Best Doctor
Bradley Keith, MD
337 El Dorado St., Suite A3, Monterey (831) 649-4202
Since the beginning of the U.S., physicians have successfully run for office in Congress and state legislatures. More than 250 doctors served throughout Congress’ first 100 years. More recently, there have been 16 medical members of Congress representing constituents around the country. The local constituents of obstetrician and gynecologist Bradley Keith must think he’s their best representative for good health. Online reviews by his patients declare Keith has a kind and warm bedside manner, he’s professional, on time, listens well and is there within minutes when it’s time for deliveries. He’s attentive after baby is a born as well, focusing on both physical and mental health.
Best Medical Practice
Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group
2 Upper Ragsdale Drive #B-210, Monterey (831) 333-0999, mppmg.com
It’s about time that the children took over from the adults in this highly competitive category. What sets this practice apart (besides being established some 40 years ago) is their refreshing and caring attitude, the fun-loving office environment, and 24-hour doctor on call service along with a serious commitment to pediatric health, attested to by the experiences of families who trust them. It’s easy to know who wins the vote when the contrast is so discernible.
Best Plastic Surgeon
Douglas Sunde
856 Munras Ave., Monterey (831) 372-0200, drsunde.com
Frank Zappa once wrote the lyric “Plastic people – oh baby now you’re such a drag.” Well, Frank clearly never saw the loyalty and results that this doc has been creating for patients. Clients claim his individually-structured cosmetic and reconstructive services, along with his state-of-the-art surgical facility, are second to none, which is why he has dominated this category for the past five years straight. We could probably trust him to piece together the model candidate.
Best Eye Doctor
Blink Optometry
217 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 250-6999, blinkcarmel.com
Doctors of optometry Telma Barseghian and Trevor Fogg make it easy to see through the obstacles to correct one’s vision. From navigating insurance to doing eye exams to choosing a stylish fit for glasses (or ditching the frames for contact lenses) they are a full-service shop for eye care in the Crossroads. Blink also offers expertise on more serious eye conditions that could lead to the need for surgeries and procedures. Make sure your vision is 20/20, not just in hindsight but into the distant future.
Best Dental Practice
Monterey Peninsula Dental Group
333 El Dorado St., Monterey (831) 373-3068, mpdg.com
Seven doctors of dentistry make up the practice at MPDG, which makes choosing one like whittling down the Democratic presidential candidates for 2020. The days of shaming patients for not flossing are over, but if not flossing causes more serious issues like needing root canals, crowns or dental surgery, they offer all of the above, even cosmetic services that’ll create a winning smile for those running for office or running from the onslaught of political news.
Best Orthodontist
Dr. Tim Auger, Auger Smiles Orthodontics
335 El Dorado St. #8, Monterey (831) 373-3765, augersmiles.com
Say cheese! Show off those straight pearly whites! Hit the office of Dr. Tim Auger if you’re currently in pre-straight mode. For 50 years, there’s been an Auger providing orthodontia services on the Monterey Peninsula, starting with his father in 1970. He’s a local kid, a Carmel High graduate who went east for dental school (Boston University, valedictorian to boot) and then returned home and set to teeth straightening. His research in the field has been published, he’s accredited by the American Board of Orthodontics (not all orthodontists are) and he’s generally an all-around, corgi-loving good guy. His services are personal, his payments are flexible and he’s up-to-speed on all things modern in his field.
Best Attorney
Jeannette Witten
Hudson, Martin, Ferrante, Street, Witten & DeMaria PC 490 Calle Principal, Monterey (831) 375-3151, hudsonmartin.com
Perennial. There’s a word to describe Jeannette Witten’s place on this list. As in, she is perennially named the Best Attorney in Monterey County (at least since 2012). Witten specializes in transaction law, including securities, mergers and acquisitions, trademark and copyright and estate planning. She knows the law of grapes (once they’re made into wine, anyway) and launched the Wine Law Decanted blog. She volunteers, she moms, she runs marathons. Next up, she leaps tall buildings in a single… no, strike that. Next up, she continues winning accolades and continues fiercely advocating for her clients.
Best Law Firm
Fenton & Keller
2801 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey (831) 373-1241, fentonkeller.com
In the 1800s, lawyers often comprised upwards of 75 percent of the United States Congress. While lawyer-legislators might still feel like an overrepresented profession in this representative government, the proportion has gone down to roughly one-third. Maybe that’s because lots of bright legal minds are busy practicing law instead of doing politics? We’re not sure, but that’s the case at Fenton & Keller, which offers a broad range of practice areas from personal injury and real estate to tax law and land use. This is the fifth year in a row Weekly readers have voted this law firm as the best – term limits do not apply.
Best Real Estate Office
Carmel Realty
Dolores between Seventh and Eighth, Carmel (831) 622-1000, carmelrealtycompany.com
The same year Carmel Realty was established, Woodrow Wilson became president, ousting one-term incumbent William Howard Taft. While Wilson’s run as president lasted only until 1921, the Mitchell family was able to create a real-estate legacy that has lasted over 100 years. Considered to be one of the top agencies in the world by luxuryrealestate.com, Carmel Realty caters to buyers, sellers, short – and long-term renters and real-estate professionals looking to align themselves with the upper echelon in the business.
Best Realtor
The Jacobs Team
26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite F200, Carmel (831) 236-7976, jacobsteamhomes.com
There’s a good possibility that no matter who wins the 2020 presidential election, Monterey County real estate prices will go skyrocketing. Mother-daughter team Joy Jacobs and Jen Jacobs Bolger lead an all-female cast of real estate agents who sell quality homes and real estate along with managing area rentals. This means that whether it’s a seven-bedroom house for sale in Pebble Beach or a one-bedroom for rent in Monterey, The Jacobs Team are your go-to realtors.
Best Bank
Wells Fargo
Multiple locations in Monterey County (800) 869-3557, wellsfargo.com
Here are a few things that happened in the United States in 1852: Franklin Pierce was elected as president. At the Monticello Convention, representatives from the Oregon Territory drafted a petition to become the Columbia Territory (renamed the Washington Territory within the year). Uncle Tom’s Cabin was published. Wells Fargo Bank was founded. Yes, the Wells Fargo name has more name recognition than Pierce’s (we can’t remember what he did, either), and it’s now got more than 7,400 locations, 13,000 ATMs and $1.9 trillion, with a T, in assets. Not mentioned in their annual report: regularly winning Weekly readers’ Best Of vote.
