This year our annual Best of Hollywood contest was held online and in partnership with Facebook for the first time.Two months and thousands of votes later, the results are in and are listed below.
I am honored to say that I know most of these businesses and their owners and am very proud of the services they provide consistently to this community.
I recently went to visit a small town in North Carolina called Lake Lure with my family in September. I went to visit the same (only) coffee shop each morning because it was the only place in town with free Wi-Fi.The woman who owned the place knew every “regular” who patronized her. She could tell me what they did for a living, about their families and sometimes even more than I think they would want me to know!
More than half of this year’s winners are located Downtown or started off Downtown – Hollywood’s own “small town.” There’s something to be said for the popularity of a place where everyone knows your name. And that’s how I feel about these Best of Hollywood results. I know most of these business owners personally. Many are valued clients and the one thing they all have in common is they are all small business owners like myself looking to do the best job they can in this community.
I congratulate each and every winner in this year’s Best of Hollywood Contest and would recommend their services of each and every advertiser in this publication.
Thank you for reading!
Jennifer Sandomir
Publisher | Hollywood Gazette
jennifer@hollywoodgazette.com
BEST SPORTS PUB
Shenanigans Sports Pub
For the second year in a row, Shenanigans has clinched the Best Sports Pub and Dining award and did so with more votes than any other business in the Best of Hollywood Contest.
For 18 years, Patrick and Christine Utter have served their award-winning chicken wings and homemade pizza at their family owned and operated business. The business strives to provide patrons with quality food that’s prepared fresh and a wide selection of spirits in a casual, fun atmosphere.
With two locations in South Florida, Shenanigans is sure to continue serving great food and great fun for years to come.
3303 Sheridan St.,1300 S. Federal Highway, 954-981-9702, www.shenaniganseastsidepub.com.
BEST DOWNTOWN HOTSPOT
Cuenca Cigars
At Cuenca Cigars, cigar aficionados can not only puff their favorite cigars in a quaint Downtown Hollywood setting, but they can also enjoy complimentary cappuccino or espresso, domino tables and Wi-Fi access.
Ana Cuenca and her staff offer premium cigars, cases, cutters, lighters and even hookah products all in a cozy and relaxing setting.
1928 Harrison St., 866-417-9454, www.cuencacigars.com.
BEST DINING & NIGHTLIFE
Whiskey Tango All American Bar & Grill
Whiskey Tango is a self-proclaimed not-so-innovative concept in good old fashion fun. It’s hip and it’s fun with a downtown vibe. Whiskey Tango will offer you something to do and a place to hang out seven days a week.
With great food, great promotions and great events, Whiskey Tango keeps everyone wondering what’s going to happen next. They’re the “corner bar” with a lot more than you bargained for.For food, fun and entertainment, it’s Whiskey Tango…the bar that loves you back.
1903 Hollywood Blvd., 954-925-2555, www.whiskeytangofl.com.
BEST IRISH PUB
Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub
Opened in November 2008, Mickey Byrne’s aims to bring an authentic piece of modern Ireland to South Florida.
The self-proclaimed, “brilliant Irish pub” offers 18 beers on tap ranging from Guinness and Smithwicks to home-based micro brews like Stone Pale Ale and Magic Hat. In addition, the pub offers traditional Irish food like Shepherd's Pie and Bangers and Mash but also offers burgers and wings.
For the second year in a row, Mickey Byrne’s holds the title of Best Pub in Hollywood.
1921 Hollywood Blvd., 954-921-2317, www.mickeybyrnes.com.
BEST GREEK FOOD
The Greek Joint
Authentic Greek cuisine at affordable prices only touches the tip of the iceberg in describing all the Greek Joint offers.
From Greek Salads filled with feta cheese, juicy and thick chunks of tomato, cucumbers, onions, kalamata olives and a touch of their house-blend dressing to Gyros that some claim as the best in South Florida, the Greek Joint is a new business that’s creating quite an impact in Hollywood.
2003 Harrison St., 954-929-9966, www.thegreekjoint.com.
BEST FINE DINING
Lola’s on Harrison
Named one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants in Florida according to “Florida Trend Magazine,” rated Best Restaurant in South Broward by “New Times Best of 2008” and designated a Noteworthy Newcomer by “Zagat 2008,” Lola’s on Harrison can now add Best Fine Dining in Hollywood to its list of achievements.
