Best Of The Best Folsom And El Dorado Hills - 2009

March 2009

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FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

The Telegraph 49 Natoma St., Suite D, Folsom, CA 95630 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday

To place a display ad: Ca;ll 916-985-2581

To place a classified ad: Call 916-786-6500. Deadline Monday at 5 p.m. The Telegraph is a weekly newspaper of general circulation published every Wednesday by Placer Community Newspapers, Inc.

Don Chaddock, editor Matt Long, sports editor Philip Wood, pagination/photography Jennifer King, administrative assistant Jessica Armour, advertising consultant Amy Oldham, advertising consultant Karen Coomes, advertising consultant Ted Holcomb, circulation advisor

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Time to acknowledge the area’s best rom recreation to dining, Folsom and El Dorado Hills have it all, making this area one of the most desirable places to live in the country. This special section, the Telegraph’s annual Best of the Best, highlights some of those who have earned special recognition by their customers and residents, but this list isn’t comprehensive. How can you rate the best trail or the best bike path? Can we list the best community-oriented volunteer? We really can’t, but know that we at the Telegraph, and I’m sure many in the community, appreciate the efforts of the numerous volunteers who

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help make this area function. For weeks Jennifer King, the Telegraph’s administrative assistant, gathered and counted ballots, resulting in the list you’ll find at the back of this section. The news staff picked a few of the many winners to highlight in stories. We encourage our readers to shop in their communities and frequent these fine establishments. A dollar spent here, stays here. Once it leaves for parts beyond our region, that greenback is gone forever. To all the firefighters, law enforcement officers and public servants who make our lives easier, we

Don Chaddock Editor

say thank you. You are truly the Best of the Best in my book. Events and organizations such as the Folsom Christmas Tree Lighting, Folsom Live, Folsom Lake Symphony Orchestra, Folsom Community Concert Association, Clarksville Historical Day, Cyclebration and plenty of others, give residents many choices throughout the year.

Oak Ridge High School, Vista del Lago and Folsom High all had teams that made it into the playoffs. I offer all of them a tip of the ol’ fedora. This area is rich with things to do, places to go and interesting people to meet. Don’t be shy. Give a warm welcome to new businesses, stop in and say hello to those in longestablished businesses and try to make the area better one handshake at a time. After all, we’re all in this together. Don Chaddock is the editor of the Telegraph. He may be reached at [email protected].

All of us at Visconti’s would like to thank Folsom and El Dorado Hills

2770 E. Bidwell St., #700 Folsom, CA 95630 916-983-7222

Thank You for voting us “Best Place to Grab Free Wi-Fi” Life’s a grind without our coffee.

for voting us Best Italian Food in the Folsom Lake Area once again. We find that word of mouth and good consistent food is our best testimonial. Come in and visit our warm family environment and experience our authentic Italian Homestyle Cooking!

Hope to see you at our new location in May at 2700 E. Bidwell, Suite 700 in Bel Air Shopping Center next to Ruby Tuesday.

“THE REAL TASTE OF ITALY”

LUNCH: Tue-Fri 11am-2pm DINNER: Tue-Thurs 4:30-9pm Fri & Sat 4:30-10pm Family Owned and Operated Sunday 4-9pm Closed Mon 322 E. BIDWELL ST., FOLSOM 983-5181

visconti’s

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FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

Beach Hut is the place to go for sandwiches By Matt Long The Telegraph

f you’re looking for a sandwich in Folsom or El Dorado Hills, the Beach Hut Deli is the place to go, at least according to the voters in the Telegraph’s Best of the Best contest. Topping the Best Sandwich category, the Beach Hut offers more than 25 gourmet sandwiches with all the fixings on four varieties of bread. The Folsom Beach Hut has been located at 411 Blue Ravine Road since 2000, but

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Steve Brown has only owned the restaurant since October 2007. He’s thrilled with how his business is growing and winning the Best of the Best contest. “The feedback in Folsom, since I bought the franchise, has been phenomenal,” Brown said. “Our sales in 2008 were the best since the franchise opened. Everybody loves sandwiches and everyone loves Beach Hut. Having the best sandwich in Folsom is proof of that. I appreciate the fact that we won the contest.” See Beach, page 8

PHILIP WOOD/THE TELEGRAPH

Erica Butler makes one of the many sandwiches on Beach Hut Deli's menu that made them the best voted sandwich maker in Folsom.

FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

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Love and marriage

Joseph and Sheri Hoffman, of Hoffman and Hoffman, were voted best attorney. They are based in Folsom.

Spouses practice law while balancing family, community By Don Chaddock The Telegraph

offman and Hoffman, a Folsom-based law firm, may have been voted Best Lawyer in the Telegraph’s Best of the Best contest, but many in town know of the dynamic duo as more than a couple of attorneys. Joseph and Sheri Hoffman met in law school and have two children, Kristen, 9, and Jake, 7. “They’re involved in everything,” Joseph said. He is also known for his

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work with his brother, Bob, on the Folsom Rodeo. “We did that for a long time,” he said. He is also a member of the Folsom Rotary Club, which is involved in numerous projects in the area. The law firm is keeping the married couple busy, so much so that they’ve started toning down their community activities to focus more on their children’s activities. “We’re involved in schools and sports,” he said. “I just finished coaching soccer and basketball.”

DON CHADDOCK/ THE TELEGRAPH

See Attorney, page 10

India House FINE INDIAN CUISINE

The Best Winery for 2009

WINE & BEER BAR

India House would like to thank our fine patrons in Folsom, El Dorado Hills and surrounding area for voting us the “Best Indian Food”. We appreciate your business and invite you and your friends to come in and have the “Best Experience”! Folsom Living.com 2008 All Stars

India House provides catering services for your party needs. You may also pick up orders directly from our restaurant. We deliver!

Peoples Choice Folsom Telegraph 2006

10% Discount for Seniors & State Employees.

Come and have the best winery experience there is. Friendly, knowledgeable tasting room staff, divine outdoor areas for picnics or events, historic old cellar and a beautiful new visitor center, Complimentary and reserve tasting, gift shop and more. Open daily 10am-5pm.

Help us celebrate with our Special Offer FREE Dessert or Soft Drink March 18th - April 1st

2776 East Bidwell St., Folsom

916-817-4356 Mon-Thur 11:30am-2:30pm•6:00pm-9:00pm Fri -Sun 11:30am-2:30pm•5am-10pm www.indiahouse-online.com

1709 Carson Rd. • Placerville, CA 95667 • 530.622.8094 www.boegerwinery.com

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FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

Restaurant goes ‘old school’ By Don Chaddock

AT A GLANCE

The Telegraph

rom scrubbing dishes and pushing brooms in a restaurant to now owning one that’s taken the Telegraph’s Best of the Best award nine years running, Chef Frank Visconti says it’s time to shake things up. For 16 years, Visconti’s Italian Restaurant has offered diners hearty portions at their East Bidwell Street location and now the popular eatery is planning to move down the road to the Broadstone area. “Probably the first couple of weeks in May we’ll make the move,” he said. But don’t think the restaurant will be shutdown for long during the transition. “I’m hoping (to be closed) only two or three days,” he said. “We have everything going now to make it smooth.”

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DON CHADDOCK/THE TELEGRAPH

Executive chef and owner of Visconti’s Italian Restaurant, Frank Visconti, whips up a meal in the kitchen of his Folsom eatery. After 16 years, the restaurant is relocating mid-May to the Broadstone Plaza on East Bidwell Street.

The restaurant is located at 322 East Bidwell St. The new location, slated to open mid-May, will be at 2700 East Bidwell St., Suite 700, in Folsom.

He said the new restaurant will have more parking and will be able to offer seating options for their customers. “We’re going to have a full bar, which we don’t have now,” he said. “We’ll also have a front and back patio and a banquet room.” Looking around the familyrun restaurant, he said the move is for the best. “We’ve been here 16 years and it’s time to move on,” he said. “We like Folsom and want to stay. That’s why we’re moving to the Broadstone Plaza.”

