Before jumping into this 23rd annual readers’ survey, let’s review some of the more momentous events of the last year.

The first news item for January 2012 was “ACH looking to form alliance with another hospital system.” This is kind of crucial because without it, Ashland Community Hospital could be history. Last summer they thought a deal was done with Dignity Health Care, but community dissatisfaction with Dignity put the kibosh on it. ACH is trying to work something out with Asante as we speak.

The great Ashland Chicken Wars heated up last spring, as people with backyard chicken coops wanted to City to loosen up a little bit with our fine feathered friends. In the end, the City Council compromised, making it a little easier to raise chickens in town.

The City Council was certainly busy with controversy last year, as they also passed an Exclusionary Zone in downtown Ashland, in which repeat offenders would be banned from coming back for 3-6 months. So far we haven’t heard any complaints about the law, and it seems to be working. (As a side note: the guy who started the fire on the Plaza in April was given 20 years in a mental hospital.)

The Smart Meter Controversy turned out to be an over-exaggeration as Ashland doesn’t have “smart” meters. Yes, the City has automatic meter readers on 45% of the homes, but they’re no more powerful than wireless routers.

And of course, there was the election. Once again, a Political Action Committee was formed by local citizens in which they exercised their democratic right of expressing their opinions. To do that, they spent beaucoup bucks on newspaper ads and direct mail fliers. Some felt the group was trying to buy the election, but in our opinion Ashland voters can’t be bought. They look at the facts and vote accordingly, so all is well.

Now back to more important things … the 2013 “Best of Ashland.” We received over 400 ballots this year, and we congratulate everyone who took the time to fill them out. Some people wondered why we don’t have an online ballot. It’s tempting, but we feel it would open the system up to too much ballot stuffing. Joe Blow’s mom sends out a link to all 359 of her relatives around the world telling them to vote for Joe and all of a sudden the votes are meaningless. We’ll pass on that. At least with our system, people have to put some effort into ballot stuffing.

So onward and upward with the 23rd annual “Best of Ashland” …

DEMOGRAPHICS

We asked the question, “Favorite TV Show,” figuring this would give us an insight into the minds of our readers. The results were all over the board and we didn’t even start writing them down until they notched two mentions. The top seven were: Breaking Bad, Modern Family, Homeland, Walking Dead, The Good Wife, NCIS-LA, and Downtown Abbey. It’s obviously a very well-rounded group of respondents.

MEDIA

FAVORITE RADIO STATION

I went on Google and typed in “Radio Stations Southern Oregon,” and unbelievably there are 51 of them in the region, from Cave Junction to Hornbrook.

Anyway, taking down top honors again in this category were the friendly folks over at Jefferson Public Radio (KSOR, KSMF and 1230-AM).

Other favorites included:

• KISS-FM
• KZZE
• Lite 102
• KROG
• KRWQ
• KDOV

FAVORITE RADIO PERSONALITY

In 1959 the most famous deejay of all time, Alan Freed, lost his job at WABC in Cleveland when it was learned that he accepted money (payola) from artists to play their songs on the radio. He was basically a scapegoat since practically everyone was doing the same thing at that time.

Radio personalities are not just deejays, though. With the growing strength of talk radio, some of the more recognizable names don’t even get their hands dirty putting 45s on the turntable. That includes this year’s winner Geoff Riley, host of JPR’s “Jefferson Exchange” program.

The list also included:

• Eric Teel at JPR.
• Don Matthews at JPR.
• Maria Kelly at JPR.
• Gemineye at KISS-FM.
• Brad Ranger at JPR.

FAVORITE LOCAL TV PERSONALITY

Every night they present a cross section of life in the Rogue Valley, from local heroes and scurrilous villains to sports and weather, keeping us apprised of community events as they happen.

Taking down the top spot was Scott Lewis, the weatherman for KDRV who, ironically, was “let go” by the station last fall. KDRV officially says that Lewis didn’t agree to his contract extension, but unfortunately the contract asked for a huge cut in pay, and Lewis decided to move on.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Brian Morton, long-time news anchor at KDRV.
• Jeff Golden of Southern Oregon Public Television.
• Ron Brown, news anchor at KDRV.
• Lindsey Matherly, weatherperson at KTVL.
• Ashley Hall, news reporter at KDRV.

BEST LOCAL ON-LINE WEBSITE

Somehow, www.sneakpre.com was the runaway winner in this category … JUST KIDDING! We’re not so brazen that we’d stuff the ballot box like that. For those who did recognize our efforts, we appreciate it, though. (And I promised our web guy, Eric Gotfrid of Rogue Web Works, a plug for the outstanding job he did putting the page together. His phone number is 541-488-9495.)

The votes were all over the place in this category, but in the end our readers were most impressed with the efforts that the daily newspapers provide: dailytidings.com and mailtribune.com.

Others receiving their share of votes were:

• ashlandlivemusic.com.
• roguevalleymessenger.com.
• ashlandsourcecenter.com.
• ijpr.org (Jefferson Public Radio).
• localsguide.com.

All three of the local TV stations were also mentioned.

FAVORITE REPORTER AT THE DAILY TIDINGS

Well, heck, I just Googled “Most Distrusted Professions” and learned that politicians were number one, bankers #2, and journalists #3. Sad, isn’t it? They spend their entire waking hours trying to keep you informed of the news, and this is the thanks they get.

Locally, our intrepid reporters at the Daily Tidings diligently strive to dispel that stereotype, and leading the way is long-time reporter Vickie Aldous, who has been covering the Ashland political scene for the Tidings for the last fourteen years.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Chris Honoré, columnist.
• John Darling, human interest stories.
• Reporter Mandy Valencia.
• Reporter Janet Eastman.
• Reporter Chris Conrad.

FAVORITE PART OF THE SNEAK PREVIEW

We pride ourselves on providing a diverse range of material for our readers, from hard-hitting news stories and letters to the editor to theater reviews, a Calendar of Events, human interest stories, and profiles of local personalities.

Our readers certainly agree as they named quite a few columns and writers as their favorites. Once again the overwhelming favorite part of the Sneak Preview is our Profile column, in which we highlight a different community member each month with hard-hitting questions like “Favorite Movie.”

Other favorites include:

• Letters to the Editor.
• The “Best of Ashland.”
• The Business Grapevine.
• All of the ads.
• The cover stories.
• Calendar of Events.
• “20 Years Ago Today” column.
• Theater reviews.

PEOPLE/BUSINESS

BEST NEW BUSINESS IN TOWN (LAST YEAR)

The vast majority of people in this country have 9-5 jobs but practically everyone “dreams” of owning his or her own business. It’s a risky proposition, though, and if you don’t do your homework, it can end ugly. Our hats are off to anyone who even attempts it.

Our readers also appreciate their efforts, naming quite a few new businesses in town, including this year’s winner, which was a tie between Boulton & Son Butchers, a butcher shop which opened downtown last year at 165 E. Main; and Paddington Station’s Jewel Box at 180 E. Main.

Coming in a close third was Bombshell, a boutique and consignment shop located at 340 A Street, #5.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Three Penny Mercantile at 101 E. Main.
• Sew Creative, a fabric store at 115 E. Main.
• Crackerjax, a gift store on the Plaza at 27 N. Main.
• Old Farmhouse, a restaurant in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.
• TOT, a restaurant at 310 Oak Street in the old Cantwell Building.
• Milagro’s, a restaurant in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.
• Star Sushi, a restaurant at 293 E. Main.

FAVORITE BUSINESSPERSON

They may technically be the CEO/boss/jefe, but most of them put in longer hours than their employees and take an active interest in every aspect of the business, from greeting customers and cleaning the bathrooms to public relations.

Landing at the top in this category for 2013 was Annie Hoy, Outreach and Owner Services Manager for the Ashland Food Co-op.

The Top Ten included:

• Pam Hammond of Paddington Station.
• Ken Silverman of Nimbus.
• Susan Chester of the Black Sheep.
• Alex Amarotico of Standing Stone.
• Jane Almquist of Tree House Books.
• Eric Weisinger of Weisinger’s Winery.
• Hal Koerner of Rogue Valley Runners.
• Sarah & Jason Esquerra of Bump.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SUSTAINABLE EARTH-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

In this throw-away plastic world, it’s always good to find products made from natural, organic materials that can actually be recycled and/or put to good use after their run is over. And when it comes to that, most people mentioned the Food Co-op or Shop N Kart, although there are a number of retail stores that also carry sustainable, organic, natural products. They include:

• Hemporium, at 296 E. Main.
• Northwest Nature Shop (154 Oak Street).
• Growing Green Baby at 260 N. 1st Street.
• Bug a Boo (40 N. Main).

FAVORITE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

We all remember that first day of elementary school. Landing on the moon would have been infinitely easier—at least there wouldn’t have been scary-looking figures of authority ready to swallow you up for every little mistake. Then you met your first teacher, and he/she immediately put you at ease, introduced you to fellow classmates, and the vistas of a new life suddenly opened up.

Quite a few teachers were mentioned in this category, including this year’s winner Max Schmeling, a fifth grade teacher at Bellview Elementary.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Mark Sherbow, 4th grade teacher at Helman.
• Renee Gardner, 2nd grade teacher at Bellview.
• Debi Blair, primary teacher at Walker.
• Pam Eddington, 1st grade teacher at Bellview.
• Berit Larson, 2nd grade teacher at Helman.

FAVORITE SCHOOL JANITOR

In first grade, you see men and women going around sweeping up the halls and cleaning your rooms, and you think to yourself, “I thought Mom was supposed to do that!” Just kidding, of course.

Somehow we ran this category two years in a row, and once again Connie Rainwater of Bellview swept the award.

