CHOICE 2 0 1 2 READERS And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the winners in the Readers Choice Awards ... We’ve got a lot to be proud of on the Coastside — from the natural beauty of the ocean and mountains, to the wealth of active and cre- ative citizens, to some of the finest small businesses anywhere. But what are the favorites? Among all the good, who are the great? We asked the Coastside and were overwhelmed with the response. This was not multiple choice. We did not have you pick from some edited list. This was all on your own and we tallied every last answer — a very time-consuming process. Some of the winners were landslides. Many, however, were decided by just a few votes. It’s a testament to the quality, and quantity, of stuff that makes the Coastside so great. We included over 50 categories from favorite book store to favorite beach. Take a look. Did your favorite take the prize? Congratulations to all the winners — and a big thank you to all who voted. — The Half Moon Bay Review RC A special section of the Half Moon Bay Review • October 31, 2012
Transcript
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
And now, the moment you’ve
all been waiting for, the winners in the
Readers Choice Awards ...
We’ve got a lot to be proud of on the Coastside — from the natural
beauty of the ocean and mountains, to the wealth of active and cre-
ative citizens, to some of the finest small businesses anywhere. But
what are the favorites? Among all the good, who are the great? We
asked the Coastside and were overwhelmed with the response. This
was not multiple choice. We did not have you pick from some edited
list. This was all on your own and we tallied every last answer — a
very time-consuming process. Some of the winners were landslides.
Many, however, were decided by just a few votes. It’s a testament to
the quality, and quantity, of stuff that makes the Coastside so great.
We included over 50 categories from favorite book store to favorite
beach. Take a look. Did your favorite take the prize?
Congratulations to all the winners — and a big thank you to all who voted.
— The Half Moon Bay Review
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A special section of the Half Moon Bay Review • October 31, 2012
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OUR SINCERE THANKS
HALF MOON BAY
1st PlaceFAVORITE PLACE FOR SEAFOOD
2nd PlaceFAVORITE PLACE FOR HAPPY HOUR
3rd PlaceFAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS
& BEST CATERING SERVICE
In the 2012 HMB Review Readers Choice Awards
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Stay tuned for our newest restaurant in Palo Alto...CAMPO PIZZERIA
Artisan Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
Opening this November. Learn more and sign up for newsabout our opening: CampoPizzeria.com
Artisan Pizza & Mozzarella Bar
Opening this November. Learn more and sign up for news
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www.newleaf.com
Corner of Hwy 1 and 92Half Moon Bay, 650-726-3110
Sh
op NEW LEAF
WITH E-CARDS
Thank youHalf M
oon Bay!
VotedFAVORITE GROCERY
STORE!
CHOICE2012
R E A D E R S
We are giving back with your support!
$30,265donated $9,480
donated
Cunha educator a Coastside favorite
It took Tom Cox all of a few seconds to name the person who in-fluenced him to become a teacher.
It was his old typing teacher at San Mateo High School, Jim Friedman.
“He made every class fun and entertaining,” Cox said. “He made you want to go to class.”
Cox absorbed those traits and now passes them on to the stu-dents he teaches at Cunha Intermediate School.
Cox has been teaching at the middle school for years. Teaching U.S. history, Cox is also the adviser for student council and leader-ship. As if that isn’t enough, Cox is also the president of the Cabril-lo Unified Teachers Association. Past students say he brings enthu-siasm and passion when teaching — as well as a sheer sense of joy.
As a student, Cox was determined to show his appreciation for his old typing teacher Mr. Friedman by doing as much work as pos-sible back when he was in Friedman’s class.
“I got a 102 because I wanted to impress him,” Cox said.Cox served as a class aide for Friedman, including during sum-
mer school. In turn, Friedman was impressed with Cox’s love and passion for being in the classroom.
“He told me I should go into education,” Cox said. “He stressed that was the direction I should go.”
Cox does more than just teach American history. During a break from school, Cox and some of his students take a trip to Washing-ton, D.C., right after he teaches the ins and outs of the U.S. Consti-tution.
“Those kids want to go to Washington,” Cox said.— Mark Foyer
Teacher left strong impression on Cox
CHOICE
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Favorite TeacherTom Cox, Cunha Intermediate School
R E A D E R SFavorite Grocery StoreNew Leaf Community Market
Runner-UpSafeway
Honorable MentionCunha’s Country Grocery
New Leaf goes naturalGrocer has carved caring niche in town
With its overarching focus on the natural and the or-ganic, New Leaf Community Market in Half Moon Bay has an eye out for the natural way to health for its customers. With both shoppers and employees
overwhelmingly local, “community” isn’t just the store’s middle name.
“We really work for the community and with the community,” said Manager Miguel Lucatero.
The shelves are stocked with soups, meat, produce, body care products and more. There’s produce (95 percent organic), dairy and deli sections, meats and seafood (also primarily organic), a sushi section, a bakery section (with baked goods that are also made with primarily natural and organic ingredients), a juice bar, fruit juices and smoothies (that are 100 percent fruit juice), said Lucatero.
