Best of Tallahassee 2006

Readers choose their favorite restaurants, places to shop, entertainment and service providers.
Best of Tallahassee 2006The savvy shoppers, daring diners and otherwise knowledgeable readers of Tallahassee Magazine have voted, choosing their favorites in categories ranging from best plumber to best weekend getaway

Compiled by Erica Bailey, Jason Dehart, Rosanne Dunkelberger, Jessica Stasiw, Mackenzie Turberville, and Tabitha Yang

 

So here they are, the best that Tallahassee has to offer. Some are established favorites – who hasn’t caught a few beads at the Springtime Tallahassee parade? Others, such as the Green Peridot Hair Salon, are newcomers to the “Best of” list.

 

Entertainment

Best Art Gallery | Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science
Chucha Barber, director of the Brogan, said this downtown museum is special because it does three things well. “We make connections between art and science, we bring in such a variety of art exhibit opportunities, and we also work very hard to showcase local art talent at least once a year,” she said.

Best Community Event | Springtime Tallahassee
This festival of culture, history and natural beauty celebrates everything
Tallahassee with delicious food, vendors and music. For 38 years, thousands have strolled under the shady canopy of downtown’s oak trees and ventured into the sun to enjoy the annual parade.

Best Golf Course | SouthWood Golf Club
It has the look of an exclusive club, but anybody can play this gently rolling Fred Couples/Gene Bates-designed course. The carts are equipped with GPS, and each hole features five sets of tees to suit any skill level.

Best Golf Instructor | Becky Sauers
Many a hacker has turned his or her game around courtesy of this former LPGA pro, recently nominated as one of the nation’s top 100 instructors by Golf magazine. Sauers, who has been teaching in Tallahassee for 35 years, also has been instrumental in creating and operating local programs to introduce the game to women and juniors.

Best Local Attraction | Wakulla Springs
Visitors to this natural attraction may come to see the spring’s underwater marvels, but its terrestrial and avian wildlife takes much of the spotlight. Indeed, the park has become a great place for one-stop bird-watching, with many native waterfowl, eagles and osprey calling it home.

Best Musician/Band | Del Suggs
A Northwest Florida native, this singer/songwriter regularly appears in performances before audiences as large as 10,000 or as intimate as 75. One longtime fan of Del’s folksy style comments, “Del always delivers with honest, grounded lyrics and leaves the listener with some new perspectives.”

Best Place to Be Seen | Governor’s Club
You know you’ve arrived when you find yourself dining on sea scallops and crab cakes at the Governor’s Club while schmoozing with the private club’s politicians, doctors, lawyers and other distinguished members.

Best Place to Go Dancing | The River Front Saloon/Bell Bottoms
Put on your dancing shoes and head west to the Ochlocknee River. Line dance till the cows come home at The River Front, or head next door to Bell Bottoms for today’s newest music and dance moves. And when your feet hurt, cool off on the riverside patio, play pool or warble a little karaoke.

Best Place to Take Kids | IMAX at Challenger Learning Center
A movie screen five stories tall, a killer sound system and an advanced projector definitely gives this educational theater a mega-cool “wow” factor. Whether it’s a show about walking with pandas or walking on the moon, IMAX has the technology to take the viewer there.

Splurge for Her | Bernice at Betton Salon & Day Spa
Take the ultimate plunge with the salon’s “Full Day in Heaven.” The seven-hour pampering session includes a massage, paraffin manicure, signature pedicure, body scrub, haircut and style, makeup application and lunch.

Best Splurge for Him | Nic’s Toggery
Custom shirts, fine suits, an array of natty accessories – these are just a few manly indulgences to be found at Nic’s. With its top menswear lines, superior sales consultants and custom services, the Tallahassee institution has made Esquire magazine’s A-list of the finest men’s specialty stores in the nation.

Best Tennis Facility | SouthWood
The community’s two residents-only tennis courts get the thumbs-up from those lucky enough to play there. Situated next to a 123-acre park and lake and surrounded by majestic oaks, the view from SouthWood’s courts may make one forget about playing tennis. The community center is close by with locker rooms, and so is the pool for a quick dip after a grueling game.

