definitely addicting, and I even bought a 53-inch flat screen TV primarily to watch obscure football games between bottom-feeding NFL teams only because I needed a tight end in that game to score one TD to put me over the top.
Or I could go to my favorite bar and watch the games with my buddies. Where to go? This was a landslide victory for the Red Zone at the corner of E. Main and 2nd, where they have, like, 730 TV’s mounted along the wall. 🙂
The list also included:

• Louie’s.
• Omar’s.
• Granite Taphouse.
• Oak Tree.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.
• Caldera.
• Salame.
• Paddy Brannan’s.

BAR WITH BEST LATE-NIGHT MENU

You were having so much fun doing shots that you forgot to have dinner. Finally, around ten or eleven the ol’ small intestine starts complaining, and you search frantically for the late-night menu. Where’s the best place to do that? Our readers most often mentioned both the Oak Tree and Black Sheep, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Wild Goose.
• Taroko.
• Martino’s.
• Tabu.
• Liquid Assets.
• Granite Taphouse.

FAVORITE VENDORS AT GROWERS MARKET

It’s one of the biggest, most popular Grower’s Markets in Southern Oregon, and the management and vendors have cultivated (excuse the pun) the marketing (again, excuse the pun) of this venture beautifully over the last couple of decades. It is the place to be on Tuesday mornings at the Old Ashland Armory and Saturday mornings downtown … a virtual social hour and venue to pick up your fresh, organic groceries for the week.
Our readers named quite a few vendors on this list, starting with Fry Family Farms, which also won this category in 2013. They were followed by:

• Pennington Farms.
• Coquette Bakery.
• Barking Moon Farm.
• Willow Witt Farm.
• Plant Connection.

FAVORITE PART OF THE COUNTY FAIR

Yep, in an average year, the temperature at the County Fair is about 104° in the shade, yet somehow we all make it out to the Expo. The County Fair is about as American as you can get. And when it comes to that, our readers are most appreciative of the live music, followed by:

• The animals.
• Carnival rides.
• The food.
• Horses.

FAVORITE CITY PARK (OTHER THAN LITHIA)

Ashland is known for its parks. From the crown jewel of Lithia Park to even tiny, little Triangle Park, almost every neighborhood is within walking distance of some kind of park. In fact, I went onto the website of the Parks & Recs Commission and learned that there are actually seventeen parks in the system. Taking down the number one spot with our readers was North Mountain Park, which has three soccer fields, two softball fields, two baseball fields, a playground, a covered picnic area, and a nature center.
The Top Five included:

• Garfield Park.
• Triangle Park.
• The Dog Park.

BEST LOCAL HIKE

It’s a great way to commune with nature, but it should be mandatory that all cell phones be turned off when taking a walk in the woods. Sure, you can power up if an emergency occurs, but is it really necessary to keep in touch with your Twitter feed just to see if your next door neighbor is enjoying her BBQ in the back yard?
Where to go to avoid cell phone texts, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and all the other privacy invaders that make the NSA look like schoolchildren? The most popular hike turned out to be the White Rabbit Trail, which starts at the end of the Ashland Loop Road and traverses the ridge visible to the south of town. With its easy access and great views, White Rabbit is a classic hike of the area.
Others mentioned a lot were:

• Grizzly Peak.
• Oredson-Todd Woods.
• The T.I.D. trail.
• Pacific Crest Trail.
• Lithia Park.
• Toothpick.

FAVORITE WINERY

Southern Oregon is becoming world famous for its wines, so look out Napa Valley! Our readers were able to name eighteen of them as their favorites, starting with Weisinger’s Family Winery, which is located on Siskiyou Boulevard just down from Crowson Road toward the Interstate.
The Top Ten featured:

• Belle Fiore (off Dead Indian Memorial Road).
• Roxy Ann (in Medford).
• Grizzly Peak (on East Nevada, across the Interstate).
• Paschal, outside Talent.
• Pebblestone, just west of Medford.
• Dana Campbell, on N. Mountain, other side of Interstate.
• Edenvale, outside Medford.
• Troon, near Grants Pass.
• 2 Hawk, in Phoenix, near Centennial Golf Course.

* * * * *
Well, there you have it … another 72 categories of sheer fun. If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at sneakpre@mind.net. —C.H.

The last “Best of Ashland” was in January/February 2013, and since then we’ve had a presidential inauguration, a royal pregnancy (and birth), a new Pope, a leak within the National Security Agency (they should be bugged!), the Obamacare website imploding, Miley Cyrus twerking, and pure craziness in Syria and Iran. I almost feel as if I’m in a time warp.

Locally, we had the ACH-Asante merger (a good thing), the Plaza remodel (botched by the City if you listen to a lot of people), the City’s crackdown on vacation rentals (more of the Mommy State, in my opinion), the Road Diet experiment (half love it, half hate it, but that’s democracy), and the Normal Avenue Neighborhood Plan (the City wants to squeeze as many people as possible into that box).
This is the 24th running of the “Best of Ashland,” and it continues to grow in popularity, as we received over 400 responses this year. Yes, there were 144 categories, but we only asked that people answer the ones they were most knowledgeable about.

The comments ranged from “Wow, this takes some thinking; thanks!” and “Always fun; I look forward to it”; to a suggestion for a new category: “Local newspaper with ‘Best Of’ survey that has far too many categories to the point of it being absurd.”

Counting the submissions was painstaking but fun (a bottle of Old Granddad helped), and I did my best to ferret out the ballot-stuffing.

Some people have suggested that we make the balloting available online, but in my expert opinion, it would open the system up to voter fraud. Uncle Jimmy wants Aunt Sally to win “Favorite Mud Wrestler,” so he sends a link to the ballot to 343 of his relatives strewn across the U.S., and voila, ol’ Sal is the winner. I personally don’t mind counting the ballots, so for now, the system will remain in the Dark Ages.
Anyway, onward and upward … the 2014 “Best of Ashland,” our 24th annual Readers Survey.

DEMOGRAPHICS

We asked the question, “How many years have you lived in Ashland?” As expected, newer arrivals predominated.
1-5 years: 17%
6-10: 22%
11-15: 15%
16-20: 16%
21-25: 9.5%
26-30: 8.5%
31-40: 8%
41-66: 4%

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

The first AM radio station began transmitting on August 31, 1920, out of Detroit. Despite challenges from television and the Internet, we all still have our favorite radio stations. Whether driving to and from work, relaxing at the beach, or background entertainment while preparing that 7-course French dinner for friends, we want to hear the latest top songs, old classics, and scintillating news coverage.
Winning this category for the 23rd year in a row were our friends over at Jefferson Public Radio, where KSOR and KSMF rule the roost.

Other favorites included:

• KISS-FM (107.5).
• KMED-AM (talk/news).
• KBOY.
• KDOV.
• KCNA (The Drive).
• KCMX (Lite 102).
• KSJK-AM (Local).

FAVORITE DJ

The genetics of being a great deejay is well researched in biological literature. First, you need a strong voice (chromosome 5), a sense of humor (chromosomes 6 and 7), the desire to be listened to (#13) and, at the same time, the ability to shake off mistakes and move onto the next part of the schtick (the X chromosome). The action is fast and furious, and you have to be ready.
Broadcasting his way to the top this year was Don Matthews at KSOR (Jefferson Public Radio). Not only is he the host of the Classical Music programming, but he’s also a member of the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, is a guest soloist with the Rogue Valley Chorale and the Siskiyou Singers, and has appeared in numerous theatrical productions.
The list also included:

• Gemineye at KISS-FM.
• Geoffrey Riley at JPR.
• Eric Teel at JPR.
• Maria Kelly at JPR.
• Bob & Tom Show on KBOY.

BEST LOCAL TV NEWS STATION

Want to hear about the latest mayhem on I-5? Or that 5-alarm fire in the wee hours of the morning? How about the latest machinations at City Hall? Or a heart-warming story about an adopted woman who found her birth mother in a jail in Zimbabwe after a ten-year search. Our local news stations work overtime to keep us informed about late-breaking news, and we all appreciate their efforts.
This category tightened up a little this year as perennial favorite NewsWatch 12 (KDRV) was given a good run for its money by KTVL (Channel 10), followed closely by KOBI/Channel 5. Public television, SOPT (Channel 8) also received a number of votes.

FAVORITE TV WEATHER PERSON

You gotta love a weather person who reports on the latest hurricane warning while standing next to a levee with 20-foot waves crashing behind him or her, with small cows and large Buicks flying through the air. That’s why most weather people you see reporting the news have huge scars—the result of too much debris hitting their faces … just kidding, by the way.
And when it comes to intrepid weather people ready to sacrifice life and limb to bring us the news, our readers most often turned to the team at KTVL—Kevin Lollis and Milt Radford.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Jeff Heaton (KOBI).
• Megan Parry (KDRV).
• Liz McGiffin (KTVL).

FAVORITE REPORTER AT THE DAILY TIDINGS

Who knows what’s going on at the Daily Tidings/Mail Tribune. I subscribe to the print version of the Tidings (mainly because it’s one million times easier to read than the web page), and twice in the last year they have failed to report on major events relative to Ashland. When I called to complain, they said that the news had been reported online and in the Mail Tribune. Seriously? So local print subscribers are chopped liver?
Anyway, moving right along and trying to stay positive, our readers named John Darling as their favorite reporter this year. John is a freelancer who specializes in human interest stories.
The list also included:

• Vickie Aldous.
• Joe Zavala, sports.
• Mandy Valencia.
• Chris Honore.
• Greg Stiles.

BEST ADS IN THE SNEAK PREVIEW

Things have sure changed over the last 23 years. Instead of flipping through clip-art books, making copies, then using scissors and wax sticks to literally glue the images onto paper, the whole thing is done digitally on a computer screen. Life is infinitely easier, and the Sneak Preview looks a million times better. While we’d like to take credit for all the cool ads in the paper, most of them are done by graphic artists or even the clients themselves.
Quite a few of the ads were mentioned in this survey, starting with the creative writing of the diarist in the Breadboard ads. Each month a humorous diary entry is presented, combining topical events and restaurant news.
Also popular are:

• The ads from Friends of the Animal Shelter.
• Ads with restaurant coupons.
• Anderson Auto Body & Paint.
• Love Revolution.
• Real estate ads with listings.
• Brothers Restaurant.
• Bloomsbury’s holiday ads.

PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

The free enterprise system doesn’t revolve around Wall Street and the stock market. Its bread and butter are creative and innovative individuals who are willing to take a chance and open their own businesses. And the system is alive and well in Ashland, as our readers named quite a few new businesses, including Caldera Brewery & Restaurant, located at 590 Clover Lane on the other side of Exit 14, which won this category for 2014.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Sammich, at 424 Bridge Street.
• Manzanita, an offshoot of Flower Tyme, located at 90 N. Main.
• Bella Terra, a jewelry store at 60 E. Main.
• Salame, a restaurant on the Plaza.
• Revive Home Décor, an upscale consignment shop at 264 4th Street.
• Oberon’s, a restaurant on the Plaza.
• Spice & Tea Exchange at 88 N. Main.
• Hill Station, a gallery and gift store at 287 4th Street.

FAVORITE BUSINESSPERSON

Life at the top ain’t easy. You have to unlock the door every morning, turn on the A/C, make sure the till is adequately stocked, oversee “x” number of employees (all of whom have their own personal life stories and/or foibles, by the way), place orders, organize the store room, hold clients’ hands, etc., etc. The list is endless.
After all the votes were counted, our readers reserved their number one appreciation for Doug and Becky Neuman, who were featured on the front page of the Sneak Preview in December. Doug and Becky recently bought the Ashland Hills Inn, with the intention of turning it into a first-class convention center. When you add in the Ashland Springs Hotel, Lithia Springs Resort, and the Inn at the Commons in Medford, the Neumans have definitely made their mark on southern Oregon.
Others high on the list were:

• Pam Hammond at Paddington Station.
• Jared Rennie of Noble Coffee.
• Sheila Burns and Karen Chapman of Bloomsbury Books.
• Ken Silverman of Nimbus.
• Jim Mills of Caldera.
• Kathy Curtis of Thread Hysteria.
• Daniel Greenblatt of Greenleaf.

FAVORITE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

The last job I had before starting the Sneak Preview in 1986 was as a substitute teacher at Lincoln Savage Middle School outside Grants Pass. For the lesson plan, the teacher arranged for a movie to be shown, and I thought it would be something boring like a documentary on the “Mating Habits of Pine Martens” or something. Instead, it was my favorite movie of all time, Back to the Future, and I watched it five times that day.
Winning this category for 2014 was Diana Warner, who teaches drama and directs a couple of productions each year at the Middle School.
Other favorites included:

• Larry Hansen, 7/8 Math.
• Joann Pinder, 6th Math.
• Bob Julian, 7/8 Social Studies.
• Karl Pryor, 6th Language Arts.
• Dick Streng, 6th Language Arts.

FAVORITE SCHOOL SECRETARY

Yeah, the principal might sit at the Big Desk and make Important Decisions, but it’s the secretary who really runs the school. Our readers were able to name a few of them, including Meg Wright of Bellview Elementary.
Also receiving a fair amount of votes were:

• Sheila Holtey at the high school.
• Callie Mercer at the high school.

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS COACH

By all rights, the Quiz Bowl team should get as much coverage as sports, but that ain’t the world we live in. When the Super Bowl is the most watched program in the entire year, you know that football reigns supreme.
Once again, SOU football coach Craig Howard won this category, as he led the Raiders into the playoffs for the second year in a row, despite getting off to a slow start.
The list also included:

• Charlie Hall, AHS football.
• Abdi Guled, AHS boys soccer.
• Robin Akpan, AHS volleyball.
• Lynn Kennedy, SOU women’s basketball.
• Jeff Schlecht, AHS boys basketball.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT SOU

They’ve made the news recently because of budget cuts and a small dip in enrollment, but 2014 promises to be a good year for Southern Oregon University. Their new dorm complex is state-of-the-art, and the curriculum and teaching staff provide students with a quality education and a useful degree.
A number of SOU faculty were named by our readers, including this year’s number one, James Edmondson, at SOU’s Ashland Center for Theatre Studies.
Also featured were:

• Mary Russell-Miller, Psychology.
• Dennis Slattery, Business.
• Mike Rousell, Education.
• Alexander Tutunov, Music.
• Erik Sol, Physical Education.
• Paul French, Music.

FAVORITE DENTIST

I used to go into a panic attack when visiting the dentist, but with all the innovations that have been developed over the last twenty years, it’s like a walk in the park these days. I even received a complimentary hand-paraffin dip at the last dentist I visited.
Nineteen different dentists were mentioned by our readers, and in the end perennial favorites Gary McGraw and Dan Jackson came away as winners. Gary has won this in 1991, 1998 and 2010, while Dan has been named in 1992, 2008 and 2011.
The vote was very close, however, and the Top Ten featured:

• Brady Frank.
• Medhi Ghavam.
• Eugene Robbins.
• Edward Warr.
• Joe Cochran.
• Pete Schwarzer.
• Mike Henneman.
• James Benson.

FAVORITE DOCTOR

About a month ago my daughter and I got hooked on House reruns. The show always has one or two weird diseases that have to be diagnosed, and I almost feel as if I could hang my shingle somewhere and tell people, “no, you don’t have a muscle disorder; it’s merely a hole in your left ventricle that was not diagnosed.” Or something like that.
And when it comes to diagnosing and curing illnesses, our readers most often mentioned family practitioners John Delgado and Craig Mather.
Other favorites included:

• Richard Morris.
• Sylvia Chatroux.
• Jani Rollins.
• John Sager.
• Howard Morningstar.
• Karin Kuhl.
• Andrew Kuzmitz.

FAVORITE NATUROPATHIC DR./ACUPUNCTURIST

There will never be a House-type TV show centering around naturopathic doctors and acupuncturists because in most cases, afflictions can be explained by something very simple, like a lack of selenium in the diet.
And in that regard, our readers most often named naturopathic doctors Geoff Hougton (of Clear Creek Healing Arts) and Bonnie Nedrow (Healthcare for Women and Children).
Also mentioned a lot were: Linda Herrick, Gloria Schwartz, and Shandor Weiss.
On the acupuncture side of the ledger, it was a little more heated, as there are actually 28 acupuncturists in the Ashland area. The votes were spread out all over the place on this one, as it seems everyone has their favorite, so we’ll list the Top Ten in alphabetical order:

• Mark Abelle.
• Ken Bendat.
• Jenn Collins.
• Megan Doty.
• Kristi Heatherstone.
• Jody Herriott.
• Jason & Kara Miller of Jade Mountain Medicine.
• Lori Paiken.
• Molly Romero.
• Suzanne Sky.

FAVORITE OPTOMETRIST

Biologists believe that complex, image-forming eyes have evolved some 50-100 times over the last 600 millions years. A common ancestor in the vertebrates was probably some mollusk, with only the most basic photoreceptor cells. Then, well, evolution and/or God took over … your choice.
When it came to picking their favorite optometrist, our readers also had to make a tough choice. The top four were excruciatingly close, with Eric Dukes of Progressive Optometry, tying with Ken Ehlers of Optical Expressions.
But like I said, it was close at the top, as both Ken Harris (Ashland Optometric Clinic) and Ken Loftus (Ashland Eye Care) received a lot of votes.

FAVORITE PHYSICAL THERAPIST

The human body is chock full of hinges, pulleys and axles, each of which has to be in perfect harmony with the other. A lot of times, either because of accidents, injuries or general wear and tear, the system breaks down. And that’s where a physical therapist can set everything straight.
Taking down number one in this category for 2014 was Mike Siegl of Ashland Physical Therapy, followed by:

• Roger Bradshaw.
• Gavin Kleiman and Debbie Stamper of Kleiman & Stamper Physical Therapy.
• Timothy Palmesano of Jackson County Physical Therapy.
• James Yang.
• Rachael Resch of Synergy Physical Therapy.
• George Lescher of Jackson County Physical Therapy.

FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

I always wondered who said, “It’s better to look good than to feel good,” so I looked it up. It was Fernando Lamas. Then I had to look him up. He was an Argentine actor who made it big in Hollywood playing “Latin lover” roles. And let me tell you … his hair looked good!
Where would Fernando go if he were in Ashland wanting to look good? Landing at the top according to our readers was Lezlie Green of Waterstone Spa. Lezlie was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and began her hair design career thirty years ago as an apprentice in a London, Ontario, salon.
Others high on the list were:

• Julie Schmiess of Blue Giraffe.
• Mona Bernard of Hair City.
• Susan Zastoupil of Be Cherished.
• Edythe Westbrook.
• Stormy Dewitt at Plaza Salon.
• Sherrie Rockwell at Sunshine Salon.
• Linda Hood of Victoria’s Salon.
• Ann-Britt Malden of Renu.
• Drew McDermott at Salon Isabella.

BEST PLACE TO GET FACIALS/SKIN CARE TREATMENT

You’ve seen those before and after pictures, right? The lady on the left looks like she’d just walked across the Sahara Desert, fighting off snakes and pit bosses, then voilá, one visit to a beauty salon and a quick facial, and she suddenly looks like Michelle Pfeiffer at twenty.
Where to go for that perfect facial? Our readers most often picked the Blue Giraffe, followed by:

• Waterstone Spa.
• Pure Alchemy.
• Lilly Baty’s Facials at Sunshine Salon.
• Chloe.
• Recess.
• Serena Beach.
• Be Cherished.

FAVORITE MANICURIST

Last year we had the category, “Best Place to Get Manicures,” but this year we were looking for that one specific individual to give this a more personal touch. And in that regard our readers love the work done by Rachel Martin of the Blue Giraffe.
The list also included:

• Lee Pham at Recess.
• Ashley Blazer at Waterstone Spa.
• Kim Matthews at Sunshine Salon.
• Kelly Clary-Lamb of Abbinito.
• Tina Siegl at Be Cherished.

BEST LOCAL DAY SPA

Pamper, vt: To treat with extreme or excessive care and attention. Syn., see indulge.
That pretty much describes what happens at a day spa, and in that regard our readers most often named the Blue Giraffe as their favorite, followed by:

• Waterstone Spa.
• Chozu.
• Sunshine Salon.
• Plaza Salon & Spa.
• Chloe.
• Be Cherished.

FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR SHOP

Okay, this category got real confusing for the vote counters because there’s an Ashland Auto Repair and an Ashland Automotive, Inc. So when someone writes down, “Ashland Auto,” what do you do? If we counted their votes together, the winner was both Ashland Auto Repair, Greg Bailey’s shopat Lithia Way and Pioneer/Oak, and Zach Edwards’ Ashland Automotive, Inc., at 280 E. Hersey.
Individually, however, they were both edged out by Dan Dawson’s McClure’s Auto Repair at 1765 Siskiyou. Like I said, it got real confusing.
Others high on the list were:

• Siskiyou Import Auto Repair (1713 Siskiyou).
• Valley View Auto Repair at 460 Valley View Road.
• Butler Ford.
• Dan Wolff at 306 E. Hersey.
• Southern Oregon Automotive at the 76 Station at Exit 14.
• Henry’s Auto Repair in Talent.
• Miles Auto Repair in Talent.

BEST AUTO BODY SHOP

I bought my first-ever brand new car in 1985, and within three weeks some idiot at a grocery store left his or her shopping cart unattended, and it rolled down the hill, smashing into my car. It was a big bummer. I immediately called an auto body shop and had the dent removed and got a new coat of paint on the door … as good as new.
Where to go when something similar happens? Our readers most often picked Anderson’s Auto Body & Paint at 1383 Hwy 99 North, followed by:

• Star Body Works.
• South Valley Auto Body & Repair.
• N. Main Auto Body.
• Butler Ford.

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

All of the lawyer jokes go flying out the window after you’ve been sued and really need a lawyer. Then you’re ready to do bodily harm to anyone who even insinuates that your attorney isn’t the most wonderful person on earth. And when it comes to wonderful attorneys, our readers most often mentioned Gary Turner, who also won this category in 2008.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Allen Drescher.
• Jack Davis.
• Chris Hearn.
• Jeff McCollum.
• Joe Charter.
• Susan Bradley Krant.
• Bob Good.
• Alexis Packer.

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

Making sure everything in a city of 22,000 people goes smooth as silk every day of the week is a little like herding cats. Something is always bound to go wrong, either through accidents, dumb decisions, or professional troublemakers. Our local police do their best to protect us from the unforeseen, and in that regard they have our undying gratitude.
Anyway, we appreciate everything they do, and this year our readers named Officer Malcus Williams as their favorite. Malcus has now won this category five times in the last ten years.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Officer Bon Stewart.
• Officer Bobby Smith.
• Police Sergeant Hector Meletich.
• Officer Mike Vanderlip.
• Police Sergeant Art Le Cours.
• Police Chief Terry Holderness.

FAVORITE LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER

The earliest known surviving photograph was taken in 1825, printed from a metal plate, which was exposed under an ordinary engraving and copied by photographic means. Now, 188 years later, digital photography and Instagram have made this process available to everyone at a fraction of the cost.
Yes, everyone can point and click, but it takes a professional to do it right. Our readers were able to name a few local photographers, and landing at the top was Bryon DeVore, followed by:

• Christopher Briscoe.
• Graham Lewis.
• Judith Pavlik.
• Pam Danielle.
• Sean Bagshaw.
• Jenny Graham at OSF.
• Mark Arinsberg.
• Ezra Marcos.

FAVORITE PERSONAL TRAINER

You just got a call from Hollywood and they want you for a part in the next Iron Man movie. It requires some killer abs, legs that won’t quit, and an upper body to die for. Then you wake up. It inspires you, though, to be as fit as possible. Who do you call? Our readers named several, starting with Tiazza Rose of Ashland Fitness Bootcamp.
Also receiving their share of votes were:

• Mike Sotos of Rogue Valley Fitness Center.
• Eric Acevedo of Snap Fitness.
• Judy Schaffer of Anytime Fitness.
• John Hacker at Hidden Springs.
• Andy Baxter of Baxter Fitness.
• Kit Crumb and Roz O’Riordan of Ashland Fitness Studio.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

This is a labor of love, but if you’re willing to put in the time and energy, it can be very rewarding. You definitely have to be a people-person, and you have to love food.
Our readers were able to name 26 different people in this survey, with the top nod going to Rob and Annie Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek. Last year, Rob and Annie also bought the old Chateaulin, and if things go according to plan, they should be opening their new restaurant soon.
They were followed by:

• Neil Clooney of Smithfield’s.
• Crissy Barnett of Peerless.
• Alex Amarotico of Standing Stone.
• Tom and Lisa Beam of Sesame and Pasta Piatti.
• Marty Morlan of Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
• Pete and Kristal Foster of Breadboad.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Bruce, Chris, Jen and James of Omar’s.

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

You don’t want to get between a waitperson with a tray of food and his or her table. The odds of being trampled are high; kind of like facing down a rhino on the Serengetti. They’re extremely focused and goal-oriented at that point in time. As soon as they land and unveil the “Mission Accomplished” banner, though, they revert back to the fun-loving people they are.
A total of 30 different waitpersons were singled out by our readers, reserving their number one accolades for Amy Wong, a long-time waitress at Martino’s.
The competition was fierce, though, and other favorites included:

• Monica Heiken at Martino’s.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh at Loft.
• Pai Kim of Omar’s.
• Beth Crites at Wild Goose.
• Jim Bowen of Breadboard.
• Angie Mitchell at Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Chino Orozco at El Paraiso.

FAVORITE BARTENDER

An older man walks into a bar wearing a stovepipe hat, a waistcoat and a phony beard. The bartender asks, “Going to a party?” He says “Yeah, a costume party. I’m supposed to come dressed as my love life.” The bartender replies, “But you look like Abe Lincoln!” The man says, “That’s right. My last four scores were seven years ago.”
Sorry for the PG-13 joke. I think I’ve been at the computer too long. Maybe I need a drink!
Anyway, this category features a surprise winner—Dave Clark, who sadly passed away last year at a young age. His death hit this community hard, and the outpouring of support at his memorial service was inspiring to everyone. Rest in peace, Dave, and we’ll have a drink in your honor.
Also high on the list were:

• Chris Arthur of Omar’s.
• Lucy Blackinton at Liquid Assets.
• Paul Schmeling of Martino’s.
• Steve Owsley at Peerless.
• Tonie Stewart of Alex’s.
• Ted Raymond at Smithfield’s.
• Chris Selden at Creekside.
• Austin Loreman at Red Zone.

FAVORITE CHEF

The kitchen at any restaurant is a great example of controlled chaos. Orders come in, refrigerators are opened, oven temperatures are adjusted, and condiments, slabs of meat and vegetables are flying in every direction. Above it all, like a maestro at a symphony, stands the chef, and every night he deserves a standing ovation.
A number of local chefs were mentioned in this survey, with Neil Clooney of Smithfield’s taking down top honors.
Others receiving plenty of votes were:

• Billy Buscher of Alchemy Restaurant.
• Jeremy Vidalo-Singh of the Loft.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Andrew Will of Tot.
• Chandra Corwin of Sammich.
• Maggie Trujillo of Caldera Restaurant.
• James Williams of Omar’s.

FAVORITE GARBAGEMAN

One of the most memorable summers of my life was back in 1966 when I worked as a garbageman in Yellowstone National Park. Now, every time I hear the garbage truck out front on Monday morning, I want to go out and lend a hand.
And in that regard, our readers most often named Eli Savides at Recology Ashland Sanitary, followed by:

• Terry Larson.
• Steve R.
• Dan B. at the Transfer Station.

BUILDER/CARPENTER

From home remodeling to new construction, the industry is back on the move. The Great Recession is now becoming just a vague memory in the minds of a lot of builders, one that we hope will not be repeated.
And when it comes to builders, contractors, and carpenters, our readers named twenty different ones, starting with Darrell Boldt Construction.
The list also included:

• Walt Stokes.
• Kevin Federline.
• Brad Roupp.
• Dale Shostrum.
• Steve Dewey.
• Pete McBennett.

FAVORITE PLUMBER

I went to a wedding last summer held in the backyard of the bride and groom’s house. A half-hour before the wedding, the plumbing in the house went out and all the sewage was backing up. A plumber was called, and we could all see him on the roof putting a long “snake” down one of the pipes. It took about 45 minutes, but he saved the day.
And where do our readers go when they need their day saved? Topping the list this year were both Gerald Fowler of Economy Plumbing; and Dominic Smith.
Other receiving lots of votes were:

• The life-savers at S.O.S. Plumbing.
• John Latham.
• Greg Sprague.
• John at Drain Pros.
• Bob Hopkins.
• Scott Fitch.

FAVORITE LANDSCAPER/YARD MAINTENANCE

You keep having this recurring nightmare. You’re sitting in your patio garden having a vodka martini, and long vines suddenly crawl across your body, tying you to the chair, while a Venus flytrap named Audrey chugs down your drink. You wake up and immediately call your yard maintenance people to help restore your yard to sanity.
And when it comes to that, our readers named both Dan Graham of Yard Pros, and Alan Miller of Miller Renaissance as their favorites, followed by:

• Seth Barnard of Solid Ground.
• George Clark.
• Stacey Paige of Green Time Landscape.
• Ken Laidlaw of Sage Hill.
• Zack Williams of Regenesis.
• Dirty Boots.
• John Stadelman.

FAVORITE JEWELER

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but nothing can trick the eyes when it comes to fine jewelry. The $2 million 20-carat diamond ring that Kris Humphries bought for Kim Kardashian just looks a lot better than that knockoff from Wal-Mart. Where to go when you want some good advice from a jeweler? Our readers named quite a few, with their top nod going to Rich and Ron Hansen at Gold & Gems.
Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Chuck Troutman at Art Fx.
• Rex Thompson at Bella Terra Fine Jewelry.

CUTEST BABY BORN IN LAST YEAR

Okay, before anyone calls for a Congressional investigation, I will come right out and admit that this year’s winner, Hunter Marks, coincidentally happens to be my grandson. But you’ll have to admit he’s cute.
Anyway, the five other really really cute babies were: Isla Clooney, Miles Donovan, Opal Eden Tejada-Ingram, Brandon Wong and Alexia Marylu Hillegas.

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

It is used by small towns all across the Pacific Northwest as an example of how they want their downtowns to look. Of course, not many of them have the largest theater group in the United States in their midst, but who’s counting?
There are a lot of different stores in downtown Ashland, and our readers were able to name 27 of them as their favorites. This year they selected both Paddington Station, located at 125 E. Main; and Bloomsbury Books (290 E. Main) as their favorites, followed by:

• Papaya Living on the Plaza.
• Tudor Guild Gift Store (15 S. Pioneer).
• Earthly Goods, located at 142 E. Main.
• Renaissance Rose on the Plaza.
• Webster’s on the Plaza.
• Travel Essentials at 252 E. Main.
• Village Shoes (369 E. Main).
• The Paddington Jewel Box at 180 E. Main.
• Outdoor Store at 37 N. 3rd.
• Gold & Gems on the Plaza.

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

What’s nice about Ashland is that even if you’re downtown, you’re only five or six minutes away from stores “outside the downtown” area. And in that regard, our readers once again chose Déjà Vu, a clothing consignment store in the Ashland Shopping Center, as their favorite, followed by:

• Rare Earth (340 A Street).
• Ashland Artisan Emporium in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Bi-Mart.
• Goodwill Store on Tolman Creek Road.
• Ace Hardware (249 A Street).
• Spirit of Shakti, located at 471 A Street.
• J. Austin Coin & Jewelry, in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Bombshell, a clothing consignment store at 340 A Street.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture at 258 A Street.
• Revive Home Décor, located at 264 4th Street.
• Nature’s Pet, across from Albertson’s.
• Get n Gear, an outdoor consignment store at the corner of 3rd and A.

CUTEST PET

We had four eligible contestants this year (repeats from last year were disallowed), and once again I lined all the pictures up and had my entire family vote on them. In the end, Rossi Gabrielson (dog) won in a close vote over Moll Tejada (cat); Lucy Alexander (“the love dog”); and Chewy Long (dog). Pictures of all contestants are printed here.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

I don’t know why the Vatican is spending so much energy trying to decide whether to confer sainthood on Pope John Paul II when everyone knows my mom deserved sainthood.
Where to go when I want to buy something special for St. Hazel? Most of our readers recommended Paddington Station and Ashland Artisan Emporium (located in the Ashland Shopping Center).
Also mentioned a lot were:

• Flower Tyme on the Plaza.
• Nimbus at 25 E. Main.
• Crown Jewel, now located at 266 E. Main.
• Papaya Living.
• Rare Earth.
• Bloomsbury Books.
• Tudor Guild Gift Store.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

Most dads aren’t into frou-frou gifts, but get him that new weedeater or a dozen Titleist Pro V1’s, and he’ll just get ecstatic.
And in that regard, the majority of our readers named Ashland Ace Hardware and Bi-Mart as a good place to start, followed by:

• Northwest Nature Shop at 154 Oak Street.
• Outdoor Store.
• Mountain Supply on the Plaza.
• Summit+Fields Men’s Shop at 116 Lithia Way.
• The OLCC Liquor Store.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TOYS AND/OR CHILDREN’S CLOTHES

Children are amazing creatures. Every second of every day is a process of learning about the world they were brought into, and toys are a great facilitator in that education. And, of course, you need to make sure the little fellers have an ample supply of clothes. Where to go when you want to find toys and/or clothes for the kids? Most of our readers were impressed with the selection at both Bug a Boo (40 N. Main)and Small Change (on the Plaza).
Also mentioned were:

• Unicorn Gifts & Toys (242 E. Main).
• Tree House Books on the Plaza.
• Earth Friendly Kids (505 Siskiyou).
• Paddington Station.
• Rare Earth.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE

The first time early humans found a cave, they immediately built some lounge chairs to sit around the fire and drink grog. The home entertainment center was a few years down the road.
Where would our friendly cavemen go to find furniture today? The overwhelming choice was Ashland Recycled Furniture, located at 258 A Street.
Also receiving a lot of votes was Revive Home Décor, followed by:

• Ashland Artisan Emporium.
• Goodwill store.
• Garage sales.
• Hospice Unique Boutique, at 1618 Ashland Street.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR BACHELORETTE/BACHELOR PARTIES

Sure you can buy them placemats for the dining room or cooking gadgets for the kitchen, but most bachelorette gifts center around another room in the house. Where to go when you want to buy that perfect gift? The overwhelming choice was Love Revolution (111 E. Main, downstairs), which bills itself as “Ashland’s Sensuality Boutique.”
Also mentioned were:

• Paddington Station.
• Renaissance Rose.
• The $ Store.
• Rare Earth.

BEST PLACE TO BUY HOME DÉCOR ITEMS

A person’s home is his or her castle, and while those old knick knacks from the college dorm days, like the beer pong table and the Grateful Dead poster, may be wistful and nostalgic, it’s probably time to replace them with something else.
Anyway, where to go for some home decorating ideas? The top votegetter on this was Revive Home Décor, a vintage consignment shop that opened just last year at 264 4th Street, across from the Peerless.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Papaya Living.
• Ashland Recycle Furniture.
• Ashland Artisan Emporium.
• Paddington Station.
• Manzanita.
• Goodwill.

FAVORITE PHARMACY

Whether it’s prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs, pharmacies provide a valuable service for the community, and our readers appreciate their efforts. It was a close-fought battle, but in the end both Bi-Mart and Ashland Drug Store won our readers’ hearts.
They were followed closely by Rite-Aid, with Medicap Pharmacy in Talent also recording votes.

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

It’s been confirmed by the Human Genome Project that the shopping gene is located on the X chromosome. In a related study, it was found that the obsessing-over-the-playoffs gene is definitely located on the Y chromosome.
Where to go to shop for women’s clothes? There’s actually a lot of variety in Ashland, and our readers most often chose both Earthly Goods (142 E. Main) and Kixx (264 E. Main), as their favorites, followed closely by:

• Thread Hysteria.
• Patina Soul.
• 250 Main.
• Nimbus.
• Déjà Vu.
• Red’s Threads.
• Avant Garb.
• Frederica Lawrence.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Rare Earth.
• Heart & Hands.
• Paddington Station.
• Hemporium.

BEST SELECTION OF MEN’S CLOTHES

The shopping options for men are not as extensive, and I won’t even get into the socio-cultural reasons why. Just point me in the right direction when I need some new jeans.And in that regard, our readers once again named Nimbus as their favorite.

• Also receiving votes were:
• Outdoor Store.
• Mountain Supply.
• Rogue Valley Runners.
• Bi-Mart.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SWEATERS

They’re like big, fluffy shirts, and they’re meant for the winter months and also to do some stylin’. Where to go for the best selection? Our readers most often chose Kixx, followed by:

• Earthly Goods.
• Thread Hysteria.
• Patina Soul.
• Mountain Supply.
• Déjà Vu.
• 250 Main.

BEST PLACE TO BUY LINGERIE

Victoria’s Secret gave local shops a run for their money, but when this category was reduced to the bare essentials, Thread Hysteria, located on the Plaza, narrowly edged out Love Revolution, at 111 E. Main, downstairs.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SPORTING EQUIPMENT

We are located in an outdoor sports paradise, with numerous mountain lakes nearby, the Rogue River within spitting distance, the Coast just a mere two hours away, and hiking trails and campsites galore. Where to go to make sure you’re properly outfitted?
The number one choice was the Ashland Outdoor Store, located at 37 N. 3rd Street.
It was a tough battle at the top, though, as Ashland Mountain Supply on the Plaza came in a close second.
Also mentioned were:

• Bi-Mart.
• Get n Gear.
• Rogue Valley Runners in downtown Ashland.
• NW Outdoor Store in Medford.
• Sports Authority in Medford.

FRIENDLIEST FLORISTS

Working around flowers will make anyone happy, and in that regard our readers most often appreciate the friendly service from Enchanted Florist, Brandon and Leslie Kirkland’s floral shop. Unfortunately, they lost the lease at their storefront in December and are currently working out of their house. As soon as they find a place, you’ll be the first to hear it in the Sneak Preview.
It was actually a three-way battle for first, as both Flower Tyme on the Plaza and Eufloria, located at 449 E. Main received a ton of votes.
Also mentioned were:

• Albertson’s.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Safeway.

FRIENDLIEST BICYCLE SHOP

The German Baron Karl von Drais introduced the first human means of transport to use only two wheels in tandem in Mannheim in the summer of 1817. Today worldwide “they are the most frequently used method of transport for commuting to work, school, shopping, and life in general” (Wikipedia). That also translates into an enormous win-win for the environment.
Here in Ashland, biking is extremely popular and, in fact, we host the United Bicycle Institute, which teaches people how to build, repair and maintain bikes.
With regard to bike shops, the favorite with our readers was Ashland Cycle Sport, located at 191 Oak Street downtown. They were followed by:

• Siskiyou Cyclery (1729 Siskiyou).
• Ashland Electric Bikes at 302 E. Hersey, #7.
• Ashland Bicycle Works (1660 Siskiyou).
• Bear Creek Bicycle at 1988 Highway 99 N.
• Get n Gear at the corner of 3rd and A.
• Flywheel Bicycle Solutions in Talent.

BEST PLACE TO BUY PET FOOD AND/OR STUFF FOR YOUR PET

It’s almost 5:00pm, and both my dog (Brody) and cat (Mau Mau) are sitting here looking at me with woeful eyes. They know that the 5:00 bird from my Audubon bird-calling wall clock will soon chirp, which signals feeding time. That leaves me a few minutes to go out for a quick pet food run. Where to go? This one ended up in a tie between Nature’s Pet, located across from Albertson’s, and Grange Co-op on A Street in the Railroad District.
Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Ashland Pets in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Bi-Mart.
• Shop N’ Kart.
• Rite Aid.
• Pet Smart in Medford.

FAVORITE GROCERY STORE

Most grocery stores are like mini social events, as you can almost always run into friends, neighbors and family. A quick stop for a few essentials can turn into an hour-long gossip session.
Where do our readers like to go to socialize and shop for food? The number one choice this year was Shop N’ Kart, located next to Bi-Mart.
The battle for number one was fierce, though, as Ashland Food Co-op, came in a close second. Market of Choice and Albertson’s also received a lot of votes, as did Safeway.

