Muffin from Wuollet Bakery, which was voted Best Bakery. Photo: Tate Carlson
Let our map be your guide on your tour of the 2012 annual readers’ survey winners.
Best Burger: Maynards
Imagine 8 oz. of perfectly cooked ground chuck goodness topped with everything from sour cream, green olives and raw onions to Swiss cheese, guacamole and lettuce, and you’ve got yourself an award-winning Maynards burger. For the adventurous sort, Maynards also offers their Garlic Burger, stuffed—not topped, but stuffed!—with Tillamook cheese, bacon and sautéed onion. 685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 952.470.1800
Runner-up: Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille
Third place: McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant
Best Outdoor Dining: Maynards
With its stunning views of Lake Minnetonka, expansive patio and fabulous, mouth-watering food, Maynards offers up the ultimate al fresco dining experience—hands down. 685 Excelsior Blvd., Excelsior; 952.470.1800
Runner-up: Lord Fletcher’s
Third Place: Sunsets
Best Delivery: Jimmy John’s
Busy families searching for lunch or dinner delivered to their door in no time flat should turn to Jimmy John’s. With a wide selection of 8” subs, giant clubs, plain slims and the JJ Unwich low-carb lettuce wrap, there’s a sub (and a cookie and a bag of chips) for every one. 14200 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952.224.8081; 1140 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata, 952.224.9669
Runner-up: Joey Nova’s
Third Place: Carbone’s Pizzeria
Best Bartender: Scott Bassett
Who needs Tom Cruise with his fancy-schmancy bartending flair tricks from the movie Cocktail when you’ve got Scott Bassett mixing up some of the finest drinks around? Check out his skills several nights each week at Blue Point in Wayzata. 739 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.475.3636
Runner-up: Randy Will, Maynards
Third Place: T.J. McNeill, Jake O’Connor’s Public House
Best Bakery: Wuollet Bakery
Picture a variety of fresh-baked European breads, sumptuous tortes and decadent pastries artfully displayed in glass cases. Now add in a cornucopia of the most delicious cookies, cakes, bars, coffee cakes and muffins, and you have a pretty good image of Wuollet Bakery. Heaven, right? “We’re still a small town, family-owned bakery that takes pride in what we do,” says manager Aaron Wuollet. “And we still make things the way grandpa used to make them back in 1944.” 771 E. Lake St., Wayzata; 952.473.8621
Runner-up: Patisserie Margo
Third Place: Lunds
Best Builder/Remodeler: Shoreline Builders
“We specialize in taking under-used, existing spaces and turning them into unique spaces people really use,” says president Mitch Johnsen, who has been remodeling dream kitchens, bathrooms and other glorious spaces for 14 years. 2184 Shadywood Rd., Wayzata; 763.506.0629
Runner-up: Hendel Homes
Third place: Lecy Brothers Homes
Best Landscaper: Outdoor Excapes
Looking for that ‘wow’ factor for your yard? Hans Frees and his staff at Outdoor Excapes are experts at creating yards that really stand out. And, as general contractors, they’ve got you covered from start to finish. “We are there from drawings to plans to installation and project management; literally, the whole way through,” says Frees, who is vice president and general manager of the organization. 2345 Daniels St., Long Lake; 952.926.6899
Runner-up: Otten Bros
Third place: Gray Gardens
Best Interior Designer: Leslie Nerenberg, Leslie Nerenberg Interior Design
“I take on projects that range from freshening up a room with paint to whole-house designs,” says Leslie Nerenberg, who has been in the business for 24 years and prides herself on building strong relationships with her clients. 2821 Danbury Way, Minnetonka; 952.544.4351
Runner-up: Robin Strangis, Loring Interiors
Third place: Andrea Kerrison, LarsonKerrison
Best New Shop: Mama’s Happy
Since bursting on the scene in June 2010 with their first-ever occasional sale, Mama’s Happy has been the go-to spot for all the handcrafted, upcycled and repurposed items you’ll ever need and love to have. Make sure you check your calendars before coming as they’re only open the second weekend of every month. 7888 Cty. Rd. 6, Independence
Runner-up: Impact of Excelsior
Third place: Haven Maven
Best Boutique: Mama’s Happy
“The fact that we’re only open four days a month makes coming to our sale an event,” says Mama’s Happy owner Amanda Ficek. “We like to say we’re a shop with truly one-of-a-kind items and no barcodes.” 7888 Cty. Rd. 6, Independence
Runner-up: Hot Mama
Third Place: Maha! Inspired Activewear
Best Bike Shop: Erik’s Bike Shop
With a huge selection of bikes for everyone in the family, including bike gear, apparel and accessories, there’s no reason not to start channeling your inner Lance Armstrong. Looking to get some questions answered from folks who live, eat and breathe cycling? No problem. “Our great customer service definitely sets us apart,” says store manager Troy Mundahl. 12500 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka; 952.345.0555
Runner-up: Gear West
Third place: Excel Cycle
Best Market: Lunds
Whether you’re looking for a quick and yummy prepared meal, your whole pantry stocked with delightful baked goods or a little bit of this and that, Lunds has it all. 1151 Wayzata Blvd. E., Wayzata; 952.476.2222
Runner-up: Lakewinds
Third place: Whole Foods Market, Minnetonka
Best Salon/Spa: Juut SalonSpa