Visconti started his career as a dishwasher in a pizzeria and worked his way up the ladder in the industry, always working in Italian restaurants. When he was managing a restaurant, he decided it was time to take the leap and open his own place. That’s when he recruited his family to help with the endeavor. His father, Carmello, is often seen greeting customers in the dining room. As executive chef and owner of the restaurant, Frank Visconti said he always loved to cook. He’s a self-taught chef who started at an early age. “My mom tells me as a kid I would always play with pots and pans,” he said. “Some of the dishes (offered at Visconti’s) are family recipes See Visconti’s, page 11

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EL DORADO HILLS COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY JARED W. RUMINSON, DDS

Thank You El Dorado Hills and Folsom for voting us the “The Best Dentist” Governor’s Village Center 993 Governor Drive, Suite 104 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

916.941.1515 New Patients & Families Welcome Patient Financing Available [email protected] • www.EDHdentist.com

FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

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Voters ride behind Bicycles Plus shop

Best Grocery Store Raleys Best Home Furnishings Home Consignment Best Jeweler Sharif’s & Rainbow Bridge (tie)

By Matt Long The Telegraph

Best Hospital Mercy Folsom

lat tires, kinked chains and crooked handle bars usually end up at one local bicycle repair shop. Bicycles Plus has served Folsom residents for 21 years and has several loyal customers, according to the staff at the shop. It’s this relationship built through trust that led to Bicycles Plus winning the Telegraph’s Best of the Best in the Bicycle Repair category. Owner John Crews, an El Dorado Hills resident, offers customers everything related to bicycles. Brad Winter, the business’s general manager, is proud to have won the contest. “It’s great to be recognized as

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Best Senior Housing Creekside Oaks Best Breakfast Gold Miners Café Best Italian Visconti’s Best Chinese Fat’s Best Sushi Taiko Sushi Best Mexican La Fiesta Taqueria Best Thai Food Chantara Thai Best Indian Food India House Best Sandwich Beach Hut Deli

See List, page 9

the top (bike) shop in Folsom,” Winter said. “We strive to be knowledgeable and to treat people fairly at fair prices.” The business offers bikes, bike parts, bike accessories and anything else do with a bike, as well as a full service department and comprehensive bike fitting. “We offer anything and everything to do with bikes,” Winter said. “If we don’t have it we can get it. Bike fitting is very important, especially on a road bike where you’re stationary in a saddle. Our guy who specializes in that has been recognized as one of the top 10 bike fitters in the country.” Folsom resident Ron Regalia has patronized Bicycles Plus for the better part of a decade and recently brought his bike in for a tune-up.

PHILIP WOOD/THE TELEGRAPH

Bicycle mechanic Justin Boldrini tunes a mountain bike at Bicycles Plus, which was voted by readers as the best bicycle repair shop. The business is located in Folsom.

“I’ve bought three or four bikes here and get all my repairs done here,” Regalia said. “The service is really good, the location is good and the prices are good. It’s basically the only

E N V I R O N M E N TA L LY

Joseph Hoffman*

place I go (for my biking needs).” Bicycles Plus is located at 705 Gold Lake Drive in Folsom. Matt Long may be reached at [email protected].

C O N S C I O U S

Sheri C. Hoffman

Family Law, Estate Planning and Bankruptcy. *A certified family law specialist

Thanks for voting us the “Best Lawyer” 49 Natoma Street, Suite F Folsom, CA 95630 916-985-2753

Thanks for voting us the “Best Landscape Contractor and Nursery” 929 Sutter Street, Folsom

