General manager Brooke Edwards holds the latest in fun styles available at Pearle Vision. Photo: Amanda Gahler
Readers choose the services, locations, shops and people with all the right stuff.
The Nobel Prize has nothing on the best elements of Maple Grove. Whether it be gas, liquid or solid, residents know what they like and they make their voices heard each year in our reader’s survey. These are places, things and people that have proven their true metal.
Pulling all the essential elements together is what makes one candidate stand out above the rest. It might be great customer service or a taste you can’t live without; the perfect gift, or just the right mix of encouragement and challenge but our highly scientific survey (ok, laid-back online measure) allows readers to have a say, and this year they have put their atomic attention on the following winners:
It’s nothing like your memories of high school chemistry—you’ll actually want to take notes.
Best Preschool and Daycare
Runners up:
New Horizon Academy, Primrose School of Maple Grove
Winner: Step by Step Montessori School —Ms. Minny, the director of Step-by-Step Montessori, says the most important elements of her school are quality staff and education. “We are a Montessori school which definitely sets us apart. All our teachers are trained, music and Spanish is a part of our curriculum.” Unique aspects of the school include the iPad and dance classes offered as extracurriculars. 11601 73rd Ave. N.; stepbystepmontessori.com
Best Dry Cleaner
Runners up:
Start Bright, Plaza Cleaners
Winner: Pilgrim Cleaners —The magic ingredient for Doris Reemts, store owner of Pilgrim cleaners is simple, “We have been in business for over 65 years, we are friendly, and we have a great tailor.” Free pickup and delivery to your home or business, and drive-thru service are just some of the great perks Pilgrim Cleaners has to offer. Other noteworthy elements include several community involvement activities like Costumes for Kids, and Coats for Kids. And a rare diamond in the rough is their green cleaning technology that keeps Mother Earth healthy and happy! 13579 Grove Drive; pilgrimdrycleaners.com
Best Vision/Eyewear/Eye Care
Runners up:
Northwest Eye, Maple Grove Eye Clinic
Winner: Pearle Vision— Can’t see clearly? Maple Grove Pearl Vision store owner, Donna Hawley says that their selection of frames and sunwear are unmatched. What makes this store stand out among others is their personal attention to each customer, the knowledge and experience of the staff, and the owner’s presence onsite most hours. 13195 Weaver Lake Road; pearlvisionmaplegrove.com
Best New Restaurant
Runners up:
Rodizio, Daily Dose
Winner:
Redstone Grill—A gluten free menu, a beautiful warm atmosphere and delectable items from simple grilled fish to cast iron seared steak make Redstone Grill a rare gem. For parties of 12 or more, they offer semi and private dining space for events. 12109 Main St. N.; redstonegrill.com
Best Place for Live Music
Runners up:
Maple Tavern, Towne Green
Winner:
Lookout Bar and Grill —Owner Mike Kinnan does more than incorporate awesome live music into his bar, he also coordinates the simulcast music for the Maple Grove Days fireworks. An integral part of the Maple Grove community, the bar has been family owned for more than 50 years. The Lookout plays everything from country to rock, but the music is never too heavy. 8672 Pineview Lane N.; lookoutbarandgrill.com
Best Small Business Customer Service
Runners up:
The Oilerie, Simonson’s Salon and Spa
Winner:
First Class Mortgage —There for all your mortgage needs, Casey Van Winkle, owner, says that in his business it all comes down to communication. “I am a big believer in getting away from people sitting on hold for hours, and we like responding to people in a timely manner.” A locally owned company, Van Winkle also says that an important aspect of creating a successful business is having fun. Recently, a customer brought in cookies to the office after they closed on a home. “When you get responses like that, it speaks volumes,” he says. In addition to the banking work they do, First Class Mortgage is also a Gold Leaf Sponsor, and contributes to the local Rotary, Lions Club, and other local organizations. 7835 Main St. N. Suite 220; firstclasscorp.com
Best Ethnic Food
Runners up:
El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, PF Chang’s
Winner:
Sawatdee —Sweet, sour, bitter, salty: Sawatdee covers all the flavorful bases through their authentic Thai cooking. “We’ve been in business for 30 years,” says Cyndy Harrison, restaurant owner, “and we are always innovating.” 7885 Main St. N.; sawatadee.com
Best Breakfast
Runners up:
Original Pancake House, Perkins
Winner:
3 Squares Restaurant —This breakfast will get you out of bed in the morning. “Our breakfast is delicious and there aren’t many restaurants that are comparable,” says Christine Lembcke, server and manager. Everything is made from scratch in the kitchen. Lembcke’s favorite breakfast item is the breakfast tostada which features crispy corn shells, chorizo sausage, black beans and jalapenos served with guacamole and pico de gallo. If you’re looking for a new spicy twist to breakfast, this is the place to be. 12690 Arbor Lakes Pkwy N.; 3squaresrestaurant.com
