2010 best of

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Aug. 20-26, 2010

2010

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◆www.bamaescapes.com 13 Aug. 20-26, 2010

Best of winners’ indexLunch............................................................... The Rocket Drive Inn‎Takeout ........................................................... Mata’s Greek PizzaHamburger ..................................................... The Rocket Drive Inn‎Chicken wings ............................................... Jefferson’sChicken fingers .............................................. Zaxby’sKids menu ....................................................... Chick-Fil-AFlorist............................................................... Evans FlowersSalon ............................................................... Spa at McClellanCell phone service ......................................... AT&T/VerizonDay spa ........................................................... Spa at McClellanBreakfast ........................................................ Cracker BarrelChicken biscuit .............................................. Chick-fil-ACoffee .............................................................. StarbucksDonut ............................................................... LaMar’sBrunch ............................................................ Classic on NobleDinner.............................................................. Top O’ The RiverRibs .................................................................. Cooter Brown’s Rib ShackBar ................................................................... The Peerless SaloonBand ................................................................ Southern NitesBartender ....................................................... Al Taylor at All-Stars Place for live music ....................................... Heroes American GrillAuto repair ..................................................... Cobb AutomotiveAuto service department ............................. Cobb AutomotiveReal estate company .................................... Keller WilliamsReal estate agent .......................................... Amy AngelInsurance company ...................................... Alfa InsuranceCar dealership (new) .................................... Sunny King ToyotaCar dealership (used) ................................... Lenn Costner Auto SalesDessert............................................................ O’Charley’s caramel pieIce cream ....................................................... Maggie Moo’sMilkshake ....................................................... Cecil’s PlaceSmoothie......................................................... Maggie Moo’sCobbler............................................................ Cracker BarrelServer.............................................................. Michelle Brown at IHOPFine dining ...................................................... Classic on NobleBakery ............................................................. LaMar’sPlace for a romantic dinner ......................... The Victoria Restaurant

Cocktail ........................................................... Classic on Noble/Peerless Saloon Italian food ..................................................... Olive GardenPizza ................................................................ Mata’s Greek Pizza and GrindersMexican food ................................................. Los MexicanosSeafood food .................................................. Top O’ The RiverAsian food ...................................................... China LuckDoctor ............................................................. Dr. James DanielHospital ........................................................... Stringfellow Memorial HospitalPharmacy ....................................................... Downey DrugOptomotrist..................................................... Dr. David ChandlerDentist ............................................................. Dr. Donald NorbyAnimal care clinic ......................................... Lusk Animal ClinicSteak ............................................................... LongHorn SteakhousePlate lunch ..................................................... Betty’s Bar-B-QBuffet............................................................... Western SizzlinBarbeque sandwich ..................................... Dad’s Bar-B-QueMac and cheese ............................................ Cracker BarrelBeer selection ............................................... Grub MartBeer list ........................................................... Mellow MushroomWine list .......................................................... Classic on NobleWine selection ............................................... Wine CellarProduce .......................................................... B & B ProduceButcher/meat selection ............................... Dorsey’s SupermarketHot dog ............................................................ Sneaky Pete’sFries ................................................................. McDonald’sTea ................................................................... Betty’s Bar-B-QSandwich........................................................ Firehouse SubsCatfish ............................................................. Top O’ The RiverPlace to watch a game ................................. Jefferson’sSoup ................................................................ O’Charley’sChili .................................................................. Wendy’sBrunswick stew ............................................. Betty’s Bar-B-QBest park ........................................................ Oxford Lake’s parkKids meal toys ................................................ Chick-Fil-AKids birthday party ........................................ Party CentralCheap date ..................................................... Cheaha State Park

editorial content by Kiri walton and Chris Pittman

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THANKYOU!

7590 Hwy 431 • AlexandriaIntersection of Hwy 431 & Hwy 144

256-820-7500 or Toll Free 866-759-5366www.lenncostnerautosales.com

Lenn Costner, Clay Costner, Hal Patterson, Mike Crowe, Mark Stephens, Kelly Patterson & Hillary Ginn

To all of our loyal customers. We look forward to serving you again...

THANK YOU CALHOUN COUNTYFOR VOTING US

IN MEXICAN FOOD#1

500 Hamric DriveOxford, Al 36203

(256) 835-7795

1936 Highway 78 EOxford, Al 36203(256) 835-8700

Dorsey’sSUPERMARKET

Serving Oxford’s Community Since 1978

601 Main StreetOxford

831-5510

Store Hours:7am-9pm Mon-Sat

7am-8pm Sun

Thanks to the many customers that we have served throughout the years!

www.bamaescapes.com◆14Aug. 20-26, 2010

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Best chicken fingersFirst Place: Zaxby’sZaxby’s is celebrating 25 years in busi-

ness, and their crispy chicken strips have remained as tantalizing as they were back in 1985. However, many argue that it’s the Zax Sauce that make the strips. The tangy, zippy orange sauce is perfect for the strips or the seasoned fries, so have your quarter ready to purchase an extra sauce package because they’re not free. Zaxby’s is too smart to let that good stuff go for free. The popular chicken finger plate comes with fingers, fries, cole slaw and a piece of but-tery Texas toast. Zaxby’s also has wings and Zalads, as well as milkshakes and cookies to satisfy that sweet tooth. Right now, they are offering a Birthday Cake shake in celebra-tion of 25 years of business.

