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READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS REDMOND
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.com
REPORTER
www.redmond-reporter.com
July 29, 2011 [9]
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Slightly Stoopid performs at Marymoor Park last weekend as part of the county’s Concerts at Marymoor series. The concert series won “Best Live Enertainment” in the annual Best of Redmond Contest. Flip forward to see all the winners of this year’s contest. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELI BROWN, King County
Redmond Family & Cosmetic Dentistry Thank you for voting for us. Redmond’s Best Dentist Located in the center of Redmond near 164th Ave and 85th St.
“It has been a pleasure to serve the Redmond community for the last 28 years. We appreciate your support and loyalty.”
Prefered providers with: Premera, WDS, United Concordia, Aetna, Regence, and Cigna
8350 164th Avenue NE, Redmond WA 98052 | 425.883.1253 | redmonddentistry.com
508268
Anthony McLaughlin DDS and Jeffrey Stonebraker DDS
[10] July 29, 2011
www.redmond-reporter.com
Best of Redmond 2011-2012
Flying Apron lands in Redmond
Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood and began visiting it with Jaden. But crossing State Route 520 is a long drive For Yih Chuang, a simple trip to the bakto make for just a few cookies and muffins. ery is usually anything but. This was exactly what Flying Apron ownHis 6-year-old son Jaden Chuang has a ers Erik Chelstad, Ethan Hernandez and Jeff long list of food allergies: wheat, nuts, soy, Silva thought when they were considering corn and eggs, to name a few. opening a second location. For years, the Bellevue resident has been Chelstad said many of their customers in on the lookout for shops on the Eastside Fremont, like Chuang, are from the Eastside. that carry Additionally, sweet treats a number of and other Eastside foods Jaden grocery can eat, but stores such as hasn’t had Whole Foods much luck. in Redmond So he was sell Flying more than a Apron baked little grateful goods, so the when he three men heard Flying knew there Apron, a was a local gluten-free, market for vegan and their prodorganic Yih Chuang, middle, and his son, Jaden, purchase baked goods at the ucts. bakery, had “We knew Flying Apron Bakery. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter opened a over here, location in there were Redmond. people who “This is the only place we found where cared about this type of thing,” Chelstad said (Jaden) may eat,” he said. about their specialty foods. Chuang first discovered Flying Apron Another reason they chose Redmond spewhen he found the bakery’s gluten-free and cifically because they all had worked in town vegan recipe book at Costco. Upon further at one point and really liked the old-town feel reading, he learned the bakery was located in of the community. [ more FLYING APRON page 11] SAMANTHA PAK
spak@redmond-reporter.com
1 1 0 2 d n o m d of Re included dining, shopping, service providers and much more. There were 40 categories in all. We are very grateful to the Redmond Town Center for providing a $250 gift card for our drawing. The winner of the gift card is Redmond resident Walter Rissler. Congratulations Walter and thank you Redmond Town Center for your sponsorship. We hope you enjoy the next several pages of results for our Best of Redmond 2011 and enjoy the messages from the businesses for which you voted. In addition to the results of our annual contest, you find two profiles of blossoming businesses in Redmond: Luna Spa and Flying Apron Bakery. So flip forward and enjoy! We are one great community here in Redmond! — Andrea Southern, Publisher, Redmond Reporter Your neighborhood Comfort Food Specialist
Serving you since 1986
REDMOND LOCATION
Voted “Best of Redmond” Breakfast four years running”
Thank You for Your Votes for Best Breakfast 2011
507542
We are honored and we thank you for your support over these last 24 years. We continue our commitment to serve you the highest quality product with the best service, at the most reasonable prices.
Sunday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
TB
S
2390 148th Ave. N.E. • Redmond
®
Red Robin would like to thank our loyal patrons for their Best of Redmond votes.
GOU
Where it’s never too late for Breakfast!