The emphasis on local and natural also goes for the beer and wine: There are vintages from Coastside wineries and a “vast amount” of organic wines, he said.
In business locally for nearly half a decade since its July 2008 opening, New Leaf also looks to serve its community in other ways. At times throughout the year the store channels a percent-age of sales to a local nonprofit organization that is chosen by its customers. Coastside nonprofits that have been recipients in-clude Friends of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, the Coastside Land Trust, Save Our Shores, Elkus Ranch, Wildlife Associates and Vida Verde. New Leaf also benefits local environmental non-profits through a unique “envirotoken” program that encourages customers to bring their own grocery bags.
— Stacy Trevenon
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Thank youfor voting us
Favorite DentistC. RAY SHEPPARD, DMDBRIAN SHEPPARD, DDS 890 Main Street, Suite A,Half Moon Bayhalfmoonbaysmiledesign.comO ce hours by appointment:
650.726.3355SHEPPARD FAMILY DENTISTRY
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION 799 main street, suite b, Half Moon Bay | 650.712.8200 | www.bamboohair.net
hair | skin | nails | massage | acupuncture
Voted Runner Up for
Favorite Hair Stylist Yasmin Caminiti and Karen Dilena
Voted Runner Up
Best Place for a Massage and Honorable Mention for
Favorite Hair Salon
We truly appreciate your vote and continued pa-tronage! At your next appointment, please accept a Thank You gift from all of us at bamboo Hair + Body. A bar of quiescent soap, our newest aroma therapy inspired scent, was created with you, our clients, in mind. Lavender, sage and bergamot soothes and calms the body...& spirit.
In gratitude,Yasmin, Karen, Nina, Sandra & Darla
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Favorite Place for a MassageRitz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Runner-UpBamboo
Honorable MentionOceano Coastal Spa
Give your body ritzy treatmentSpa specialists customize experience
Many visitors come to the Coastside to find tranquil-ity that only the quiet fog and rolling waves of our coastline can offer. So it stands to reason that the area should have some of the most peaceful retreats
around.This year, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, spa was voted as
the best place to get a massage, with more than 16 different op-tions.
The spa’s experts can work through pregnancy, other health considerations and personal preferences to create a customized experience.
“Whether guests are enjoying a massage or a facial, their genu-ine care and comfort is always the primary concern here,” wrote Andrea Stark, spokeswoman for the resort.
In the 16,000 square feet of space, indulge in an invigorating scalp massage or cleansing Reiki treatment. Work out trouble spots as part of a sports massage, or breathe in the scent of relax-ing lavender as part of the Hawaiian lomi-lomi option.
— Sara Hayden
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Cunha’s Country Grocery
Corner of Main Street and Kelly Ave. | Half Moon Bay | 650.726.4071
Zero in on Three-Zero for breakfastAirport location adds ambience
If there’s a secret to success at the Three-Zero Cafe, then joint owners Mark Smith and Joe Gore aren’t sharing it, perhaps because they were never entirely certain what it was.
Is it the food? The cafe does have a thick menu offering dozens of dif-ferent spins on the breakfast staples like egg scrambles, Benedicts and om-elettes. Customers rave about the restaurant’s signature dishes like brioche French toast and crab cake Benedict.
Could it be the service? Smith, often waiting tables on busy mornings is a one-man show, energetically pivoting from pouring coffee at tables to doing his best Rodney Dangerfield impression for customers. Gore, the straight man of the duo, is charged with keeping Smith on task.
Is it the location at Half Moon Bay Airport? Unlike many airport restau-rants, eating and watching the planes at Three-Zero doesn’t mean waiting through a security checkpoint.
Whatever the secret, the Three-Zero Cafe has a line of customers snaking out the door on any weekend morning. Pilots are sometimes known to land on the Coastside just because they enjoy the restaurant so much.
“We just have the formula for success, and if we told you, then we’d have to kill you,” Smith said. “Part of the attraction is it’s a cute place, and we’re such engaging characters.”
Smith and Gore say they remain avid flyboys and they’ve tried their best to reflect that in their cafe. They met as Gore was working as a flight in-structor and Smith was manning the airport fuel pumps. Smith was the only one with restaurant experience when they decided to take over the lease of the shuttered Annabelle’s Kitchen in 1994 and try their hand at a new café. They took the name Three-Zero from the navigational heading for the air-port runway.
Breakfast has truly become the most important meal of the day at Three-Zero — the cafe has hung up nine top prizes for breakfast from the past Review competitions. Smith assures that the restaurant has won more, but that the awards have been lost over time.
— Mark Noack
CHOICE
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R E A D E R S
Favorite Breakfast SpotThree-Zero Cafe
Runner-UpSam’s Coffee Shop, Half Moon Bay
Honorable MentionKetch Joanne Restaurant, Pillar Point Harbor
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... the envelope, please.
