Best of Claremont, CA. Claremont COURIER: 9.27.13

7/28/2019 Best of Claremont, CA. Claremont COURIER: 9.27.13

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CLAREMONTS

BEST OFPICKS

Memorial Park

Rockys Laundry & Cleaners

Pizza N Such

Courerila remont

claremont-courier.com

TheVOTES are in!


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CLAREMONT PICKS/2013 3

Best Claremont parkBest picnic spotMemorial Park840 N. Indian Hill Blvd.

Memorial Park was opened in 1946 and iscurrently home to Claremont Heritage. It is thesite of many community events, including theFourth of July celebration and summerConcerts in the Park.

The park covers 7.2 acres and includes: abandshell, softball field, handicap accessible

playground, a lighted basketball court, lightedsand volleyball court, tennis court and largegroup picnic area.

Second place:Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden

Best street for an evening strollCollege Avenue

This stretch of road covers everything that Claremont has to offer. The street goes fromquiet residential area to the busy shuffle of the Claremont Village. With the shade of thetrees and historical homes, it is a pleasant stroll through the best the city has to offer.

College Avenue connects Foothill to First Street in the Village. Touching the heart ofdowntown, walkers are able to easily access clothing stores, restaurants and shops.

Claremont hidden treasureRancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden1500 N. College Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-8767 www. rsabg.orgGarden hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. California Garden Gift Shophours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.Closed: January 1, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Seewebsite for admission prices.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Gardens was established in1927 and is the largest botanic garden devoted to Californianative plants. The gardens are privately funded and reachout to the community through education, research and thesales of native plants from their nursery.

Besides offering guests the chance to walk through thegardens, RSABG features exhibits on display in their gar-dens or coinciding with the season.

Upcoming events include the Things That Go Bump inthe Night tour on Saturday, October 19 from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Make-out spotTie for first place:Mt. Baldy turnoutsTop of the parking garage on First Street

COURIER photos/Steven Felschudneff


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COURIER photo/Cameron BarrBrian and Natalie Seffer, left, and Emily Moultrie and Simon Brown own and manageClaremont Craft Ales, the citys first brewery, which opened in August of last year.

Best new business

Best place for the guysto grab a drinkClaremont Craft Ales1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 204C, ClaremontPhone: 625-5350www.claremontcraftales.comHours: Wednesday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 4 to 9p.m.; Saturday, 2 to 9 p.m.; Sunday: noon to 4 p.m.

Claremont Craft Ales offers fans of artisan beers the chance torelax and make memories within the tasting room. Brewmaster

Simon Browns creations are made with the season and connois-seur in mind.

Guests to the tasting room are in for a treat of ales, IPA, wheator porters on tap. Completely local, customers pay $5 for a pintof their choice. If guest are unsure of which drink to commit to,tasters are available ranging from $1.50 to $2.

Customers should check out Claremont Craft Ales for eventssuch as an Heirloom class every third Wednesday of the month,Art on Tap co-hosted by Otterspace and special food truck visitsevery Friday and Saturday.

Second place, new business: I Like Pie

Second place, best spot for guys to grab a drink: The Back Abbey

Best pasta Best fine diningTutti Mangia, 102 Harvard Ave., ClaremontPhone: 625-4669 www.tuttimangia.comHours: Lunch served Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner served Monday through Thursday,5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Sunday: 4 to 9 p.m.

Tutti Mangia combines flavors of the worldwith classic Italian dishes. For the past 9 years,Chef Jose Ruizs meals have achieved a culi-nary excellence and prestige. Guests are invitedto enjoy a romantic night out at the InlandEmpires only Italian chophouse.

Customers can pick from a dinner menu of 8meat or fish dishes, 7 soups and salads and 10different pasta dishes. Cuts of meat include an8-ounce Manhattan cut USDA Prime NewYork and a 32- to 36-ounce Harris RanchTomahawk Chop. Select a wine to accompanyyour meal or a house specialty drink.

Second place best fine dining: FlemingsSecond place pasta: La Parollacia

Best spot for agirls night outCasa 425425 W. First St., ClaremontPhone: 625-2272 www.casa425.comHours: Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight;Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m.

