Best of Taos 2015

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Best Place for a Massage Best Place to Pamper Your Skin Best Place to Take a Dip Best Place to Soak

Thank You Taos For Voting For Ojo

We are committed to protecting the relaxing tranquility of this sacred place.

TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT BEST OF TAOS 2015 3

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Who decides Best of Taos?You do

4 BEST OF TAOS 2015 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT

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Youre the best! No, really, you are. Without you, The Taos News would never be able to put together our annual Best of Taos publication. I

mean, we could, but it would just be our opinions. But with the input of our readers were able to apply the democratic process to something that is absolutely subjective.

That is, calling anything the best is purely subjective. Thats one of those words that doesnt actually mean much if youre just casually throwing it around. However, if you take 2,500 people, and 1,251 of them (or 800, 400, whatever it takes to have a majority) say that something is the best, then you might be onto something. Its at least as scientific as any of those online review sites we like to check out when were looking for a restaurant in another town.

So, qualifiers out of the way, here it is; here we are, with our 2015 Best of Taos. As usual, there are some surprises (depending on who you are and what surprises you). There are also some businesses or organizations who have run the table in their respective categories for years on end. Thats consistency.

Our goal is to create a Best Of that represents a consensus opinion of our readers and hopefully the

community at large. Another purpose of our online survey is to have some fun with our readers. Thats where our four essay questions come in. They provide an opportunity for readers to express grievances, celebrate and flaunt the quirkiness of our region. The answers are often revealing, humorous and insightful. And our editor, Joan Livingston must enjoy the task of reading them and sharing them with our readers, because she volunteers to do it year after year.

At the end of the day this is a survey ... its not science and because of all the quality competition in our county (in nearly every single category), theres a good chance that more people disagree with any single category results than agree. Of course, none of those people agree with each other either. But, in the interest of fairness, we like to suggest that if you dont like the results of this years survey, get to work. The 2016 Best of Taos survey will appear online sometime next March. You have eight months to lobby, or you can work hard and try to earn those votes by doing everything just a little bit better.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this years survey.

Andy Jones, special sections editor

taos news staff

Robin Martin, owner

Chris Baker, publisher

Joan Livingston, editor

Chris Wood, advertising manager

Andy Jones, special sections editor

Michelle M. Gutierrez, lead editorial designer

Jennifer Taphorn, production manager

Katharine Egli, photographer

Cover Design: Michelle M. Gutierrez and Jennifer Taphorn

Features10 Dr. Larry Schreiber:

Once again, Best of Taos,

by Teresa Dovalpage

12 Essay: Too hot to handle18 Wired Cyber-Coffee

Cafe: Get connected, get caffeinated,

by Jordan Miera

20 Essay: Powering on when the

Internet was out

26 Salon X: An urban experience in

downtown Taos, by Gabriel Weinstein

30 W ayne Rutherford: 40-year overnight

success story, by J.R. Logan

32 Black Mesa Winery: Making New Mexico a wine destination,

by Teresa Dovalpage

36 Essay: A reality check in Taos

40 Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing: At classic Taos tattoo parlor, friendliness matches feel-good vibes, by Cody Hooks

44 El Grupo Mezcal: Where they play, the crowd will follow,

by Andrew Oxford

46 Essay: Now for the Taos

personality test

48 Stephanie Francisco: The office guru at NonViolence Works,

by Teresa Dovalpage

Best of Taos Results6 Best Food & Drink22 Best Shopping38 Best Things to Do50 Best Entertainment53 Best Services


contents

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Best Restaurant in Taos County

Lamberts of Taos123 Bent St., Taos(575) 758-1009lambertsoftaos.com

The Love Apple803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 751-0050theloveapple.net

Best New Restaurant

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-5522taosburgersandbeer.com

Bear Claw Bakery & Cafe228 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1332

Best BreakfastTaos Diner908 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-2374216-B Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 751-1989taosdiner.com

Michaels Kitchen304-C Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-4178michaelskitchen.com

Best BrunchGutiz812 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1226gutiztaos.com

Doc Martins Restaurant125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1977taosinn.com/restaurant.html

Best Breakfast Burrito

Mantes Chowcart402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3632

Mary Janes Home Cooking616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 770-1171

Best Place to Eat Your Greens

Cids Food Market and Salad Bar623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1148cidsfoodmarket.com

Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery1405 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado(575) 758-5683farmhousecafeandbakery.com

Best New MexicanOrlandos New Mexican Cafe1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos(575) 751-1450facebook.com/OrlandosNew-MexicanCafe

Ranchos Plaza Grill8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos (575) 758-5788

Best Traditional Mexican

Guadalajara GrillSouth: 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-0063North: 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 737-0816guadalajaragrilltaos.com

Orlandos New Mexican Cafe1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos(575) 751-1450facebook.com/OrlandosNew-MexicanCafe

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Katharine EgliCids Food Market and Salad Bar was selected by The Taos News readers as Best Place to Eat Your Greens, Best Grocery Store, Best Place to Buy Your Fruits and Veggies, and Best Green Business.