916-985-3300

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Beach: Ambiance, food, service make for winning combo Continued from page 4 In El Dorado Hills, Beach Hut is located at 3955 Park Drive and has been there four years. Owner Don DeVorss has been running the deli for just shy of a year. “It’s awesome to win,” DeVorss said. “I’m glad people enjoy our sandwiches and our place of business. I really appreciate it.” DeVorss said he has a winning combination of atmosphere, service and good food. “I think people enjoy the environment here; it’s like a mini vacation when they come here because it reminds people of a place that would be on the beach in Hawaii,” he said. “People

also like the portions they get, and the style of sandwich is not comparable to anything else.” Whether in Folsom or El Dorado Hills, the Beach Hut’s top-selling sandwich is the Surfin’ Bird, featuring turkey, avocado, bacon and cream cheese. All sandwiches include mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, Greek peppers and cheese. Alfalfa sprouts and Italian dressing are also available upon request. Brown classifies all of his sandwiches as gourmet. “Everything is sliced fresh in house, all meats and cheeses,” Brown said. “We have fresh bread every day.” Brown is proud of the fact

“I lived in Maui for 13 that he’s got a very loyal cusyears and this place just tomer base. At least four reminds me of some of the days a week he’s delivering places there,” Rodriguez large orders of sandwiches said. “I also love the TVs all over Folsom including here because places such they’re as Intel, the It’s like a mini always showhospital, Old vacation when they ing extreme Folsom and the prison. In come here because it sports or ESPN and the evening, reminds people of a I’m a sports he has reguplace ... on a beach nut.” lars who in Hawaii. He said come in for the employhappy hour. People – Don DeVorss, ees are great. “They’ve aren’t there owner, Beach Hut Deli got a great just for the of El Dorado Hills group of sandwiches people here either. Eddie Rodriguez, who said he visits and I just feel relaxed when I’m here,” he said. the Beach Hut in Folsom Brown’s got five flat three to four times a week, screen televisions, all in loves the atmosphere.

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high-definition, which are a hit with his customers. Rodriguez said it’s not all about the ambiance. There are a lot of reasons he like the Beach Hut. “They have the best sandwiches ever and they don’t skimp you on portions,” Rodriguez added. “My favorite is the Santa Cruz, which is hot pastrami, avocado, bacon and cream cheese. I also love the Marley Nachos and … that they serve beer. They’ve got great specials you just can’t beat.” Beach Hut Deli is open seven days a week in Folsom and El Dorado Hills. The Telegraph’s Matt Long may be reached at [email protected].

Thank You Folsom and El Dorado Hills for voting us the “Best of the Best” Thrift Store! Your donations and purchases help support hospice care at no charge to our community

616 E. Bidwell St. (Across from 24 Hour Fitness•Folsom)

916.984.5853

50% Off

Everything excluding furniture

Expires April 25, Good at all 4 store locations (Folsom, Cameron Park, Placerville, Camino)

T h a n k Yo u f o r vo t i n g u s “BEST SUSHI” Lunches star ting at $5.95 D i n n e r fo r 2 S p e c i a l $ 2 5 . 9 5 Folsom • 916-817-8525 • 2700 E. Bidwell St., (Broadstone Shopping Center) Happy Hour M-F 2-5pm, $2 Off all specialty rolls. Draft beer & small sake $2

FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

List

Best Day Spa Hoshalls

Continued from page 7

Best Indoor Recreation Folsom Sports Complex

Best Hamburger InNOut Best Bakery Karens Bakery

Best Salon De La Muse

Best Fitness Center California Family Fitness

Best Seafood Scott’s Seafood

Best Personal Trainer Robin Lenzi, California Family Fitness

Best Preschool/Daycare Brighton Schools

Best Travel Agency Great Escape Travel

Best Martial Arts Robinsons TaeKwon Do Best Children’s Shop Starlight Starbright Best Consignment/Thrift Store Snowline Hospice Best Auto Repair Folsom Care Care Best Pizza Chicago Fire Best Financial Institution Wells Fargo Best Real Estate Company Lyon’s Best Dentist Dr. Jared Ruminson Best Doctor Dr. Slapnick

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Best Pharmacy Innovative Compounding Pharmacy Best Gift Store Periwinkle Best Framing Shop Aaron Brothers Best Dry Cleaners Swansons Best Florist Folsom Florist

Best Flooring Shop Best Pet Groomer Petsmart El Dorado Floor & Design Best Painting Contractor Best Pet Supplies Petco Folsom Painting Co. Best Art Gallery Best Nursery/ Hang It Up Garden Center Best Veterinarian Greenheart Nursery PetVets & Best Landscape Contractor Folsom Vet Hospital (tie) Greenheart Nursery Best Accountant Best Handyman Bob Wellman James Vermilyea Best Insurance AAA Best Barber Barber Jon Best Financial Planner Best Manicure Lilly’s Nails Edward Jones Best place to enjoy a Best Chiropractor glass of wine Dave Benevito Wine Konnection Best Optometrist See List, page 11 Dr. Robert Hoffman

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Thanks for Voting us the Best!