Eating and drinking
Favorite Coffee Shop Winner Peet’s Coffee and TeaRunner-Up StarbucksHonorableMention Half Moon Bay Coffee Company
Favorite Pet Care Winner Coastside P.E.T.S. Runner-Up JJ Pet Care HonorableMention Kibbles Pet Care
Favorite Catering Service Winner Sample This! Fine Catering Runner-Up Cooking For Friends HonorableMention Sam’s Chowder House
Favorite Home Repair Service Winner Coastside Technical Services Runner-Up Bryan Cox Repair HonorableMention Premier Termite
Favorite Home Cleaning Service Winner Betty’s Housecleaning Service Runner-Up White Glove Housekeeping HonorableMention Gabe Leons
Favorite Art Gallery Winner Ellen Joseph Gallery Runner-Up Coastal Arts League HonorableMention(tie) Coastside Art & Wine Gallery Garden Gallery
Favorite Place to Get Flowers Winner Repetto’s Greenhouse Florist Runner-Up Alena Jean Flower Shop and Nursery HonorableMention Coastside Farmers Market
Favorite Gardener Winner Steve Melo Runner-Up Sarabia & Sons HonorableMention Jen Segale
Favorite Hair Stylist Winner Lacey Clark at Aqua Beauty Lounge Runner-Up(3-waytie) Carla Yamanka at Mizu Salon Yasmin Caminiti at Bamboo Karen Dilena at BambooHonorableMention Melissa McGuirk at Mizu Salon
Favorite Hair Salon Winner Mizu Salon Runner-Up Aqua Beauty Lounge HonorableMention Bamboo
Favorite Nail Salon Winner Nail Elegance Runner-Up Galaxy Nails HonorableMention(tie) Fancy Nails Holly Nail and Hair
Best Place for a Massage Winner Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Runner-Up Bamboo HonorableMention Oceano Coastal Spa
Favorite Dry Cleaners Winner Greenhouse Cleaners Runner-Up Blue and White Cleaners HonorableMention Crown Cleaners
Favorite Clothing/Shoe Store Winner The Posh Moon Runner-Up Rouge Boutique HonorableMention Half Moon Bay Board Shop
When convenience is a top priority but flavor and freshness can’t be compromised, Coastsiders trek to Tres Amigos restaurant.
That certainly isn’t news around the Half Moon Bay Review office. For the last five years or more, Review employees have
made “Burrito Wednesday” a midweek tradition.Of course, the restaurant’s own legacy goes back much further. Decades
ago, 53-year-old Salvador Valle had moved to Half Moon Bay from his Mexi-can home in San José de Gracía, Jalisco. He was 12 at the time and attend-ed Cunha Intermediate and Half Moon Bay High schools where he learned English and made friends.
“It was very interesting to discover a new life, and it turned out better for all of us,” said Valle. But something was missing. “There were no tacos and burritos around town.”
In March of 1985, Valle co-founded Tres Amigos with his uncle and cous-in to serve old friends and family and newcomers alike.
Burritos, enchiladas and tacos come with filling choices, such as light fish, savory pollo (chicken stewed with tomato), carne asada (steak) and carnitas (fried pork).
A juicy vegetarian burrito with squash, tomatoes, spinach and other veg-etables rolled into a spinach tortilla is full of flavor.
Whatever you order, munch on a stack of chips with fresh all-you-can-eat salsas and pickled carrots, radishes and jalapeños for an extra kick.
Sip a splash of Mexican Coca-Cola served out of chilled glass bottles or creamy horchata while waiting for made-to-order meals.
Go once and don’t be surprised if Burrito Wednesday becomes a part of your own week.
— Sara Hayden
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R E A D E R S
Favorite TaqueriaTres Amigos, Half Moon Bay
Runner-UpHappy Taco, Half Moon Bay
Honorable MentionEl Gran Amigo, Moss Beach
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Favorite Book Store Winner Bay Book Company Runner-Up Ink Spell Books HonorableMention Coastside Books
Favorite Yoga Studio Winner Enso Runner-Up Joy of Being HonorableMention FIT Studio
Favorite Doctor Winner Dr. Pamela Carrington-Tribble, D.O. Runner-Up Humphrey Lu, M.D. HonorableMention(tie) Deborah Penrose, M.D. Dan McMillan, M.D.