Best Tennis Instructor | Allen Long
Long has been teaching for 25 years and credits his success to patience and perseverance. You can catch him at the Golden Eagle Tennis Club for one of his 30-minute or one-hour lessons.

Best Weekend Getaway | St. George Island
Soft, sandy beaches and a warm family atmosphere make St. George Island ideal for a weekend retreat. It’s only a half tank of gas away – and miles away from everyday worry.

Food and Beverage

Best Appetizer | Chez Pierre
Whether you’re in the mood for crab cakes, Oysters Rockefeller, a fois gras burger or the ever-popular escargots, Chez Pierre offers delicious ways to start your meal.

Best Asian | Lucy Ho’s
Lucy Ho’s restaurants have become a Tallahassee dining institution. Asian food enthusiasts go to enjoy Gyoza Dumplings, Crab Rangoon, General Tsao’s Chicken and Szechuan Beef, all in a relaxed setting.

Best Bakery | Tasty Pastry
Cookies and cakes and brownies . . . oh my! Pastries may not be the breakfast of champions, but Tasty Pastry certainly has been providing the breakfast of indulgers since 1963. This family-owned and operated business offers a plethora of baked goods, all made from scratch.

Best Barbecue | Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q
A reputation for family-friendliness and heaping helpings has made Sonny’s three Tallahassee locations the places to pig out on barbecue. New menu additions such as pulled pork, beef brisket and daily all-you-can eat specials keep ’em coming back for more.

Best Breakfast | Another Broken Egg
Indulge in the breakfast classic Eggs Benedict or Bananas Foster French Toast while enjoying a peaceful view of the lake. Breakfast is served all day.

Best Brunch | Chez Pierre
Pleasant music, attentive service and out-of-this-world food take Sunday brunch to a whole new level. Apple beignets, Belgian waffles and shrimp and grits? Mais oui!

Best Carry-Out/Gourmet | Mozaik
A trendy décor sprinkled with colorful mosaics throughout the restaurant makes Mozaik a place you want to stop, even if it isn’t on your way home from work. The creative take-away offerings are constantly changing and can include Asian-spiced crab cakes, soy-glazed tuna with stir-fried vegetables, teriyaki pork spring rolls, and fried eggplant with tomato jam and herbed goat cheese.

Best Casual Dining | Paradise Grill and Bar
Hawaiian shirts, shorts and flip-flops aren’t just items of clothing – at Paradise Grill and Bar, it’s a way of life. Bring along the Little Kahunas on Monday night for kid’s night and get a kid’s meal for 99 cents.

Best Caterer | Klassic Catering
Tallahassee’s smartest hosts and hostesses take the stress out of birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and even tailgate parties by having them catered by Klassic Catering. The professional staff, beautiful presentation and delicious food have created many an event to remember.

Best Coffeehouse | Cool Grindz
The variety of coffee drinks made from beans roasted on site is just the start of the appeal of Cool Grindz. There also is the dark and mysterious Moorish décor, light meal selections and decadent desserts.

Best Dessert | Food Glorious Food
A perusal of the dessert menu makes one wonder why the restaurant isn’t called “Dessert Glorious Dessert.” From the Perfect Chocolate Cake to the Turtle Truffle Torte, it’s imperative that you save room for dessert.

Best Family-Friendly | Barnaby’s
Forget about sitting at a table with antsy, whiny kids, waiting for your food to come. At Barnaby’s, you stand in line to order and pick up your food at a counter near the kitchen. There’s pizza “play dough” for the little ones and a game arcade for the more “mature” young ’uns.

Best Fast Food Chain | Wendy’s
Always a winner for a burger or salad, Wendy’s has upped the ante in fast food with its new Frescata deli sandwiches and a mix-and-match combo menu that goes beyond fries and lets you pick your side without boosting the price.