FAVORITE LOCAL SPORTS COACH

They’re almost like father figures, from Knute Rockne begging you to “win one for the Gipper” to Bobby Knight throwing chairs across the court. Then after they win the big game, they’re in the locker room bawling like a baby.

Emerging as a favorite among our readers was Craig Howard, coach of the Southern Oregon University football team, who led the team into the playoffs this year. Howard, by the way, is best know for being the head coach of Tim Tebow at Nease High School in St. Augustine, Florida.

The list also included:

• AHS soccer coach Brad Roupp.
• AHS football coach Charlie Hall.

FAVORITE INSTRUCTOR AT SOU

Attendance at SOU seems to go up every year, and it’s no wonder. The university is located in a town with a lot of cultural activities and is surrounded by lakes, mountains and a ski area. Oh, and they have great instructors, starting with this year’s most-often mentioned, Marlene Alt, who teaches in the Department of Art and Art History.

She was followed by:

• Sociology Professor Echo Fields.
• Nutrition instructor Michael Altman.
• Environmental studies’ John Gutrich.
• Economics Professor Doug Gentry.
• English Professor Craig Wright.

CUTEST BABY BORN IN LAST YEAR

There were a lot of babies born worldwide last year, but one stood out with our readers. So congratulations, Elise Way, “Cutest Baby of the Year.” All we can say is … “Way to go, Elise!”

FAVORITE DENTIST

It may cause a panic attack just thinking about dental work, but taking care of your teeth is one of the best investments you can make when it comes to eliminating pain down the line. Just ask my third molar, which I had to have removed while in basic training in the army.

The ballots were coming in fast and furious with this category, and bunched up at the top was a 2-way tie between Brady Frank and Mike Henneman, followed by:

• Jared Anderson.
• Eugene Robbins.
• Medhi Ghavam.
• Pete Schwartzer.
• Gary McGraw.
• Dan Jackson
• Today’s Dentistry.
• Zahra Tahvili.

FAVORITE DOCTOR

It’s one of mankind’s higher callings—spending your life making sure that we all stay healthy and then healing us when things turn south. Our readers certainly appreciate their efforts, as they named 35 different doctors in this survey.

Topping the charts this year was Howard Morningstar, a family practitioner who also won this category in 2002.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Dee Christlieb.
• Craig Mather.
• Richard Morris.
• Sylvia Chatroux.
• Miriam Soriano.
• Jani Rollins.
• Leslie Stone.
• John Sager.
• Gloria Schwartz.

FAVORITE NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR/ACUPUNCTURIST

Occam’s Razor tells you to always search for the simplest solution to any problem. That stomach ache you have might not be an ulcer which requires surgery; it just might be an imbalance of beneficial flora in your bowels which needs some adjustment. That is the whole basis behind naturopathy, and when our readers are looking for their favorites, they most often chose Geoff Hougton. Also receiving lots of votes was Linda Herrick.

Acupuncture, meanwhile, is an alternative medicine methodology that originated in ancient China 2500 years ago … you know, when Europeans were living in crude huts without a clue about medicine other than herbal remedies.

Our readers were able to name most of the area’s acupuncturists in this survey, reserving their number one choice for Ken Bendat and Jody Herriott of the Center for Chinese Medicine.

The votes were spread around fairly evenly in this category, though, and some of those included:

• Jenn Collins.
• Jason and Kara Miller of Jade Mountain.
• Suzanne Sky.
• Mark Abelle.
• Lori Paiken.

FAVORITE CHIROPRACTOR

It was a long day of unloading anvils, safes and refrigerators at the factory, and your back seems a little out of whack. Where to go? Our readers most often chose both Kathleen Manley (Renaissance Chiropractic) and Cynthia Wright as their favorite, followed by:

• Mark Adams.
• David Heller.
• Kelly Lange.
• John Colwell.
• Mark Heller.
• Mark Machala.

BEST PLACE TO PRACTICE YOGA

My wife makes fun of me because I do my yoga exercises while either a.) watching a basketball game, b.) reading a book, or c.) all of the above. She says the purpose is NOT to multi-task but to relax, and she’s probably right. It is, however, hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Woof, woof.

Where to do when you want to do yoga right? This was a close one, as Rose Yoga and Ashland Yoga Center received a lot of votes, followed closely by:

• Bikram Yoga.
• Rasa Yoga.
• YMCA.
• Ashland Tennis and Fitness Club.

BEST PLACE TO PRACTICE PILATES

It’s basically a body conditioning exercise routine that “puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core or center.” I wonder if you can read a book while doing these exercises? Just kidding.

When it comes to Pilates, our readers mentioned a handful of places, starting with Ashland Pilates, located at 310 Oak, #3B.

Others landing near the top of the list included:

• Tina Clark of Ashland Private Pilates.
• Balancing Act.
• YMCA.
• Inward Bound Wellness.
• Ashland Tennis and Fitness Club.

FAVORITE HAIR STYLIST

You were on your way to meet the future in-laws for the first time, and your significant other insisted that you ride in his or her convertible with the top down. “Come on honey, it will fun.” By the time you got there, you looked like you’d just crawled out of a dipsy dumpster. Desperate, you called your favorite hair stylist for a quick once-over.

And when it comes to making sure your hair always looks perfect, our readers were able to name 39 different hair stylists. So once again, we’re going with a three-way standoff between Linda Hood of Abbinito; Julie Schmiess of Blue Giraffe; and Yoko Miura of Plaza Salon.

The top of the list also included:

• Mona Bernard of Hair City.
• Susan Zastoupil of Be Cherished.
• Ann-Britt Malden of Renu.
• Renee Fox of Salon Isabella.
• Daryl and Katie Yasui.
• Leon Danielle.
• Shady Challman.
• Lisa Caplinger.

BEST PLACE TO GET MANICURES/PEDICURES

Okay, I hang my head in shame for labeling this category “Best Place to Get Medicures/Pedicures.” My proofreader (wife) didn’t even catch it. And what’s amazing is that back in 2010 when we ran this category, the same mistake was made. And to everyone who circled “medicures” with about nineteen exclamation points, thank you for your attention to details.

Anyway, who are our readers most impressed with when it comes to manicures/pedicures? The number one choice was Blue Giraffe, located at 51 Water Street, followed closely by Abbinito and Plaza Salon.

Others bunched up near the top were:

• Chloe Salon.
• Ashland Nails.
• Le Chateau Nails.
• Waterstone Spa.
• Imani Institute of Cosmetology.
• Salon Isabella.
• Be Cherished.
• Glow.

BEST PLACE TO BUY SKIN CARE PRODUCTS

Since skin is the largest organ in the body, this category was very popular with our readers. Taking down top honors was Pure Alchemy, a botanical and skin care store located at 253 E. Main.

Also popular were:

• Blue Giraffe.
• Glow.
• Waterstone Spa.
• Imani.
• Chloe.
• Emz Blendz.
• Food Co-op.

FAVORITE AUTO MECHANIC

America has a love affair with their automobiles and when the relationship goes sour, you both agree to talk to a therapist, in this case your mechanic. “He doesn’t give me enough oil,” the car complains. “She doesn’t give good gas mileage,” you counter. Being a professional, the mechanic puts you both back on track.

Winning this category for 2013 was Dan Dawson of McClure’s Auto Repair, who also won this in 2009.

The field was very crowded, however, and the top vote-getters included:

• Bow DeBey at Siskiyou Imports.
• Tony Bonsell at Euro-Mek (no, he has not retired).
• Zach Edwards at Ashland Automotive, Inc.
• The guys at Ashland Auto Repair.
• Jerry at Car Tunes.
• The guys at Valley View Auto Repair.
• Donny at Southern Oregon Automotive.
• Dave Welch at Butler Ford.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TIRES

The vulcanization of rubber was developed by Charles Goodyear in the year 1839, and the first practical pneumatic tire was developed by John Boyd in Ireland in 1887 to “prevent the headaches his son had while riding a bicycle on rough roads.” By the 1920s synthetic rubber was developed in the laboratories at Bayer, and today over one billion tires are produced annually in over 400 tire factories.

A certain percentage of them end up here in Ashland, and according to our readers the best place to buy them is at Les Schwab, located at 2308 Ashland Street (with three other locations in Medford).

They were followed in the balloting by:

• Ross Johnston Tire Sales at 1896 Ashland Street.
• CostCo.

FAVORITE ATTORNEY

You really didn’t mean to burn the neighbor’s house down when the charcoal grill got out of control. It was the neighbor’s fault for not properly pruning his shrubs and leaving combustible material on the ground. He sued you anyway, so where do you go? Many of our readers most often named perennial favorites Jack Davis and Allen Drescher, followed by:

• Chris Hearn.
• Gary Turner.
• Mike Balocca.
• Alexis Packer.
• Bob Good.
• Susan Krant.
• Joe Charter.
• Thomas Lloyd.

FAVORITE POLICEPERSON

Here’s a rhetorical question: do policemen get a panic attack when they’re off duty and driving 74 miles an hour down the Interstate and see a police car off to the side with a radar gun? Kind of like does a tree falling in the forest make a noise if no one is around to hear it? Just askin’.

Anyway, our readers were able to put the radar gun on 15 different officers this year, including this year’s winner, Officer Bon Stewart, who also won this award in 2002 and 2011.

The list of our city’s finest included:

• Sgt. Hector Meletich.
• Officer Malcus Williams.
• Officer Tighe O’Meara.
• Deputy Chief Corey Falls.
• Police Chief Terry Holderness.

BEST FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Okay, you just won the lottery, and you’re trying to decide where to invest that $35 you got on the scratch-off ticket. Just kidding … let’s assume just for assuming sake, that the amount was $1 million. Who would you turn to for advice? Our readers were all over the board on this one, naming quite a few. In the end, Robby Harfst of Harfst & Associates and Jack Gibbs of Fortress Financial Group tied in this category, closely followed by:

• Liz Murphy of Raymond James.
• Larry Hayes of Ashland Investments.
• Larry Steiner.
• Thomas Gau.