BEST PLACE TO BUY VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS

I’m a big fan of everyone taking personal responsibility for his or her health. If we relied more on vitamins and supplements in this country instead of our insane addiction to prescription drugs, I’m convinced health care costs would drop dramatically, and we would all be a lot healthier.
Where to go to help you maintain optimal health? The runaway winner in this category was Shop N’ Kart, although Ashland Food Co-op was also mentioned a lot.
Others receiving votes were:

• Bi-Mart.
• All’s Well, located at 107 Oak Street.
• Heartsong, in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.

BEST PLACE TO BUY BATH & BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We’re basically talking about stuff that goes on skin, which just happens to be the largest and most impressive of organs. Not only that, but every day two-to-three billion skin cells are shed, and every 3-5 weeks a person’s skin is completely renewed. So it’s important to take care of it!
Where to go to find great bath and beauty products? This one ended in a tie between Pure Alchemy at 253 E. Main, and Be Cherished, an AVEDA Hair Salon and Retail Store at 393 E. Main.
The list also included:

• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Paddington Station.
• Waterstone Spa.
• Emz Blendz.
• Blue Giraffe.

BEST VENUE FOR WEDDINGS, RETREATS, PARTIES, ETC.

Having a party in the abandoned field behind the Shell station might have worked back in the frat house days, but our readers were looking for something a little classier in this category. And in that regard, they most often picked the beautiful facilities at the Ashland Springs Hotel, followed by:

• Lithia Park.
• Lithia Springs Resort.
• Grizzly Peak Winery.
• Paschal Winery.
• Willow Witt Ranch.
• Greensprings Inn.
• Mount Ashland Lodge.

BEST DAY CARE CENTER

In this hustle-bustle world, which often requires incomes from both parents, finding the exact right day care center is fairly important. Our readers were able to pinpoint a few that they preferred,including this year’s winner, Lil’ Rascals Daycare at 188 Garfield.
Also mentioned a lot were:

• YMCA Daycare.
• Childrens’ World at 175 N. Main.
• Sarah’s Family Daycare on Maple Way.
• Memory Lane Preschool at 1615 Clark Ave.
• Stone Soup Playschool at 782 Park St.

FAVORITE GAS STATION

The world’s first purpose-built gas station was constructed in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1905 (the second one was in Seattle). Today, there are 118,756 of them in the United States. So fill ‘er up, boys.
Where to go when you want to be part of the 118,756? Our readers most often mentioned the Lithia Way 76 Station downtown at Oak & Lithia Way, followed by:

• The Astro station downtown.
• Ashland Valero at Exit 14.
• The 76 Station at Exit 14.
• Texaco station downtown.
• ARCO AM/PM.
• Valley View 76.
• Shell Station on Walker Street.
• Texaco at Exit 14.
• Chevron at Exit 14.

FAVORITE STORE IN MEDFORD

When our readers just have to get out of town, they most often go to CostCo and Trader Joe’s in Medford, closely followed by:

• Pier One.
• Macy’s at the Mall.
• REI.
• Fred Meyer.
• Sportsman’s Warehouse.
• TJ Maxx.
• Blackbird.
• Ross for Less.

POLITICS

FAVORITE CITY COUNCILOR

Nothing really earth shattering happened in Ashland last year with the City Council, which is probably a good thing. The Plaza remodel and the Road diet were probably the most controversial (see survey below), but other than that, it was just the same old routine of approving liquor licenses and honoring retiring city employees.
All six councilors were mentioned in this survey, with Dennis Slattery coming out of top, followed by:

• Pam Marsh.
• Carol Voisin.

FAVORITE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

It’s extraordinary how isolated we are here in Ashland. This category was probably the least answered question in the entire survey, and I would surmise that the vast majority of Ashlanders wouldn’t be able to name all three county commissioners. One name they do know, however, is Don Skundrick, who came out on top in this survey.

BEST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

Just to prove how divided the community was over the Road Diet, this was named as “best thing government has done in the last year.” But as you will see in the next question, not everyone agreed.
Other “good things” included:

• Obamacare.
• Redoing Guanajuato Way.
• Allowing chickens in town.
• Putting blinking lights for pedestrians on Siskiyou.
• ACH-Asante merger.
• Flower baskets on Plaza.

WORST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

The Road Diet topped the list as “worst thing government has done,” but the Plaza Remodel wasn’t far behind. The City Council just seems to love controversial projects that fail to get significant public input.
Also mentioned were:

• Shutting government down in Washington.
• Reducing food stamps.
• Paving Peachy Street.
• Failing to snow plow the streets.

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

Each year we ask our readers to answer four political questions just to gauge the mood of the community. These answers are “relatively” accurate since very few people stuff the ballot for them.

1. Should the Normal Avenue rural area be turned into high-density housing? Someone pointed out that it wasn’t that high density. I agree and disagree. While parts of it will be zoned low to medium density, there are two huge tracts that will be designated high density. That means 15 units per acre, which is squeezing a lot of people in. Some people in the area who happen to own land there want to put in ¼-acre single-family units, and the City won’t let them! Does that seem right? Not to our readers.

• Yes, it should be high-density: 36%
• No, bad idea: 64%

2. Do you think the Plaza redesign was a good one? Despite all its good intentions about involving the public in the design of the Plaza, most of the recommendations were made by a small committee of City Council members and staff. The one design element that has driven everyone crazy, the grey pavers, was made by … wait, we still don’t know how that decision was made, or who was involved. There has been some massive buck-passing on that one. As it stands now, the City Council admits mistakes were made and that some tweaking of the Plaza is necessary. That’s probably all it needed in the first place, but hey, it’s only money. Needless to say, a lot of the citizenry isn’t happy.

• Yes, good design: 35%
• No, bad design: 65%

3. Should residential homes be allowed to rent to tourists by the day? This whole issue boils down to two issues: If we allow residential homes to rent out to tourists by the day, will it a.) completely destroy the integrity of the neighborhood? And b.) will it reduce the available rental housing available to citizens? Vacation rentals by owners (VRBOs) have been extremely popular lately, and many Ashland homeowners have taken advantage of that by renting out their homes and/or smaller units on their property. Should we allow them to do that? Our readers think so.

• Yes, let them rent out their homes: 66%
• No, don’t let them: 34%

4. Was the Road Diet a good idea? This is all relatively moot since the City Council voted unanimously to keep North Main in its 2-lane configuration. Was it a good decision? The citizenry was split down the middle on this one.

• Yes, good idea: 52%
• No, bad idea: 48%

* * * * *
And there we go. That only took three fingers of Old Granddad. Part II of the “Best of Ashland” will include Restaurants and Entertainment and will be featured in our February issue. Later! —C.H.

 

BEST OF ASHLAND 2014, PART 2

Since Part I of the “Best of the Ashland” hit the stands, the world seems to have stood still. Except for the Seattle Seahawks winning the Super Bowl, not much has been going on in the world. It’s as if everyone is patiently waiting with bated breath for Part II to hit the mailboxes.
So let’s get right to it: Part II of the “Best of Ashland,” featuring restaurants and entertainment. As always, multiple ties will be awarded in any category where the votes had a difference of five or fewer at the top.
    

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

If our readers are staying on top of their culinary game and actually know what they’re talking about, then there were officially only five new restaurants in Ashland last year.
The voting for the top spot was neck and neck this year between Jim Mills’ Caldera Brewery & Restaurant (at 590 Clover Lane) and Sammich,a new sandwich shop at 424 Bridge Street, where Chef Chandra Corwin and Master Taster Melissa McMillan work their wonders.
Others mentioned a lot were:

•     Salame on the Plaza.
•     Mystic Treats in the Tolman Creek Shopping Center.
•     Stonetop Pizza at 570 Clover Lane.

The Campus Grill in the Ashland Shopping Center opened after the ballots were turned in and will be eligible for next year’s balloting.Two other “new” restaurants (Alchemy and Umi Sushi), merely changed their names.

BEST BREAKFAST

There’s no denying that the top three in this category all have a strong following of loyal customers, because once again they all received their fair share of votes. In alphabetical order, they were:

•     Breadboard, located at 744 N. Main.
•     Brother’s (95 N. Main).
•     Morning Glory at 1149 Siskiyou.

The following three were also pretty close:

•     Wild Goose (2365 Ashland Street)
•     Ruby’s at 163 N. Pioneer.
•     Dragonfly, located at 241 Hargadine.

Other popular breakfast spots include:

•     Oak Tree at 2519 Highway 66.
•     Greenleaf on the Plaza.

Also mentioned were the Sunday brunches at Alchemy Restaurant (25 S. 2nd) and the Sat-Sun brunches at Smithfields (36 S. 2nd).

BEST LUNCH

You have an appointment scheduled with the head of the Chinese delegation in order to discuss your idea to sell widgets in China (sell one billion of them for a dollar each, and you’re suddenly a billionaire). Hoping to make an impression, you look through the list of outstanding restaurants in Ashland that offer lunch, and if you’re anything like our readers, you’ll have to decide between FORTY-SEVEN different ones. Seriously, there were 47 restaurants mentioned, and I guess the competition is good for everyone.
As you can imagine, the votes were spread out all over the place on this one, with the top three being a tie between:

•     Lark’s, located in the Ashland Springs Hotel.
•     TOT (310 Oak Street).
•     Sammich.

The Top Ten in this category featured:

•     Greenleaf on the Plaza.
•     Ruby’s.
•     Dragonfly.
•     Pangea (at 272 E. Main).
•     Morning Glory.
•     Black Sheep on the Plaza.
•     Breadboard.
•     Wild Goose.
•     Brother’s.

BEST OMELETS

If you like eggs, you’re going to love omelets. They take three eggs and stuff them with things like cheese, vegetables and meats, then flip them over to produce the perfect breakfast entrée.
Where to go for perfection? Most of our readers went gaga over the omelets at Morning Glory and Brother’s, followed by:

•     Breadboard.
•     Wild Goose.
•     Dragonfly.
•     Oak Tree.

BEST BLT SANDWICHES

Bacon is almost an aphrodisiac for some people, and the perfect combination is to add some lettuce and tomatoes to it, making it America’s all-time favorite lunchtime sandwich. Seriously, Google it.
Our readers were all over the bacon landscape on this one, reserving their top nod for Greenleaf on the Plaza.
Others receiving a lot of votes were:

•     Breadboard.
•     Omar’s, at 1380 Siskiyou.
•     Sammich.
•     Morning Glory.
•     Food Co-op.

BEST SOUPS

Sometimes you just don’t feel like going for that 2,500-calorie lunch or dinner. You want something that will be filling yet not a total protein-bomb. A fresh, homemade soup is just the answer, and our readers most often mentioned both TOT and Pangea, followed by:

•     Greenleaf.
•     Standing Stone, at 101 Oak Street.
•     Food Co-op.
•     Loft, at 18 Guanajuato Way.
•     Thai Pepper (84 N. Main).
•     Tabu at 76 N. Pioneer.
•     Sammich.

BEST SALADS

Back in the Caveman days, there wasn’t a whole lot of refrigeration. You just couldn’t pull a mastodon thigh out of the freezer at night as leftovers from that hunt two months previous. Half the time you had to resort to … vegetables and salads!
Where does our friendly Caveman go when the mastodon cache has run out? These votes were spread out fairly evenly at the top with Martino’s/Macaroni’s, located at 58 E. Main,tying with the Food Co-op.
The list also included:

•     Lark’s.
•     Greenleaf.
•     TOT.
•     Creekside Pizza, at 92 ½ N. Main.
•     Standing Stone.
•     Smithfields.

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

The next best thing to eating at home for dinner is to find a restaurant that makes you feel as if you’re right at home. And when it comes to that, our readers mentioned 25different local restaurants, with Loft (18 Guanajuato Way), Peerless (265 4th), and Smithfields (35 S. 2nd) taking down top honors.
It was very close, however, as both Omar’s (1380 Siskiyou) and Amuse (15 N. First) received a lot of support.
Other favorites included:

•     Alchemy Restaurant (at Winchester Inn).
•     Cucina Biazzi at 568 E. Main.
•     Lark’s.
•     Beasy’s on the Creek at 51 Water Street.
•     Alex’s (which has unfortunately closed).
•     Salame, on the Plaza.
•     Dragonfly.
•     Sesame, at 21 Winburn Way.
•     Pasta Piatti (358 E. Main).
•     Martino’s/Macaroni’s.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS

If you’re an adherent of the paleo diet, or even a student of human evolution, you KNOW that our ancestors never ate wheat. That didn’t happen until humans started settling down in cities and needed mass-produced quantities of food. Thanks to those paleo ancestors, quite a few of us are sensitive to wheat and gluten, and restaurants are keeping up with the trend, offering a wide variety of entrees that are gluten-free.
And in that regard, our readers named both Greenleaf on the Plaza and Sauce in the Ashland Shopping Center as leaders in the field.
Others high on the list were:

•     Pasta Piatti.
•     Thai Pepper.
•     Lark’s.
•     Mystic Treats Pizza.
•     Taroko.
•     Pangea.

•     Playwright, at 258 A Street.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

The list of people who have written us letters over the years thanking us profusely for recommending a romantic restaurant for dinner, which then turned into marriage proposals, is too long to even count … just kidding. Our readers were, however, in a romantic mood when they filled out this category, as they named both Amuse at 15 N. First and Alchemy Restaurant (in the Winchester Inn) as their favorites, followed by:

•     Peerless.
•     Cucina Biazzi.
•     Loft.
•     Beasy’s on the Creek.
•     Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
•     Salame.
•     Sesame.
•     Smithfields.
•     Kobe.

BEST SELECTION OF STEAKS

Red meat sometimes gets a bad rap from cardiologists, and you probably don’t want to eat it morning, noon and night, but a nice juicy steak a couple of nights a week has to be good for you. It just tastes too good and is packed with necessary proteins.
Anyway, taking down top honors in this category was a veritable tie between perennial favorite Omar’s (1380 Siskiyou) and Smithfields, located at 36 S. 2nd.
Others mentioned a lot were:

•     Beasy’s on the Creek.
•     Peerless.
•     Amuse.
•     Coquina (542 A Street).

BEST SELECTION OF SEAFOOD

Water covers over two-thirds of the earth, and the amount of wildlife under the ocean is staggering. Here’s hoping that commercial fishermen know what they’re doing and are replenishing what they remove, because having a tasty halibut or ahi or red snapper is one of the comfort foods of life.
Our readers agreed and named 15 different establishments that serve great seafood, including the number one choice, which ended up being another tie with Beasy’s on the Creek(51 Water Street) and Omar’s (1380 Siskiyou), followed by:

•     Loft.
•     Kobe.
•     Black Sheep.
•     Star Sushi.
•     Umi Sushi.
•     Bonsai Teriyaki.
•     Peerless.

BEST PASTA DISHES ON MENU

Pasta is a type of noodle and a staple food of traditional Italian cuisine, which dates back to the first century BC. It’s typically made from an unleavened dough of wheat flour mixed with water. Wikipedia can sure make someone seem smart, can’t it?
And when it comes to pasta, our readers are very smart, choosing Pasta Piatti (located at 358 E. Main), as their favorite.
The list also included:

•     Wiley’s World, at 1606 Ashland Street.
•     Cucina Biazzi.
•     Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
•     Martolli’s, across from the Plaza.
•     NW Pizza & Pasta, at 1585 Siskiyou Boulevard.

BEST CHICKEN DISHES ON MENU

They’re descended from a beautiful bird called the Red Junglefowl and were probably first domesticated in Southeast Asia back in the day. Thanks to humans, they have expanded to 24 billion birds worldwide, providing us with both meat and eggs.
Where would Friends of Red Junglefowl like to go locally when wanting to partake in some really good chicken dishes? Number one this year was the Peerless, located at 265 4th Street, followed by:

•     Loft.
•     Dragonfly.
•     Caldera Restaurant.
•     Lark’s.
•     Taj, at 31 Water Street.
•     Taroko, located at 62 E. Main.
•     Omar’s.
•     Salame.

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

If only Congress could approach the immigration bill as efficiently as Mexican restaurants are run. They could sit down, order a margarita, write a couple of rough drafts over salsa and chips (with a side of guacamole), meet in full session with an order of macho burritos and chicken fajitas, then take the final vote with a complimentary serving of flan for dessert.
Our readers are very appreciative of all the great Mexican restaurants in Ashland as they named eleven of them in this survey. The number one choice was a tie between La Casa del Pueblo (1209 Siskiyou) and El Paraiso, located at 545 Clover Lane.
It was close at the top, however, as the Top Five featured:

•     Agave, at 92 N. Main.
•     El Tapatio, located at 1033 N. Pacific Hwy.
•     Tabu, at 76 N. Pioneer.

Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Sénor Sam’s, in the Ashland Shopping Center.
•     Milagros, in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.
•     Big Al’s (474 N. Main).
•     La Tapatia in Phoenix.
•     Inti in Talent.

BEST BURRITOS

These are so addictive they could easily be placed on the Attorney General’s list of banned substances. Just kidding, but when you stuff all kinds of goodies—from chicken, vegetables and rice—into a tortilla, you want to order more … and more … and more.
Where to go for great burritos? Our readers most often named Señor Sam’s, in the Ashland Shopping Center, followed by:

•     Milagros.
•     Ruby’s.
•     Tabu.
•     Big Al’s.
•     El Paraiso.
•     La Casa del Pueblo.
•     El Tapatio.

BEST MARGARITAS

They may not be the national drink of Mexico (that would probably be the “atole”), but it’s certainly taken the United States by storm. Our readers definitely love their margaritas, as they placed two different establishments at the top of their list: Agave (92 N. Main) and Tabu, at 76 N. Pioneer.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

•     La Casa del Pueblo.
•     El Paraiso.
•     Lark’s.
•     Alex’s.
•     Martino’s.
•     El Tapatio.

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

We’re only separated by a teensy-weensy little ocean, so we’re practically neighbors to Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam and Thailand, which are the main Asian restaurants prevalent in Ashland. And when it comes to that, our readers named 16 of them as their favorites, and we will take the liberty of naming all of them.
We’ll start at the top, where Thai Pepper (and the upstairs Satay Bar) won top honors.
The Top Five were very close, and they included:

•     Kobe.
•     Sesame.
•     Taroko.
•     House of Thai Cuisine.

Others high in the standings were:

•     TOT.
•     Panda Garden.
•     Star Sushi.
•     Umi Sushi.
•     Bonsai Teriyaki.
•     Mihama’s.
•     Golden Dynasty.
•     Taj.
•     Anya’s Thai Bistro.
•     Yuan Yuan.
•     Dragonfly.

BEST THAI DISHES

Thailand has become such a popular tourist destination that the movie Hangover II was filmed there. Where will Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis go when they’re stuck in Ashland while filming Hangover VII and want to reprise their roles in a Thai restaurant? It was extremely close at the top as Thai Pepper (and the Satay Bar) narrowly edged out House of Thai Cuisine.
The list also included:

•     Anya’s Thai Cuisine
•     Taroko.
•     TOT.
•     Yuan Yuan.

BEST JAPANESE DISHES

If you thought Japan was just a small island country in the north Pacific, you would be wrong. It’s actually an archipelago of 6,852 islands with over 126 million people. The greater Tokyo area, in fact, is the largest metropolitan area in the world, with over 30 million people.
That calls for some Japanese food to celebrate, and where would our readers go locally? Most said Kobe at 84 N. Main, but the list also included:

•     Bonsai Teriyaki.
•     Taroko.
•     Sesame.
•     Star Sushi.
•     Umi Sushi.

RESTAURANT WITH MOST FUN SUSHI CHEFS

The knives were out for this category, as the fun-loving crew at Taroko edged out Kobe.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Umi Sushi.
•     Star Sushi.
•     Bonsai Teriyaki.

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

This isn’t just pizza and pasta, but an ambiance that makes you think of Rome and Tuscany. A few original Michelangelo friezes would help, and some sculptures by Modigliani, but unless you have a couple of million dollars to spend on ambience, it’s not totally necessary.
When it comes to Italian restaurants, our readers once again mentioned both Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main) and Pasta Piatti (358 E. Main), followed by:

•     Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
•     Martolli’s.
•     Wiley’s World.

