Satisfaction guaranteed
Nineteenth annual Best of Contest

In 1968, when Mick Jagger penned the classic rock staple "You Can't Always Get What You Want," he said he was following up on the idea of his band's first big hit, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." If the first song was a personal statement, its predecessor is his indictment of the human condition, condensing thousands of years of philosophy and art in a 5-minute blues-gospel tour-de-force.

Clearly, Mick had never envisioned Palo Alto, circa 2004.

A veritable vending machine for the wants and needs of the modern Peninsula dweller, Palo Alto businesses are all about eliminating the problems Mr. Jagger so eloquently details. It might not make good songwriting fodder, but there's enough diversity offered to make even Mick a happy man.
Now in it's 19th year, the Weekly's Best of Palo Alto readers' poll aims to give you some "satisfaction." Last year, the poll eschewed some of the more whimsical ballot items for the tried and true. This year, they're back. Interspersed throughout the 2004 poll are Palo Altans' best kept secrets -- their favorite places to stargaze and people watch. Some notable rivalries reappear in this year's contest, like the continued neck-and-neck battle of Miyake and Fuki Sushi, the Fish Market vs. Scott's Seafood Grill, and Peet's vs. Starbucks.

Some longtime establishments reassert their mastery, begging the question, "Does Peninsula Fountain and Grill (now called Palo Alto Creamery Downtown) make the best milkshake on the planet?" And some newcomers dominate their category after a brief stay in town (can you say Eye-Key-Uh?).

So turn the page, browse the lists and soak up the suggestions. It might not lead you to personal fulfillment, but you just might find you get what you need.

Top of the Morning

Bagels
Noah's New York Bagels
Think bagels are so yesterday? Think again. The doughy delectable may no longer be an "it" snack, but many still enjoy a good helping of lox and cream cheese slathered on a bagel. For the third year in a row, Noah's New York Bagels has won the accolades of discerning Palo Alto Weekly readers. It's proof that you can't keep good bread down. Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels came in second place.Noah's New York Bagels, 278 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 473-075.

Coffeehouse
Peet's Coffee and Tea
Is it fair to say Peet's single-handedly spawned the country's mass-market gourmet coffee revolution? Perhaps. There's enough evidence to say the Berkeley-based shop's influence on the industry -- especially it's main competitor, and our second place winner, Starbucks -- is significant and lasting. It's also fair to say Palo Altans have agreed over and over that its two locations in town offer the best in dark-roasted delights. Is it fair or objective that the writer of this item is, at the moment, drinking a beverage from said shop? That we will leave up to the kind reader. Peet's Coffee and Tea,153 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 325-2091 and 855 El Camino Real #77, Palo Alto, (650) 328-4771

Sunday Brunch
Hobee's Restaurant
Perhaps it is Hobee's famous blueberry coffee cake that keeps making this the best place for Sunday brunch. Or perhaps it's Hobee's California-influenced comfort food. Whatever the reason, Weekly readers seem to gravitate to this local landmark that first opened in Mountain View in 1974. Offerings include the Stanford Cardinal omelet (featuring chicken, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, spinach and cheese, topped with tomatillo sauce) and Hobee's Tofu Scramble, an eggless alternative that features tofu scrambled with spinach, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes and a blend of seasonings. Omelets and scrambles are available all day. Beware, however, of long lines on the weekend. If you're seeking another option for Sunday brunch, try Joanie's, which placed second. 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; (650) 493-7823 and 67 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, (650) 327-4111.

Fresh Ingredients

Grocery story
Whole Foods
It's not just the abundant supply of free samples that attracts a near cult following to the Whole Foods on Homer Avenue. The grocery store is a Mecca for organic and healthy food, its narrow aisles packed with flaxseed, multi-grain breads; plump fruit; soy chocolate milk; energy bars and wheat germ. The small market features an on-site bakery that serves up fresh-baked cookies, steaming fruit tarts, pies and organic breads. It also has one of the most complete salad bars, a take-out counter featuring such delicacies as stuffed portabella mushrooms, a meat counter, a sushi chef and a delicatessen. Whole Foods Market, 774 Emerson St., Palo Alto, (650) 326-8676.