Best Banker
Kathy DiMaggio
Union Bank 495 Washington St., Monterey (831) 657-1145, unionbank.com
A recent poll of the business community found that what voters really want in a business banker is someone who can get to “yes.” Riding a wave as a repeat Best of Monterey County winner, Kathy DiMaggio is just such a banker. Lending in the 21st-century global finance world just doesn’t have to be that complicated. Trust, confidence and knowledge underpin Kathy’s ability to help her clients get loans that work.
Best CPA
Hayashi & Wayland
1188 Padre Drive, Salinas, (831) 759-6300 26915 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite 100, Carmel, (831) 624-5333 415 Broadway St., King City, (831) 385-5426 hw-cpa.com
If Monterey County has a home-grown Big Daddy to Rule Them All CPA firm, this is it. Nine partners, nine team members, support staff and services that include everything from audit and assurance to estate and trust planning to tax prep and (gulp) fraud and forensic accounting. The founders who gave the firm its name (that’d be Douglas Hayashi and Warren Wayland) may have departed, but the legacy lives on. When you need smart people to deal with your cash, or your business’ cash, hit up one of their four offices (Salinas, Carmel, Paso Robles and King City) and get your business done right the first time.
Best PR Firm
Chatterbox PR
(831) 747-7455, chatterboxpublicrelations.com
When you don’t control your message or your social media presence, things are likely to get messed up. Instead of a positive response, you end up like Rick Perry standing there with a perplexed look saying “oops” to a national audience. That’s where Marci Bracco Cain, Andria Cambridge and their team at Chatterbox PR come into play. Not only do they work on 40 to 50 carefully selected projects at any given time – public relations, event planning, brand management and such – they also offer their services to deserving local nonprofits free of charge (they call it “The Giving Hour”). No fake news from this group.
Best Veterinarian
Pet Specialists of Monterey
451 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Monterey (831) 899-4838, thepetspecialists.com
It can be terrifying when your pet gets sick and the folks at Pet Specialists of Monterey know that and are prepared to deal with the most urgent emergency situations. Pet Specialists is home to world-class practitioners with first-rate compassion. No one wants to need an emergency vet, but rest assured that if you do, they’re there to help around the clock.
Best Dog Groomer
Suds and Scissors
223 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 624-4697, sudsandscissorsinc.com
Did you know that the majority of the American presidents over the past 130 years have had dogs? Hopefully the White House has a team as great as the one at Suds and Scissors to keep those pups pampered and ready to win the hearts of American voters. For over 65 years, Suds and Scissors has been providing more than just a simple shampoo for Monterey County’s furry pets. The spa spoils pets and their owners with varied shampoo offerings such as bright white and oatmeal, and services like bathing, haircuts and even a blow-out for that special occasion.
Best Local Pet Store
The Raw Connection
26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel (831) 626-7555, therawconnection.com
For more than 10 years, Sarah Adams, founder and owner of The Raw Connection, has been helping Monterey County pet owners give their dogs and cats healthier, happier lives. After seeing first-hand in 1998 how changing her Irish wolfhound’s diet improved the pup’s quality of life (not to mention her own), Adams started helping animals outside of her home. She launched a raw food home delivery business in 2002 and in April 2006 opened her store at Carmel Rancho Shopping Center. Now with a broad selection of raw and grain-free diets, vitamin supplements, natural treats, free nutritional guidance and innovative toys, more pets and their parents are sure to find something they love that’s good for them.
Best Pet Boutique
Stone’s Pet Shop
1122 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, (831) 375-4471 13748 Center St., Carmel Valley, ( 831) 659-5317 stonespetshop.com
Be they furry, hairless, cloven, feathered or scaled, your non-human friends will feel immediate joy upon a visit to Stone’s Pet Shop. Alongside standard pet store staples – food, supplements, bedding, shampoos and the like – the toys and accessories and costumes make Stone’s Pet Shop stand out as the best pet boutique. Whether you’re looking to dress up your dog as Uncle Sam, build your guinea pig a voting booth or just stock upon kitty litter, the sky’s the limit at Stone’s.
Best Neighborhood Market
Grove Market
242 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 375-9581, grovemarketgrocery.com
Grove Market is a P.G. treasure for many excellent reasons, least of all their big selection (in a relatively small space) including organic produce, loads of meat cut by knowledgable butchers, imported British treats and sometimes even little items that you might not find at big brand stores. There’s a rotating menu of hot food, which locals love for nearby picnics or easy dinner. And for all this, you can have one of Grove Market’s personal shoppers round up your goods for you – and even deliver to your home – for less than 10 bucks. They’ve been serving their people well since 1969.
Best Grocery Store Best Wine Market
Star Market
1275 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 422-3961, starmkt.com
Star Market is so low-key, it’s not really the kind of place to see and be seen. Yet there they are – KSBW anchor Dan Green checking out the yogurt section on a Thursday night. Leon Panetta perusing the olive oil the day before Thanksgiving. It’s the power broker’s grocery store, sure, but it’s also the place where just regular folks go for the best service in town (along with a vast wine section, curated by managing partner Victor Kong); or a special cut of beef for a holiday dinner (curated by managing partner Art Kong), plus a massive cheese selection, super-fresh produce, grocery guys who will get you anything you ask for and a crackerjack checker staff.
Best International Market
International Market & Deli
580 Lighthouse Ave., Seaside (831) 375-9451, internationalmarketanddeli.web.com
Global and domestic economic policies aside, in this food-based election Monterey County readers clearly wanted good food with access to a variety of ingredients. This tiny two-aisle store came out on top. Though it’s small in square footage, it sure does cover a lot of ground, stocking the shelves with imports of Turkish coffee, Russian pelmeni, spices from Syria and India, just to name a few goodies. The real edge to this candidate, however, comes from their grab-and-go options like gyros, shawarma, tabouli, falafel, spanakopita and sticky baklava.
Best Seafood Market
Sea Harvest
598 Foam St., Monterey (831) 646-0547, seaharvestmonterey.com 100 #A Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 626-3636, seaharvestfishmarketandrestaurant.com
If it’s from the sea and edible, you can find it at Sea Harvest (two businesses, same name). At both locations, there are fresh fish and shellfish on ice, as you would expect at a market selected by readers as the area’s best. But you can also shop from a selection of products that will make your simple pan-seared halibut fillet into a gourmet meal. Or you can change course, sit down and order from Sea Harvest’s menu because they operate as restaurants, too. Sea Harvest can please all of the people all of the time.
