Best Of 2019 - Shopping and Services

Best New Business of 2018

The Meatery

1534 Fremont Blvd., Seaside (831) 656-8810, themeatery.us

Chefs and butchers Jason Balestrieri and Kevin Hincks opened The Meatery with a little fanfare and facing quite a bit of skepticism. Broadway Avenue in Seaside was coming off a renovation project that stunted traffic flow from one direction. Parking in front of the shop was as scant as the guys Hanz and Franz try to pump up. And who wants to pay that much for a piece of meat? Ah, but The Meatery sources the richest, finest meats. Pasture-raised, USDA Prime, in-house, dry-aged – these are not empty buzzwords here. They age beef in the back and cut for the customer. They cure sausages. They offer specialty products and serve as a deli making sandwiches to order. The Meatery has inspired those looking to buy ethically and at a higher level of quality. In less than a year, it has become a destination.

Best Doctor

Dr. Bradley J. Keith

337 El Dorado St., Suite A3, Monterey (831) 649-4202

This OB-GYN superstar sports a trail of glowing five-star online reviews which fully explain why he rises to the head of the class here: He’s kind, listens well, his staff treats patients like family, and he’s knowledgeable and calm. Lord knows babies are on their own timetable and don’t always respect regular business hours, which make it all the more telling when patients rave on about his rarely being late to an office visit, or arriving at the hospital at 3am just moments after being called. And then there’s this: As if he is still as enamored with the wireless phone as we all were when it first emerged in the 1980s, the good doctor gives all his pregnancy patients his personal cell phone number in case of emergencies. Now that’s service!

Best Family Medical Practice

Monterey Peninsula Pediatric Medical Group

2 Upper Ragsdale Drive, Suite B-210, Monterey (831) 333-0999, mppmg.com

The sign above the double doors to this pediatric practice, established 40 years ago and independently operated, used to read: “I’d turn back if I were you.” It was a mischievous joke, borrowed from The Wizard of Oz. But no one listened. Adults who came here as kids (in the ’80s, perhaps?), now bring their own kids. They come for the friendly and competent doctors, nurse practitioners, lactation specialists and support staff. They come for the prudent measures, like a lobby split into contagious and non-contagious sides (with a separate door to the examining rooms for contagious patients). They come for the guarantees that all children will be seen regardless of ability to pay, and the 24-hour doctors on call. They come for the fun atmosphere, including toys and books in the lobby and themed costume days. By the way, the sign was changed to a Dr. Seuss quote: “A person’s a person no matter how small.”

Best Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Douglas Sunde

856 Munras Ave., Monterey (831) 372-0200, drsunde.com

Talk about throwback Thursday: The plastic surgeon must be feeling a sense of deja vu, having been voted the Best Plastic Surgeon yet again. Perhaps it is because of his specialization in patient care, providing individualized, state-of-the-art cosmetic and reconstructive services, with great consideration given to his patients’ goals and thorough discussion of the options they have to reach them. Whatever the case may be, the American Board of Plastic Surgery-accredited surgical facility of Dr. Sunde has something going for it, being a Best Of favorite since 2016.

Best Eye Doctor

Blink Optometry

217 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 250-6999, blinkcarmel.com

The team of Dr. Trevor Fogg and Dr. Telma Barseghian, with over three decades of combined experience, has made Blink a local favorite, voted by our readers as Best Eye Doctor four years in a row. Besides offering a full range of the latest diagnostic services, treatments and lens technology, Blink is a boutique eyewear emporium carrying a wide selection of medium to high-end styles. Maybe even tortoiseshell frames?

Best Dental Practice

Monterey Peninsula Dental Group

333 El Dorado St., Monterey (831) 373-3068, mpdg.com

Horrible hairdos and freaky fashions have come and gone over these three decades but Monterey Peninsula Dental Group (established in 1972) continues to provide excellent dental health care for infants, children, adolescents and adults. Voted Best Dental Practice by Weeklyreaders three years in a row, MPDG’s team of dentists work hard to stay on the cutting edge of preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, implants and restoration, as well as periodontal treatments.

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Tim Auger

335 El Dorado St., Suite 8, Monterey (831) 373-3765, augersmiles.com

Power suits with shoulder pads­­? Gone. MTV? Irrelevant. But straight, healthy teeth are never out of style. Always staying on top of the latest technological advances, this year’s Best Orthodontist Tim Auger has been providing orthodontic care to local residents since 1993. Whether treating children, adolescents or adults, the Carmel High and Boston University School of Dentistry graduate offers all the best orthodontic solutions available today, from traditional metal braces and the newer clear ceramic applications to the latest and ever more popular Invisalign clear aligners for adults and teens. Is that cool, or what?

Best Attorney

Jeannette K. Witten

Hudson Martin Ferrante Street Witten & DeMaria PC | 490 Calle Principal, Monterey (831) 375-3151, hudsonmartin.com

It might be best for the rest of y’all – and by y’all, we mean attorneys – to stop hoping you might get this accolade. Witten has won this spot for several years in a row, and here’s why: She’s as focused as Arnie Becker and as cunning as Ben Matlock. A transactional law specialist, Witten tackles the most complex of complex issues, from securities and mergers and acquisitions to trademarks and copyrights. And in wine-heavy Monterey County, she’s also in business as a wine specialist. She launched the popular winelawdecanted.com, considered to be the top wine law blog in the country. She’s a marathoner, a mom of twins and hella active in the community too. In short, Jeanette Witten is the total package.

Best Law Firm

Fenton & Keller

2801 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Monterey (831) 373-1241, fentonkeller.com

No Dewey, Cheatem & Howe here! Fenton & Keller is a reliable and honest legal hub for private and public sector clients in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties. They offer practical advice, effective representation, and cost-effective legal services in the following practice areas: civil litigation, civil appeals, personal injury, product liability, professional malpractice, casualty law, construction law, employment law and counseling. As if that wasn’t enough, the firm also offers an array of seminars and training to employers and employees. So who ya gonna call?

Best Real Estate Office

Carmel Realty

Dolores Street south of Seventh, Carmel (831) 622-1000, carmelrealtycompany.com

The 1980s real estate crash is not a pleasant trip down memory lane. But Carmel Realty has seen highs and lows in the real estate market over its 106-year history and has not only survived, but thrived. Quality customer service, knowledgeable realtors, plus a diverse listing of properties – from luxury to mid-priced (for this area, at least) homes and even rentals – are all part of the business model here. It’s the kind of business that can withstand another century. If only time travel technology were able to confirm this, we could guarantee it.