Produce
:Whole Foods
Outside Whole Foods on Homer Avenue, flats of watermelons, crates of blueberries and boxes of corn line the street. They are as tempting as candy to many Palo Alto Weekly readers who voted this herbivore's paradise best produce. The grocery story carries a deliciously healthy variety of organic and farm-fresh fruits and veggies from turkey brown figs to heirloom tomatoes. Although, it's not cheap. Expect to pay up to $2.99 per pound for organic nectarines. Sigona's came in second place.Whole Foods Market, 774 Emerson St., Palo Alto, (650) 326-8676.

Sweet Somethings

Desserts
Prolific Oven
This is a bad place for a diet, according to Palo Alto Weekly readers, who voted the Prolific Oven as the best place for dessert. Confections coming from this popular sugar shack range from the moist, rich chocolate cake with some of the most lip-smacking gooey chocolate frosting you'll ever taste to the sugar-high inducing carrot cake. Their thin cookies eaten fresh out of the oven are as soft and fragile as lace. The Prolific Oven on Waverley Street features glass cases packed with cakes and cookies and an eating area with round tables both inside and out. The bakery also serves up sandwiches and coffee. Nouveau Trattoria came in second. Prolific Oven, 550 Waverley St., Palo Alto, (650) 326-8485.

Ice Cream
Cold Stone Creamery
A quick quiz: Is "Berry Berry Berry Good" a) an ice cream/fruit combination one can order at Cold Stone Creamery, b) what pun-loving Palo Alto Weekly readers think of the ice cream shop or c) both? Why C, of course. Maybe it's the muscle that makes it. Using metal spatulas and a marble slab, Cold Stone's hard working scoopers mix and mash ingredients into the shop's rich ice cream right before their customer's eyes. Last year, Cold Stone came in second to Rick's Rather Rich Ice Cream. This year, it's Rick's that settles for silver.Cold Stone Creamery 9 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, (650) 323-2102

Milkshake
Palo Alto Creamery Downtown
With the trappings of an old-time soda fountain and the milkshakes and menu to back it up, the Palo Alto Creamery Downtown does it again. Could it be that the red vinyl booths, the rock-and-roll jukebox and checkered floors actually make the shake taste better? Or is it that when you finish what's in your frosty glass, there's still a metal mixing container with your shake's sequel? Maybe they just make the best shakes. This writer's personal favorite? The vanilla malt. Taxi's on University Avenue placed second.Palo Alto Creamery Downtown, 566 Emerson St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650) 323-3131 and 180 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 327-3141.

Romantic Restaurant
Evvia and Maddalena's
Romance is on the rise in Palo Alto it seems, as not one but two restaurants were chosen as the area's most romantic. First -- boasting savory Greek dishes, delicious wine and enchanting ambiance -- is last year's runner-up, Evvia, located downtown on Emerson Street. Evvia is all old-world charm and features a gorgeous fireplace and an inviting wait staff. Sharing the candlelight for most romantic and repeating its top-tier success from 2003 is Maddalena's, also on Emerson in Downtown Palo Alto. Maddalena's features a distinctive menu and elegant dining. And with Café Fino right next door, patrons can wander over after dinner for a drink and ear-pleasing live music. Palo Altans agree -- whether it's your 25th anniversary or simply that all-important first date, at least there are two places to choose from. St. Michael's Alley in Palo Alto wooed its way into second. Evvia, 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, (650) 326-0983; Maddalena's & Café Fino, 544 Emerson St., Palo Alto

New Restaurant
Cheesecake Factory
Opened in December, Cheesecake Factory became an instant favorite among readers, who love the endless options available on the popular restaurant chain's menu. "The variety in the menu offers something for everyone. And of course the desserts -- everybody loves cheesecake," said general manager Louis Sandor. Aside from the creamy cheesecakes, the restaurant is known for its enormous portions. Try the grilled portabella on a bun or the pad thai noodles. For dessert, order the decadent white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake or the popular fresh strawberry cheesecake. La Strada came in second. Cheesecake Factory, 375 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 473-9622.

Seafood Restaurant
The Fish Market
One can almost smell the salt air when one enters the Fish Market restaurant, a longtime favorite of Palo Altans and others who travel distances to savor the atmosphere or large fishing photos, a décor reflecting something between New England and Half Moon Bay, and the array of fresh -- marked daily on a chalkboard -- seafood at moderate prices. Founded in 1976 by the late Martin Simon of Palo Alto and two partners ("the flounders" in a menu blurb), the Palo Alto restaurant became the first in a chain that now includes restaurants in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Jose in the Bay Area, Irvine and San Diego in Southern California, and in Phoenix, Ariz. Scott's Seafood in Town & Country Village, a quieter, more elegant and pricier dining experience, again came in second with Weekly readers. Fish Market Restaurant, 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, (650) 493-9188.