Favorite Dentist Winner (tie) Dr. C. Ray Sheppard David R. Maahs, D.D.S.Runner-Up Dr. Charles HaltermanHonorableMention Dr. Rand Ollerton
Favorite Financial/Tax Service Winner Parsons Andersen CPAs and Parsons Financial Advisors Runner-Up Androc Business Services HonorableMention(tie) Warren Barmore Deb Marion
Favorite Place for a Hike Winner Montara Mountain Runner-Up Purisima Creek Trail HonorableMention Coastal Trail
Favorite Place to Surf Winner Surfer’s Beach Runner-Up Montara State Beach HonorableMention Mavericks
Favorite Place to Take Visitors Winner Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Runner-Up Pillar Point Harbor HonorableMention Mavericks
Favorite Place for a Picnic Winner Montara Mountain Runner-Up Quarry Park HonorableMention Francis State Beach (Kelly Avenue)
Favorite Place to Watch the Sunset Winner Montara State Beach Runner-Up Miramar Beach HonorableMention Moss Beach Distillery
Favorite Place to Walk Your Dog Winner Coastside Trail Runner-Up Quarry Park HonorableMention The trail to Mavericks Beach
Favorite Place to Ride your Bike Winner Coastside Trail Runner-Up Montara Mountain HonorableMention Moss Beach bluffs
Brewing Co. attracts tourists, locals alikePub is a favorite in more than one category
Hanging on the walls of the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company you can find framed brewing awards, magazine covers, and even a proclama-tion from the California State Assembly — all of them honoring the Coastside’s brewhouse.
But perhaps the biggest testament of success for the brew pub is the array of customers who mingle there. Locals and tourists share pints around the same fire pits. Patrons out for music and revelry flock to the bar on weekend nights, but families who want a quiet meal can still find a table. On some nights, sports fans will be cheering on the Giants at one end while the other side of the pub is devoted to free “Brews and Views” public lectures.
The high esteem many feel for the brewhouse is reflected in this year’s Read-ers Choice Awards. Coastsiders voted the Brewing Company as their top place to enjoy a beer and their favorite place for a burger. The restaurant also came in as a Runner-Up for the best place to take the kids, and as an Honorable Mention for locals’ favorite happy hour.
Now in its 12th year, the Brewing Company has made a name for itself as a go-to restaurant and a dynamic business. Brewmaster Kirk Hillyard is charged with concocting 15,000 barrels of beer each year, along with special batches to commemorate events big and small, like the Mavericks surf contest, the U.S. presidential election, and even California’s annual budgetary “ale-ment.” The more interesting beers that he brainstorms are never bottled and sold in stores, he said.
“Most of the beers that we pour, you’re only going to see here,” he said. “I have to keep the regulars happy who want the same thing, but I have to balance that with people who want something new.”
— Mark Noack
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R SFavorite Place for a BeerFavorite Place for a Burger Half Moon Bay Brewing Company
Runner-UpCameron’s Restaurant
Honorable MentionMoss Beach Distillery
Runner-UpCameron’s Restaurant
Honorable Mention(tie) Flavor On the Coast(tie) Silver Star Grill
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movErs and shakErs
Favorite Local Author Winner Louis Castoria Runner-Up Shannon Nottestad HonorableMention June Morrall
Favorite Actor/Entertainer Winner Michael Lederman Runner-Up Paul Smith HonorableMention Jon Miller
Favorite Banker Winner Kathy White (Wells Fargo) Runner-Up(tie) Teresa Adam (United American Bank) Lupe Iverson (US Bank) HonorableMention Terra Murray (Bank of America)
Favorite Real Estate Agent Winner Rose and Nate Serdy Runner-Up(tie) Patrick Ryan Jan Gray and Barbara LaVeyHonorableMention Bill Derow and Juliette Kulda
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Coastside Ambassador Award Winner John Muller Runner-Up Naomi Patridge HonorableMention Cameron Palmer
What’d we miss? We invited voters to tell us what categories they would like to see in the future. here are some of the suggestions:FavoriteCoastsideEvent,FavoriteVeterinarian,FavoriteOverallRestaurant,FavoriteMusicVenue,FavoritePumpkinPatch,FavoritePhotographer,FavoritePlacetoPropose,FavoriteIceCream,FavoriteChiropractor,FavoriteYarnShop,FavoriteTechGuy,FavoritePaintingCompany,FavoriteHotel,andmanymoregreatideas.We’ll definitely incorporate some of these into the future polls. Thanks!
The Lucky Winner!nearly 600 ballots were filled out and turned in. those that included 20 or more categories were put into a drawing for a $100 gift certificate to a local restaurant. and the winner is:
Tricia L. Chambers of El Granada
Congratulations, Tricia, and a hearty thank you to all who participated in this year’s voting!
Coastal Trail provides walk on the wild sideBeauty of trail is one thing we agree upon
Why do people walk or bike the Coastal Trail? There are almost as many reasons as there are people dappling the curving line of pavement that runs much of the length of the Coastside and well beyond.
Take, for instance, Half Moon Bay resident Alan Caine’s reason. He’s been recovering from ankle surgery and even bought himself a camera to encour-age the exercise. Last week, he captured a hawk that stopped long enough for Caine to catch his breath and aim his camera before the regal animal took flight and took his breath away.
Pedestrians can see all manner of birds and other coastal wildlife, all within easy reach of their car or home. Bicyclists use it as a route from home on the Midcoast to work in Half Moon Bay. Riders on horseback use the trail shoulder in some spots. For most, a trip along the Coastal Trail is more of an amble than a means from points A to B. It’s a chance to commune with nature and look to the west and the vast Pacific Ocean.