Best Realtor

The Jacobs Team

Keller Williams Coastal Estates | 26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd. #F200, Carmel (831) 236-7976, joyjoysellshomes.com

This ain’t no mom and pop, it’s a mom and daughter. Jen (daughter) and Joy (mom) have been rockin’ it to the tune of winning this designation consecutively since 2013 (a dynasty, maybe?), and with good cause – it’s the depth of their services that really keeps things purring. In addition to listing all sorts of ocean-view and Highway 68 corridor stunners, they also coach potential buyers on prospects and potential sellers on appraisal and negotiations. They’ll even transfer your utilities for you.

Best Bank

Rabobank

307 Main St., Salinas, (831) 737-1213 | 1285 N. Davis Road, Salinas, (831) 784-7700 439 | Alvarado St., Monterey, (831) 242-2000 | 1658 Fremont Blvd., Seaside, (831) 394-6900 | 561 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, (831) 649-5010 rabobank.com

From multiple locations locally, branch managers have led a quiet customer service revolution via attention to detail and aggressive, fiercely local business lending policies supporting ag and emerging industries with the greenbacks necessary for continued growth. Like the West Coast offense crafted by Bill Walsh in 1980s, it has not gone unappreciated by fans – or unnoticed by other banks.

Best Banker

Kathy DiMaggio

Union Bank | 495 Washington St., Monterey (831) 657-1145, unionbank.com

Over an illustrious 30-plus-year career, this Monterey-bred banker came out of MPC, started as a loan officer and rose to the top as assistant VP of her current bank. But she also uses the title “Senior Relationship Banker,” which speaks volumes about a style, attitude and business focus which is all about relationships as a way to get to the bottom line, not just dollars and cents.

Best CPA

Hayashi Wayland

26515 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite 100, Carmel, (831) 624-5333 | 415 Broadway, King City, (831) 385-5426 | 1188 Padre Drive, Suite 101, Salinas, (831) 759-6300 hw-cpa.com

On Jan. 3, 1980, SEC Chairman Harold M. Williams delivered an address titled “The 1980s: The Future of the Accounting Profession” at the AICPA Seventh National Conference in Washington, D.C. If you’re not an accountant, it reads fairly technical (i.e., boring). But accounting is critical to the proper functioning of our society partly because it’s so technical and exacting and touches so many aspects of business and civic life. This accounting firm, established in 1976 by Douglas Hayashi and Warren Wayland – and offering auditing and assurance, consulting, estate and trust planning, forensic accounting, income tax and financial planning – understands that. And that’s exactly what you want: an accountant that understands what you don’t.

Best Veterinarian

Pet Specialists of Monterey

451 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Monterey (831) 899-4838, thepetspecialists.com

Pets provide us with comfort, strength and joy throughout the ups and downs of life – and we want to give them the same support when they’re having a tough time. Pet Specialists of Monterey has established itself as a top-notch animal hospital by providing 24/7 emergency services when you need them most. The seasoned team of specialists, internists, cardiologists, surgeons and oncologists ensure that your pet will receive the highest standard of care – in a state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot hospital. Then you can stop worrying, and go back to regularly scheduled cuddle time.

Best Dog Groomer

Suds ‘N Scissors

223 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 624-4697, sudsandscissorsinc.com

For 65 years, this Carmel dog-grooming staple and its accommodating staff of seasoned passionate groomers and pet care specialists earned itself quite a reputation. Its extensive list of services – from a variety of shampoos to extras like flea baths and pick-up services at a nearby vet – is tried and true and has made it a local favorite time after time. This small-town dog haven will take scraggly clients and transform them into fluffy and silky clean critters. The staff could even clean up party dog Spuds MacKenzie’s act. They provide a quality of service that’s only fitting for a family member.

Best Local Pet Store

Raw Connection

26200 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel (831) 626-7555, therawconnection.com

Sarah Adams, founder and owner of Raw Connection, has spent the past 10-plus years building her business into a place pet owners come to find high-quality raw food for their furry companions. Whether you’re looking for food that’s dehydrated, freeze-dried, canned or kibble, Raw Connections does it all. Adams also knows a shopping experience wouldn’t be complete without an array of accessories. From books and leads to beds and treats, pet parents are sure to find something their pets will love, in addition to something that’s good for them.

Best Neighborhood Market

Grove Market

242 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 375-9581, grovemarketgrocery.com

The longtime neighborhood market continues to maintain its charm, especially compared to the infinite aisles of chain supermarkets. You won’t get lost in here, but you will find everything you’re looking for. In fact, employees are likely to learn your first name if you come back (think the grocery version of Cheers). And the hot food section is reason enough to come back. Whether it’s home-cooked lasagna or steaming hot chicken pot pie, Grove Market delivers an assortment of stick-to-your-ribs deliciousness on a daily basis, alongside regular favorites like coleslaw and rotisserie chicken. They also offer personal shopping and home delivery to Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach and New Monterey residents.

Best Grocery Store

Trader Joe’s

570 Munras Ave., Monterey, (831) 372-2010 | 1170 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, (831) 656-0180 traderjoes.com

Here’s a quick history lesson: Trader Joe’s initially began as a chain of Pronto Markets in the greater Los Angeles area before adopting its South Seas theme and opening a store in 1967 in the format we know and love today. These days, Trader Joe’s keeps customers coming in for everything from organic produce to well-priced wines to its fine in-house items including their killer flatbreads and totally addictive chocolate-coated peanut butter-filled pretzels. If you haven’t tried them, do. On second thought, don’t – unless you’re prepared for a new snack addiction.

Best Ethnic Market

International Market & Deli

580 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 375-9451, internationalmarketanddeli.webs.com

In the dark ages before the internet gave us global ingredients at the click of a button, locals’ go-to stop for specialty global groceries was International Market & Deli. Fast forward to 2019, and the market still does brisk business supplying specialty ingredients from the Middle East to Russia with a personal touch. Hummus, gyros and more Mediterranean foods from the deli counter get righteous recommendations for a schweet lunch for yourself – or a popular option for group catering if you need to feed a cool crowd.

Best Seafood Market

Sea Harvest

598 Foam St., Monterey (831) 646-0547 | 100 The Crossroads, Carmel (831) 626-3626

Back in the days before airplanes and refrigerated semi-trailers, the only way to get fresh fish was to get it locally, just hours after it was caught. And for seafood that fits that description, there’s no better local market than Sea Harvest, which showcases seafood, some of which is pulled from the sea by Sea Harvest owner David Deyerle’s sons. They’re a family of fishermen – they know what fresh seafood is supposed to taste like. That’s right: no Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks here.