THANK YOU TAOS!

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Best Fast FoodGuadalajara GrillSouth: 1384-#8 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-0063North: 822 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 737-0816guadalajaragrilltaos.com

Mantes Chowcart402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3632

Best PizzaTaos Pizza Out Back712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-3112taospizzaoutback.com

Pizaos Pizza23 State Road 150, Taos(575) 776-1050 taospizza.com

Best Burger5 Star Burgers1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-84845starburgers.com

Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-5522taosburgersandbeer.com

Best BreweryTaos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900 taosmesabrewing.com

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-5522 taosburgersandbeer.com

Best Roadside Food Stand

Mary Janes Home Cooking616 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 770-1171

Sugars BBQ & Hamburgers1799 State Road 68, Embudo(505) 852-0604

Best Happy Hour5 Star Burgers1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-84845starburgers.com

KTAOS Solar Bar9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Best Red Orlandos New Mexican Cafe1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos(575) 751-1450 facebook.com/OrlandosNewMexicanCafe

Ranchos Plaza Grill8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-5788

Best GreenOrlandos New Mexican Cafe1114 Don Juan Valdez Lane, Taos(575) 751-1450 facebook.com/OrlandosNewMexicanCafe

Ranchos Plaza Grill8 Ranchos Plaza, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-5788

Best Beer SelectionTaos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900taosmesabrewing.com

The Burger Stand @ Taos Ale House401 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-5522taosburgersandbeer.com

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Tina Larkin

Orlandos once again swept both chile categories, earning enough votes to be named Best Red and Best Green.


Permagrin:[n] A long lasting, blissful smile,

usually associated with making others happy.

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10 BEST OF TAOS 2015 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOTKatharine Egli

Dr. Larry Schrieber poses for a portrait in one of the exam rooms at Family Practice Associates of Taos, off Paseo del Pueblo Sur.


D r. Larry Schreiber has been treating patients in Taos for four decades he celebrates his 40th year in practice this May. No wonder he was voted the Best Doctor of Taos in 2015 and 12 other times since The Taos News started this award in 1999.

He was also chosen Family Physician of the Year 1991 by the New Mexico Academy of Family Physicians.

He is the best, for sure, patient Lou Vigil said. He listens to his patients and genuinely cares about them.

Well, it has been a good run, Dr. Schreiber said. And I have enjoyed it.

Dr. Schreiber graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine in 1972 and did family practice training at the University of New Mexico Affiliated Hospitals. His professional life in Northern New Mexico includes his work at the Questa Health Center and the Indian Health Service. He also served with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Since 1995 he has been the medical director of Mountain Home Hospice. Schreiber is also co-founder of Child-Rite, Inc., New Mexicos only special-needs adoption agency, that in its 20 years placed 248 children without charging fees to the adopting parents.

In 1979 he opened his private practice in Taos.

Dr. Ellen Warren, a native New Mexican, joined me in 1982 to establish Family Practice Associates of Taos, that became the largest physician-owned practice in town, he said. Charles Bonfanti, a physician assistant who many people know as Charlie has been working with me since 1976 in Questa. Mark Steinberg joined the practice in 1992.

Talking about former colleagues and mentors, Dr. Schreiber remembers two of his early role models.

Dr. William Kilgore and Dr. Reynaldo Deveaux, who both passed away in the last few years, were a great inspiration for my family practice, he said.

Dr. Schreiber has transmitted his love of medicine to his family. Three of his children chose health-related careers.

My son, Lucas has been working as a physician at Family Practice Associates for 12 years and is now a partner, he said. He has also been chosen Best Doctor of Taos several times. My daughter Ciela works with us as a medical assistant, and my daughter YoRi is a medical lab technologist at Holy Cross.

One of Dr. Schreibers greatest satisfactions has been witnessing the evolution of the Taos medical community over the years. He is currently working on a collection of essays, Do No Harm, that covers everything from his early days in Taos to his extensive medical career in the United States and abroad.

The book describes life in a refugee camp in Cambodia and the streets of Calcutta, and the authors adventures in fatherhood (Dr. Schreiber has 14 children, four biological and 10 adopted) among many other topics.