Being on the Coastal Trail is a universal pleasure — one thing virtually ev-eryone agrees upon. And it may one day be one of the world’s most thrilling walks. Coastwalk California, a nonprofit that advocates for the trail, is working hard to complete the trail along 1,200 miles through 15 counties, from the Ore-gon line in the north to the border with Mexico.
Completing sections of the trail through the San Mateo County coast is a work in progress. The Midcoast Community Council has been hard at work on studying trail connections. Meanwhile the nonprofit Coastwalk California has been working for decades to complete the length of the trail. It helps put to-gether day hikes and overnight treks as well.
— Clay Lambert
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R SFavorite Place for a Bike RideFavorite Place to Walk Your DogCoastal Trail
Runner-UpMontara Mountain
Honorable MentionMoss Beach bluffs
Runner-UpQuarry Park
Honorable MentionTrail out to Mavericks
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Favorite Place for a Bike Ride Favorite Place to Walk Your Dog
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Thank you Coastsidersfor voting us one of your
favorite pet care businesses!
Kibbles n Gifts has been serving coastal residents and their pets for over 20 years. 5 months ago we added pet care ser-vices. I would like to thank our customers of the pet store and clients of the pet care services. Thank you also to Lisa Shull who helps me take care of everyone’s furry babies.
— Christa Livingstone
Everything your pet needs, right here in Half Moon Bay
Kibbles n Gifts• Dog and cat food• Toys and Treats• Beds for your furry friends• Pet Apparel and Accessories• Gifts for the Pet Lover
Kibbles Pet Care• Midday group dog walks• Puppy visits• In home vacation visits for all creatures great and small 726-PETS (7387)
726-3700Strawfl ower Shopping Center Half Moon Bay
M-F 9-7, Sat 9-6, Sun 10-6 • www.kibblesngifts.com
a subsidiary of Kibbles & Gifts Pet Shop
Hear Christa on KHMB Radio AM1710 as the hostof Pet Patrol, part of an hour long radio magazine.Or you can listen online at www.khmbradio.com
We are your one-stop, on-the-spotauto service headquarters providing a complete line of quality tires and wheels and all the services you need to keep your vehicle running at it’s best.
PHIL’S HALF MOON BAYTIRE PROS422 PURISSIMA STHALF MOON BAY, CA 94019Phone: (650) 726-5153
Visit our website for special offer couponswww.philstirepros.com
CHOICE
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Voted #1 Favorite Auto RepairShop on the Coastside
THANK YOU TOALL OUR LOYAL
CUSTOMERS!
Cooking for Friends
Having a Wedding,Anniversary, Birthday, Beach Party, Holiday Party?
We cook on-site Kalua Pig, Spanish Paella, Barbecue, Clam & Lobster Bakes -or menu of your choice.Give us a call!
Cooking For Friends LLCCatering Company
Richard Poncini • 650.740.8726www.cookingforfriends.net
Proud to beone of your
“FavoriteCatering
Services”on the coast!
— for voting us your —Thank you Coastside
“Favorite Dry Cleaner!”
At your service six days per weekMonday-Tuesday: 7 am – 7 pmFriday: 7 am – 6:30 pmSaturday: 9 am – 3 pm
GREENHOUSE CLEANERS80-A North Cabrillo Highway • Half Moon BayStrawfl ower Shopping Center • 650.726.0208
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Runner-UpQuarry Park
Honorable MentionTrail out to Mavericks
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We’re Honored to be one of your Favorite Auto Repair Shops on the coast!
129 Main St. Half Moon Bay 650-726-5969
Quality full servicecar repairs and tire center
Honest, excellent service and a friendly, helpful staff
W E ’ R E H E R E T O H E L P !
SIMMS PLUMBING &WATER EQUIPMENT, INC.650-879-18231805 PESCADERO CREEK RD. PESCADERO
Thank you!from everyone at Simms Plumbing for voting us Favorite Plumber!
Lic. #725194
Sam’s Coffee Shop92 & Main Street, Half Moon Bay | 650-726-3167
Open Monday – Saturday, 6am to 3pm | Sunday, 7am to 3pm
Voted Runner Up for Favorite Breakfast ShopThank you to all my local customers for your support!
Serving the Coast since 1986
Mon-Fri 8-5332 Purissima St., Half Moon Bay
726-5989
Angelo’s Muffl er & Auto Repair
Ange
lo’sMuffler & Auto Repair
Smogs • Brakes • Tires Tune-ups • Alignment
Warranty Work • General Auto RepairAll Major 15, 30, 60 & 90,000 Mile Service Intervals
Mon-Fri 8-5332 Purissima St.,
Half Moon Bay
726-5989
Serving the Coast for 15+ yearsTHANK YOU FOR VOTING US
RUNNER UP FOR FAVORITE AUTO REPAIR SHOP!