Restaurant to Splurge
Spago
Whether it's for romance or business, Weekly readers named Spago's as the best place to splurge. Creator Wolfgang Puck invites patrons - Visa in hand - to dine on glamorous California cuisine in a spacious indoor pavilion or outdoor patio. Executive chef Aram Mardigian fuses Californian staples with Asian and Mediterranean influences to create a sumptuous menu of foie gras, warm proscuitto salad, lemongrass soup, truffled artichoke agnolotti and bittersweet truffle cake to name a few items. Mediterranean-inspired Evvia came in second place. Spago, 265 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 833-1000.

International Flavor

Chinese Restaurant
Mandarin Gourmet
The Mandarin Gourmet in downtown Palo Alto has again been rated best Chinese restaurant by Weekly readers. The multi-year winner, opened in 1990 by Timmie Cheng and her family, is a favorite for its elegant décor and prime setting, with muted colors and lighting and artifacts of China adorning the dining area - and a lengthy menu of exotic choices and familiar favorites. Other Mandarin Gourmet restaurants include one in San Jose, opened in 1988, and one in Cupertino, opened in 1993 under the same family ownership. The Palo Alto restaurant offers a pleasant, median-priced dining experience, and a large meeting room provides an opportunity for either a business or social gathering. A solid second was a longtime rival for first place, the Su Hong Restaurant of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, which has traded top spots with Mandarin Gourmet for years. Mandarin Gourmet, 420 Ramona St., Palo Alto, (650) 328-8898.

Italian Restaurant
Osteria
The picture frame holding six "Best Of" plaques and hanging above the bar should be a diner's first indication of how much Palo Altans love Osteria Cucina Toscana. Downtown seems to boast a ristorante Italiano on every block, but Osteria's held the competition at bay for six years. Specializing in classic Tuscan cuisine, the menu rarely changes; the regulars here know what they're getting, and apparently, they find it molto squisito. Peppy jazz bounces from the speakers and abstract art, some by owner Gregory Piccinini, adorns the walls. If you've a hankering to taste the Osteria's fine fare, make reservations; dinner sells out every night, the manager says. The No. 2 spot in this category goes to the stalwart Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana. Osteria, 247 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 328-5700.

Indian Restaurant
Darbar
Winner for two years in a row, Darbar ranks superior among readers, who frequent the restaurant for its flavorful chicken, curry and vegetable dishes. The lunch buffet costs $8.95 and is a popular draw for diners, making the restaurant host to large, lively lunch crowds. The chicken marsala is a popular favorite. With only one dining room, Darbar is cozy and inviting -- the tables are decorated with yellow and maroon tablecloths and authentic Indian paintings and tapestries adorn the walls. Readers placed Marigold second.Darbar Indian Cuisine, 129 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 321-6688.

Mexican Restaurant
Andale Taqueria
Mexican cuisine with a minimalist approach is the hallmark of Andale. Always crowded with downtowners, dot.commers and Stanford students who have managed to find their way off the farm, the University Avenue establishment continues to be a favorite lunch spot. The high ceilings and sky-lit interior are built around a glassed-in rotisserie, putting the menu's fresh ingredients on prominent display. And it pays off. It's not the home-style Mexican fare of Celia's -- this year's second-place winner -- it's a new take on an old tradition that works for Palo Altans. Andale Taqueria, 209 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 323-2939.

Sushi Restaurant
Fuki Sushi
The tempura-ture's rising on Palo Alto's Battle Sushi, with masterful "Iron Chefs" Fuki Sushi and Miyake reprising their annual duel. On a roll with Weekly readers this year, as in 2003: Fuki Sushi. The south Palo Alto restaurant's extensive menu and tranquil, classically appointed environs (note the well-coiffed bamboo bushes) woo the hearts of sushi lovers like so much haiku. From simple gyoza (potstickers) to $50-a-person shabu shabu (a cook-at-your-own-table affair), Fuki Sushi provides a delectable if expensive dining experience. Even the boisterous personality of Miyake, located downtown, wasn't enough to sumo wrestle the top spot from Palo Alto's oldest sushi restaurant. Fuki Sushi, 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, (650) 494-9383.