Monday thru Saturday 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
RME
ER URG
16150 NE 85th Street • Redmond, WA 98052 (Across from the Redmond Post Office & Fire Department)
Come join us for happy hour Mon-Fri from 3:006:00 and 8:00-close. Hours: Sun-Thu: 11a-11p, Fri-Sat: 11a-Midnight
www.cafesinc.com
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You’ve answered the call and made your choices for the best Redmond has to offer. The purpose of “Best of Redmond 2011: Readers’ Choice Awards” is to salute the entrepreneurs, officials and organizations that help make Redmond the Northwest gem that it is. We are proud to honor our outstanding businesses, restaurants and venues in the community that our readers consider “the best.” Redmond is home to some fine restaurants, booming businesses and sensational schools, so the choice was not easy. Redmond Reporter readers made their picks through online and mailed ballots. The response from the community was tremendous. We would like to thank all our readers who took the time to complete the ballots. It’s nice to see people invest their time into the businesses that invested in our community. The awards are given in categories that
Official Nominee Best Dentist in Redmond
Thank you for voting us Best Happy Hour in Redmond
HAPPY HAPPY HOUR HOUR TWICE TWICEDAILY DAILY HAPPY HOUR TWICE DAILY 4PM - 6PM & 10PM - 1AM Over 95 Tequila Selections Over95 95Tequila TequilaSelections Selections Over
Dr. Stephanie’s children.
nks for yo ur vo Tha tes.
Your
support is war mly appr eciate d.
www.redmondkidsdentistry.com Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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The Matador is a 21 and over establishment
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16650 NE 79th Street, #100, Redmond, WA 98052 • (425) 558-4562
July 29, 2011 [11]
www.redmond-reporter.com
Readers’ Choice Awards
Thank you, Redmond, for voting for Cascade Vista • Plaza in the Best of Senior Living category. As a Redmond business for 43 years, we truly appreciate your support! 7950 Willows Road • Redmond, WA or call 425-885-4157 for information.
Thank you to our wonderful customers for voting us 4 YEARS IN A ROW as the “Best Italian” Restaurant in Redmond. 510801
TROPEA RISTORANTE ITALIANO
425-867-1082
©Aveda Corp.
Thank You Redmond
8024 161St Ave NE • Redmond 507972
7981 Leary Way NE Redmond
507623
425-885-4151
508223
QUALITY • SERVICE • INTEGRITY SINCE 1948 Always Environmentally Friendly
508309
Thank you for your votes for the Best Dry Cleaner in Redmond We appreciate your continuous patronage.
While the words gluten-free and vegan don’t always get mouths to water, Hernandez backs all of their products. “There isn’t anything here I wouldn’t be happy to suggest,” he said. Flying Apron also has a 100 percent refund, no questions asked, policy. If a customer is unhappy with their product, they can just bring it back. In addition to the health benefits, Flying Apron products have an added benefit. “Cookies make people happy...and so do cupcakes,” Hernadez said. And sometimes, that happiness makes all the difference. Chuang said while it is great that Jaden can eat the food at Flying Apron, it is even better that there is at least one place where his son won’t feel singled out for his allergies. “I think it’s important to Jaden not just because he can have a variety, but (that) he can eat something at the store,” Chuang said.