Putting the emphasis on fresh and simple, chef and owner Michael Wagner’s menu features award-winning appetizers such as his Purple Potato Skins with sundried tomato crème fraîche and entrees that include Coca Cola BBQ Beef Ribs with tarragon infused creamed yellow corn, Buttermilk Onion Rings and Grilled Skirt Steak served with Wagner’s very own creation, Lola’s Housemade Steak Sauce.
2032 Harrison St.,954-927-9851, www.lolasonharrison.com.
BEST CARRIBEEAN RESTAURANT
Ginger Bay Café
Ginger Bay Café doesn’t just serve up a taste of the Caribbean with its upscale cuisine. The Downtown Hollywood hotspot also serves up a complete Caribbean atmosphere.
With Soca Nights on Thursday and Raggae nights on Friday and Saturday, the restaurant provides complete Caribbean entertainment right here in Hollywood. The restaurant is open Wednesday at 8 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday at 6 p.m.
1908 Hollywood Blvd., 954-924-1844, www.gingerbaycafe.org.
BEST OF FUN & RECREATION: HONORABLE MENTION
I Am An Artist
I Am An Artist, a paint-your-own-pottery art studio and café in Downtown Hollywood, aims to provide a fun place for families and friends to gather while creating their own artwork.
At the store, opened in December 2009 by Vabian and Victoria Alvarez, patrons choose a piece of pottery, choose a design and paint. Patrons can paint objects such as frames, plates, mugs, piggy banks, vases and Disney characters like Winnie the Pooh. The staff also offers idea books, coaching and encouragement for those intimidated by art projects.
2008 Hollywood Blvd., 954-367-6378 www.iamanartistindowntown.com.
BEST PHARMACY
White Orchid Pharmacy
Opened in June 2009, the White Orchid Pharmacy does more than simply fill the prescriptions of Hollywood residents. It is a traditional pharmacy with a zen atmosphere complete with relaxing music and the scent of healing oils.
While your prescriptions are filled, patrons can peruse the shelves with over-the-counter medications, medicinal herbs, vitamins and dietary supplements, personal care products, teas and aromatherapy oils. The staff will also provide counseling on healthy lifestyles, yoga and herbal and natural remedies.
2328 Hollywood Blvd., 954-404-7533, www.whiskeytangofl.com.
BEST HAIR SALON
Xanadu Salon and Spa
Xanadu Salon and Spa offers more than just great haircuts and color treatments for men and women. They also offer a lineup of services to pamper both your inner and outer self.
With a combined 25 years of experience in the industry, the staff at Xanadu also offers facials and massages, manicures and pedicures, and hair extensions and professional makeup all in an attempt to revitalize the mind and body.
3351 Sheridan St., 954-983-0100, www.xanadusalonspa.com.
BEST HAIR SALON HONORABLE MENTION
Lyn Anthony Salon and Spa
Lyn Anthony Salon and Spa provides a full-service menu for hair, nails, skin and massage with customer Service serving as its No. 1 priority.
The salon, open seven days a week and weekdays until 9 p.m., offers Swedish and Deep Tissue massages, eyebrow and body waxing, cuts and colors and makeup applications. And since the salon understands the meaning of community and is committed to serving the Hollywood community, Lyn Anthony donates a portion of each of its guests services to the charity of his or her choice.
1870 N Young Circle, 954-404-7474, www.lynanthonysalon.com.
BEST PLACE TO BE PAMPERED IN HOLLYWOOD
Beauty of Wax
With 12 years of experience in waxing and skin care, Maribel Ruiz and her staff have perfected their craft and provide the highest quality of European Wax and Brazilian Wax hair removal services for both women and men.
Beauty of Wax waxing treatments slow and weaken hair growth and result in silky, smooth skin for approximately three to six weeks. They use 100 percent natural Extra Beeswax formula and cotton oil that’s extremely gentle and greatly reduces ingrown hairs. Now offering spa facial, massage and nail services at their new location, their affordable prices and top-notch pampering have earned Beauty of Wax yet another Best of Hollywood win.
114 S. 20th Ave., 954-922-2252, www.beautyofwax.com.
BEST DANCE INSTRUCTION
Goddess Store & Studio
Carmen Garson left her job as an accountant to follow her passion for dancing. For eight years now, Garson and her dancers at Goddess Store & Studio have offered South Florida residents the opportunity to take Belly Dance, Flamenco, African Dance, Bollywood, Salsa, Merengue and Bachata dance classes as well as yoga classes.