Bay Book just keeps turning the pageHMB institution caters to Coastside readers
Bay Book Company is an anachronism in a world populated by i-this, tablet that and Nooks that are no longer comfy places to curl up with a good read. It’s an in-dependent bookstore in a neighborhood location that caters to an audience it has built over a long, long time.
Many surviving independent bookstores have a particular feel, and Bay Book Com-pany is no different. It carries a little of ev-erything and owner Kevin Magee said he has about 30,000 titles on hand. The store also carries an impressive number of auto-graphed first editions for the collector.
Bay Book is not only a place to buy a book, it’s the place in the area to see and hear some of the most accomplished writ-ers in person. Many writers add Half Moon Bay on to their book tour just to make a stop amid the loyal readers who frequent the store.
“I’ve had suspense writers, Pulitzer Prize winners, writers of all kinds,” Magee re-called. “You have to build a good reputation
with authors and publishers.”Magee has never charged for an author event, and there is a reason for that.“I really think of them as a ‘thank you’ for our customers,” he said.The store is also the place to get tobacco pipes and imported cigars. In fact, Bay Book
even has a walk-in humidor. That all grew out of the symbiotic relationship he noticed be-tween a previous Peninsula bookstore he ran and a nearby tobacconist.
Magee is rightly proud of the store’s longevity.“I have original customers who are now bringing their grandchildren to the store,” he
said. “It’s very gracious of people to vote for us.” — Clay Lambert
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Favorite BookstoreBay Book Company
Runner-UpInk Spell Books
Honorable MentionCoastside Books
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RC2012519 Main Street,
Half Moon Bay 650-726-3821
Dear Wonderful Customers,We are delighted to have been chosen your
Favorite Clothing Storeon the Coast!Thank you so much for your votes of confi dence. Because of you we not only have this honor, but it is your patronage that has kept us in business for 11 years. We pledge to do our best to con-tinue providing the very fi nest clothing, jewelry, hats and handmade gifts for your pleasure.
To celebrate we will be offering special shopping evenings with discounts, refreshments and prizes during the months of November and December. Please like us on facebook for details or stop in at your convenience for a list of these special events.
We look forward to seeing you soon!Warmly,
Carol and Monica, The Posh Moon
“Thank you for making our heart felt endeavor your
25% off any massageMonday through Thursday (except thanksgiving)
November 1 - November 29 with this coupon.
Call 650-712-7040 to make your reservation.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon BayOne Miramontes Point Rd.
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019650.712.7000
✁
OFFER NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER PROMOTION OR DISCOUNT
Montara Beach tops the CoastsideTreacherous water meets spectacular view
In the shadow of Montara Mountain stretch the sparkling sands of Mon-tara State Beach, embraced by a curving arm of Devil’s Slide to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. Cresting waves give texture to the blue waters reaching away toward the horizon, a thin line
broken only by a little blip that is the Farallon Islands.This broad swath of beach is located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay
on Highway 1, and is operated by the California State Department of Parks and Recreation under the San Mateo Coast Sector Office.
It is one of the cleanest beaches in the state, a favorite destination for beachgoers who enjoy the sheer spectacle of cliffs, ocean and the occasion-al gray whale passing on migratory rounds. But swimmers beware: The waters immediately off the beautiful beach have one of the area’s strongest and most dangerous undertows.
Still, there is a lot for visitors to enjoy at Montara State Beach.While fireworks and fires are not permitted on the beach, dogs are al-
lowed on short leash. Fishermen who cast their lines from the beach are known to have success, while hikers find a wealth of beautiful and challeng-ing trails snaking up from access points right across Highway 1.
Montara Mountain, towering above, is on McNee Ranch which is also part of Montara State Beach. A northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this area features the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat found in more than 100 miles of coastline.
For a more human touch, the ocean can also be viewed from the wide windows of La Costanera restaurant overlooking the beach, or from the Point Montara Lighthouse. Established in 1875 as a fog signal station, the lighthouse still retains its historical ambience, and still aids navigators at sea. The lighthouse also contains a hostel, established in 1980, which offers shared and private rooms in former Coast Guard quarters.
— Stacy Trevenon
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Favorite BeachMontara State Beach
Runner-UpSurfer’s Beach
Honorable MentionMiramar Beach
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ANDROCBusiness Service
• Tax planning and preparation
• Financial and operational analysis
• Accounting systems setup and training
• Business consulting
• Bookkeeping and payroll
Voted one of your Favorite Financial/Tax Services on the Coast!
Andre Franco and Mary “Rocky” Law, CFP®Serving the Coastside for 24 years
FURNACES • GAS FIREPLACESMAJOR APPLIANCES • WATER HEATERS
RESTAURANT EQUIPMENTSALES • SERVICE • REPAIR • INSTALLATION
Thank youfor keeping us Coastside for
the past 24years!