Second Place: O’Charley’sThird Place: Ron’s BBQ

Best hamBurger

Best kid’s menu

First Place: The Rocket Drive-InnSecond Place: Cecil’s PlaceThird Place: Ruby Tuesday

First Place: Chick-Fil-AChick-Fil-A claims to have

invented the chicken sand-wich, and judging from the its often-imitated, but never-duplicated buttery bun and crispy chicken breasts, it is probably true. The chicken strips and nuggets are made of delicious white meat that kids enjoy. Family Night on Mondays from 5 to 8 entails buying any menu item and

receiving a free four-nugget kids’ meal if the child is under 12. Also, on Family Nights, children can take part in fun activities, like arts and crafts or ice cream bars. Chick-Fil-A also won first place for its chicken biscuit.

Second Place: Cracker Barrel

Third Place: The Rocket Drive Inn

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Dr. David Gibson, DMDDentistry for Adults and Children

Thanks to our wonderful patients and my awesome staff!

313 East 10th Street • Anniston • 256-237-0603Mon-Wed, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Thurs, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Roll Tide!

Best Lunch

First Place: The Rocket Drive-Inn, Jacksonville

Whether it’s their barbecue or hamburgers, The Rocket Drive Inn is one of those places that thrives on word of mouth and return custom-ers.

The food is so good, the custom-

ers have to tell somebody. In the South, sweet tea is definitely a staple at the lunch and dinner tables.

However, perfectly made sweet tea is a gift, and The Rocket Drive-Inn has the gift.

Christi Willis, from Ohatchee, always stops at The Rocket when

passing through. “I like their barbecue meat and

onion rings,” Willis said. “When passing through, I always stop[at The Rocket.]”

Second Place: Betty’s Bar-B-QThird Place: Classic on Noble

Brenda and Stephen Ingram chow down on some barbecue at The Rocket Drive Inn in Jacksonville.

Add someSPICE to your life

FooD in Wednesday’s Anniston Star


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Best riBsFirst place: Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack,

JacksonvilleCooter Brown’s is truly a shack. It may not

look like much from the outside, but this res-taurant’s ribs pack a punch, and they don’t need any fancy décor or beautiful landscap-ing outside. Cooter Brown’s has a funny name, but the place has been in business for decades, and there is no slowing down now. The ribs are smoked and then grilled, which gives it that perfect flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. Tim and Barbara Johnson opened the Shack in 2000, and that year the restaurant won “Taste of Calhoun County” from the Calhoun County Chamber of Com-merce, as they did the following year and in 2009. The restaurant’s ribs have been listed in 2007 and 2008 as one of the “100 things to eat in Alabama before you die” by the state Tourism Department.

Second Place: Dad’s Bar-B-QueThird Place: Sonny’s Real Pit B-B-Q

Cooter Brown’s Rib Shack in Jacksonville was voted first place for Best Ribs.

Best pizza

First Place: Mata’s Greek PizzaMata’s is known for its cheesy goodness, whether you

take it home, to the office or slide into a booth and eat it right there. People travel for miles and miles to devour the ecstasy that is a Mata’s pizza. It’s really about the cheese. Besides pizza, Mata’s also has Greek specialties like gyros or Greek salads as well as other non-Greek goodies like grinders and cheesy or garlic breadsticks.

“It’s the best damn pizza,” said Susie Fletcher, who once worked at the restaurant. She has the pizza cooked halfway and then takes it with her to Kentucky for her friends to enjoy.

Anne Evans, when she comes to Anniston from Frankfurt, Germany, always makes a stop into Mata’s. Although she and her husband have traveled to various countries, including Italy, he said he has never had better pizza than Mata’s.

Second place: Mellow MushroomThird place: Carpenetti’s

From left, clockwise: Anne Evans, Susie Fletcher, Mandi Peavey and Barbara Miller enjoy their favorite pizza at Mata’s.

Best takeoutFirst Place: Mata’s Greek PizzaSecond place: China LuckThird place: Dad’s Bar-B-Que

Best BuffetFirst place: Western Sizzlin’Western Sizzlin’ is known for its salad

bar, steaks and variety of foods offered on its buffet. Western Sizzlin’ is a favorite stop for Sunday dinners or just a great place to bring large groups because there is bound to be something everyone loves.