I also love watching the children of Taos grow up and flourish, he said. I have delivered many of them, treated them through childhood, seen them graduate from high school and college, pursue various interests, and become responsible adults.

Abe Balsamo is among them. Dr. Schreiber delivered him and his twin brother.

Today Balsamo works as a physician assistant at Family Practice Associates of Taos and is the creator of several internationally recognized medical apps.

Its so wonderful to see them go out into the world and then come back to work in our community, Dr. Schreiber said. Thats what makes a true family practice.

Dr. Schreiber wants to thank the Taos community for its continued support during these 40 years.

The people of Taos have been good to me, he said. I am honored by their love and trust.

Dr. Larry SchreiberOnce again, Best of TaosBy Teresa Dovalpage

Katharine Egli

Dr. Larry Schrieber poses for a portrait in one of the exam rooms at Family Practice Associates of Taos, off Paseo del Pueblo Sur.


So what is the hottest topic this year in Taos at least according to those who answered the question on our Best of Taos online survey?

Not surprising, the top answer was the airport, specifically its expansion.

Or, as one reader responded: The airport expansion, which Im against. Environmentally I foresee big problems. Possible military usage, noise pollution etc.

What was next on the list? Potholes, or to be specific, as one reader put it, potholes and more potholes.

Here are more answers: horrible pot-holed roads; terrible roads; the insane amount of potholes down the entire main drag ; potholes becoming craters; and, worst pothole situation ever.

And, as happened in previous years, people werent easy on local politicians.

How obnoxious and bad role models some of our local politicians are! one person answered.

The current Town Councils unwillingness to listen and work with each other and the community, wrote another.

For those keeping score, last years hottest topic was the conflict between town and county officials. But that one didnt draw much attention this go-round.

Joan Livingston

Too hot to handle


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BEST GYM AND WORKOUT FACILITY

THANK YOU AGAIN TAOS!


Best PatioTaos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900taosmesabrewing.com

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-2233taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html

Best MargaritaAdobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-2233taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html

Gorge Bar & Grill103 East Plaza, Taos(575) 758-8866thegorgebarandgrill.com

Best Area Winery

Black Mesa Winery1502 State Road 68, Velarde(505) 852-2820Black Mesa Tasting Room and Gallery241 Ledoux St., Taos(575) 758-1969blackmesawinery.com

Vivc Winery2075 State Road 68, Dixon(505) 579-4441vivacwinery.com

Best Cuppa JoeTaos Java 1006 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-9405facebook.com/taosjava

World Cup102-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 737-5299

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5 Star Burgers brought home Best Burger once again.


Casa Benavides

Since 1680 The Benavides and McCarthy families have been

making Taos a More Beautiful Place

T hank you for voting us Best Bed & Breakfast for 2015

Tom & Barbara McCarthy

137 Kit Carson Rd. 800-552-1772 www.taos-casabenavides.com

T hank you for continuing to shop at Tuesday Morning

A History of Elegance


Best BarTaos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900taosmesabrewing.com

Adobe Bar at the Historic Taos Inn125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-2233 taosinn.com/adobe_bar.html

Best Place to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory112 South Plaza, Taos(575) 758-8855rockymountainchocolatefacto ry.com

Taos Cow Ice Cream Company485 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco(575) 776-5640taoscow.com

Best AmbianceThe Love Apple803 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 751-0050theloveapple.net

Lamberts of Taos123 Bent St., Taos(575) 758-1009lambertsoftaos.com

Best WaitstaffLamberts of Taos123 Bent St., Taos(575) 758-1009lambertsoftaos.com

Martyrs Steakhouse 146 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 751-3020martyrs-steakhouse.comB

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The Love Apple earned Best Ambiance, and took home second place for Best Restaurant.


Best BarBest Beer Selection

Best BreweryBest Patio

Best Live Music VenueBest Place to Shake Your Booty

THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US AND HELPING TO KEEP TAOS COOL!

W W W . T A O S M E S A B R E W I N G . C O M

THE DEBUT OF KACHINA PEAK LIFT LAST SEASON WAS A HUGE SUCCESS.Topping out at 12,450 feet, it gives skiers and riders direct access to the expansive Kachina Bowl, along with spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. With events and activities scheduled year-round, its the perfect place to connect with nature. Come stay and play at Taos Ski Valley.


On a sunny May morning in Taos, patrons of Wired? Coffee-Cyber-Cafe were sprawled across the coffee shop's many different areas. Two patrons were engrossed in a game of chess in a covered patio area while another patron enjoyed a cup of coffee and a short telephone call near a koi pond. All this was set to mostly easy-going music, like a song by Norah Jones.