Casa 425 is a boutique hotel and lounge inthe Claremont Village. This home away from

home is steps away from art galleries, cafes,night-life and fine restaurants. The hotel fea-tures a lounge area where guests and localscan relax.

The lounge and bar at Casa 425 offers anintimate place where friends can meet up toget drinks or grab a light dinner. Happy hourstarts at 4 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. everynight and features different drinks between$5 and $9 and choice appetizers. During thewarmer months, guests can relax in the out-door courtyard around glass fire pits.

Visit Casa 425 on Saturday, September 28from 7 to 10 p.m. to enjoy the LorenzoGrassi Trio while enjoying snacks and cock-tails. More information can be found on theirwebsite.

Second place girls night out: Hip Kitty

Best place for a late-night snack and drink

Best first dateViva Madrid, 225 Yale Ave., ClaremontPhone: 624-5500 www.vivamadrid.com

Hours: Every night from 5 to 11 p.m.Viva Madrid is an authentic Spanish tapas bar offering favorites like shrimp with garlic sauce,

paella, rice cooked with saffron, green and red peppers, onions and peas, and dates wrapped withbacon and grilled. The small, dimly-lit dining room provides the perfect ambience for a first date.

Second place late-night snack: The Press Second place first date: Union on Yale


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Best breakfast menu

Euro Cafe

546 E. Base Line Rd., Claremont

Phone: 621-4666www.eurocafeclaremont.comHours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday,8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Euro Caf was one of the first Portuguese restau-rants in southern California and has served the Claremontarea since 2004. Both Italian dishes and Portuguese spe-cials are served daily. The Euro Caf is part of the farm-to-table movement and serves fresh foods.

Guests coming in for breakfast have the choice of

selecting one of the restaurants omelets or building theirown. For a more traditional taste, linguicia is used in afew of the recipes.

Second place best breakfast: Village Grille

Best business lunch

Best dinner out with the in-lawsWalters Restaurant, 310 Yale Ave., ClaremontPhone: 624-4914 www.waltersrestaurant.comHours: Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday cham-pagne brunch, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Since 1957, Walters Restaurant has been feeding the people of Claremont. Purchased by Nangy andFahima Ghafarshad in 1973, their 40-year ownership has changed the dining experience to include amenu offering a variety of dishes from Afghanistan.

Walters chefs have received training in France and parts of California and attended classes withhonorary chefs including Wolfgang Puck. To top it all off, Walters strives to serve the freshest mealswithout use of trans-fat oil in any of their recipes.

Guests can enjoy Walters new happy hour, including $2 drink specials, discounted appetizers andabout 40 beers on tap.

Second place business lunch: Union on Yale Second place dinner out with the in-laws: La Parolaccia

COURIER photo/Ryan GannJoey Medeiros is one of the owners of Euro Caf, located on Base LineRoad in the Vons shopping center.

COURIER photo/Peter WeinbergerNangy and Fahima Gharfarshad, 40-year owners of Walters restauraunt.

Best place to dineon a budgetBua Thai

450 W. First St., Claremont

Phone: 626-6666

Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.and 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to10 p.m.

Bua Thai offers large portions for a low price. Thaifans will enjoy dishes like pad thai, crispy duck, friedrice specials or specially made soups.

Whether dining in or getting take-out, the food isprepared fresh when ordered. The lunch special isless than $10.

Second place on a budget: Sacas Mediterranean


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Best cup of coffee

Best service/friendliest wait staffLast Drop Cafe119 Harvard Ave., Claremont

Phone: 482-1870 www.thelastdropcafe.comHours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.to 6 p.m.

The Last Drop Caf has been a favorite coffee shop in Claremont for the past 20 years.

Owned by Mike Manning since 2008, the Last Drop is praised for having the best cup ofcoffee in Claremont. The shop offers a variety of desserts and lunch options, includinggluten-free and vegan-friendly choices.

The caf has fresh-brewed coffee, blended ice drinks and various types of lattes, andfresh-baked cookies that can be paired with any cup of coffee. The shop also offers aselection of classic sandwiches, such as toasted garlic cheese melt or oven-roasted turkey.