Best Gourmet/Kitchen Shop
Stone Creek Kitchen
465 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Monterey (831) 393-1042, stonecreekkitchen.com
If ever there was an argument against term limits, it’s Stone Creek Kitchen. They’ve been elected every year since 2012, and there’s a reason for their success. Owners Kristina Scrivani and Linda Hanger are not single-issue candidates. Instead, they have a deli case, food items (including some rare finds like haggis), seasonings and such. So they are a deli/market. But the store also offers cookware, aprons and things you need in the kitchen – like a store. Hang on, there’s more. Like cookbooks. And events. And cooking demonstrations (if you need to know how to make borscht, they can show you). They have something for everyone.
Best Organic Produce Market
Earthbound Farm’s Farm Stand
7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley (831) 625-6219, earthboundfarm.com
Here, the humble farm stand has been elevated almost beyond recognition to become an experience and destination, rather than just a place to buy fruits and vegetables. Starting with the surrounding landscape, this is a place for relaxation and recreation. Outside, you’ll find a lawn, a rock maze, a cornhole setup, an herb garden and a teepee, and maybe squash and pumpkins artfully arranged. Inside, you can have fancy coffee, epicurean smoothies, and salad made of locally grown organic ingredients.
Best Selection of Liquor
BevMo
1900 North Davis Road, Salinas, (831) 442-2411 26538 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel, (831) 250-0621 bevmo.com
What the best wines and what your favorite wines are can sometimes be quite far apart, not unlike candidates running for public office. And while the adult-beverage experts can’t help you figure out who best to vote for, they can home in on which wine, beer or spirit will fit your budget, needs and/or taste. Open seven days a week, Monterey County’s two BevMo locations also host tastings from 4pm to 7pm every Friday to better educate customers on which yum-juice to take home.
Best Hardware Store
Ace Pacific Grove Hardware
229 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 646-9144, acehardware.com/store-details/05419
To a hammer, everything looks like a nail, which is why it’s hard to trust a politician during election years. You can trust Bill and Suzy Derowski – owners of Ace Pacific Grove Hardware – to pair you with the best hammer for the appropriate nails. Need keys made, want to paint the house, interested in the latest power tools for DIY maintenance. They’ve got all the necessities for the fixers and tinkerers out there who want to fix or build it the old-fashioned way: with instructional YouTube videos, a six-pack and not having to pay someone else to do the job.
Best Lumber Yard
M&S Building Supply
2456 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 655-7750, msbuildingsupply.com
Three times in American history, the House of Representatives has decided to show a sitting president the door through the mechanism of impeachment. The folks at M&S can show a lot of doors. They have an entire space devoted to a front door showroom. And this in addition to hardware and supplies, yard care items and plumbing fixtures (they have another showroom upstairs for bathrooms). So best lumber yard? Yes, that’s unimpeachable. But how about best home center, too.
Best Computer Repair
Monterey Computer & Smartphone Repair
1105 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 406-1712, montereycomputerrepair.com
A successful election takes a good platform and an army of volunteers – and functioning technology so those volunteers can call prospective voters. This shop has you covered when it comes to the broken screen or the data that seems to have disappeared into thin air. So yes, they’ve got the expertise when it comes to fixing your broken device, but what truly sets them apart is customer service principles: They do diagnostic work for free, give flat-rate pricing and if they can’t fix it, they won’t charge you. And they know campaigns are demanding, and they do fast turnarounds – most iPhone repairs are complete in under 60 minutes.
Best Bookstore – Used
Old Capitol Books
559 Tyler St., Monterey (831) 333-0383, oldcapitolbooks.com
If you want to feel enveloped in literature and stories, this bookstore looks and smells like a place of book worship. They’ve got general-interest used books on art, business, health and wellness, military, history, poetry, politics (theme alert!), nature, science, graphic novels, theater, fiction, the whole of human experience, as well as plant, mineral and animal experience. They have a Featured Books series; a recent one was the $475 25-volume The Historian’s History of the World, published in 1904 for “a reader not only curious, but genuinely happy to learn.” And they host live literary events like poetry readings, book launches and book discussions that lean toward the progressive and radical end of the political spectrum.
Best Bookstore – New
Bookworks
667 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 372-2242, bookworkspg.com
You can tell a lot about a politician by their favorite book. Abraham Lincoln was a fan of the Collected Works of William Shakespeare while John F. Kennedy loved the suspenseful adventures of a womanizing spy in From Russia with Love. If you’re looking for your own favorite book that historians may remember you by, Bookworks is the place to start. This family-owned shop constantly adds new titles to their mass selection of bestsellers, international reads and more.
Best Place To Buy Art and Craft Supplies
Michaels
121 General Stilwell Drive, Marina, (831) 384-0562 1690 N. Main St., Salinas, (831) 296-3301 michaels.com
Don’t panic! Although Monterey’s Beverly’s is closing its doors, it doesn’t mean you have to rush to buy every button or paint color you need to survive because Michaels Craft Store is your number-one go to, for life. Not only do they provide even the most minute accessories as well as large-scale supplies for a range of projects, but they pretty much dictate where you can purchase that highly coveted “Winsor Blue” watercolor paint. And they’ll keep you loyal with the amazing discounts they offer daily.
Best Store For Musical Instruments
The Monterey Music Store
419 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 372-5893
Decades of local musicians have cycled through The Monterey Music store during one iteration or another looking for everything from strings to high-end, triangle-shaped speaker cabinets. As of 2020 they’ve moved next to the Golden State Theatre. The shop’s taken a new direction since Jon Prock and family took over in 2016. Within the smaller space, the collection of high-end instruments looks focused yet still offers a variety. What could have easily become a down-town eyesore has transformed into an asset that adds variety and value to Monterey’s downtown resurgence.
Best Place To Buy Vinyl
Recycled Records
604 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 375-5454
Records – real, spinning, 33 1/3 rpm vinyl – is back in fashion. And a visit to Recycled Records will remind you that music just sounds warmer on a record. “Fortunate Son” by CCR was John Kerry’s campaign song. Ronald Reagan wanted to use Springsteen’s “Born in the USA.” George H.W. Bush went back to Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land,” while Ross Perot picked “Crazy,” by Patsy Cline. Don’t any of these guys listen to the lyrics? Geez. Oh, well – songs like these on famous albums are what you find here. And they also repair stereos, install cartridges, appraise your collection and more. For music lovers (and FDR), happy days are here again.
Best Furniture Store
Mum’s Place
246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 372-6250, mumsfurniture.com
From the moment you enter this place you can sense that it is not your usual corporate furniture store. Family-owned and operated since 1986 (and winners of this category for an astonishing 10 years straight – take that all you people who want term limits!) beds here seem more like sleep-enhancing devices, couches and recliners start to resemble essential relaxation portals and tables and chairs are transformed into community-enhancing meeting places. But what really makes this outlet stand out is their outstanding selection, exceptional service and experienced staff which, according to polling of customers and management alike, are second to none.
