Best of Lake Minnetonka 2012 Readers’ Survey Results

by | Jul 2012

Muffin from Wuollet Bakery, which was voted Best Bakery.

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 CarriedThe 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

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