“Best” is a label that gets thrown around a lot. “Mom, this vegetable medley is the best!” “Grandma, you got me another wool sweater for my birthday? You’re the best!” “In the mood for a romantic comedy tonight, honey? Hugh Grant is the best in the business!”

But to truly be “the best” at something, you have to earn it. That’s why we asked our readers to vote for what they thought was the best Maple Grove had to offer in 25 different categories. You were asked to be a judge as local restaurants, parks, daycares, hair salons and grocery stores went head to head. But in the end, only one per category could claim a blue ribbon—and the right to be called “the best”. 

Best Home Furnishings
A Place Called Home, 7889 Main St., 763.773.4663
After winning Best Interior Designer in 2009, A Place Called Home kept its reputation with a similar title this year. Owned by David and Margo Bakken, this store on Main Street won the Blue Ribbon thanks to a unique selection of decorations, including dinnerware, centerpieces and other home accessories. Staff uses a hands-on approach to helping customers find the best accents to complement their home. As a bonus, David—a successful interior designer—is full of tips on the latest home décor trends for every season.
Red Ribbon: Pottery Barn
White Ribbon: Ethan Allen

Best Brunch
Granite City, 11909 Main Street, 763.416.0010
What’s the only thing that could make Granite City Food & Brewery’s reigning best brunch even better? Serving it twice a week. Not only is an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet served from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday ($14.99; $5.99 for kids), but GC also added one Saturday ($10.99) from 9 a.m.-noon. Sunday’s brunch is still the main attraction, including French toast made with Grand Marnier and a fresh strawberry glaze, a prime rib carving station and custom made eggs Benedict. But you’ll find an endless array of scones, fresh fruit, GC’s special Reggiano hash browns, scrambled eggs and many other items both weekend mornings/days.
Red: Champps
White: 3 Squares Restaurant

Best Burger
Granite City, 11909 Main Street, 763.416.0010
Granite City Food & Brewery doesn’t skimp when it comes to producing a meaty burger. A half-pound of ground Angus beef is the status quo, and the two most popular burgers—the Bedda Chedda Burger ($9.29) and the Bleu Peppercorn Burger ($9.59)—also feature two thick slabs of smokehouse bacon. Kitchen manager David Valera sums it up best: “They’re huge.” So now we know what it takes to reign supreme with the best burger in town: Bring on a beefy burger that looks like it can bite back! 
Red: Champps
White: Pittsburgh Blue

Best Floral
Donato’s Floral, 7351 Kirkwood Ln. N., Ste. 118, 763.416.0488
It’s officially a three-peat for Donato’s Floral, which has conquered this award for the third consecutive year by offering the best variety of plants and bouquets in the business. Moving from its old location of Main Street to Kirkwood Ln. hasn’t cost this family-owned business any popularity, as owner Maria Donato and her staff continues their consistent commitment to providing topnotch floral arrangements and gifts for all seasons and occasions.
Red: Maple Grove Floral
White: Byerly’s

Best Hair Salon
MarcDaniel Salon, 7884 Main St., 763.416.0027
For the second consecutive year, MarcDaniel Salon has won the battle of producing beauty. Whether it’s carefully crafting the latest hair styles, applying the perfect makeup for the bride to be on her wedding day or pampering customers with the best manicures and pedicures in town, MarcDaniel’s specialists will make you glow. 
Red: Willow Salon
White: Simonson’s Salon & Day Spa