Best Dive Shop
Bamboo Reef
614 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 372-1685, bambooreef.com
If every diver has a best dive buddy, Bamboo Reef is the Monterey Peninsula’s. They’ve been serving area divers since 1961 and for the last 12 years Weekly readers have proven their loyalty by voting it the best. Beyond their wide selection of diving gear, they provide certification services for SCUBA and First Aid/CPR. For visitors and locals alike, they lead daily dive tours of Monterey Bay; for the more adventurous, they explore marine worlds up and down the Central Coast and offer exotic international dive trips.
Best Toy Store
Thinker Toys
Seventh and San Carlos, Carmel (831) 624-0441, thinkertoys.com
When Holly Horner was 9 years old, her parents bought this toy store and yes, it was a child’s dream. “It was amazing,” Horner says. But not necessarily because she was awash in toys – because during holidays she’d spend 20 hours a week working in the store, learning how to run a business. It worked – today she’s the VP. Horner stays ahead of the curve by offering thoughtful, inclusive toys, making sure she has dolls of many ethnicities, diverse families represented in picture books and the store itself is designated as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people (that’s both the kiddos and the adults shopping with them). Her favorite item in stock: A recycling truck made entirely from recycled milk jugs that she describes as “indestructible.” That’s another kind of ecofriendliness – keep it and give it to your great-grandchildren.
Best Bike Shop
Work Horse Bicycles
486 Washington St., Monterey, (831) 375-2144, workhorsebicycles.com
One of the coolest things about visiting Work Horse is checking out the staff’s personal bikes, each of which is weird, customized and handsome, demonstrating pride of craftsmanship. One staff bike, for example, was upgraded by the welding of an electric motor kit to the bottom of an old steel frame. What’s even more special, though, is that their expertise comes without elitism: no grumpy or standoffish attitude here. The shop will work on any bike and enthusiastically serve customers of every skill level. Roadies, mountain bikers and commuters are all welcome.
Best Outdoor Gear Store
REI
145 General Stilwell Drive, Marina (831) 883-8048, rei.com
With the variety and depth of outdoor adventuring opportunities in Monterey County, it’s no wonder REI operates a location in Marina. Is there any other county with a national park, national forest, national monument, national marine sanctuary and national wildlife refuge, plus some 14 state parks and beaches? For more than a decade, folks have gone to this consumer-owned co-operative for climbing, hiking, camping, paddling and cycling needs. Plus, there’s a sweet return policy. Pro-tip: go to REI’s next garage sale for gear at bargain prices.
Best Surf Shop
On The Beach
693 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 646-9283, onthebeachsurfshop.com
Becoming the president of the United States of America, it’s a classic American dream, right? Well, a young Kelly Sorensen, owner of On the Beach Surf Shop, had a dream of opening a surf shop. In 1986, when he was 20 years old, he joined forces with Mike Locatelli, the owner of Portola Surf Shop in Santa Cruz, and opened the first On the Beach Surf Shop in Carmel. After buying out his partner and becoming the sole owner, he opened another location in Monterey which eventually had to be torn down. After 18 years and three moves, Sorensen ended up with the shop of his dreams where there’s a wide selection of surfboards and skateboards, along with all of the associated gear and clothing and one of the world’s largest private surfboard museums.
Best Golf Shop
The Golf Mart
2040 Fremont Blvd., Seaside (831) 583-1000, worldwidegolfshops.com
Golf’s a funny game. There’s an old joke about the golfer who was so heavy when he put the ball where he could see it he couldn’t hit it and when he put it where he could hit it he couldn’t see it. Neither of those scenarios apply here, however, as this company has for decades held that no matter what your competitive level is, they can help make you better. Like a political candidate who under-promises and then over-delivers, these guys have all the top brands you need to elevate your game and then some. Actually, those candidates don’t exist. But Golf Mart does.
Best Antique Shop
Cannery Row Antique Mall
471 Wave St., Monterey (831) 655-0264, canneryrowantiquemall.com
The League of Women Voters of Monterey County is one of the oldest leagues in California, founded in 1926 in Pacific Grove. Alice Wood Fiddes, MD, served as the first president. A year later it was reorganized under the direction of the national and state Leagues, with 10 charter members. It was that same year that the Carmel Canning Company warehouse #2 was constructed, a two-story building used to house canning supplies and finished products. Today it’s home to the Cannery Row Antique Mall and a protected historic structure. It’s worth a look inside to see the original conveyor belt, beams and trusses and, of course, to stroll through thousands of antiques and vintage items. The displays by vendors are always changing, making repeat visits a must.
Best Thrift Shop
Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop
26344B Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel (831) 626-8480, yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org
Follow the… oh hell, you know where this is going. Yes, it’s a resale shop, but it’s more than that. It’s multiple resale shops, with books and furniture and art and – swoon – top-quality clothes. Yes, you’re buying used goods, but what used goods these are. Buying used is smart, it’s great for the environment and it’s democracy in action. Let the people pick what shall be available for sale! All proceeds of all of the Yellow Brick Road shops benefit local charities and fund scholarships for kids who need them. Go get used.
Best Vintage Clothing Store
Cat’s Meow
601 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 393-2287, catsmeowfashion.com
Whether you’re looking to channel the fierce determination of Shirley Chisholm or the effortless elegance of Jackie O, Cat’s Meow has the vintage goods for you. A walk through the racks at Cat’s Meow sends you back to whichever decade you desire. The stock is perfectly curated with only the highest quality and highest style pieces from the past. If it’s not clothing you’re hunting for, browse through the knickknacks and art (and if you’re a cat-lover, you’re in for an added treat).
Best Dry Cleaners
Vapor Cleaners
1193 10th St., Suite H, Monterey (831) 375-5221, vaporcleanersmonterey.com
Don’t forget the proper lapel pins before you hit the campaign trail – and don’t forget to get your clothes pressed. Remember, you only get to make a first impression once, and a clean, well-ironed shirt goes a long way. Vapor does all the basics – alterations and repairs, getting out impossible stains, restoring suede and leather, making that shirt look crisp enough for Barack Obama’s standards – and they’re also supremely tuned into environmentally conscious practices. Unlike the majority of dry cleaners today who still rely on perchlorethylene, these folks use GreenEarth products that are made from silicone – essentially sand, water and carbon dioxide – safe enough to rub on your skin.