This fall, drop in and taste the fall specials, which will feature a pumpkin pie latte andhot milk tea.

Best cup of coffee, second place: Some Crust Bakery

Best wait staff, second place: Walters

Best ice creamor frozen yogurt

Bert & Rockys Cream Company242 Yale Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-1852Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to9:30 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.;Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.to 9:30 p.m.

Owned by Sherry and Brent Hunter since itsopening in 1997, Bert & Rockys offers freshice cream and sweets for customers every day.

The classic candy shop part of the store offersold-fashioned sweets alongside the treats thatare made in-store.

Enjoy 50 flavors of handmade frozen treats,fresh caramel clusters, barks, fudge or old-fashioned milk shakes, malts, floats and icecream sodas. If your favorite flavor is not upfront, the staff will check the back to see ifthey have any available.

This fall, look for pumpkin-flavored icecream, yogurt and fudge. For Thanksgivingthe store will be selling ice cream pies for theholiday season including pumpkin, apple andrum raisin.

Second place: 21 Choices

COURIER photo/Warren BessantMike Manning is the owner of the Last Drop Cafe in Claremont. Mr.

Manning said he enjoys Claremont for its small-town feel.

COURIER photo/Ryan GannsBert & Rockys Cream Co. located in theClaremont Village at 242 Yale Ave.


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Best cheeseburgerEureka Burger, 580 W. First St., Claremont

Phone: 445-8875 www.eurekarestaurantgroup.comHours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday andSaturday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Eureka Burger has taken their love of burgers seriously since openingin Redlands in 2009. With the expansion to Claremont in 2011, ownersNick Fontova, Justin Nedelman, Paul Frederik and Ron Guidonebrought the best cheeseburger to the Claremont area.

Located across southern California, Eureka Burger offers atmosphere,craft beer and gourmet burgers. This spot is great for groups of friendslooking to kick back and relax after a long day.

The Eureka location in Claremont has weekly performances and drinkspecials.

Best cheeseburger, second place: The Back Abbey

Best Mexican foodPattys, 1332 N. Towne Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-9160Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to4 p.m.

Pattys homemade tortillas, fresh ingredients and healthy portionsleave customers leaving full and happy. Despite an occasional line,Pattys makes a great lunch spot. Everything is made-to-order, includ-ing burritos, tortas, nachos, enchiladas and soups. Guests who want toadd some spice can grab some homemade hot sauce on the way out.

Best Mexican food, second place: Espiaus

Best local bandThe Ravelerswww.ravelers.com Pat: 593-5956 or Hai: 620-1450.

This local Claremont group started in 1987 when 4 friends donnedpolka-dotted shirts and set out to entertain. The Ravelers share genera-tions of rock n roll with their audience with song covers like Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Shout and Mustang Sally. The Ravelers are avail-able for corporate functions, private parties, wedding receptions,churches and schools.

Second place: The Dogs


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Best fitness center oryoga studioClaremont Club

1777 Monte Vista Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-6791www.claremontclub.comHours: Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdayand Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Get on with your health kick at this 19-acre health, tennis,fitness and aquatic facility. Stanley Clark opened the facili-ties as a tennis club in 1972 and began focusing on thehealth of Claremont. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Club

expanded beyond tennis to include conditioning and a dayspa for guests.

Catering to their members every need; The ClaremontClub offers a relaxing environment to put guests minds atease as they work on improving their health. Interested guestsshould contact the Claremont Club about membership.

Upcoming events include the Art of Giving charity eventset to take place Saturday, September 28 from 6 to 10 p.m. inassociation with the Pomona Valley Hospital. Food, wine tast-ing, food, music, auctions and raffles promise fun and all pro-ceeds benefit families facing cancer.

Best fitness center/yoga, second place: Claremont Yoga

Best hair salon or day spaAudacious Salon, 601 E. Foothill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 626-7307 www.audacioussalon.comHours: Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.;Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Audacious has kept busy serving the Claremont community since its opening in 2007. With astaff of 5 stylists, Audacious works to have cutting-edge service and up-to-date products toserve customers.

