Vermont's Seven Daysies 2012
Mar 23, 2016
Annual Guide to Readers' Picks
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S omething smelled fishy about this y ear’s Daysies results. After counting the nearly 7000 ballots, we noticed some strange new winners. Don’t get us wrong — there’s nothing we love more than doling out new D aysies, but these were suspicious. We’d never heard of Liquid: Hair for Men in
Burlington, which had os tensibly snagged the Daysie for best hair salon. And w e love Shelburne’s furcHgott Sourdiffe gaLLery but were shocked to find that it had raked in more votes than Burlington’s Bca center, the perennial winner of best art gallery.
Still on high alert from a ballot-stuffing incident during our Best of the Beasts Pet Photo Contest last spring, our intrepid deputy online editor Tyler Machado combed over the Daysies results. Sure enough, he uncovered 435 identical ballots — a sur e sign of a cheater.
So we did a recount. Many longtime winners r eclaimed their positions at the top , including indigo,
the BCA Center, cHeeSe traderS & Wine SeLLerS, the edge, oakLedge Park, SWeet Lady Jane and ecco cLotHeS for WoMen & Men. Congrats to those reliable favorites.
But we are excited to honor a whole new crop of Daysie winners this year. In a Burlington-centric contest, we’re always thrilled to recognize winners out-
side Chittenden County — w e didn’t in every category, just where the number of votes was significant. This year, Waterbury’s green Mountain caMera and Barre’s BoB’S caMera & Video came in second and thir d, respectively, handily knocking down South Burlington’s PHotogarden — LeZot caMera center on Church Street held onto the gold inside Chittenden County.
Parents go bonkers for the PuMP HouSe indoor WaterPark at Jay Peak, which took home a new D aysie for best day trip with the kids . And girLington garage blew away the competition in another new category, best place for car repairs.
When it comes to free Wi-Fi hot spots, nothing compares to StarBuckS, where web surfers can nurse a single cup of coffee for hours without guilt. But locals do love their homegrown establishments, such as croW BookSHoP, which once again narrowly edged out BarneS & noBLe.
Comedian natHan HartSWick stood up against reigning champs ruSty deWeeS and JoSie LeVitt.
Many voters seemed really sad about the concept of drinking alone. When asked about the best place to do it, one person wrote, “In my kitchen with the lights off.” Another responded somewhat nonsensically (but we got the idea), “A bottle full of my tears.” Most agreed that home is the bes t place for solo drinking , but the r est threw their votes in for Burlington dive the otHer PLace.
After reading voters’ responses to the hippes t-hipster category, we felt kind of bad awarding it to an yone. We thought the category w as funny — and comple x, because, as a few voters noted, nobody self-identifies as a hipster. We were amazed, though, at your collective disdain for all things hipsteriffic.
So here’s hoping that Ben SarLe, photographer and editor of Thread Magazine, will carry the title with dignity and good humor . Sarle beat out cHarLeS “cHicky” WinkLeMan — whose F acebook address, for the r ecord, is hips terjew — despite pleas to his F acebook friends not to v ote for him. T alk about reverse psychology. Other hipster contenders included dug naP, whom several voters referred as “the original hipster,” and Sen. Bernie SanderS.
The senator also made an appear ance in another new category , best hair on a local personality. But that Daysie ultimately went to the über-deserving wild mane of Point DJ Mike LuoMa. We’re proud to say that a few of our o wn — including redheads co-editor PaMeLa PoLSton and music editor dan BoLLeS — pulled in votes for best hair.
Finally, to that odious ballot stuffer: We wish we knew who you are. If we did, you better believe we’d be awarding you the first-ever Stinky Daysie of Shame. Cheating is lame, folks. Here’s to the winners , new and old, who came b y their Daysies fair and square.
mEGAN JAmES
Pictured, from top: Burger Barn, The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Darren Perron, Kathy Spear, Mike Luoma
Note: categories in pink are spotlighted.20
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T he more things change , the mor e they s tay the same.
We weren’t surprised to hear that Seven Days readers still love AmericAn FlATbreAd for pizza,
Penny cluse cAFé for breakfast, A single Pebble for Asian fare, the FArmhouse TAP & grill for burgers and mirAbelles for baked goods. But some newcomers took home Daysies in their first year out of the gate: The Old N orth End’s kofteh-slinging FArAh’s PlAce, which opened las t summer, is your favorite non-Asian ethnic restaurant. The race for best new restaurant was fierce (consider that mAgliAnero, Wooden sPoon bisTro, PizzeriA VeriTà, sTAcks sAndWiches and Jin chinese, among others, opened this past year). Yet it was el gATo cAnTinA that inched out el corTiJo as your favor-ite new restaurant in Chittenden County. And El Gato killed El Cortijo as your favorite local Mexican/Latin restaurant. Never underestimate the power of Mexican grilled corn and jalapeño-infused margaritas to win hearts and minds.
For a spot that’s only been open a few months, Waterbury’s ProhibiTion Pig put up a robust fight, coming in third overall as best new restaurant, and tops outside Chittenden County.
Food trucks made a first-time appearance in our surv ey, but newcomer misery loVes co. and its big r ed truck couldn’t wrest the prize fr om perennial street-eats favorite hong’s chinese dumPlings. Outside of Chittenden County, you’re lovin’ on the burgers, fries and fried seafood fr om the sAmbels Truck in Barre. A move from brick-and-mortar to mobile can be a savvy one.
In town, A single Pebble bested last year’s winner leunig’s bisTro as your favorite place to eat out on someone else’s dime, suggesting that Asian food has vaulted the bar as an indulgent pleasure. Outside of Chittenden County, you still love those plates of crispy oysters and goat’s-milk dumplings at Waterbury’s hen oF The Wood AT The grisT mill.
Strong opinions abounded about where to get your drink on. In a category that gets mor e competitive every year, readers think boyden VAlley Winery bottles Vermont’s best wine — it edged out las t year’s winner, shelburne VineyArd, by just 19 votes. And in a r edux of the Vermont Brew Bracket, sWiTchbAck breWery is still your favorite craft brewery, with the AlchemisT (maker of Heady Topper and Celia) running a surprisingly distant second.
Our growing crop of microdistillers inspired a new cat-egory this year: best Vermont spirit. WhisTlePig sTrAighT rye Whiskey handily took first place, though cAledoniA sPiriTs and its honey -based Barr Hill gin and v odka was right behind.
The new, airier Three needs is Chittenden County’s fa-vorite place to get saucy, while Three Penny TAProom still rules as the bes t place to drink outside of the s tate’s most populous county. The bes t place to drink alone? Besides three votes each for “under a bridge” and “m y bathroom,” you’ll apparently find copious tears and beers at the oTher PlAce — or, as Burlingtonians know it, the O.P.
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Best bar
Three needswe mourned the loss of
parima in Burlington, but the reincarnation of its pearl street space had a sweet upside. This spring, Three needs ditched its cramped college street quarters and outfitted this sprawling venue with pool tables, foosball and plenty of beer. The result is a homey, airy, always-busy bar with a speakeasy vibe, and a resident ghost, to boot (just ask a bartender). one thing is still missing, though: Three needs’ own beer.
SEVEN DAYS: so when will you start making beer again?glenn WAlTer, owner: we’ll hopefully be brewing by the middle of ’13. we have equipment coming from europe, and we’ll do the install over the winter or spring of next year. it will go where the old kitchen is. it’s going to be a larger brewery, but we’ll keep the brews the same: continental lagers and Belgian pale ale, mostly. what beer do people ask for the most? probably chocolate Thunder porter.