The place to bring the kidsCameron’s welcomes young appetites
T he action starts to get intense at Cameron’s Restaurant and Inn shortly before 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. It’s more than three hours before the new year arrives on the West Coast, but it’s a few moments to New Year’s on the East Coast — a perfect time to celebrate with the kids.
Owner Cameron Palmer wants entire families to celebrate the start of a new year with-out worrying about the kids getting to bed too late or struggling to stay awake until mid-night.
Thus, when 9 p.m. arrives, streamers are thrown, balloons are dropped and noisemak-ers are sounded.
“I want parents to be able to take their kids to a safe place on New Year’s Eve,” Palmer said.
It takes more than a once-a-year celebration to be voted the Favorite Place to Take the Kids in the Review’s Readers Poll.
Palmer opened the restaurant about 20 years ago and has always strived to make the es-tablishment as child-friendly as possible. It’s right down the road from Smith Field and ev-ery Little League parent knows the allure of french fries and burgers after the big game.
Palmer used the same philosophy when he first opened an ice cream parlor 30 years ago.
He’s added video games several years ago. In a patio, there is a tetherball court, a vol-leyball court and a horseshoe court.
“I am a big kid,” Palmer said. “I fixed the place up to be a place where I want to bring the kids.”
— Mark Foyer
Acosta cleans up with help of loyal crewHousecleaning service had humble beginnings
Betty’s Housecleaning Service in Moss Beach is the squeaky-clean story of a small business that succeeds based on hard work, gumption and lots of happy custom-ers.
In 1988, Beatriz “Betty” Acosta moved from Mexico with her husband and infant daughter to try their luck in the unfamiliar town of Half Moon Bay.
Acosta worked a number of odd jobs, including cleaning hotel rooms at the Harbor Inn in El Granada. She recalled one day an elderly lady wandered over to the hotel and asked if she had time for a side job tidying up her house. Eager for work, Acosta quickly agreed to the work.
It was her first independent housecleaning job, and she worked extra hard to make the home sparkle. The homeowner was impressed enough to recommend Acosta’s services to her friends and neighbors.
Without really intending to branch out on her own, Acosta found herself with eight cli-ents. Betty’s Housecleaning Services was born. The initial years were an ordeal and re-quired working long days and on weekends and holidays. Sometimes having no babysitter, she had to bring along her toddler to jobs and balance the duties of housecleaner and moth-er. In her spare time, she also walked door to door, knocking on homes to ask if they would like her to tidy up the place.
Things steadily improved. Her attention to quality continued to attract customers, and Acosta reached the point where she began recruiting more employees.
Today, Acosta manages eight full-time workers and handles housecleaning for about 120 homes every week on the Coastside.
“I never thought I was going to be this busy,” she said. “I’m the face of the business, but I have a whole crew who are doing the work, and without them I wouldn’t be in this position.”
Acosta is particularly grateful for her customers who supported her for all these years. “Thanks to their loyalty, after 20 years, I’m still here,” she said.
— Mark Noack
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Favorite Restaurant to Take the KidsCameron’s Restaurant
Favorite Housecleaning ServiceBetty’s Housecleaning Service
Runner-UpHalf Moon Bay Brewing Co.
Honorable MentionSam’s Chowder House
Runner-UpWhite Glove Housekeeping
Honorable MentionGabe Leons
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Where creativity and comfort collideLunch 11-3:30 | Flavors & Flows 3:30-4:30 | Dinner 4:30-9:00 | Closed Tuesdays
650-726-8000 | 10151 N Cabrillo Highway | El Granada Ca 94018 | www.fl avoronthecoast.com
Voted top 10 overallbest peninsula restaurants!
FeelingHungry???Thank you forchoosing us asone of your favoriteburgers on the coast!
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half Moon Bay Review • ReadeRs ChoiCe awaRds 2012
Lederman is a local starCreating art is its own reward for actor, director
“We live in a pretty entertaining part of the world,” says Michael Lederman. “Half Moon Bay is such a colorful, wonderful place to live and work.”
That sparkling dedication to his town fuels work onstage and off for Lederman. Born in New York, raised in Southern California and having studied his craft at the California Institute of the Arts and with Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg and Jeff Corey, Lederman made his Coastal Rep debut roughly 25 years ago, when it was still evolving as This Side of the Hill Players.
Very soon he became a familiar face on its stage. Over those years he brought his multifaceted theatrical talents and boundless, almost boyish enthusiasm to portraying a broad range of diverse characters and directing dramas, comedies, musicals and more.
“Obviously we aren’t ACT or Broadway,” he says, “but people who come (to shows) on a regular basis are always surprised or impressed at the level of quality theater Half Moon Bay attains.”
He also finds ways to encourage others’ fledgling performance skills and help manifest avenues of performance on the Coastside. In 1994 he launched Coastal The-atre Conservatory, which offers education in theater arts to local youth and stages annual productions with young actors from 3 to 18.
Most recently, CTC’s “The Wizard of Oz” wowed audiences with its sheer pageant-ry and high-quality acting.