FAVORITE VETERINARIAN

Having your dog or cat come down sick is almost as painful as when it happens to you. When my cat Mau Mau lost four kittens giving birth in the vet’s office four years ago, I was freaking out that something might happen to her. A great vet is worth his or her weight in gold.

Amazingly, the top seven in this category were too close to call, so I’m going to name them in alphabetical order:

• LeAnn Albrecht of Animal Medical Hospital.
• Dale Bush of Best Friends.
• Anette Heaslet of Cheerful Vet.
• Dallas Hymans of A Street Vet.
• Scott Knox of Animal Medical Hospital.
• Alice Sievers of Bear Creek Animal Clinic.
• Stephen Tesluk of Ashland Veterinary Hospital.
• Also received their share of votes were:
• Kathleen Blackshear Veterinary Housecalls.
• Denny Sweet.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT OWNER

Back in the early 70s there were about five restaurants in all of Ashland. Today, there are over one hundred, and I think that’s a good thing. A little healthy competition is what keeps restaurant owners on their toes.

Our readers agree, and they named 26 different people in this survey, with the top nod going to Tom and Lisa Beam, owners of Pasta Piatti and Sesame.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Pete and Kristal Foster at the Breadboard.
• Neil Clooney at Smithfield’s.
• Billy Harto of Kobe and Thai Pepper.
• Rob and Anny Harvey of Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Bruce, Chris and James at Omar’s.
• Crissy Barnett at the Peerless.
• Dal and Renee Carver at Wild Goose.
• Susan Chester at Black Sheep.
• Drew Gibbs at Winchester Inn.

FAVORITE WAITPERSON

These people are the ultimate multi-taskers and someone you’d want in a foxhole during a battle. They have peripheral vision, engaging personalities, can handle stress, and can hold everything together when mere mortals are reaching for the razor blades.

It’s been a long-time coming, but Pai Kim of Omar’s won this category again after 15 years out of the spotlight (she won it back in 1997).

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Amy Wong at Martino’s.
• Angie Mitchell at Peerless.
• Ben Qualkinbush of Amuse.
• Bev Burgess of Morning Glory.
• Jacqueline Vidalo-Singh at Loft.
• Beth Crites of the Wild Goose.
• Kerrie Baldwin of the Breadboard.

FAVORITE BARTENDER

A horse walks into a bar with a pair of jumper cables wrapped around his head. He orders a drink and the bartender says, “Okay, but don’t try to start anything around here.” Yeah, yeah, I know it’s a lame joke but it was the best I could find on the Internet.

When you want bartenders who can really tell jokes, you merely have to visit some local favorites, like this year’s winner Julie VandenBerg of the Peerless. She can also discuss art with you, as she doubles as the Art Editor for the Sneak Preview.

Other popular bartenders are:

• Paul Schmeling of Martino’s.
• Tonie Stewart of Alex’s.
• Charles Hall of Creekside.
• Bear Whitmore of Omar’s.
• Chris Arthur of Omar’s.
• Dave Clark of Thai Pepper.
• Chris Hart of Tabu.

CUTEST PET

With pressure from PETA, we were forced to break this down into two categories this year. Winning “Cutest Cat” was Argyle Crites, while the “Cutest Dog” category went to Honey Dijon Kolker.

BEST PLACE TO GET YOUR DOG GROOMED

In lieu of vacuuming up three tons of dog hairs each week, it’s best to just take Ralphie in and let the professionals take over. And in that regard, our readers most often named Land of Paws, located at 1525 Hwy 99, followed by:

• Nature’s Pet in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.
• Bark Avenue at 2405 Siskiyou.
• “In the bathtub at home” got two votes.

FAVORITE THERAPIST/COUNSELOR

No one really ran away with this category, and the whole thing was stressing me out, so I’m going to name the top seven in alphabetical order:

• Nancy Bloom.
• Noel Chatroux.
• Rosemary Dunn Dalton.
• Joan Kalvelage.
• Marilyn Vicarro.
• Will Nuessle.
• Julie Weber.

FAVORITE PLUMBER

Your diamond wedding ring slipped off your hand and down the drain, sending shivers down your spine. You immediately cordoned off the area with police crime tape, then called your local plumber to come to the rescue.

Who to call for that all-important job? This ended up in a tie between Dominic Smith Plumbing Repair and S.O.S.

Our readers were flush with a lot of favorites, though, and they included:

• John Latham.
• Bob Hopkins.
• Gerard Fowler of Economy Plumbing.
• Greg Sprague.
• Rob Murphy of Siskiyou Plumbing.
• Roto-Rooter.
• Drain Pros.
• Richard Ferguson.

FAVORITE ELECTRICIAN

That little electrical outlet in the corner just wasn’t working right, so you decided to “fiddle with it” and see what was wrong. Five minutes later, after a little CPR from your wife and every hair on your body burned off, you came to the realization that maybe, just maybe, you should have called a professional.

According to our readers, you have a lot of options, starting with the teams at both Ricco Patterson Electric and Rogue Valley Electric zapping their way to the top.

• Also mentioned a lot were:
• Ashland Electric.
• Jeff Benson Electric.
• John Fiore Electric.
• Kaylor Electric.

FAVORITE CARPENTER

A little knowledge can get you into a lot of trouble, especially when it comes to carpentry. Sure, you helped your dad build a tool shed in the back yard when you were nine-years-old, and you can tell a 10-penny nail from a roofing nail, but there are a least a thousand little details on every carpentry job, and it’s always best to bring in the pros.

Our readers named quite a few, and hammering his way to the top was Walt Stokes, followed by:

• Greg Pecoraro.
• Eric Pearson.
• Kale Houpperman.
• Don Greene.
• Dale Shostrom.

BEST APPLIANCE REPAIRMAN

You probably open and shut a refrigerator door 30-40 times a day. That means 245 times a week; 980 a month, and 11,760 a year. Appliances definitely work overtime in an average house, and it’s no wonder that they sometimes break down or need servicing. Who to call? The number one choice was Warren Willis of Courtesy Appliance, followed by:

• Dave Backer.
• Elijah at Ashland Home Center.
• Ron at Ashland Vacuum.
• Tony Roth.

FAVORITE STORE DOWNTOWN

Downtown Ashland was certainly in the news last year: The Plaza is getting a re-design, North Main has a Road Diet, there was a fire on the Plaza in April, and there’s now an exclusionary zone downtown to weed out the bad apples. The success of any downtown, however, all revolves around the economy and now that the fiscal cliff has been averted, let’s all get down to business.

Our readers were able to name 29 different establishments as their favorites in this category. Once again landing at the top was Paddington Station, an “eclectic emporium” located at 125 E. Main.

The Top Ten featured:

• Papaya Living on the Plaza.
• Bloomsbury Books at 290 E. Main.
• Renaissance Rose on the Plaza.
• Nimbus, located at 25 E. Main.
• Tudor Guild Gift Store (15 S. Pioneer).
• Outdoor Store at 37 N. 3rd.
• Music Coop, located at 268 E. Main.
• Earthly Goods, at 142 E. Main.
• Village Shoes (369 E. Main).
• Mountain Supply on the Plaza.
• Gold & Gems on the Plaza.

FAVORITE STORE OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN

In this great bustling metropolis known as Ashland, there are shopping opportunities all over, from the Railroad District and “north end” to the College District, Shopping Center, and the “south end.”

Topping the list for the 13th year in a row was Déjà Vu, a consignment clothing store located in the Ashland Shopping Center.

Others mentioned quite a few times were:

• Rare Earth, in the Railroad District.
• Bi-Mart, south of town.
• Bombshell, a boutique and consignment store in the Railroad District.
• The Goodwill Store on Tolman Creek Drive.
• Get n Gear, an outdoor used and consignment store in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Recycled Furniture in the Railroad District.
• Ashland Artisan Emporium in the Shopping Center.
• Fun Again Games in the Shopping Center.
• Bookwagon in the Shopping Center.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR MOTHER’S DAY

This kind of store requires a huge selection with a lot of variety, and in that regard our readers were most impressed with the selection at both Papaya Living and Flower Tyme, both on the Plaza.

The balloting was close, though, and it included:

• Paddington Station.
• Rare Earth.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Hatsetera.
• Prize.
• Bloomsbury Books.
• Heart and Hands.
• Ashland Wine Cellar.
• Paddington Jewel Box.

BEST PLACE TO BUY GIFTS FOR FATHER’S DAY

Dad is another whole animal, and topping this category was the Ashland Outdoor Store, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Nimbus.
• Music Coop.
• Bloomsbury Books.
• Travel Essentials.
• Ace Hardware.

BEST PLACE TO BUY TOYS

Now that I’m a grandparent, I suppose I’ll be back in the game for toy buying. Six months ago I was cleaning out the attic and bundled up about 75 beanie babies for a trip to Goodwill. Ah, the good old days.

The competition for this category was heated this year, so I’m going to name the Top Four in alphabetical order:

• Bug a Boo at 40 N. Main.
• NW Nature Shop, located at 154 Oak St.
• Small Change on the Plaza.
• Unicorn Gifts & Toys at 242 E. Main.

Also receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Tree House Books.
• Paddington Station.
• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Rare Earth.
• Fun Again Games.

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

Human beings are genetically wired with a desire to “look good.” And nothing says it better than diamonds, gold, pearls and gemstones. When our readers were looking to find the best in jewelry, they most often picked Gold and Gems on the Plaza, followed by:

• Art Fx, located at 45 E. Main.
• Nimbus.
• Crown Jewel, at 130 E. Main.
• Papaya Living.
• Soundpeace at 199 E. Main.
• Looking Glass Beads, located at 283 E. Main.
• Paddington Station Jewel Box.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CANDY

The first candy dates back to ancient civilizations, where they indulged in fruits and nuts rolled in honey. We’ve gotten a little more sophisticated since then, and when our readers want to placate their sweet teeth, they most often turn to Rocky Mountain Chocolate, located at 33 E. Main (you know, the one with the big bear sitting in the window).

Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Mix, on the Plaza.
• Food Co-op.
• Market of Choice.
• Dollar Store.

BEST PLACE TO BUY KNITTING/QUILTING SUPPLIES

My mother was a world-class quilter, and if she followed the advice of our readers, she would be spending a lot of time downtown at Webster’s on the Plaza, which won this category.

Others on the list were:

• Quiltz, located at 53 N. 2nd Street.
• Fabric of Vision, at 145 E. Main.
• Sew Creative.

BEST PLACE TO BUY CD’s/ALBUMS

Back in the day when I was collecting albums, they would take up the entire back seat of my car whenever I moved somewhere. Today, CDs take up a fraction of the space, but it’s just not the same. The cover art of some of those old albums made them something special. Oh well … progress.

And in that regard, our readers most often liked to visit Music Coop, a music store located downtown at 268 E. Main.

Coming in second was CD or Not CD, at 343 E. Main, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Cripple Creek.
• Soundpeace.

BEST PLACE TO BUY MATERNITY/INFANT STUFF

There certainly seems to be something in the air, as a lot of people I know are becoming parents or grandparents. It is caused by something in the air, right? Just kidding.

Where to go when you want to find something cool for that pregnant mother or soon-to-be-here infant? Quite a few of our readers mentioned Bump, located at 180 Lithia Way.

The list also featured:

• Bug a Boo.
• Small Change.
• Growing Green Baby.
• Goodwill.
• Earth Friendly Kids.
• Hemporium.

BEST SELECTION OF WOMEN’S CLOTHES

Ever since the first cavewoman donned that sporty little sabertooth tiger coat, clothing has been an obsession with the human species. Locally, there are quite a few places to shop, and the two top vote-getters were Earthly Goods, located at 142 E. Main; and Thread Hysteria, on the Plaza.

That was a lot of competition, however, and the Top Five included:

• Patina Soul (342 Lithia Way).
• Kixx, at 264 E. Main.
• Déjà Vu, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Others high on the list included:
• 250 Main.
• Nimbus.
• Papaya Living.
• Renaissance Rose.
• Avant Garb.
• Frederica Lawrence.
• Red’s Threads.
• Hemporium.
• Rare Earth.

BEST SELECTION OF MEN’S CLOTHES

Functionality is the key word when it comes to men’s clothes, and this ended in a tie between Nimbus and the Ashland Outdoor Store.

Others receiving lots of votes were:

• Mountain Supply.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rogue Valley Runners.
• Goodwill.

BEST PLACE TO BUY HATS

Hats are a combination of functionality and just looking cool. They keep the sun out of your face, protect your head from meteorites, and let everyone know how stylin’ you can be. Where to go? Many of our readers said Hatsetera, located at 300 E. Main, followed by:

• The “Hat People.”
• Rare Earth.
• Renaissance Rose.

FAVORITE FLORAL SHOP

Sure, you can grow flowers in your backyard and cut them for bouquets, but it’s a lot easier to just trust your local florist for that assignment. And in that regard our readers named Enchanted Florist, now in their new location at 2205 Ashland Street, as their favorite.

The top three were actually pretty close and they included:

• Flower Tyme on the Plaza.
• Eufloria, at 449 E. Main St.

Others mentioned were:

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

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS/SHRUBS FOR THE GARDEN

When I’m not working or spending time with the family, you can usually find me at a.) the golf course or b.) the backyard taking care of the thousands of flowers, trees and shrubs that I’ve nurtured for the last twenty years. It’s a full-time hobby, and a very rewarding one. I can walk the backyard and think I’m in paradise.

Helping me with that assignment are the local nurseries. Number one according to our readers is Grange Co-op, located on A Street in the Railroad District.

The vote this year was very close as Ray‘s Nursery (1679 Jackson Street, across from Butler Ford) came in second, followed by:

• Valley View Nursery.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Bi-Mart

BEST PLACE TO BUY WINE

The production of wine became a growth industry 15 years ago when doctors released studies showing that the consumption of wine led to a reduced incidence of heart disease and cancer. Well, duh, I’ll drink to that.

Where to go for the best deals on quality wines? This category ended in a tie as both Ashland Wine Cellar (38 Lithia Way, below the liquor store); and Shop ‘N’ Kart took down top honors.

They were followed by:

• Liquid Assets (96 N. Main).
• Market of Choice.
• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Bi-Mart.
• Weisinger’s Winery.
• Grizzly Peak Winery.
• Enoteca on the Plaza.

GROCERY STORE WITH FRESHEST SELECTION OF FISH

Fish is one of those products that you really want to get as fresh as you can. Not that a three-day old fish is bad; it’s just that something fresh out of the river or ocean can be exquisite.

This category ended up in a statistical dead heat between Market of Choice and the Ashland Food Co-op.

Other’s receiving votes were:

1. Albertson’s.
2. Safeway.
3. Shop ‘N’ Kart.

BEST PLACE TO BUY “STUFF” FOR THE KITCHEN

Once again this category was a runaway, as Paddington Station was the winner, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Penny Mercantile.
• Goodwill.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FERTILIZERS/COMPOST FOR THE GARDEN

Every plant needs sunlight, water and nutrients in order to survive, and each are equally important. So when it comes to making sure your garden gets fed properly, you’ll want to visit your local experts for guidance on what, when and how much to fertilize.

Leading the way in this category were the friendly folks at the Grange Co-op in the Railroad District, followed by:

• Bi-Mart.
• Phoenix Organics.
• Ray’s Garden Center.
• Ashland Greenhouses.
• Aqua Serene.
• Vital Organix.
• Valley View Nursery.

BEST PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE/HOME DÉCOR:

It’s not necessary to decorate your house with Renoirs or furniture from Louis XIV. Early to Late Americana will do, and it can be totally functional, whimsical or anywhere in between. The important thing: have fun.

Where do our readers go when they want to have fun with their home decorating ideas? Most mentioned Ashland Recycled Furniture in the Railroad District.

Also garnering a lot of voters were:

• Ashland Artisan Emporium.
• Bi-Mart.
• Rare Earth.
• Garage sales.

FAVORITE GAS STATION

You ever see that Norman Rockwell painting where a family of four pulls into a gas station back in the 1950s, and five guys dressed in white come out to pump gas, check the oil, clean the windshield, check the tires, etc.? Now that’s what I call the good old days!

That kind of service just isn’t possible today, but our local gas stations give it their best shot. Winning this category for 2012 was the AM/PM ARCO Station at Exit 14, followed by:

• Lithia Way 76 Station.
• Chevron Station at Exit 14.
• Shell Station at Walker & Siskiyou.
• The old Shell Station (now Valero) at Exit 14.
• Valley View 76.
• Texaco at Exit 14.
• The Astro station downtown.

FAVORITE STORE IN MEDFORD

They’re our neighbors to the north, and they’re always fun to visit, from the Expo and Britt to downtown and the Craterian. And while there, you might as well do some shopping, right?

The number one choice according to our readers was the new Trader Jo’s on Sage Boulevard.

Others in the hunt were:

• CostCo.
• TJ Maxx.
• Fred Meyer.
• Medford Food Co-op.
• REI.
• Macy’s at the Mall.
• Target.
• Harry & David Store.
• Guitar Center.

POLITICS

FAVORITE CITY COUNCILOR

It was a busy year for the City Council: they passed an ordinance creating an exclusionary zone for persistent troublemakers downtown; they experimented with a controversial Road Diet on North Main; they loosened the regulations on backyard chickens; and of course, they suffered through another election cycle. In the end, Carol Voisin and Greg Lemhouse were reelected, while Russ Silbiger retired after eight years and was replaced by Rich Rosenthal.

The votes on this were pretty close, so it the spirit of cooperation I’m going to name this an exact tie between Dennis Slattery, Greg Lemhouse and Carol Voisin.

FAVORITE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Proving that Ashland lives in its own little cocoon here next to the California border, this category showed very little interest with our readers. In the end, however, Commissioner Don Skundrick was the leading vote-getter.

BEST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

Supporters of the Road Diet earmarked the re-striping of North Main as the year’s “best,” but don’t get too complacent until you read what everyone thought was the “worst” (see below).

Other good things mentioned were:

• Allowing dogs in some of the parks.
• Appointing Pam Marsh to City Council.
• Signing off on Mt. Ashland.

WORST THING GOVERNMENT HAS DONE IN THE LAST YEAR

The Road Diet was the overwhelming answer to this question, as a lot of people aren’t happy with the traffic snarling that happens during rush hour.

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• The Plaza redesign.
• Not listening to the citizens.
• Lack of homeless services.
• Increasing the utility rates.
• Delaying the hospital merger.

A VERY UNSCIENTIFIC POLITICAL POLL

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

Do you approve of the Road Diet on North Main? On paper it sounds like a good idea: turning North Main into two lanes with a center turn lane, while providing bicyclists with wider bike lanes. I’ve traveled that route 10-12 times since its inception and haven’t encountered any problems, although I’ll have to admit that a.) I was not driving during rush hour, and b.) I only noticed about three bike riders the entire time. Rush hour, from what I’ve heard, is a different animal, and when we get into the heat of the “tourist season,” it could conceivably cause major problems. What do our readers think? This ended in a dead heat statistically.