Best Laundromat
Sudz Cyber Laundry
709 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 324-4920, sudzcyberlaundry.com
No term limits here. Weekly readers gladly vote for Sudz Cyber Laundry every election cycle. The clean, well-lit laundromat with TV, free organic coffee and free Wi-Fi is a favorite. And if there was a candidate to keep in office it would be owner Loni McCallum, who ushered in her own green new deal when she opened the laundromat in 2009, making sure everything about the water-intensive business was as environmentally friendly as possible. It was the first carbon-neutral business in Pacific Grove. Her commitment to the environment and serving the community are definitely something to vote for.
Best Shoe Store
Joy-Per’s
944 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 424-3466, joypers.com
Joy-Per’s footwear will keep you out of breath with their ability to outrun their competitors as the primary stop for your next pair of hiking boots to your everyday shoe for comfort. If you’re able to read this then you can be guaranteed that your footwear needs will be executed by their knowledgeable and likable staff. Joy-Per’s is a family-owned establishment that works hard to ensure you have that little extra pep-in-your-step, especially useful if you’re hitting the campaign trail.
Best Shoe Repair Shop
Federico’s Shoe Service
542 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 649-3322
You need a solid platform to run on (or walk on, for that matter). It must be sturdy enough for the long trail, but with enough cushion for a safety net. And when it wears thin is when Federico’s Shoe Service comes into play. The family-owned business does shoe repair and more. Need luggage fixed or a tear in leather patched? They can do it. Zippers and dyes, as well. And they’ve earned the endorsement of the powerful Shoe Service Institute of America. And the best part is that you don’t even have to run (or walk) to the shop. They have a drive-through window. That’s playing to the base.
Best Women’s Clothing Boutique
Bliss Boutique
266 Main St., Salinas, (831) 757-4055 380 Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 647-1193 bebeautifulbliss.com
Bliss Boutique runs on a platform of style. Here there is a unique and super cute selection of everyday wear – from trendy jeans to oversize tees to flowery dresses. A girl can also accent her look with sweaters, boots and even jewelry. The small store in Salinas has become so popular that they now have a second location in Monterey, which will surely thrive like its sister store, now over 20 years old.
Best Men’s Clothing Store
Khaki’s
Carmel Plaza, Suite 104, Ocean and Junipero, Carmel (831) 625-8106, khakisofcarmel.com
Gentlemen (and ladies who shop for them), the voters have spoken. Loud and clear, they have affirmed that here in Monterey County it is OK to look good. If you want to feel great about your look, visit the region’s most expansive menswear store and set yourself up with some Italian, British and American designers: Canali, Eleventy, Samuelsohn plus Khaki’s famous house brand. Known for its vast inventory of casual and elegant styles, exclusive trunk shows and custom tailoring, Khaki’s has a look for you that will be sure to win you votes.
Best Shopping Center/District
Del Monte Shopping Center
1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 373-2705, delmontecenter.com
For years the Del Monte Shopping Center has been a quintessential hub for shopping, dining and hanging out for locals. And this is why it would be the perfect stop for politicians seeking a bit of area publicity. A presidential candidate could take a tour of Del Monte doing photo ops biting into a shawarma wrap at Dametra Fresh, trying out an outfit at Hot Topic and waiting at the Apple store for some help like an everyday person.
Best Jewelry Store
Fourtané
Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel (831) 624-4684, fourtane.com
Bespoke. Such a beautiful word: It means made for you. And Fourtané, owned for 30 years by John Bonifas, does bespoke. Master jeweler Juan da Silva will take his talents and equipment and your brain and his brain and make the gorgeous piece of your dreams. Or they’ll sell you a piece of antique or period jewelry, like a swoonworthy 16.4-carat Art Deco diamond bracelet recently on offer. Or a vintage Rolex. Or a new Rolex. If, for you, jewels are like candy, then go be the kid in this gorgeous candy shop in downtown Carmel.
Best Florist
Swenson & Silacci
110 John St., Salinas, (831) 424-2725 432 Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 375-2725 swensonandsilacciflowers.com
Why would anyone want to run for president? It takes a particular type of person to voluntarily go through campaigning only for the chance to work an extremely stressful job. But there’s at least a few perks that help make it worthwhile. Whoever is elected enjoys the services of the White House Chief Floral Designer. We, mere mortals, don’t have that but we do have Swenson & Silacci, which has been a family-owned fixture in Monterey County since 1945.
Best Place For Adult Novelties
Seductions
639B Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 646-8329, seductionsonline.com
It was President Abraham Lincoln who popularized the phrase, “You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time.” Seductions turns that truism on its head. With something for everyone – whether single or partnered (or tripled, why not?), for adventure-seeking or to enhance the usual – there’s a range of goods to bring to bed to make everything that much more enjoyable. Just don’t get caught doing anything naughty while you’re running for president, or maybe that doesn’t even matter anymore.
Best Tattoo Parlor
Wave Street Art Collective
550 Wave St. #6, Monterey (831) 372-1668, wavestreetartcollective.com
If you feel like you made the wrong decision during the election season, at least you know you can try again in a few years. The same can’t be said once you’ve been to a tattoo shop. But if you work with the artists at Wave Street Art Collective, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Owner Raul Suarez and the other artists at Wave Street specialize in everything from photorealism and portraits to black-and-white and Japanese-style tattoos. Their styles and talent are showcased on the walls of the shop with huge paintings, prints and murals. Suarez and his team have been providing both locals and tourists with permanent body art for nearly seven years. “We are a good shop, and we are really good artists. If you can find a good artist with a good personality it’s a big thing. Especially in the world of tattoos,” Suarez says.
Best Headshop
NorCal Smoke Shop
765 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 645-9021, norcalsmokeshop.com
Presidents in the U.S. have had a long and turbulent relationship with smoking weed. In letters as a soldier, Andrew Jackson referenced smoking marijuana with fellow troops. During the 1992 presidential campaign, Bill Clinton famously said he had once tried marijuana but “didn’t inhale.” When asked the same question, Barack Obama said ,“I inhaled frequently, that was the point.” Regardless of your party affiliation, NorCal has a smoking tool for you. There’s the timeless glass-blown pipe, luxuriously complicated dab rigs and packs of Backwoods cigars of every flavor.
Best Vape Store
Marina Spirit Vape and Smoke Shop
3170 Vista Del Camino Circle, Marina (831) 920-2018
Monterey County Weekly readers know quality (and quantity) when they see it. Marina Spirit Vape and Smoke Shop offers a wide selection of vape gear, juices, pipes, cigars and hookahs. Customer service is at the core of the shopping experience, with friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you select the right products for your smoking and vaping needs. Vapers can shop comfortably knowing that prices are low and quality is high.