Wired? has been voted Best Place to Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in Taos every year since at least 2009. Justin Kaysing, manager of the coffee hangout, attributes much of its success to its ambiance.

There's nooks and crannies; there's all kinds of different little zones to this place, Kaysing said. You have the backyard kind of an organic gardening space back there. You have the koi room. You've got the quiet computer lab room. You have the little nook-and-cranny seatings everywhere. A lot of people say it's wonderful to be able to either come here and be social, or not.

Out front, there are gardens, ponds and other water features.

Every year, we add something new, Kaysing said.

Amongst other things, Kaysing plans to add movie nights later this summer as the weather warms up. With that, Wired? could see extended hours, at least on some nights of the week. The movie nights will likely take place Fridays and Saturdays. Because an outdoor projector will be used, the movie nights will focus on films released for "public viewing" to avoid copyright issues. Moviegoers will be able to

vote on which films will be shown.Of course, the free Wi-Fi also

helps. Business professionals may come and be productive while others may choose to come and use the Wi-Fi simply to pass the time.

Kaysing states speeds via Wi-Fi are currently around 6 Mbps download and 13 Mbps upload. Speeds each individual gets will depend on multiple factors, but their actual download speeds will likely be slower than that. Wired? will get dual-banded service soon, which means another DSL line will be brought in. Kaysing expects those speeds will approximately double with the new service.

The manager will also do some light, free computer work for people who come by the shop if they have viruses or some other problem.

Wired? features a menu with more than just coffee, and Kaysing also attributes that to the coffee shop's success. That menu makes the place more of a one-stop shop, according to him.

The coffee shop has a strong sense of community. Kaysing says he has an amazing crew and amazing people who come in on a regular basis.

There's actually a large quantity of my regulars who will help out and trade for a cup of coffee or something to [do], things like filtering our coffee grounds for use in all of our gardens, Kaysing said. Some folks come who will just help get those prepped and out on the garden beds. We have a couple regulars who will just come in and weed garden beds. It's a community space, and it is a joy to see that.

Wired? Coffee-Cyber-CafeGet connected, get caffeinatedBy Jordan Miera

By Jordan Miera

Katharine Egli

Taoseos enjoy free WiFi at Wired? Cyber Cafe.


For nine hours on March 12, cell phone and Internet service was disrupted in the Taos area once again when a fiber-optic line was cut.

So we asked folks what they do during these all-too-common Internet outages.

By the answers it seemed many of those who were Internet-deprived returned to less techy stuff like reading the number one answer.

One person wrote, Read The Taos News. Another wrote, Read The Taos News more carefully. (Thank you very much.)

Other people relaxed. Some slept.

Play music, play with the dog, play outside was one answer.

Use actual words with real people was another.

People took hikes and went on walks. One person answered, Leave the house and let the sun blind me! Argh, its TOOO bright!

Enjoy the opportunity to be disconnected.

Listen to classical music, sip a little wine and pet my dogs.

A lot of people claimed to do absolutely nothing.

But for many, the lapse in service was not all fun and games.

One person had to explain to the boss I cant work because beavers eat cables where I live.

Some people admitted to screaming. There appeared to be a lot of crying.

But then there were a number of people who earned bragging rights because they had subscribed to Taosnet, which was unaffected by the outage.

Joan Livingston

Powering on when the Internet was out


Thank You TaosI Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters,

Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To My

Wife Della, Without Whom, I Couldnt Have Done It. Without All of You,The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different.

The Race Is Over - Now The Work Continues.

INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING

Working Together

We Made A Difference

Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer

DAN BARRONE

PAID FOR BY DAN BARRONE

Thank You TaosI Would Like To Thank The Voters of The Town of Taos, My Supporters,

Those Who Made Monetary Donations, Donations of Their Time & Energies and Especially My Family and Friends. And A Very Special Thank You To My

Wife Della, Without Whom, I Couldnt Have Done It. Without All of You,The Outcome of The Taos Mayoral Race May Have Been Different.

The Race Is Over - Now The Work Continues.

INTEGRITY - HONESTY - HARDWORKING

Working Together

We Made A Difference

Paid Political Advertisement By The Committee Working Together To Elect Dan Barrone Taos Mayor - Della Barrone, Treasurer

DAN BARRONE

Thank You Taos!

You are an incredible people and I thank you for

trusting me to help make this community move forward.

I feel we as a community have some great momentum in bringing

Taos to a better place, a place we are proud to live, a place we invite our

friends and family,a place where we all work together towards goals

that make the people of Taos as Amazing as its Landscape.

I look forward to continuingto work with you.

Thank You for giving me this opportunity to serve as your Mayor.