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Attorney: Wins ‘best’ title Continued from page 5

“Right now, family law is at a crossroad. Every news outlet has a story on The couple splits their practice it. The divorce rate is decreasing between two offices, one on Natoma because of the economy,” he said. Street in Folsom and the “Family law is in other in Sacramento, and different specialties. We were getting all flux.” He said many “I’m a certified famithese calls about couples are sticking ly law specialist,” he it out in the mar(bankruptcies) and it said. “I think I’m the riages for financial only one still in Folsom. was a business reasons. My wife handles estate His wife’s estate decision to offer the planning.” planning is going The shift in the econservice. well, even with the omy has opened up a downturn. new service area for the “It’s one of the – Joe Hoffman, law firm. few areas people co-owner Hoffman & Hoffman “We started gearing are spending on up (to handle) bankruptsomething that isn’t cies in December and a necessity,” he said. will be doing our first filings now,” he Hoffman and Hoffman may be said. “We were getting all these calls reached at 985-2753. Their Folsom about it when the economy started office is located at 49 Natoma St., turning and it was a business decision Suite F. to offer the service.”

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He said the family-law side of the business has slowed down because of tough financial times.

Don Chaddock may be reached at [email protected].

Thank You for voting us the Best Thai Cuisine

Live Music Every Friday Lake View Patio • Full Bar

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FOLSOM & EL DORADO HILLS TELEGRAPH

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Best Dessert Karen’s Bakery

Visconti’s

Continued from page 9

Best Caterer Hannibals Catering

Continued from page 6 and some are original creations.” He’s been cooking for 26 years and considers the restaurant “old school” in service, portions and atmosphere. “I’m a big eater,” he said. “I hate going somewhere to eat and not being full.” Tista Visconti, a waiter in the restaurant, offers a handshake to customers and gives them a warm welcome. “Most people can’t finish their plates,” he said. “It’s rare.” Frank Visconti said the restaurant has no microwaves and he doesn’t use preservatives in his dishes. “It’s all fresh,” he said. Don Chaddock can be reached at [email protected].

Best Happy Hour Fat’s Best Patio Dining Balcony Bistro Best Kids Birthday Party Spot Bounceopolis & Bouncetown (tie)

Best Lawyer Hoffman & Hoffman Best Social Group Mozie’s Adventures Best Park Kemp Best Winery Boeger

Best Place for free wi-fi It’s a Grind

Best Contractor Robinson Construction

Best Bike Repair Bicycles Plus

Best Orthodontist Dr. Kelleher

Best Bodyshop B&J Bodyshop

— Compiled by Jennifer King, The Telegraph.

Folsom: City of Bridges A special section published by the Telegraph. Look for it in the March 25 edition.

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ary and all of us at Mary’s Gold Miner Cafe would like to thank all of our loyal customers for voting us the “Best Breakfast”. You are a part of our family.

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Thank You for voting us

Best Jeweler

Come in and experience why we’re the Best! We of fer on-site repair and custom designs.

As a token of our appreciation, please come in and receive a

Join us to celebrate with a complimentary biscuits and gravy.

Free Watch Battery Replacement Limit 2 per customer Offer Expires May 30, 2009

Now Serving

Authentic Greek Dishes Made by Mary 426 East Bidwell St., Folsom

916-984-4181 marysgoldminercafe.com Mon-Fri 6am-2pm Sat & Sun 6am-3pm

916.353.1982

341 Iron Point Road, Suite B • Folsom

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