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baked goods industry, but Silva used to own a bakery with his wife. Hernandez said one of the reasons they went into busi“It’s a friendly place,” Chelstad said. “It’s a good demoness together was because they wanted to simplify things. graphic. A lot of people live and work in Redmond.” “We had this notion of getting into something smaller, He, Hernandez and Silva — who have worked together in something we could control,” he said. the tech industry — They specifically have owned Flying chose Flying Apron Apron since January because they liked 2010. The bakery had that it was a sustainone previous owner able business -- not but had moved to just in its products various Seattle locabut in its practices as tions before settling well. in Fremont about Hernandez and three and half years Silva also have a ago. little more personal When they stake in the bakery as bought the busiHernandez’s daughter ness, many Flying has issues with gluten Apron customers and Silva has Crohn’s were worried the new disease, which affects owners would change his digestive system. things, but Chelstad, Flying Apron uses Hernandez and Silva a lot of alternatives Erik Chelstad, left, Ethan Hernandez, and Jeff Silva (not pictured) are the owners of Flying Apron, have done their best to replace traditional which specializes in gluten-free, organic and vegan baked goods. SAMANTHA PAK, Redmond Reporter to be transparent ingredients such as in their business. bean or rice flour They informed the local community that they would not be instead of wheat flour, maple syrup instead of sugar and flaxchanging things and have remained open about what types seed instead of eggs. The bakery also offers a number of saof ingredients they use. They also do their best to work with vory dishes such as salads and brown rice pastas. Ingredients local producers when purchasing ingredients. are listed next to each product so the customer — whether “That’s one of the things that excited us (about Flying they’re concerned for health reasons, ethical reasons or just Apron),” Chelstad said. “The local aspect.” curious — knows exactly what they’re getting. Neither he nor Hernandez had previous experience in the
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[ FLYING APRON from page 1 0]
for voting us as one of the Best!
16375 NE 85th Street, Suite 101 • Redmond • 425.284.0404 www.RaSalonSpa.com
FINALIST: Ali Alyazdi AAA
FINALIST: Amy Maggio Windermere/ Redmond
COFFEE
BREAKFAST
Victor’s
FINALIST: Pediatric Associates Dr. Greg Aeschliman
Village Square
Red Robin
FINALIST: Starbuck’s Sorrentos
FINALIST: Family Pancake House Pomegranate Bistro
FINALIST: Fatburger Herfey’s
FITNESS CENTER
YOGA
Discover Yoga
HAIR SALON/ BARBER
FINALIST: RAC Gold’s Gym
FINALIST: Shakti Yoga Bikram Hot Yoga Samskara Yoga
PET CARE/ SERVICES
FLOWER SHOP
The Bar Method
FINALIST: Ra Salon Gene Juarez
AUTO CARE
Petco
Bear Creek Florist
FINALIST: All the Best Pet Care Mud Bay
FINALIST: Redmond Floral Trader Joe’s
Auto Pet Business Home Medical Life
FINALIST: Coho Cafe Stone House
Salon Farouche
Autosys
Thank You 2010 Best of Redmond Winner
ASIAN
Thai Ginger
Inner Balance
FINALIST: Gene Juarez In Spa
FINALIST: Deborah Cobb Massage Envy
CLOTHING STORE
JEWELRY STORE FINALIST: Macy’s Fred Meyer Utopia
FINALIST: Coho Palmers
FINALIST: Trade Chic Whole Foods
DRY CLEANER
BANK
Market Place-Red Ridge
FINALIST: Redmond Hair & Nails Lilly’s
FINALIST: Classic Nursery Home Depot
FINALIST: Trilogy Fairwinds
FINALIST: Creekside Cleaners Redmond Cleaners
Trader Joe’s
BOOK STORE
Half Price Books
NEW BUSINESS
CUSTOMER SERVICE Trade Chic
KIDS ACTIVITY
Orange Blossom Society
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Marymoor Concerts
Big Picture Show
FINALIST: QFC - Bella PCC
FINALIST: Borders McDonalds
FINALIST: Pacific Coast Bakery Agave
FINALIST: Autosys Bar Method
FINALIST: Marymoor Park Little Kickers
FINALIST: 2nd Story Rep Theater Soul Food Books
FINALIST: Ipic Tropea
GROCERY STORE
Gray Barn
Shakti Yoga
Thanks
DATE PLACE
Voted best Redmond agent 2009 by Redmond Reporter readers 2008 Nationally recognized as 1 of 50 “Realtors on the Rise”
My Community.
Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)
425.497.1513 I’m Grateful for the www.utopianorthwest.com Support of
My Community.
FINALIST: US Bank BECU
Most properties SOLD in 2010 JLS Redmond
I’m Grateful for the Support of
7303 164th Ave N.E.