Best Cannabis Dispensary
Urbn Leaf
680 Broadway Ave., Seaside (831) 233-3422, urbnleaf.com
As crowded as the cannabis scene can seem in Seaside, Urbn Leaf stands out from the pack. Urbn Leaf is a brilliant addition to the up-and-coming Broadway Avenue. Friendly and secure, the clean and welcoming store is a comfortable environment for both seasoned tokers and those newer to cannabis consumption. The budtenders will help you find what you’re looking form from CBD products to the heavier-hitting concentrates or waxes, and everything in between. Urbn Leaf is a welcome, classy addition to Monterey County’s cannabis scene. And hey – former VP Dan Quayle misspelled “potato,” correcting a grade school student who had gotten it right; no need to tell Urbn Leaf about the missing “a.”
Best Cannabis Delivery Service
Compassionate Bay Delivery
(844) 223-4911, orders@cbd831.com compassionatebay.com
There was a time, before 2016 – that’s when California voters passed Prop. 64 – that cannabis wasn’t legal. Before 1996 – when California voters passed Prop. 215 – medical cannabis wasn’t legal, either. See how that voting thing really works? But this is not about pioneering ballot measures, it’s about a pioneering delivery company that has been delivering medical marijuana since 2014, and has since expanded its offerings and its knowledge to train customers on what strains will help them achieve which effects. They make it easy to get product at your door when you need it, and they help fill the gap where some jurisdictions (hint, hint) still haven’t followed the will of the people and allowed for brick-and-mortar dispensaries. They’re fast and reliable – and, according to the company motto, “legal, legit and ready to deliver.”
Best Alternative Healthcare Provider
The Healing Collaborative
222 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 648-8100, thehealingcollaborative.com
Face it, even if you win, campaigning is hard work. When your body is tired from pounding the pavement and knocking on all those doors, this collection of healers who work in a range of modalities are sure to cure what ails you. Ayurvedic cleansing therapy? Check. Acupuncture? Check. Chiropractic? You get the idea, but the list is long and includes aromatherapy, deep-tissue massage, one-on-one pilates and hypnosis. And just to be clear, the Weekly readers who regularly vote for The Healing Collaborative were not under hypnosis when they cast their ballots.
Best Chiropractic
Aaron Gaily
The Back and Neck Pain Center 1299 Pacific St., Monterey (831) 657-0191, chiropractormontereyca.com
Warning! Excessive attention to the elections may lead to anxiety, depression, and back and neck pain from the slumped posture of hopelessness. Get relief from the damage of sitting and standing poorly while staring at a screen with treatment by this professional chiropractor. Aaron Gaily offers spinal decompression and uses something known as the Gonstead method to make you feel better. After you’re done with your self-care session, you can go back to obsessing over the presidential horse race.
Best Yoga Studio
Om Studios
631B Cass St., Monterey 3730 The Barnyard, Carmel (831) 214-9405, omoasis.com
Do you want to flow slow, or do you want to flow power? Are you looking for a meditative practice, or do you want to sculpt your bod and build stamina at the same time? Or is barre your jam? – all those little pulses building all those little muscles. Wait, there’s Pilates too? At Om Studios, there are multiple classes encompassing multiple forms of movement every day, with something available for those just starting out, or for those looking to expand their existing practice. A $5 community class, taught by recent teacher training graduates, might be a great introduction for some, or for those shy about starting in public, a series of private lessons can start you on your journey to shambala.
Best Yoga Instructor
Gina Puccinelli
(831) 578-5382, beyondyoga.me
We are a nation of stress monsters, but we don’t always need to be. Under the guidance of Gina Puccinelli, you can coordinate breathing (pranayama, in yoga speak), poses (asana, also in yoga speak) and intention (no clue what that is in yoga speak) to clear your mind, stretch your body and generally de-stress, even if only for your hour or so on the mat. Pucinelli teaches at various locations, including the Monterey Sports Center, Carmel Yoga Center and Carmel Valley Athletic Club. Bonus: She also teaches private clients, does private in-home movement therapy and offers “yogassage,” in which she combines yoga and massage (yes, she’s trained in that too) for the ultimate de-stressing experience. Double bonus: She has a therapy dog, Buddy Om, who accompanies her to senior centers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals to give residents and patients a little namaste-style unselfish love.
Best Boutique Fitness Studio
Carmel Barre
Dolores and Eighth, Carmel 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite E-104, Carmel (831) 238-9766, carmelbarre.com
It takes stamina to participate in elections: On big turnout days, you may well have to wait in line for hours. Carmel Barre is the place to prepare your body, with low-impact workouts designed to focus on defined muscle groups and make you stronger and fitter than ever before. Classes include ballet-inspired barre (lots of standing on your toes), high-intensity interval training and cardio workouts. It’s all designed to help you transform or maintain your body, just like elections can do for democracy.
Best Massage Therapist
Jennifer Moore
Touch is a powerful thing, and so is education. And Jennifer Moore is steeped in education, having studied different modalities of healing and body work, and incorporating all into her practice. There’s ayurvedic medicine and healing energy; there’s craniosacral work and training at nourishing hot spring waters; there’s reiki and orthopedic massage. But mostly, Moore says, it’s about creating a team and working with her clients to be comfortable in their bodies – so that means you aren’t here just to relax, but you should be prepared for an assignment. “I send people home with homework,” Moore says. “An hour on the table isn’t going to take away years of chronic pain.”
Best Health Club
Monterey Sports Center
301 E Franklin St., Monterey (831) 646-3730, monterey.org/sportscenter
Drop pounds quicker than Democratic candidates dropping out of the race prior to Super Tuesday quicker than Republicans line up behind a single message, by getting a membership to a perennial contender for Best Health Club in the county. Whether you’re paying monthly, for six months or for a full year, the prices are reasonable and the amenities are second to none. Learn how to swim, do water-fitness classes or swim laps on your own in the Olympic sized pool. Get jacked in the weight room or hire a personal trainer. Sign the kids up for youth camps. Take fitness classes with your besties. This is a one-stop fitness shop.
Best Acupuncturist
Oona Hull
26350 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite 200, Carmel (831) 372-7100, acupuncturemontereybay.com
“Gentle but effective” would make a great campaign slogan, but it’s just Oona Hull’s approach to her clients. With 17 years of experience, she’s developed expertise in the practice of acupuncture itself, but her success comes more from tuning into people and meeting them where they’re at, including nervous first-timers, she says. That comes in the form of being a good listener and also an educator, a combination that is all about empowering people. “I like to empower people with tools so they can go home and live a better, healthier life and not be dependent on me,” Hull says. “I’m a big health advocate.”