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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Best restaurant, if you’re paying[W] american Flatbread [RU] tiny Thai restaurant
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] sarducci’s[RU] skinny pancake
Best restaurant, if they’re paying [W] a single pebble[RU] Leunig’s bistro
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] Hen of the Wood at the grist Mill[RU] starry night café
Best new restaurant[W] el gato cantina[RU] el cortijo
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] prohibition pig[RU] Mad taco
Best breakfast/brunch[W] penny cluse café[RU] sneakers bistro
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] kismet[RU] Wayside restaurant & bakery
Best to-go lunch[W] city Market/onion river co-op[RU] al’s French Frys
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] Mad taco[RU] pinky’s on state
Best Asian restaurant[W] a single pebble[RU] tiny Thai restaurant
oUtSIDE cHIttENDEN coUNtY[W] royal orchid Thai restaurant[RU] ocha Thai restaurant
Best restaurant to take the kids
Al’s French Frysthis freewheeling fast-food joint may have picked up a James beard america’s classic award
in 2010, but al’s still teems with kiddos who gobble up burgers and swarm its fire-engine-red booths with glee. not much seems to have changed about the vibe since the 1940s, when al’s was just an open-air hut next to some fields. owner Lee Bissonette raises the prices modestly each year, but barely — $1.60 still buys you a cheeseburger or a cup of crispy, brown fries.
SEVEN DAYS: Why do you think al’s is such a family magnet?Lee Bissonette: partly because we’re a family-run business. We’ve got three brothers in the business. i’ve got a son, i’ve got nephews, i’ve got a sister-in-law. i think we understand family pretty well. al’s is old school. you can see what’s going on when we cook the food; it’s a stage. and kids love the creemees, the chicken strips, the corn dogs and the milkshakes, the playground.
coRIN HIRScH
Taylor and Madeson Vande Voorde
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www.sarduccis.com
Thank you for your support!
winner 2003-2011
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Reservations Recommended: 865-5200133 Bank St. Burlingtonwww.asinglepebble.com
Thank you!
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� anks to all the Daysies Voters for Your Support!
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Best place to drink alone
The Other PlaceBurlington has no shortage of dimly lit, seedy watering holes in which to drown your
sorrows. But the other place — or the o.p., as most locals know it — stands as the crown cubic zirconia of Queen city dives. sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name … and leaves you the hell alone. in that case, look no further.
SEVEN DAYS: if the staff and regulars of the o.p. were the cast of “cheers,” who would be whom?MATT PERRY, BarteNder: i am definitely sam “Mayday” Malone, as i always wanted to be. Ben is the young pup, so he’s Woody. cooley’s the bitch, carla. sarah’s been here awhile, so she’s diane, i guess. sometimes cooley and i look around and declare that the o.p. is the worst episode of “cheers” ever, so that’s funny.JASON COOLEY, BarteNder: also, pretty sure that Frasier would get his ass kicked around here.
DAN BollES
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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Best Mexican/Latin restaurant[W] el gato cantina[RU] el cortijo
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Mad taco[RU] Frida’s taqueria & grill
Best ethnic restaurant (non-Asian)[W] Farah’s place[RU] ¡duino! (duende)
Restaurant with the best vegetarian fare[W] a single pebble[RU] Zabby & elf’s stone soup
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] kismet[RU] Bee’s knees
Best restaurant to take the kids[W] al’s French Frys[RU] american Flatbread
Best place to get late-night food[W] kountry kart deli[RU] ahli Baba’s kabob shop
Best pizza (restaurant)[W] american Flatbread [RU] Bite Me organic pizza
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] positive pie ii[RU] piecasso pizzeria & Lounge
Matt Perry
15 Center St., Burlington (just off Church Street)
reservations online or by phone dailyplanet15.com • 862-9647
Mon Planet Burger $6Tues Maura’s Salad $4 Sweet & Spicy Curry $6Wed BBQ Chicken & Ribs $10
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$3 Draughts
thanks for the votes!
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best pizza (delivery)[W] Leonardo’s pizza[RU] Bite Me organic pizza
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] positive pie ii[RU] piecasso pizzeria & Lounge
Best Vermont cheese[W] cabot[RU] shelburne Farms
Best burger[W] Farmhouse tap & grill[RU] sky Burgers
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Burger Barn[RU] kismet
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Best burger outside Chittenden CountyBurger BarnFood carts and trailers are all the rage now, but when Kierstin ColaCeCi and
Judson Gravel opened Burger Barn in Jeffersonville in 2007, good mobile food was a foreign concept in Vermont.
Their bright-green trailer with a Holstein-printed roof doesn’t travel anymore; it remains tucked in a driveway it shares with ace glass & Windows and cambridge cutters. But Burger Barn is now a Lamoille county staple, with an exotic menu that has grown to include 35 different burgers — all made with beef from nearby Boyden Farm, unless diners order a veggie patty instead.
craving juicy beef topped with shaved prosciutto, creamy camembert, tart chapin orchard apples and homemade maple mustard? Burger Barn is the place
SEVEN DAYS: Have you ever come up with a burger too quirky to serve? Kierstin ColaCeCi: no, i’d say all of them work very well together. The nutty goat started as a special and now it’s our most popular burger. it has chèvre, maple-crusted walnuts, bacon and a little mayo. it’s delicious. some of them are really messy, too, with coleslaw or chili. it’s so fun to watch people eat them.
AlicE lEVitt
Best snack bar
Joe’s snack BarJoe’s snack Bar opened in Jericho in 1950 and has been a summer staple ever since, even
inspiring a children’s book called Where Does Joe Go? by Vermont author-illustrator tracey campbell pearson. The eponymous Joe rotunda died in 2010, but his legacy lives on each summer at the snack bar, where his wife, Marilyn KozlowsKi, still serves up homemade fast food, plenty of greasy goodness and, of course, creemees.
SEVEN DAYS: How much oil do you go through in a summer?Marilyn KozlowsKi: pound-wise, about 5000 pounds a summer. [pauses] We change our fryers a lot.
SAchi lEith
MarilynKozlowski
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Best food cart/truck[W] Hong’s chinese dumplings[RU] Misery loves co.
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] sambels truck
Best snack bar[W] joe’s snack bar[RU] beansie’s bus
Best Vermont craft brewer[W] switchback[RU] alchemist
Best Vermont winery[W] boyden Valley winery[RU] shelburne Vineyard
Best Vermont spirit[W] whistlepig straight rye whiskey[RU] caledonia spirits bar Hill gin and vodka
Best bar[W] Three Needs[RU] rí rá irish pub & whiskey room
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Three penny taproom[RU] blackback pub & fly shop
Best place to get coffee[W] Muddy waters[RU] uncommon grounds
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] capitol grounds[RU] green Mountain coffee Visitor center & café
Best bakery[W] Mirabelles[RU] august first
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] red Hen bakery & café[RU] la brioche
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best Mexican/Latin restaurant & best to-go lunch outside Chittenden County
Mad Tacojust two years ago, Mexican food in central Vermont was generally limited to nachos
and jalapeño poppers. Then the Mad taco opened in waitsfield. and a little more than a year later, chef/co-owner Joey Nagy teamed up with the Three PeNNy TaProoM folks to open a sister taqueria in Montpelier. The result was a hot and spicy revolution.
we’re not kidding about the heat. both Mad taco locations experiment with an ever-changing arsenal of hot sauces — some scorching — flavored with everything from carrots to chocolate.
the sauces might be best appreciated on the pork torta, a homemade roll stacked with smoky chunks of well-marbled pork, along with fatty but crisp cured belly, creamy avocado and tangy cabbage slaw. and there’s not a nacho in sight.