Ready for a new look? How about a day of relaxing spa services? Juut SalonSpa offers all of the above—and with a philosophy that encourages each staff member to be a “day maker,” the experience will definitely be a day brightener. 1125 E. Wayzata Blvd., Wayzata; 952.404.9955
Runner-up: Lili
Third place: Taglio
Best Real Estate Agent: Gregg Larsen, Coldwell Banker Burnet
For 19 years, Gregg Larsen has been the go-to guy for folks wanting to find the perfect home in the Lake Minnetonka area as well as those who have decided to sell. “I’m a lifetime area resident,” he says, “so I really understand the market here.” 201 Lake St., Unit 100, Wayzata; 952.473.3000
Runner-up: The Stabeck Group, Edina Realty
Third Place: Aaron Thompson, Excelsior Real Estate
Best Auto Repair Shop: Eddie’s Auto & Marine Repair
Eddie’s Auto & Marine Repair is the perfect spot for all your auto and marine repair needs, and from folks you can trust. 1632 Commerce Blvd., Mound; 952.472.7300
Runner-up: Gary’s First Class Car Care
Third place: Youngstedt’s
Best Doggie Daycare: ADOGO Pet Hotel
With 25 years in the luxury hotel industry, ADOGO Pet Hotel owner John Sturgess knows a thing or two about making your pooch (and you) feel pretty doggone special. “Our mission at ADOGO is to provide an exceptional experience for your dogs and peace of mind for you,” he says. From the upscale lobby to the 20,000 sq. ft. daycare space that boasts five indoor play areas and two outdoor spaces, chances are Fido won’t even miss you. 6133 Baker Rd., Minnetonka; 952,933.5200
Runner-up: Top Dog Country Club
Third place: Augusta Pet Services
Best Veterinarian: Dr. Daniel Hartnett, Long Lake Veterinary Clinic
“The animals really love Dr. Hartnett and are always excited to see him,” says M.C., office manager at Long Lake Veterinary Clinic. “He’s our modern-day James Herriot, and besides dogs and cats, he also treats all types of ‘pocket pets.’” 1854 W. Wayzata Blvd., Long Lake; 952.473.2260
Runner-up: Dr. Jackie Piepkorn, Westonka Animal Hospital
Third place: Dr. Matthew Lindberg, Village Animal Hospital
Best Fitness Studio: Life Time Fitness
With a myriad of classes as well as a spa, pool, weight area, café, child care center and more, Life Time Fitness is not your typical fitness studio—all of which helps you get in shape and stay in shape. 3310 Cty. Rd. 101 S., Minnetonka; 952.476.1717
Runner-up: The Barre
Third place: STEELE Fitness
Best Golf Course: Burl Oaks Golf Club
With a backdrop of mature trees, rolling hills and tranquil ponds, Burl Oaks Golf Club is as beautiful as it is challenging. Work up a hunger out on the links? Check out the Oak Grill for everything from a Sante Fe Chicken Salad or Burl Burger at lunch time to pecan-encrusted Walleye or Top Sirloin au Bleu for dinner. 5400 North Arm Dr., Minnetrista; 952.472.7017
Runner-up: Wayzata Country Club
Third place: Lakeview Golf Course
Best High School Teacher: Corey Bulman
For 12 years, Mound Westonka High School students have had the pleasure of taking a variety of English classes from Mr. Bulman. So what’s this English teacher’s favorite book? “I love The Things They Carried, The Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird.” Mound Westonka High School, 5905 Sunnyfield Rd. E., Mound; 952.491.8100
Runner-up: Sonja Saunders, Minnetonka High School
Third place: Lori Wooley, Orono High School
Best Preschool/Daycare: St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development
Parents searching for a preschool should look for places that show their love for children by offering engaging programming and know child development, advises Maureen Walsh, director of community relations and development for St. David’s Center. 3395 Plymouth Rd., Minnetonka; 952.939.0396
Runner-up: Wayzata Community Church Nursery School
Third place: Minnetonka Montessori
Best Birthday Party Spot: Pump it Up
It’s the personalized approach that gave Pump it Up an edge over other venues for best birthday party spot. Owner Jeni Mand says the key for her staff is remembering kids only have one birthday a year, which they look forward to for months. 3500 Holly Ln. N., Ste. 65, Plymouth; 763.553.0340
Runner-up: Lord Fletcher’s
Third place: Sky Zone Sports
Best Dentist: Dr. David Fligge, Wayzata Family Dentistry
Deephaven resident Dr. David Fligge recommends using an electronic toothbrush, not because of the power brushing but the timer. We’re supposed to brush our teeth for two minutes, he says, yet the average person using a manual toothbrush brushes for only 40 seconds! Wayzata Family Dentistry, 101 Lake St. W., #220, Wayzata; 952.475.2464
Runner-up: Dr. Erick Englund, Navarre Dental
Third place: Dr. Stephanie Miner, West Lakes Dentistry
Best Chiropractor: Dr. Barbro Brost, The Brost Clinic
Since most of us spend our days seated and staring at a computer screen, Dr. Barbro Brost recommends we have a good chair, and get up and move throughout the day. Regular exercise helps as well since muscles aide us in maintaining good posture. 1421 E. Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 100, Wayzata; 952.473.9637
Runner-up: Dr. Troy and Dr. Kelly Knewtson, Knewtson Health Group
Third place: Dr. James Byers, Mound Back and Neck Clinic
Best Pediatric Clinic: Wayzata Children’s Clinic
Celebrating 40 years of keeping lake-area kids healthy, Wayzata Children’s Clinic reminds us to use sunscreen regularly and avoid a last-minute rush by scheduling sports physicals early. 14001 Ridgedale Dr. Ste.100, Minnetonka; 952.473.0211
Runner-up: South Lake Pediatrics
Third place: Partners in Pediatrics