BEST PIZZA RESTAURANT

I love the scene in Lady and the Tramp where the two dogs share a pizza together. Or was that spaghetti? Well, if it wasn’t pizza, it should have been, because this Italian delicacy has something to appeal to everyone.
Where would Lady and the Tramp go in the remake of that classic old movie? This one ended in a tie this year between perennial favorite Great American Pizza, located at 1448 Ashland Street, and Martolli’s at 38 E. Main (across from the Plaza).
The Top Four were pretty close as both NW Pizza and Pasta and Creekside have their loyal customers, followed by:

•     Giseppi’s.
•     Mystic Treats Pizza.
•     Papa Murphy’s.
•     Martino’s/Macaroni’s.
•     Stonetop Pizza.

BEST BUFFET/SALAD BAR

You have to bring a big appetite because it’s all-you-can-eat when you step up to the buffet line for the third or fourth time. And when it comes to buffet, our readers most often mentioned Taj, an Indian-style restaurant located at 31 Water Street downtown.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Food Co-op.
•     Great American Pizza.
•     NW Pizza & Pasta.

BEST VEGETARIAN DISHES

Believe it or not, you can get the exact same nutritional requirements from a vegetarian diet as you can from the traditional Western diet … you just have to work a little harder at it and use some creativity.
Where to go when you want to get creative? Our readers loved the selection at both Sauce, located in the Ashland Shopping Center, and Mystic Treats Pizza, in the Tolman Creek Shopping Center.
Others high on the list were:

•     Greenleaf.
•     TOT.
•     Dragonfly.
•     Pasta Piatti.
•     Mihama’s.
•     Taj.

BEST BBQ DISHES

I was at a party once and overheard a heated argument between two guys over which was better—Texas BBQ or Carolina BBQ. Apparently, it’s all in the sauce, but I thought there was going to be another Civil War on our hands.
You certainly don’t have to travel to Houston or Raleigh to get your hands on some great BBQ. Number one locally among our readers was TOT, located at 310 Oak Street in the old Cantwell’s building, followed by:

•     Taroko.
•     Smithfield’s.
•     Taj.
•     Thai Pepper.
•     Omar’s.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST APPETIZERS

You get to the restaurant famished and there is seriously no way you’re going to wait. You immediately ask for the appetizer menu and order buffalo wings, mushroom puffs, tomato and cheese skewers, and some bacon-wrapped pineapple shrimps. By the time dinner comes, you’re stuffed and move straight onto dessert.
Where to go to start dinner off right? Our readers most often named both Thai Pepper, located at 84 N. Main, and Alchemy Restaurant, inside the Winchester Inn.
The list also included:

•     Lark’s.
•     Peerless.
•     Smithfield’s.
•     Loft.
•     Salame.
•     Liquid Assets.

RESTAURANT WITH MOST EXOTIC COCKTAILS

One of my favorite books is Art of the Bar, written by two bartenders at the Absinthe Brasserie & Bar in San Francisco. They go through all of the most exotic drinks throughout time, from the Singapore Sling and Sazerac to the Mint Julep, Cosmopolitan and the Quarterdeck (rum, sherry, lime juice, angostura bitters).
Taking down top billing in this category for 2013 was Liquid Assets, located at 96 N. Main.
They were followed in the standings by:

•     Thai Pepper.
•     Lark’s.
•     Peerless.
•     Loft.
•     Tabu.
•     Alchemy Restaurant.
•     Martino’s.
•     Kobe.
•     Smithfields.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST DESSERTS

I grew up in a family of nine kids, and every night our mom had a dessert ready for all of us. That is just one of the reasons she was recently nominated for sainthood at the Vatican.
Where would St. Hazel go if she were to visit Ashland looking for some great desserts?
Our readers were most fond of both Amuse (15 N. First) and Mix (on the Plaza), so Jamie North must be doing something right.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Loft.
•     Lark’s.
•     Alchemy.
•     Omar’s.
•     Oregon Cabaret Theatre.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST SELECTION OF BEER

Back in my college days (you know, the 20th century), there were about three choices for beer, and none of them were great. Today, there are hundreds to choose from, and the competition has created some excellent beer.
And in that regard, our readers were most impressed with the creations and selection at Caldera Brewery and Restaurant, located at 590 Clover Lane (there’s also a Caldera Tap House downtown on Water Street).
Also receiving a lot of votes was Standing Stone Brewing Company on Oak Street, followed by:

•     Red Zone.
•     Martino’s.
•     Beau Club.
•     Oberon’s.
•     Black Sheep.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

As long as there’s not a flood (1997), a 100-year snowstorm (Dec. 2013), smoke from forest fires (Aug. 2013), or a plague of locusts (1872), sitting outside and enjoying your dinner can be quite fun. Where to go to have the most fun? Our readers were able to name quite a few places, reserving their top choices for Peerless (265 4th Street) and Dragonfly at 241 Hargadine.
Other top outdoor spots included:

•     Cucina Biazzi.
•     Thai Pepper.
•     Smithfields.
•     Loft.
•     Beasy’s on the Creek.
•     Caldera Restaurant.
•     Standing Stone.
•     Callahan’s.
•     Alex’s (sniff, sniff).

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

It may look like an easy job, but waiting tables can be extremely demanding and stressful, requiring the utmost in concentration. To the credit of waitstaff everywhere, they continue to show a smiling face amid all the chaos.
Our readers were able to pinpoint 26 different restaurants in this survey, reserving their most praise for the waitstaff at Standing Stone (101 Oak Street), followed by:

•     Lark’s.
•     Breadboard.
•     Wild Goose.
•     Omar’s.
•     Loft.
•     La Casa del Pueblo.
•     Louie’s.

BEST “QUICK SERVICE” RESTAURANT

They’re aren’t that many “fast food” restaurant chains in Ashland, so most of our readers improvised by naming restaurants that concentrate on getting the food out to you in a timely manner.
And in that regard, our readers named Señor Sam’s and Wendy’s as their favorites. They’re conveniently located next to each other in the Ashland Shopping Center just in case you’re real hungry.
Other favorites include:

•     Taj.
•     Milagros.
•     Big Al’s.
•     Taco Bell.
•     Bento Express.
•     Mihama’s.
•     Pita Pit.

BEST SELECTION OF BURGERS

There’s actually a secret to making great burgers, and I have been sworn to secrecy by a number of local chefs. A hint: it’s all in the wrist and how you flip the burger. No? Well, then, find your own mole in the restaurant industry if you don’t believe me.
Where to find that perfect burger? A lot of our readers turned to the creations at perennial favorite Louie’s on the Plaza, followed by:

•     Big Al’s.
•     Red Zone.
•     Caldera Restaurant.
•     Wendy’s.
•     Burger King.
•     Ruby’s.
•     Standing Stone.

BEST MILKSHAKES

Per the Third Law of Thermodynamics, it’s almost physically impossible to eat a hamburger and fries without a milkshake to go with it. Where do people go when they want to comply with the laws of physics? Most of our readers preferred the delicious creations at Zoey’s Café & All Natural Ice Cream (199 E. Main) although Big Al’s at 474 N. Main was also mentioned a lot.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

•     Louie’s.
•     Rogue Valley Roasting Company at 917 E. Main.
•     Wendy’s.
•     Ruby’s.

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

Making a great sandwich is actually an art. Rumor has it that Michelangelo had been admitted to the Sandwich Making College of Bologna before he realized he was actually good at painting murals on top of ceilings. Don’t believe me? Google it.
Anyway, where would Michelangelo go when he wanted to get really creative sandwiches? Many of our readers recommended the new kid on the block, Sammich, which recently opened at 424 Bridge Street.
They were followed by:

•     Big Town Hero, corner of N. Main and Granite.
•     Greenleaf.
•     Standing Stone.
•     Food Co-op.
•     Red Zone.
•     Pangea.
•     Deli Downstairs (107 E. Main).
•     Subway.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE ENTIRE FAMILY

This doesn’t necessarily have to be the entire family. Some people, like the crazy aunt living in the attic, really don’t need to be seen in public … just kidding. But when you do pile everyone into the station wagon (do they still make station wagons?) for a night on the town, where would our readers recommend you go? Many of them chose the friendly confines of both Standing Stone (101 Oak) and NW Pizza & Pasta, at 1585 Siskiyou Boulevard.
Others high on the list were:

•     Caldera Restaurant.
•     Señor Sam’s.
•     Breadboard.
•     Black Sheep.
•     El Tapatio.

FAVORITE BARISTA (COFFEE SERVER)

This job is so important that it deserves a cabinet position at the White House. Secretary of Coffee Serving or Secretary of Offense (caffeine gets everyone going) … or something like that.
When it comes to baristas, our readers named quite a few, including this year’s winner Tristan Freechild of Mix. Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Danielle at Dutch Brothers.
•     Peter at Noble Coffee.
•     Rihanna Piddington at Human Bean.
•     Dustin Way at Rogue Valley Roasting Co.
•     Jenny at Starbucks.
•     David Light at Bloomsbury Coffee.
•     Katie Case at Case Coffee.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE

This is a place where you can get coffee, mingle with friends, sit in the corner and write the Great American Novel, get caught up with all the local gossip by eavesdropping on conversations, and solve all the world’s problems with the able assistance of our good friend caffeine.
Our readers mentioned 14 different coffeehouses, and each of them has loyal customers. The voting was really spread out this year, and the top spot was a three-way tie between Noble Coffee(281 4th Street), Rogue Valley Roasting Company (917 E. Main), and Mix (on the Plaza).
The full list included:

•     Bloomsbury Coffee.
•     Starbucks (downtown and across from SOU).
•     The Beanery.
•     Case Coffee.
•     Boulevard Coffee.
•     Human Bean.
•     Dutch Brothers.
•     Café 116.
•     La Baguette.
•     Evo’s.

BEST RESTAURANT OUTSIDE ASHLAND

To all those who mentioned restaurants in Cabo san Lucas, New York City and Seattle, we thank you for your input, but we didn’t mean that much outside Ashland. We were thinking more along the lines of a 45-minute drive, tops.
Leading the way this year was New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, located at 2210 S. Pacific Hwy, between Ashland and Talent.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Inti in Talent.
•     The Talent Café.
•     La Tapatia in Phoenix.
•     Porter’s in Medford.
•     Kaleidoscope Pizza in Medford.
•     Callahan’s.
•     Greensprings Inn.
•     Arbor House in Talent.
•     Avalon in Talent.
•     Bambu in Medford.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LIVE CONCERT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

Our readers were all over the stage on this one before finally settling on last year’s eclectic performances of the Green Shows at OSF before the plays at night.
The list also included:

•     The Ashland City Band concerts in Lithia Park.
•     Rogue Valley Symphony performances.
•     Southern Oregon Rep Singers’ “Mozart’s Birthday Bash.”
•     An appearance in October by the Alejandro Ziegler Tango Quartet, part of the Siskiyou Music Project.
•     The Siskiyou Singers’ “Down the River to the Sea” concert in August.

FAVORITE CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

It attracts some of the top names in the musical industry, and they pack them in practically every night during the summer months in Jacksonville. Our readers were definitely impressed, and they named an appearance by Chris Isaak as their favorite, followed by:

•     Michael Franti & Spearhead.
•     Brandi Carlisle.
•     Steve Miller Band.
•     John Prine.
•     The Classical Festival.
•     Robert Plant.

FAVORITE PRODUCTION AT THE CRATERIAN LAST YEAR

It’s one of the nicest venues in southern Oregon and even inspired Ginger Rogers to help get it built. With its ample stage, excellent acoustics and comfortable seating, it attracts top-name performers and traveling Broadway shows, and also serves as a venue for local productions.
Our readers were able to single out quite a few performances last year, including their favorite, the musical Annie, performed by the Teen Musical Theatre of Oregon.
Also mentioned were:

•     Pink Martini in December.
•     Pianist Rufus Wainwright in October.
•     Thomaseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas.
•     The traveling Broadway musical West Side Story.

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

Ashland has a wealth of artistic talent, and First Friday Art Walk is a chance for them to show off a little bit. It’s also a great social event, as downtown Ashland (and the Railroad District) is packed with people enjoying art, food, refreshments and entertainment.
Especially popular with our readers was Hanson Howard Gallery, in their new location at 89 Oak Street, followed by:

•     Ashland Art Gallery at 357 E. Main.
•     Illahe Gallery (215 4th Street).
•     Gallerie Karon at the corner of 4th & A.
•     Waterstone Spa at 236 E. Main.
•     The Black Sheep on the Plaza.
•     Plaza Salon, across from the Plaza.

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

Quite a few local artists were mentioned by our readers, including this year’s winner, Betty LaDuke, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday with a retrospective exhibition at SOU last September.
Others mentioned a lot were:

•     Diane Erickson.
•     Bruce Barnes.
•     Sarah Burns.
•     Harriet Rex Smith.
•     Barbara Eshoo.

BEST FILM AT THE FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

My how time flies. AIFF will be hosting its 14th film festival this coming April, and it just seems like yesterday that it was the new kid on the film festival block. Now that it’s older and wiser, we look forward to the upcoming season.
As far as 2013 is concerned, our readers were most impressed with Redwood Highway, the story of an elderly woman fed up with her retirement community in the Rogue Valley who decides to walk to the coast. It was filmed here in southern Oregon.
Also receiving lots of mentions were:

•     Masks.
•     The World According to Dick Cheney.
•     Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings.
•     Sparrows Dance.
•     FLO.

BEST EXHIBIT AT SCIENCEWORKS LAST YEAR

In 2001 founders John and Sharon Javna and Marge Bernard “brought life and vitality back into the long-closed Museum of Natural History.” As of this year, ScienceWorks has served over 350,000 visitors and school children, and nearly 1,700 Member families.
Every year they feature a number of unique exhibits, and our readers were able to name quite a few of them as being particularly fun. Topping the list was “Noise,” an exhibit that took the viewer into the world of the human ear and the nature of sound waves.
 Also popular were:

•     The Bee Exhibit.
•     The Bubble-ology Room.
•     The Water Rocket.
•     Tinker Fest, including “Car Take Apart.”

BEST PART OF THIS YEAR’S SANTA PARADE

It takes place the night after Thanksgiving and is officially the start of the holiday season in Ashland. The overwhelming favorite part of the whole night is the Lighting Ceremony, which takes place on the balcony of Alex’s.
Other favorite things about that night include:

•     The appearance of Santa Claus.
•     Santa’s reindeer.
•     The Grinch.
•     The parade performance by Dance Works.

And quite a few people mentioned the controversial unveiling of a banner atop Alex’s which castigated people for turning the holiday season into a materialistic ritual. Bah, humbug, I say!

BEST PART OF THIS YEAR’S HALLOWEEN PARADE

Why is there all of a sudden so much controversy over Halloween and Christmas? Doesn’t Sarah Palin have anything better to do, like shoot moose from the front seat of her pickup truck?
Anyway, I digress. Halloween in Ashland is probably one of the most popular events in all of southern Oregon. Topping the list of favorite things this year was a tie between all the great costumes and watching the kids have so much fun.
Specific things mentioned were:

•     The Samba dancers.
•     Stores that pass out treats.
•     Bagpiper on skateboard.

BEST PIECE OF PUBLIC ART

Ashland has a vibrant and active art community, complete with an Ashland Gallery Association and a Public Art Commission. Over the last 10-15 years a concerted effort has been made to include public art as part of any construction process.
Our readers appreciate the effort and named 15 different pieces of public art, including this year’s winner, the Native American Totem Pole, designed by Russell Beebe, that graces the entrance to downtown at the intersection of N. Main and Lithia Way. The original is now at SOU’s Hannon Library, and the bronze replica was installed in 2012.
Also making the list of favorites were:

•     The “Street Scene” sculpture near the Chamber of Commerce and Black Swan Theatre.
•     The mosaic at N. Mountain Park.
•     The Peace Wall at the library.
•     The sculpture in front of the new fire station.
•     The meter boxes.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OFF-BARDWAY)

We’re definitely not a one-horse theater town, as there are plenty of options for local theatergoers.One of those is Camelot Theatre, with its new building in Talent, where last spring’s Sound of Music was named “Best Play.”
Others receiving nominations were:

•     Oregon Cabaret Theatre’s Dog Park: The Musical.
•     OCT’s The Wizard of Panto-Land.
•     Camelot’s Jekyll & Hyde.
•     Camelot’s Amadeus.
•     SOU Theatre Arts Department’s Avenue G.
•     OCT’s S’Wonderful.
•     Camelot’s Evita.
•     Ashland High School’s Lend Me a Tenor.
•     Le Cirque Centre’s Moulin Rogue: A Love Story.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) OFF-BARDWAY

The voting was fast and furious in this category, but as the last precincts came in, the winner was Paul R. Jones for his role as Salieri in Camelot Theatre’s Amadeus.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Galen Schloming for OCT’s S’Wonderful.
•     Robin Downward in Camelot’s Jekyll & Hyde.
•     David Gabriel in Camelot’s 45 Seconds from Broadway.
•     Chris Carwithen in OCT’s The Wizard of Panto-Land.
•     Don Matthews in Camelot’s Sound of Music.
•     Max Guttfreund in Camelot’s Amadeus.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

On the female side of the ledger, the winner was Rebecca K. Campbell for her stunning performance as Eva Peron in Camelot Theatre’s Evita.
The list also included:

•     Jillian Van Niel in OCT’s Dog Park.
•     Kelly Jean Hammond in Camelot’s Jekyll & Hyde.
•     Rose Passione in Camelot’s Sound of Music.
•     Kymberli Colbourne in OCT’s Patsy Cline and Nunsensations.
•     Britney Simpson in OCT’s S’Wonderful.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OSF)

It’s one of the largest theater companies in the entire country, and they’re right here in our back yard. Our readers definitely appreciate it, as all twelve OSF productions were mentioned in this survey. The number one favorite last year was the musical My Fair Lady, which played to sold-out audiences the entire season.
The Top Five were:

•     The Unfortunates.
•     A Streetcar Named Desire.
•     King Lear.
•     Two Trains Running.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE OSF)

There were some outstanding performances turned in by the guys, with the number one nod going to Danforth Comins for his role as Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire. He was followed by:

•     Anthony Heald as Alfred P. Doolittle in My Fair Lady.
•     Michael Winters as Lear in King Lear.
•     Jonathan Haugen as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady.
•     Richard Elmore as the Earl of Gloucester in King Lear.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE OSF)

Our readers were a little torn on this one, but one thing was certain: Nell Geisslinger was the winner. But did she win for Kate in Taming of the Shrew or as Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire? Either one will do.
The Top Five also featured:

•     Robin Goodrin Nordli as Regan in King Lear.
•     Rachel Warren as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.
•     Vilma Silva as Goneril in King Lear.
•     Kate Mulligan as Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire.

BEST DIRECTOR (LOCAL THEATER)

Our readers were able to name both OSF and Off-Bardway directors in this category, with the number one nod going to Bill Rauch for his work in OSF’s King Lear. Also mentioned:

•     Christopher Liam Moore for OSF’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
•     Roy Von Rains, Jr., for Camelot’s Sound of Music.

FAVORITE LOCAL MUSICIAN/SINGER

He’s the driving force behind much of the local jazz scene and is instrumental in the Siskiyou Music Project, which was enough to get jazz guitarist/composer Ed Dunsavage voted as “Favorite Local Musician” this year.
Others receiving lots of votes were:

•     Singer Pat O’Scannell.
•     Danny Moore of the Turner Moore Band.
•     Guitarist Jeff Pevar.
•     Guitarist Robbie DaCosta.
•     Saxophonist Paul Schmeling.
•     Singer Karen Lovely.

BEST LOCAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND

It’s an amalgamation of blues, jazz, folk, country and soul, and it can definitely get your heart racing and foot tapping. A number of local rock bands were mentioned, including this year’s winner Hamfist, followed by:

•     The Robbie DaCosta Band.
•     The Rogue Suspects.
•     Buckle Rash.
•     Chapter II.
•     100 Watt Mind.
•     $8 Mountain.

