Congratulations winners of Best of L.J.

Congratulations!

Voters came out in droves for this, the 10th year, of the La Jolla Light’s Best of Readers Poll to pick their favorite businesses and people. Their selections cross the board and the neighborhoods, from Bird Rock to the Shores.

We counted responses online and on paper to find out your choices for the Jewel’s top establishments and the people who work there. Some of the names are familiar in this 2008 list and there are also some new names.

Congratulations to all of the winners and the second and third place finishers - and thanks to all our readers who took the time to vote in the 78 categories this year.

As you wander through the list, remember the merchants, restaurateurs, hoteliers and professionals listed here are what make the Jewel a great place to live, work and visit.

• Kathy Day, Editor

And the winners are:

- George’s at the Cove

- Vigilucci’s Seafood, Steak & Chop House

- Harry’s Coffee Shop

- The Cottage

- Girard Gourmet

- La Valencia

- Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

- Burger Lounge

- The Cookie Lady

- Jose’s Court Room

- Bully’s

- Sushi on the Rock

- El Pescador

- The Spot

- Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar

- Mandarin House

- Marketplace Grille

- Tapenade

- Piatti’s

- Su Casa

- Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen

- French Gourmet

- Froglanders

- Ark Antiques

- Burns Drugs

- Kreiss Collection

- Warwick’s

- Aja Rugs

- Wells Fargo

- Spoiled Rotten

- Ascot Shop

- Sigi’s

- Sunglass Hut

- Rangoni Firenze Shoes

- Bowers Jewelers

- Margaret’s Cleaners

- Adelaide’s Florist

- Vons

- Merry Maids

- Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Services

- Nancy Gardner, California Mortgage

- Pangaea Travel Consultants

- AAA Pet Grooming

- La Jolla Veterinary Hospital

- Salon Q

- La Jolla Spa MD

- Casa de Manana Retirement Community

- K. Nathan Gallery

- Scripps Health

- Joseph D’Angelo, DDS

- Scott Boughton, M.D.

- Barry Broomberg, M.D.

- Stephen Krant, M.D.

- Dewhurst & Associates

- Jeff Dunigan, Smith Barney

- Irene Chandler & Jim Shutlz, Coldwell Banker

- Christina, Salon Q

- Bryan Tyska, Fitness Together

- Stacie Davis, Tapenade

- Jean-Michel Diot, Tapenade

- Geoff Bouvier, Tapenade

- Kathleen Brookshire, Tapenade

- Bill Howe Plumbing

- Fred Ballam Electric

BEST RESTAURANT

1 – George’s at the Cove

Many thanks to the readers of La Jolla Light for naming us Best Restaurant. We look forward to continuing to bring you culinary inspiration and flavor-filled fun.

1250 Prospect St.

(858) 454-4224

2 – Tapenade

3 – Marine Room

BEST BREAKFAST

1 – Harry’s Coffee Shop

Since 1960, Harry’s has been the place where La Jollans go to start the day off right.

7545 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-7381

2 – The Cottage

3 – Brockton Villa

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

1 – Vigilucci’s Seafood, Steak & Chop House

This steak and chop house serves the finest steaks, freshest seafood and homemade pasta in an elegant, yet casually upscale atmosphere where everyone is welcome and treated like family.

909 Prospect St.

(858) 454-9664

2 – Sushi Station

3 – Marine Room

BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE

1 – George’s at the Cove

Top quality service is a big part of why George’s has been a beloved fixture on the La Jolla scene since 1984.

1250 Prospect St.

(858) 454-4224

2 – Tapenade

3 – La Valencia

BEST LUNCH

1 – The Cottage

With its tree-shaded patio, this early 1900s cottage serves as home to a restaurant offering a wide-ranging menu with everything from omelets to mahi mahi tacos.

7702 Fay Ave.

(858) 454-8409

2 – Girard Gourmet

3 – Sammy’s

BEST TAKE-OUT

1 – Girard Gourmet

Whether it’s soup, a sandwich or one of its hot specialty items you order, all of the items on the Girard Gourmet menu are freshly baked or prepared daily using seasonal fresh produce.