Sincerely

Your Mayor, Dan Barrone

Thank You Taos for Voting Us

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Best GalleryLenny Foster Living Light Gallery107 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 737-9150lennyfoster.com

Michael McCormick Gallery106 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1372mccormickgallery.com

Best Hip Gift Shop

FX|18103-C Bent Street, Taos(575) 758-8590fx18.com

Wabi Sabi216-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-7801wabisabigifts.net

Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir

Taos Pueblo(575) 758-1028 (tourism department)taospueblo.com

Millicent Rogers Museum Gift Shop1504 Millicent Rogers Road, El Prado(575) 758-2462millicentrogers.org

Best Place to Buy That Perfect Card

Garden & Soul137 North Plaza, Taos(575) 751-1825gardenandsoul.com

Unicorn School Supply311 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4106

Best Place for Bookworms

Moby Dickens Bookshop 124 Bent Street, Taos(575) 758-3050mobydickens.com

Taos Library402 Camino de la Placita, Taos(575) 758-3063taoslibrary.org

Best Grocery Store

Cids Food Market623 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1148cidsfoodmarket.com

Smiths Food & Drug Center224 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3711smithsfoodanddrug.com

Best Place to Buy Fruits & Veggies


Taos Farmers MarketTaos Plaza (Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., second week of May through October)taosfarmersmarket.org

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Tina Larkin

Clasp your hands together and say cheese because photographer Lenny Fosters Living Light Gallery has once again been voted the Best Gallery in the Taos area.


Dans CarpetsHARDWOOD TILE WINDOW COVERINGS

Ranchos de Taos 7237 Highway 518

575-758-2420 danscarpetandfloors.com [email protected]

Thank you Taos County & Moreno Valley for Voting Us

Celebrating 27 Years Serving TaosBest Place to Buy Floor Coverings for Six Years in a Row

Thanks Taos!

218A Paseo del Pueblo Norte 575-758-1241 | www.moxieyarn.com

TAOS DENTAL GROUP OUR FAMILY CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY

Thank You For Giving Us A Reason

To Smile.

1392 Weimer Road575.758.8303

Best Dentists: Tom Simms (1st) & Justin Nylund (2nd)

Best Administrative Assistant: Carla Gonzales, 2nd Place


Best Farmers Market

Taos Farmers MarketTaos Plaza (Saturdays, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., second week of May through October)taosfarmersmarket.org

Red Willow Farmers Market885 Star Road, Taos Pueblo(575) 770-8688facebook.com/RedWillow Farm

Best Place to Buy Flowers

Buds Cut Flowers & More711-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3555budscutflowersandmore.com

Enchanted Florist233-C Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3030taosflorist.com

Best Place to Buy Yarn

Moxie Yarn216-B Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1256taosmoxie.com

Taos Fiber Arts108-A Doa Luz St., Taos(575) 758-8242taosfiberarts.com

Best Resale Shop

Pieces1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 737-0500216 and 218 Paseo del Caon, Taos(575) 737-5112piecestaos.com

CAV Thrift Store1103 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-4824 taoscav.org

Best Womens Clothing Boutique

Francescas Clothing Boutique492 State Road 150, Arroyo Seco(575) 776-8776styleintaos.com

Substance of Taos102 Doa Luz St., Taos(575) 751-0992facebook.com/substanceoftaos

Best Shoe StoreTaos Mountain Outfitters113 North Plaza, Taos(575) 758-9292taosmountainoutfitters.com

TaoShoes133 North Plaza, Taos(575) 758-4711taoshoes.com

Best Place to Gear Up for the Slopes

Cottams Ski & Outdoor Shop207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(800) 322-8267101 Sutton Place, Taos Ski Valley(575) 776-871940 North Angel Fire Road, Angel Fire(575) 377-3700cottamskishops.com

Taos Mountain Outfitters113 North Plaza, Taos(575) 758-9292taosmountainoutfitters.com

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Tina Larkin

Francesca Medina at Francescas Clothing Boutique in Arroyo Seco. Francescas was voted Best Womens Clothing Boutique.



Lisa Davis Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate 575-758-1924 ext 234 [email protected]

www.enchantedtaos.com

Thank you Taos! :)

Best Real Estate Agent 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2015!

Working Smarter for our Clients! Thank you everyone! I play for you.

-Jimmy

1ST PLACE Best Local Rock Group or Performer

Best Singer/ Songwriter

www.jimmystadler.com


The ladies of Salon X.


A s a child Delta Bayer had no intentions of owning an award-winning salon. She paid little attention to the local salon scene during her childhood in Taos. Yet, her business, Salon X, was chosen as the Best Hair Salon in this years Best of Taos.