BEST JAZZ BAND IN THE VALLEY

I was in New Orleans last October and took the Treme Tour, which is the music-rich district just north of the French Quarter. Our tour guide was a student of music, and he let us know that New Orleans was where jazz got its start in America. That night we hit a couple of jazz clubs just to get the feel of the place. It’s a great town!
Here in Ashland, we also love our jazz, and in this survey, the Ed Dunsavage Band narrowly edged out the Paul Schleming Trio.
Others receiving votes were:

•     The Paul Turnipseed Trio.
•     Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra.

BEST NIGHTCLUB TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

Well, big bummer … the winner of this category was Alex’s, which closed down for good in early January. I’m still holding out for some kind of miracle, but at this point in time, it doesn’t look good. For more on this topic, see the article by Scott Calamar on page 58 of this issue of the Sneak Preview.
In the meantime, you can also go to:

•     Wild Goose.
•     Playwright.
•     Paddy Brannan’s.
•     Martino’s.
•     Tabu.
•     Caldera Tap House.
•     Oberon’s.

BEST THING ABOUT THE 2013 4TH OF JULY PARADE:

The Chamber of Commerce does a great job organizing this parade every year, because it really is a lot like herding cats. Keeping it all together is a great logistical accomplishment, which our readers appreciate.
Taking down top honors in this category were the friendly folks at El Tapatio. Their “float” consists of cars, horses, vaqueros, dancing women with flowing dresses, soccer players, and lots of fun.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     The “jets,” which this year consisted of some vintage airplanes from the Ashland Airport.
•     Samba Like It Hot drummers.
•     The College Band Directors.
•     The deer.
•     The Ed Snowden float.

BEST PLACE TO GET A “WORKOUT”

While this country’s health care industry hemorrhages money, most of us are working overtime to try and stay healthy. Yes, it takes some motivation and requires a little bit of work, but the health and monetary benefits in the long run more than make up for it.
Where to go to get a workout? Many of our readers chose the Ashland Family YMCA, followed by:

•     Snap Fitness.
•     Anytime Fitness.
•     Baxter Fitness.
•     Ashland Crossfit.
•     Ashland Tennis & Fitness Club.
•     Hidden Springs.
•     Local hiking trails.

BEST PLACE FOR A PICKUP BASKETBALL GAME

Being from Indiana, I love my b-ball, but did you know there are more emergency room visits due to basketball games than any other sport in America? The problem is that half the guys act as if they’re trying to break Dennis Rodman’s NBA record for most rebounds in a game, and there are elbows and kneecaps flailing everywhere. Me? I just stand out by the 3-point line and drill 3-pointers. Don’t need no stinking rebounds.
Where to go for great pickup basketball games? The top choice went to the court at Garfield Park, followed by:

•     The YMCA.
•     Railroad District Park.
•     The high school gym.

BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING

I met my wife at a singles dance back in 1988, and we ended up winning the dance contest that night, so I have a soft spot in my heart for dancing. Where do our readers go when they want to cut the rug and/or win some trophies? Unfortunately, the winner of this category was Alex’s, which officially closed down a couple of weeks ago. It was a sad day for Ashland, and we’re all crossing our fingers that something can be done.
The list also included:

•     Taroko.
•     Tabu.
•     Wild Goose.
•     Contra dance at the Grove.
•     Vinyl Club.
•     The Elk’s.
•     Dance Space.
•     Paddy Brannan’s.

BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS AFTER WORK

Whether you’re working on the chain gang or just punching the clock at Wal-mart, once the workday is over, you’re ready to meet with friends and get on with your real life.
Where to go? The most popular spots with our readers were Omar’s, Black Sheep and Tabu.
Also mentioned a lot were:

•     Standing Stone.
•     Creekside.
•     Beau Club.
•     Martino’s.
•     Caldera.
•     Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
•     Louie’s.
•     Playwright.
•     Red Zone.
•     Oak Tree.
•     Wild Goose.
•     Oberon’s.

BEST BAR TO MEET FRIENDS LATE AT NIGHT

Bars aren’t just a place to drink alcohol. I mean, you can do that in the comfort of your own home. Bars are actually places offering you a built-in venue for socializing. Just make sure you don’t drive while intoxicated!
And when our readers wanted to do some late-night socializing in a great, relaxing environment, they most often chose Creekside, Taroko and Thai Pepper Satay Bar, followed by:

•     Omar’s.
•     Martino’s.
•     Alex’s.
•     Black Sheep.
•     Liquid Assets.
•     iPub.
•     Beau Club.
•     Tabu.

MOST ROMANTIC BAR

This isn’t a place where there are 84 TV screens along the walls showing the latest Mixed Martial Arts brawl, with a lot of guys screaming and the jukebox playing “Take This Job and Shove It.” We’re talking a little more relaxing and romantic than that. And in that regard, our readers most often mentioned both Martino’s and Liquid Assets.
The top of the list also included:

•     Alchemy.
•     Lark’s.
•     Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
•     Peerless.
•     The Lounge.

BAR WITH BEST LATE-NIGHT MENU

The munchies can hit at any time, and in lieu of ordering those pickled pig knuckles that have been sitting behind the bar since the Great Depression, you just might want to have something a little more tasty.
And in that regard, our readers most often named the late-night menu at Martino’s, Tabu and Liquid Assets, followed by:

•     Black Sheep.
•     Omar’s.
•     The Lounge.
•     Red Zone.
•     Louie’s.
•     Thai Pepper.
•     Standing Stone.

FAVORITE PART OF THE GROWERS MARKET

All of the usual suspects—Fry Family Farms, Pennington Farms, Willow Witt Ranch, the Navickas Brothers, Sunstone Bakery and Blue Fox Farms—were mentioned, but if we had to single it downto specific “things,” here is how it turned out:

•     Fresh organic produce.
•     The vendors.
•     Maria’s tamales.
•     Donuts.
•     The sharpening service.
•     The music.

FAVORITE GOLF COURSE IN THE VALLEY

If we don’t get some snow and rain soon, not only will the folks at Mt. Ashland be pulling their hair out, but the golf courses will start looking a little brown this summer.
Where to play when you want to hit that perfect fairway wood off nice lush grass? Since we live in Ashland, Oak Knoll won this category, and they were followed by:

•     Centennial.
•     Stoneridge.
•     Eagle Point.
•     Quail Point.
•     Stewart Meadows.
•     Cedar Links.

BEST VINEYARD/WINERY

Southern Oregon is becoming a veritable mecca for grape growing, vineyards and wineries, so look out Napa Valley! Our readers agreed and named quite a few in this category,including the number one choice, Weisinger’s Family Winery, located here in Ashland out Siskiyou Boulevard.
The list also included:

•     Roxy Ann Winery.
•     Paschal Winery.
•     Red Lilly Vineyards.
•     Trium Winery.
•     Valley View Winery.
•     DANCIN Vineyards.
•     Grizzly Peak Winery.

* * * * *
Wow … 144 categories complete. If anyone wants me, they can call the Betty Ford Center for Editorial Abuse, where I am being treated for a bad case of dangling participles and misplaced modifiers. See everyone in 2015. If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at sneakpre@mind.net. —C.H.

Before jumping into this 23rd annual readers’ survey, let’s review some of the more momentous events of the last year.

The first news item for January 2012 was “ACH looking to form alliance with another hospital system.” This is kind of crucial because without it, Ashland Community Hospital could be history. Last summer they thought a deal was done with Dignity Health Care, but community dissatisfaction with Dignity put the kibosh on it. ACH is trying to work something out with Asante as we speak.

The great Ashland Chicken Wars heated up last spring, as people with backyard chicken coops wanted to City to loosen up a little bit with our fine feathered friends. In the end, the City Council compromised, making it a little easier to raise chickens in town.

The City Council was certainly busy with controversy last year, as they also passed an Exclusionary Zone in downtown Ashland, in which repeat offenders would be banned from coming back for 3-6 months. So far we haven’t heard any complaints about the law, and it seems to be working. (As a side note: the guy who started the fire on the Plaza in April was given 20 years in a mental hospital.)

The Smart Meter Controversy turned out to be an over-exaggeration as Ashland doesn’t have “smart” meters. Yes, the City has automatic meter readers on 45% of the homes, but they’re no more powerful than wireless routers.

And of course, there was the election. Once again, a Political Action Committee was formed by local citizens in which they exercised their democratic right of expressing their opinions. To do that, they spent beaucoup bucks on newspaper ads and direct mail fliers. Some felt the group was trying to buy the election, but in our opinion Ashland voters can’t be bought. They look at the facts and vote accordingly, so all is well.

Now back to more important things … the 2013 “Best of Ashland.” We received over 400 ballots this year, and we congratulate everyone who took the time to fill them out. Some people wondered why we don’t have an online ballot. It’s tempting, but we feel it would open the system up to too much ballot stuffing. Joe Blow’s mom sends out a link to all 359 of her relatives around the world telling them to vote for Joe and all of a sudden the votes are meaningless. We’ll pass on that. At least with our system, people have to put some effort into ballot stuffing.

So onward and upward with the 23rd annual “Best of Ashland” …

DEMOGRAPHICS

We asked the question, “Favorite TV Show,” figuring this would give us an insight into the minds of our readers. The results were all over the board and we didn’t even start writing them down until they notched two mentions. The top seven were: Breaking Bad, Modern Family, Homeland, Walking Dead, The Good Wife, NCIS-LA, and Downtown Abbey. It’s obviously a very well-rounded group of respondents.

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

I went on Google and typed in “Radio Stations Southern Oregon,” and unbelievably there are 51 of them in the region, from Cave Junction to Hornbrook.

Anyway, taking down top honors again in this category were the friendly folks over at Jefferson Public Radio (KSOR, KSMF and 1230-AM).

Other favorites included:

• KISS-FM
• KZZE
• Lite 102
• KROG
• KRWQ
• KDOV

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

In 1959 the most famous deejay of all time, Alan Freed, lost his job at WABC in Cleveland when it was learned that he accepted money (payola) from artists to play their songs on the radio. He was basically a scapegoat since practically everyone was doing the same thing at that time.

Radio personalities are not just deejays, though. With the growing strength of talk radio, some of the more recognizable names don’t even get their hands dirty putting 45s on the turntable. That includes this year’s winner Geoff Riley, host of JPR’s “Jefferson Exchange” program.

The list also included:

• Eric Teel at JPR.
• Don Matthews at JPR.
• Maria Kelly at JPR.
• Gemineye at KISS-FM.
• Brad Ranger at JPR.

FAVORITE LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

Every night they present a cross section of life in the Rogue Valley, from local heroes and scurrilous villains to sports and weather, keeping us apprised of community events as they happen.

Taking down the top spot was Scott Lewis, the weatherman for KDRV who, ironically, was “let go” by the station last fall. KDRV officially says that Lewis didn’t agree to his contract extension, but unfortunately the contract asked for a huge cut in pay, and Lewis decided to move on.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Brian Morton, long-time news anchor at KDRV.
• Jeff Golden of Southern Oregon Public Television.
• Ron Brown, news anchor at KDRV.
• Lindsey Matherly, weatherperson at KTVL.
• Ashley Hall, news reporter at KDRV.

BEST LOCAL ON-LINE WEBSITE

Somehow, www.sneakpre.com was the runaway winner in this category … JUST KIDDING! We’re not so brazen that we’d stuff the ballot box like that. For those who did recognize our efforts, we appreciate it, though. (And I promised our web guy, Eric Gotfrid of Rogue Web Works, a plug for the outstanding job he did putting the page together. His phone number is 541-488-9495.)

The votes were all over the place in this category, but in the end our readers were most impressed with the efforts that the daily newspapers provide: dailytidings.com and mailtribune.com.

Others receiving their share of votes were:

• ashlandlivemusic.com.
• roguevalleymessenger.com.
• ashlandsourcecenter.com.
• ijpr.org (Jefferson Public Radio).
• localsguide.com.

All three of the local TV stations were also mentioned.

FAVORITE REPORTER AT THE DAILY TIDINGS

Well, heck, I just Googled “Most Distrusted Professions” and learned that politicians were number one, bankers #2, and journalists #3. Sad, isn’t it? They spend their entire waking hours trying to keep you informed of the news, and this is the thanks they get.

Locally, our intrepid reporters at the Daily Tidings diligently strive to dispel that stereotype, and leading the way is long-time reporter Vickie Aldous, who has been covering the Ashland political scene for the Tidings for the last fourteen years.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Chris Honoré, columnist.
• John Darling, human interest stories.
• Reporter Mandy Valencia.
• Reporter Janet Eastman.
• Reporter Chris Conrad.

FAVORITE PART OF THE SNEAK PREVIEW

We pride ourselves on providing a diverse range of material for our readers, from hard-hitting news stories and letters to the editor to theater reviews, a Calendar of Events, human interest stories, and profiles of local personalities.

Our readers certainly agree as they named quite a few columns and writers as their favorites. Once again the overwhelming favorite part of the Sneak Preview is our Profile column, in which we highlight a different community member each month with hard-hitting questions like “Favorite Movie.”

Other favorites include:

• Letters to the Editor.
• The “Best of Ashland.”
• The Business Grapevine.
• All of the ads.
• The cover stories.
• Calendar of Events.
• “20 Years Ago Today” column.
• Theater reviews.

PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

The vast majority of people in this country have 9-5 jobs but practically everyone “dreams” of owning his or her own business. It’s a risky proposition, though, and if you don’t do your homework, it can end ugly. Our hats are off to anyone who even attempts it.

Our readers also appreciate their efforts, naming quite a few new businesses in town, including this year’s winner, which was a tie between Boulton & Son Butchers, a butcher shop which opened downtown last year at 165 E. Main; and Paddington Station’s Jewel Box at 180 E. Main.

Coming in a close third was Bombshell, a boutique and consignment shop located at 340 A Street, #5.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Three Penny Mercantile at 101 E. Main.
• Sew Creative, a fabric store at 115 E. Main.
• Crackerjax, a gift store on the Plaza at 27 N. Main.
• Old Farmhouse, a restaurant in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.
• TOT, a restaurant at 310 Oak Street in the old Cantwell Building.
• Milagro’s, a restaurant in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.
• Star Sushi, a restaurant at 293 E. Main.

FAVORITE BUSINESSPERSON

They may technically be the CEO/boss/jefe, but most of them put in longer hours than their employees and take an active interest in every aspect of the business, from greeting customers and cleaning the bathrooms to public relations.

Landing at the top in this category for 2013 was Annie Hoy, Outreach and Owner Services Manager for the Ashland Food Co-op.

The Top Ten included:

• Pam Hammond of Paddington Station.
• Ken Silverman of Nimbus.
• Susan Chester of the Black Sheep.
• Alex Amarotico of Standing Stone.
• Jane Almquist of Tree House Books.
• Eric Weisinger of Weisinger’s Winery.
• Hal Koerner of Rogue Valley Runners.
• Sarah & Jason Esquerra of Bump.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SUSTAINABLE EARTH-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

In this throw-away plastic world, it’s always good to find products made from natural, organic materials that can actually be recycled and/or put to good use after their run is over. And when it comes to that, most people mentioned the Food Co-op or Shop N Kart, although there are a number of retail stores that also carry sustainable, organic, natural products. They include:

• Hemporium, at 296 E. Main.
• Northwest Nature Shop (154 Oak Street).
• Growing Green Baby at 260 N. 1st Street.
• Bug a Boo (40 N. Main).

FAVORITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

We all remember that first day of elementary school. Landing on the moon would have been infinitely easier—at least there wouldn’t have been scary-looking figures of authority ready to swallow you up for every little mistake. Then you met your first teacher, and he/she immediately put you at ease, introduced you to fellow classmates, and the vistas of a new life suddenly opened up.

Quite a few teachers were mentioned in this category, including this year’s winner Max Schmeling, a fifth grade teacher at Bellview Elementary.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Mark Sherbow, 4th grade teacher at Helman.
• Renee Gardner, 2nd grade teacher at Bellview.
• Debi Blair, primary teacher at Walker.
• Pam Eddington, 1st grade teacher at Bellview.
• Berit Larson, 2nd grade teacher at Helman.

FAVORITE SCHOOL JANITOR

In first grade, you see men and women going around sweeping up the halls and cleaning your rooms, and you think to yourself, “I thought Mom was supposed to do that!” Just kidding, of course.

Somehow we ran this category two years in a row, and once again Connie Rainwater of Bellview swept the award.

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS COACH

They’re almost like father figures, from Knute Rockne begging you to “win one for the Gipper” to Bobby Knight throwing chairs across the court. Then after they win the big game, they’re in the locker room bawling like a baby.

Emerging as a favorite among our readers was Craig Howard, coach of the Southern Oregon University football team, who led the team into the playoffs this year. Howard, by the way, is best know for being the head coach of Tim Tebow at Nease High School in St. Augustine, Florida.

The list also included:

• AHS soccer coach Brad Roupp.
• AHS football coach Charlie Hall.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT SOU

Attendance at SOU seems to go up every year, and it’s no wonder. The university is located in a town with a lot of cultural activities and is surrounded by lakes, mountains and a ski area. Oh, and they have great instructors, starting with this year’s most-often mentioned, Marlene Alt, who teaches in the Department of Art and Art History.

She was followed by:

• Sociology Professor Echo Fields.
• Nutrition instructor Michael Altman.
• Environmental studies’ John Gutrich.
• Economics Professor Doug Gentry.
• English Professor Craig Wright.

CUTEST BABY BORN IN LAST YEAR

There were a lot of babies born worldwide last year, but one stood out with our readers. So congratulations, Elise Way, “Cutest Baby of the Year.” All we can say is … “Way to go, Elise!”

FAVORITE DENTIST

It may cause a panic attack just thinking about dental work, but taking care of your teeth is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to eliminating pain down the line. Just ask my third molar, which I had to have removed while in basic training in the army.

The ballots were coming in fast and furious with this category, and bunched up at the top was a 2-way tie between Brady Frank and Mike Henneman, followed by:

• Jared Anderson.
• Eugene Robbins.
• Medhi Ghavam.
• Pete Schwartzer.
• Gary McGraw.
• Dan Jackson
• Today’s Dentistry.
• Zahra Tahvili.

FAVORITE DOCTOR

It’s one of mankind’s higher callings—spending your life making sure that we all stay healthy and then healing us when things turn south. Our readers certainly appreciate their efforts, as they named 35 different doctors in this survey.

Topping the charts this year was Howard Morningstar, a family practitioner who also won this category in 2002.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Dee Christlieb.
• Craig Mather.
• Richard Morris.
• Sylvia Chatroux.
• Miriam Soriano.
• Jani Rollins.
• Leslie Stone.
• John Sager.
• Gloria Schwartz.

FAVORITE NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR/ACUPUNCTURIST

Occam’s Razor tells you to always search for the simplest solution to any problem. That stomach ache you have might not be an ulcer which requires surgery; it just might be an imbalance of beneficial flora in your bowels which needs some adjustment. That is the whole basis behind naturopathy, and when our readers are looking for their favorites, they most often chose Geoff Hougton. Also receiving lots of votes was Linda Herrick.

Acupuncture, meanwhile, is an alternative medicine methodology that originated in ancient China 2500 years ago … you know, when Europeans were living in crude huts without a clue about medicine other than herbal remedies.

Our readers were able to name most of the area’s acupuncturists in this survey, reserving their number one choice for Ken Bendat and Jody Herriott of the Center for Chinese Medicine.

The votes were spread around fairly evenly in this category, though, and some of those included:

• Jenn Collins.
• Jason and Kara Miller of Jade Mountain.
• Suzanne Sky.
• Mark Abelle.
• Lori Paiken.

FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR

It was a long day of unloading anvils, safes and refrigerators at the factory, and your back seems a little out of whack. Where to go? Our readers most often chose both Kathleen Manley (Renaissance Chiropractic) and Cynthia Wright as their favorite, followed by:

• Mark Adams.
• David Heller.
• Kelly Lange.
• John Colwell.
• Mark Heller.
• Mark Machala.

BEST PLACE TO PRACTICE YOGA

My wife makes fun of me because I do my yoga exercises while either a.) watching a basketball game, b.) reading a book, or c.) all of the above. She says the purpose is NOT to multi-task but to relax, and she’s probably right. It is, however, hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Woof, woof.

Where to do when you want to do yoga right? This was a close one, as Rose Yoga and Ashland Yoga Center received a lot of votes, followed closely by:

• Bikram Yoga.
• Rasa Yoga.
• YMCA.
• Ashland Tennis and Fitness Club.