Best Fine Dining | Cypress
For a special occasion or nice dinner out, Cypress is the place to go. Try the sugarcane-mopped, 16-ounce ribeye or the herbed mustard and crimini-encrusted New Zealand lamb chop. End your meal on a sweet note with the amazing flourless chocolate cake with warm chocolate ganache and Madagascar vanilla-infused cognac ice cream.

Best French | Albert’s Provence
Chef Albert Ughetto regularly wows restaurant patrons with dishes such as red snapper stuffed with lump crab meat and peppers over a light, creamy seafood reduction sauce or tender rack of lamb served over coarse mashed potatoes. The banana cream pie, a cool, smooth and creamy concoction with raspberries and white chocolate, makes the perfect dessert.

Best Hamburger | Whataburger
Started in Texas more than 50 years ago, this fast-food restaurant’s orange-and-white color scheme and distinctive A-frame shape are instantly recognizable. Burgers are fresh, made to order and brought right to your table.

Best Happy Hour | Paradise Grill & Bar
With a large outdoor deck (not to mention the large bar attached to it), happy hour at Paradise is the place to be to kick back and enjoy a few drinks after a hard day at work. And two-for-one drink specials on Friday evenings can help adjust your attitude for the weekend.

Best International | Osaka
The Chou family’s contribution to the local Japanese cuisine scene, Osaka perhaps
is best known for its theatrical and hibachi cooking, perfect for birthdays or a fun night out. But the restaurant also gets kudos from customers for its sushi creations.

Best Italian | Carrabba’s
It’s the place with the trees on the roof and the open kitchen on the inside. Oak and pecan burn in the wood-fired oven and grill, locking in a succulent flavor straight out of Italy. Seats fill up fast, so get there early.

Best Locally Owned | Nino’s Restaurant
The restaurant is housed in a charming farmhouse a bit of a way out Apalachee Parkway and offers an eclectic menu of fine Italian cuisine, authentic Barvarian dishes and Angus beef. Save room for their delicious desserts.

Best Mexican/Latin American | San Miguel
For 11 years, San Miguel has been offering a south-of-the-border taste in Tallahassee with its authentic Mexican cuisine and atmosphere.

Best Outdoor Dining | Food Glorious Food
Under the trees on a warm afternoon or under the lights on a lovely evening – whatever the time, you can’t go wrong with Food Glorious Food’s outdoor dining. There are plans afoot to add more outdoor seating – that’s how popular it is.

Best Pizza | Decent Pizza
Don’t let the name fool you – it’s better than decent. Sit down and enjoy one of the massive combo slices; it’s sure to have you driving back for more.

Best Power Lunch | Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar
Relax and sit under shaded tables during your next business meeting in the perfect climate to talk politics while eating a Gra-HAM Burger or a Capital Press Club Sandwich. With Andrew’s, the food is never hit or miss – you just need to decide what time to make that lunch meeting.

Best Romantic | Anthony’s
Quiet music, dim lighting and red wine in tall goblets afford the perfect setting for an intimate dinner with that special someone. Veal Piccata or Pesce Venezia – spinach fettuccine tossed in a cream sauce with scallops, crab, and fish – are delectable entrée choices, especially when followed by the restaurant’s signature espresso pie.

Best Salad Bar | Crispers
A revitalizing alternative to fast food, Crispers is one reason salads are the “it” dish at lunch. With fresh ingredients, you can always enjoy favorites such as the Greek, Cobb and Baby Spinach salads. Jalapeno Ranch, Thai Spicy Peanut and Herb Citrus are just a few of the dressings that will make your salad a treat.

Best Sandwich | Hopkins Eatery
The low-key atmosphere and three-page menu of healthy sandwiches and salads make Hopkins a popular lunch spot. The Black Bird – turkey, cream cheese, black olives, celery, green peppers, sunflower seeds, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayonnaise and parmesan dressing, served hot on a wheat roll – is a particular favorite.

Best Seafood Market | Southern Seafood
Southern supplies the seafood for Kitcho’s sushi, so you know it’s got to be fresh. Salmon, snapper, tuna, scallops, shrimp and more are shipped daily from the shore to the store.