SEVEN DAYS: Has the lucha libre [Mexican wrestling] theme at the waitsfield location ever stirred up an impromptu contest? Joey Nagy: one, yes. after a very stressful night, my chefs and i had a nice little wrestling match. [cook] simón Villa and i went at it. i’m not at liberty to say who won.
AlicE lEVitt
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AD Deadline: July 27, 2011Date produced: July 25, 2011
Run dates: August 2011
Size: 4.75”w x 5.56”d Color: Full ColorPath: Marketing / Art / Print Ads / 2011 Ads / Seven DaysDate sent: 7/27/2011 Send PDF to: [email protected] [email protected] produced by: Shirley Leclerc / [email protected]
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Best non-chain place to buy groceries[W] City Market/Onion River Co-op[RU] Healthy Living Market & Café
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] Hunger Mountain Co-op[RU] Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op
Best farmers-market vendor[W] Samosaman[RU] Rookie’s Root Beer
Best wine seller[W] Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers[RU] Dedalus Wine
Best place to drink alone[W] � e Other Place[RU] � ree Needs
OUTSIDE CHITTENDEN COUNTY[W] � ree Penny Taproom[RU] Charlie-O’s
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
FILE: MAT
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Best new restaurant & best Mexican/Latin restaurant
El Gato Cantina El Gato proprietor TERESA “TREE” BERTRAM grew up in California on her Mexican American
grandmother’s cooking. In August 2011, she brought that authentic Mexican style to Burlington, using local proteins whenever possible but aiming to “stay true to the food” with traditional spices and fl avors. Her Church Street cantina churns out elote (Mexican grilled corn), posole, tacos, tamales and more than 80 house-infused tequilas.
SEVEN DAYS: How do you distinguish “authentic” Mexican food from the real deal?TREE BERTRAM: You can always tell by the rice; if the rice is bad, it’s not authentic. Salsas are very important, too. Sometimes you can just feel it. � ere’s defi nitely a place for Mexican food where the chef comes in and puts a twist on it, and I think that’s great, but it’s not what I do. I can’t really eat Mexican food like that!
SACHI LEITH
Best Vermont spirit
WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey WhistlePig Straight Rye Whiskey is tucked down a winding dirt road in sleepy Shoreham, but its
provincial headquarters belies the no-holds-barred rise of Vermont’s favorite spirits company. Under the guidance of charismatic, hard-charging owner RAJ PETER BHAKTA and the expertise of a master distiller formerly of Maker’s Mark, the company roped in some impressive awards after hitting shelves two years ago — including the highest-ever rating for rye whiskey from Wine Enthusiast.
Seven Days reached Bhakta in Scotland, where he was touring and researching distilleries — “Studying how these guys are doing it, with a view on beating them, of course,” says Bhakta. WhistlePig is currently bottling Canadian rye whiskey, but plans to plant 300 acres of rye in Shoreham this fall and celebrate the grand opening of its Vermont distillery next spring.
SEVEN DAYS: You’ve named WhistlePig’s parent company GO AMERICA GO. What does a good rye whiskey have to do with patriotism?RAJ PETER BHAKTA: Rye whiskey became the whiskey of America during the American Revolution, so Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys would probably be drinking rye. In fact, George Washington was the biggest rye-whiskey distiller in the country. It’s our unabashed objective to make the best whiskey in the world, and if it can be done, America can do it.
KATHRYN FLAGG
Rye whiskey became the whiskey of America during the American Revolution, so Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys would probably be drinking rye. In fact, George Washington was the biggest rye-whiskey distiller in the country. It’s our unabashed objective to make the best whiskey in the
KATHRYN FLAGG
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Best ethnic restaurant (non-Asian)
Farah’s PlaceTea steeps in a gold samovar. � e scent of cumin fi lls the air as falafel fries
to a crisp brown. Chef-owner FARAH OBERLENDER works the grill herself, preparing tender chicken thighs in a spicy marinade.
Since it opened in May 2011, Burlington’s only Persian restaurant has quickly built up a loyal following. � e food is pure home cooking, with a dash of magic. If service is a tad relaxed, it doesn’t detract from the cuisine’s powerful punch.
Many of Oberlender’s biggest fans love her � ursday-night buffets, when she lays out a table with nearly every item from the menu, and diners pay $15 each to partake. Not a bad deal for all the ultra-garlicky hummus, fl avorful kebabs and fl aky baklava you can eat
SEVEN DAYS: Do you ever see people massively overeat at the � ursday-night buffet?FARAH OBERLENDER: Oh, yeah. We don’t watch people or check how many plates you have, but when college was on, some of the young people — my God! � ey come in and have three, four, fi ve plates, and they love it!
ALICE LEVITT
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I f there’s one thing we learned from voters’ responses to this section, it’s that we really ought to plan a trip to Burton Island. The state park, which is only accessible b y boat, didn’t win this y ear’s Daysie for best Vermont park — that honor w ent to Burlington’s oakledge Park and
Montpelier’s HuBBard Park. But voters kept mentioning the island as if it were hidden gold. One person ga ve the vote to “Oakledge, because I don’ t want people to know about Burton Island.” Sorry, folks, the secret’s out.
For a different kind of weekend getaway, we’re thinking of booking a couple nights at the gorgeous Inn at sHelBurne Farms, which earned a Daysie this year for best Vermont inn or B&B. Really, we’d like an excuse to stay at any of the contenders in this category : the WIllard street Inn, the essex, green mountaIn Inn and the PItcHer Inn.
Each year we wonder which it will be: beer or jazz? The Vermont BreWers FestIVal and the BurlIngton dIscoVer Jazz FestIVal have al-ternately won the Daysie for best Vermont festival over the last several years. This year, voters opted for beer — but just barely. Jazz Fest was only two votes behind. Outside Chittenden County , the Vermont maPle FestIVal in S t. Albans took home the gold, er, Daysie.
Congrats to Burlington’s hippest hangout, radIo Bean, which finally got some recognition for its liv e music. The N orth Winooski Avenue bar has never quite been able to beat nectar’s — until no w. Radio Bean pulled in almost 140 more votes this year to snag the Daysie for best small local-music hot spot. Outside Chittenden County, the honor went to Montpelier’s Black door.
Singer-songwriter JosHua Panda has finally bested longtime D aysie darling myra Flynn, who held onto her title as bes t up-and-coming musical performer long after she’d already up and come. But after she moved to New York City, Daysie voters finally let her go. “This is Panda’s show,” wrote Seven Days music editor Dan Bolles in a 2010 review. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a more compelling front man in Burlington at the moment. And, e ven given the leap he’s already made, it’s safe to say Joshua Panda is just getting started.”
Burlington hip-hop group lynguIstIc cIVIlIans, who seemingly came out of nowhere last year to snag both bes t unsigned Vermont band and best Vermont hip-hop artist/group, held onto both D aysies. But in the s tandup-comedy world, we’ve crowned a new king: natHan HartsWIck, with alex nIeF the runner-up.
The love affair with Burlington jeweler JennIFer kaHn continues. Not only did she hold onto her best local jewelry designer Daysie, she also snagged the title of overall best Vermont craftsperson. In the latter category, self-described mad scientist and clay artist JoHn BrIckels came in a close second.
When it comes to locally designed clothes , most voters turn to S alaam’s andrea mIksIc. But the runners-up ar e worth checking out: neW duds, nIcole’s tHreads, WHere desIgns and FeIsty Ink desIgns.
mEGAN JAmES
ar ts, enter tainment & r ecr eation
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Best local record label
Big Heavy Worlde veryone needs a biggest fan. and in Vermont, the giddy teenager in the front row is
Big heavy world, which has been archiving and promoting local music since 1996. in addition to releasing annual-ish compilations of Vermont-made music, the nonprofit organizes concerts, programs and satellite projects with related groups such as the radIator and the Vermont musIc lIBrary. in short, Big heavy world acts as an advocate, educator, archivist, promoter and — not to get all sappy on you — friend.