Hair services include cuts and styles, treatments to keep hair healthy, coloring options andspecial services for unique hair types. Make-up lessons and application are also available forcustomers along with waxing options.

First-time guests can receive $15 off of their first hair care service. Referral rewards are avail-able for regulars and monthly promotions are updated on the Audacious website.

Second place: Escape Salon

Best menu for the health-consciousPita Pit, 1 N. Indian Hill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 624-3900 www.pitapitusa.comHours: Sunday through Wednesday,10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday throughSaturday, 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Dine-in or carry-out, Pita Pit is a fastand healthy alternative to normal fastfood chains. The pit ditched the buns andwrap sandwiches in lebanese-style pitas.Starting in Canada, the Pita Pit has trick-

led down and grown throughout theUnited States.

The restaurant does not stick to anyone style of pita. Instead guests can orderbreakfast and veggie pitas or stick tosoups and salads when ordering. Cateringfor bigger events is also offered througheach location.

Best healthy menu, second place:Dr. Grubbs

COURIER photo/Steven FelschundneffClaremont Club swim team coach John Ries talks to histeam recently during one of the daily workouts at the Club'sOlympic-sized pool.


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Best auto mechanic

Connie & Dicks150 Olive St., Claremont

Phone: 626-5653 www.connieanddicks.comHours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Opening in Claremont in 1960 as part of a Mobilstation, Connie & Dicks has been serving the com-munity for 53 years. The shop serves the Claremont,Glendora, Montclair, Pomona, San Dimas, RanchoCucamonga and Upland area. Customers are invitedto take a tour of the facilities before their vehiclesfirst service visit.

The shop offers a wide range of services for theircustomers from the standard check-up of funnynoises to major engine repairs. A complimentary

shuttle service is available to take waiting guests tolocal destinations while their car is being serviced.Hybrids are also serviced with up-to-date technolo-gy services without the need to send the car into thedealer for repairs.

Current specials include $25 off fuelinjection/induction service and $39.99 oil changeand tire rotation service. Contact the shop for moredetails and appointments.

Best mechanic, second place: Upland Automotive

Best dry

cleanersRockys Laundry andCleaners108 N. Harvard Ave.,ClaremontPhone: 626-3967Hours: Monday throughFriday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.;Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Current owner DebbieHatfield took over RockysLaundry and Cleaners in1990, continuing the tradition

of quality service started inthe 1950s. The loyal cus-tomer base praises the clean-ers continued care for theirneeds.

Customers are able to drop off soiled garments and pick them up clean and neatly folded. Deliveryis also available to local businesses, homes and The Colleges. Rockys other services includedraperies, bedding and carpets. If any items have tears, Ms. Hatfield will patch and repair the item toensure it is cared for while in her possession.

Best dry cleaners, second place: Millers Cleaners

COURIER photo/Steven FelschundneffJeff Hatfield helps longtime customer Scot Curry with his dry clean-ing recently at Rockys Cleaners in the Claremont Village.


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Best dentist

Dr. Steve Fountain

Claremont Dental Institute601 E. Foothill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 625- 4101www.claremontdentalinstitute.com

The Claremont Dental Institute prides itself onoffering a wide range of services to the Claremontarea including preventative dentistry, cosmeticdentistry and childrens dentistry. By buildinglasting relationships, customers can expect help inmaintaining healthy smiles.

Dr. Steve Fountain has been a member of theClaremont community for 25 years. He receivedhis associates degree as a radiologic technologistat Chaffey Community College while working his

way through school at San Antonio CommunityHospital. Dr. Fountain earned his undergraduatedegree in biology from Azusa Pacific Universityin 2000 and went on to get his doctorate in dentalsurgery in 2004 from the Loma Linda UniversitySchool of Dentistry.

Check out Claremont Dental Institutes websiteand Facebook for promotions and updates to theoffice.

Best dentist, second place:

Dr. Wayne Wally Cox

Best hospital and

urgent carePomona Valley Medical Center1798 N. Garey Ave., PomonaPhone: 865-9500 www.pvhmc.org

Started in 1903, the Pomona ValleyMedical Center has served the PomonaValley area for over 100 years. It is staffedwith more than 600 physicians, 3000employees and 1000 volunteers offeringcomprehensive medical services.