Best Spa
Refuge
27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel (831) 620-7360, refuge.com
This is self-care done right. The recommended cycle here is to heat up (in the eucalyptus steam room or 104-degree hot tub), then cool down with an arctic plunge (the 48 – to 52-degree pool is roughly the temperature of an “icy river” while the 60-degree pool is like the Pacific Ocean), then chill – and repeat. And make sure you leave lots of time for the chilling out part, because there are hammocks, anti-gravity chairs and Adirondack chairs next to fire pits. A note that this paradise is speaking-free (part of what makes it so relaxing), so you’re free to focus on the hot-cold cycle again, and again, and again.
Best Place For Skin Care
Spa on the Plaza
201 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 647-9000, spaontheplaza.com
Need to put your best face forward for a livestream with your supporters? Need headshots for your campaign signs? Spa on the Plaza has your back, err, face. They have facials designed around tried and tested skin care ingredients like vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids. But it’s also the spa’s willingness to integrate newer technologies too – like microdermabrasion, microcurrent and red LED lights – that really keep them (and you) feeling and looking healthy.
Best Nail Salon
Magic Nails
930 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 372-6467
Walking around the mall or the campaign trail can wear out your puppies. May we suggest you take a seat at Magic Nails in the Del Monte Shopping Center and let their nail technicians treat your tired feet. Clean and welcoming, with friendly staff and a convenient location, it’s no surprise Weekly readers know it’s the best. Get your hands voter-booth-selfie-ready at Magic Nails.
Best Salon – Women
Studio 519
519 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 373-0519, studio519.net
Proprietor Lauren Austin has created a culture of making every client feel extra-special, and it starts even before you sit down for a shampoo. It starts with the well appointed yet funky space, including cushy outdoor chairs around a fountain in a courtyard while you wait. It extends to the attentive color, cut, styling, makeup, waxing and skin care options. Maybe you’re a candidate getting ready to address thousands of people. Or maybe you’re just a regular person who wants the kind of attention to your hair and skin that makes you feel like you might as well go on national television. Either way, Studio 519’s got you.
Best Haircut – Men
Pistons & Pearls
542 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 324-4146, pistonsandpearlssalon.com
Starting with its name, Pistons & Pearls is a barbershop with a solid handle on the aesthetic and cultural zeitgeist of the moment. It’s a stylish place to bring your hip mustaches and beards for sculpting and grooming. Or go retro with a traditional straight razor shave, complete with the soothing warm towel experience. Afterward, you’ll be set to announce your candidacy for any office of your choosing.
Best Pharmacy
Pharmaca
570 Munras Ave. #10, Monterey (831) 333-0751, pharmaca.com
The campaign trail is grueling and candidates need all the immunity support they can get to make it through to Election Day. Pharmaca has a big selection of supplements and homeopathic treatments to choose from. For prescriptions, the pharmacists work with physicians to create compound medicines at just the right strength and dosage. Pharmaca also has lots of natural skin care and cosmetics on its shelves to keep any candidate looking good for the selfie line.
Best Place to buy a motorcycle
Monterey Peninsula Power Sports
1020 Auto Center Pkwy., Seaside (831) 899-7433, sports-center.com
Not only is this the best place to buy a motorcycle in Monterey County, but if the coming election brings pestilence, Armageddon and/or the Apocalypse, this is also a great place to purchase one of Honda’s “bullet proof” home generators. Everything from sporty motorbikes to cruisers from brands like Yamaha to Suzuki to Kawasaki are in stock and ready to be taken around the curves of Highway 1 (legally and within the speed limit, of course). Even the hipsterish Italian Vespa scooter is available, perfect for quick jaunts between the dorms and the coffee shop.
Best Car Wash
El Estero
590 Fremont St., Monterey (831) 373-1801, elesterocarwash.com
“One more year! One more year!” That’s the chant of Monterey County Weekly Best Of voters for El Estero. They’ve won our Readers’ Poll every year since 1993. It’s that efficient and quick service, rolling out sparkling clean cars for satisfied customers that keeps El Estero at the top of the election results. Customers also appreciate the extensive environmental practices of the car wash and its staff. They recycle 70 percent of the water they use and contain all of the wash water onsite so it doesn’t go down the drain and enter Monterey Bay.
Best Car Dealership – New
BMW of Monterey
1 Geary Plaza, Seaside (831) 583-4900, bmwmonterey.com
When it’s time to impress with a presidential-style motorcade, a fleet of BMWs racing down the highway might be the only choice. Whether buying or leasing new, or going the pre-owned route, dealers at BMW of Monterey have a no-hassle and user-friendly method of getting a person into their dream car. Whether you have a modern or classic “Beamer,” the technicians in the service department treat cars as if they’re diplomats visiting from a faraway land.
Best Car Dealership – Used
Cardinale
Seaside Auto Center Salinas Auto Mall (831) 444-7700, cardinaleway.com
When the glorious day finally arrives that your old jalopy gets retired because of term limits, voters say you should head over to one of the Cardinale dealerships to find your new ride. Combining old-school customer service with leading edge car-buying technology, Cardinale distinguishes itself in the used-car world. Up-to-date inventory across lots of car brands with a broad affiliated network behind them mean that you can find your new sled at a dealership known for its service, selection and price.
Best Tire Shop
Sullivan’s Tire Pros
1730 The Mall, Seaside (831) 394-6561, sullivanstire.com
This tire shop is a perennial favorite among voters for Best of Monterey County and the reason is obvious. It’s a locally owned, long-established shop that gives you what you need without hassle. So instead of harping on that, here are some tire safety and maintenance tips. Don’t let too much time pass without checking your tire tread and pressure, and make sure to get our tires rotated. This is especially true if you are heading out on a long road trip in a big district.
Best Place To Get Smogged
Pacific Smog
2039 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside (831) 899-8877, pacificsmog.com
Voting might be recommended but it isn’t mandatory and you can pick any candidate you like or even write one in. Do you know what the opposite of that is? Getting your vehicle inspected for smog, which is legally required. And if you have to do it, you might as well go somewhere you can drop in without an appointment and have a smooth and quick experience. A repeat Best Of winner, Pacific Smog is an incumbent for a reason.