Best Gourmet / Kitchen Shop

Stone Creek Kitchen

465 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Monterey (831) 393-1042, stonecreekkitchen.com

Say you want to make a memorable meal for a dinner party. What is your first step? Mailing the invitations, of course. Next up is this gourmet kitchen shop, where you’ll find craft beer, choice wine, shiny kitchen implements and key ingredients like olive oil and spices. But you say you don’t know how to cook. Well, Stone Creek also offers cooking classes. And they have prepared foods at the ready, including salads, sandwiches, pastas, fish, sides and paella. There. You are officially out of excuses. We’ll be waiting for your invite.

Best Organic Produce Market

Whole Foods Market

800 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 333-1600, wholefoodsmarket.com

The selection of organic produce at Monterey’s Whole Foods is vast and otherworldly. There are golf ball-sized ruby tango mandarins with green tassels of stems and leaves. There’s a spectrum of different colored heirloom tomatoes and a cluster of oyster mushrooms that resemble a chunk of a coral reef. And there are romanesco florets that look so intricate that only an artist on psychedelics could’ve come up with them. Now that’s “Lost in the Supermarket.” Wander around Whole Foods’ produce section and have your mind blown.

Best Wine Market

Star Market

1275 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 422-3961, starmkt.com

Someone smugly places a glass of the best red you’ll ever have in your life in front of you. Much better than your Lambrusco. Too bad, so sad, he says: This bottle is so special you’ll never be able to find one like it. That’s where Victor Kong, managing partner and Wine & Liquor Department manager of this South Salinas stronghold, comes in. For 39 years, Kong has curated the county’s top wine collection with bottles from around the world, and with 90 percent of the wines made in Monterey County. Special orders? They don’t upset him. He’s like a detective about it, and thrills in the hunt. So tell smug boy to stuff it, and put Kong on the case. He will get you something delicious, guaranteed.

Best Selection of Liquor

BevMo!

26540 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel, (831) 250-0621 | 1900 North Davis Road, Salinas, (831) 442-2411 bevmo.com

Sure, BevMo! has fancy 18-year-old single malt Scotch whiskies and rum aged in bourbon barrels, but it also sells liquors in very unique vessels. There’s a tequila sold in a life-sized baseball bat shaped bottle and vodka that comes in a macabre crystal skull. Pop culture fans should make sure to pick up a copy of the limited-edition Blade RunnerJohnnie Walker Black Label The Director’s Cut, which is based on a prop used in the 1982 movie, or the Game of Thrones series of Lagavulin Scotch whiskies. Some booze is for collecting; all of it is for drinking.

Best Hardware Store

Pacific Grove Ace Hardware

229 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 646-9144, acehardware.com

It’s the 21st century, and convenience is all around us. Need a screwdriver? Amazon Prime is there. Some paint? A pair of rubber work gloves? It’s all available online. But one thing that’s in short supply is expertise, and for help with tricky DIY projects, locals turn to the experts at Ace Hardware. Friendly and approachable staff are willing to lend a helping hand – and some helpful advice – to those looking to caulk a bathtub, change a lightbulb or plug a leak. Some things might be available on the internet, but hands-on knowledgeable advice is not – and when you’re dealing with power tools, that’s worth a lot.

Best Computer Repair

Monterey Computer & Smartphone Repair

1105 Del Monte Ave., Monterey (831) 406-1712, montereycomputerrepair.com

There was a time, way back in the 1980s, that you couldn’t drop your phone because it was physically connected to the wall. Those days are long over. Now a broken phone or broken computer can stop you from living your life and doing your work. That’s where the repair geniuses at Monterey Computer & Smartphone Repair come in. Bring them that shattered screen, that laptop you spilled coffee on, that battery that won’t hold a charge. They’ll help diagnose the problem, give you a quote and timeframe for the work needed, then stick to those promises. And then you can return to 2019 on schedule.

Best Bookstore – Used

Old Capitol Books

559 Tyler St., Monterey (831) 333-0383, oldcapitolbooks.com

Yes, Old Capitol Books has an excellent and ever-changing selection of books, ranging from popular to esoteric, academic to practical. But what makes this place truly stand out is that it’s more than a bookstore: It’s a community institution, with a rotation of literary events and other gatherings, many with a social justice theme. In recent memory, there’ve been poetry readings, LGBTQ+ speed dating, live music featuring local singer/songwriters, a discussion about the existential works of Jean-Paul Sartre. Peruse the shelves to feel smarter, or stay for one of these events and get smarter.

Best Bookstore – New

River House Books

208 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 626-2665, riverhousebookscarmel.com

There are still independent bookstores, stocking and selling books in their old-fashioned format, no backlight needed. Just because new books use the same print-and-paper medium as books from the ’80s doesn’t stop River House Books from offering up all the hottest ideas. New owners bought this place last year, kept the loyal staff – and empowered the staff to be in charge. Now it’s not the owners but the employees who do the ordering, selecting books based on what bookworm customers like. Recent best-sellers include Michelle Obama’s Becoming, 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, popular among book clubs. There’s also a fresh focus on local authors.

Best Place to Buy Arts & Crafts Supplies

Michael’s

1690 N. Main St., Salinas, (831) 296-3301 | 121 General Stillwell Drive, Marina, (831) 384-0562, michaels.com

Before you even step through the doors, take out your smartphone and load the Michael’s app, smartypants, which frankly you should have done anyway. I mean, do you even craft? Once it’s loaded, pop it open, hunt down the daily deals and ohh, there it is: 40 percent off any regularly priced item. Bliss. Whether your jam is knitting, scrapbooking, jewelry making, framing, needlepoint, painting, coloring or floral arranging, Michael’s has what you need – and has a good deal. Is there anything better than a relaxing crafternoon to soothe the weary soul?

Best Store For Musical Instruments

The Monterey Music Store

425 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 372-5893

When it comes to local retailers, The Monterey Music Store rocks one of the greatest deals around: price matching on new equipment. If you find an ad for a brand-new piece of gear, you can show it to a salesperson and the price will be matched or beat (note: this offer may not apply to some merchandise.) The Monterey Music Store is your one-stop shop for sheet music (when you really need to learn that A-ha or Jon Bon Jovi favorite), guitars, drums, bass guitars, band instruments and private music lessons. Lessons are given for most musical instruments, including guitar, saxophone, violin and piano.

Best Place to Buy Vinyl

Recycled Records

604 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 375-5454

Whether you’re looking for a rare Sonic Youth reissue, Johnny Paycheck’s original issue of Take This Job and Shove It or The Modern Jazz Quartet’s The Complete Last Concert, Recycled Records brings in an influx of new inventory on a regular basis, spanning music from all genres. Since 1975, Recycled Records has been a mainstay for music lovers who are still devoted to an era gone by: They buy and trade new and used LPs, CDs, DVDs, turntables and stereo equipment. You can also find belts and needles for turntables. Small repairs are also available. Vinyl lovers need a place to listen to music like it’s 1989, and this is it.