7837 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-3325 or (858) 454-3321

2 – Sammy’s

3 – Extreme Pizza

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH

1 – La Valencia

The sumptuous brunch at the landmark La Valencia is served in the Mediterranean Room and tropical patio with sweeping Pacific views.

1132 Prospect St.

(858) 454-0771

2 – Brockton Villa

3 – The Cottage

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT

1 – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

With its casual setting and award-winning pizzas, salads, pastas and its signature giant Messy Sundae, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza has been a great spot for family dining since 1989.

702 Pearl St.

(858) 454-8409

2 – The Spot

3 – Girard Gourmet

BEST WINE SELECTION

1 – George’s At The Cove

George’s California Moderne boasts that its wine list is open to cultural influences from all corners of civilization, from California varietals to international selections.

1250 Prospect St.

(858) 454-4224

2 – Tapenade

3 – Jack’s

BEST OUTDOOR RESTAURANT

1 – George’s Rooftop Terrace

George’s Rooftop Terrace is hard to beat for its spectacular views and casual bistro menu.

1250 Prospect St.

(858) 454-4244

2 – The Cottage

3 – La Valencia

BEST BURGER

1 – Burger Lounge

From grass-fed beef to its turkey and vegetarian burgers, the Burger Lounge is the place to go for the perfect hamburger.

1101 Wall St.

(858) 456-0196

2 – Jeff’s

3 – The Spot

BEST DESSERT

1 – The Cookie Lady

From its signature cookies to yummy cakes, The Cookie Lady continues to delight La Jollans with a sweet tooth.

7596 Fay Ave.

(858) 456-1640

2 – Michele Coulon

3 – Girard Gourmet

BEST MARGARITA

1 – Jose’s Court Room

Order the house margarita or choose your tequila from the broad selection - by the glass or pitcher, rocks or blended, salt or no salt - and you’ll be happy you did.

1037 Prospect St.

(858) 454-7655

2 – Su Casa

3 – Alphonso’s

BEST PIZZA

1 – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

From thin crust to deep dish, from traditional pepperoni to Thai chicken, pizza lovers of all types will find something to love at Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza.

702 Pearl St.

(858) 456-5222

2 – Extreme Pizza

3 – Carino’s

BEST SANDWICH

1 – Girard Gourmet

BLTs, chicken curry with almond, and plain-old cheese sandwiches adorn the menu and fill diner’s stomachs at Girard Gourmet.

7837 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-3321

2 – Cheese Shop

3 – Subway

BEST STEAK

1 – Bully’s

A San Diego tradition for more than 35 years, Bully’s serves up award-winning prime rib.

5755 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 459-2768

2 – Donovan’s

3 – Fleming’s

BEST SUSHI

1 – Sushi on the Rock

With its creative twists on traditional dishes, incomparable modern flavors and two high-energy locations, Sushi on the Rock is sure to please sushi lovers.

7734 Girard Ave.

(858) 456-1138

1025 Prospect St., #250

(858) 459-3208

2 – Sushi Station

3 – Roppongi

BEST SEAFOOD

1 – El Pescador

Serving the finest seafood for over 30 years, El Pescador has local and imported fish, the best char-broiled fish sandwich in town and their acclaimed clam chowder and cioppino soup.

627 Pearl St.

(858) 456-2526

2 – Crab Catcher

3 – George’s

BEST AMERICAN

1 – The Spot

Locals love The Spot for its laid-back ambiance and old-time La Jolla charm.

1005 Prospect St.

(858) 459-0800

2 – Jack’s

3 – Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza

BEST ASIAN FUSION

1 – Roppongi

For nearly 10 years, Roppongi has been surprising diners with the flavors of the its new Asian cuisine.

875 Prospect St.

(858) 551-5252

2 – Zenbu

3 – Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen

BEST CHINESE

1 – Mandarin House

Mandarin House brings together a very diverse menu and great atmosphere.