BEST PLACE TO PRACTICE PILATES

It’s basically a body conditioning exercise routine that “puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core or center.” I wonder if you can read a book while doing these exercises? Just kidding.

When it comes to Pilates, our readers mentioned a handful of places, starting with Ashland Pilates, located at 310 Oak, #3B.

Others landing near the top of the list included:

• Tina Clark of Ashland Private Pilates.
• Balancing Act.
• YMCA.
• Inward Bound Wellness.
• Ashland Tennis and Fitness Club.

FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

You were on your way to meet the future in-laws for the first time, and your significant other insisted that you ride in his or her convertible with the top down. “Come on honey, it will fun.” By the time you got there, you looked like you’d just crawled out of a dipsy dumpster. Desperate, you called your favorite hair stylist for a quick once-over.

And when it comes to making sure your hair always looks perfect, our readers were able to name 39 different hair stylists. So once again, we’re going with a three-way standoff between Linda Hood of Abbinito; Julie Schmiess of Blue Giraffe; and Yoko Miura of Plaza Salon.

The top of the list also included:

• Mona Bernard of Hair City.
• Susan Zastoupil of Be Cherished.
• Ann-Britt Malden of Renu.
• Renee Fox of Salon Isabella.
• Daryl and Katie Yasui.
• Leon Danielle.
• Shady Challman.
• Lisa Caplinger.

BEST PLACE TO GET MANICURES/PEDICURES

Okay, I hang my head in shame for labeling this category “Best Place to Get Medicures/Pedicures.” My proofreader (wife) didn’t even catch it. And what’s amazing is that back in 2010 when we ran this category, the same mistake was made. And to everyone who circled “medicures” with about nineteen exclamation points, thank you for your attention to details.

Anyway, who are our readers most impressed with when it comes to manicures/pedicures? The number one choice was Blue Giraffe, located at 51 Water Street, followed closely by Abbinito and Plaza Salon.

Others bunched up near the top were:

• Chloe Salon.
• Ashland Nails.
• Le Chateau Nails.
• Waterstone Spa.
• Imani Institute of Cosmetology.
• Salon Isabella.
• Be Cherished.
• Glow.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Since skin is the largest organ in the body, this category was very popular with our readers. Taking down top honors was Pure Alchemy, a botanical and skin care store located at 253 E. Main.

Also popular were:

• Blue Giraffe.
• Glow.
• Waterstone Spa.
• Imani.
• Chloe.
• Emz Blendz.
• Food Co-op.

FAVORITE AUTO MECHANIC

America has a love affair with their automobiles and when the relationship goes sour, you both agree to talk to a therapist, in this case your mechanic. “He doesn’t give me enough oil,” the car complains. “She doesn’t give good gas mileage,” you counter. Being a professional, the mechanic puts you both back on track.

Winning this category for 2013 was Dan Dawson of McClure’s Auto Repair, who also won this in 2009.

The field was very crowded, however, and the top vote-getters included:

• Bow DeBey at Siskiyou Imports.
• Tony Bonsell at Euro-Mek (no, he has not retired).
• Zach Edwards at Ashland Automotive, Inc.
• The guys at Ashland Auto Repair.
• Jerry at Car Tunes.
• The guys at Valley View Auto Repair.
• Donny at Southern Oregon Automotive.
• Dave Welch at Butler Ford.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TIRES

The vulcanization of rubber was developed by Charles Goodyear in the year 1839, and the first practical pneumatic tire was developed by John Boyd in Ireland in 1887 to “prevent the headaches his son had while riding a bicycle on rough roads.” By the 1920s synthetic rubber was developed in the laboratories at Bayer, and today over one billion tires are produced annually in over 400 tire factories.

A certain percentage of them end up here in Ashland, and according to our readers the best place to buy them is at Les Schwab, located at 2308 Ashland Street (with three other locations in Medford).

They were followed in the balloting by:

• Ross Johnston Tire Sales at 1896 Ashland Street.
• CostCo.

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

You really didn’t mean to burn the neighbor’s house down when the charcoal grill got out of control. It was the neighbor’s fault for not properly pruning his shrubs and leaving combustible material on the ground. He sued you anyway, so where do you go? Many of our readers most often named perennial favorites Jack Davis and Allen Drescher, followed by:

• Chris Hearn.
• Gary Turner.
• Mike Balocca.
• Alexis Packer.
• Bob Good.
• Susan Krant.
• Joe Charter.
• Thomas Lloyd.

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

Here’s a rhetorical question: do policemen get a panic attack when they’re off duty and driving 74 miles an hour down the Interstate and see a police car off to the side with a radar gun? Kind of like does a tree falling in the forest make a noise if no one is around to hear it? Just askin’.

Anyway, our readers were able to put the radar gun on 15 different officers this year, including this year’s winner, Officer Bon Stewart, who also won this award in 2002 and 2011.

The list of our city’s finest included:

• Sgt. Hector Meletich.
• Officer Malcus Williams.
• Officer Tighe O’Meara.
• Deputy Chief Corey Falls.
• Police Chief Terry Holderness.

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Okay, you just won the lottery, and you’re trying to decide where to invest that $35 you got on the scratch-off ticket. Just kidding … let’s assume just for assuming sake, that the amount was $1 million. Who would you turn to for advice? Our readers were all over the board on this one, naming quite a few. In the end, Robby Harfst of Harfst & Associates and Jack Gibbs of Fortress Financial Group tied in this category, closely followed by:

• Liz Murphy of Raymond James.
• Larry Hayes of Ashland Investments.
• Larry Steiner.
• Thomas Gau.

FAVORITE VETERINARIAN

Having your dog or cat come down sick is almost as painful as when it happens to you. When my cat Mau Mau lost four kittens giving birth in the vet’s office four years ago, I was freaking out that something might happen to her. A great vet is worth his or her weight in gold.

Amazingly, the top seven in this category were too close to call, so I’m going to name them in alphabetical order:

• LeAnn Albrecht of Animal Medical Hospital.
• Dale Bush of Best Friends.
• Anette Heaslet of Cheerful Vet.
• Dallas Hymans of A Street Vet.
• Scott Knox of Animal Medical Hospital.
• Alice Sievers of Bear Creek Animal Clinic.
• Stephen Tesluk of Ashland Veterinary Hospital.
• Also received their share of votes were:
• Kathleen Blackshear Veterinary Housecalls.
• Denny Sweet.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

Back in the early 70s there were about five restaurants in all of Ashland. Today, there are over one hundred, and I think that’s a good thing. A little healthy competition is what keeps restaurant owners on their toes.

Our readers agree, and they named 26 different people in this survey, with the top nod going to Tom and Lisa Beam, owners of Pasta Piatti and Sesame.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Pete and Kristal Foster at the Breadboard.
• Neil Clooney at Smithfield’s.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Rob and Anny Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Bruce, Chris and James at Omar’s.
• Crissy Barnett at the Peerless.
• Dal and Renee Carver at Wild Goose.
• Susan Chester at Black Sheep.
• Drew Gibbs at Winchester Inn.

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

These people are the ultimate multi-taskers and someone you’d want in a foxhole during a battle. They have peripheral vision, engaging personalities, can handle stress, and can hold everything together when mere mortals are reaching for the razor blades.

It’s been a long-time coming, but Pai Kim of Omar’s won this category again after 15 years out of the spotlight (she won it back in 1997).

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Amy Wong at Martino’s.
• Angie Mitchell at Peerless.
• Ben Qualkinbush of Amuse.
• Bev Burgess of Morning Glory.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh at Loft.
• Beth Crites of the Wild Goose.
• Kerrie Baldwin of the Breadboard.

FAVORITE BARTENDER

A horse walks into a bar with a pair of jumper cables wrapped around his head. He orders a drink and the bartender says, “Okay, but don’t try to start anything around here.” Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a lame joke but it was the best I could find on the Internet.

When you want bartenders who can really tell jokes, you merely have to visit some local favorites, like this year’s winner Julie VandenBerg of the Peerless. She can also discuss art with you, as she doubles as the Art Editor for the Sneak Preview.

Other popular bartenders are:

• Paul Schmeling of Martino’s.
• Tonie Stewart of Alex’s.
• Charles Hall of Creekside.
• Bear Whitmore of Omar’s.
• Chris Arthur of Omar’s.
• Dave Clark of Thai Pepper.
• Chris Hart of Tabu.

CUTEST PET

With pressure from PETA, we were forced to break this down into two categories this year. Winning “Cutest Cat” was Argyle Crites, while the “Cutest Dog” category went to Honey Dijon Kolker.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR DOG GROOMED

In lieu of vacuuming up three tons of dog hairs each week, it’s best to just take Ralphie in and let the professionals take over. And in that regard, our readers most often named Land of Paws, located at 1525 Hwy 99, followed by:

• Nature’s Pet in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.
• Bark Avenue at 2405 Siskiyou.
• “In the bathtub at home” got two votes.

FAVORITE THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

No one really ran away with this category, and the whole thing was stressing me out, so I’m going to name the top seven in alphabetical order:

• Nancy Bloom.
• Noel Chatroux.
• Rosemary Dunn Dalton.
• Joan Kalvelage.
• Marilyn Vicarro.
• Will Nuessle.
• Julie Weber.

FAVORITE PLUMBER

Your diamond wedding ring slipped off your hand and down the drain, sending shivers down your spine. You immediately cordoned off the area with police crime tape, then called your local plumber to come to the rescue.

Who to call for that all-important job? This ended up in a tie between Dominic Smith Plumbing Repair and S.O.S.

Our readers were flush with a lot of favorites, though, and they included:

• John Latham.
• Bob Hopkins.
• Gerard Fowler of Economy Plumbing.
• Greg Sprague.
• Rob Murphy of Siskiyou Plumbing.
• Roto-Rooter.
• Drain Pros.
• Richard Ferguson.

FAVORITE ELECTRICIAN

That little electrical outlet in the corner just wasn’t working right, so you decided to “fiddle with it” and see what was wrong. Five minutes later, after a little CPR from your wife and every hair on your body burned off, you came to the realization that maybe, just maybe, you should have called a professional.

According to our readers, you have a lot of options, starting with the teams at both Ricco Patterson Electric and Rogue Valley Electric zapping their way to the top.

• Also mentioned a lot were:
• Ashland Electric.
• Jeff Benson Electric.
• John Fiore Electric.
• Kaylor Electric.

FAVORITE CARPENTER

A little knowledge can get you into a lot of trouble, especially when it comes to carpentry. Sure, you helped your dad build a tool shed in the back yard when you were nine-years-old, and you can tell a 10-penny nail from a roofing nail, but there are a least a thousand little details on every carpentry job, and it’s always best to bring in the pros.

Our readers named quite a few, and hammering his way to the top was Walt Stokes, followed by:

• Greg Pecoraro.
• Eric Pearson.
• Kale Houpperman.
• Don Greene.
• Dale Shostrom.

BEST APPLIANCE REPAIRMAN

You probably open and shut a refrigerator door 30-40 times a day. That means 245 times a week; 980 a month, and 11,760 a year. Appliances definitely work overtime in an average house, and it’s no wonder that they sometimes break down or need servicing. Who to call? The number one choice was Warren Willis of Courtesy Appliance, followed by:

• Dave Backer.
• Elijah at Ashland Home Center.
• Ron at Ashland Vacuum.
• Tony Roth.

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

Downtown Ashland was certainly in the news last year: The Plaza is getting a re-design, North Main has a Road Diet, there was a fire on the Plaza in April, and there’s now an exclusionary zone downtown to weed out the bad apples. The success of any downtown, however, all revolves around the economy and now that the fiscal cliff has been averted, let’s all get down to business.

Our readers were able to name 29 different establishments as their favorites in this category. Once again landing at the top was Paddington Station, an “eclectic emporium” located at 125 E. Main.

The Top Ten featured:

• Papaya Living on the Plaza.
• Bloomsbury Books at 290 E. Main.
• Renaissance Rose on the Plaza.
• Nimbus, located at 25 E. Main.
• Tudor Guild Gift Store (15 S. Pioneer).
• Outdoor Store at 37 N. 3rd.
• Music Coop, located at 268 E. Main.
• Earthly Goods, at 142 E. Main.
• Village Shoes (369 E. Main).
• Mountain Supply on the Plaza.
• Gold & Gems on the Plaza.

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

In this great bustling metropolis known as Ashland, there are shopping opportunities all over, from the Railroad District and “north end” to the College District, Shopping Center, and the “south end.”

Topping the list for the 13th year in a row was Déjà Vu, a consignment clothing store located in the Ashland Shopping Center.

Others mentioned quite a few times were:

• Rare Earth, in the Railroad District.
• Bi-Mart, south of town.
• Bombshell, a boutique and consignment store in the Railroad District.
• The Goodwill Store on Tolman Creek Drive.
• Get n Gear, an outdoor used and consignment store in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Artisan Emporium in the Shopping Center.
• Fun Again Games in the Shopping Center.
• Bookwagon in the Shopping Center.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

This kind of store requires a huge selection with a lot of variety, and in that regard our readers were most impressed with the selection at both Papaya Living and Flower Tyme, both on the Plaza.

The balloting was close, though, and it included:

• Paddington Station.
• Rare Earth.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Hatsetera.
• Prize.
• Bloomsbury Books.
• Heart and Hands.
• Ashland Wine Cellar.
• Paddington Jewel Box.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

Dad is another whole animal, and topping this category was the Ashland Outdoor Store, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Nimbus.
• Music Coop.
• Bloomsbury Books.
• Travel Essentials.
• Ace Hardware.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TOYS

Now that I’m a grandparent, I suppose I’ll be back in the game for toy buying. Six months ago I was cleaning out the attic and bundled up about 75 beanie babies for a trip to Goodwill. Ah, the good old days.

The competition for this category was heated this year, so I’m going to name the Top Four in alphabetical order:

• Bug a Boo at 40 N. Main.
• NW Nature Shop, located at 154 Oak St.
• Small Change on the Plaza.
• Unicorn Gifts & Toys at 242 E. Main.

Also receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Tree House Books.
• Paddington Station.
• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Rare Earth.
• Fun Again Games.

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

Human beings are genetically wired with a desire to “look good.” And nothing says it better than diamonds, gold, pearls and gemstones. When our readers were looking to find the best in jewelry, they most often picked Gold and Gems on the Plaza, followed by:

• Art Fx, located at 45 E. Main.
• Nimbus.
• Crown Jewel, at 130 E. Main.
• Papaya Living.
• Soundpeace at 199 E. Main.
• Looking Glass Beads, located at 283 E. Main.
• Paddington Station Jewel Box.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CANDY

The first candy dates back to ancient civilizations, where they indulged in fruits and nuts rolled in honey. We’ve gotten a little more sophisticated since then, and when our readers want to placate their sweet teeth, they most often turn to Rocky Mountain Chocolate, located at 33 E. Main (you know, the one with the big bear sitting in the window).

Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Mix, on the Plaza.
• Food Co-op.
• Market of Choice.
• Dollar Store.

BEST PLACE TO BUY KNITTING/QUILTING SUPPLIES

My mother was a world-class quilter, and if she followed the advice of our readers, she would be spending a lot of time downtown at Webster’s on the Plaza, which won this category.

Others on the list were:

• Quiltz, located at 53 N. 2nd Street.
• Fabric of Vision, at 145 E. Main.
• Sew Creative.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CD’s/ALBUMS

Back in the day when I was collecting albums, they would take up the entire back seat of my car whenever I moved somewhere. Today, CDs take up a fraction of the space, but it’s just not the same. The cover art of some of those old albums made them something special. Oh well … progress.

And in that regard, our readers most often liked to visit Music Coop, a music store located downtown at 268 E. Main.

Coming in second was CD or Not CD, at 343 E. Main, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Cripple Creek.
• Soundpeace.

BEST PLACE TO BUY MATERNITY/INFANT STUFF

There certainly seems to be something in the air, as a lot of people I know are becoming parents or grandparents. It is caused by something in the air, right? Just kidding.

Where to go when you want to find something cool for that pregnant mother or soon-to-be-here infant? Quite a few of our readers mentioned Bump, located at 180 Lithia Way.

The list also featured:

• Bug a Boo.
• Small Change.
• Growing Green Baby.
• Goodwill.
• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Hemporium.

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

Ever since the first cavewoman donned that sporty little sabertooth tiger coat, clothing has been an obsession with the human species. Locally, there are quite a few places to shop, and the two top vote-getters were Earthly Goods, located at 142 E. Main; and Thread Hysteria, on the Plaza.

That was a lot of competition, however, and the Top Five included:

• Patina Soul (342 Lithia Way).
• Kixx, at 264 E. Main.
• Déjà Vu, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Others high on the list included:
• 250 Main.
• Nimbus.
• Papaya Living.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Avant Garb.
• Frederica Lawrence.
• Red’s Threads.
• Hemporium.
• Rare Earth.

BEST SELECTION OF MEN’S CLOTHES

Functionality is the key word when it comes to men’s clothes, and this ended in a tie between Nimbus and the Ashland Outdoor Store.

Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Mountain Supply.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rogue Valley Runners.
• Goodwill.

BEST PLACE TO BUY HATS

Hats are a combination of functionality and just looking cool. They keep the sun out of your face, protect your head from meteorites, and let everyone know how stylin’ you can be. Where to go? Many of our readers said Hatsetera, located at 300 E. Main, followed by:

• The “Hat People.”
• Rare Earth.
• Renaissance Rose.

FAVORITE FLORAL SHOP

Sure, you can grow flowers in your backyard and cut them for bouquets, but it’s a lot easier to just trust your local florist for that assignment. And in that regard our readers named Enchanted Florist, now in their new location at 2205 Ashland Street, as their favorite.

The top three were actually pretty close and they included:

• Flower Tyme on the Plaza.
• Eufloria, at 449 E. Main St.

Others mentioned were:

• Albertson’s.
• Safeway.
• Food Co-op.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS/SHRUBS FOR THE GARDEN

When I’m not working or spending time with the family, you can usually find me at a.) the golf course or b.) the backyard taking care of the thousands of flowers, trees and shrubs that I’ve nurtured for the last twenty years. It’s a full-time hobby, and a very rewarding one. I can walk the backyard and think I’m in paradise.

Helping me with that assignment are the local nurseries. Number one according to our readers is Grange Co-op, located on A Street in the Railroad District.

The vote this year was very close as Ray‘s Nursery (1679 Jackson Street, across from Butler Ford) came in second, followed by:

• Valley View Nursery.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Bi-Mart

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE

The production of wine became a growth industry 15 years ago when doctors released studies showing that the consumption of wine led to a reduced incidence of heart disease and cancer. Well, duh, I’ll drink to that.

Where to go for the best deals on quality wines? This category ended in a tie as both Ashland Wine Cellar (38 Lithia Way, below the liquor store); and Shop ‘N’ Kart took down top honors.

They were followed by:

• Liquid Assets (96 N. Main).
• Market of Choice.
• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Bi-Mart.
• Weisinger’s Winery.
• Grizzly Peak Winery.
• Enoteca on the Plaza.

GROCERY STORE WITH FRESHEST SELECTION OF FISH

Fish is one of those products that you really want to get as fresh as you can. Not that a three-day old fish is bad; it’s just that something fresh out of the river or ocean can be exquisite.

This category ended up in a statistical dead heat between Market of Choice and the Ashland Food Co-op.

Other’s receiving votes were:

1. Albertson’s.
2. Safeway.
3. Shop ‘N’ Kart.

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR THE KITCHEN

Once again this category was a runaway, as Paddington Station was the winner, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Penny Mercantile.
• Goodwill.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FERTILIZERS/COMPOST FOR THE GARDEN

Every plant needs sunlight, water and nutrients in order to survive, and each are equally important. So when it comes to making sure your garden gets fed properly, you’ll want to visit your local experts for guidance on what, when and how much to fertilize.

Leading the way in this category were the friendly folks at the Grange Co-op in the Railroad District, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Phoenix Organics.
• Ray’s Garden Center.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Aqua Serene.
• Vital Organix.
• Valley View Nursery.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE/HOME DÉCOR:

It’s not necessary to decorate your house with Renoirs or furniture from Louis XIV. Early to Late Americana will do, and it can be totally functional, whimsical or anywhere in between. The important thing: have fun.