There is no appointment necessary forcare at the facility.

Best hospital, second place:

San Antonio Community Hospital

Best optometristClaremont Optometry, 695 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 625-7861

In practice for about 27 years, Claremont Optometry works to provide eye care with a personal touch. Thepractice is run by Dr. Brad Baggarly and Dr. Ann Johannsen.

The offices eye care instruments are constantly being updated to better care for their patients eye health. Ifany patients are intimidated or nervous, the doctors will explain what the machines purpose is to help put themind at ease. Claremont Optometry believes in educating patients about their vision and sharing the concernfor healthy eyes. Services include a selection of designer frames, eye care instruction and online contact pur-chasing.

Interested patients can fill out patient forms at the Claremont Optometry website to save paper and time.

Second place: Dr. Anna Torres

Doctor

Dr. Robyn Jacoby430 W. Base Line Rd., ClaremontPhone: 621-3916 www.claremontmedicalctr.com

Claremont Medical Center is a part of Chaparral MedicalGroup, which serves Claremont, La Verne, San Dimas,Fontana, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Chino Hillsand Diamond Bar. The facility has up-to-date technology toensure every medical condition is treated properly.

Dr. Jacoby grew up in Santa Barbara before attending UCDavis for her bachelor of science in zoology. She continuedher education at Western University of Health Science, whereshe completed her residency in family practice. Dr. Jacoby isboard-certified and serves patients of all ages and hasexpertise in preventative medicine, well-woman care, ado-lescent care and family medicine.

Best doctor, second place: Dr. Glenn Miya


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Best happy hour

Best place to drownyour sorrowsThe Press129 Harvard Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-4808www.thepressrestaurant.comHours: Monday, 8 p.m. to midnight; Tuesday andWednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Thursday throughSaturday, 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Sunday, 5 p.m. tomidnight.

Originally built in 1920 as home to the ClaremontCOURIER printing press, the space on HarvardAvenue is now a place for good food, music anddrinks. The Press opened in 1996, led by currentowner Stephen Rudicel, and has been bringing colorto the streets of the Village ever since.

Known as a lively gathering place for locals,every night is a treat at The Press. Brainiacs on alltopics can go in and enjoy King Trivia Night everyTuesday or sit back and listen to live bands playjazz, blues or rock-and-roll during the week.

On Sunday, September. 29 the community isinvited to remember local musician John Harrelson,who died in June. At 9 p.m. The Press will be hav-ing a jam session in his honor with bands taking thestage to remember Mr. Harrelsons contribution tomusic. Check The Press website for detailed eventinformation.

Best happy hour, second place: Casa 425

Best place to drown your sorrows, second place:At home

Best grocery store ormarket

Wolfes Market160 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 626-8508www.wolfesmarket.comHours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.;Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6p.m.

Wolfes Market has offered quality service forthe Claremont community since 1917. The mar-ket was opened by John Wolfe on the corner ofIndian Hill and Foothill Boulevard before beingmoved for a better view to its current location ofFoothill and Harvard. The market has stayed inthe family and is now operated by Tom Wolfe.

Customers are offered gourmet specialties, topquality produce, and a full service deli and meatdepartment. A wide range of goods is also avail-able on the menu for those looking to grabsomething for lunch or to cater an event. A fullmeat counter will thrill any meat-lover withprime grade selections available. Even if they donot have what guests are looking for, the friend-ly staff will do their best to help find the perfectcut.

With the holidays just around the corner, cus-tomers can expect fresh Sheltons turkeys and aholiday menu in the coming months.

Best market, second place: Trader Joes

Best pizzaBest spot for dinner out with teenagers

Pizza N Such202 Yale Ave., Claremont

Phone: 624-7214www.pizzansuchclaremont.comHours: Sunday through Thursday. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Claremonts oldest pizzeria andLos Angeles Times 2011 readers choice winner, Pizza N Such hasbeen serving the Claremont area since 1979. The menu has classic Italian dishes as well as pizzas madewith fresh dough and ingredients.