Best Seafood Restaurant | Crystal River
If you’re looking for affordable, fresh seafood prepared any way you like, Crystal River is the place to go. Serving shrimp, catfish, flounder and other fruits of the sea, Crystal River has a faithful following of patrons who enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.

Best Service | Georgio’s
If George Koikos is in the house, you can count on a visit to your table from him during your meal. His hands-on commitment to quality, food, service and a personal touch have contributed a string of successful restaurants that have attracted a loyal following for more than 30 years.

Best Steakhouse | Marie Livingston’s Steakhouse
People come for the good service and juicy, aged and seasoned steaks. For those who prefer seafood, they serve fish and jumbo shrimp as well. Just make sure you have a reservation – tables fill up fast.

Best Sushi | Kitcho
Rolls to try include the one-of-a-kind Imperial Roll: fresh tuna, grouper, flying fish eggs, scallions, avocado and rice, rolled in a seaweed wrapper, lightly fried, and served with balsamic sauce. Also good is the Gulf Roll, with scallions, flying fish eggs and crunchy fried shrimp. The high-quality sushi also is surprisingly affordable.

Best Martini | Café Cabernet
The martini menu offers plenty of choices, from the classic gin-and-vermouth cocktail to delectable concoctions like the “Sex and the City”-inspired Absolut Hunk – a combination of Absolut Vanilla, lime and pineapple juice.

Best Wine List | Café Cabernet
You’re sure to find an Australian red, California white or other palate-pleaser from Café Cabernet’s in-house cellar of more than 700 wines. The European-style décor makes it the perfect place to enjoy your vin, along with small plates or a full gourmet meal, four-night-a-week entertainment and cigars on the smoking patio.

Best Wings | Wing Stop
The aviation-themed décor is nice, but it’s that other sort of wing – chicken – that gets top billing at Wing Stop’s two Tallahassee locations. There are nine flavors – from traditional to mild to atomic, and creative flavorings such as garlic
parmesan and Hawaiian barbecue – and all are made to order.

Service Providers

Best Air Conditioning/Heating | Benson’s
For more than 25 years, Benson Green has been making sure Tallahassee stays cool. To date, his company has installed heating and air-conditioning systems in 30,000 places, making him the largest service provider in town. A one-man
operation when he started in 1981, Benson’s now has 70 employees.
 
Best Assisted-Care Facility | Broadview Assisted Living at Tallahassee
Residents and their families appreciate Broadview’s commitment to creating a homelike atmosphere, combined with personal customized assistance. There is a calendar full of activities, along with an elegant restaurant-style dining room serving three meals – Southern style – every day.

Best Auto Detailing | Super Suds
Have you ever known a carwash that offers “rain insurance”? If it rains within two days of your service, bring your car and receipt back to Super Suds and you get a quick exterior wash for free. That’s good at all three locations in town.

Best Builder/Contractor | Parrish Group Inc.
Look around Tallahassee at any big office or residential complex and chances are Robert Parrish was involved in its development. The company has built a number of landmark structures in town, and it thrives on solving problems for clients,
taking care of their needs and exceeding their expectations.

Best Carpet Cleaner | Stanley Steemer
“Living brings it in, we take it out.” They have been keeping residential and commercial floors in Tallahassee spotlessly clean for 20 years. Still the #1 leader in carpet cleaning in the industry through non-subtracted jobs, and a guarantee that the service will be done well, Stanley Steemer still maintains a motto of prompt, courteous service.

Best Cell Phone Provider | Alltel
With a strong signal, flexible plan options (you can change your plan anytime without extending it), a calling circle that includes other networks and affordable prices for phones, what’s not to love?

Best Chiropractor | Peri Dwyer, DC DICCP
When you’re aching or out of whack, Dwyer’s Whole Health Clinic offers a cheerful staff and a plethora of services to help you feel your best, including chiropractic, massage and acupuncture.