Thai Restaurant
Siam Royal
Siam Royal once again proves it is a Palo Alto favorite. In addition to winning Best Thai restaurant for three years in a row, Siam Royal has also picked up awards in the past for Best Inexpensive Restaurant and Solo Dining. Siam features authentic, inexpensive lunch specials including yellow curry chicken and panang salmon. Restaurant goers also enjoy the mango chicken and the barbeque lamb dishes. The restaurant, decorated with paintings of Thailand, wood carvings, and large fans detailing images of Thailand, has a slate of devoted regulars. Second place goes to Krung Siam Thai. Siam Royal, 338 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 329-8129.

Vietnamese Restaurant
Tamarine
Locals wishing to sample excellent Vietnamese cuisine should try Tamarine, the winner of "best new restaurant" in 2003. What makes this dining experience distinctive is not just the food, the soothing decor, the attentive service or the lively bar. It is, rather, the eagerness of co-proprietors Anne Le and her aunt and executive chef, Tammy Huvnh, to share their Vietnamese heritage with others. The result: many dishes that are family hand-me-downs, adjusted and stylized for contemporary palates. Huynh has also created such unique signature dishes as a coconut and lemongrass soup served with crab wontons, and a chili and lime aubergine. The bar, too, shows an experimental flair -- patrons can try specialty cocktails featuring Asian fruit and exotic tropical flavors. Twice a year, Tamarine hosts a silent auction featuring Vietnamese art that has graced the walls during the preceding six months. Three Seasons placed second.Tamarine, 546 University Ave. in Palo Alto, (650) 325-8500.

Casual Eats

Burgers
Kirk's Steakburgers
The highly popular eatery wins this category virtually every year, and a change of location didn't get in the way. Kirk's has moved from its longtime California Avenue location to one in Town & Country Village Shopping Center. There, the place is mobbed at noon hour by Palo Alto High School students during the school year, but tables can easily be available even during busy times. Kirk's is known for tasty, open-grilled steakburgers. The menu has expanded in recent years to include chicken and hot dogs, but the burgers are boss. Reader's second place pick went to In-N-Out. Kirk's Steakburgers, 75 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, (650) 326-6159.

Dining With Kids
Fresh Choice
Kids' taste in food, as is the case with many of their preferences, boils down to whatever's fun. Generally, that means heaping helpings of cheese pizza, chicken nuggets and ice cream. Parents, especially in these carb-conscious times, prefer healthier alternatives. So, where can the two sides meet? How about Fresh Choice, which offers fun, tasty food that doesn't rely on plastic toys or chemical enhancements for its appeal. Soups, salads and, yes, cheese pizza are served up for everyone's enjoyment. And kids of all ages will love the desserts. California Pizza Kitchen won second place. Fresh Choice, 180 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 322-6995.

Inexpensive restaurant
Pluto's
What's quick, fresh, delicious and won't break the bank? Our readers undoubtedly sampled the sliced turkey, with sides of sautéed vegetables, mushrooms, stuffing or mashed potatoes with gravy. Or chose seven toppings on their side salad of farmer's greens, added a slice of bread and a soft drink -- and still paid less than $5 for dinner. Or returned once more for one of the daily special sandwiches that offer thinly sliced, freshly grilled flank steak, chicken or turkey. You don't have to wait for November for savoring turkey and stuffing -- Pluto's offers much to be thankful for every day. For those who crave a plate of carbs, Pasta! rated number two.Pluto's Fresh Food for a Hungry Universe, 482 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 853-1556

Pizza
Pizza My Heart
Pizza is dear to many people's hearts, offering a quick, delicious fix to the most ravenous appetites. Pizza My Heart's reliance on the fabled "New York style" -featuring paper thin crust that emphasizes the flavors of the toppings -- ensures their preeminence among local pizza purveyors. Whether you enjoy pesto, veggie or meat toppings, it's all good. And, it's been proven scientifically that their slices taste even better folded. So sit back in one of their red, leather booths, bop your head to some golden oldies and enjoy what our readers consider the best pizza in town. Applewood Pizza took second place. Pizza My Heart, 220 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 327-9400.