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The staff at Heroes would like to thank all of you for voting us the number one place to

see live music!

Haven’t been here yet? We would like to invite you out for a great

experience in dining and live music.

Live acoustic music in the bar area on Thursday nights

Great bands on the stage on Friday and Saturday nights

starting at 10 PMFor hours, menu, and entertainment schedule

check out our website

www.heroesgrille.com

On behalf of the Amy Angel Team, we want to

thank you for the privilege of being your

choice as Realtor in this year’s “Best of”. We take

pride in making home buying or selling an

enjoyable and relaxing experience.

Amy Angel(256) 225-3286

Cassie McCord(256) 343-6834

The Amy Angel Team“Two agents for the price of one.”

Best donuts

BamaEscapes.com

First place: LaMar’s DonutsLaMar’s Donuts must put something

magical in their dough because their airy, sweet doughnuts are nearly addictive. Perfect for breakfast, or let’s face it, for any time, LaMar’s donuts are unparalleled and the seasonal additions are always fun to try. Though they come in all different flavors and shapes, it’s the originals that really are the crowd-pleasers. Want to start your Monday morning off right? Pop into LaMar’s and buy a bag of donut holes for the office. No one will complain.

Second place: Donut PrinceThird place: Bonnie Ray’s


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River Boat Special1 ½ pound Catfi sh Fillet • Served with your choice of: baked potato, french fries, or white Northern beans

• Complimentary: cornbread, hushpuppies, coldslaw, & pickled onions

All for $10.45 dailyHours: Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 • Fri. 5-10

Sat. 4-10 • Sun. 11:30-8:30

3220 McClellan Blvd. • Anniston, Alabama • (256) 238-0097

265978

FIREHOUSE SUBSTHANKS YOU

FORYOUR SUPPORT!

“Where there’s steam, there’s Firehouse.”

(256) 835-4660 151 Plaza Lane, Oxford, AL 36203

(adjacent to Walmart)

Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

•Check out our catering menu

www.fi rehousesubs.com

Best mexican food

First Place: Los MexicanosLos Mexicanos is a restaurant with nearly a packed

house each night at its new location on Hamric Drive, just a short drive from its older location, which is still in operation.

Customers continue coming back because of the yummy food, which is reasonably priced, and the fun, social hangout-feel of the restaurant.

Second place: Mexico LindoThird place: Frontera

From left: Buster Miles, Karla Ross and her husband, Rad, finish up a meal at Los Mexicanos.

AnnistonStar.com

First Place: Michelle BrownMichelle Brown, who has worked as a server at IHOP

for the last eight years, is extremely modest. She said she appreciates that customers voted, but does not feel that she is the best server. “I just try to care about people and try to take care of them to the best of my ability,” she said.

The employees at IHOP often joke that they wish they could clone Brown.

“She is probably one of the sweetest people you will ever meet in your life,” said Linda Shumate, who has been a manager at IHOP since 2005. “She never loses her cool, and she never gets upset no matter how busy we are or how the customers talk to her. It’s beyond me how she does it.

“You just have to meet Michelle. She is one of the fin-est Christian women,” Shumate said. “She keeps some of us sane. She tells us, ‘Just pray.’”

Second place: Carolyn Bursona at Roma’s Pizza and Steakhouse

Third place: Brandon at Heroes: An American Grille

Best server Best smoothieFirst place: Maggie Moo’sSecond place: TCBY

Best coBBlerFirst place: Cracker Barrel

Best chicken BiscuitFirst Place: Chick-Fil-ASecond place: Jack’sThird place: Hardee’s

First place: Al Taylor of All-Stars Sports and Grille

Best Bartender


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Best seafoodFirst place: Top o’ The RiverSecond place: Red LobsterThird place: Damn Yankees

Best catfishFirst place: Top o’ The RiverSecond place: The ArkThird place: Red’s Catfish Cabin

Best sandwich

Best chicken wingsFirst place: Jefferson’s Jefferson’s has two locations, but the original

in Jacksonville is known for its Monday karaoke night as much as for its famous-in-Calhoun County wings. A hot spot for JSU students, Jefferson’s offers a cozy place to see friends, chow down and drink up.

“I like the wings,” said Chris Benedetti. “I’m a huge wing fan.”

Second place: StrutsThird place: Coop de Ville

From left, Megan Polston, Chris Benedetti, and Brandon Self drink a beer at Jefferson’s in Jacksonville.

Best italian food

Best coffeeFirst place: Starbucks Starbucks has coffee that makes

you get out of bed. The coffee is rich, powerful and blended bet-ter than any other around, which is why it is a national brand that, despite attempts by McDonald’s or Burger King, just cannot be topped. People enjoy treating themselves to a somewhat pricey, Italian-sounding-named coffee.