Bank of America
Top 1-2% John L Scott Agents 2004-2010
• Crystal, Minerals Fossils • Northwest contemporary glass art • Artist designed and crafted jewelry
I became an Edward Jones financial advisor because I wanted to be part of a firm that truly puts its clients’ needs first. I believe our long-term PMS 5535 investment philosophy, conveniently located offices and personal, I became an Edward Jones financial advisor be- face-to-face approach show our commitment to helping the people in the cause I wanted to be part of a firm that truly puts communities we serve every single day. its clients’ needs first. I believe our long-term
PCC
Matador
THANKS FOR VOTING, REDMOND!
for choosing Utopia as ONE OF REDMOND’S BEST… and 13 great years at Redmond Town Center
425-830-0067 ricksmith@johnlscott.com www.eastsidehomesforyou.com
Rick- Smith-Managing Broker JOHN L. SCOTT REAL ESTATE
.............................................
I’m Grateful for the Support of PMS Black
My Community.
investment philosophy, conveniently On behalflocated of Edward Jones and my branch office, it offices and personal, face-to-face approach showto have been named a top gives me great pride I became an Edward Jonesadvisor financial advisor becauseReporter. I wanted to berecognition part of our commitment to helping the people in the by The Redmond This a firm that truly itsevery clients’ needs first. Ibeen believe our long-term communities weputs serve single day. wouldn’t have possible withoutinvestment your support,
Black
White philosophy, convenientlyPMS located offices and personal, face-to-face approach and for that I’m grateful. On behalf Edward Jones and mythe branch office, show ourofcommitment to helping people in theit communities we serve gives great pride to have been named a top everyme single day.
Suzy W Burke-Myers, CFP®, AAMS®
advisor by The Redmond Reporter. This recognition Financial Advisor On behalf of Edward Jones and my branch offi ce, it gives me great pride to . wouldn’t have been possible without your support, 8103Redmond 164th Ave NEReporter. This recognition have been named a top advisor by The Redmond, WA 98052 and for that I’m been grateful. wouldn’t have possible without your support, and for that I’m grateful. PMS 5535
507007
AR 2011
Exceptional Tequila Selection • Outside Seating • Bar Open Late 425.881.8252 • 17158 Redmond Way suite 180, Redmond WA, 98052 • www.AgaveRest.comBlack
425-867-5187
5535 Suzy WPMS Burke-Myers, CFP®, AAMS®
508707
Join us for Lunch, Happy Hour, Daily Specials & Dinner!
Redmond Ridge Nails
u Yo nk on! a Th oup 25% C ve Sa
would like to thank you for voting for us as “Best of Redmond”. It’s because of wonderful customers like you, that shop locally and support us directly, that we have been able to shine. As a special thank you, please stop by before the end of the month and receive your complimentary thank you flower.
For nominating us as Best Mexican Food & New Business!
506924
425-885-9950
GREEN BUSINESS
Emerald Heights
Thank You Redmond!
16440 NE. 85TH STREET • REDMOND, WA 98052
HAPPY HOUR
SENIOR LIVING FACILITY
White
REDMOND BACK & NECK PAIN CLINIC
PIZZA
PLANT/ NURSERY
3:00 to 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm - close
Careful Listening • Detailed Exams Effective Treatment • Actual Results
FINALIST: Pinkabella Panera
NAIL SALON
HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS A WEEK
Thank you for voting for me as Best Chiropractor for 2011.
FINALIST: John Brandy Suzy Burke-Meyers
FINALIST: Garlic Jim’s Papa Murphy’s
HOURS Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 10 pm Friday - Saturday: 11 am - 12 am
CHIROPRACTIC PREFERRED PROVIDER
FINALIST: Jim Meyers Daniel Hanson
FINALIST: El Toreador Agave
PMS 5535
Dr. Sharon Wagener DeWolf
Hancock Bakery
FINALIST: Spazzo Frankies
17186 Redmond Way www.bearcreekflorist.com
http:/ / gettag.mobi
Falco Sult & Co.