Best Furniture Store

Mum’s Place

246 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 372-6250, mumsfurniture.com

A Melange end table by Noel, a Gaines sleeper sofa by American Leather and a Nila accent table by WorldWide represent just a few items from Mum’s Place’s extensive inventory. Since 1986, the furniture store has offered moderately priced, casual high-end items. There’s practical stuff, there’s decorative stuff. What’s important is that it’s not throwaway stuff: All of their sturdy products are made from quality materials that are built to last. No particle board will be found here.

Best Dive Shop

Bamboo Reef

614 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 372-1685, bambooreef.com

Bamboo Reef is no stranger to the Best Of seahorse rodeo: they’ve served Monterey’s diving need for 38 years and been voted as the best 11 times now. Beyond their stock of regulators, tanks, wet/dry suits and snorkeling gear, they provide certification services for SCUBA and beyond, like First Aid/CPR. For visitors and locals alike, they lead daily dive tours of Monterey Bay; for the more adventurous, they also lead monthly boat dive tours to explore marine worlds up and down the Central Coast.

Best Toy Store

Thinker Toys

San Carlos and Seventh, Carmel, (831) 624-0441 | 480 Del Monte Center, Monterey, (831) 643-0907 thinkertoys.com

You can blame the ’80s for the shorter attention spans that followed. Millennials born then created a mass demand for personal computers and cell phones for the first time. That technology led to tablets, Twitch streaming and all those other mind-numbing activities. But count on this old-school toy shop to keep things simple and nostalgic. They still stock jacks and balls, puzzles, classic board games and paper books. It’s all stuff that makes you use your noggin and that can only be good for developing young minds.

Best Bike Shop

Peninsula Bike Works

1271 10th St., Suite C, Monterey (831) 643-2453, peninsulabikeworks.com

Looking to make a Green New Deal with yourself by ditching the car to commute? Want to get in shape via two wheels, or love seeing miles of the great outdoors without setting foot on the ground? Peninsula Bike Works can provide a bicycle and all the gear for any purpose and occasion. They carry brands like Raleigh and Surly (and Schwinn?), but can also custom build bicycles from scratch and provide tune-up services seven days a week. Ride on.

Best Outdoor Gear Store

REI

145 General Stilwell Drive, Marina (831) 883-8048, rei.com

More than a century ago, when legendary naturalist and author John Muir was exploring the wilderness of Calfornia’s High Sierra, he would set off on his adventures with nothing more than a tin cup, a few blankets, and bread, tea and sugar. Thankfully, outdoor gear has evolved exponentially since then, and there’s no better place in the county to find it than at REI, which has nearly all the gear one might need for an adventure in the mountains, the woods, on a rock wall or in a river.

Best Surf Shop

On the Beach Surf Shop

693 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 646-9283, onthebeachsurfshop.com

Everyone knows that On the Beach Surf Shop has a wide selection of surfboards, skateboards and snowboards, along with all of the associated gear and clothing. But the business, which has been around over 30 years, also has one of the world’s largest private surfboard museums. All of the surfboards are from the collection of Pete and Cathy Noble, who live in Monterey, and are on display in the shop. “We take care of our customers and treat them as family,” says surfer and shop owner Kelly Sorensen. “It’s a community store.”

Best Golf Shop

Golf Mart

2040 Fremont Blvd., Seaside (831) 583-1000, worldwidegolfshops.com

This Northern California institution fits perfectly in a county that arguably should be called the heart of the golfing world. Decked out with golf simulators, indoor hitting bay, indoor putting green and with services like full-service club repair, Golf Mart’s Seaside location is fit even for golf royalty. It will have you playing like Ben Crenshaw in no time. And it’s an authorized dealer for major golf brands like Titleist, Ping and TaylorMade to boot.

Best Antique Shop

Cannery Row Antique Mall

471 Wave St., Monterey (831) 655-0264, canneryrowantiquemall.com

If you need anything #TBT, Cannery Row Antique Mall has you covered. The 20,000-square-foot, two story building has over 100 dealers dealing in goodies from the past. Need a hatchet from the 18th century for your private collection? They have it. A signed photo of President Nixon that you just need to have for some reason? Check. How about a live album of local icons Jake Stock and the Abalone Stompers performing at Big Sur River Inn? Actually, they don’t have that one anymore, because this writer bought it.

Best Thrift Store

Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop

26338 A Carmel Rancho Lane, Carmel (831) 626-8480, yellowbrickroadbenefitshop.org

Back in 1988, the average cost of a new house in the U.S. was $91,600, average rent was $420 a month, gas was 91 cents a gallon and a dozen eggs cost 65 cents. The average income: $24,450. Those at the bottom of the economic scale struggled to afford housing, gas and eggs, as amazingly low those prices sound today. The people of Carmel Presbyterian Church wanted to help, so they started collecting gently used clothing for those in need. That effort evolved into what is today the Yellow Brick Road Benefit Shop, a treasure trove of used items that span three stores in the Carmel Rancho Shopping Center. There’s the main shop with clothing, jewelry, kitchen gadgets, home goods and more; a used book shop; and a furniture and art store. The proceeds are used to award grants to local nonprofits – in January and February of this year alone, the church distributed more than $33,500 grants. The total distributed since 1988 is more than $6.2 million – or $2.9 million in 1988 dollars.

Best Vintage Clothing Store

Cat’s Meow

601 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 393-2287, catsmeowfashion.com

Poor fashion choices were made in the ’80s. But you don’t have to rock the massive untamed hair and the athleisure wear to pay homage to the decade’s fashion highs. Yes, they did exist and these modern times are taking note. High-waisted jeans (think Jordache), power suit (pieces), Wayfarer sunglasses and yes, even fanny packs are having a moment. All of these, plus more relics can be found in their nearly original form at this shopping haven. Of course, it all depends on the collection that Cat’s Meow is stocking – it changes every day. Oh, evolving fashion choices – that will never go out of style.

Best Dry Cleaners

Vapor Cleaners

1193 10th St., Suite H, Monterey (831) 375-5221, vaporcleanersmonterey.com

Three generations of owners and multiple long-term (we’re talking decades) employees keep this family business humming along. They were employing the environmentally friendly GreenEarth process (the first in Monterey County to do so) before it was cool. But it’s the quality and attention to detail that keep customers coming back, from the era of bell bottoms and polyester, to spandex and big shoulders, to flannel and acid washed jeans, to track suits and yoga pants, to skinny jeans and hoodies.