• Yes, I approve: 50%
• No, bad idea: 50%

Should the City stop using wireless electricity reading meters? Some people think that wireless gadgets, including cell phones, wireless routers, Netflix streaming of movies, iPads, etc., are bad for our health. Intuitively, you have to wonder about all of this non-ionizing radiation that is coursing through our bodies in the 21st century, and while some studies suggest there might be a negative effect, it’s nothing definitive. In the meantime, the City is using wireless technology to read its electric meters. Should they stop doing that? Not according to our readers.

• Yes, stop using the meters: 41%
• No, everything’s fine: 59%

Should the City mellow out on backyard chickens? I’m not even sure how or why this became an issue. I had chickens in my backyard for eight years here on Clay Street (as did two neighbors), and it’s not that big of a deal. Methinks the City Council is a little bored if this is all they have to deal with. Our readers agreed.

• Yes, mellow out: 68%.
• No, keep up the pressure: 32%

Should marijuana be legalized and taxed? I don’t want to sound like a drugged-out pothead, but the War on Drugs has been an utter failure for 40 years. It not only hasn’t slowed the movement of drugs or stopped its usage, but the reverse is true. Yet we continue to spend billions of dollars a year on this “war,” and we have the highest percentage of incarcerated citizens per capita than any other country on earth. The first step to stopping this insanity would be to legalize marijuana. How do our readers feel about this?

• Yes, it should be legalized: 72%
• No, it should not be: 28%

* * * * *

Whew … I’m spent. Part II of the “Best of Ashland” will include Restaurants and Entertainment and will be featured in our February issue. Mañana! —C.H.

 

My how time flies. It just seems like a couple of weeks ago that Part I of the “Best of Ashland” hit the know that everyone has been on the edge of his or her seat waiting for Part II, let’s just get right into it.

As always, multiple ties will be awarded in any category where the votes had a difference of five or less at the top.

RESTAURANTS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Nine new restaurants were listed in this survey, a testament to both our readers’ insatiable appetites and the desire for local restaurant owners to stay on top of their game. Having a lot of new restaurants in town is actually good for business, as it motivates everyone to do his or her best.

The top two new restaurants, according to our readers, were TOT, located at 310 Oak St., #1, in the old Cantwell Building; and Milagro’s, which can be found in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.

Coming in a close third and fourth were:

• The Old Farmhouse, in the Rite-Aid Shopping Center.
• Star Sushi, at 293 E. Main.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Anya’s Thai Bistro, located downstairs at 33 N 3rd.
• Sauce, in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• CJ’s Bistro, located at 11 N. 1st Street.
• The Downstairs Deli at 107 E. Main.
• Beau Club Grill at 345 E. Main.

BEST BREAKFAST

Breakfast is supposed to be the biggest meal of the day, when you load up on protein and essential nutrients to get you through the grind. The last thing you need during that morning board meeting is for your stomach to be growling and expressing disgust.

Okay, it’s not our fault that every year our readers consistently vote for the Morning Glory (1149 Siskiyou), closely followed by The Breadboard (744 N. Main), and Brother’s, located at 95 N. Main. At least they’re consistent year in and year out.

The Top Ten in this category included:

• Wild Goose (2365 Ashland Street).
• Dragonfly, at 241 Hargadine.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Oak Tree (2519 Highway 66).
• Greenleaf, on the Plaza.
• Ruby’s Neighborhood Restaurant at 163 N. Pioneer.
• Munchie’s, downstairs at 59 N. Main.

BEST LUNCH

By mid-day the energy levels start to wane, and it’s important to get a quick pick-me-up. It’s also a time to socialize with fellow workers, clients, friends and family. The lunch crew usually knows you’re in a hurry, and they work overtime to give you primo service.

Working their way to the top of the list for 2013 was a 3-way tie between Taj, an Indian-style restaurant at 31 Water Street; Lark’s, located in the Ashland Springs Hotel; and Greenleaf on the Plaza.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Wild Goose.
• Pangea, at 272 E. Main.
• Omar’s, located at 1380 Siskiyou.
• Dragonfly.
• TOT.
• The Ashland Food Co-op.
• Breadboard.
• Brother’s.
• Ruby’s.
• Morning Glory.

BEST FRENCH TOAST

The first reference to this recipe was found in a 4th century Roman cookbook attributed to Apicius. Seventeen hundred years later we’re still addicted to this delightful breakfast-time repast, and if our readers have anything to say about it, they’ll first head over to Dragonfly, located at 241 Hargadine.

The Top Three were very close, and they included Morning Glory and Breadboard, followed by:

• Brother’s.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Wild Goose.
• Munchie’s.
• Greenleaf.

BEST SOUPS & SANDWICHES

Sometimes menus can be daunting, especially at lunch. There are way too many choices and so little time. Enterprising restaurant owners recognize that reality and usually offer “sandwich and soup specials” for lunch. Landing at the top of this category was Pangea, located at 272 E. Main.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Grilla Bites on the Plaza (unfortunately, they have since moved on).
• Standing Stone at 101 Oak Street.
• Food Co-op.
• Greenleaf.
• Oak Tree.
• TOT.

FAVORITE DINNERHOUSE

They come in all shades and colors, from romantic enclaves to raucous steakhouses, but almost all dinnerhouses have one thing in common—the desire to make you feel confortable and at home.

It was close in this category, but our readers most often named Loft, located at 18 Calle Guanajuato; and Peerless Restaurant, at 265 4th Street.

The Top Five included:

• Amuse, at 15 N. 1st.
• Omar’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek, located at 51 Water Street.

Also receiving lots of votes were:

• Smithfield’s, located at 36 S. 2nd.
• Winchester Inn, at 35 S. 2nd, and now called Alchemy Restaurant.
• Coquina, at 542 A Street.
• Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main).
• Alex’s on the Plaza.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH

Lunch doesn’t always have to be a “wham bam” affair involving 178 people from work intent on gobbling down their food just to get back to their cubicles on time. Sometimes it’s fun to get away with that significant other and enjoy your meal in a relaxing environment. And when it comes to that our readers most often named Martino’s, located upstairs at 58 E. Main; and Lark’s, in the Ashland Springs Hotel.

It was extremely close at the top with Dragonfly and Taroko (62 E. Main) receiving a lot of support, followed by:

• Black Sheep.
• Thai Pepper, at 84 N. Main.
• Alex’s.
• Sesame Asian Kitchen at 21 Winburn Way.

MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT FOR DINNER

This place just screams out “marriage proposal.” There’s soft lighting, soothing music, an attentive waitstaff, and a jewelry store on premises for that last-minute impulse buy … just kidding.

Our readers were in a romantic mood in this category, placing two establishments at the top: Amuse, located at 15 N. 1st; and Cucina Biazzi at 568 E. Main.

 Other romantic spots included:

• Peerless.
• Winchester Inn.
• Loft.
• Alex’s.
• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Kobe.
• Thai Pepper.

BEST STEAK DINNERS ON MENU

Archaeologists estimate that the domestication of cattle occurred independently three times in Iran/Iraq, China and northern Africa 5,000 to 8,000 years ago. Our friendly moo-moos have a rich history of symbiosis with humans (they provide us with milk and meat, and we let them graze rent free on farmland).

Winning this category for the umpteenth time in a row was Omar’s, located at 1380 Siskiyou, although coming in a strong second and third were:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Smithfield’s.

The rest of the list included:

• Peerless.
• Coquina.
• Amuse.
• Loft.

BEST SEAFOOD DISHES ON MENU

Five hundred years ago, Native Americans in Oregon thrived on plentiful game and fish. Not much has changed today, except it’s far easier to visit your favorite seafood restaurant than it is trying to land a 15-pound steelhead at Finley Bend. And in that regard, our readers most often named Beasy’s on the Creek, located at 51 Water Street, as their favorite.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Omar’s.
• Taroko.
• Kobe.
• Amuse.

BEST PASTA DISHES ON MENU

In our version of Pasta Wars here in Ashland, four different establishments battled it out for top seeding with our readers. When the last precincts were reported, though, Pasta Piatti won this category, closely followed by:

Wiley’s World Pasta Shoppe at 1606 Ashland St.

• Martino’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Other favorites included:
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Standing Stone.
• Coquina.
• Peerless.

BEST CAESAR SALADS

Poor Caesar. It’s March 15th, he’s minding his own business on the floor of the Senate in the year 44 BC, when some political fanatics stabbed him to death. There was an immediate outcry to outlaw knives, but that movement didn’t get very far. He did, however, get a salad named after him, although there are rumors that it was named after some guy named Caesar in Tijuana. (Hey, man, we’re here to praise Caesar, not bury him.) Where to go when you want to give praise to a great Caesar’s salad?  Our readers’ first choice is Martino’s/Macaroni’s, located at 58 E. Main.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Standing Stone.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST CHICKEN DISHES ON MENU

To the millions of chickens around the globe who sacrifice themselves daily for our culinary tastes, we thank you. It may sound barbaric to you, but just think of all the innocent bugs you kill every day scraping around in the dirt, and you should be able to relate.

Anyway, for great chicken entrees, our readers mentioned quite a few, including the top two, Lark’s, in the Ashland Springs Hotel, and Loft, at 18 Calle Guanajuato.

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Omar’s.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Peerless.
• Alex’s.
• Thai Pepper.

FAVORITE MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Sure, you can sail the boat down to Cabo san Lucas and visit Edith’s or the Giggling Marlin, but we have the next best thing here in the Rogue Valley, which is home to many former residents of Mexico. Ten different restaurants were named in this survey, starting with numero uno, perennial favorite La Casa del Pueblo, located at 1209 Siskiyou.

The voting was extremely close in this category, and it easily could have been an 8-way tie for first. Those eight included:

• El Paraiso, at 545 Clover Lane.
• El Tapatio at 1033 N. Pacific Hwy.
• La Tapatia in Phoenix.
• Agave, located at 92 N. Main.
• Tabu at 76 N. Pioneer.
• Senor Sam’s in the Ashland Shopping Center.
• Milagro’s in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.