Dedicated to educating, uniting and entertaining the community through world dance and cultural events, the studio has also been a part of Hollywood’s ArtWalk from its inception.
2017 Harrison St., 954-929-2369, www.goddessstore.com.
BEST SCHOOL IN HOLLYWOOD
Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory
Chaminade-Madonna, a Catholic and Marianist high school with 700 students, strives to educate the heart and soul as well as the mind and body. It is a family-like community in which individuals of all backgrounds shape and share their faith, achieve excellence and become caring participants and leaders in the service of community, church and those in need.
Chaminade-Madonna High School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and has received recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, the highest award given by the U.S. Department of Education. The 2009-2010 school year marked Chaminade-Madonna’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee.
500 East Chaminade Drive, 954-989-5150, www.cmlions.org.
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL HONORABLE MENTION
Hollywood Central Elementary
With 85 years of educational excellence, Hollywood Central Elementary deserves recognition for the achievements it has obtained.
The school, which serves children in kindergarten through fifth-grade, received an “A” rating from the State of Florida and successfully met its Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) criteria. In addition, Hollywood Central Elementary has been a Five Star School for 12 years. The award recognizes excellence in the areas of volunteerism, family involvement, school advisory, business and partnership and student services. The Golden School Award from the Department of Education has also recognized its high level of volunteerism for 26 consecutive years. Hollywood Central has also received numerous Little Red Schoolhouse Awards that honor exemplary, unique schoolwide programs.
In addition, the school will host a medieval scavenger hunt fundraiser called “Quest for the HAAS Grail” on Saturday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, in which participants will follow clues and collect puzzle pieces from local Downtown businesses to find the answer to the quest, will benefit the school. Call 954-925-6404 for more details.
1700 Monroe St., 754-323-6150, www.hollywoodcentral.org.
BEST ART AND CULTURE ECUCATION IN HOLLYWOOD
Art and Culture Center of Hollywood
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 2, 1975 officially opened the doors to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood that has grown to impact more than 50,000 South Florida residents annually through its programming.
The Center offers adult and children’s visual and performing arts education programs, unique exhibitions, films, performances, after-school and outreach programs, camps and even complimentary admission to its galleries on certain days of the month.
1650 Harrison St., 954-921-3274, www.artandculturecenter.org.
BEST WEB AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
High Powered Graphics
High Powered Graphics, an advertising and design agency dedicated to the marketing and exposure of businesses local and nationwide, strives to provide effective and relevant advertising that is specifically tailored to each individual client at a fraction of the cost of bigger firms.
The staff at High Powered Graphics has more than 45 years of combined graphic design, copywriting and Internet/website experience. President Leon Cortez has worked with many of South Florida's top advertising and design agencies over the last 15 years; copywriter Doug Thompson works to both re-write and fine-tune clients' website copy and advertising campaigns; and webmaster, designer and SEO expert Michael Roberts has a vast experience in web design, online marketing and is committed to helping businesses thrive in today's fast-paced Internet environment.
4200 Hillcrest Drive, 954-367-6797, www.highpoweredgraphics.com.
BEST PLACE TO
WORK OUT IN HOLLYWOOD
Synergize!
For the fifth year in a row, Synergize!, a semi-private personal training studio specializing in adult weight reduction and fat loss as well as children's obesity prevention, has received a Best of Hollywood Award.
Owner Shondelle Solomon-Miles offers abs classes and cardio classes; a 21-Day Fat Loss program that includes unlimited training sessions, a 21-day meal plan and daily nutrition e-mail coaching; youth fitness programs; and even now offers Crossfit classes. Solomon-Miles guarantees success because she offers an effective and balanced weight-loss program that incorporates all of who you are: body, mind and spirit.
1200 N Federal Highway, 954-839-6248, www.synergizeweightloss.com
BEST CREATIVE COMPANY
wee-words
Wee-words, happy stationery for happy moments, is a custom-designed stationery company for kids, families and pets. The creative company is owned by two Hollywood “mom-preneurs” Caren Horvitz and Gloria Mallardi, who follow a business mantra of ‘adorable and affordable.’
Wee-words offers custom products such as announcement cards, calling cards, stickers and labels, notepads, pet stationery, and a line of holiday collections for just about every holiday and season.
3858 Sheridan St., 954-328-0332, www.wee-words.com.
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Thanks again!
Castle
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