6765 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 454-2555

2 – China Chef

3 – PF Chang’s

BEST MEDITERRANEAN

1 – Marketplace Grille

Marketplace Grille offers foods of the Middle East with its own Southwestern mesquite for a menu filled with meats, seafood and vegetable combinations.

1030-C Torrey Pines Road

(858) 456-9576

2 – Marrakesh

3 – Azul

BEST MEXICAN

1 – Su Casa

A local landmark for years, Su Casa promises friendly service to go with its gourmet Mexican and seafood specialties.

6738 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 454-0369

2 – Alfonso’s

3 – Jose’s Court Room

BEST THAI

1 – Spice & Rice Thai Kitchen

A favorite, this restaurant is on La Jolla’s main street.

7734-C Girard Ave.

(858) 456-0466

2 – Royal Thai i

BEST FRENCH

1 – Tapenade

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Tapenade has become a La Jolla institution with its reflection of flavors and savors being intertwined in success.

7612 Fay Ave.

(858) 551-7500

2 – French Gourmet

3 – Cafe Lavande

BEST ITALIAN

1 – Piatti’s

Piatti’s would like to extend our love and appreciation to everyone in La Jolla for their 18 years of support. We look forward to serving you and yours for years to come.

2182 Avenida de la Playa

(858) 454-1589

2 – Pasquale on Prospect

3 – Sante

BEST BAKERY

1 – Girard Gourmet

Satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth, Girard Gourmet features unique cookies and tasty traditional desserts.

7837 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-3325

2 – French Pastry Cafe

3 – French Gourmet

BEST CAFÉ

1 – Girard Gourmet

From sandwiches and soup to its “best” baked goods, Girard Gourmet gives those on the go or those who want to kick back a bit a place to find a tasty dish.

7837 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-3325

2 – Living Room

3 – Pannikin

BEST CATERING

1 – French Gourmet

The French Gourmet has served San Diego with what many consider the city’s finest full-service catering since 1979.

960 Turquoise St.

(800) 929-1984

2 – Girard Gourmet

3 – Tapenade

BEST COFFEE SHOP

1 – Harry’s

Since 1960, Harry’s has been meeting La Jollans’ urges for great coffee and home-style cooking at breakfast and lunch.

7545 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-7381

2 – Pannikin

3 – Living Room

BEST DELI

1 – Girard Gourmet

A deli for everyone, Girard Gourmet tops the list again this year as Light readers’ favorite for its wide range of choices and casual setting.

7837 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-3321

2 – Cheese Shop

3 – Jonathan’s

BEST ICE CREAM FROZEN YOGURT

1 – Froglanders

Vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry - take your pick! When La Jollans get a craving for frozen yogurt they head to Froglanders, voted Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt. This local favorite has great flavors at good prices.

915 Pearl St.

(858) 459-3764

2 – Cold Stone

3 – Baskin Robbins

BEST ANTIQUES

1 – Ark Antiques

Ark Antiques for Animal Charities offers a wonderful selection of donated and consigned antiques, furnishings and accessories from the finest homes in La Jolla.

7643 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-7755

2 – DD Allen

3 – King Co.

BEST PHARMACY

1 – Burns Drugs

From trinkets to cosmetics and with its traditional pharmacy, Burns Drugs has been providing old-fashioned services for more than 50 years.

7824 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-4285

2 – Longs

3 – Vons

BEST FURNITURE STORE

1 – Kreiss Collection

This repeat winner takes pride in providing great service and high-end home furnishings in its La Jolla showroom.

7770 Girard Ave.

(858) 456-0246

2 – Seaside Home

3 – My Own Space

BEST STATIONERY STORE

1 – Warwick’s

Handpicked stationery offering unique and traditional collections.

7821 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-0347

2 – Statements of La Jolla

3 – Papyrus

BEST RUGS

1 – Aja Rugs

Aja specializes in antique Persian and Oriental rugs and helps design custom rugs.

7848 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-8720

2 – La Jolla Rugs

3 – Prospect Rug

BEST BANK

1 – Wells Fargo

Readers picked Wells Fargo for its friendly and knowledgeable staff.