Also mentioned were:

• Big Al’s at 474 N. Main.
• Inti in Talent.

BEST BURRITOS

This is the ultimate Mexican-style sandwich, and it’s practically a meal in itself, stuffed with every nutritious thing you can think of.

Where to go for great burritos? Our readers most often named Señor Sam’s, located in the Ashland Shopping Center.

Others high on the list were:

• Milagro’s.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• El Paraiso.
• El Tapatio.
• Ruby’s Neighborhood Restaurant.

BEST CHIPS & SALSA

They have become a staple of almost every Mexican restaurant in the United States (go to Mexico, though, and they just look at you kind of crazy if you expect chips and salsa right away without paying for them). They’re a great way to whet your appetite (and absorb some of the alcohol from the grande margarita you just ordered).

Who has the best chips and salsa? According to our readers, they were most impressed with the fresh chips and homemade salsa at Agave, located at 92 N. Main.

FAVORITE ASIAN RESTAURANT

It’s great to experience the exotic foods and tastes of different cultures, from China and Thailand to Japan and Vietnam. Our readers agreed and named 16 different restaurants in this category, reserving their number one choice for both Kobe, located at 96 N. Main, and Thai Pepper, at 84 N. Main. Both are owned by Billy Harto.

The next five were all very close, and they included:

• Sesame (21 Winburn Way).
• Taroko (62 E. Main).
• TOT, at 310 Oak St., #1.
• House of Thai Cuisine at 1667 Siskiyou.
• Bonsai Teriyaki in the Albertson’s Shopping Center.

Also receiving votes were:

• Yuan Yuan.
• Mihama’s.
• Taj at 31 Water Street.
• Hana Sushi on the Plaza (now Umi Sushi).
• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• Panda Garden.
• Golden Dynasty.

BEST THAI DISHES

When I first started the Sneak Preview in 1986, Thai food was just starting to become the “next big thing,” although I’m sure it’s been popular in Thailand long before that. Today, there are many establishments offering Thai food on their menus, starting with Thai Pepper and House of Thai Cuisine.

Also very popular are:

• Taroko.
• Anya’s Thai Bistro.
• TOT.
• Yuan Yuan.

BEST JAPANESE DISHES

We waited a whole year for a women’s soccer rematch with Japan, and it was a good one. Japan beat the U.S.A. on penalty kicks in the World Cup in 2011, but the tables were turned in the Olympics last summer, as the ladies in red, white and blue won 2-1 in the final game.

That calls for some Japanese food to celebrate, and where would our readers go locally? Most said Kobe, (94 N. Main), but the list also included:

• Taroko.
• Bonsai Teriyaki.
• Hana Sushi.
• Mihama.

FAVORITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT

The Godfather trilogy were probably the best movies ever made, with Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino all making big names for themselves (well, Brando was already a household name, but who’s counting?). And when you want a little Italian offer you can’t refuse, this category ended up in an Italian standoff, with Pasta Piatti (358 E. Main); Cucina Biazzi (568 E. Main); and Martino’s/Macaroni’s (58 E. Main) all receiving lots of votes.

Also mentioned a lot was:

• Wiley’s World.

BEST SELECTION OF PIZZAS

When I was in college, pizza was definitely one of the four major food groups (ice cream, chicken nuggets and doritos being the other three). One of my most enduring memories as a twenty-something was coming home from the bars one night and seeing my roommate Mac asleep on the sofa, sitting up, with a piece of pizza in his hand and the TV set blaring in front of him.

Where to go when you want to indulge in this nutritious food group? Great American Pizza, located at 1448 Ashland St., was tops with our voters this year, although it was extremely close at the top between Martolli’s (38 E. Main); and Creekside Pizza at 92 N. Main.

The list also included:

• NW Pizza & Pasta at 1585 Siskiyou.
• Papa Murphy’s (1401 Siskiyou).
• Giseppi’s, in the Market of Choice Shopping Center.
• Pasta Piatti.

BEST VEGETARIAN DISHES

According to Wikipedia, vegetarianism can be adopted for various reasons, from ethical and religious beliefs, to heath, political, environmental, cultural, aesthetic or economic reasons. Whatever your reason, and whether you’re a full-time or part-time vegetarian, you may want to follow the advice of our readers, who were most impressed with the selection at Ashland Food Co-op Deli, followed by:

• Taj.
• Taroko.
• TOT.
• Sauce.
• Dragonfly.
• Greenleaf.

RESTAURANT WITH CLASSIEST DECOR

We’re not talking about “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” type décor … I mean, who wants to eat dinner amid glass cases full of million-dollar jewelry? Or Audrey Hepburn over in the corner gazing wistfully at the diamond rings? Instead, just some nice artwork and tasteful furniture will do the trick.

And when it comes to enjoying your surroundings while having dinner, our readers most often named both Peerless (265 4th Street) and Amuse, located at 15 N. 1st.

Others high on the list included:

• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Cucina Biazzi.
• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Callahan’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Loft.

BEST CHICKEN WINGS

They’re quick, they’re easy, and they come smothered in barbecue sauce that makes eating them messy and fun. In a casual setting with plenty of napkins, they’re almost the perfect appetizer.

Where to go locally? Many of our readers picked the chicken wings at both Red Zone (corner of E. Main and 2nd) and Alex’s on the Plaza as their favorites, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Oak Tree.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.
• TOT.
• Standing Stone.
• Creekside.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST COUPONS

Coupons have becoming increasingly more popular during the Great Recession, and while economists say we’re actually not in a recession anymore, it certainly doesn’t feel like it. So … let’s save up those coupons and do what our readers do by visiting Papa Murphy’s, located at 1401 Siskiyou.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• El Paraiso.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• Giseppi’s Pizza.
• El Tapatio.
• Pita Pit.

RESTAURANT WITH MOST EXOTIC COCKTAILS

I went on the Internet to find “weird cocktails” and I’d have to say the winner was from Ken Stewart’s Grill in Akron, Ohio. They offer a $10 martini with a baby octopus on top. Seriously, does that sound disgusting or what? Those guys have been watching way too much Little Mermaid.

Here in the Rogue Valley, our bartenders don’t try to gross people out. Instead, they concentrate on preparing outstanding cocktails that a.) Taste great and b.) Provide a little punch. And in that regard, our readers were most impressed with the creations at Kobe (92 N. Main) and Tabu, located at 90 N. Pioneer, followed by:

• Thai Pepper Satay Bar.
• Dragonfly.
• Loft.
• Peerless.
• Martino’s.
• Lark’s.
• Liquid Assets.
• Alex’s.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST DESSERTS

I can just picture a group of cavemen sitting around the fire polishing off a side of mastodon, when ol’ Clog says something like, “What I’d give for a little banana soufflé.” So Mrs. Clog hustles off to the nearby jungle, finds a big ol’ banana and a couple of chicken eggs, mixes it with some honey and vanilla extract, preheats the fire to 400 degrees, and surprises the whole troop with a big dessert.

Fifteen different restaurants were mentioned by our readers in this survey with Amuse (15 N. 1st) and their sister store Mix (on the Plaza at 57 N. Main) taking down top honors.

Others high on the list were:

• Munchie’s.
• Loft.
• Dragonfly.
• Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
• Omar’s.
• Winchester Inn.
• Peerless.

BEST WINE BAR

Southern Oregon is definitely becoming a wine mecca. It seems like every other week a new winery is opening up, and just last month that mansion/winery across the Interstate here in Ashland opened to rave reviews.

When it comes to relaxing and tasting wine in a relaxed atmosphere, our readers most often named Liquid Assets, located 96 N. Main, followed by:

• Winchester Inn Wine Bar.
• Edenvale Enoteca, on the Plaza.

BEST RESTAURANT TO TAKE THE WHOLE FAMILY

Not every restaurant can handle the entire extended family, but when you want to take the kids and the out-of-town guest to dinner, there are a number of options. The most popular with our readers is Standing Stone, located at 101 Oak Street; and NW Pizza & Pasta, at 1585 Siskiyou.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Wild Goose.
• Omar’s.
• Old Farmhouse.
• Munchie’s.
• Louie’s.
• Wiley’s World.
• Pasta Piatti.

RESTAURANT WITH FRIENDLIEST WAITSTAFF

They don’t have to be your best friends (I mean, who needs waiters and waitresses asking to borrow money?), but they do need to be friendly. Surly and suicidal doesn’t make it when you’re sitting down for a relaxing meal.

This was another popular category, as our readers named 25 different restaurants, starting with this year’s winner, the friendly folks at The Breadboard, located at 744 N. Main, followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Wild Goose.
• Morning Glory.
• La Casa del Pueblo.
• Happy Falafel.

BEST “QUICK SERVICE” RESTAURANT

This is a genre that was practically invented by Americans. As a country that has been continually on the move (“Westward Ho,” “Go West, young man” and all that), time is sometimes of the essence. And when it comes to that, our readers most often picked the fast, efficient (and tasty) service at Happy Falafel (in the Ashland Shopping Center, next to Printfast) and Bento Express, at 3 Granite Street.

Others high on the list were:

• Señor Sam’s.
• Ruby’s.
• TOT.
• Koko’s, at Ashland Hardward.
• Milagro’s.
• The lunch buffet at Taj.

BEST SELECTION OF BURGERS

American inventions: apple pie, basketball, jazz, action movies and hamburgers. No wonder everyone wants to move here! And when they come to Ashland looking for great hamburgers, they once again turn to both Louie’s (on the Plaza) and Big Al’s, located at 474 N. Main.

Our burger aficionados also mentioned:

• Standing Stone.
• Omar’s.
• Red Zone.
• Oak Tree.
• Playwright Public House, at 258 A Street.
• Munchie’s.