Best Computer Service | Aegis Computer Services Inc.
Aegis has grown 30 percent almost every year since it opened nine years ago. Today, it serves more than 85 businesses and more than 1,000 clients in Tallahassee, assisting small to mid-sized businesses in designing and implementing their technical solutions in addition to computer installation, network installation and management, software integration planning, and management and technology consulting.

Best Credit Union | Florida Commerce Credit Union
Florida Commerce invites you to join the club – and so far, nearly 35,000 people in Leon and nearby counties have taken advantage of the organization’s full range of financial services.

Best Dentist | Russ Rainey, DMD
With degrees from no less than six postgraduate dental institutions, Rainey is well qualified to provide the smile you’ve always dreamed about. But his claim to fame lies more in his gentleness and his willingness to listen to patients and individualize their dental care plans.

Best Dry Cleaner | Vogue Cleaners
Since the mid-1950s, this family-owned business has been providing on-site dry cleaning – taking on some of the more difficult cleaning challenges, such as fur coats, wedding gowns and tuxedoes, that other cleaners won’t touch. And every item is hand-finished by several people before it gets back to you.

Best Eyeglass Store | The Hour Glass
Locally owned and operated, the Hour Glass displays more than 3,000 frames – the largest selection in the Tallahassee area. Fast service (glasses are made on site in about an hour) and a helpful staff make it a great place to make a spectacle for yourself.

Best Financial Planner | Barbara Clements, CFP
A certified financial planner since 2000, Clements helps clients with life and health insurance, retirement planning, employer and individual 401ks, tax consultations and more. Stop in her offices on Capital Medical Boulevard for help with all your financial needs.

Best Flooring/Carpet | Brian Barnard’s Flooring America
Brian Barnard can provide whatever your flooring heart’s desire might be, whether it’s wood, ceramic, carpet or vinyl. The business also offers the region’s largest selection of in-stock rugs. The helpful Web site (flooringamericatally.com/) includes tips on choosing the type of flooring to best meet your lifestyle.

Best Photographer | Lynn Ivory
Cutting-edge. Well established. Experienced. That describes portrait photographer Lynn Ivory, a Tallahassee fixture for 34 years. Today, she holds the prestigious – and rare – designation of Master Photographer, and always is on the cutting edge of technology. (Her studio now is 100 percent digital.)

Best Florist | Blossoms Flowers
With four certified master designers on staff, you’re sure to get a distinctive arrangement from Blossoms. The shop also offers gift and gourmet baskets (including wine and champagne) and “Good Neighbor Tuesdays,” when you can send a friend a dozen premium roses for half price.

Best Gym/Health Club | Gold’s Gym
For those looking to lose weight, add muscle or to get or stay in shape, Gold’s Gym has three Tallahassee locations for any fitness need. The gym offers personal trainers and more than 150 aerobic classes weekly and, for night owl workouts, the Pensacola Street location is open 24 hours a day on weekdays.  

Best Hairstylist | Dianne Brooks
A senior stylist at Bernice at Betton Salon & Day Spa, Dianne has gained a loyal clientele with her combination of experience, positive attitude, sense of humor and ability to listen to customers – and translate their requests into beautiful hair styles.

Best Hair Salon | The Green Peridot
The concrete floors and funky décor at the salon go with its reputation for providing customers with the latest styles. Trust these friendly and competent professionals to give you the cut and color you’ll love.

Best Insurance Agency | Demont Insurance
In a world where businesses increasingly are corporatized and impersonal, Demont has offered one-on-one customer care and service since 1964. The locally owned and operated firm provides financial services and all lines of insurance.

Best Interior Designer | Diane Ots
When it comes to interior decorating, most people “want to do it, they just don’t know how to do it on their own.” That’s where Diane Ots’ creativity and experience come into play. Ots has been helping people successfully rearrange, repaint and remodel their homes for almost 10 years now, bringing excitement and versatility to Tallahassee interiors.

Best Interior Design Firm | Bass & Bass, Ltd.
Ruth Bass’ commitment to quality work has helped Bass and Bass thrive for more than 30 years. The design firm does both business and residential work, always incorporating cutting-edge technology and design.

