| By Debbie Musser |
Best Burger: American Burger Emporium
At American Burger Emporium, you can build your burger with choice toppings or order a signature American icon. Try the popular Mount Rushmore, featuring fresh Angus beef smothered with four cheeses; the Teddy Roosevelt, topped with pepper jack and jalapeno bacon; or the Buffalo Bill, made with bison, sliced bleu cheese and ciderhouse bacon. Don’t forget the must-have sidekick: delectable, crumbly skinny fries. If beef’s not your thing, this place offers chicken, turkey, ahi tuna and southwest veggie burgers as well, and mini-burgers for the kids. 7455 Currell Blvd., Suite 108. 651.739.6299
Runners-up: Champps Americana, Axel’s at Prestwick
Best Breakfast: Key’s Café and Bakery
The bakers at Key’s Café and Bakery arrive at 4 a.m. each day, churning out homemade caramel rolls, muffins and scones. Manager Amy Mahowald says those fresh-baked goodies, as well as Key’s quality ingredients and generous portions, draw a loyal breakfast crowd. “The farmer’s omelet is probably the most popular breakfast choice,” says Mahowald. “Our pancakes are fantastic, and the Italian sausage can’t be beat.” 1750 Weir Drive, 651.731.5397.
Runners-up: Perkins, Woodbury Café
Best Takeout After Work: Angelina’s Kitchen
“Takeout you’ll feel great about” is the motto at Angelina’s Kitchen, and owner Angela Verrastro takes pride in feeding Woodbury with good, wholesome pasta and sauces, most made from scratch “Our lasagnas and chicken parmesan are very popular with busy families as well as singles and the elderly because they can purchase smaller portions,” says Verrastro. “People buy our meals for friends and family when there’s a new baby or someone’s in the hospital; that’s an especially nice compliment.” 2170 Eagle Creek Lane
651.998.0474.
Runners-up: Yang’s Chinese, Tinucci’s
Best Remodeler: Ispiri
Since debuting in Woodbury two years ago, Ispiri has made its mark with its dedication to customer service, details and design, bringing together function and aesthetics. The design/build/remodel company recently launched a handyman service, expanding its scope from small “to-do” lists up to whole home remodels, and everything in between. 710 Commerce Drive, Suite 150, 651.578.0122.
Runners-up: Zehm Bros. Construction, Brinkman Russell
Best Interior Designer: Pomegranate Designs Ltd.
With the dynamite design team of Roxanne Potter, Diane Kane, LeeAnn Slomkowski and Elizabeth Bonifacic, Pomegranate Designs Ltd. once again nabbed Woodbury’s best honors. Potter co-owns the firm with her sister, Carol Williams, who provides faux finishing and general painting services. Pomegranate also has two excellent floral designers on staff, James and John Cunningham, and now offers lighting design services as well. 710 Commerce Drive, Suite 140, 651.738.4898.
Runners-up: Ispiri, Lasting Impressions Design
Best Auto Repair Shop: Heppner’s Auto Body
Heppner’s Auto Body understands that under most circumstances, they meet their customers “by accident.” That’s why they’re dedicated to making your car repair experience as easy as possible, with courteous service, free loaner vehicles and something customers really appreciate: updates on the progress of the repair work, almost always on a daily basis. Located on Woodlane Drive since the late 1980s, Heppner’s added a second Woodbury location in 1997 on Commons Drive. 1807 Woodlane Drive, 651.735.5055. 624 Commons Drive, 651.714.1471.
Runners-up: Auto Works Automotive Service Center, Woodbury Autocare
Best New Shop: Kissing 2 Lips
New owner Christie Lewis—a real estate agent and wedding consultant who was raised in the funeral home business—has transformed the former Valley Creek Floral into Kissing 2 Lips. The floral shop specializes in fresh, creative wedding flowers, custom funeral arrangements and gorgeous flowers for any occasion. “We photograph each arrangement we make and e-mail the picture to the client so they know exactly what we sent; people love that,” says Lewis. 8320-C City Centre Drive, 651.738.3486.
Runners-up: Tailor Made Nutrition/Gluten Free 4 U, A Whimsical Place
Best Place for Jewelry: Johnson Jewelers
One of the original Seasons Market businesses, Johnson Jewelers has provided jewelry to the Woodbury community for almost 20 years. Bob and Pat Johnson and their children, Karen and Jeff, give that personal, family touch that’s a hallmark of this family business. “We offer a full jewelry line and give our customers the best deal we can, every day,” says Bob Johnson. “We currently have a lot of diamonds in stock; just like houses, diamonds are an excellent buy right now.” 783 Radio Drive, Suite 100D, 651.735.4400.
Runners-up: Shane Co., Woodbury Jewelers
Best Florist: Woodlane Flowers
Wade Anderson, co-owner of Woodlane Flowers, notes the uniqueness of the floral business. “We create and design a perishable product seven days a week; it’s challenging yet exciting each day,” he says. Anderson’s strong network of local growers supplies diverse, fresh blooms year-round, resulting in Woodlane’s consistent high-quality arrangements. “Birthdays, proms, new babies, weddings and funerals are important times; we work hard to earn our customers’ trust at these special moments in their lives,” says Anderson. 1536 Woodlane Drive, 651.738.1029.
Runners-up: Kissing 2 Lips, Sweet Peas
Best Mani/Pedi: Spalon Montage
Of the nearly 20 spots nominated for best manicure and pedicure, Spalon Montage was the clear-cut winner. “Clients know they’ll get the best here; we exceed the standards of cleanliness and quality, and it shows,” says Gail Zimmerman, nail technician at Spalon since 2000. “Above all, we’re a dedicated team of professionals who like what we do; we also truly enjoy the close-knit relationships with our clients.” 8375 Seasons Parkway, 952.915.2900.
Runners-up: Mia Nails and Pedicures, Studio 2000
Best Massage Therapist: Rebecca Sarafolean, Premier Fitness Studio
This is not your typical massage. In a category with lots of nominations, Rebecca Sarafolean of Premier Fitness Salon rose to the top with her therapeutic, deep tissue technique that’s helped relieve muscles all over Woodbury. Clients are often heard leaving her sessions saying “That was the best massage I’ve ever had.” 3100 Woodbury Drive, Suite 200, 651.739.9653.
Runners-up: Keep in Touch Massage, Radiance Medspa
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