BEST MILKSHAKES

It’s closer to a dessert than it is to a refreshing beverage … just ask my sweet tooth for a testimonial. When it comes to great milkshakes, our readers named Zoey’s Café & All Natural Ice Cream, located at 199 E. Main, as their favorite, with Big Al’s coming in a close second.

The list also included:

• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Oak Tree.
• Wild Goose.
• Munchie’s.

BEST SELECTION OF SANDWICHES

Here’s a line from comedian Jim Gaffigan: “Parents get burned out in big families. You can even see it in the naming of children. It’s always, like, the first kid: ‘You were named after Grandma.’ The seventh kid: “You were named after a sandwich I had. I loved that. Now, get your brother Reuben.’”

And when our readers are looking to find a future name for their 8th born child, they most often turned to the selections at both Big Town Hero, located at 75 N. Main; and Subway, with three locations in Ashland (397 Avery; on the SOU campus; and in the Rite-Aid Shopping Center).

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Greenleaf.
• Ashland Food Co-op.
• Pangea.
• Downstairs Deli.
• Zoey’s.
• TOT.

BEST FISH & CHIPS

This dish contains fish, which are high in all those good omega 3’s. Although 99% of the population have no idea what that means, they’ve heard Dr. Oz talk about it on TV as something beneficial to your heart, so it must be good. Deep fried chips aren’t great for the ol’ arteries, but at least it all evens out, right?

Where to go for great fish & chips? Topping this category was the Black Sheep, located upstairs on the Plaza. They were followed by:

• Omar’s.
• Smithfield’s.
• Paddy Brannan’s (23 S. 2nd).
• Standing Stone.
• Louie’s.

FAVORITE BARISTA (COFFEE SERVER)

You’re standing in line at your favorite coffeehouse and the Valley Girl in front of you is talking on the phone to … like … whomever! She finally makes it to the front of the line, puts her phone away and stares at the menu board for two minutes trying to figure out what she wants. Your only thought: “Why is murder illegal?” The barista feels your pain, moves the girl along, and gets you back focused on the important things in life, i.e., caffeine!

Quite a few baristas were named in this survey, including this year’s winner, Rihanna Piddington, at the Human Bean drive-through north of town.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• David at the Bloomsbury Coffeehouse.
• Dustin at Rogue Valley Roasters.
• Tim Case at Case Coffee.
• Dani at Dutch Brothers.

FAVORITE COFFEEHOUSE

Caffeine is only part of the equation when it comes to popular coffeehouses. It’s also a social scene, where friends, relatives, colleagues and minor acquaintances meet to discuss the important issues of the day, like who will be the next person voted off Survivor.

Taking down the top spot in this category was once again Noble Coffee, located at 281 4th Street, followed by:

• Rogue Valley Roasting Co. at 917 E. Main
• Starbucks (downtown and at Siskiyou and Frances Lane).
• Bloomsbury Coffee.
• Case Coffee at 1255 Siskiyou.
• The Beanery (Ashland and Walker).
• Mix on the Plaza.
• Café 116 at 116 Lithia Way.
• Boulevard Coffee (at the Stratford Inn).
• Evo’s (376 E. Main).
• Dutch Brothers.
• Human Bean.

RESTAURANT WITH BEST OUTDOOR SEATING

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy; fish are jumpin’ and the outdoor patio is fine … or something like that. All I know is when it’s hot outside, there’s nothing like sitting on the patio at your favorite restaurant and enjoying the great outdoors.

Winning this category was the Dragonfly, located at the corner of Hargadine and 1st Street, where their garden setting is straight out of a tropical jungle scene.

The Top Four were pretty close in this, and they included:

• Thai Pepper.
• Peerless.
• Smithfield’s.

Others receiving their fair share of votes were:

• Beasy’s on the Creek.
• Caldera.
• Loft.
• Ruby’s.
• Standing Stone.
• Cucina Biazzi.

BEST CATERERS

You have thirty people coming over to celebrate that nomination you received for the Nobel Peace Prize, and you’re freaking out about what to serve. The last thing you want to do is go postal on everyone and blow your cover, so you decided to call a professional.

• And in this case our readers most often recommended Awna Zegzdryn’s AZ Catering and Event Planning, followed by:
• Ashland Gourmet.
• Confident Catering.
• Gourmet Lunchbox.

ENTERTAINMENT

BEST LIVE CONCERT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

A number of concerts were named by our readers, but the number one choice was the visit in December by the famous rapper Snoop Dogg, who appeared at the Ashland Armory.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• The “Mozart” concert by Southern Oregon Rep Singers in February.
• The Siskiyou Singers’ concert, “Night at the Opera,” in April.
• The Greensprings Mountain Festival in September.
• The “Green Shows.”

FAVORITE CONCERT AT THE BRITT FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

The Britt Festival celebrated its 50th season this year as “the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival.” Whether you have reserved seating in front or choice spots on the grassy knoll, the experience keeps thousands of people returning every year.

Landing at the top of the list with our readers this year was an appearance by Earth, Wind & Fire, the 70s R&B band most famous for “Shining Star” and “September.”

The list also included:

• The Avett Brothers.
• Steve Martin.
• Ziggy Marley.
• Wilco.
• The Classical Festival.

BEST PRODUCTION AT THE CRATERIAN LAST YEAR

Our neighbors to the north go all out at the Craterian Theater in downtown Medford, bringing in top names and productions from around the world and region. Topping the list this year was a Broadway touring production of A Chorus Line.

MOST FUN PLACE FOR FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK

It’s turned into one of the most fun social events on the Ashland calendar, as hundreds of people gather in downtown Ashland (and surrounding areas) on the First Friday of every month to enjoy art, music, refreshments and conversation.

Topping this category for 2013 was a tie between the Ashland Art Center (357 E. Main) and all of the activities going on along A Street.

Also popular are:

• Plaza Salon.
• Art & Soul Gallery.
• Hanson Howard Gallery.
• Illahe Gallery.
• Black Sheep.
• Bombshell.

FAVORITE LOCAL ARTIST

Quite a few local artists were mentioned by our readers, including this year’s winner, Michael Arciniega, a self-taught and versatile artist whose work can be found at artwithmuscle.com.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Denise Kester.
• Kevin Chrisman.
• Toni DeMello.
• Betty LaDuke.
• Harriet Rex Smith.
• Gabriel Lipper.

BEST FILM AT FILM FESTIVAL LAST YEAR

Soon to be celebrating its 13th season, the Ashland Independent Film Festival brings in thousands of filmgoers to view over 80 new films presented each year. Our readers named quite a few favorites from 2012, including Ethel, a documentary about the life of Ethel Kennedy, produced by Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s daughter, Rory.

The list also included:

• Gayby.
• Valley of Saints.
• Chasing Ice.
• Your Sister’s Sister.
• Walk-In.

BEST EXHIBIT AT SCIENCEWORKS LAST YEAR

This isn’t your average museum where exhibits change every 17 years. Almost weekly there’s something new going on to stimulate the minds of children and adults. Topping the list this year was the Live Bee Hive, where bees travel in and out doing their thing.

Also mentioned were:

• The Hot Wheels Weekend, which is two tire-squealing days of “kid directed play.”
• Nano Days, where the world too small to see is explored.

BEST SPORTING EVENT IN ASHLAND LAST YEAR

This issue of the Sneak Preview will hit the stands five days after the Super Bowl, but as far as our readers are concerned, the playoff drive by the Southern Oregon University Football Team was more exciting.

The list also included:

• AHS boys soccer.
• AHS volleyball.
• Little League in Hunter Park.
• The Kiwanis’ Monster Dash Run.
• SOU lacrosse.

FAVORITE PARK IN ASHLAND (OTHER THAN LITHIA PARK)

There’s actually some controversy involving parks in Ashland, as the new city administrator wants to take away some of their funding and spread it around the general fund. The 5-member elected Park Commission isn’t very happy about that idea, as you can imagine.

If our readers had anything to say about it, they’d fully fund the parks department, as this category was very popular. Fourteen different parks were mentioned, including their favorite, Garfield Park.

The Top Six included:

• North Mountain Park.
• The Dog Park.
• Clay Street Park.
• Triangle Park.
• Railroad District Park.

BEST FITNESS CENTER

There has been an explosion of fitness centers nationwide, and that’s a good thing. While we wring our hands over the health care crisis in this country, if everyone would just man or woman up and get some exercise and watch his or her diets, health care costs would be cut in half within ten years.

Where to get some exercise locally? Quite a few places were mentioned, including the number one locale, the Ashland YMCA, followed by:

• Anytime Fitness.
• Ashland Tennis & Fitness Club.
• Snap Fitness.
• Baxter Fitness.
• Aerospace.

BEST PLACE TO GO DANCING

It’s good for the body, mind and spirit, so what could there possibly be not to like about dancing? Okay, maybe you don’t have all the moves you’d like and feel a little self-conscious about it, but if there’s a smile on your face, that’s the only thing people will notice.

And when it comes to dancing, our readers most often mentioned Alex’s, upstairs on the Plaza, followed by:

• Taroko’s.
• Tabu.
• Vinyl Club.
• Roscoe’s, in Phoenix.
• Community Center on Winburn Way.

BEST COSTUME IN THE 2012 HALLOWEEN PARADE

It has evolved into a major event in downtown Ashland, as thousands of children and adults try to outdo each other with creative and funny costumes. Quite a few were mentioned, but there wasn’t any clear winner. Here’s a list of some of them:

• Sock hop girls.
• Little vampire with blood.
• Prom Zombie.
• Black Spider girl.
• Ice family.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OFF-BARDWAY)

There were quite a few off-Bardway plays last year, all of them professionally produced with an attention to detail. Taking down top honors was Woody Guthrie’s American Song at Camelot Theatre, which played to packed crowds last summer.