Plus, the atmosphere of a coffee-house is unbeatable as well. It’s the perfect place to read a book or just take a break from work or the kids. The caramel macchiato is definitely a national favorite, but even a black coffee from Starbucks is a little more luxurious than the office coffee.

Second place: Java JoltThird place: Café McClellan

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Linda and David Coleman drove from Birmingham to enjoy dinner at Top o’ the River in Anniston.

Best dinner

First Place: Top o’ the River, Anniston

Top o’ the River is a chain of res-taurants offering seafood classics like fried catfish and shrimp almost every way that Bubba mentions in “Forrest Gump.”

At Top o’ the River, all items are prepared with their own secret reci-pes.

Before the meal is served, cus-tomers can munch on cornbread, slaw and pickled onions. The

restaurant, which has been fam-ily-owned and operated since 1985 in Anniston, also has carry-out as

well. The restaurant is not open for lunch, but customers keep coming back to have their last meal of the day at Top o’ The River.

“I like the cole slaw, turnip greens, pretty much everything they serve,” said David Coleman.

Besides the food, the Colemans also said they enjoy how swiftly they receive their meals and the friendly service.

Second place: Classic on NobleThird place: Effina’s

First place: Firehouse Subs A sandwich from Firehouse Subs makes you

wonder how you had lived so long without some-thing that good. The sandwiches are reasonably priced and range from ham to brisket and the goodness is indescribable, but it’s easy to under-stand from all the moans as customers savor every bite.

Second place: SubwayThird place: The Peerless Saloon

“I like the cole slaw, turnip greens, pretty much everything.”

— David Coleman, Top o’ the River customer

First place: Olive GardenThough it’s a national chain, Olive Garden has

the Italian food that meets a standard and often surpasses it when it comes to pastas and Italian classics. The menu varies for each region of the U.S. based on local specialties and seasonal avail-ability. The best part may be that Olive Garden always offers specials such as their “soup, salad and breadstick lunch” special, which offers unlim-ited servings. As well as the classics, Olive Garden changes it up and offers new entrees every season such as their shrimp & crab tortelli or parmesan crusted bistecca. It’s a little bit of Italy right in Calhoun County or nearly any other county in the nation.

Second place: Effina’s Third place: Carpenetti’s


First place: Dad’s Bar-B-Que

Dad’s Bar-B-Que has mas-tered just the right amount of sweet and tangy for its delec-table barbecue sandwich. Though it’s known for its bar-becue, which comes in a vari-ety of flavored sauces, it could also be the service that made Dad’s a winner. The sides are

just as tasty as the barbecue itself, with fries, onion rings and even barbecue salads. With two convenient locations in Anniston, there is more than enough room at Dad’s for the entire family throughout Anniston and Calhoun County.

Second place: Rocket Drive Inn

Third place: Golden Rule

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Best milkshakeFirst place: Cecil’s PlaceThough Cecil’s Place is small, the

taste of their hand-dipped milkshakes is mighty. Cecil’s drive-up window makes it a great stop and go place for those who want their favorite homemade-like meal on the go.

Second place: Jack’sThird place: Dairy Queen

Dad’s Bar-B-Que was voted to have the best barbeque sandwich.

Best BarBecue sandwich

Best BreakfastFirst place: Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel has that down-home

feel and taste that is incomparable to any other place except your mother’s home. The breakfast, which can be grits to pancakes to fluffy biscuits and eggs, is the perfect alternative to cooking at home. The prices are not bad, either. The Old Timers’ Breakfast platter consists of two cooked-to-order eggs, grits, sawmill gravy, homemade buttermilk biscuits, and either smoked sausage patties, tur-key sausage or thick-sliced bacon. While you wait, and if it’s the weekend, there will be a wait, the large porch is full of large rocking chairs perfectly made for relaxing.

Second place: IHOP Third place: Roma’s

First place: Classic on NobleSecond place: IHOP

Best Brunch

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We are now located at 1014B Noble Street under Nunnally’s Framing. Our main entrance is off Atlanta Ave. (the alley) that

runs behind Western Auto, Nunnally’s, Classic on Noble,

and Rabbit Hutch.

Evans Flower Shop

256.236.2589“the Little Shop in the Alley”

85 Big Valley Drive • Alexandria(Located at intersection of Hwy 431 & Hwy 144)

(256) 847-8466

Super Market

We Appreciate All of Our Customers!

Come By and Check Out Our Weekly Specials!

265984

Best plate lunchFirst place: Betty’s Bar-B-Q Betty’s is more than just another

barbecue joint. Lots of custom-ers come for the employees just as much as they do for the food. Tommy Griffith has been eating at Betty’s almost every day for 16 years at the same table.

“I like the homecooked food, the vegetables,” Griffith said. “It’s the same price as McDonald’s, but it’s better for you.” Betty’s also won sec-ond for its mac and cheese and first for its sweet tea.

Second place: The Village InnThird place: House of Chen

Tommy Griffith enjoys a meal at Betty’s Bar-B-Q.