Sandwiches
The Village Cheese House
Hiding in the corner of Town and Country Village is the perfect pre-made sandwich. Waiting for you in a basket at the front of The Village Cheese House, the sandwiches are assembled early in the morning, soaking in the Cheese House's distinctive mayo mustard spread. You can also roam the rest of store and sample the many cheeses and various epicurean delights. Someone from the helpful staff will, inevitably, even guide you through the selection of cured meats and condiments. Or if it's not your thing, feel free to go to Subway, which our readers liked second-best.The Village Cheese House, 157 Town and Country Shopping Center Palo Alto, (650) 322-5301.

Solo Dining
Pluto's
Table for one? Not a problem for Weekly readers, as long as the restaurant is Pluto's. The space-themed eatery mixes a casual, buffet-like feel with fresh, grilled meats, and a choose-it-yourself salad bar to create a rare dining experience: great food for cheap. Counter-top seating also makes it easy to eat on the go. Siam Royal nabbed the second place vote. Pluto's, 482 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 853-1556.
Looking Good

Dry cleaner
Emerson Laundry Cleaners
After years of coming in second or third, Emerson's made it to the top of the heap -- the laundry heap, that is. The classic full-service dry cleaner, its shelves lined with blue paper packages tied up with string, has been Jin Kim's family-owned business for the past 15 years. Some loyal customers come from as far as Redwood Shores to have their dress shirts laundered for $2 and suits cleaned for $13.95, according to Kim. Emerson offers laundry, dry cleaning, alterations, leather cleaning, and wash/dry/fold. Open Monday through Saturday. Look for the mural of the polka-dotted washerwoman and her foaming tub of suds out front. Across town, Charleston Cleaners took second. Emerson Laundry Cleaners, 926 Emerson St., Palo Alto, (650) 326-6926.

Jewelry Store
Gleim Jewelers
What says love more than a diamond from Gleim Jewelers? Well, how about flowers, a romantic serenade or a love letter? But if you're feeling extra-generous, you can send your special someone a lovely gift from Gleim. The family-owned independent jeweler first opened its doors on University Avenue in 1931. The store carries everything you would want: rings, necklaces, bracelets, broaches and earrings. Other services offered include jewelry repair and custom design, as well as free cleaning and inspection. The runner-up was that famous purveyor of blue boxes, Tiffany and Co.Gleim Jewelers, 322 University Ave., Palo Alto; (650) 323-1331 and 119 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 325-3533.

Best Men's Apparel
Nordstrom
Got style on the brain? The Nordstrom Men's Department has what you need. The store features a wide variety of brands, from Polo Ralph Lauren to Kenneth Cole to Hugo Boss to Roots. The store is also mindful of the fast-paced lifestyle of the area's men, and currently features Nike Speed, a collection of clothing that keeps up with today's busy work world. Second place goes to Macy's Men's Store. Nordstrom, 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 323-5111.

Shoe Repair
Midtown Shoe Repair
The personal touch of Robert Babekian has again earned his shop Best Shoe Repair -- even though he does far more than repair shoes and sandals: He restores them, including re-dyeing. Loyal customers also bring in damaged luggage, items with broken zippers, special-needs items, and even ask for custom-made leather watchbands. The Babekian family has operated the shop for two dozen years, and in recent years it has edged out a close rival, Paul's European Cobblery in downtown Palo Alto, which again came in second this year but in past years has taken the top spot in a continuing rivalry of excellence.Midtown Shoe Repair, 2796 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, (650) 329-8171.

Women's Apparel
Nordstrom
Whether looking for a cotton t-shirt, designer jeans or a tailored suit, Weekly readers named Nordstrom as the best place to find that perfect piece of clothing. The attentive customer service, comfortable dressing rooms and frequent storewide sales make this Seattle-based store a shopaholic's dream. Leaf and Petal took second place.
Nordstrom, 550 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 323-5111.

Shop Around

Bookstore
Kepler's Books and Magazines
Where have all the bookstores gone? Have no fear, Kepler's is still here. One of the oldest independently-owned bookstores in the Bay Area, Kepler's remains a haven for book lovers. In recent years, the store has started selling online in an obvious attempt to compete with Amazon (that's where all the bookstores have gone). The store has strong fiction, non-fiction and children's selections, lots of magazines, and knowledgeable and helpful staff. Borders in downtown Palo Alto was the readers' second-place pick. Kepler's Books and Magazines, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, (650) 324-4321.