7714 Girard Ave.

(858) 455-0362

2 – Washington Mutual

3 – Union Bank

BEST HOTEL

1 – La Valencia

Overlooking La Jolla Cove, historic La Valencia’s relaxing and luxurious atmosphere made it a repeat winner.

1132 Prospect St.

(858) 454-0771

2 – Grande Colonial

3 – Hotel Parisi

BEST CHILDREN’S APPAREL

1 – Spoiled Rotten

La Jolla’s children are most likely outfitted at Spoiled Rotten.

7544 Fay St.

(858) 459-1904

2 – Eurochild

3 – Gap

BEST MEN’S APPAREL

1 – Ascot Shop

Thank you for voting us Best for seven years in a row. We are honored to receive this award and want to thank all of our loyal friends and clients who continue to support us.

(858) 454-4222

7750 Girard Ave.

2 – Tommy Bahama

3 – Ralph Lauren

BEST WOMEN’S APPAREL

1 – Sigi’s

Sigi’s Boutique, in business since 1968, specializes in European and American sportswear with a feminine feel in fine fabrics and classic styles. The shop also carries jewelry and accessories.

7888 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-7244

2 – Talbot’s

3 – Donna Marsh

BEST EYEWEAR

1 – Sunglass Hut

Its variety of eyewear and quality service made Sunglass Hut the readers’ choice.

1049 Prospect St.

(858) 459-6010

2 – Optical Shop of Aspen

3 – Dr. Trainer

BEST JEWELRY STORE

1 – Bowers Jewelers

This family-owned jewelry story, the oldest in La Jolla, thanks our many customers for their loyalty and support. We look forward to continuing to offer you our service for many years to come.

7860 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-3678

2 – Bulfer’s

3 – Blondstone

BEST SHOE STORE

1 – Rangoni Firenze Shoes

Rangoni Firenze Shoes showcases a full range of Italian Designer footwear and accessories for women and men. The store specializes in hard to fit feet by carrying a wide variety of sizes and widths.

7870 Girard Ave.

(858) 459-4469

2 – La Jolla Shoe Gallery

BEST FLORIST

1 – Adelaide’s Florist and Decorators

Adelaide’s has been in business for over 70 years, serving the community with stunning floral gifts, plants and home decor and helping families create memorable events and weddings

7766 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-0146

2 – Bloomers

3 – La Jolla Florist

BEST DRY CLEANERS

1 – Margaret’s Cleaners

Margaret’s opened its first location in La Jolla in 1953. We are proud to be the nation’s largest high-end dry cleaner.

7511 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 454-2375

2 – Ogden’s Cleaners

3 – Ocean Cleaners

BEST GROCERY

1 – Vons

Vons offers an extensive array of standard grocery store fare along with a deli, flower shop, pharmacy, Starbucks and Jamba Juice in the heart of the Village.

7544 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-2620

2 – Jonathan’s

3 – Whole Foods

BEST HOUSEKEEPING

1 – Merry Maids

With help that can be entrusted to care for your home, Merry Maids tops the list.

497 Vernon Way

(858) 272-4100

2 – Rene’s of La Jolla

BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY

1 – Coldwell Banker

Coldwell Banker markets residential real estate, helping people find homes for a family, as a second home, vacation rental or for investment. We also specialize in meeting the needs of an ever-growing international clientele.

930 Prospect St.

(858) 459-3851

2 – Willis Allen Real Estate

3 – Prudential California Realty

BEST MORTGAGE BROKER

1 – Nancy K. Gardner, California Mortgage Consultants, Inc/CMC Finance, Inc.

Founded in 1994 by Nancy Gardner, CMC, Residential/Commercial lender provides premier service, unparalleled knowledge, and a variety of programs in multiple states. Nancy, who insists on putting customers first, is an expert on market trends and radio commentator.

7575 Eads Ave., Suite 102

(858) 456-3000

2 – Brian Webb / La Jolla Savers

3 – Wells Fargo Bank

BEST TRAVEL AGENCY

1 – Pangaea Travel Consultants

Pangaea Travel Consultants specializes in green and sustainable travel.