I am not your classic hair-stylist, Bayer says. I was a tomboy. I played with cars and trucks and Star Wars figures and dug in the dirt. I was not your classic girl that wanted to grow up and be a hair stylist.

For the past eight years Bayer and her team at Salon X Hair Salon and Day Spa have offered Taoseos and Taoseas world-class hair cuts, massages, manicures, pedicures, styling, coloring and spa services. Salon X also sells environmentally friendly beauty and skin products as well as crafts and jewelry.

Bayer has worked in salons in Seattle, New York City, Paris and Taos. She went to beauty school in Seattle and trained with Jacques Dessange in Paris and Toni & Guy in New York City.

Bayers experience in France had a major impact on her development as a stylist. She says she cuts in a French style and that her experience in Paris was crucial in her career development.

That brought me from being an OK hairstylist to being a really good hair stylist. That changed it for me, she says.

Bayer and her stylists, estetician

and massage therapist have a combined 99 years of experience in their fields.

Everyone who works here is really talented and a really, really great hair stylist, Bayer says.

She is proud that she and her staff work hard on continuing education classes and gaining new certifications. Bayer and stylist Heather Miro are working on becoming certified American Board Colorists.

Bayers vision for a chic salon in the heart of the mountains grew out of her eclectic experiences. Customers tell Bayer that the salon has the vibe of a bustling urban salon, which was her goal when Salon X moved into its space on Paseo del Pueblo Norte.

I wanted a place that felt kind of urban that you could be anywhere in the world walking in here ... you could be in New York or Seattle or anything when you walk in, she said.

Hair-styling is one of many creative outlets for the Salon X staff. Bayer has made hats, jewelry and done fashion design throughout her life and wanted her salon to be a versatile creative space. Local artists work hang throughout the space and the salon has hosted poetry readings and other creative events in the past.

The fusion of hair and beauty with other art forms was a no-brainer for Bayer.

Hair is art, she says. Its all creative.

Salon XAn urban experience in downtown TaosBy Gabriel Weinstein

Katharine Egli

The ladies of Salon X.


Best Place to Gear Up for the Trail


MuddNFlood103 Bent St., Taos(575) 751-9100muddnflood.com

Best Place to Buy a Pair of Shades

SunShades & Optics of Taos108 Camino de Santa Fe, Taos(575) 751-1565sunshadesoftaos.com


Best Hardware & Home Improvement Store

Ro Grande Ace Hardware1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4268223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-2061riograndeace.com

Randall Lumber & Hardware315 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-2271randalltaos.com

Best Garden Center & Nursery

Petree Nursery & Greenhouse25 Petree Street, Taos (off Blueberry Hill)(575) 758-3021

Ro Grande Ace Hardware1381 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4268223 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-2061riograndeace.com

Best Place to Buy Floor Coverings

Dans Carpet7237 State Road 518, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-2420danscarpetsandfloors.com

Vargas Tile Company4114 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-5986vargastile.com

Best Home Furnishings

Taos Lifestyle701 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-5885taoslifestyle.com

Graystone Furniture & the Sofa Gallery815 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-1266graystonefurniture.com

Best Place to Buy a Mattress

Taos Lifestyle featuring Sleep Sanctuary701 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-5885taoslifestyle.com

Woodys Furniture1551 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-3211

Best Place to Buy a Hot Tub

Wolfgangs Spa Works 1210 Salazar Road, Taos(575) 758-9667wolfgangspas.com

Best Liquor Store

Del Norte Liquors1574 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-8904


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Petree Nursery and Greenhouse was voted Best Garden Center and Nursery. continued from page 24


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We LoveYou Taos! You make us the

Best Year after Year!

Open Mon. - Sat. 10 am - 6 pm 758-1857 1210J Salazar Road Taos wolfgangspas.com

SALES MAINT. SERVICE

Taos Best Outdoor ShopOpen 7 Days a Week | 113 N. Plaza | 575-758-9292

www.taosmountainoutfitters.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US BEST IN TAOS! 1ST PLACE:

Best Shoe Store

Best Place to Gear Up

for the Trail

2ND PLACE: Best Place to

Buy a Pair of Shades

Best Place to Gear Up

for the Slopes

THANK YOU

We are overjoyed that you have chosen the Living Light Gallery for the 3rd year in a row as Taos Best Gallery! WE are honored that even from humble beginnings in our

2 small room gallery, 16 years ago, you have supported us. We celebrate this achievement by giving Glory to the creator and to you who inspire us to share Love, Light and Spirit!