SEVEN DAYS: using musicians from any era of local music, create the ultimate Vermont supergroup.JIm lockrIdge, director: here’s my ambient post-avant-surf-jazz supergroup: drums: troy PudVaH; guitar: BIll mullIns; bass guitar: aram BedrosIan; clarinet: rIcHard HauPt; tambourine: cHrIs stecHer (tads) and eugene nIkolaeV; vocals: gaBrIelle douglas, maryse smItH and BernIe sanders; backing vocals: nate meunIer (crackWHore) and tIm lauBen (my oWn sWeet, etc.).
DAN BollES
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FLYNN SEASON HIGHLIGHTS AD SEVEN DAYS 4.75" wide x 11.5" high
Tickets on sale now!
For a complete season brochure call 802-652-4554
Save up to 15%!Pre-season discounts end Sept. 5*
order online at www.flynncenter.org
153 Main St., Burlington, VT 802.652.4500
Flynn 2012-13
Highlights Broadway National Tour: “West Side Story”
Trisha Brown Dance Company
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
Chick Corea & Gary Burton with the Harlem String Quartet
Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
Shaolin Warriors
The Improvised Shakespeare Company
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
John Lithgow
Mike Birbiglia
The Joffrey Ballet
Broadway National Tour: “Hair”
MOMIX: “Botanica”
Broadway National Tour: “Dreamgirls”
*To purchase tickets during the subscription period, you must order three or more performances. Tickets for single performances go on sale to Flynn members Thursday, September 6 and to the general public Tuesday, September 11.
Season Sponsor
The Flynn thanks the community for all the support!
D2V-flynn080812.indd 1 8/1/12 3:21 PM
Thanks for
your support
of The Point! Different on Purpose
for 35 years, Independent Radio,
The Point.
The Point’s airstaff
left to right Mike Luoma Alyssa Lakota Zeb Norris
D2v-ThePoint12.indd 1 8/3/12 4:01 PM
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best large live-music venue[W] Higher ground[RU] Flynn center for the performing arts
Best small local-music hot spot[W] radio Bean[RU] Nectar’s
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Black door[RU] Bee’s knees
Best up-and-coming Vermont musical performer[W] Joshua panda[RU] kat Wright
Best unsigned Vermont band[W] Lynguistic civilians[RU] Vermont Joy parade
Best Vermont hip-hop artist/group[W] Lynguistic civilians[RU] aztext
Best local record label[W] Big Heavy World[RU] state & Main records
Best Vermont standup comedian[W] Nathan Hartswick[RU] alex Nief
Best club DJ[W] craig Mitchell[RU] dJ a-dog
Best Vermont cartoonist[W] dug Nap[RU] James kochalka
Best Vermont craftsperson[W] Jennifer kahn[RU] John Brickels
Best local clothing designer[W] andrea Miksic (salaam)[RU] New duds
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Best public golf course
Rocky Ridge Golf Clubi t’s a rare Vermont golf course that can’t boast scenic mountain views. rocky ridge golf club
summons players to hit from, and up to, a few summits of its own. Hugging route 116 in st. george, the course plays longish, at just over 6000 yards, with a 72 par and above-average slope rating. But golfers of all abilities — even those who don’t know what a slope rating is — appreciate the course’s wide-open, forgiving fairways, reasonable rates and friendly clubhouse staff.
SEVEN DAYS: What was the worst golf shot you ever saw on your course? Whiffing doesn’t count. ED COLEMAN, geNeraL MaNager aNd Head goLF pro: i saw a guy hit a golf ball between his legs that went off a tee marker and actually ricocheted and hit his partner. That’s the worst shot i’ve ever seen. i didn’t know it was physically possible.
ERik ESckilSEN
Best day trip with the kids
The Pump House Indoor Water Park at Jay Peaksince Jay peak’s 50,000-square-foot, $20 million indoor water
park opened in december 2011, roughly 223,000 people have splashed, surfed and shot through its 84 degree water. its signature features are La chute, the world’s only indoor aquaLoop, which drops brave swimmers a heart-pounding 60 feet per second, and the double Barrel Flowrider, a standing wave. as water park director, CHRIs stuARt wears a different sort of suit.
SEVEN DAYS: so how many people have gotten stuck in La chute?CHRIs stuARt [pauses]: Nobody’s ever gotten stuck. one out of every 200 people, someone doesn’t make it all the way around, even though we instruct people to cross their arms and cross their legs. it’s sort of an instinct to put out your arms and elbows. When those who do make it come out? some are very pleased and they can’t stop giggling. others, their eyes are as wide as saucers and they are terrified. one kid, he must have gone 60, 70 times in a single day. We put him in the unofficial La chute Hall of Fame.
SARAh tUff
Chris Perren
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The most spectacular and luxurious spa in New England
is right here in Vermont!Enjoy cascading waterfalls and mineral baths, capturing the area’s natural beauty. Choose from an impressive menu of more than 150 spa and salon treatments.
On the Mountain Road in Stowe (802) 760-1083 www.spaatstoweflake.com
Gold List
Thanks for voting!
AUDITION!COME ONE, COME ALL!
BE A PART OF LYRIC THEATRE’S 2013 SEASON!
AUDITIONS: 9.4.12 - 9.7.12
@ THE SCHOOLHOUSE, S. BURLINGTON
SHOWS: 11.8.12 - 11.11.12
@ THE FLYNN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
AUDITIONS: Early January 2013
SHOWS: 4.11.13 - 4.14.13
@ THE FLYNN CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
AUDITION INFO: WWW.LYRICTHEATREVT.ORGSHOW TICKETS ON-SALE IN SEPTEMBER: WWW.FLYNNTIX.ORG
D4T-Dasyies12.indd 1 8/1/12 2:09 PM
Tastings: Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday 10am-5pmTours: Friday at 4 pm at our building in Hardwick
At the Burlington Farmers Market on Saturdays & Hardwick Farmers Market on Fridays•
Thank you for asking forBarr Hill gin & vodka, Caledonia elderberry cordial
throughout Vermont, Boston, and Manhattan, Brooklyn area.
D4T-caledoniaspiritsnwine080812.indd 1 8/3/12 1:32 PM
AUG 2012
Pick up a copy at 400+ locations in Vermont or check out all the content online on our website: kidsvt.com
Inside the August issue of Kids VT, you’ll fi nd: • Daytrips to the Great Escape
and the Burlington waterfront• Habitat: Living spaces we love • Balancing career and family:
Cheryl Hanna sounds off
xx
New Feature
Last Splash
Summer’s
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Best local jewelry designer[W] Jennifer kahn[RU] timothy grannis
Best art gallery[W] Bca center[RU] Frog Hollow
Best movie theater[W] Merrill’s roxy[RU] Majestic 10
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] savoy [RU] Big picture Theater
Best Vermont festival[W] Vermont Brewers Festival[RU] Burlington discover Jazz Festival
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Vermont Maple Festival[RU] rhinofest Music Festival
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Best Vermont inn or B&BThe Inn at Shelburne Farmsi t doesn’t have air-conditioning or HBo. it does have exquisite interiors
designed for a Vanderbilt heiress, a library, a formal garden, daily tea with tiny sandwiches and homemade baked goods, and an acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant. guests who tire of the sprawling brick mansion — if that’s possible — can roam the nearby lakeshore, woodland walking trails and 1400-acre working farm. a stay at the inn may make you feel like a scion of the gilded age, but it supports a forward-thinking mission. shelburne Farms is currently celebrating its 40th year as an educational nonprofit run by the descendants
of WIllIam SeWard and lIla VanderbIlt Webb (who built the estate) and devoted to sustainable land stewardship.