Where do our readers go when they want to have fun with their home decorating ideas? Most mentioned Ashland Recycled Furniture in the Railroad District.

Also garnering a lot of voters were:

• Ashland Artisan Emporium.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rare Earth.
• Garage sales.

FAVORITE GAS STATION

You ever see that Norman Rockwell painting where a family of four pulls into a gas station back in the 1950s, and five guys dressed in white come out to pump gas, check the oil, clean the windshield, check the tires, etc.? Now that’s what I call the good old days!

That kind of service just isn’t possible today, but our local gas stations give it their best shot. Winning this category for 2012 was the AM/PM ARCO Station at Exit 14, followed by:

• Lithia Way 76 Station.
• Chevron Station at Exit 14.
• Shell Station at Walker & Siskiyou.
• The old Shell Station (now Valero) at Exit 14.
• Valley View 76.
• Texaco at Exit 14.
• The Astro station downtown.

FAVORITE STORE IN MEDFORD

They’re our neighbors to the north, and they’re always fun to visit, from the Expo and Britt to downtown and the Craterian. And while there, you might as well do some shopping, right?

The number one choice according to our readers was the new Trader Jo’s on Sage Boulevard.

Others in the hunt were:

• CostCo.
• TJ Maxx.
• Fred Meyer.
• Medford Food Co-op.
• REI.
• Macy’s at the Mall.
• Target.
• Harry & David Store.
• Guitar Center.

POLITICS

FAVORITE CITY COUNCILOR

It was a busy year for the City Council: they passed an ordinance creating an exclusionary zone for persistent troublemakers downtown; they experimented with a controversial Road Diet on North Main; they loosened the regulations on backyard chickens; and of course, they suffered through another election cycle. In the end, Carol Voisin and Greg Lemhouse were reelected, while Russ Silbiger retired after eight years and was replaced by Rich Rosenthal.

The votes on this were pretty close, so it the spirit of cooperation I’m going to name this an exact tie between Dennis Slattery, Greg Lemhouse and Carol Voisin.

FAVORITE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Proving that Ashland lives in its own little cocoon here next to the California border, this category showed very little interest with our readers. In the end, however, Commissioner Don Skundrick was the leading vote-getter.

BEST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

Supporters of the Road Diet earmarked the re-striping of North Main as the year’s “best,” but don’t get too complacent until you read what everyone thought was the “worst” (see below).

Other good things mentioned were:

• Allowing dogs in some of the parks.
• Appointing Pam Marsh to City Council.
• Signing off on Mt. Ashland.

WORST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

The Road Diet was the overwhelming answer to this question, as a lot of people aren’t happy with the traffic snarling that happens during rush hour.

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• The Plaza redesign.
• Not listening to the citizens.
• Lack of homeless services.
• Increasing the utility rates.
• Delaying the hospital merger.

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

Each year we ask our readers to answer four political questions just to gauge the mood of the community. These answers are “relatively” accurate since very few people stuff the ballot for them.

Do you approve of the Road Diet on North Main? On paper it sounds like a good idea: turning North Main into two lanes with a center turn lane, while providing bicyclists with wider bike lanes. I’ve traveled that route 10-12 times since its inception and haven’t encountered any problems, although I’ll have to admit that a.) I was not driving during rush hour, and b.) I only noticed about three bike riders the entire time. Rush hour, from what I’ve heard, is a different animal, and when we get into the heat of the “tourist season,” it could conceivably cause major problems. What do our readers think? This ended in a dead heat statistically.

• Yes, I approve: 50%
• No, bad idea: 50%

Should the City stop using wireless electricity reading meters? Some people think that wireless gadgets, including cell phones, wireless routers, Netflix streaming of movies, iPads, etc., are bad for our health. Intuitively, you have to wonder about all of this non-ionizing radiation that is coursing through our bodies in the 21st century, and while some studies suggest there might be a negative effect, it’s nothing definitive. In the meantime, the City is using wireless technology to read its electric meters. Should they stop doing that? Not according to our readers.

• Yes, stop using the meters: 41%
• No, everything’s fine: 59%

Should the City mellow out on backyard chickens? I’m not even sure how or why this became an issue. I had chickens in my backyard for eight years here on Clay Street (as did two neighbors), and it’s not that big of a deal. Methinks the City Council is a little bored if this is all they have to deal with. Our readers agreed.

• Yes, mellow out: 68%.
• No, keep up the pressure: 32%

Should marijuana be legalized and taxed? I don’t want to sound like a drugged-out pothead, but the War on Drugs has been an utter failure for 40 years. It not only hasn’t slowed the movement of drugs or stopped its usage, but the reverse is true. Yet we continue to spend billions of dollars a year on this “war,” and we have the highest percentage of incarcerated citizens per capita than any other country on earth. The first step to stopping this insanity would be to legalize marijuana. How do our readers feel about this?

• Yes, it should be legalized: 72%
• No, it should not be: 28%

* * * * *

Whew … I’m spent. Part II of the “Best of Ashland” will include Restaurants and Entertainment and will be featured in our February issue. Mañana! —C.H.

 

My how time flies. It just seems like a couple of weeks ago that Part I of the “Best of Ashland” hit the know that everyone has been on the edge of his or her seat waiting for Part II, let’s just get right into it.

As always, multiple ties will be awarded in any category where the votes had a difference of five or less at the top.

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Nine new restaurants were listed in this survey, a testament to both our readers’ insatiable appetites and the desire for local restaurant owners to stay on top of their game. Having a lot of new restaurants in town is actually good for business, as it motivates everyone to do his or her best.

The top two new restaurants, according to our readers, were TOT, located at 310 Oak St., #1, in the old Cantwell Building; and Milagro’s, which can be found in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.

Coming in a close third and fourth were:

• The Old Farmhouse, in the Rite-Aid Shopping Center.
• Star Sushi, at 293 E. Main.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Anya’s Thai Bistro, located downstairs at 33 N 3rd.
• Sauce, in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• CJ’s Bistro, located at 11 N. 1st Street.
• The Downstairs Deli at 107 E. Main.
• Beau Club Grill at 345 E. Main.

BEST BREAKFAST

Breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, when you load up on protein and essential nutrients to get you through the grind. The last thing you need during that morning board meeting is for your stomach to be growling and expressing disgust.

Okay, it’s not our fault that every year our readers consistently vote for the Morning Glory (1149 Siskiyou), closely followed by The Breadboard (744 N. Main), and Brother’s, located at 95 N. Main. At least they’re consistent year in and year out.

The Top Ten in this category included:

• Wild Goose (2365 Ashland Street).
• Dragonfly, at 241 Hargadine.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Oak Tree (2519 Highway 66).
• Greenleaf, on the Plaza.
• Ruby’s Neighborhood Restaurant at 163 N. Pioneer.
• Munchie’s, downstairs at 59 N. Main.

BEST LUNCH

By mid-day the energy levels start to wane, and it’s important to get a quick pick-me-up. It’s also a time to socialize with fellow workers, clients, friends and family. The lunch crew usually knows you’re in a hurry, and they work overtime to give you primo service.

Working their way to the top of the list for 2013 was a 3-way tie between Taj, an Indian-style restaurant at 31 Water Street; Lark’s, located in the Ashland Springs Hotel; and Greenleaf on the Plaza.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Wild Goose.
• Pangea, at 272 E. Main.
• Omar’s, located at 1380 Siskiyou.
• Dragonfly.
• TOT.
• The Ashland Food Co-op.
• Breadboard.
• Brother’s.
• Ruby’s.
• Morning Glory.

BEST FRENCH TOAST

The first reference to this recipe was found in a 4th century Roman cookbook attributed to Apicius. Seventeen hundred years later we’re still addicted to this delightful breakfast-time repast, and if our readers have anything to say about it, they’ll first head over to Dragonfly, located at 241 Hargadine.

The Top Three were very close, and they included Morning Glory and Breadboard, followed by:

• Brother’s.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Wild Goose.
• Munchie’s.
• Greenleaf.

BEST SOUPS & SANDWICHES

Sometimes menus can be daunting, especially at lunch. There are way too many choices and so little time. Enterprising restaurant owners recognize that reality and usually offer “sandwich and soup specials” for lunch. Landing at the top of this category was Pangea, located at 272 E. Main.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Grilla Bites on the Plaza (unfortunately, they have since moved on).
• Standing Stone at 101 Oak Street.
• Food Co-op.
• Greenleaf.
• Oak Tree.
• TOT.

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

They come in all shades and colors, from romantic enclaves to raucous steakhouses, but almost all dinnerhouses have one thing in common—the desire to make you feel confortable and at home.

It was close in this category, but our readers most often named Loft, located at 18 Calle Guanajuato; and Peerless Restaurant, at 265 4th Street.

The Top Five included:

• Amuse, at 15 N. 1st.
• Omar’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek, located at 51 Water Street.

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Smithfield’s, located at 36 S. 2nd.
• Winchester Inn, at 35 S. 2nd, and now called Alchemy Restaurant.
• Coquina, at 542 A Street.
• Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main).
• Alex’s on the Plaza.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Lunch doesn’t always have to be a “wham bam” affair involving 178 people from work intent on gobbling down their food just to get back to their cubicles on time. Sometimes it’s fun to get away with that significant other and enjoy your meal in a relaxing environment. And when it comes to that our readers most often named Martino’s, located upstairs at 58 E. Main; and Lark’s, in the Ashland Springs Hotel.

It was extremely close at the top with Dragonfly and Taroko (62 E. Main) receiving a lot of support, followed by:

• Black Sheep.
• Thai Pepper, at 84 N. Main.
• Alex’s.
• Sesame Asian Kitchen at 21 Winburn Way.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

This place just screams out “marriage proposal.” There’s soft lighting, soothing music, an attentive waitstaff, and a jewelry store on premises for that last-minute impulse buy … just kidding.

Our readers were in a romantic mood in this category, placing two establishments at the top: Amuse, located at 15 N. 1st; and Cucina Biazzi at 568 E. Main.

 Other romantic spots included:

• Peerless.
• Winchester Inn.
• Loft.
• Alex’s.
• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Kobe.
• Thai Pepper.

BEST STEAK DINNERS ON MENU

Archaeologists estimate that the domestication of cattle occurred independently three times in Iran/Iraq, China and northern Africa 5,000 to 8,000 years ago. Our friendly moo-moos have a rich history of symbiosis with humans (they provide us with milk and meat, and we let them graze rent free on farmland).

Winning this category for the umpteenth time in a row was Omar’s, located at 1380 Siskiyou, although coming in a strong second and third were:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Smithfield’s.

The rest of the list included:

• Peerless.
• Coquina.
• Amuse.
• Loft.

BEST SEAFOOD DISHES ON MENU

Five hundred years ago, Native Americans in Oregon thrived on plentiful game and fish. Not much has changed today, except it’s far easier to visit your favorite seafood restaurant than it is trying to land a 15-pound steelhead at Finley Bend. And in that regard, our readers most often named Beasy’s on the Creek, located at 51 Water Street, as their favorite.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Omar’s.
• Taroko.
• Kobe.
• Amuse.

BEST PASTA DISHES ON MENU

In our version of Pasta Wars here in Ashland, four different establishments battled it out for top seeding with our readers. When the last precincts were reported, though, Pasta Piatti won this category, closely followed by:

Wiley’s World Pasta Shoppe at 1606 Ashland St.

• Martino’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Other favorites included:
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Standing Stone.
• Coquina.
• Peerless.

BEST CAESAR SALADS

Poor Caesar. It’s March 15th, he’s minding his own business on the floor of the Senate in the year 44 BC, when some political fanatics stabbed him to death. There was an immediate outcry to outlaw knives, but that movement didn’t get very far. He did, however, get a salad named after him, although there are rumors that it was named after some guy named Caesar in Tijuana. (Hey, man, we’re here to praise Caesar, not bury him.) Where to go when you want to give praise to a great Caesar’s salad?  Our readers’ first choice is Martino’s/Macaroni’s, located at 58 E. Main.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Standing Stone.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST CHICKEN DISHES ON MENU

To the millions of chickens around the globe who sacrifice themselves daily for our culinary tastes, we thank you. It may sound barbaric to you, but just think of all the innocent bugs you kill every day scraping around in the dirt, and you should be able to relate.

Anyway, for great chicken entrees, our readers mentioned quite a few, including the top two, Lark’s, in the Ashland Springs Hotel, and Loft, at 18 Calle Guanajuato.

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Omar’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Peerless.
• Alex’s.
• Thai Pepper.

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Sure, you can sail the boat down to Cabo san Lucas and visit Edith’s or the Giggling Marlin, but we have the next best thing here in the Rogue Valley, which is home to many former residents of Mexico. Ten different restaurants were named in this survey, starting with numero uno, perennial favorite La Casa del Pueblo, located at 1209 Siskiyou.

The voting was extremely close in this category, and it easily could have been an 8-way tie for first. Those eight included:

• El Paraiso, at 545 Clover Lane.
• El Tapatio at 1033 N. Pacific Hwy.
• La Tapatia in Phoenix.
• Agave, located at 92 N. Main.
• Tabu at 76 N. Pioneer.
• Senor Sam’s in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Milagro’s in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.

Also mentioned were:

• Big Al’s at 474 N. Main.
• Inti in Talent.

BEST BURRITOS

This is the ultimate Mexican-style sandwich, and it’s practically a meal in itself, stuffed with every nutritious thing you can think of.

Where to go for great burritos? Our readers most often named Señor Sam’s, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.

Others high on the list were:

• Milagro’s.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• El Paraiso.
• El Tapatio.
• Ruby’s Neighborhood Restaurant.

BEST CHIPS & SALSA

They have become a staple of almost every Mexican restaurant in the United States (go to Mexico, though, and they just look at you kind of crazy if you expect chips and salsa right away without paying for them). They’re a great way to whet your appetite (and absorb some of the alcohol from the grande margarita you just ordered).

Who has the best chips and salsa? According to our readers, they were most impressed with the fresh chips and homemade salsa at Agave, located at 92 N. Main.

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

It’s great to experience the exotic foods and tastes of different cultures, from China and Thailand to Japan and Vietnam. Our readers agreed and named 16 different restaurants in this category, reserving their number one choice for both Kobe, located at 96 N. Main, and Thai Pepper, at 84 N. Main. Both are owned by Billy Harto.

The next five were all very close, and they included:

• Sesame (21 Winburn Way).
• Taroko (62 E. Main).
• TOT, at 310 Oak St., #1.
• House of Thai Cuisine at 1667 Siskiyou.
• Bonsai Teriyaki in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.

Also receiving votes were:

• Yuan Yuan.
• Mihama’s.
• Taj at 31 Water Street.
• Hana Sushi on the Plaza (now Umi Sushi).
• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• Panda Garden.
• Golden Dynasty.

BEST THAI DISHES

When I first started the Sneak Preview in 1986, Thai food was just starting to become the “next big thing,” although I’m sure it’s been popular in Thailand long before that. Today, there are many establishments offering Thai food on their menus, starting with Thai Pepper and House of Thai Cuisine.

Also very popular are:

• Taroko.
• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• TOT.
• Yuan Yuan.

BEST JAPANESE DISHES

We waited a whole year for a women’s soccer rematch with Japan, and it was a good one. Japan beat the U.S.A. on penalty kicks in the World Cup in 2011, but the tables were turned in the Olympics last summer, as the ladies in red, white and blue won 2-1 in the final game.

That calls for some Japanese food to celebrate, and where would our readers go locally? Most said Kobe, (94 N. Main), but the list also included:

• Taroko.
• Bonsai Teriyaki.
• Hana Sushi.
• Mihama.

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

The Godfather trilogy were probably the best movies ever made, with Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino all making big names for themselves (well, Brando was already a household name, but who’s counting?). And when you want a little Italian offer you can’t refuse, this category ended up in an Italian standoff, with Pasta Piatti (358 E. Main); Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main); and Martino’s/Macaroni’s (58 E. Main) all receiving lots of votes.

Also mentioned a lot was:

• Wiley’s World.

BEST SELECTION OF PIZZAS

When I was in college, pizza was definitely one of the four major food groups (ice cream, chicken nuggets and doritos being the other three). One of my most enduring memories as a twenty-something was coming home from the bars one night and seeing my roommate Mac asleep on the sofa, sitting up, with a piece of pizza in his hand and the TV set blaring in front of him.

Where to go when you want to indulge in this nutritious food group? Great American Pizza, located at 1448 Ashland St., was tops with our voters this year, although it was extremely close at the top between Martolli’s (38 E. Main); and Creekside Pizza at 92 N. Main.

The list also included:

• NW Pizza & Pasta at 1585 Siskiyou.
• Papa Murphy’s (1401 Siskiyou).
• Giseppi’s, in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST VEGETARIAN DISHES

According to Wikipedia, vegetarianism can be adopted for various reasons, from ethical and religious beliefs, to heath, political, environmental, cultural, aesthetic or economic reasons. Whatever your reason, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time vegetarian, you may want to follow the advice of our readers, who were most impressed with the selection at Ashland Food Co-op Deli, followed by:

• Taj.
• Taroko.
• TOT.
• Sauce.
• Dragonfly.
• Greenleaf.

RESTAURANT WITH CLASSIEST DECOR

We’re not talking about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” type décor … I mean, who wants to eat dinner amid glass cases full of million-dollar jewelry? Or Audrey Hepburn over in the corner gazing wistfully at the diamond rings? Instead, just some nice artwork and tasteful furniture will do the trick.

And when it comes to enjoying your surroundings while having dinner, our readers most often named both Peerless (265 4th Street) and Amuse, located at 15 N. 1st.

Others high on the list included:

• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Callahan’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Loft.

BEST CHICKEN WINGS

They’re quick, they’re easy, and they come smothered in barbecue sauce that makes eating them messy and fun. In a casual setting with plenty of napkins, they’re almost the perfect appetizer.

Where to go locally? Many of our readers picked the chicken wings at both Red Zone (corner of E. Main and 2nd) and Alex’s on the Plaza as their favorites, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Oak Tree.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.
• TOT.
• Standing Stone.
• Creekside.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST COUPONS

Coupons have becoming increasingly more popular during the Great Recession, and while economists say we’re actually not in a recession anymore, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. So … let’s save up those coupons and do what our readers do by visiting Papa Murphy’s, located at 1401 Siskiyou.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• El Paraiso.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• Giseppi’s Pizza.
• El Tapatio.
• Pita Pit.

RESTAURANT WITH MOST EXOTIC COCKTAILS

I went on the Internet to find “weird cocktails” and I’d have to say the winner was from Ken Stewart’s Grill in Akron, Ohio. They offer a $10 martini with a baby octopus on top. Seriously, does that sound disgusting or what? Those guys have been watching way too much Little Mermaid.

Here in the Rogue Valley, our bartenders don’t try to gross people out. Instead, they concentrate on preparing outstanding cocktails that a.) Taste great and b.) Provide a little punch. And in that regard, our readers were most impressed with the creations at Kobe (92 N. Main) and Tabu, located at 90 N. Pioneer, followed by:

• Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
• Dragonfly.
• Loft.
• Peerless.
• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Liquid Assets.
• Alex’s.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST DESSERTS

I can just picture a group of cavemen sitting around the fire polishing off a side of mastodon, when ol’ Clog says something like, “What I’d give for a little banana soufflé.” So Mrs. Clog hustles off to the nearby jungle, finds a big ol’ banana and a couple of chicken eggs, mixes it with some honey and vanilla extract, preheats the fire to 400 degrees, and surprises the whole troop with a big dessert.

Fifteen different restaurants were mentioned by our readers in this survey with Amuse (15 N. 1st) and their sister store Mix (on the Plaza at 57 N. Main) taking down top honors.

Others high on the list were:

• Munchie’s.
• Loft.
• Dragonfly.
• Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
• Omar’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Peerless.

BEST WINE BAR

Southern Oregon is definitely becoming a wine mecca. It seems like every other week a new winery is opening up, and just last month that mansion/winery across the Interstate here in Ashland opened to rave reviews.