5490 La Jolla Blvd., Suite B

(858) 456-9566

2 – Worldwide

3 – Chayet Travel

BEST PET GROOMING

1 – AAA Pet Grooming

AAA Pet Grooming has been serving pets and their owners for more than 20 years. They specialize in all breeds of dogs and cats and offer hot oil skin therapy treatments in addition to non-toxic flea baths in a caring and open environment.

508 Nautilus St.

(858) 456-1552

2 – La Jolla Veterinary Hospital

3 – WindanSea Veterinary Clinic

BEST VETERINARY SERVICE

1 – La Jolla Veterinary Hospital

Believes in treating patients like they treat our own pets.

7520 Fay Ave.

(858) 454-6155

2 – WindanSea Veterinary Clinic

BEST HAIR SALON

1 – Salon Q

Customers at this cozy salon on Fay Avenue get pampered and have a good time, too.

7592 Fay Ave.

(858) 456-2602

2 – Model Call

3 – Victor Magna

BEST DAY SPA

1 – La Jolla Spa MD

Bringing together science and medicine and the best in spa therapies, La Jolla Spa MD is the place to go for rejuvenation.

7630 Fay Ave.

(858) 459-6868

2 – Gaia

3 – SK Sanctuary

BEST HEALTH CLUB

1 – La Jolla Sports Club

The La Jolla Sports Club is a high-end, boutique fitness club that offers a wide variety of group exercise classes, top of the line equipment and first-class, personalized service.

7825 Fay Ave.

(858) 456-2595

2 – 24 Hour Fitness

3 – Fitness Together

BEST YOGA STUDIO

1 – Prana Yoga Center

Celebrating its seventh anniversary this fall, Prana Yoga Center attracts La Jollans from all walks of life for its trademark Vinyasa Flow (Power) Yoga classes, gentle Hatha stretching program or specialty classes.

1041 Silverado St.

(858) 456-2806

BEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

1 – Casa de Manana Retirement Community

Casa de Manana’s friendly, highly individual service has been a tradition since the center, with its classic Spanish architecture, opened more than 80 years ago.

849 Coast Blvd.

(800) 959-7010

2 – White Sands

3 – Chateau of La Jolla

BEST ART GALLERY

1 – K. Nathan Gallery

K. Nathan Gallery, now in its 17th year, deals in early California and fine pre-1960 American Paintings. The gallery represents Brian Blood and Laurie Kersey, two of California’s finest living artists, and also creates custom hand-carved, gold leaf frames.

7723 Fay Ave.

(858) 459-3490

2 – Morrison Hotel

3 – Fingerhut Gallery

BEST HOSPITAL

1 – Scripps Health

Since its founding in 1924 by Ellen Browning Scripps, the Scripps Health system has grown to four acute care hospitals on five campuses and an extensive outpatient care network. It includes Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, Scripps Green Hospital and Scripps Mercy Hospital.

(800) SCRIPPS

2 – UCSD

3 – Sharp

BEST DENTIST

1 – Joseph D’Angelo, DDS

Dr. D’Angelo is a repeat winner as Best Dentist for his commitment to excellence and his smiling staff.

1111 Torrey Pines Road, Ste. 101

(858) 459-6224

2 – Alicia Kennedy, DDS

3 – Michael Reynolds, DDS

BEST DERMATOLOGIST

1 – Scott Boughton, M.D.

Patients like the friendly atmosphere and personal touch of Dr. Scott Boughton, who has been practicing in La Jolla for more than 20 years.

7300 Girard Ave.

(858) 454-7123

2 – Susan Stuart

3 – Howard Milstein

BEST DOCTOR

1 – Barry Broomberg, M.D.

Readers picked Dr. Barry Broomberg, who practices family medicine, for his knowledgeable and pleasing bedside manner.

6515 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 454-7157

2 – Richard Walls, M.D.

3 – Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D.

BEST COSMETIC SURGEON

1 – Stephen Krant, M.D.

A board certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Stephen Krant prides himself on providing the best possible surgical results at SK Clinic, as well as SK Sanctuary.