Best Laundromat

Sudz Cyber Laundry

709 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 324-4920, sudzcyberlaundry.com

It’s not as evocative as Robert Altman’s 1985 HBO movie The Laundromat, starring Carol Burnett and Amy Madigan, but Sudz Cyber Laundry might just qualify as a place where Burnett’s and Madigan’s characters spill their secrets to each other while waiting for their clothes to dry. In the updated Sudz remake, the two women bond over organic coffee and tea in a clean, well-lit facility that features high-def TV and free Wi-Fi. No sound effects of clinking change needed in this movie: The high-tech eco-friendly machines are changeless.

Best Shoe Store

Joy-Per’s Shoes

944 S. Main St., Salinas (831) 424-3466,  joypers.com

Remember when jellies and Jordans used to be a thing? You don’t have to go back to the ’80s to remember. They’re making a comeback and you can find them on the fully stocked walls of this Salinas shoe store. But JoyPers isn’t only good for reviving ’80s shoe styles. They carry on-trend brands, timeless and reliable quality brands like Uggs, Hunter Boots, Clarks, Timberland and Dansko. It’s enough to make any shoe lover footloose.

Best Shoe Repair Shop

Federico’s Shoe Service

542 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 6649-3322

Since 1939, the family-owned business has scored nearly 30 top awards from the Shoe Service Institute of America (the national association for shoe repair professionals – yes, there is such a thing) in an assortment of different categories. In addition to servicing all types of footwear, the business offers luggage repair, leather repair, zipper repair and dye work (dying luggage, handbags and shoes to match colors). They just don’t make shoes the way they used to, and that’s where Federico’s comes in. After seven decades, the top priority hasn’t changed: customer service.

Best Women’s Clothing Boutique

GBG

Mission and Seventh, Carmel (831) 620-0378

GBG carries nothing short of quality designer – big-name and indie-name – clothes. Though the hip acronym stands for Girl Boy Girl, they’re the best in women’s clothing for the curated but diverse selection of both trendy and timeless pieces. That means they always having something in-store for trend-setters looking to update their closets with crop tops and silk blouses, but also have closet staples like super-soft cashmere sweaters and little black dresses. Plus, they have a vault – yes, you read that correctly – of designer jeans. Did someone say Jordache and acid washed?

Best Men’s Clothiers

Khakis of Carmel

Carmel Plaza, Suite 104 Ocean and Junipero, Carmel (831) 625-8106, khakisofcarmel.com

The definition of khaki is “a textile fabric of a dull brownish-yellow color, in particular a strong cotton fabric used in military clothing.” Dull is one thing doesn’t apply here. This is the place Gordon Gekko would frequent. Dashing, dapper and daring all do. So do Eidos, Eleventy and Ermanno Gallamini, three of the 54 world-class brands who partner with Khakis. And so does one of the greatest fashion quotes of all time, from Miuccia Prada: “Fashion is instant language.” That beats “Greed is good” any day.

Best Jewelry Store

Gasper’s Jewelers

447 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 375-5332, gaspersjewelers.com

You want to get hitched, you’re looking for that special gift, you just need to add a little bling to your repertoire – no problem. Gasper’s has been the go-to place for custom jewelry since (how about this for coincidence?) 1989. Designing pieces or wedding sets is what they do. Yet it’s not all they do. Check out their impressive lines of jewelry for both women and men, as well as collectible porcelain figurines and watches. Yep, back in the ’80s watches were not only necessary, but also fashion statements.

Best Shopping Center

Del Monte Shopping Center

1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey (831) 372-2705, delmontecenter.com

The convenience of internet retail can’t replicate the one-stop-shop hub that is the Del Monte Shopping Center. One visit offers the opportunity to get organic groceries at Whole Foods, a package shipped at the UPS Store, cookware at Williams Sonoma and that glitch on your iPhone fixed at the Apple Store. Amazon also does not offer options for coffee or meals and outdoor seating to hang out between stores. Del Monte remains an irreplaceable destination.

Best Florist

Burst + Bloom

206 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel (831) 625-8111, burstbloom.com

The floral industry is super competitive, and with the online world and the 800-number jamokes, it can be hard for the little guy to compete. Here’s how Lolo Orman, owner of Burst + Bloom does it when creating bespoke arrangements tailored for every occasion: By sourcing everything she sells from within California, and sourcing as much as possible from no further north than the Santa Cruz Mountains. “More than just reducing our carbon footprint,” Orman says one March morning as she bustles around to burst out an order for a Big Sur wedding, “why wouldn’t we want to support local growers and local farmers and keep that money in the community?” Good question, Lolo! And your beautifully curated blooms are an even better answer.

Best Place for Adult Novelties

Seductions

639 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 646-8329, seductionsonline.com

Remember how back in the ’80s, downtown was all scuzzy and packed with peep shows, hookers and dope peddlers? Yeah, we can’t either. In some ways, though, things have changed a lot. Today a spacious, clean, well-lit store on a prime retail shopping street seems like a good start if you want to be the best place to buy a specialty item. Add to the mix a deep inventory of sex toys and pleasure-enhancers that range from utilitarian to kinky, all fronted by a knowledgeable and non-judgy staff, and you’ve got yourself the best place to buy adult novelties.

Best Tattoo Parlor

Gold Coast Tattoo Studio

639 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 642-9404

Whether you want a giant dragon tat or “I Heart Mom” over barbed wire, Gold Coast Tattoo has had Monterey covered with ink for the last 40 years. Currently the shop has four artists to help perfect your work. “We’ve been here for so long and we have a good reputation and our work is stellar,” says owner Steve Hendricks. “Everyone knows where we are and all of our clients are from word of mouth.”

Best Head Shop Best Vape Store

Nor Cal Smoke Shop

765 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey (831) 645-9021

Though the days of billboards featuring the Marlboro Man are over, people still like to pull smoke into their lungs. Nor Cal Smoke Shop provides water pipes, bubblers, glassware, rolling papers and, for the futuristic smokers, a wide variety of vape pens and oils. Look for the annual 4/20 sale and customer appreciation week promotions, along with competitive prices year-round. But more than the deals, it’s attentive customer service that makes Nor Cal a favorite among smoke-blowers.