Florist
Mills the Florist
You can't miss the brick building on the corner of University Avenue and Ramona Street, where Mills the Florist has made its home since the early 1960s. Flowers have their own language, said designer Poppy Rodriguez, and Mills' staff of designers each specialize in different niches, from tropicals to European bouquets, creating floral arrangements that communicate the essence of each special occasion. Fresh flowers come into the shop every day. A family-owned business for over 100 years, Mills has had plenty of experience in the floral arts. There's something for every taste, from Martha Stewart types to corporate accounts. Second place went to Michaela's Flower Shop. Mills the Florist, 235 University Ave., Palo Alto. (650) 326-3443.

Best Pharmacy/Drugstore
Longs Drugstore
Whether you need upholstery cleaner for your car, a birthday card for your grandmother or an allergy prescription refilled, readers said Longs is the place to go. The chain store is easy on the pocket and steadfast on the everyday needs. From mouthwash to makeup to soda to holiday-specific gear, Longs is a one-stop shopping experience. Customers can also have the weekend's film developed in the store's full processing center. Second-place goes to Walgreen's. Longs Drugstore, 2701 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 330-0128 and 352 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 324-1667.

Stationery
Letter Perfect/Village Stationers
Okay, it's weird, but I know people who walk into paper stores just for the smell. For paper-and-ink junkies, Letter Perfect and Village Stationers are little pieces of heaven. Seeking that perfect card? Charming invitations? Elegant gift? Both winners offer far beyond the Hallmark moment. Letter Perfect is perhaps better known for the more formal, order-in-advance invitations, but there's plenty to choose from off the shelf as well. And then there are all those choices for wrapping up that perfect gift. . . sigh. For stationery with a Japanese twist, our readers opted for Maido in Town and Country Village as their second choice.
Letter Perfect, 384 University Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 321-3700; Village Stationers, 310 California Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 326-7970; 719 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, (650) 321-6920.

Toy store
Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World/Diddams
So, you know your great-nephew is into trading cards, but you can't quite remember what they're called? Just ask any of the helpful staff at Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World, who will be happy to steer you to the less noxious choices. Yes, he'd like to blow up his sister, but perhaps those trading cards would be easier to mail. Now, if you're planning a birthday party, where else would you go but Diddams? Miles of colored paper goods, customized balloons, candy and small toys for the goodie bags await you. Oh, and don't forget the birthday gift! Palo Alto Sport Shop & Toy World, 526 Waverley St., Palo Alto, (650) 328-8555; Diddams Amazing Party Stores, 215 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, (650) 327-6204.

Pamper Yourself

Hair Salon
Los Salonez
Honesty is the best policy. It's what has made Los Salonez a first place winner for the second year with Weekly readers. The 13 year-old Menlo Park hair salon has also won the Almanac's first place "Best of" award for the last three years. Owner Klara Turner and staff let people know when a style won't work, saving customers months of anguish while waiting for a bad style to grow out. There's a fine art to giving people what they want and making them look good, and Los Salonez manages to do both. Looking for a new hue to go with the trendy cut? Los Salonez does 80 percent of its business getting that certain shade right for satisfied customers. Hair design isn't the only thing drawing Palo Altans across county lines -- their manicures are to-die-for. Second place winner is Palo Alto's own Juut. Los Salonez, 1012 Alma St., Menlo Park (650) 328-0735.

Manicure and Pedicure
Labelle Day Spa
The salon that offers a Chocolate Decadence Pedicure deserves recognition -- or so decided Weekly readers when they chose the two Labelle Day spas in Palo Alto as the best places to pamper the hands and feet. The Chocolate Pedicure softens the skin with a milk and soy soak followed by a chocolate scrub and mousse cream massage. A selection of nine other signature manicures and pedicures range in price from $25-$80 dollars. No one said beauty was cheap! Los Solonez took second place. La Belle Day Spas, 95 Town and Country Village, Palo Alto, (650) 327-6964; and 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 326-8522.

Spa
LaBelle Day Spa and Salon
Palo Altans certainly understand the urge to soothe the nerves or enhance aesthetics. And when that urge arises, LaBelle Day Spa and Salon is the Peninsula's spa of choice. With two nearby locations -- Stanford Shopping Center and Town & Country Village -- and a plethora of enticing products and services, LaBelle has become a Palo Alto oasis. Treatments range from facials and full-body massages to pedicures and hair management. Too busy for a body wrap? Maybe LaBelle's array of merchandise, such as bath salts, toners and cleansers, can help you relax at home. Watercourse Way on Channing Avenue in Palo Alto scored second. LaBelle Day Spa and Salon, 95 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto, (650) 327-6964; 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, (650) 326-8522.