Best Landscaping/Lawn | Tallahassee Nurseries
Don’t have a green thumb? Tallahassee Nurseries can make it look as though you have toiled for hours in the yard – without ever getting your hands dirty. A staff of landscape designers can help create a plan and select the right plants based on light, soil, water requirements, texture, color, size and style.

Best Limo Service | Mike’s Limousine
Featuring the only two stretch Hummer limousines in Tallahassee, you can arrive at your wedding, prom, sporting event or other glitzy affair with more bling-bling than ever before. The new 2006 Stretch H2 Wedding Hummer features – among other amenities – dual LCD televisions, laser and strobe lights, mirrored bars, a 1,000-watt stereo and even laser karaoke.

Best Massage Therapist | CORE Institute
This school of massage offers great deals on student massages ($25 for an hour). There also is a staff of skilled massage professionals who can soothe stressed muscles, improve circulation and, when done on a regular basis, even improve athletic performance.

Best Nail Salon | City Nails
Maintain those beautiful nails in an opulent and clean atmosphere. Behind a politely sectioned curtain, you can get a pedicure in a lush massaging chair that also includes a muscle-relaxing foot massage.

Best Personal Trainer | Women’s World
Going to the gym takes motivation and dedication – and sometimes you need a little extra push. The personal trainers at Women’s World are there to help, providing the right amount of energy for each individual at a variety of fitness levels.

Best Pest Control Service | Paul’s Pest Control
Known for being ruthlessly effective when it comes to roaches, termites, ants and other unwelcome houseguests, Paul’s will track down the source of your pest problem and implement fast, workable solutions.

Best Plumber | Keith McNeill Plumbing
Customer service is Job 1, with a goal of providing same-day service and technicians available 24 hours a day to handle any plumbing emergency. One innovation is a machine that detects slab leaks audibly, saving customers the time and inconvenience of manual searches.

Best Real Estate Agency | Keller-Williams Realty
Keller Williams Realty the fastest growing real estate company in the nation and in the Tallahassee area.  Voted the “Most Innovative Real Estate Company” by Inman News,  Keller Williams Town & Country Realty is dedicated to providing training and resources to their associates in order to provide the best of service to their customers.

Best Real Estate Agent | Jason Shoaf
He’s only 26, but Shoaf already has a history of excellence. His warm demeanor and impressive ability to translate clients’ needs into home sales has earned him praise from customers and associates alike. He recently was featured in Realtor magazine’s “30 Under 30” list.

Best Spa Services | Bernice at Betton
Although it’s in the midst of Betton Place, the spa treatments at Bernice at Betton can transport you to a relaxed, more peaceful world. Offerings include massage along with a variety of facials (one for men, too) and body treatments such as the body-shaping Peppermint Sea Twist Wrap.

Best Travel Agency | Alpha Travel & Tours Inc.
Whether it’s a luxury cruise, airline tickets, or a memorable tour through an exotic destination, Alpha Travel will help you find the best value. The expertly trained agents on staff are willing to go above and beyond to make your next trip the best ever.

Best Veterinarian | George Simmons, DVM
Along with his compassion for loved ones on four legs, Simmons is one of the few vets in the area who specializes in orthopedics for your pooch. Generous with his time and services, he makes a trip to the vet a relaxing experience for pets and their people.

Best Weight Loss/Control | Women’s World
There’s no magic pill – it’s about eating for your health, not just for weight loss. At Women’s World, a combination of holistic nutrition and exercise is the key, included in nutrition classes every Wednesday night.

 

Places to Shop

Best Antique Store | Sally Rude Antiques & Fine Art Gallery
With the proprietresses’ frequent shopping trips, constant rearranging and loyal customers, the displays of antiques and art at this midtown shop always are being reinvented. Customers also can visit the store’s Web site (trocadero.com/mctc/) to see what’s available, along with Sally’s informative and often wry descriptions of items that are for sale or recently have been sold. (Sorry, the Victorian rhinoceros foot no longer is available.)