Frankies
425.883.3770
Get the free mobile app for your phone
Sharon Wagener DeWolf
Ixtapa
Tropea
A SPECIAL THANKS TO REDMOND TOWN CENTER FOR SPONSORING THE PRIZE.
Danielson Jewelers
BAKED GOODS
MEXICAN
FINALIST: Typhoon Watercress
MASSAGE
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
ITALIAN
Sincere thanks, Lisa Aliment and the Staff at Bear Creek Florist
Phone: 425.882.9418 16398 NE 85TH ST, Suite 100 Redmond, WA 98052
Redwood Animal Hospital VCA Redmond Animal Hospital
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Ra Salon
FINALIST: Black & White Kohls
for your Votes!
506923
FOOT SPA
Macy’s
FINALIST: Les Schwab AA Auto
FINALIST:
FINALIST: Redmond Kids Dentistry Dr. Bruner
Matt’s
CHIROPRACTOR
Brookfield Vet
Redmond Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
FINE DINING
BURGER
VETERINARIAN
508266
Dr. Karen Sahota
DENTIST
Financial Advisor . 8103 164th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052 425-867-5187
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Logo with Registration Marks www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Thank you for your continued support and voting for us as Best Jeweler in Redmond. 511696
Rick Smith
PHYSICIAN
PLR-5349A-A-1-AD MAR 2011
Silvermark Insurance
REALTOR
July 29, 2011 [13]
www.redmond-reporter.com
506702
INSURANCE
www.redmond-reporter.com
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[12] July 29, 2011
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425.883.3805 • 8693 161ST AVE NE • REDMOND
[14] July 29, 2011
www.redmond-reporter.com
Best of Redmond 2011-2012
Spa owners are pros – at overcoming challenges ALLISON BARRETT For the Reporter
For a full year, Lucia Caldwell transformed one room of her home into a spa. There she and Natalya Rachkova refined their skills: practicing facials, waxing and eyelash extensions and carefully reviewing a myriad of beauty products. Several days a week friends would stop Lucia Caldwell by for treatments, and sometimes Caldwell and Rachkova would just practice
on each other. Last August Caldwell and Rachkova took their skills out of the home and to Redmond’s Town Center where they opened Luna Spa, a clean, brightly painted nook that shares a space with Studio Nails and offers facial therapies as well as waxing, eyelash extensions and makeup art. Overcoming the challenges to opening a business seemed minor after confronting what both women agree, hands
down, was the biggest barrier of them all: learning English. This unusual international duo has almost 40 years of combined experience in professional beauty services. Rachkova, 46, was a registered nurse and medical esthetician in her home country of Uzbekistan. She moved to the U.S. almost seven years ago. Caldwell, 41, worked as a makeup artist in China for 18 years before coming to the U.S. in 2006. “I’ve always owned businesses in my life. It is more comfortable Natalya Rachkova for me to own a business than to work for someone,” said Caldwell. But neither woman spoke English when she arrived in the U.S., and not knowing the language left both of them feeling overwhelmed and frustrated.
“It was so awful. I didn’t understand anything,” said Rachkova. It didn’t take her long to decide that she needed to learn English and she enrolled in ESL classes at Lake Washington Technical College. She told herself: “I have to do that. Nobody can do that but me.” Caldwell had to wait more than two months before she began taking language classes. With her husband at work and all of her friends and family back in China, most of her days were unbearably lonely. “I would walk around my neighborhood and I would be the only person around. There was no sound at all,” she said.
[ more SPA page 15]
Thank you for voting for us as Redmond’s Best Mexican restaurant. We appreciate your loyal support for our 6 years in the Redmond area. 425 882-7747
Fax: 425 861-8056
507956
16156 NE 87th St, Redmond
We serve only the freshest and finest ingredients. Our artfully crafted menu selections reflect influences from all of Thailand’s geographical regions. Our extraordinary fast and friendly wait staff wishes
Friday, August 19 • 3-7pm • City Hall Campus
to make your visit to Thai Ginger a memorable event.