SEVEN DAYS: What do guests say they like most about staying at the inn? aleC Webb, president: people who love it, they love coming to shelburne Farms. We don’t have a lot of the amenities that most places do, so you have to have people who enjoy something beyond the immediate comforts we’ve gotten used to ... What there is, is a beautiful place to enjoy.Sd: do you have any ghosts?aW [laughs]: of course not. any kind of experiences from the beyond have been friendly or humorous.
mARgot hARRiSoN
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best local theater company[W] Lyric Theatre company[RU] spielpalast cabaret
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Lost Nation Theater[RU] Bread and puppet Theater
Best performing-arts venue[W] Flynn center for the performing arts[RU] spruce peak performing arts center
Best free Wi-Fi hotspot[W] starbucks[RU] uncommon grounds
Best Vermont park[W] oakledge park[RU] Waterfront park
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Hubbard park[RU] groton state Forest
Best public golf course[W] rocky ridge golf club[RU] kwiniaska golf club
Best ski/ride slope[W] stowe Mountain resort[RU] smugglers Notch
Best cross-country ski area[W] trapp Family Lodge[RU] catamount outdoor center
Best in-state weekend getaway[W] stowe[RU] Jay peak
Best day trip with the kids[W] The pump House indoor Water park at Jay peak[RU] ecHo Lake aquarium and science center
Best Vermont inn or B&B[W] The inn at shelburne Farms[RU] Willard street inn
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Best Vermont standup comedian
Nathan Hartswickover the last few years, Nathan Hartswick has been instrumental in building
the standup scene in Burlington and beyond. He founded the Vermont comedy club, a one-stop online resource for all things comedic in the state, and was the 2011 winner of the prestigious HigHer grouNd Comedy Battle (and a 2012 finalist). earlier this year, he and his wife, fellow comedian and actor Natalie miller, founded Spark artS, a Burlington performing-arts studio that offers classes and workshops in both standup and improv comedy.
SEVEN DAYS: you’re stranded on a desert island with dane cook, daniel tosh and carrot top, with little to no food. Who gets eaten first?NatHaN HartSWiCk: probably me. dane would run around giving rescue planes the “super Finger.” daniel would smile adorably while telling rape jokes to hermit crabs. carrot top would be fashioning shelter from two toilet seats and a pair of dress shoes. i would likely die of exhaustion. (if not, i imagine these three would taste like foie gras, smoked salmon and tang, respectively.)
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imagine...at tIMOtHY GRaNNIS StUDIO
www.timothygrannis.comNOw at alcHeMY jewelRY aRtS cORNeR Of PINe aND HOwaRD StReetS Burlington • 802.660.2032 • open fri and sat 11–5 or By appointment
Offering timothy Grannis’ collection of signature
artisan jewelry in precious metals and fine gemstones,
custom jewelry design, gemstone procurement.
Extremely local.
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Thanks to the Burlington cycling community for all of your support again this year.
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like to give you all a whole bouquet of daisies.
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L et’s hear it for Darren Perron. The WCaX anchor has a lot going for him, s tarting with that great rhyming name. Voters in this survey even complimented his hair . “Darren Perron
can work an unders tated fauxhawk,” one person r e-marked. But it wasn’t his coif that earned the D aysie this year; it w as his newscas t. Perron is the first broadcaster in Daysies history to win the title of bes t Vermont journalist. Congrats, Darren.
But voters also love runner-up Chris BohjaLian, who writes a w eekly column in the Burlington Free Press and has won the Daysie for best Vermont novelist every single year of this contes t. This year, we retired that category — no offense, Chris. We just thought it was time to try something new. But apparently, where there are Daysies, there is Bohjalian.
And, of course, there is Tom messner. This year’s best local meteorologist category seemed to be all about sex appeal. One person voted for WCAX’s “ian oLiver — he’s hot!” Another person put a bid in for FO X44’s “Kerrin jeromin… my husband’s girlfriend :).”
But the Daysie is safe with WPTZ’s Tom “The Mess” Messner. Or w as that Tom “Never Messy” Messner? Oh wait, here it is: This year’s Daysie belongs to “Tom Freaking Messner.” Based on the number of pet names Vermonters have for this man, it ’s safe to say Messner is not losing his title an ytime soon. R unner-up Gary saDoWsKi of WCAX came in about 400 v otes behind, with the eye on The sKy team pulling up third.
WCAX still dominates the bes t local TV newscas t category, but this y ear the s tation was recognized for its outs tanding Twitter feed, @WCaX, too. Other
popular feeds? @TyLermaChaDo, @seven_Days, @TheBernGaLLery and @sensanDers.
Congrats to vTDiGGer.orG, which isn’t a blog, but won the D aysie for the category an yway. (Last year, Digger founder anne GaLLoWay won for bes t blog-ger.) Actual blogs Seven Days’ BLurT and the house of Lemay were close behind.
Voters still love their vermonT PuBLiC raDio more than any other spot on the dial. B ut this y ear, ZeB norris, program director at the PoinT, cruised to vic-tory over longtime Daysie winners 95TriPLeX’s shock jocks extraordinaire jamie sCavoTTo and ChanTaL PauLino. Norris’ colleague miKe Luoma came in third, with Wruv’s Dj LLu not too far behind.
mEGAN JAmES
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Best Vermont journalist Darren Perrona daysies award may not take center
stage in darren perron’s ever-growing trophy collection, which already contains his emmy, nine edward r. murrow awards and 12 associated press awards. still, perron says he’s “psyched, very humbled and excited” about capturing the local honor.
perron, 38, is the first broadcaster chosen as Vermont’s top journalist. The northeast kingdom native started as an intern at wcaX in 1994 while still at castleton state college, then landed a paid weekend gig the following year. perron makes it look effortless, but admits he’s had his bloopers.
SEVEN DAYS: what’s your most embarrassing broadcasting moment?Darren Perron: it was the day i ran out of breath on air. This was 13 or 14 years ago and i was still a newbie ... i thought i had two minutes to run a tape upstairs because a story was running before mine ... when i heard our producer page, “darren, get in front of the camera! twenty seconds!” so i hauled it down two flights of stairs ... my tie was sticking out sideways because the microphone cable got stuck on a chair, and all i could get out was “good ... morning ... eleanor.” we got about 10 messages that day asking if the boy who had the asthma attack on the morning show was ok.
KEN PicArD
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Best Vermont journalist[W] darren perron[RU] chris Bohjalian
Best local TV newscast[W] WcaX[RU] WptZ
Best local meteorologist[W] tom Messner[RU] gary sadowski
Best local radio DJ[W] Zeb Norris[RU] Jamie scavotto & chantal paulino
Best Vermont radio station[W] Vermont public radio[RU] The point
Best Vermont blog[W] Vtdigger.org[RU] Seven Days’ Blurt
Best Vermont Twitter feed[W] @wcax[RU] @seven_days
JeBW
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best local radio DJ
Zeb Norrisif you’re a regular PoiNt listener, chances are you’ve heard Zeb Norris’
voice in your dreams — it’s just that memorable. Norris has been working in radio since 1976, when he won a ktyd/santa Barbara “listeners become announcers” contest — two weeks later he was hired. later, Norris was the first Bay area commercial dJ to play Metallica. “They couldn’t get any love in the early days,” he says. drummer lars ulrich called Norris personally to thank him. as program director at the point, he’s still discovering great new music; his recent favorites include Fitz & the tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne, Blitzen trapper, Fleet Foxes and the avett Brothers.