Active Alto

Bike Shop
Palo Alto Bicycles
Palo Alto Bicycles is perfect for the road warrior looking to sport the latest in Trek and United Postal Service gear, as well as the bike commuter looking for an ergonomic and comfortable ride to work. Well stocked with tools, clothing, and high tech supplements, they also offer custom-made Klein Bicycles -- if money isn't an obstacle. The repair shop in back can do both mundane tire repairs and high-end installations, like sticking that carbon fiber crank set in the display case on your new Lance Armstrong Trek Madone. If road bikes aren't your thing Mike's Bikes has a good selection of alternatives.Palo Alto Bicycles, 171 University Ave. Palo Alto, (650)328-7411.

Gym
Palo Alto Family YMCA
Young man, there's no need to feel down. If sitting behind a desk staring at a 15-inch CRT has you in the doldrums, solace is just a moment away at the Palo Alto Family YMCA. Offering a myriad of services ranging from the latest in workout equipment to exercise and dance workshops to an Olympic-sized lap pool, the YMCA truly has something for everybody. Parents who wish to feel the burn without children underfoot will also appreciate the Y Kids Zone, a care service that provides a variety of activities guaranteed to make your young one's visit pleasurable. A polite and informed staff only caps the experience. Curves, with its famed 30-minute workouts, came in second. 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto (650) 856-9622.

Sporting Goods
Palo Alto Sport and Toy World
Another perennial favorite of our readers, Palo Alto Sport and Toy World has won first place in this category every year. The store has been serving Palo Alto families for generations since it first opened in 1930. The store has a wide range of toys in addition to more serious sporting goods. The latter includes equipment for sports such as lacrosse in addition to baseball and the other more popular sports. Big 5 Sporting Goods was the second place choice of readers. Palo Alto Toy and Sport World, 526 Waverley St., Palo Alto, (650) 328-8555.

For the Home

Art gallery
Art21
Palo Alto has its own an art experience on par with any big-city -- Art21. Its energetic partners, Susan Kraft and Stan Huelsenkamp, involved for many years in Palo Alto's art community, are breathing new life into the city's art scene. Patrons listen to live jazz, taste wine or take part in poetry slams while taking in the gallery's eclectic blend of paintings, ceramics and sculpture. This is the two-and-a-half-year-old gallery's first win for art gallery in our readers' poll. Art works by the Grateful Dead's late guitarist Jerry Garcia will be on view at the gallery starting in October. Readers also voted Z Gallerie second-place winner, and we're not quite sure why. It's not a gallery and they don't sell art.Art21, 539 Alma St., Palo Alto, (650) 566-1381.

Frame Shop
University Art Center
The venerable University Art Center, a Palo Alto fixture since 1948, is the readers' choice for best frame shop. Vice President Charlie Affrunti said they've won the award "since way back." A top-notch selection of thousands of frames, all assembled on site, and some of the best designers in the industry with over 20 years experience are what keep University Arts number one. And aspiring artists can find everything they need to create a masterpiece suitable for framing: From paints and canvases to colored pencils, University Art Center has it all. Second place winner was Art21.University Art Center, 267 University Ave., Palo Alto (650) 328-3500.

Furniture Store
:IKEA
It's no surprise the store that boasts "affordable solutions to better living" is at the top of the list. It's easy to lose hours, if not whole days, in the multi-level furniture store. Frequent shoppers know braving the weekend crowds can be worth it to nab the last two fuchsia throw pillows on site. Whether you're taking the first stab at a brand new dorm room, redecorating a screened-in patio or rearranging a garage-turned-workshop, IKEA can provide a plethora of ideas for your project. Second place goes to IMG. IKEA, 1700 E. Bayshore Rd., East Palo Alto, (650) 323-4532.