16480 NE 74th St. Redmond www.thaiginger.com
511709
425.558.4044
www.redmond.gov/parks
511739
Special Appearance by – Steve Zakuani • Redmond’s First 3-on-3 Tournament The Skyriders! High Flying Trampoline Show • Skate425 – Skateboard Demonstrations 5K along the Sammamish River Trail
July 29, 2011 [15]
www.redmond-reporter.com
Readers’ Choice Awards [ SPA from page 14 ] In China, life is very busy, according to Caldwell. “Here it is very easy for people to get lonely. There is a lot of space between each other,” she said. When the timing was right, Caldwell signed up for ESL classes at Cascadia College in Bothell. “Many people are afraid to go through the process,” said Rachkova. “But when you are in class you can see that everyone is the same and that there is nothing to be ashamed of.” Caldwell added: “Now my friends are from all over. We have to work hard to understand each other.” The ESL classes were a step in the right direction, but really feeling comfortable with a language is not something that happens quickly. Besides going to classes Caldwell hardly went anywhere without her husband, who speaks English, for two years after moving here. Both women laugh as they confess their residual fear of picking up the phone. “Even now when I pick up the phone I am so scared,” said Rachkova. “I am just waiting, you know. Will I understand or not?” But they gradually got a hold on the language, gaining the confidence to seek out recertification for their previous professions and enrolling at Aesthetics Northwest Institute. That’s where Caldwell and Rachova met and decided to combine forces. “We both really care about clients,” said Caldwell. They also both share a voracious appetite for continuing their education. Perched on the shelves of their treatment room are a plethora of certificates: trainings for specific product lines, specialized treatments and
advanced procedures. “It’s like fresh air to me to take new classes,” said Rachkova. “It never hurts to be more educated, especially in our profession.” Caldwell, who does all the eyelash extensions at Luna Spa, explains that the official training for eyelash extensions is short, but to do them well takes at least a year of practice. The work itself requires patience and precision. “Every woman that I finish will look in the mirror and love it,” she said. “I love that feeling of doing something to make them feel different.” Rachkova’s focus at Luna Spa is on skin therapy. She also works as an esthetician at Nordstrom. “I recommend that people do not forget that beauty is healthy skin,” said Rachkova. But skin is also the largest organ of our body and it must be taken care of, to help the body protect itself, not only for beauty, she added. Both women acknowledge that opening a spa in this economic climate has its challenges. But they are familiar with the ups and downs of owning a business. The biggest obstacle, learning the language, is behind them. “English was the biggest challenge,” said Caldwell. “The rest is natural.” “Sometimes we are just trying to force the moment. Language is like steps, you can’t go from step one to 10,” said Rachovya. “It’s never too late to start learning English, it’s never too late to open any business. At least try.” For more information about Luna Spa visit www.luna-day-spa.com. Allison Barrett is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.
ity v i t c A s d i K Winner of Best Kids Activity: Orange Blossom Society
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presented by
August 3: Mamma Mia Wednesdays through Aug. 31 Seating Opens: 7pm $5 - Trivia - Games - Prizes Movies@Dusk MoviesatMarymoor.com
Visit Redmond-Reporter.com for Movies@Marymoor Weekly Trivia Question
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Visit Redmond-Reporter.com for Movies@Marymoor Weekly Trivia Question Sandra Gibb
425.883.2970
Thank You, for your votes!
16795 Redmond Way Redmond - Next to Value Village
Open 7 Days A Week 10:00am - 8:00pm Walk-ins Welcome
Visit us in our new location near SoulFood Books at 15744 Redmond Way
509864
Thank you to all of who voted for me in the Best Massage Business in Redmond. Regenerating your mind and body through the therapy of massage Breath deeply to relax more and drink your water! Sandra Gibb LMP,MMP
510795
16150 NE 85th St., Suite 118 Redmond www.bodyphilosophymassage.net artdsgn@comcast.net
511343
Licensed Massage Therapist (425) 785-0310