SEVEN DAYS: are there any songs in the current point rotation that you secretly hate?ZEB NoRRiS: Hate is a strong word, but i am not enjoying John Fullbright. critics love him, though, and so does our music director, MikE LuoMa. so even though it’s like mating alley cats to me, since we are a collaboratively programmed station, we play him. SD: Who’s the most recent band/artist you’ve fallen in love with and why?ZN: i get crushes on talented musical women [who] i meet through work pretty easily. oddly, that didn’t happen with kt tunstall... until i jokingly kissed her hand. That’s when the perfume got to me. it smelled expensive, but it was worth it. i was helpless.
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BURLINGTON FURNITURE COMPANYTHANKS FOR YOUR VOTES VOTED BEST FURNITURE STORE IN 2010 & 2011
We appreciate the support of our community of whichwe are proud to be a part of for almost 28 years.
AT PRICES THAT WILL MAKE YOU SMILE s
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Fiori would like to say
thank you to all of our brides, past and future for giving us the privilege of
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Full Day30 Night
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w
flowers221 Colchester Ave.
Burlington | 863-7053kathycoflowers.com
KAthy& CompAny
thank you for your
patronage!
the friendship of those we serve is the foundation of our success.
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V oters’ practical sides finally got the better of them this y ear: In the battle for bes t shoe s tore, Danform ShoeS overtook Stella mae by 20-odd votes. But outside Chittenden County , the Shoe
horn boutique retained its glory — the Montpelier shop has won the Daysie every year since 2008.
Another Montpelier store is having its moment in the sun: Zutano beat out B urlington’s iSabean with the mos t votes overall for bes t children’s clothing. And the capital city ’s WooDbury mountain toyS continues to reign supreme over all other area toy stores — even toyS ”r” uS.
Speaking of local businesses s tanding up to chains , the small but mighty CroW bookShop in B urlington defeated barneS & noble for the second consecutive year. What will happen next year, once phoenix bookS has had time to settle into the scene and become a contender? Time will tell.
GulliVer’S DoGGie DayCare won its second D aysie for best pet daycare, but play DoG play was nipping at its heels. The Crate eSCape was close, too.
There’s no beating B urlington’s aDVanCe muSiC and Montpelier’s GuitarSam when it comes to musical-ins tru-ment stores, but we were psyched to see Vermont ViolinS & the burlinGton Violin Shop come in thir d, followed by Bethel’s elliS muSiC.
Planning a w edding in Vermont? Daysies voters suggest
tying the knot at Shelburne farmS or the inn at the rounD barn farm in Waitsfield. If those ar e booked, runners-up StoWe mountain loDGe or the olD lantern in Charlotte are pretty sweet, too. If you’re going to say yes to the dress, do it at longtime Daysie winner fiori briDal boutique in Essex Junction or runner-up SeWly yourS briDal in Burlington. Voters’ favorite flowers come fr om Burlington’s kathy & Company floriSt.
After three years winning the D aysie for best place to do your banking, merChantS bank finally fell behind longtime runner-up neW enGlanD feDeral CreDit union. tD bank came in thir d, and right behind it w ere Vermont feDeral CreDit union and Vermont State employee CreDit union. Could this be the year of the credit union?
We got plenty of suggestions for where to get car repairs — from mCCaffrey’S SunoCo to SVS to the automaSter — but GirlinGton GaraGe was the clear champion. Hey, it always helps to have an adorable, memorable name.
Indeed, one of the bes t parts of tallying D aysies ballots is discovering local stores with a wesome names, even if they don’t win. Our fave this year: South Hero antique store Junk & DiSorDerly. Consider this your honorary Daysie, J&D, for wittiest business name.
mEGAN JAmES
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serv ices & stuff
Best florist
kathy & Company floristkathy Spear’s florist shop
is tucked behind inDia houSe on colchester avenue, but passersby can’t miss it — the floral display outside, at least in summer, is nearly as lush as the colorful, fragrant assortment indoors. known for her creative, sculptural designs, spear says her personal favorite arrangements are inspired by elegant japanese ikebana — though she’ll happily indulge customers who want an extravagant bouquet. kathy & co. takes phone and online orders and, as a member of the international florist biz teleflora, can have arrangements sent nearly around the globe. spear assures that giving flowers isn’t a one-way street, gender-wise. “women give men flowers, too,” she says. “There are so many occasions to give flowers.”
SEVEN DAYS: what do you wish people knew more about when they ordered flowers on the phone?kathy Spear: today’s society is sort of a fast-food society; people expect us to have every flower that’s on the website at all times, and get [their order] out within the hour. … people aren’t always flexible.SD: Have you recognized any married men buying flowers for women who are not their wives?kS (laughs): oh, i’m not going there! we’re like the priest.
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Co-hosted by the University of Vermont College of Medicine
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THANK YOU
…for your votes!
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We appreciate the confidence you have in
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Best women’s casual clothing[W] sweet Lady Jane[RU] salaam
Best women’s evening wear[W] ecco clothes for Women & Men[RU] sweet Lady Jane
Best men’s clothing[W] Michael kehoe[RU] salaam/The Men’s store
Best shoe store[W] danform shoes[RU] stella Mae
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] The shoe Horn Boutique
Best vintage/secondhand clothing[W] old gold[RU] second time around
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] getup Vintage
Best children’s clothing[W] Zutano[RU] isabean
Best eyeglasses store[W] eyes of the World[RU] Lenscrafters
Best jewelry store[W] perrywinkle’s[RU] Zinnia
Best beauty-product purveyor[W] Mirror Mirror[RU] Mac cosmetics
Best pet daycare[W] gulliver’s doggie daycare[RU] play dog play
Best pet-supply store[W] pet Food Warehouse[RU] petsmart
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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Best place for car repairs
Girlington Garage W hen Demeny Pollitt opened girlington garage three years ago, she
knew she was rolling the dice: she was starting a business during an economic downturn, not to mention wading into a field traditionally dominated by male mechanics. pollitt imagined creating a woman-owned garage where customers, especially women, wouldn’t worry about getting ripped off if they didn’t know the difference between their tie-rod and transmission.
now, three years in, business is booming. girlington garage repairs and maintains the workhorses of Vermont’s roads — more subarus than sports cars. pollitt and her coed staff cater to an enthusiastic clientele of women and men who rave about the garage’s comfy waiting room and patient, knowledgeable grease monkeys.
SEVEN DAYS: What difference does being a woman-owned garage make? Demeny Pollit: i think that people trust women a lot more. My experience being a woman as a customer has influenced the way we deal with customers quite a bit. We really spend a lot of time and effort making sure that customers understand what’s going on with their car, and why. i think we spend a lot more time with our customers than a lot of shops out there do.
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Corner of Main & Battery Streets, Burlington, VT • 802-861-7500 • www.mirrormirrorvt.com
All the lines you love...
Trish McEvoyLaura Mercier
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Now Offering Eyelash Extensions!
Thanks for the votes!
The Wait is Over...
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THANKS for the VOTES!
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NEW from
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2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
Best toy store[W] Woodbury Mountain toys[RU] toys ”r” us
Best musical-instrument store[W] advance Music[RU] Vermont Violins & the Burlington Violin shop
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] guitar sam[RU] ellis Music
Best bookstore[W] crow Bookshop[RU] Barnes & Noble
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] Bear pond Books
Best housewares store[W] Homeport[RU] kiss the cook
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] capitol kitchen
Best furniture store[W] Burlington Furniture company[RU] Homeport
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Best eyeglasses storeEyes of the World For the last decade, Danny Thomas has been seven days readers’ undisputed
eye guy. His shop, eyes of the World, has won best eyeglasses store for 10 years running, and the winning streak continues in 2012. obviously, customers don’t trust their peepers and snazzy eyewear to Thomas just because of his shop’s hippie moniker — a nod to the grateful dead song of the same name — or the Jerry garcia guitar noodling that always seems to be playing in the background. But Thomas concedes that “eyes of the World” has more curb appeal than the name his father gave the business when he opened it in columbus, ohio, in 1949: optical service.