“I like the homecooked food, the vegetables.”

— Tommy Griffith, customer of Betty’s Bar-B-Q

BamaEscapes.com


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Best mac ‘n’ cheeseFirst place: Cracker BarrelSecond place: Betty’s Bar-B-QThird place: The Victoria

Best fries

Best teaFirst place: Betty’s Bar-B-QSecond place: McAlister’s DeliThird place: Golden Rule BBQ

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Introducing NEW Gluten-Free Pizza.

We believe in providing quality and tasty food options for everyone. Offered with an array of gluten-free ingredients.

Enjoy our gluten-free pizza today.

Now carrying 2 gluten-free beers - Shakparo and Mbege

High Gravity Beers Andy Gator, Double Dead Guy, Red Brick Double Chocolate

oatmeal, Jackamo, Chimay, Holy Mackerel, Trois Pistole, Orange Blossom Pilsner, La Findu Monde, Don De Dieu, Wild Blue,

Maiurback, Misery Bay, Railbender, Sam Adams Imperial White, Sprecher Black and Irish...and more

other draft beers worth mentioning- Naked Pig, Laughing Skull, Mellow Mushroom’s own Bogart beer, Sweetwater 420 and

Sweetwater Blue...and many many more micro brewery beers

Tickets on sale for our Annual Beer Tastingbenefi ting Children’s Services

Sat. August 28th from 3-5 pm.tickets available by calling

256-835-1444Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers

33 Industrial Drive Ext. • Oxford, AL 36203(256)835-1444

First Place: China Luck China Luck could be a typical

Chinese restaurant, except that the food is above and beyond typical.

Every meal is prepared to be as close as possible to Chinese meals and offer the well-flavored beef and

chicken along with rice and steamed veggies.

Mike Lang, who now lives in Charleston, S.C., makes a detour for China Luck with his family whenever he is back home.

“It’s hard to find really good sit-

down Chinese food. They always make sure your cup is filled,” Mike Lang said.

“The service here is really good,” said Jay Lang, Mike’s brother.

Second place: FujiThird place: House of Chen

Best asian food

The Lang family enjoys a meal at China Luck in Oxford.

Best steakFirst Place: LongHorn SteakhouseLongHorn Steakhouse shouts meaty. From the ultra-

Western décor with all the horses and the horns and dark colors, this is the place to get steaks that are juicy and succulent. LongHorn has the mastered the sides when it comes to steaks, including a baked sweet potato with but-ter and cinnamon.

Second place: Lone Star Steakhouse Third place: Garfrerick’s Cafe

First Place: McDonald’s McDonald’s is known for those incredible

salty, hot fries. The golden fries never make it home once you go through the drive through, and digging the last stragglers from the bottom of the bag is an American tradition, as is lick-ing the salt from your fingers once you’re done. McDonald’s fries are as American as apple pie, and if you want that, they’ve got that, too.

Second place: Struts Third place: Rally’s

AnnistonStar.com

www.bamaescapes.com ◆21 Aug. 20-26, 2010Aug. 20-26, 2010 ◆20

Best place for live music

First Place: Heroes American Grill Heroes American Grill is not just a place

to find some all-American grub, but also a place to listen to some of the hottest local bands. Adrienne Moore, Shane Millwood and LaToria Bruce popped in on a balmy July night this summer to hear one of their favorite bands, Cure 4 Gravity, as they munched on

grilled shrimp, clam strips and fried aspara-gus. Heroes is also a place to kick back with friends, enjoy a brew and play a game of pool or cut up at the bar. For Lisa Clark, a new bar-tender, she just enjoys “all the new people we get to meet.”

Second place: All-Stars Bar and Grill (now closed)

Adrienne Moore, Shane Millwood and LaToria Bruce pose for a photo at Heroes in Jacksonville.

Best BandFirst Place: Southern NitesSouthern Nites have opened

for Rascal Flatts, Joe Nichols and many others. In 2007, the band won “Road to Riverfest” compe-tition after being selected as one of the five best acts to perform in front of a panel of judges and a packed-house audience at Gadsden’s Mort Glasser Amphi-theater. The band members are Danny Slick on bass and vocals, Tim Johnson on guitar and vocals, Kim Nichols on guitar and vocals, Stan Hammett on percussion and vocals and Bruce Greene on keyboards and vocals.

Second place: The Green-leafs

Third place: McPherson Struts

First Place: Mellow MushroomMellow Mushroom, which can make

a fantastic pizza built the way you like it, also has a selection of about 60 beers. If you drink all the beers offered at Mellow Mushroom, you can join the Beer Club, which means you will receive a T-shirt, an engraved beer mug, 20-ounce beers for the 16-ounce beer price, “your name immortalized on a plaque and the deep sense of satisfaction that only comes when one identifies a goal and finds the courage and perseverance to see it through to the end,” as stated on the Mellow Mushroom’s Beer Club website. Also, don’t try to drink all the beers in one night. That wouldn’t be pretty.