-Lenny Foster

LENNY FOSTERS LIVING LIGHT GALLERY107 kit carson rd

575-737-9150www.lennyfoster.com | [email protected]

TaosBESTMexicanRestaurant

Serving Domestic & Import Beers Wine Margaritas

SOUTH SIDE 1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur (across from Ace Hardware) 751-0063

NORTH SIDE 822 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos 737-0816

guadalajaragrilltaos.comNominee for the Best Restaurant of the Year in 2014 in New Mexico!

By the Boots, Bolos & Brews Hospitality Industry Awards sponsored by the New Mexico Restaurant Association.

2015 First Place - Fast Food Service

30 BEST OF TAOS 2015 TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT TAOSNEWS.COM/BOT BEST OF TAOS 2015 31

Wayne Rutherford has come a long way from the young contractor who showed up in Taos circa 1978 with a Volkswagen Bug and four grand to his name.

But after decades of building, Rutherford is at the top of his game. He and his business, Taos Design Build, were voted Best Building Contractor in this years Best of Taos.

Im an overnight success after 40 years, Rutherford says.

Since he was a kid, Rutherford has had a knack for tackling projects. He grew up in rural California, and had to assume the role of the self-reliant handyman around the house. It kind of fell on me to keep the well going and put the shingles back on, Rutherford explains. An innate interest in seeing a project through from initial design to final detail work grew into a passion for building.

In Taos, Rutherford has found longevity in an industry that is notoriously fickle, in a place with plenty of challenges.

If you ask Rutherford, his success comes largely because of an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, a willingness to tackle tough projects, and an ability to communicate clearly

My reputation is that of a problem solver: If you give me a difficult job, Ill figure it out, Rutherford says. I take on jobs

that nobody else would touch. But somebody has to build them, and somebody has to find a way to do it.

Rutherford says a big part of solving these puzzles is knowing how to talk to an array of professionals and laymen in a language they can understand.

Its more than just putting a building up, Rutherford says. Its a whole spectrum of events and planning, and you rely on other people every step of the way. Communication has been essential for me.

Rutherfords quiet but confident conversational style speaks to someone whos used to articulating quickly and clearly, whether its with a client, a subcontractor or a banker.

To learn the lingo and keep his edge, Rutherford has expanded his horizons beyond construction; he has continuously enrolled in college-level courses in subjects like photography, law and English.

He also sits on a slew of trade boards at every level in order to establish contacts and stay at the vanguard of the industry.

A builder in Taos has a diversity of projects to pick from, Rutherford says, from residential, commercial, historic restoration, landscaping and site development. And for him, that variety keeps things interesting. Ive never had the same day, one to another, Rutherford says. And Ive never built the same building twice.

Wayne Rutherford 40-year overnight success story

Katharine Egli

Wayne Rutherford in his office off Cruz Alta Road.

By J.R. Logan


Black Mesa Winery has won the Best of Taos award for Best Winery for the second year in a row. The Velarde vineyard opened the tasting room in downtown Taos in 2013.

Tasting room manager and assistant winemaker Craig Dunn and his wife Laurie Mitchell Dunn, assistant tasting room manager, have one common goal helping New Mexico become a wine destination just like California, Oregon, and Washington.

Even Italy and France, said Mitchell Dunn. Our wines are that good. They meet the highest standards for wine, not only for New Mexico, but also on the international stage.

Black Mesa Winery, owned by Jerry and Lynda Burd, just won two silver medals at the 2015 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

People taste our wines and realize that we have great products, said Dunn. But other local wineries are making good wines too. We arent competing with them. In fact, we want all the wineries in our state to succeed. A collective effort

The Best of Taos Award goes to the winery as a whole, including our tasting room, said Mitchell Dunn, Which wouldnt exist without winery owners Jerry and Lynda Burd, and our talented winemaker Karl Johnsen. We all have worked hard to create a comfortable, welcoming place for people to drink wine, listen to live

music and have a great time with their friends, inside or outside.

The shady patio area, with a nice view of the mountains, will be open during the summer.Perfect pairing

The tasting room offers small plates with artisan cheese, hummus and gluten-free crackers as well as packaged cheese and some non-alcoholic beverages.These are five of their best wines, paired with the perfect cheese:

Dry white Viognier 14 Full-bodied and smooth, with notes of melon, with pesto-pinenut goat cheese.

Black Mesa dry ros Fruity and bright on the palate, with Extraordinaire (plain goat cheese).

Montepulciano 12 Classic Italian style dry red, earthy with dried cherries, with cave-aged goat cheese.

Velarde Syrah 11 Made with Velarde grapes with hints of blackberries and pepper, with smoked Gouda cheese.