The list of favorites also included:

• The Winter Wonderettes at Oregon Cabaret Theatre.
• Let’s Misbehave at OCT.
• 1776 at Camelot.
• Marisol at Southern Oregon University.
• The Big Bang at OCT.
• West Side Story at Ashland High School.
• All the King’s Men at Camelot.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) OFF-BARDWAY        

There was a strong list of candidates for this award, and pulling down top honors was Roy Rains, Jr., for his portrayal of Willie Stark in Camelot Theatre’s production of All the King’s Men last winter.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Robin Downward for OCT’s Let’s Misbehave.
• Don Matthews for Camelot’s Best Man.
• Paul R. Jones as Benjamin Franklin in Camelot’s 1776.
• David Gabriel as John Adams in Camelot’s 1776.
• Christopher George Patterson in OCT’s Song and Dance.
• Peter Wickliffe in Camelot’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

On the female side of the ledger, the most recognition went to Shae Johnson, for her work in OCT’s holiday production, the Winter Wonderettes.

The list of fine performances included:

• Tamara Marston in Camelot’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.
• Sarah Gore in Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Kymberli Colbourne in OCT’s Let’s Misbehave.
• Renee Hewitt in Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Alyssa Rhoney in SOU’s Marisol.
• Amelia Mejia in AHS’s West Side Story.

BEST PLAY LAST YEAR (OSF)

Once again, all twelve productions by our favorite world-renowned Shakespeare Festival were mentioned at least once by our readers.

Taking down the top spot was All the Way, the historical tale of Lyndon Johnson’s accidental presidency, and the political genius he used to get elected in his own right.

The Top Five included:

• The White Snake.
• Animal Crackers.
• Party People.
• Romeo and Juliet.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (MALE) OSF

Following up on the popularity of All the Way, Jack Willis won this category for his portrayal of LBJ.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• John Tufts as Henry V.
• Mark Bedard as the Groucho Marx character in Animal Crackers.
• G. Valmont Thomas in Party People.
• Christopher Livingston in The White Snake.

BEST THEATER PERFORMANCE (FEMALE) OSF

Winning this category for the 2012 season was Amy Kim Waschke for her work in The White Snake.

She was followed by:

• Tala Ashe as Cassandra in Troilus and Cressida.
• Robin Nordli in The Very Merry Wives of Windsor, Iowa.
• Alejandra Escalante as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet.

BEST DIRECTOR (LOCAL THEATER)

Every production contains the personal stamp of its director, and everyone appreciates the time and energy he or she devotes to each performance.

And in that regard our readers most often mentioned Livia Genise for her work with Camelot Theatre’s Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

Others mentioned a lot were:

• Bill Rauch for OSF’s All the Way.
• Mary Zimmerman for OSF’s The White Snake.
• Roy Rains for Camelot’s 42nd Street.
• Rob Melrose for OSF’s Troilus and Cressida.

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/SINGER

What would we do without music? It would certainly make life a lot more boring and routine. Can you imagine going to a football game or a parade without music? Or watching a movie? Or driving in the car? Or … oh well, you get the picture.

Our readers were able to name quite a few local musicians, and strumming his way to the top was Robbie DaCosta, who can be seen locally with his band at various venues, including Alex’s on Monday night and Peerless on Wednesday nights.

Also popular are:

• Shae Johnson of the Rogue Suspects.
• Karen Lovely, blues singer.
• Ed Dunsavage, jazz bass.
• Jeff Koetzel, guitarist/vocalist.
• David Gabriel, singer.
• Grant Ruiz, guitarist.

BEST LOCAL ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BAND

Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay, and they built this city on rock ‘n’ roll. What more can you say? Rockin’ and rollin’ their way into our hearts was local band The Rogue Suspects, who play various gigs around the valley.

Coming in a close second was the Robbie DaCosta Band, followed by:

• Karen Lovely Band.
• The Stamps.
• Frankie Hernandez.
• 100-Watt Mind.
• Love Bite.

BEST LOCAL JAZZ BAND

My dad was a jazz aficionado, but mainly the Big Band variety. I grew up hearing Benny Goodman, Louie Armstrong and Artie Shaw, and about how my dad claimed to have “discovered” Bing Crosby.

Locally, our readers named the Paul Schmelling Trio as their favorite.

Coming in a close second was the Ed Dunsavage Trio.

BEST NIGHTCLUB TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC

When you want to get out of the house and actually feel as if you’ve gone somewhere and done something, catching live music at a local nightclub is the perfect assignment.

Once again taking down the number one spot was Alex’s, located upstairs on the Plaza, followed by:

• Wild Goose.
• Playwright Pub.
• Martino’s.
• Roscoe’s.
• Tabu.

BEST “ENTRY” IN THE 2012 4TH OF JULY PARADE

This parade always seems to bring out the best and brightest of Ashland. Some years it appears as if everyone in town is in the parade, much less watching from the sidewalks. For the 10% of us watching, we had our favorites, including the grand finale, the Samba Like It Hot drummers, who always lead everyone down to the Plaza at the end of the parade.

Others high on the list were:

• YMCA young gymnasts.
• El Tapatio.
• Friends of the Animal Shelter.
• Ashland Food Project.
• Macaroni’s band.
• The jet flyovers.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MIXED DRINKS

Sometimes you want something with a little more pizzazz and cachet than just a gin and tonic or a bourbon and water. Creatively is the key here, and in that regard our readers most often mentioned the selections at Tabu and Thai Pepper Satay Bar.

Also receiving a lot of votes were:

• Liquid Assets.
• Kobe.
• Alex’s.
• Martino’s.
• Loft.
• Lark’s.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Taroko.

BAR WITH BEST SELECTION OF MICROBREW BEERS

The good old days when all you could get was Budweiser and Schlitz actually weren’t that good. Not that those beers were bad, but it’s just more fun when you have a lot of choices. Microbrewed beers have become such a science that you can now find varieties to fill almost every mood and taste.

And when it comes to having a great selection of microbrewed beers, our readers gave the nod to Standing Stone Brewing Co., located at 101 Oak Street, followed by:

• Caldera Pub.
• Creekside.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Red Zone.
• Martino’s.

BAR WITH FRIENDLIEST BARTENDERS

You want a bartender with good jokes like this one: A Chihuahua, Doberman and Bulldog are in a bar when a great-looking female Collie comes in and says, “Whoever can best say liver and cheese in a sentence can go on a date with me.” The Doberman says, “I love liver and cheese.” The collie replies, “That’s not good enough.” So the Bulldog says, “I hate liver and cheese.” She says, “That’s not creative enough.” Finally the Chihuahua says, “Liver alone … cheese mine.”

This category actually had seven different bars bunched up at the top, so I’m going to name all seven in alphabetical order:

• Alex’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Liquid Assets.
• Martino’s.
• Omar’s.
• Tabu.
• Wild Goose.

Also mentioned a lot were:

• Oak Tree.
• Standing Stone.
• Beau Club.

BEST BAR TO WATCH SPORTS ON TV

The Super Bowl has come and gone, but on the horizon is March Madness, which is personally my favorite time of the year. Where to go when you want to root your favorite team onto victory? This was pretty close, but in the end, the Red Zone ran this one into the end zone for a touchdown, followed by:

Louie’s on the Plaza.

• Oak Tree.
• Omar’s.
• Black Sheep.
• Paddy Brannan’s.
• NW Pizza & Pasta.

FAVORITE PART OF THE GROWERS MARKET

It’s one of the oldest growers’ markets in southern Oregon, and it’s a veritable social scene every Tuesday morning from 9am to 1pm at the Armory on East Main (and on Saturday on Oak Street downtown). This category received a lot of attention from our readers, and apparently everyone has an opinion. There’s no denying that the selection of fresh organic produce and all the people are important, but when we break the market down into individual entities, it turned out like this:

• Fry Family Farms.
• The fresh donuts.
• Blue Fox Farm.
• Willow-Witt Farm.
• The tamales.

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNDAY DRIVE

Yes, the price of gas may be hovering around $4 a gallon, but surely there’s some comfort knowing that the price is $8.17 in London and $9.63 in Turkey. Where to go when you want to spend $8-$15 on a short drive through the countryside? Many of our readers picked the Applegate Valley as their number one destination, followed by:

• Lake of the Woods
• The Greensprings.
• Mount Ashland.
• Crater Lake.
• Dead Indian Memorial Road.
• Jacksonville.
• Hyatt/Howard Prairie Lakes.

BEST LOCAL HIKE IN THE WOODS

Enjoying nature should not be from the confines of your car. You need to get out and breathe in that fresh air, especially in the woods where the trees are working overtime to photosynthetically provide you with as much oxygen as possible.

The favorite hiking spot with our readers is the Oredson-Todd Woods, accessible via the top of Park Street and near Greenmeadows Drive.

Others high on the list were:

• The White Rabbit.
• Lithia Park.
• The watershed above Lithia Park.
• Grizzly Peak.
• Wagner Butte.
• Toothpick.

BEST PLACE TO GO GAMBLING

Yeah, I know, the best strategy to use when gambling is to not bet. The house definitely has the edge, but you never know when you might hit the big one. And if you consider your losses as entertainment, it’s not that all bad … unless you bet the mortgage on the house, then it becomes bad (and stupid).

Taking this category in a runaway was Seven Feathers, which is a mere 75 miles north on the Interstate.

Also mentioned were:

• Las Vegas.
• Reno.
• The Wild Goose.
• Elk’s Club
• The horse races at Grants Pass Downs.

* * * * *

Wow … 144 categories completed. I am now going to step out into the sunlight after three straight days in this basement office. I feel like Count Dracula. See everyone in 2014! If you have any suggestions for new entries next year, write to me at sneakpre@mind.net. —C.H.