Second place: The Peerless SaloonThird place: Damn Yankees

Best Beer list

First place: Grub MartGrub Mart in Jacksonville is a perfect

one-stop shop for grabbing beer, taking in your clothes for dry-cleaning and indulg-ing in some frozen yogurt from TCBY with sprinkles. Oh, and you can fill up your gas tank while you’re at it for one of the lowest prices in town.

Best Beer selection

First place: Classic on NobleSecond place: The Victoria Restaurant

Best wine list

First place: Jefferson’sSecond place: Applebee’s

Best place to watch a game

First place: Classic on NobleSecond place: The Peerless Saloon

Best cocktail

First place: Wine CellarSecond place: Tyson’s Art & Frame

Best wine selection

First Place: O’Charley’s caramel pieO’Charley’s caramel pie is a crowd-pleaser.

The supersweet pie has a very simple recipe. It has been said that in order to make the ooey gooey caramel pie, all you need is to boil four unopened cans of condensed milk and then pour into a gra-ham cracker crust. However, nothing will compare to getting it straight from O’Charley’s. You can also get an entire pie if you have guests or just one slice to enjoy the goodness at home.

Second place: Classic on Noble’s bread pud-ding

Third place: Cecil’s hot fudge cake

Best dessert

First place: LaMar’sSecond place: Bonnie Ray’sThird place: Donut Prince

Best Bakery

Best fine dining

Classic on Noble was voted to be the best place for fine dining.

First Place: Classic on NobleClassic on Noble is the “classic” place in Anniston for a nice

meal. With its chandeliers, white tablecloths and upscale atmo-sphere, it is the epitome of fine dining. However, it is more than atmosphere. Classic also has delicious food such as the Chicken

Scallopini or the Southern classic, shrimp and grits. It is listed on the menu as one of the 100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die.

Second place: Effina’s Tuscan GrillThird place: Garfrerick’s Café

Best BarFirst place: The Peerless SaloonThe Peerless Saloon has a lot of history, and

once was a brothel. It’s a location that’s been serving up drinks and entertainment since 1899. What makes The Peerless stand out from other bars is the relaxing atmosphere. The Peerless Saloon is never really rowdy, though it’s always a good time. Any drink you need, you can get it, and the bartenders always remember your face.

“It’s unique. It’s historical, a good bar, and I get to see my favorite bartender, Van,” said Tommy Cooper, who regularly enjoys the Peer-less.

Debbie LeGette said the bar had “a fun atmo-sphere.”

Her friend, Crystal Vaughan, said The Peer-less “actually has atmosphere,” which is why she likes it better than other area bars.

Second place: All-Stars Bar (now closed)

Best ice creamFirst place: Maggie Moo’sMaggie Moo’s has the

most scrumptious ice cream around. This is not an overstatement. From the cheesecake ice cream to the rare-but-delectable pina cowlada flavor, nothing beats Maggie Moo’s. Nothing. It’s the creaminess and the soft-ness that make it so tasty that their business doesn’t seem to slow even in the dead of winter. Plus, customers have their choice of a huge variety of mix-ins from strawberries to gummy bears and nearly everything in between.

Best place for a romantic dinner

First place: The Victoria Res-taurant

The Victoria Restaurant is con-temporary Southern dining and is located within the historic Victoria Inn. From the moment you pull up to the door, you are drenched in luxurious romanticism. The valet service allows you to enter the restaurant without a walk from the parking lot, and you and your date are presented with a dinner menu that changes daily. The lights are soft and the outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a cool breeze on a warm night with your favorite spe-cial someone.

Second place: Garfrerick’s Café

301 East 18th Street • Anniston, AL 36207 • www.SMHhealth.com


Best hot dogFirst place: Sneaky Pete’s Second place: SonicThird place: Gene’s hot dog stand

Best soupFirst place: O’Charley’sSecond place: Betty’s Bar-B-QThird place: Shoney’s

Best chiliFirst place: Wendy’sSecond place: Wagon Wheel RestaurantThird place: Waffle House

Best Brunswick stewFirst place: Betty’s Bar-B-QSecond place: Wagon Wheel RestaurantThird place: Waffle House

Best parkFirst place: Oxford Lake Freedom Park

Best kid’s meal toysFirst place: Chick-fil-A

Best kid’s Birthday partyFirst place: Party Central

Best cheap dateFirst place: Cheaha State ParkA good date doesn’t require you to empty the wallet these

days — provided you look in the right place. Heading up to beautiful Cheaha State Park is one way to have a great time with-out breaking the bank.

The park has plenty of special deals for couples and families throughout the year. “Sweetheart Weekend” seems especially catered to be a great date event. Each hotel room receives a bottle of sparkling cider and a special “Sweet Heart Buffet” is available. Aww.