Dishes include classic pizzeria starters such as chicken wings or fried mozzarella. Subs are also avail-able and, before 3 p.m., customers can pick from smaller lunch specials. For the pizza lover, try one ofthe 8 pizzas from the menu or construct your own pizza. For those who might be looking for an Italiandinner, classic dishes are also available such as chicken parmesan and spaghetti. Coupons are availableon the Pizza N Such website.

The restaurant recently added a large selection of craft beers. Stop by the bar to see whats offered.

Best pizza, second place: zPizza

Best teenage dinner, second place: Eureka Burger

COURIER photos/Steven FelschundneffThe Press Restaurant on Harvard Avenue in Claremont has been a popular hang-out for many yearsin the Claremont Village.


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Pet groomerHair of the Dog

1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 107AClaremont

Phone: 626-5066www.hairofthedogclaremont.comHours: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Closed Wednesday and Sunday

Hair of the Dog is thankful for the chance to beconsidered best of the best pet grooming inClaremont. The shop offers an escape for your petsas well-trained and experienced groomers pamperthem. The shop opened in 1987 with ownersRochelle Darrow and Renee Eden before changinghands. Ownership stayed close to home in 2007when Julie Hines took over. Ms. Hines has worked

with Hair of the Dog since 1988.Covering all breeds, pets are pampered, dried offand allowed to roam around the shop to socializeuntil their owner picks them up. Hair of the Dogalso offers toys, pet shampoos, custom dog collarsand organic food and treats to keep their clients tailswagging. Pick-up and delivery services for elderlyor disabled owners are available along with doggyday-care services that work around the shops hours.

For customers that have special needs dogs Ms.Hines and her staff will do their best to see if theycan bring special products into the shop to be soldas long as it is organic and healthy for the canineclientele.

Best groomers, second place:Michelles Dog Groomers

Most pet-friendly

placeClaremont Pooch Park100 S. College Ave., Claremont

www.focpp.orgHours: Every day, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Take furry friends out for some exercise at theClaremont Pooch Park. This enclosed park leaveslots of room for pets to run, play and socialize with-out the fear of losing them.

Friends of the Claremont Pooch Park regulate andmaintain the park to keep your pet safe. Guests areasked to remove litter, keep aggressive dogs out ofthe park, have vaccinations up-to-date and make

sure their dog is healthy before socializing withother dogs.

Anyone interested in becoming a part of theFOCPP should visit the website for details on meet-ings.

Most pet-friendly, second place:

Claremont Craft Ales


COURIER photos/Steven FelschundneffOwner and groomer Julie Hines works on a customers dog recently at Hair of the Dog groomers inClaremont. She bought Hair of the Dog from the original owners in 2007.


13/16

Best mom andpop shop

Best kids shopBoon Companion145 Harvard Ave., Claremont

Phone: 625-1993Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to5:30 p.m.

For over 30 years, Boon Companionhas offered young guests the chance toexplore through a collection of toys,books and games. The owners, Reedand Nancy Johnson, have prided them-

selves on collecting a selection of tradi-tional toys for children to play withwhile keeping up with the latest trends.

Toys carried include Playmobil,Mega Bloks, Klutz books and a collec-tion of Calico Critters products.Children that visit the shop have achance to play with trains on table topsor an assortment of Calico Critter toys.

Visit Boon Companion as the holi-days approach. The store will be get-ting more toys and books just in timefor the Christmas season.

Best mom and pop, second place:Heirloom

Best kids shop, second place:Tattle Tails

Best jeweler4Cs Finecraft Jewelers307 Yale Ave., Claremont

Phone: 624-1562www.4csfinecraftjewelers.com

Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 10a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday.

4Cs Finecraft Jewelers is ownedand operated by Tom and CeciliaCerafice and has been open since the1970s. Besides servicing the jewelry

of Claremont, the shop has also donat-ed to local schools, booster clubs,Claremont Little League, the Art ofGiving and The Be PerfectFoundation.

As a full-service jewelry store, 4Csspecializes in watch repair and customjewelry design. The shop carries awide selection of diamond engage-ment rings and can order charms uponrequest.