6919 La Jolla Blvd.

(858) 454-3161

2 – John Smoot, M.D.

3 – Robert Singer, M.D.

BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR

1 – Dewhurst Associates

La Jolla’s largest and oldest construction company, Dewhurst Associates has been a family-owned business since 1929. Focused on designing and building quality custom homes, they also provide remodeling and repair services.

7541 Girard Ave.

(858) 456-5345

2 – Grunow Construction

3 – Beacham Walsh Properties

BEST FINANCIAL PLANNER

1 – Jeff Dunigan / Smith Barney

7777 Fay Ave., Suite 300

(858) 456-4900

2 – Frank Pedace / Smith Barney

3 – Ted Rutter / Morgan Stanley

BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT

1 – Irene Chandler and Jim Shultz

Irene Chandler and Jim Shultz are Coldwell Banker Residential real estate agents, specializing in La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and San Diego luxury homes and condos. They are committed to “high-tech, high-touch marketing and client services.”

930 Prospect St.

Irene (858) 775-6782

Jim (858) 354-0000

2 – John Tolerico, Prudential California

3 – Barbara Slavin, Willis Allen Real Estate

BEST TRAVEL AGENT

1 – Jessica Finley

Jessica Finley, provides luxury tours and cruises, while offering free carbon offsets and donations to non-profits around the world.

5490 La Jolla Blvd., Suite B

(858) 456-9566

2 – Sandy Sacks / Worldwide

3 – Carol Park / Travel by Carol

BEST PERSONAL TRAINER

1 – Bryan Tyska, Fitness Together

Bryan, one of Fitness Together’s many talented health and fitness trainers, provides clients with the essential tools that create an outstanding life, for life.

7777 Fay Ave. Ste. G1

(858) 454-7774

2 – Marcy Pat Holm

3 – John Lenz, Fitness Together

BEST BARTENDER

1 – Stacie Davis, Tapenade

Stacie Davis is a one-of-a kind bartender who has been working with Tapenade for nearly two years. She enjoys being with customers and always extends the best service.

7612 Fay Ave.

(858) 551-7500

2 – Mike Yen / Nine Ten

3 – Gavin / Beaumont’s

BEST CHEF

1 – Jean-Michel Diot

Tapenade Chef Jean Michel Diot, who has already left a large imprint on the international and American gourmet societies, brings his talents to Tapenade where he is extending his legacy.

7612 Fay Ave.

(858) 551-7500

2 – Bernard Guillas, Marine Room

3 – Trey Foshe, George’s at the Cove

BEST MAITRE’D

1 – Ludovic Mifsud, Tapenade

Ludovic “Ludo” Mifsud, who’s been at Tapenade for three years, puts diners at ease.

7612 Fay Ave.

(858) 551-7500

2 – Manny, La Valencia

3 – George, George’s at the Cove

BEST WAITER

1 – Geoff Bouvier, Tapenade

Geoff Bouvier, who has been with Tapenade for eight years, is also a poet and writer.

2 – Travis / Tapenade

3 – Salvador / Su Casa

BEST WAITRESS

1 – Kathleen Brookshire, Tapenade

Kathleen Brookshire is an evening server and maitre d’ at lunch. She is a certified sommelier from the Professional Culinary Institute.

2 – Belinda / Harry’s

BEST HAIRSTYLIST

1-The stylists at Salon Q

Taking cues from their customers and understanding their styles put the hairstylists at Salon Q at the top of the readers’ list.

7592 Fay Ave.

(858) 456-2602

BEST PLUMBER

1 – Bill Howe Plumbing

Serving San Diego since 1980, Bill Howe Plumbing is a family-owned business that prides itself on ethical service.

(800) 245-5469

2 – Rohde Plumbing

3 – Kirk Myron / Myron Plumbing

BEST ELECTRICIAN

1 – Fred Ballam Electric

In business since 1999, Fred Ballam puts spark in meeting customers’ electrical contracting needs.

783 Colima St.

(858) 459-3062

2 – Safeway

3 – Miles Cooper