Best Bookstore | Borders
It’s not just the great selection of books – Borders also boasts the best atmosphere. The café has a great selection of food and drinks and two extremely comfortable sofas. Borders even has added a member card offering personal shopping days with a discount. If you’re a bookaholic, that adds up to a lot!

Best Consignment Shop | Consignments by Jane
For sellers, this shop lets you keep 40 percent of the revenue from the sales of your drop-offs. For buyers, Jane’s offers a large and affordable selection of clothes, shoes and accessories – and screens everything
to make sure it’s fashionable.  

Best Customer Service | Dillard’s
With a dizzying array of products in both local malls, it’s a blessing that Dillard’s also features a highly knowledgeable and attentive sales staff to help you navigate the stores’ wide selections. And if you can’t find what you want in your size, sales associates will search the database of Dillard’s stores and have the item shipped right to your home.

Best Gift Store | My Favorite Things
Elegance abounds at this classy shop, which stocks unique home accessories, tableware, and fine china and crystal from designers such as Rosenthal and Versace. Brides-to-be can take advantage of the bridal registry.

Best Furniture Store | Functionality
If you’re looking for furniture that’s fun, eclectic, artsy, retro-groovy and affordable, this is the place to shop. The newest trends in home décor, accessories and accents are on display – and Functionality also offers a complimentary in-home consultation.

Best Jewelry Store | Roberts Jewelry & Design
Customers rave about the excellent customer service provided by co-owners Robert Peavy and Henry Mattason, as well as the Betton Place store’s selection of unique and unusual jewelry. And they’re happy to create client-pleasing custom designs.

Best Nursery/Garden Center | Native Nurseries
Specializing in native plants that are non-invasive, low-maintenance and attract wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies, Native Nurseries offers a variety of organic gardening products that are an alternative to hazardous chemicals. In addition to a peaceful, natural location on Centerville Road, customers can take advantage of classes covering topics such as growing and cooking herbs, building birdhouses and identifying species of birds.

Best Shopping Complex | Governor’s Square
With more than 1 million square feet of retail space, two stories and plenty of sunlight, Governor’s Square is Tallahassee’s shopping mecca. When you need that “little black dress” for a party, a manicure or a tasty meal, this is the place to go.

Best Women’s Accessories | Parisian
Whether it’s a sequined handbag to complement your evening wear, leather boots to complete fall fashions, or a necklace and earrings set to accompany the latest look, Parisian can supply the finishing touch for any outfit.

Best Women’s Clothing | Ann Taylor
Decidedly chic, Ann Taylor brings a level of sophistication to the modern woman’s wardrobe with pantsuits, pretty floral dresses and everything in between. Ann Taylor also features coordinated shoes and accessories to complete the total package.

Best Women’s Shoes | Dillard’s
Ladies in need of chic shoes love the assortment of casual and dressy styles. Even if you can’t find the pair you wanted in your size, salespeople will search the Dillard’s network to find your perfect fit.

 

 

‘Best of the Best’ Finalists

 

FOOD & BEVERAGE
    Bonefish Grill
    Chez Pierre
    Cypress

NEW BUSINESS
    Masa
    Miller’s Ale House
    Panera Bread Company

PLACES TO SHOP
    Bedfellows
    Dillard’s
    Governor’s Square

 

Celebrate with the winners at the “Best of Tallahassee” bash on Friday, Nov. 3, at the University Center Club. It’s just one of the events planned for the 11th annual Tallahassee Wine & Food Festival, which will run Nov. 2-3 and benefits the March of Dimes.That night, we also will be announcing the real crème de la crème – winners selected by our readers as the “Best of the Best” in three categories. Who’s the best in food and beverage? What’s your favorite new business in town? What’s the top shopping destination? In addition to finding out the answer to these burning questions, the festivities will include wine samplings, excellent food and entertainment, and a superb silent auction. For more information on the “Best of Tallahassee” event and the Wine & Food Festival, call Eventions at (850) 222-0200.