Best place to geta new top for anight out

Amelie

132 Yale Ave., ClaremontPhone: 624-5651www.shopamelie.comHours: Every day, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Opened in 2003 by SydneyFroehling, Amelie offers contemporarystyle to the women of the Claremontarea. The store is stocked full of indiebrand clothing from around the worldas well as local fashion and items thatcan be gifted for special occasions.

The stores website offers fashiontips and tricks as well as style sugges-tions inspired by New York fashion.Some brands the store carries include

Joes Brand Denim, BB Dakota,Sanctuary and LA Made. They also

carry some Australian brand clothingsuch as Tigerlily slimwear andBardeou.

From September 27 to September

29, Amelie will be having their20/30/40 discount clearance sale. Formore information, visit the Ameliewebsite.

New top, second place: Nectar

Best shop for alast-minutebirthday gift

Barbara Cheatleys215 Yale Ave., Claremont

Phone: 621-4161Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stocked with holiday decorationsand knick-knack gifts, BarbaraCheatleys has a wide range of littlefinds that will thrill any collector. After38 years of business, the store hasbecome a diverse collection of objectsto brighten up a home.

Customers seeking holiday-themedwares will be delighted by the assort-

ment of dcor they will find in theshop. Year-round, Barbara Cheatleysoffers dishes, candles, unique giftitems, decoration and cook books.This season, look for pieces from theBethany Lowe and Bridgewater pot-tery collections.

Barbara Cheatleys will be closingfor one week to decorate for theChristmas season. Check in with thestores facebook to see what is new instock.

Last-minute gift, second place:Heirloom


COURIER photo/Steven FelschundneffReed and Nancy Johnson have owned Boon Companion toy store in theClaremont Village for 30 years. Their success is due to a dual focus on sell-ing traditional toys and identifying the newest trends.


14/16


Best local real estate agentMason Prophet

Wheeler Steffen Sothebys International Realty500 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont

Phone: 447-7708 www.masonprophet.com

Affiliating earlier this year, Wheeler Steffen and Sothebys International Realty took up residence inClaremont in 2013. They serve Pomona and Walnut Valley as well as the foothill communities. WheelerSteffen was established in 1960 and, with the affiliation, can now offer clients marketing programs andmaterials that maximize their exposure.

Mason Prophet is a Broker for Wheeler Steffen and Sothebys International Realty. He received his bach-elors degree in business from Cal Poly Pomona and has lived in Claremont for 25 years. For out-of-stateclients, Mr. Prophet will find a realtor in their respective areas to make the process smoother.

Second place: Ryan Zimmerman

Best local financial plannerDon Gould, Gould Asset Management LLC341 W. First St., Suite 200, Claremont

Phone: 445-1291 www.gouldasset.com

Don Gould formed Gould Asset Management LLC in 1999 after working with Franklin TempletonInvestments. In 2002, individually-managed accounts became the core of the business. The company cur-rently manages more than $350 million for more than 200 clients

Mr. Gould is the president and chief investment officer. With over 3 decades of industry experience hehas continued to develop and apply innovative investment strategies. A Pomona College graduate, Mr.Gould has continued to give back to The Colleges by teaching courses and giving guest lectures.

Second-place tie: Suzanne Christian and Jeff Stark

Best residentialsenior facility

Mt. San Antonio Gardens900 E. Harrison Ave., Pomona

Phone: 624-5061 www.msagardens.orgHours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Located just blocks away from the heart ofClaremont, Mt. San Antonio Gardens offerstheir residents local access to the cultural andrecreational areas of the city. The facility hasserved the city for 46 years and offers homeswith architectural style and easy livability. Thehomes are placed in the garden-like parks ofthe grounds for the enjoyment of the more than

470 residents.Residents have access to round-the-clock

medical services with on-site nursing andassisted living. Housekeeping and basic main-tenance services are also available to keep resi-dents comfortable. Amenities include a well-ness center, year-round heated outdoor swim-ming pool and 9-hole putting green.

Contact Mt. San Antonio Gardens about resi-dent and tour information.

Residential senior faciltiy, second place:Pilgrim Place


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Documents

Best of Claremont, CA. Claremont COURIER: 9.27.13