When it comes to relaxing and tasting wine in a relaxed atmosphere, our readers most often named Liquid Assets, located 96 N. Main, followed by:

• Winchester Inn Wine Bar.
• Edenvale Enoteca, on the Plaza.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY

Not every restaurant can handle the entire extended family, but when you want to take the kids and the out-of-town guest to dinner, there are a number of options. The most popular with our readers is Standing Stone, located at 101 Oak Street; and NW Pizza & Pasta, at 1585 Siskiyou.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Wild Goose.
• Omar’s.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Munchie’s.
• Louie’s.
• Wiley’s World.
• Pasta Piatti.

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

They don’t have to be your best friends (I mean, who needs waiters and waitresses asking to borrow money?), but they do need to be friendly. Surly and suicidal doesn’t make it when you’re sitting down for a relaxing meal.

This was another popular category, as our readers named 25 different restaurants, starting with this year’s winner, the friendly folks at The Breadboard, located at 744 N. Main, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Wild Goose.
• Morning Glory.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• Happy Falafel.

BEST “QUICK SERVICE” RESTAURANT

This is a genre that was practically invented by Americans. As a country that has been continually on the move (“Westward Ho,” “Go West, young man” and all that), time is sometimes of the essence. And when it comes to that, our readers most often picked the fast, efficient (and tasty) service at Happy Falafel (in the Ashland Shopping Center, next to Printfast) and Bento Express, at 3 Granite Street.

Others high on the list were:

• Señor Sam’s.
• Ruby’s.
• TOT.
• Koko’s, at Ashland Hardward.
• Milagro’s.
• The lunch buffet at Taj.

BEST SELECTION OF BURGERS

American inventions: apple pie, basketball, jazz, action movies and hamburgers. No wonder everyone wants to move here! And when they come to Ashland looking for great hamburgers, they once again turn to both Louie’s (on the Plaza) and Big Al’s, located at 474 N. Main.

Our burger aficionados also mentioned:

• Standing Stone.
• Omar’s.
• Red Zone.
• Oak Tree.
• Playwright Public House, at 258 A Street.
• Munchie’s.

BEST MILKSHAKES

It’s closer to a dessert than it is to a refreshing beverage … just ask my sweet tooth for a testimonial. When it comes to great milkshakes, our readers named Zoey’s Café & All Natural Ice Cream, located at 199 E. Main, as their favorite, with Big Al’s coming in a close second.

The list also included:

• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Oak Tree.
• Wild Goose.
• Munchie’s.

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

Here’s a line from comedian Jim Gaffigan: “Parents get burned out in big families. You can even see it in the naming of children. It’s always, like, the first kid: ‘You were named after Grandma.’ The seventh kid: “You were named after a sandwich I had. I loved that. Now, get your brother Reuben.’”

And when our readers are looking to find a future name for their 8th born child, they most often turned to the selections at both Big Town Hero, located at 75 N. Main; and Subway, with three locations in Ashland (397 Avery; on the SOU campus; and in the Rite-Aid Shopping Center).

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Greenleaf.
• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Pangea.
• Downstairs Deli.
• Zoey’s.
• TOT.

BEST FISH & CHIPS

This dish contains fish, which are high in all those good omega 3’s. Although 99% of the population have no idea what that means, they’ve heard Dr. Oz talk about it on TV as something beneficial to your heart, so it must be good. Deep fried chips aren’t great for the ol’ arteries, but at least it all evens out, right?

Where to go for great fish & chips? Topping this category was the Black Sheep, located upstairs on the Plaza. They were followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Smithfield’s.
• Paddy Brannan’s (23 S. 2nd).
• Standing Stone.
• Louie’s.

FAVORITE BARISTA (COFFEE SERVER)

You’re standing in line at your favorite coffeehouse and the Valley Girl in front of you is talking on the phone to … like … whomever! She finally makes it to the front of the line, puts her phone away and stares at the menu board for two minutes trying to figure out what she wants. Your only thought: “Why is murder illegal?” The barista feels your pain, moves the girl along, and gets you back focused on the important things in life, i.e., caffeine!

Quite a few baristas were named in this survey, including this year’s winner, Rihanna Piddington, at the Human Bean drive-through north of town.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• David at the Bloomsbury Coffeehouse.
• Dustin at Rogue Valley Roasters.
• Tim Case at Case Coffee.
• Dani at Dutch Brothers.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE

Caffeine is only part of the equation when it comes to popular coffeehouses. It’s also a social scene, where friends, relatives, colleagues and minor acquaintances meet to discuss the important issues of the day, like who will be the next person voted off Survivor.

Taking down the top spot in this category was once again Noble Coffee, located at 281 4th Street, followed by:

• Rogue Valley Roasting Co. at 917 E. Main
• Starbucks (downtown and at Siskiyou and Frances Lane).
• Bloomsbury Coffee.
• Case Coffee at 1255 Siskiyou.
• The Beanery (Ashland and Walker).
• Mix on the Plaza.
• Café 116 at 116 Lithia Way.
• Boulevard Coffee (at the Stratford Inn).
• Evo’s (376 E. Main).
• Dutch Brothers.
• Human Bean.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy; fish are jumpin’ and the outdoor patio is fine … or something like that. All I know is when it’s hot outside, there’s nothing like sitting on the patio at your favorite restaurant and enjoying the great outdoors.

Winning this category was the Dragonfly, located at the corner of Hargadine and 1st Street, where their garden setting is straight out of a tropical jungle scene.

The Top Four were pretty close in this, and they included:

• Thai Pepper.
• Peerless.
• Smithfield’s.

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Caldera.
• Loft.
• Ruby’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Cucina Biazzi.

BEST CATERERS

You have thirty people coming over to celebrate that nomination you received for the Nobel Peace Prize, and you’re freaking out about what to serve. The last thing you want to do is go postal on everyone and blow your cover, so you decided to call a professional.

• And in this case our readers most often recommended Awna Zegzdryn’s AZ Catering and Event Planning, followed by:
• Ashland Gourmet.
• Confident Catering.
• Gourmet Lunchbox.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LIVE CONCERT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

A number of concerts were named by our readers, but the number one choice was the visit in December by the famous rapper Snoop Dogg, who appeared at the Ashland Armory.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• The “Mozart” concert by Southern Oregon Rep Singers in February.
• The Siskiyou Singers’ concert, “Night at the Opera,” in April.
• The Greensprings Mountain Festival in September.
• The “Green Shows.”

FAVORITE CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

The Britt Festival celebrated its 50th season this year as “the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival.” Whether you have reserved seating in front or choice spots on the grassy knoll, the experience keeps thousands of people returning every year.

Landing at the top of the list with our readers this year was an appearance by Earth, Wind & Fire, the 70s R&B band most famous for “Shining Star” and “September.”

The list also included:

• The Avett Brothers.
• Steve Martin.
• Ziggy Marley.
• Wilco.
• The Classical Festival.

BEST PRODUCTION AT THE CRATERIAN LAST YEAR

Our neighbors to the north go all out at the Craterian Theater in downtown Medford, bringing in top names and productions from around the world and region. Topping the list this year was a Broadway touring production of A Chorus Line.

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

It’s turned into one of the most fun social events on the Ashland calendar, as hundreds of people gather in downtown Ashland (and surrounding areas) on the First Friday of every month to enjoy art, music, refreshments and conversation.

Topping this category for 2013 was a tie between the Ashland Art Center (357 E. Main) and all of the activities going on along A Street.

Also popular are:

• Plaza Salon.
• Art & Soul Gallery.
• Hanson Howard Gallery.
• Illahe Gallery.
• Black Sheep.
• Bombshell.

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

Quite a few local artists were mentioned by our readers, including this year’s winner, Michael Arciniega, a self-taught and versatile artist whose work can be found at artwithmuscle.com.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Denise Kester.
• Kevin Chrisman.
• Toni DeMello.
• Betty LaDuke.
• Harriet Rex Smith.
• Gabriel Lipper.

BEST FILM AT FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

Soon to be celebrating its 13th season, the Ashland Independent Film Festival brings in thousands of filmgoers to view over 80 new films presented each year. Our readers named quite a few favorites from 2012, including Ethel, a documentary about the life of Ethel Kennedy, produced by Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s daughter, Rory.

The list also included:

• Gayby.
• Valley of Saints.
• Chasing Ice.
• Your Sister’s Sister.
• Walk-In.

BEST EXHIBIT AT SCIENCEWORKS LAST YEAR

This isn’t your average museum where exhibits change every 17 years. Almost weekly there’s something new going on to stimulate the minds of children and adults. Topping the list this year was the Live Bee Hive, where bees travel in and out doing their thing.

Also mentioned were:

• The Hot Wheels Weekend, which is two tire-squealing days of “kid directed play.”
• Nano Days, where the world too small to see is explored.

BEST SPORTING EVENT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

This issue of the Sneak Preview will hit the stands five days after the Super Bowl, but as far as our readers are concerned, the playoff drive by the Southern Oregon University Football Team was more exciting.

The list also included:

• AHS boys soccer.
• AHS volleyball.
• Little League in Hunter Park.
• The Kiwanis’ Monster Dash Run.
• SOU lacrosse.

FAVORITE PARK IN ASHLAND (OTHER THAN LITHIA PARK)

There’s actually some controversy involving parks in Ashland, as the new city administrator wants to take away some of their funding and spread it around the general fund. The 5-member elected Park Commission isn’t very happy about that idea, as you can imagine.

If our readers had anything to say about it, they’d fully fund the parks department, as this category was very popular. Fourteen different parks were mentioned, including their favorite, Garfield Park.

The Top Six included:

• North Mountain Park.
• The Dog Park.
• Clay Street Park.
• Triangle Park.
• Railroad District Park.

BEST FITNESS CENTER

There has been an explosion of fitness centers nationwide, and that’s a good thing. While we wring our hands over the health care crisis in this country, if everyone would just man or woman up and get some exercise and watch his or her diets, health care costs would be cut in half within ten years.

Where to get some exercise locally? Quite a few places were mentioned, including the number one locale, the Ashland YMCA, followed by:

• Anytime Fitness.
• Ashland Tennis & Fitness Club.
• Snap Fitness.
• Baxter Fitness.
• Aerospace.

BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING

It’s good for the body, mind and spirit, so what could there possibly be not to like about dancing? Okay, maybe you don’t have all the moves you’d like and feel a little self-conscious about it, but if there’s a smile on your face, that’s the only thing people will notice.

And when it comes to dancing, our readers most often mentioned Alex’s, upstairs on the Plaza, followed by:

• Taroko’s.
• Tabu.
• Vinyl Club.
• Roscoe’s, in Phoenix.
• Community Center on Winburn Way.

BEST COSTUME IN THE 2012 HALLOWEEN PARADE

It has evolved into a major event in downtown Ashland, as thousands of children and adults try to outdo each other with creative and funny costumes. Quite a few were mentioned, but there wasn’t any clear winner. Here’s a list of some of them:

• Sock hop girls.
• Little vampire with blood.
• Prom Zombie.
• Black Spider girl.
• Ice family.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OFF-BARDWAY)

There were quite a few off-Bardway plays last year, all of them professionally produced with an attention to detail. Taking down top honors was Woody Guthrie’s American Song at Camelot Theatre, which played to packed crowds last summer.

The list of favorites also included:

• The Winter Wonderettes at Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
• Let’s Misbehave at OCT.
• 1776 at Camelot.
• Marisol at Southern Oregon University.
• The Big Bang at OCT.
• West Side Story at Ashland High School.
• All the King’s Men at Camelot.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) OFF-BARDWAY        

There was a strong list of candidates for this award, and pulling down top honors was Roy Rains, Jr., for his portrayal of Willie Stark in Camelot Theatre’s production of All the King’s Men last winter.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Robin Downward for OCT’s Let’s Misbehave.
• Don Matthews for Camelot’s Best Man.
• Paul R. Jones as Benjamin Franklin in Camelot’s 1776.
• David Gabriel as John Adams in Camelot’s 1776.
• Christopher George Patterson in OCT’s Song and Dance.
• Peter Wickliffe in Camelot’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

On the female side of the ledger, the most recognition went to Shae Johnson, for her work in OCT’s holiday production, the Winter Wonderettes.

The list of fine performances included:

• Tamara Marston in Camelot’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.
• Sarah Gore in Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Kymberli Colbourne in OCT’s Let’s Misbehave.
• Renee Hewitt in Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Alyssa Rhoney in SOU’s Marisol.
• Amelia Mejia in AHS’s West Side Story.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OSF)

Once again, all twelve productions by our favorite world-renowned Shakespeare Festival were mentioned at least once by our readers.

Taking down the top spot was All the Way, the historical tale of Lyndon Johnson’s accidental presidency, and the political genius he used to get elected in his own right.

The Top Five included:

• The White Snake.
• Animal Crackers.
• Party People.
• Romeo and Juliet.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) OSF

Following up on the popularity of All the Way, Jack Willis won this category for his portrayal of LBJ.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• John Tufts as Henry V.
• Mark Bedard as the Groucho Marx character in Animal Crackers.
• G. Valmont Thomas in Party People.
• Christopher Livingston in The White Snake.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) OSF

Winning this category for the 2012 season was Amy Kim Waschke for her work in The White Snake.

She was followed by:

• Tala Ashe as Cassandra in Troilus and Cressida.
• Robin Nordli in The Very Merry Wives of Windsor, Iowa.
• Alejandra Escalante as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

BEST DIRECTOR (LOCAL THEATER)

Every production contains the personal stamp of its director, and everyone appreciates the time and energy he or she devotes to each performance.

And in that regard our readers most often mentioned Livia Genise for her work with Camelot Theatre’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Bill Rauch for OSF’s All the Way.
• Mary Zimmerman for OSF’s The White Snake.
• Roy Rains for Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Rob Melrose for OSF’s Troilus and Cressida.

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/SINGER

What would we do without music? It would certainly make life a lot more boring and routine. Can you imagine going to a football game or a parade without music? Or watching a movie? Or driving in the car? Or … oh well, you get the picture.

Our readers were able to name quite a few local musicians, and strumming his way to the top was Robbie DaCosta, who can be seen locally with his band at various venues, including Alex’s on Monday night and Peerless on Wednesday nights.

Also popular are:

• Shae Johnson of the Rogue Suspects.
• Karen Lovely, blues singer.
• Ed Dunsavage, jazz bass.
• Jeff Koetzel, guitarist/vocalist.
• David Gabriel, singer.
• Grant Ruiz, guitarist.

BEST LOCAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND

Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay, and they built this city on rock ‘n’ roll. What more can you say? Rockin’ and rollin’ their way into our hearts was local band The Rogue Suspects, who play various gigs around the valley.

Coming in a close second was the Robbie DaCosta Band, followed by:

• Karen Lovely Band.
• The Stamps.
• Frankie Hernandez.
• 100-Watt Mind.
• Love Bite.

BEST LOCAL JAZZ BAND

My dad was a jazz aficionado, but mainly the Big Band variety. I grew up hearing Benny Goodman, Louie Armstrong and Artie Shaw, and about how my dad claimed to have “discovered” Bing Crosby.

Locally, our readers named the Paul Schmelling Trio as their favorite.

Coming in a close second was the Ed Dunsavage Trio.

BEST NIGHTCLUB TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

When you want to get out of the house and actually feel as if you’ve gone somewhere and done something, catching live music at a local nightclub is the perfect assignment.

Once again taking down the number one spot was Alex’s, located upstairs on the Plaza, followed by:

• Wild Goose.
• Playwright Pub.
• Martino’s.
• Roscoe’s.
• Tabu.

BEST “ENTRY” IN THE 2012 4TH OF JULY PARADE

This parade always seems to bring out the best and brightest of Ashland. Some years it appears as if everyone in town is in the parade, much less watching from the sidewalks. For the 10% of us watching, we had our favorites, including the grand finale, the Samba Like It Hot drummers, who always lead everyone down to the Plaza at the end of the parade.

Others high on the list were:

• YMCA young gymnasts.
• El Tapatio.
• Friends of the Animal Shelter.
• Ashland Food Project.
• Macaroni’s band.
• The jet flyovers.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MIXED DRINKS

Sometimes you want something with a little more pizzazz and cachet than just a gin and tonic or a bourbon and water. Creatively is the key here, and in that regard our readers most often mentioned the selections at Tabu and Thai Pepper Satay Bar.

Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Liquid Assets.
• Kobe.
• Alex’s.
• Martino’s.
• Loft.
• Lark’s.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Taroko.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MICROBREW BEERS

The good old days when all you could get was Budweiser and Schlitz actually weren’t that good. Not that those beers were bad, but it’s just more fun when you have a lot of choices. Microbrewed beers have become such a science that you can now find varieties to fill almost every mood and taste.

And when it comes to having a great selection of microbrewed beers, our readers gave the nod to Standing Stone Brewing Co., located at 101 Oak Street, followed by:

• Caldera Pub.
• Creekside.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Red Zone.
• Martino’s.

BAR WITH FRIENDLIEST BARTENDERS

You want a bartender with good jokes like this one: A Chihuahua, Doberman and Bulldog are in a bar when a great-looking female Collie comes in and says, “Whoever can best say liver and cheese in a sentence can go on a date with me.” The Doberman says, “I love liver and cheese.” The collie replies, “That’s not good enough.” So the Bulldog says, “I hate liver and cheese.” She says, “That’s not creative enough.” Finally the Chihuahua says, “Liver alone … cheese mine.”

This category actually had seven different bars bunched up at the top, so I’m going to name all seven in alphabetical order:

• Alex’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Liquid Assets.
• Martino’s.
• Omar’s.
• Tabu.
• Wild Goose.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Oak Tree.
• Standing Stone.
• Beau Club.

BEST BAR TO WATCH SPORTS ON TV

The Super Bowl has come and gone, but on the horizon is March Madness, which is personally my favorite time of the year. Where to go when you want to root your favorite team onto victory? This was pretty close, but in the end, the Red Zone ran this one into the end zone for a touchdown, followed by:

Louie’s on the Plaza.

• Oak Tree.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Paddy Brannan’s.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.

FAVORITE PART OF THE GROWERS MARKET

It’s one of the oldest growers’ markets in southern Oregon, and it’s a veritable social scene every Tuesday morning from 9am to 1pm at the Armory on East Main (and on Saturday on Oak Street downtown). This category received a lot of attention from our readers, and apparently everyone has an opinion. There’s no denying that the selection of fresh organic produce and all the people are important, but when we break the market down into individual entities, it turned out like this:

• Fry Family Farms.
• The fresh donuts.
• Blue Fox Farm.
• Willow-Witt Farm.
• The tamales.

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNDAY DRIVE

Yes, the price of gas may be hovering around $4 a gallon, but surely there’s some comfort knowing that the price is $8.17 in London and $9.63 in Turkey. Where to go when you want to spend $8-$15 on a short drive through the countryside? Many of our readers picked the Applegate Valley as their number one destination, followed by:

• Lake of the Woods
• The Greensprings.
• Mount Ashland.
• Crater Lake.
• Dead Indian Memorial Road.
• Jacksonville.
• Hyatt/Howard Prairie Lakes.

BEST LOCAL HIKE IN THE WOODS

Enjoying nature should not be from the confines of your car. You need to get out and breathe in that fresh air, especially in the woods where the trees are working overtime to photosynthetically provide you with as much oxygen as possible.

The favorite hiking spot with our readers is the Oredson-Todd Woods, accessible via the top of Park Street and near Greenmeadows Drive.

Others high on the list were:

• The White Rabbit.
• Lithia Park.
• The watershed above Lithia Park.
• Grizzly Peak.
• Wagner Butte.
• Toothpick.

BEST PLACE TO GO GAMBLING

Yeah, I know, the best strategy to use when gambling is to not bet. The house definitely has the edge, but you never know when you might hit the big one. And if you consider your losses as entertainment, it’s not that all bad … unless you bet the mortgage on the house, then it becomes bad (and stupid).

Taking this category in a runaway was Seven Feathers, which is a mere 75 miles north on the Interstate.

Also mentioned were:

• Las Vegas.
• Reno.
• The Wild Goose.
• Elk’s Club
• The horse races at Grants Pass Downs.

* * * * *

Wow … 144 categories completed. I am now going to step out into the sunlight after three straight days in this basement office. I feel like Count Dracula. See everyone in 2014! If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at sneakpre@mind.net. —C.H.