Best Cannabis Dispensary

Big Sur Canna+Botanicals

26352 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite 100, Carmel (831) 250-7756, bigsurcannabotanicals.com

The giant mural of Bixby Bridge and the photographs of Big Sur Holy Chronic on the walls work together to place you squarely in the namesake haven of sensimilla smoke and sunshine. Big Sur Canna+Botanicals is an upscale, comfortable shop in Carmel with an inventory varied enough to keep even the most savvy stoner learning new things, and staff knowledgeable enough to introduce even newcomers to legal weed. Mr. Hand from Fast Times at Ridgemont High probably would approve, at first. Cannabis education, after all, is one of Big Sur Canna+Botanicals’ primary values. Education and the sticky icky.

Best Cannabis Delivery Service

Compassionate Bay Delivery

(844) 223-4911, compassionatebay.com

For medical marijuana patients who want to skip the store, there’s always Compassionate Bay Delivery (CBD831). Offering all manner of locally grown and organic products, CBD831 has been serving medical patients since 2014, and is no newcomer to the coveted Best Of Monterey County honor. Patients who forgo the store will still have a chance to peruse the stock – including some organic cannabis cultivated locally by the CBD831 family – before deciding what to buy. Spicoli would certainly approve.

Best Alternative Healthcare Provider

The Healing Collaborative

222 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 648-8100, thehealingcollaborative.com

The 1980s had plenty of TV doctors Americans loved to watch, from St. Elsewhere to Doogie Howser, MD. But even as they tuned in every week to see medical mysteries solved in 30 to 60 minutes, more and more Americans were turning toward alternative medicine to find solutions for what ails them. The favorite alternative health experts of Weekly readers for the last five years are found at The Healing Collaborative in downtown Pacific Grove. Eight practitioners offer chiropractic services, massage therapy, acupuncture, facials, pilates, counseling and more to get patients on a path to wellness, with no commercial breaks.

Best Chiropractic

Carmel Valley Chiropractic Clinic

6 Del Fino Place, Carmel Valley (831) 659-5180, drpatriciawolff.com

Flying back – or forward – in time while crammed inside a DeLorean outfitted with a bulky flux capacitor can really do a number on one’s spine. Dr. Patricia Wolff is ready to get it back into alignment. But Dr. Wolff does more than that in a practice that’s provided natural health care for women, children and families for more than 30 years. She calls herself a “healer, an elder, a modern-day medicine woman,” with a focus on integrating the care of bodies, minds and spirits. Her goal is to get her patients back to wellness, drawing from her background in chiropractic, psychotherapy, psychology, homeopathy and Buddhism.

Best Yoga Studio

Om Oasis

631 B Cass St., Monterey, (831) 214-9405 3730 | The Barnyard, Carmel, (831) 214-9405 omoasis.com

Feeling totally lame? Dragging mentally, spiritually, physically, unable to chill? Has your once sunny disposition been replaced with a glum “namaste in bed”? Welcome to Om, the place to “breathe, sweat, move and transform.” If you like it slow and gentle, Om has you covered, with classes that include slow flow, yin, basic Hatha and specialty YinYasa. If you like it bold and energetic and hot, check out heated vinyasa, power flow or a strengthening heated “Ki” class. Om also offers private instruction, Pilates, teacher training, special workshops and, as an offering to the community, a $5 weekly community class. Download the Om app, and get to the mat, because the world needs more, “namaste connected.”

Best Yoga Instructor

Gina Puccinelli

(831) 578-5382,  beyondyoga.me

This is not Gina Puccinelli’s first time as the Best Yoga Instructor in our annual readers’ poll, but she approaches both the win and her practice with a beginner’s mind. “I’m so surprised and thrilled!” she says. Yoga is about sitting comfortably in body and mind, and since her last win, in 2017, Puccinelli has incorporated therapeutic and mindful yoga study into her universe, and now helps with adaptive and chair yoga classes at the Yoga Center of Carmel. She’s also co-facilitating, with Katie Dutcher of the Monterey Bay Meditation Center, teaching yoga and mindful meditation, and she’s integrating movement therapy and massage into her private practice too. Yoga is also about building community: “One of my strongest gifts is to be a great resource for people by creating community through yoga,” she says. Her students totally agree. Track her down through her website and book a class, stat.

Best Boutique Fitness Studio

CarmelBarre

26135 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Suite E-104, | Carmel Dolores between Seventh and Eighth, Carmel | 465 Pacific St., Monterey (831) 238-9766, carmelbarre.com

The ’80s fitness world was ruled by Jane Fonda, jazzercise, Richard Simmons, Suzanne Somers and step aerobics. The 20-teens belong to barre. Class offerings at CarmelBarre go far beyond the namesake ballet-inspired workouts and include yoga, HIIT, pilates, zumba and even burlesque fitness (ooh la la). Haul out your leg warmers and your spandex, and plie your way into one of CarmelBarre’s three locations in Monterey and Carmel. In 2018, CarmelBarre joined forces with GoFigure Activewear so you can shop a beautifully curated retail stock for activewear and accessories at the Carmel location.

Best Massage Therapist

Shirley Warner

Refuge, 27300 Rancho San Carlos Road, Carmel (831) 620-7360, refuge.com

Shirley Warner was one of the first massage therapists at Refuge in Carmel – regularly voted Monterey County’s Best Spa. Playing off the calming thermal pools and quiet atmosphere of Refuge, Warner’s sincerity puts her clients further at ease. Warner has spent more than a decade specializing in soothing Swedish massage, and has a laugh so contagious you might get shushed at the silent spa. But laughter, like a deep massage, helps relieve tension.

Best Health Club

Monterey Sports Center

301 E. Franklin St., Monterey (831) 646-3730, monterey.org/sportscenter

Everything is more fun in neon, including a spin class. Or restorative yoga. Or Zumba. Or sliding down the county’s most epic water slide. Neon is not required to have a good and productive time at the Monterey Sports Center, however. A varied lineup of classes for all fitness levels, well-stocked weight room, spacious stretching area, basketball courts, saunas and, yes, the epic water slide, all combine to make you feel good about yourself just for showing up here. The workout part helps, but there’s also a snack bar and a comfortable lobby with free Wi-Fi in case you decide to skip the breaking-a-sweat part. That’s better than an ’80s racquetball court.

Best Acupuncturist

Monterey Community Acupuncture – Sharon Featherstone

437 Figueroa St., Suite 101, Monterey (831) 657-9937, montereycommunityacupuncture.com

In the 1980s, there was a lot of cross-cultural exchange (and competition) between the West and the East – cars, electronics, food, and traditional medicines. The Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine was established in 1982, and acupuncture began to be popular in the United States in that decade. Featherstone studied at the Emperor’s College in Santa Monica, has been practicing Chinese medicine and acupuncture for 14 years, and opened Monterey Community Acupuncture in 2012 where she offers different styles of acupuncture (on a sliding scale) as well as relaxation and therapy services. It seems like a contradiction, but she promises (as do centuries’ worth of history) that being pierced with a bunch of needles is a very relaxing experience.