Best Car Repair Shop
Tom’s Monterey Auto Repair
870 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 372-5854, tomsauto.biz
Warren G. Harding was the first president to ride in an automobile in his inaugural parade held in 1921. Every president after that did the same until 1977, when Jimmy Carter broke tradition and walked to the White House. Now presidents walk some part of the parade and ride in a limo the rest. If they need a good car repair shop to keep those limos fine-tuned, our readers know where to recommend. They routinely vote Tom’s Monterey Auto Repair as the best place to get an engine tuned, tires rotated or fix whatever’s not working.
Best Oil Change
Midas
1543 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside (831) 264-8768, bit.ly/midasseaside
Candidates need to be friendly and personable to get elected, and that may be the main reason why Midas in Seaside received this year’s winning votes for Best Oil Change. Customer reviews note how friendly the employees are, taking care of their oil changes in an efficient manner and checking over their cars to make sure all is well. Midas regularly makes coupons available online so it’s not hard to get a good deal on an oil change.
Best Plumber
A&R Plumbing
1720 Contra Costa St., Sand City (831) 394-7221, aandrplumbinginc.com
They repair everything from sewer lines and gas lines to consumer fixtures like household faucets and toilets. And that’s not the only old-school part: While the plumbing industry has largely transitioned to a flat-rate billing model, A&R bills by the hour because they believe it’s more transparent and fair to the customer. Beyond that, they’ve been building trust over generations: In 1974, friends Greg Aeschliman and Kelly Roper opened A&R (ironically just about the time Watergate gave a new meaning to “plumbers”). Now, Roper’s daughters and son-in-law manage the place. “We’re here every day answering the phone,” Michelle Roper says. “You don’t get a recording when you call, you get people.”
Best Roofing Best Solar installer
Scudder Roofing, Scudder Solar
3342 Paul Davis Drive, Marina (831) 373-7212, scudderroofing.com (831) 384-3900, scuddersolar.com
When Pete and Karen Scudder started their roofing business in 1982 at home, it was very much a DIY venture. “We had a tar kettle and everything, but it was Prunedale and you can get away with a little bit more out there,” Pete Scudder recalls. In the 38 years since they’ve grown up, added a generation (a daughter is chief estimator) and expanded their offerings to a huge range of materials, and opened an entire solar division. They’ve always been problem-solvers: “We were seeing solar companies that didn’t have roofing experience and we were trying to patch what they had done,” Scudder says. “I said, ‘We should be doing this ourselves.’”
Best Electrician
Bruno Electric
720 Dias St., Sand City (831) 375-9643
“Light the dark.” “Charging Up.” “Fixing the Source.” It turns out, making campaign slogans for any old electric company is pretty easy. Fixing electrical problems in reality? Not so much. Bruno’s, however, simplifies the process of all kinds of electric problems, from rewiring your home to replacing aging parts. And yes, they can probably screw in a lightbulb. “Brighter Future!” “Flick of a Switch!” “Seeing Sparks!” – uh, OK. Maybe not that one. Better call Bruno’s.
Best Tree Trimmer
Tope’s Tree Service
650 E. Franklin St., Monterey (831) 373-7765, topestreeservice.com
It began in 1979 with one man, his truck and a chainsaw. Today, it’s about 35 people plus a fleet of cranes, masticators and new equipment. That first guy, Andy Tope, is still a partner; so is his son, Andrew Tope, who is a certified master arborist and partner with his dad. (Both still go out in the field almost daily.) The crew, Andrew Tope says, aren’t just laborers – they’re pest experts, certified tree climbers and certified arborists. And they’re willing to take on anything: “When there’s a will there’s a way for any situation in our business,” Andrew Tope says.
Best Gardener/Landscaper
P.M. Landscaping Service
2611 Garden Road, Suite 1, Monterey (831) 324-0637, pmlandscapingmonterey.com
Winning elections is all about knowing what the people want and delivering it. Winning Weekly readers’ votes as best landscaper is also all about knowing what the people want and delivering it. Especially with dramatic differences between microclimates, there is not a cookie-cutter formula that works for gardening in Monterey County. Some clients want privacy with tall hedges and bushy plants, while others want lots of natural light without tall plants crowding out the windows. The one common thread is an “Italian flair” thanks to owner Paolo Manca’s childhood on the island of Sardinia.
Best Nursery/Garden Center
Grigg’s Nursery
9220 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 626-0680, griggsnursery.com
Michelle Obama hit the campaign trail with her husband for the 2008 presidential election and was by his side for his historic win. She quickly became possibly the most popular First Lady in White House history. There are many reasons for how she endeared herself to the world, and one of those reasons is the organic vegetable garden she introduced on the White House grounds, part of her campaign to get healthier lunches into our nation’s schools. For anyone who wants to follow in her footsteps, Griggs is the place to go. It carries seasonal veggie seedlings throughout the year, plus a big variety of fruit trees and all the soil, fertilizer and other products to be successful. It also has a dizzying array of ornamental plants for every kind of landscape, big or small, and a helpful staff to answer gardeners’ questions.
Best Cleaning Service
Two Girls From Carmel
1015 Cass St., Monterey (831) 626-4426, twogirlsfromcarmel.mobi
When you’re busy shaking hands and kissing babies sometimes your domestic feng shui suffers. (Surely, Elizabeth Warren had a plan for that.) Whether it’s a quick sprucing before your fundraising barbecue or a full-scale cleanout when your campaign tanks and you move back home with your parents they’ve got you covered. You may metaphorically mop the floor with your competitors but why not enlist these pros to do the real cleanup.
Best Eco-Friendly Business
Last Chance Mercantile
14201 Del Monte Blvd., Marina (831) 264-6900, mrwmd.org
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – we’ve learned the three R’s, but it’s easy to forget about the first two in our constant quest for new stuff. Last Chance Mercantile is the Monterey Regional Waste Management District’s solution, proving that one person’s trash is another’s treasure. They divert some 700 tons’ worth of material that would otherwise go to the landfill to the floor of this shop that merges thrift store with junk heap with treasure chest. Looking for furniture, clothes, dishes or a pink bathtub? They’ve got you covered, and you’ve got the planet covered – it’s a win-win.
Best New Business Of 2019
Pearl Hour
214 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 657-9447, pearlhour.com
If there’s a band playing at Pearl Hour, you might have to read owner and mixologist Katie Blandin’s lips. And she’s not saying “no new cocktails.” In fact, she made a promise to deliver seasonal cocktails worthy of a destination lounge and she kept it. But a cool bar with fantastic drinks – including non-alcoholic options – might not have been enough for the Best New Business ballot had it not been for the introduction of live music. And not just live music, but innovative acts, performers on the way up, people you want to see if you’re in the know, like Free Creatures and Remy Le Boeuf. It’s a real pearl.