SEVEN DAYS: if you weren’t a deadhead, what name would you have chosen? did you have other ideas?Danny Thomas: No, not really. That was the name i had in my mind for about 30 years ... But a song that was on in my car on the way in today was “in your eyes,” which is a song by peter gabriel, done by a dartmouth a cappella group. it’s a wonderful version. really quite nice.
KEN PicARD
Best bank/credit union
new England Federal Credit Unionif you measured a financial institution’s popularity by the number of occupy Burlington protesters
loitering outside, CiTizEns Bank would surely take the cake. But in this year’s daysies — after years of lingering in the runner-up slot — New england Federal credit union heisted the top honor from mErChanTs Bank.
of course, given the state’s recent ruling that credit unions can’t use the word “bank” or “banking” in their advertising, we’re a little puzzled about what to call that thing we do when we deposit — or, more likely — withdraw our cash from New england Federal. so we put the question to the bank’s, ahem, credit union’s senior marketing executive, CinDy morgan.
SEVEN DAYS: if i can’t use the word “banking,” what one word should i be using?CinDy morgan: you’re conducting financial transactions. i can’t use one word, though.sD: Where do you do your banking?Cm: i conduct my financial business at New england Federal credit union.
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270 Pine Street, Burlington • 658-4482 • conantmetalandlight.com
Vintage, New & Custom Lighting ★ Lighting Restoration ★ Custom Metalworking ★ Delightful Home Accessories ★
270 Pine Street ★ Burlington, VT 05401 ★ 802 658-4482 www.conantmetalandlight.com ★ Tu-Sa 10-5
Thank you for supporting locally repurposed lighting!
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81 Church Street, Burlington860.2220 • eccoclothesboutique.comweddings.parties. black tie events.special occasions.
Thanks for the votes!We have loved being one of your favorite stores for nearly 20 years!
BCBG7 for All Mankind
VelvetElla MossSplendid
Citizens of HumanityPaige Premium Denim
James PerseDL 1961
AGMichael Stars
Susana MonacoDolce Vita
J Brand
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Best antique/secondhand store[W] anjou & the Little pear[RU] restore
Best lighting store[W] conant Metal & Light[RU] Lighting House
Best camera store[W] LeZot camera center[RU] photogarden
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] green Mountain camera[RU] Bob’s camera & Video
Best place to buy a computer[W] small dog electronics[RU] Best Buy
Best local web developer[W] union street Media[RU] eternity Web development
Best bridal shop[W] Fiori Bridal Boutique[RU] sewly yours Bridal
Best Vermont wedding venue[W] shelburne Farms[RU] The old Lantern
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] The inn at the round Barn Farm[RU] stowe Mountain Lodge
Best florist[W] kathy & company Florist[RU] chappell’s Florist
Best outdoor outfitter[W] outdoor gear exchange[RU] eastern Mountain sports
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] onion river sports
Best bike shop[W] old spokes Home[RU] ski rack
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] onion river sports
Best auto dealer[W] automaster[RU] Heritage toyota/Ford
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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Best camera store outside Chittenden County
Green Mountain CameraW hen BoB and John Ste. Marie opened
green Mountain camera in Waterbury center in 2005, the father-son team ignored conventional wisdom, choosing not to offer in-house film processing. instead, they focused on building an extensive inventory, from new, used and antique cameras, to equipment, accessories and even frames. The pair’s foresight paid off. and so did another valuable asset: The store is staffed entirely by avid photographers, so customers can count on sage advice from people who’ve really been there.
SEVEN DAYS: What are the most important features of a new camera to splurge on, and which bells and whistles can amateurs do without?John Ste. Marie: Hands down, a good and fast memory card is necessary. Not all memory cards are built the same, and not all of them operate at the same speed. We find most customers are using the video feature of their digital cameras … The lenses [for digital sLrs] are an investment, but a worthwhile one. digital cameras change frequently, but the lenses continue to be compatible with future generations of these cameras. a good lens will give you better, noticeable results right away.
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Mon–Sat 10–8, Sun 11–6 40 �
862 5051 • S W E E T L A DYJ A N E . B I Z
Congratulations
to all the
Daysie
winners!
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Fresh Prints …of Vermont!
30 Church St., Burlington658-6452
Store Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pmSun 10am–6pm
www.applemountain.net
APPLEMOUNTAINVermont GiftsSpecialty Foods
Apple Mountain is your source for
Vermont’s Best Souvenirs and Gifts.
• Maple Syrup • Champ &
Local Souvenirs• Vermont Artwork,
Photography and Handcrafts
• Vermont Hoodies & T-Shirts!
a locally ownedkitchen & gift market
All kitchen products shown are
Made in America!
GoTeamUSA!
www.KissTheCook.net72 Church Street, Burlington863-4226 • Wedding Registry
Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 10am–6pm
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Muddy Waters
Thank you Burlington and thank you Seven Days!
Brewing strong for 18 years.
184 Main street Burlington, Vt (802) 658-0466
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Best place for car repairs[W] girlington garage[RU] Mccaffrey’s sunoco
Best real estate agency[W] coldwell Banker Hickok Boardman[RU] Lang McLaughry spera
Best garden center[W] gardener’s supply[RU] claussen’s Florist & greenhouse
Best bank/credit union[W] New england Federal credit union[RU] Merchants Bank
Best place to buy a pipe[W] Full tank[RU] Bern gallery
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] stash N’ stowe smokeshop
Best adult toy store[W] good stuff[RU] imago
Best hair salon[W] indigo[RU] stephen & Burns
Best place to get body art[W] yankee tattoo[RU] Jade Lotus
Best gym/health club[W] The edge[RU] planet Fitness
oUtSiDE chittENDEN coUNtY[W] First in Fitness
Best Vermont spa[W] stoweflake Mountain resort & spa[RU] spa at topnotch
Best manicure/pedicure[W] tootsies[RU] Jennie Nail & spa
2012 GUIDE TO READERS’ PICKS
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Best hair salon
Indigo Burlington salon indigo has been in business on Battery street since 1998, but
owner Stephen BevIlacqua has been involved in the hair industry since 1975. a lot has changed since sonny and cher were on television, Bevilacqua notes. and not just styles, but the workforce, too. Thirty years ago, many young adults considered hairdressing a last-ditch job, he says; now, “we’ve got better employees coming in with college degrees.” Bevilacqua, who employs 32, places a premium on ongoing education for his team — there’s a lot to keep up with in this “growth” industry.
SEVEN DAYS: what is the worst thing people do that damages their hair?Stephen BevIlacqua: trying to do their own hair [color] at home. The chemicals really dry it out.SD: why does society have such a thing against women with gray hair?SB: oh, we get that all the time! i don’t know, really. i guess everyone is looking for youth. personally, i love a head of white hair.
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Best place to buy a pipe outside Chittenden County
Stash N’ Stowe Smokeshopstash N’ stowe smokeshop probably isn’t a household name to most Vermont pipe
aficionados — yet. But this year’s first-time daysie winner for best pipe store outside chittenden county has already earned a smokin’ reputation internationally. sNs owner Sarah CoShow is married to Kurt B, a Burlington-based conceptual artist whose glasswork ranges from the classic to the colorful to the insanely cool. They recently sold one of his water pipes, or “bubblers,” that resembles a real water fountain, for $4000.
coshow is now thrilled that her smoke shop, which opened just last year and is sourced primarily by Vermont artists, has finally been discovered by Seven Days puffers. “i’m shocked!” she says, on learning of the daysie. “This is so cool!”