Best Hardware Store
Palo Alto Hardware
Palo Alto Hardware doesn't have Home Depot's big aisles or huge stockpile. Nonetheless, the modest shop on Alma offers a wide array of services and specialty merchandise the big guys can't. From solar electric systems and a grease substitute made with soy, this store is a welcome respite from the manic buzz of big box stores. In fact, if all you need are a couple of studs for your fence, or a key made then walk on over to Palo Alto Hardware otherwise take the car to Home Depot and don't forget where you parked.Palo Alto Hardware, 875 Alma St. Palo Alto, Ca 94301 (650) 327-7222

Pets

Veterinarian
Palo Alto Pet Hospital
When Fluffy isn't feeling well, Palo Alto residents flock to Palo Alto Pet Hospital, where about 20-30 pets a day come for routine checkups and treatment. In addition to basic veterinary services like exams, vaccinations, spay and neuters, the full-service facility also offers grooming and boarding. Though the clinic mainly serves cats and dogs, small pets like guinea pigs, rabbits and rats are welcome as well. Pet owners know their loved ones are in good hands -- the clinic has a knowledgeable, trained staff including three full-time veterinarians. Adobe Animal Hospital came in second.Palo Alto Pet Hospital, 711 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, (650) 323-8558.

Free Roaming

Hotel
Garden Court Hotel
For more than a decade, Palo Alto Weekly readers have picked the Garden Court Hotel as the best in town, prompting some to wonder if any other accommodations exist in this dynamic suburb. Sure they do, but the Garden Court has one especially prime plum to its name: its location. Smack in the heart of downtown Palo Alto, the Garden Court bills itself as "a world apart in the center of everything." The Mediterranean-style hotel's 62 rooms come with such amenities as high-speed Internet access, a printer/fax/copier, fresh Peet's coffee, and rich appointments. Select rooms also have wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool spas, wet bars, living rooms and/or views of the flower-laden (i.e., garden) courtyard. Of course, luxury costs; rooms start at $299 a night and run up to $599. Coming in second was the Stanford Park Hotel on El Camino Real. Garden Court Hotel, 520 Cowper St., Palo Alto, (650) 322-9000.

Teen hangout
Movies
Lights, camera, action -- Palo Alto teens have named a visit to the multiplex their number-one thing to do. With Hollywood and art-house hits being released on a weekly basis, there's never a shortage of something fresh to see on the big screen. And with three movie theaters in Palo Alto (the Stanford Theatre on University Avenue, the Aquarius on Emerson Street and the CineArts on Page Mill Road), one in Menlo Park (the Guild on El Camino Real) and one in Mountain View (the Century 16 on Shoreline Boulevard), it's no wonder Palo Alto's teen crowd sees so many movies (it also might have something to do with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie). Bowling was named the second best way to pass the time.

Best Place to Stargaze
Foothills Park
Sure the night sky is visible from Palo Alto's lowlands, but if you want to see anything more than Orion's Belt or the Big Dipper you've got to get away from the sodium-vapor glow of the suburban streetlights and point your compass to Foothills Park. Next time you really want to look deep into the cosmos, or just feel like reminiscing about Carl Sagan, remember Palo Alto's stargazing secret. Second best option? Park on Skyline Boulevard, get out of the car and look up.Foothills Park 3300 Page Mill Road (650) 329-2423.

Best Palo Alto Park
Foothills Park
The 1,400-acre preserve off Page Mill Road is home to coyotes, bobcats, deer, and an 8-acre lake perfect for boating or fishing. Hikers can rest under oak trees as they take in breathtaking views. But nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah, the park is only open to Palo Alto residents and their guests. Of course, that might explain why most of it is in pristine condition. Mitchell Park, a neighborhood park open to all, nabbed second place.Foothills Park 3300 Page Mill Road (650) 329-2423

Best Place to People Watch
University Avenue
Preachers preach, marchers march and the homeless ... um, go without homes. University Avenue, the main drag of Palo Alto's downtown, is a mirror of the human experience. It's where venture capitalists seek the next Google at breakfast and Stanford undergrads seek their next beer buzz at night. In the very early morning hours, you can also watch street sweepers and masked sidewalk washers in action under dim streetlights. Careful, though, the last cabs leave at 3 a.m. Second place for ogling went to the more upscale Stanford Shopping Center.University Avenue

Parking ticket
Downtown
Downtown isn't just a trendy place to eat and a hot spot for shopping, it's a prime place for a parking ticket. Take it from us and the Weekly's readers who voted downtown's metered parking and fancy color-coded parking zones as the best place for a ticket. Chances are, if your lunch goes over the two hour mark or you forget to feed your meter, you'll get nabbed by one of the city's perceptive parking enforcement officers. In 2002 parking tickets brought in $1.5 million for the city. The money is returned to the general fund and most is used to cover overhead costs, according to Palo Alto Police Chief Lynne Johnson. However, the city does make some money off the tickets.