Best Spa

Refuge Day Spa

27300 Carmel Rancho Blvd., Carmel (831) 620-7360, refuge.com

Is there anything better than a place where talking is discouraged, cell phones are banished and all there is to do is contemplate life while sitting in warm pools, taking the occasional cold plunge, hitting the hot pool or sauna and then lying in the sun on lounge chairs, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills with birdsong as the background music? No, there isn’t. Refuge’s mission is relaxation, and they accomplish it with a beautiful meld of scenery, policy and facility. You can cycle through the water therapy portion – the cold plunge, warm pools and sauna – and book a massage there as well. It’s the ultimate place for some me time. As they say at Refuge, “In a world where technology has allowed stress to become a constant companion, we hope to offer a moment’s rest.”

Best Place for Skin Care

Spa on the Plaza

201 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 647-9000, spaontheplaza.com

Skin care and especially spa care has upped its game in the last 30 years. Gone are the day of Seabreeze brand toner, Noxzema and thick mud masks. Spa on the Plaza best represents that evolution in skin care with super luxe treatments like indulgent massages using locally sourced essential oils, a super hydrating rose facial and the latest in skin tech trends: microcurrent facials using red LED lights. Who knew these colorful lights had a use outside of the dance floor?

Best Nail Salon

Serenity Nails

443 Canyon Del Rey Blvd., Del Rey Oaks (831) 747-1789, serenitynails-nailsalon.business.site

Nestled in the Stone Creek Shopping Center among the hustle and bustle of a busy Starbucks and a 7-11 flowing forth gas and Big Gulps is a little slice of serenity – Serenity Nails. Open for a year now, Serenity has gained a loyal clientele, and for good reason. Kind, attentive nail artists welcome visitors to a row of luxury pedicure chairs or nail stations, with a full array of nail services available. Be sure to scope the dayglo polishes for those Throwback Thursdays.

Best Salon – Women

Studio 519

519 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 373-0519, studio519.net

Basics. That’s what Studio 519 has nailed down and flourishes in. You’d think the best salon in the county would specialize in crazy complicated hairstyles, but the ’80s saw its fair share of crazy (big) hair. But that kind of madness had a simple formula: Tease and add hairspray. Studio 519 makes an art of the baylage, masters natural ombre colors, perfects the elegant bridal chignon and even adds airbrush makeup and waxing to their repertoire too. Basic, but good basic.

Best Haircut – Men

Phill’s Barber Shop

610 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 334-0698

One big similarity between the 1980s and now is that everyone wants to look as good as Don Johnson. And for that, men flock to Phill Benson’s shop in Pacific Grove. Benson’s ethos harkens back to another time, melding old-school service and attention to detail. Benson and his staff simply know how to make customers look good, whether it’s with a side fade, straight razor beard shave or just a little off the top. More than just a service joint, Phill’s has become a community hub, too. Benson always opens his shop for the monthly First Friday Pacific Grove arts and entertainment event, where he trades scissors for an electric guitar and jams out the blues.

Best Pharmacy

Pharmaca

570 Munras Ave., #10, Monterey (831) 333-0751, pharmaca.com

“I can handle it!” was the funny catchphrase of a hyped-up “Drugs R Us” pharmacist played by comedian Mark Blankfield on the short-lived Fridays on ABC in the early 1980s. Clearly a copycat of Saturday Night Live, the show featured regulars Larry David and Michael Richards, who both went on to success with Seinfeld. They’re not playing for laughs at Pharmaca, but they can handle it when it comes to special medicine requests. The pharmacists work with physicians to create just the right formulas and strengths to meet patients’ needs. And on this side of the counter, customers will find a wide array of natural and homeopathic remedies, supplements and natural beauty products.

Best Place to Buy a Motorcycle

West Coast Harley Davidson / Monterey HD

333 N. Main St., Salinas (831) 731-5066, westcoasthd.com

It’s a “one-stop, top-notch Harley-Davidson shop” whose experts are some of the most knowledgeable in the county. In addition to new and previously-owned Hogs, West Coast HD delivers the opportunity to take in some of the most stellar bikes around. After well over a century, the quote still rings true for Harley lovers: “Until you’ve been on a Harley-Davidson, you haven’t been on a motorcycle.” For all motorcycle riders another quote still rings true: “Screw it, let’s ride!”

Best Car Wash

El Estero Car Wash

590 Fremont St., Monterey (831) 373-1801, elesterocarwash.com

Whether it’s a hot Pontiac Firebird or that new Ford Taurus SHO, cars look better when they’re freshly washed. A reputation for speedy service that’s tailored to the customer has earned El Estero the title of best car wash in the county for 25 years in a row. They won’t let the consistent acclaim go to their heads, though, as they’re conscious of the needs of today with sustainable-minded reforms like recycling 70 percent of water used and switching to more environmentally friendly soap and towels.

Best Car Dealership – New

BMW of Monterey

1 Geary Plaza, Seaside (831) 920-0743, bmwmonterey.com

Some of BMW’s most recent advertising campaigns: “Designed for driving pleasure,” “the ultimate driving machine” and “sheer driving pleasure.” There’s also the simple, one-word tagline: “joy.” BMW of Monterey strives to assist people to find “joy” with their next new 328i, 528i, X1 or 535i. The dealership also carries a wide array of well-maintained used BMW models. Their secret: “Only the truly committed BMW experts and the finest BMW parts make it into their shop.”

Best Car Dealership – Used

Cardinale GMC

2 Heitzinger Plaza, Seaside (831) 322-4112, cardinalegmc.com

From a 2016 MINI Cooper Base four-door hatchback to a 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR four-door sedan to a 2013 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI four-door wagon, Cardinale offers over a dozen certified pre-owned vehicles, for under 15 grand, at any given time. Cardinale’s fleet of knowledgeable salespeople don’t approach with the stereotypical pushiness, and customers are still able to browse on their own in the luxury of their homes: The dealership’s ever-changing inventory of about 100 previously owned vehicles is constantly updated on its online database.

Best Tire Shop

Sullivan’s Tire Pros & Auto Service

1730 The Mall, Seaside (831) 394-6561, sullivanstire.com

When it comes to tires, this family-owned shop does it all: balancing, installation, rotation, pressure monitoring. ASE-certified mechanics can work on most parts of your vehicle, from the alternator to suspension to cooling system. They have specials that knock prices down, stock the waiting room with Wi-Fi, gourmet coffee and popcorn, and offer online tools to pair your vehicle with the right tires. So the next time you’re burning rubber while time traveling in your DeLorean, when you get back you’ll know where to go.