SEVEN DAYS: do customers ever give you shit for not actually being in stowe?Sarah CoShow: it’s funny. The tourists never realize it. since i’m moving a mile away soon, my landlord asked, “are you changing the name because you’re going to be in Waterbury?” i said, “We’re in Waterbury now.” SD: The cabot annex seems like an unlikely locale for a head shop.SC: it’s been great. smokers eat, and we love all the free cheese and chocolate.
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Thank You!
THE MAD TACO2 Village Square, Waitsfi eld VT • 72 Main Street, Montpelier VT
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W e loved reading the r esponses to this y ear’s bonus questions, especially best hair on a local personality.
POINT DJ MIKE LUOMA handily took home the Daysie for his wild, curly mane , and meteor ology god TOM MESSNER earned runner-up for his perky blond cr op. But we loved this comment fr om one astute voter: “[WCAX anchor] KRISTIN CARLSON … it’s like ribbon candy.”
“MIRO [WEINBERGER] has pr etty nice hair ,” remarked another voter. And this ques tion in a v ote for EYE ON THE SKY guy STEVE MALESKI made us laugh: “H ave you been to [VPR’s] Eye on the Sky website?” Do it; we’ll wait.
CHELSEA RESSLER from Burlington’s SECOND TIME AROUND got se veral shout-outs, as did GRACE POTTER, WCAX’s GINA BULLARD, NECN’s JACK THURSTON and, of course, DARREN PERRON and his “unders tated fauxhawk.” Sen. BERNIE SANDERS came in thir d, just above the LEMAY SISTERS, for his untamed tufts of white . And we’re proud of
the luscious locks of our own PAMELA POLSTON, DAN BOLLES, MATTHEW THORSEN and EVA SOLLBERGER, all of whom got votes.
Still, we didn’t even have to know who voters were talking about to enjo y their hair comments . “Devon who’s around and used to w ork at Price Chopper ,” one person wr ote. “Really held onto the Jedi braid for a while.” We’ll be keeping an eye out for you, Devon.
When it came to hippes t hipster, most voters gave a col-lective groan. Many used the opportunity to pick on the tall-bike-riding, skinny-jeans-wearing kids who hang out in front of RADIO BEAN, which, frankly, we thought was a little mean. Hipsters are people, too, folks.
The votes were scattered — nobody got mor e than 30 . But THREAD editor BEN SARLE topped the lis t, followed by Burlington comedian CHARLES “CHICKY” WINKLEMAN. Congrats, guys!
MEGAN JAMES
Best hair on a local personality
Mike LuomaYou can hear Mike Luoma on
the Point, where he’s the music director and a midday DJ. You can buy his self-published science-fi ction trilogy, subscribe to his podcasts and pick up his latest graphic novel from California’s Earthbound Comics. (Called Good Samaritan: Unto Dust, it’s about a Roman Catholic priest wielding superpowers he believes are divine.)
And yet, this year Seven Days readers chose to recognize Luoma for ... his hair. Admittedly, it’s an impressive mane. When he was younger, Luoma says, “I had to keep my hair short, and because of its curliness, it never behaved ... it kinda looked like a white man’s Afro.” Later, when his radio career allowed him to let his hair grow, “I thought, Maybe this is the way it’s supposed to be,” he says.
SEVEN DAYS: If your hair were a comic-book character, who would it be?MIKE LUOMA: It has different personalities on different days, depending on the weather and other conditions. I thought of Spawn, because it just sort of does its own thing, and it’s crazy the way his cloak is crazy. And then I thought of Spiderman, ’cause the same artist [Todd McFarlane] drew Spiderman for a while, and ... his webs were doing the same thing [as the crazy cloak]. � e other comic-book guy I’ve imitated in poses is [famously shaggy Watchmen creator] Alan Moore.
MARGOT HARRISON
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Best and worst things to happen in Vermont in the last year
We all knew that TROPICAL STORM IRENE — or, as many respondents referred to it, “Irene, you bitch” — would be everybody’s pick for worst
thing to happen in Vermont over the last year. But we were surprised when respondents named it the best thing, too.
Well, not the storm, exactly, but the community response to it: the way Vermonters came together to rebuild their homes and communities.
Sure, Daysies voters selected other good things, too. Last year’s mild winter meant less shoveling, which many people loved — others complained that this was the worst thing about last year. Voters raved about President BARACK OBAMA’s visit last spring, the election of Burlington Mayor MIRO WEINBERGER and Gov. PETER SHUMLIN, the ban on fracking, health care reform, and the ALCHEMIST’s canning of Heady Topper. Other favorites: “Shumlin vs. BEARS,” CHIPOTLE coming to Burlington and the opening of the CHAMPLAIN BRIDGE.
What else did Vermonters hate about last year? � e murder of the young St. Johnsbury Academy teacher MELISSA JENKINS, the suicide at the
OCCUPY BURLINGTON encampment, the possibility of F-35s
coming to BTV, and the BURLINGTON FREE PRESS redesign. Some people had addendums to their votes for Irene,
often to hilarious effect, e.g., “Irene and Justin Bieber.” Still, for better or worse, that fl ood defi ned us last year. On that most
Daysies voters, a diverse and opinionated bunch, were in agreement. “Helping each other during Irene” was the best thing to happen last year, wrote one respondent. “How everyone pulled together,” wrote another. “Togetherness after Irene,” wrote one more. Now, almost a year since the storm tore through this state, we’re reminded that we live in one hell of a resilient and compassionate place.
MEGAN JAMES
Hippest hipster
Ben SarleWhen 27-year-old freelance photographer Ben Sarle heard that friends were
organizing an informal campaign to vote him the hippest hipster, the bandana-clad New York native took to Facebook to ward them off. “Winning that would literally be a nightmare,” he wrote.
Well, sorry, Ben! While Sarle may not have the goofi est mustache, tightest jeans or tallest high
wheeler, he’s certainly captured Burlington’s hipster side in THREAD, the bimonthly arts and culture magazine he founded last August. � is month’s issue even includes a 12-photo spread shot by Sarle called “HEY. sweet bike” that features a bunch of folks who would all qualify as runners-up in this category.
SEVEN DAYS: Isn’t campaigning not to be a hipster as hipster as it gets?BEN SARLE: Wait, what was the question? I was busy Instagram-ing my tall boy of PBR next to my fi xie.
PAUL HEINTZ
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to Burlington and the opening of the BRIDGE.
What else did Vermonters hate about last year? � e murder of the young St. Johnsbury Academy teacher MELISSA JENKINS
redesign. Some people had addendums to their votes for Irene, often to hilarious effect, e.g., “Irene and Justin Bieber.”
Still, for better or worse, that fl ood defi ned us last year. On that most Daysies voters, a diverse and opinionated bunch, were in agreement. “Helping each other during Irene” was the best thing to happen last year, wrote one respondent. “How everyone pulled together,” wrote another. “Togetherness after Irene,” wrote one more. Now, almost a year since the storm tore through this state, we’re reminded that we live
YOU SUPPLY THE
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RAW MATERIALWE SHOW YOU WHERE
THANKS FOR THE VOTES!
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O� er ends 8/15/12—what are you waiting for?
Dedicated to improving lives. Since 1966. Essex (802) 879-7734 x 2 • Williston (802) 860-3343 • S. Burlington (802) 658-0001 or (802) 658-0002 • [email protected]
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