For at least a decade Lederman has headed the annual Coastside Community Tal-ent Show, serving with aplomb as the emcee and encouraging Coastsiders with hid-den talents to bring them out. For roughly six years he has served as Coastal Rep’s artistic director, guiding the theater’s artistic development.
What are his own favorite shows? “Fiddler on the Roof,” he says immediately, which he directed for both CTC and his students at Sea Crest School. “There’s some-thing magical and beautiful about watching young people embrace that story.”
What are some favorite roles? At once he cites Lenny in “Of Mice and Men,” not just because it was a powerful role but also for his memories of performing it for his mother, who had been ill throughout his younger life.
Certainly, for Lederman, helping the curtain go up is all about working together. “My personal favorite (play) is any show that has the audience talking in their car on the way home, having a lively debate about what they just saw,” he says. “I like that I’m participating and collaborating. Every moment is creating art.”
— Stacy Trevenon
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Favorite Local Actor/EntertainerMichael Lederman
Runner-UpPaul Smith, actor/director
Honorable MentionJon Miller, sportscaster
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How sweet it is…Thank you for choosing us as your go-to bakery and dessert place!
Winner of Favorite BakeryRunner Up for Favorite Place for Dessert
The Moonside Bakery and Café604 Main Street Half Moon Bay
moonsidebakery.com
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R S
Thank you for voting us:
Favorite Place to Take the Kids
And Runner Up for:Best Burger and Favorite Place for a Beer
We love having you as customers!
Cameron’s Restaurant, Pub & Inn1410 S. Cabrillo HwyHalf Moon Bay, CA 650-726-5705www.cameronsinn.com
G A L L E R Y & S T U D I O
840 Main Street, Half Moon Bay (650) 728-7518www.ellenjoseph.com
What a wonderful surprise to win two HMB Review Readers Choice Awards!
Thank You to everyone who showed their support!
Voted “Favorite Art Gallery”Voted “Favorite Local Artist”
Thank you for keeping
San Benito Houseyour
“FAVORITE SANDWICH SPOT”ON THE COAST!
We invite you to grab one of our award winningsandwiches. Be sure to check out our craft beer
selection next door at the San Benito Ale House. Cheers!BRING THIS AD AND RECEIVE A FREE
16.9 oz BOTTLED WATER WITH YOUR SANDWICH ORDER
San Benito House Garden Deli • 356 Main Street • Half Moon Bay650.726.3425 • sanbenitohouse.com
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ReadeRs ChoiCe awaRds 2012 • half Moon Bay Review
Book your holiday party at La CostaneraIntimate and large spaces for parties of 20 – 400
8 Miles North of Half Moon Bay in the former Chart House | 8150 Cabrillo Hwy, Montara Tel: 650.728.1600 | Like us on facebook! | www.LaCostaneraRestaurant.com
THANK YOU FOR MAKING US YOUR
FAVORITE PLACE FOR
HAPPY HOURON THE COAST!
Tel: 650.728.1600 | Like us on facebook! | www.LaCostaneraRestaurant.com
Intimate and large spaces for parties of 20 – 400
CHOICE
2012
R E A D E R SLIVE
MUSIC!GIVE-
AWAYS!LIVE
MUSIC!GIVE-
AWAYS!AWAYS!
3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY!IN THE BAR & LOUNGE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 8 - MIDNIGHT OPEN BAR: 8 – MIDNIGHT
APPETIZER STATIONS: 8 – 10 PM $55 PER PERSON
CALL 650.728.1600TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS!
Homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and entreesGluten free menu items • Soups and Chowders availableBreakfast all day • Dog-friendly patio • Wine & beer list 328 Main St. #101, Half Moon Bay • 650-560-4880
Find us at Casey’s Caféwww.caseyscafeofhalfmoonbay.com
Cateringavailable!
Winner of Favorite CatererMany thanks to everyone who votedfor Sample This! It is Delightful to be
a part of the coastside community
SAMPLE THIS!
WINNER!of the 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 & 2012 “AS FRESH ASIT GETS”AWARD
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The entire staff at Pumpkin Patch Hallmark wishes to extend a very warm and sincere Thank You to everyone that participated in naming our shop as your “Favorite Place to Buy Gifts”.
We realize there are many wonderful local establishments wor-thy of this acknowledgment and are very humbled to have been recognized with this honor.
As always, we intend to continue to offer the very best in selec-tion and service to our friends in the community.
We look forward to seeing all of you soon.
Janet & Steve Pieroni
pumpkin patch hallmark80 cabrillo highway n, half moon bay | (650) 726-3963
We’re using all new Green Cleaning products. Get one free product or $10.00 o your � rst cleaning service with Betty’s House Cleaning Service!
Call us today for a free estimate.
650.712.9313Bonded & Insured Lic. #6320
Commercial & Residential • Move-out cleaning • Windows • Specialized Floor Care • 100% Reliability
Thank you for voting Betty’s House CleaningFavorite Home Cleaning Service on the Coast!