Second place: Coosa River

Best produce

B&B Produce has a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

First place: B&B produceThe South is a mecca for great produce.

Apples, oranges, bananas and the list goes on and on. B&B Produce of Anniston has filled the local desires for quality produce for more than 20 years. And that quality goes across the board.

“I’m proud of all our produce,” owner Steve Burney said. “I hope that if I’ll eat it, everyone else will.”

Burney gets his produce from the Atlanta State Farmers Market. This choice is critical in putting his store above others in the area.

Best Butcher/meat selection

First place: Dorsey’s SupermarketDorsey’s Supermarket has served the

public for decades now, so it’s easy to assume the grocery store is doing several things right. Former gubernatorial hope-ful Artur Davis even campaigned at the Oxford market this year. It’s the meat, how-ever, that keeps the majority of customers coming through the doors.

What exactly does Dorsey’s do to set themselves apart from the rest? It all comes down to the quality of meat. Dorsey’s does not fill or inject their meat, and they cut the portions in-store. This allows for a fresher, cleaner and tastier final product.

Second place: Winn-Dixie Third place: Edward’s Grocery

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Best spa

Best auto service departmentFirst place: Cobb AutomotiveFor many people, when it comes to

the inner workings of their cars, they are completely clueless. They want quick, efficient and friendly service when it comes to their cars, which are often essential for the operation of their day-to-

day lives, and Cobb Automotive gives it to them. Cobb Automotive provides a wide array of various services. Cobb Automo-tive also has two convenient locations in Anniston and one in Oxford.

Second place: Mike’s Auto & Tire Third place: West Garage

First place: Cobb Automotive Second place: Southern Star Motor

CompanyThird place: Landers Automotive

Best auto repair

Best cell phone service

First place: AT&T and VerizonIt’s a tie! AT&T and Verizon both made

a strong showing. AT&T is the service provider for iPhones, whereas Verizon has packed a wallop with its new phones like the Droid X, which can do just about everything except the laundry. The ser-vice for each company has some of the best coverage in the area.

Best floristFirst place: Evans Flowers

and Gifts Evans Flowers and Gifts offers

delivery for $10 for the Annis-ton area of colorful, carefully arranged bouquets as well as gift packages. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day online at www.evansflowersinc.com. Evans has flowers for any occasion, from birthdays to weddings to the infa-mous “I’m sorry” occasions.

23

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MATTERHORN GRILL700 Quintard Avenue • Oxford, al 36203

CONGRATULATIONS

Steve Landers, Jason Troup, Leon Smith, and Chamber Members

Congratulations to the Matterhorn Grill ontheir Grand Opening! The Anniston Star

welcomes you to our community.

First place: The Spa at McClellan Park The Spa at McClellan Park is a full-service salon and

day spa, open Tuesday through Friday and Saturdays by appointment only. The Spa at McClellan Park offers hair services as well as asthetic skin care services, such as facials, peels or microdermabrasions. These services help renew clients’ skin, giving them a youthful glow and helping erase blemishes or scars. At the spa, they will wax just about everything from the chin to the underarm to the back to the bikini area to keep their clients skin feeling silky smooth.

Second place: Razor’s Edge Third place: Anniston Salon Center/Changes Salon

First place: The Spa at McClellan ParkSecond place: Prestige Medical SpaThird place: Nail Perfection

The Anniston Star

FAITHEvery Saturday

Best salon

The Spa at McClellan Park was voted best salon and best spa.

“Beautiful, comfortable and most affordable.”

— Online comment

“Evans is very reliable and does a

beautiful job.”— Online comment


24


AnnistonStar.com

Best real estate agentFirst place: Amy Angel Amy Angel has been a realty

dynamo since she began in 1997. In 2007, she joined the Keller Williams Realty Group, which was voted Best Realty Group, and covers mostly the Jacksonville area. Not every assistant can find nice things to say about their bosses, but Cassie McCord, Angel’s former assistant and current busi-ness partner, practically glows when she speaks about Angel.

“It’s just been so fun. She is very personable, very real. People can really relate to her, and she stands out in that area,” McCord said. “She doesn’t like for me to say it, but I tell her all the time that she’s my Angel. I could go on and on about how awe-some she is.”

Angel encouraged McCord, who

at the time was her assistant, to get her real estate license so that they could work together. Now, Angel is the listing specialist and McCord is the buying specialist.

Second place: Ken Butler Third place: Joey Crews

First place: Downey DrugDowney Drug was started in 1971

by Jim Downey, who graduated from Auburn University’s pharmacy school three years earlier. He teamed up with Paul Graham a few years ago and they bought a place in Alexan-dria. For Downey, it is important to remain an independent drug store, and he feels that it is his mission to make sure people are treated well and respectfully.