Best Place to Get Smogged

Pacific Smog

2039 Del Monte Blvd., Seaside (831) 899-8877, pacificsmog.com

What do 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have in common? A lot of people have been getting their cars smogged at this five-time Best Of winner – Pacific Smog. This family-owned smog-testing center and its certified staff of technicians have proven their claim of being reputable, straightforward and honest. Three testing bays are open and ready for walk-ins. That means no appointments necessary, ever (except for RVs and large vehicles).

Best Car Repair Shop

Tom’s Monterey Auto

870 Abrego St., Monterey (831) 372-5854, tomsauto.biz

When it comes to vehicles, there’s nothing more important than reliability – and the same can be said for repair shops. Tom’s Monterey Auto has been a community mainstay for over 20 years, ensuring there will always be a helpful mechanic to service your vehicle when it’s in need. From inspections and maintenance to check engine lights and smog checks, Tom’s does it all. If you want to keep that Pontiac Sunbird running, it’s going to need some TLC – maybe a carburetor – from Tom’s.

Best Oil Change

Marina Tire & Auto Repair

265 Reservation Road, Marina (831) 384-8500

Whether in a pinch for a quick fix like a flat tire or oil change, or something requiring more precision like complete automotive repair, this locally owned repair shop treats its customers like neighbors with quick, honest, accommodating and affordable services. A local shop, yes, but they are stocked with all major tire brands for all makes and models of autos, trucks and SUVs. So whether it’s an old clunker running on its last legs after a couple of decades (and couple-hundred-thousand miles too many) or just a bad car day, this spot is the best.

Best Plumber

A and R Plumbing

1720 Contra Costa St., Sand City 394-7221, aandrplumbinginc.com

It’s not a glamorous job – we all know that. And it’s never a great moment in life when you have to call up a plumber. No way you have them on speed dial. But A and R has a deserved reputation for doing the work quickly and thoroughly. And this is the best part: You can ring them up 24 hours a day. That’s right, a 3am emergency overflow and they are on the way. So in a sense, A and R plumbers are like superheroes – He Man and the Masters of the Universe, perhaps, only their universe involves a lot of porcelain and pipes.

Best Roofer

Scudder Roofing

3342 Paul Davis Drive, Marina (831) 373-7212, scudderroofing.com.

A living and thriving relic from the decade, Scudder Roofing opened in 1982 and is one of the most trusted roofers in the county for both residential and commercial needs. The company boasts of its “old-school” work ethic and craftsmanship. But it is also hip to roofing trends today – and yes, roofing trends do exist. Think solar panels, vegetative (grass) roofs, skylight installation and even custom sheet metal work. Their portfolio boasts some of the most iconic buildings and developments in the area like the La Playa Hotel, East Garrison Chapel and Merrill Hall at Asilomar Conference Grounds.

Best Solar Installer

Applied Solar Energy

319 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove (831) 333-1919, appliedsolarenergy.com

For over 30 years, ASE has helped the Monterey Bay area realize the benefits and ease of going green by harnessing the power of solar energy. This solar system designer and installer serve both businesses and homes in the tri-county area. ASE even offers free solar analysis, taking into account electricity use, to see how much solar energy a potential home can produce, and how much a household can expect to save.

Best Electrician

Bruno Electric

720 Dias St., Sand City (831) 375-9643

It must be nice to be at the top, but it must be even nicer to be on the top more than once. More importantly, however, it should only be the best of the best that people look to trust to handle something as important as dealing with the electrical issues at home. If you’re going to power your way into the future, you don’t want to risk DIY when it comes to something like electricity. Readers have again approved Bruno Electric as their most trusted and reliable electrician. Way cool.

Best Tree Trimmer

Tope’s Tree Service

650 E. Franklin St., Monterey (831) 373-7765, topestreeservice.com

Trees creak, rustle and tumble, and when they tumble they can be disastrous, making the family-owned and trusted professional tree services of Tope’s all the more important. Serving the Central Coast since 1979, from Pebble Beach and Carmel to Salinas and as far north as Santa Cruz County, the arborists and artists specialize in tree pruning, tree removal, stump removal and commercial tree care. Wallet-safe and reliable, Tope’s can also serve in emergency situations to remove fallen trees and quickly eliminate hazardous situations.

Best Gardener/Landscaper

PM Landscaping

2611 Garden Road, Suite 1, Monterey (831) 324-0637, pmlandscapingmonterey.com

If one were to sense a bit of the Old World in PM Landscaping’s designs, it’s for good reason: Owner Paolo Manca, a native of Sardinia, Italy, incorporates millennia of Italian design principles into his work, and gives it a modern, cutting edge. Manca started the business in 2009 and it has been growing every year since, serving both high-end commercial clients and homeowners alike with projects that Manca offers to design and build from start to finish. When old meets new, it can be the best of both worlds.

Best Nursery/Garden Center

Grigg’s Nursery

9220 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel (831) 626-0680, griggsnursery.com

Decorating your garden is about more than just putting some seeds in the ground and waiting for them to sprout – it’s a carefully curated space for your flowers, plants, fruits and vegetables. Locally-owned and family-operated Grigg’s is there to help with all of your needs, from choosing which variety of succulent will thrive in the local climate to choosing annuals that will best complement your decor. It’s this sort of hands-on help that has made Grigg’s a mainstay for over 30 years.

Best Cleaning Service

Two Girls From Carmel

(831) 626-4426, twogirlsfromcarmel.mobi

Step back into the wayback machine to 1989. That’s when Two Girls From Carmel started, before it grew to the team of more than 20 cleaners it is today. Those dust bunnies that’ve been hiding under your couch since Peter Ueberroth was baseball’s commissioner? It’s time to make them a thing of the past. These folks are regularly voted as the best because they’re friendly, they work quickly, they’ve earned customers’ trust and they know how make your house cleaner than you thought was possible.

Best Eco Friendly Business

Last Chance Mercantile

14201 Del Monte Blvd., Marina (831) 384-5313, mrwmd.org.

People who call this place a thrift store would be wrong in many ways. Yes, like thrifting, half of the fun is in the finding, but Last Chance Mercantile is owning the eco-friendly business category because they go above and beyond just selling one thing. They sell a concept: Everything can have a second life. And that means nearly everything: lumber, furniture, even boats. But they also help the community get rid of unwanted goods by providing alternatives to the landfill, with things like free electronic recycling and a CRV bottle and can buy-back center.