Best Place for People Watching
Runners up:
Maple Grove Community Center, Wild Bill’s Sports Saloon
Winner:
The Shoppes at Arbor Lake— The Shoppes at Arbor Lake attract all types of people, from young to old. You can see crafters, fashionistas, and health nuts all walking the center. With the variety of restaurants and retailers, beautiful landscaping with seasonal flowers and unique boutiques there truly is something from everyone. 12459 Elm Creek Blvd. N.; shoppesatarborlakes.com
Best Place to take the Entire Family
Runners up:
Dave and Buster’s, Maple Grove Community Center
Winner:
Elm Creek Park Reserve—Your youngest likes puddles and puppets, your teenager is a snowboarder, you like to bike, he likes to play disc golf and archery; everyone in the family can find an activity, or simply a quiet place to relax and read a book at Elm Creek Park. Even the family dog has a place to play! 12400 James Deane Pkwy.; threeriversparks.org
Best Bartender
Runners up:
Christopher Banyai at Granite City, Brendan Markert at Pittsburgh Blue
Winner:
Raegan Johnson at JC’s Bar and Grill —Johnson has worked for JC’s Bar and Grill since 1993. She met her husband there and has made many lasting friendships with co-workers and customers. The restaurant’s location is inviting to lots of other local servers and bartenders who like to stop in to JC’s Bar and Grill for a drink. “There is a great camaraderie among the people who work in Maple Grove,” says Johnson. Johnson’s most requested drink is one she created and is named after her. The liquid elements of Raegan’s tea are Bacardi Limon, Chambord, Midori, lemonade, sour and 7-up. “It’s a sweeter tea that women prefer,” says Johnson. “Funny thing is, my name is spelled wrong on the drink menu. I guess that means no royalties.” When she’s not serving up libations, Johnson likes to go camping with her husband and two youngsters, ages six and ten. Johnson’s bartender advice: “Relax and don’t take life too seriously.” 13540 Grove Drive; jcbarandgrill.com
Best Plumber
Runners up: LeVahn Bros., Robillard
Plumbing Winner: Kal’s Plumbing—The Kaliszewski family launched Kal’s Plumbing in 1965. It remains a family owned business with Rick Kaliszewski (Kal) at the helm. Kal likes working with people and learning something new from each of his customers. “It’s gratifying to help others,” says Kal. “Maple Grove is great because it’s growing. But there are still some older homes that give me a challenge. I like that.” 12542 95th Place N.; kalsplumbing.com
Best Tailor
Runners up:
Pilgrim Cleaners, Men’s Warehouse
Winner:
Magic Needle —For alterations and custom fitting services. 13694 Grove Drive N.
Best Kid’s Party Spot
Runners up:
Chuck E. Cheese, Dave and Buster’s
Winner:
Maple Grove Community Center—For an economical fee of $100, families can choose from three birthday party themes: basic, princess or superhero. A special fire fighter party theme is available to Maple Grove residents. Fees include wristbands for up to 10 kids to enjoy two of three activities; swimming, ice-skating or the maple maze. The cost is $5 for each additional partygoer. Party packages include 90 minutes in a reserved party room, beverages, t-shirts and paper products. Party throwers can bring whatever food they choose and playtime outside the 90-minute party room is unlimited. Birthday party coordinator, Abbey Calder recommends reserving your party at least four weeks in advance. 12951 Weaver Lake Road; maplegrovemn.gov/community-center
Best Veterinarian
Runners up:
Veterinary Center On Main, Heritage Animal Hospital
Winner:
Carolyn Apker, Animal Wellness Center—Animal Wellness Center has been providing quality veterinary services since 1987. Services include comprehensive care, alternative health methods, surgical procedures, chiropractic services, training classes and a spa! 7000 East Fish Lake Road; animalwellnessmg.com
Best Pediatrician
Runners up:
Matt Segedy at Southlake Pediatrics & Daniel Albright at Park Nicollet Clinic
Winner:
Dr. April Lind, Park Nicollet—As both an internist and pediatrician, Dr. Lind is qualified to care for patients of all ages with a wide range of medical conditions. As a mom of multiples, Lind has knowledge in the unique aspects of raising kids. Her approach to patient care is to listen, be open, honest and work together for the best solution. 15800 95th Ave. North; parknicollet.com
Best Place to Buy a Unique Gift
Runners up:
The Woods, The Oilerie
Winner:
Goodthings—This is a one-stop shop to find gifts for anyone and everyone, young and not so young. Goodthings has been in business for 40 years with 10 years in Maple Grove. It’s a fun place to shop with a treasure around every corner. Owner Tyler Conrad says he brought Good Things to Maple Grove in hopes of being the city’s premier specialty gift store. Your vote confirms Conrad’s hope that Maple Grove residents would love Goodthings. 12139 Elm Creek Blvd.; seegoodthings.com
Best Music Lessons
Runners up:
Pitch Fever Music Academy, A to G Music
Winner:
American Guitar and Band—Family owned and operated, American Guitar and Band, a long-time Maple Grove business recently moved over the line into Plymouth. Owner, Cory Lake says he kept his shop close to Maple Grove specifically for their lesson program. Voters have made it clear that their time here was impactful. We wish them as much luck next year in the Plymouth “best of” voting. “I love giving a kid his first guitar,” says Lake. 3405 Annapolis Lane N. Suite 101, Plymouth; americanguitarandband.com
Best Dance Class
Runners up:
Escalate, Jazzercize
Winner:
Dancin’ on Broadway—A dance studio for youngsters and the young at heart, Dancin’ on Broadway offers recreational and competitive programs. Classes include jazz, tap, hip-hop, ballet, pointe and lyrical. 9465 Garland Ave.; dancinonbroadway.com 13Rt Best New Shop Runners up: Nadia’s Cakes, Charming Charley Winner: Mainstream Boutique Mainstream Boutique is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Maple Grove. It has affordable, fun fashion for women ages 18-80. Owners Donna Rongstad and her daughter, Gina Hoben are always on the lookout for exciting new trends. They love helping customers look fabulous. “I get excited every time I open a new shipment of clothes and accessories,” says Rongstad. “We love our location and love helping gals shop!” 15501 Grove Circle North; maplegrove.mainstreamboutique.com
Best Massage
Runners up:
Massage Envy, Flawless Care Therapeutic Massage
Winner:
Simonson’s Salon and Spa—It seems Simonson’s is beloved for many of their services. They’ve got all the right stuff! simonsons.com
Best High School Teacher
Runners up:
Matt Detloff at Maple Grove Senior High (Social Studies), Steven Borgstrom at Osseo Senior High (Orchestra)
Winner:
Mark Cook at Maple Grove Senior High (Social Studies)—Cook has been teaching and coaching in Osseo/Maple Grove schools for 13 years. He also went to school in the district, so he may be a schoolmate of yours and a teacher to your children as well. Either way, he rises to the top this year as the best High School teacher around. Congrats! schools.district279.org
Best Lawyer
Runners up:
David Henningson at Henningson, Snoxell and Jeff Berg at Henningson & Snoxell
Winner:
Theresa Johnson at Courey, Kosanda & Zimmer Maple Grove area resident—Theresa Johnson has wanted to be an attorney since junior high but she came about it the long way. After graduating from Concordia College in Moorhead with a B.A. in French and Business she ventured off to a Master’s degree in International Management at the University of St. Thomas and then worked in sales for a software company. “In 2006 I saw the error of my ways and decided to attend law school,” says Johnson. She’s a second-career attorney who loves entrepreneurs. “From helping them choose which entity to form to reviewing leases and contracts to then helping with business succession planning. I love helping business owners and individuals achieve peace of mind in knowing that their future interests are being protected now and after they are gone.” ckzlawfirm.com
Best Bank Teller
Runners up:
Lisa Delgado at Americana Bank, Leda Mitchell at Highland Banks
Winner:
Rebecca Scott at Wells Fargo—Scott has only been a teller for a year and a half, but her many years in retail work (since she was 13) accelerates the reaction customers seem to have at her window. “I was looking for a different career but I haven’t found it yet; something with people involved,” Scott says. We think she’s on the right track.
Best Electrician
Runners up:
Jason Huntley at Jeske Electric, Steve Weir at Weir Electric
Winner:
Steve Douglas at Muska Electric— Although Muska Electric is located in Roseville, Douglas spends a lot of time in Maple Grove and the current of the voters has been thrown in his favor. muskaelectric.com
Best Manicure/Pedicure
Runners up:
K-Nails, Nail Montage
Winner:
Simonson’s Salon and Spa — Hands and feet come out happy after visiting Simonson’s where you can have a callus removed, revitalize your own nails or add some length with the help of the true artistry of any one of their four nail technicians. This year marks Simonson’s 30th anniversary of bringing out the beauty in us all. 13950 Grove Drive; simonsons.com
Voter Feedback
“I chose First Class Mortgage for best customer service as I have never seen a company bend over backward, forward sideways for their customers like they do! We had a complicated mortgage situation and they held our hands the whole way and everything turned out better than we could have asked for.”
— Kristin Baker
“Jenny [at Simonson’s] is the best. I have been going to her for several years…she melts the stress away.”
—Cassie Rudolph
“Dancin on Broadway does not only teach the elements of dance but creates the experience of family between the students and also between family members. The girls learn the importance of being prepared, practice, working as a team, supporting one another, respect and that hard work pays off.”
—Debra Syhre
“At Park Nicollet, Maple Grove I and my family are treated with respect and true care and concern for best outcomes. I am spoken to on my level and I feel like I am a person not a number. Questions are answered in a timely manner and I get results on-line. I love that! Like next day!”
—Teresa Harrer