“To me, it is very simple. It’s just service, taking care of people, mak-ing people count,” Downey said. “I always beat that dead horse with every employee. Every customer has feelings, and you must treat every customer like your mother and your father.”

Downey said that perhaps they were voted as one of the best phar-macies “because people notice that we focus on their needs. We real-ize people have problems, and we

realize people need help … We’re a hometown drugstore. If we make a profit, it goes right back into the

community.”Second place: Crowe DrugsThird place: Martin’s Pharmacy

Best pharmacy

Downey Drug was voted best pharmacy.

Best hospitalFirst Place: Stringfellow

Memorial Hospital The legacy of the String-

fellow Memorial Hospital began in 1920 when Susie Parker Stringfellow died and left behind money and plans for the development of a hospital. Eighteen years later, the hospital began operation as a 10-bed tuber-culosis hospital. Now, the hospital has expanded and its emergency room has 13 beds, and it has its own pharmacy and laboratory as well. To know the current wait time in the emergency room, simply log on to the hospital’s website at www.smhhealth.com. It is also possible to pay bills at that site as well. About a year ago, the hospital started its Children’s Asthma program as an addition to its cardio-pulmonary department. Because of programs like this, Stringfellow visitors have ranked it the tops.

Second place: Regional Medical Center

Third place: Jacksonville Medical Center

Amy Angel was voted best real estate agent.

First place: Keller Williams

Keller Williams is a realty group with heart. Besides selling homes and helping people find new ones, they also give back to the community

such as sponsoring 50 children through the Salvation Army at Christmas. Keller Wil-liams Realty Inc. was founded in 1983 and has 600 offices through-out the U.S. and Can-

ada. According to the local KW website, “this is about more than real estate. It’s about your life and your dreams.” Sold!

Second place: ERA-King Real Estate

Best real estate company

25 252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252425

Thank YouCalhoun County

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26

Satisfi ed Customers Make Our Day!

Chris Martin, Pharmacist/Owner 610 Quintard Drive • Oxford

Phone: (256) 831-6116Fax: (256) 831-7466

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Randy CobbOwner

Best new car dealershipFirst place: Sunny King

ToyotaSunny King Toyota was

once King Motor Company, which began in 1922. In 1989, Toyota joined up with King and it became Sunny King Toyota. Despite all the hardships Toyota has had over the last year, Sunny King remains a local consumer-favorite. Sunny King Toyota is a 15-time President’s Award winner. The President’s Award is bestowed to less than 25 percent of U.S. Toyota dealers, who exemplify sales and service excellence as well as receive the top ratings in customer satisfac-tion.

Second place: Sunny King Honda

Third place: Buster Miles Sunny King Toyota in Oxford was vote best new car dealership.

Best used car dealership

First place: Lenn Costner Auto SalesLenn Costner Auto Sales boasts of

its selection of more than 150 cars and a no-pressure atmosphere. The dealer has been in business since 1997 in Alex-andria and is owned by Lenn Costner. Costner Auto Sales guarantees credit approval as well, which can be helpful in these challenging times.

Second place: Sunny King ToyotaThird place: Pee Wee Turner Motors

First place: Alfa InsuranceAlfa Insurance offers every

imaginable type of insurance: home, auto, farm, life, dental, business, health, church, water-craft, flood and others. It’s a one-stop shop to have all bases

covered just in case. Besides being convenient, Alfa Insurance is as affordable and stable as it has been around for decades.

Second place: West Insur-ance

Third place: USAA

Best insurance company

Best doctorFirst place: Dr. James DanielDr. James Daniel traveled

around for his educational and professional experiences, but eventually came home to serve Anniston as an obstetrician/gynecologist. Originally from Wedowee, Daniel graduated from Anniston High School, then from Auburn University and lastly from the University of Flor-ida. He went on to a Pittsburgh hospital, then a Gadsden clinic

before landing at what is now the North Alabama Women’s Center with Dr. Ronald Stewart.

“It’s a very happy field to practice in,” said Daniel, who said he chose the occupation of OB-GYN because “the outcomes were mostly happy outcomes, and you could do something to help be a part of their (patients’) joy.”

Second place: Dr. Pat StewartThird place: Dr. Clinton Ray

First place: Dr. Donald Norby Second place: Dr. David GibsonThird place: Dr. David Cummings

Best optometristFirst place: Dr. David ChandlerSecond place: Dr. Gary MurrellThird place: Dr. Darlene Harris

Best dentist

First Place: Lusk Animal Clinic

Lusk Animal Clinic is a small ani-mal hospital in Pied-mont. Because of its size, the staff is able

to take more time to respond and talk to their customers, said Mahalah Smith, who has worked at Lusk for about seven years.

“We try to do our best,” Smith said.

Second place: Berry Animal Clinic

Third place: Dr. Wayne Long

Best animal care clinic

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