Antelope 11 A classic Bordeaux-style blend of Cab Sauv and Merlot with aged cheddar cheese.

All the cheeses come from the Old Windmill Dairy, in Estancia.

Black Mesa Winery Tasting Room is located at 241 Ledoux St., just west of Taos Plaza. (575) 758-1969; blackmesawinery.com

Black Mesa WineryMaking New Mexico a wine destinationBy Teresa Dovalpage

Katharine Egli

Craig Dunn and Laurie Mitchell Dunn of Black Mesa Winery on the patio at the Black Mesa Winery Taos Tasting Room.


from MILD TOWILD

The original, most trusted & experienced river rafters on the Rio Grande & Rio Chama.Ask about our Rock Climbing, Bicycling, Horseback Riding & Camping with Feasts.

losriosriverrunners.com 800.544.1181

RAFTING ADVENTURESTHANK YOU TAOS FOR VOTING US #1

You Love Our Chocolate...

...Now Love Our Frozen Treats!

Coffee Frappes-

fruit smoothies

Ice Cream Sundaes-

Floats & Malts

Summer Hours 10AM - 10PMON Historic TAOS PLAZA (575) 758-8855

A BIG hug to you, Taos!


Best JewelerLarry Martinez Jeweler822 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4169larrymartinezjeweler.com

Chavez Fine Jewelers622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-9319chavezfinejewelers.com

Best Local Rock Shop

Taos Gems & Minerals637 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3910facebook.com/TaosGemsMinerals

Taos Rockers229 Camino de la Placita, Taos(575) 758-2326taosrockers.com

Best Place to Fill Up Your Tank


Chevron823 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-2290

Best Place to Ship a Package

UPS Store1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Unit 1, Taos(575) 758-8647taos-nm-2317.theupsstorelocal.com

Taos Crating 1103 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Suite 1, El Prado(575) 758-3587taoscrating.com

Best Place to Buy Pet Supplies

Taos Tack & Pet Supplies710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 20, Taos(575) 737-9798taostackandpetsupply.com

Blue Sky Pet & Feed Supply214 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-1841

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Rick Romancito

At Real Indian Stuff shop, visitors are treated to some pointedly amusing commentary. The shops at Taos Pueblo were voted Best Place to Buy a Taos Souvenir.


Taos County Chamber of Commerce presents

Where Taos Comes Alive on Thursday nights

from 6:00 - 8:00pm!

For more information call 751.8800 www.taoschamber.com

Voted Best Annual Event in Taos County5/28/2015 6:00 The Julian Lucero Band5/28/2015 7:00 John Carey Band6/4/2015 6:00 Pot Creek String Band6/4/2015 7:00 Muddy Mountain Orchestra6/11/2015 6:00 8:00 Big Swing Theory6/18/2015 6:00 Cullen Winter Band6/18/2015 7:00 Out of Nowhere6/25/2015 6:00 8:00 The Damn Band7/2/2015 6:00 Kathy & the Cruisers7/2/2015 7:00 Bones of RomeoSun 7/5/2015 2:00 pm 531st Air Force Band

Join us for a special Patriotic Sunday Afternoon, July 5, 2015 for the 531st Air Force Band!

Schedule subject to change, please check online at www.taoschamber.com for the latest information.

7/9/2015 6:00 8:00 Tough Country7/23/2015 6:00 Sweet Deal7/23/2015 7:00 Jennifer Peterson Band7/30/2015 6:00 8:00 Jimmy Stadler Band8/6/2015 6:00 Les Nouveau Antiquarians8/6/2015 7:00 Bone Orchard8/13/2015 6:00 8:00 Katy P & the Business8/20/2015 6:00 Lori Ortega8/20/2015 7:00 Pete Martinez y Suave8/27/2015 6:00 8:00 Last to Know9/3/2015 6:00 8:00 Jerome Grant y los Amigos Unidos

Thank You Taos for voting TPL as Best Annual Event!

To the Taos Communityfor selecting

Larry Schreiber, MD 1st Place

Ellen Warren, MD 2nd Place

AS THE BEST DOCTORSIN TOWN!

THANK YOU!

Family Practice Associates of Taos

DAILY WALK-IN CLINICMon.-Fri. 8-11:30 am & 1:30-4:30 pm,

Sat. 9-11:30 am630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 150

758-3005 Se Habla Espaol

Serving together for 33 years


One of the essay questions we asked readers in this years Best of Taos online survey was, wheres the best place to show visitors the so-called real Taos?

Not surprising, their suggestions included Arroyo Seco, the Gorge Bridge and Taos Plaza. And, also not surprising, Taos Pueblo was the clear top vote-getter.

As one respondent wrote, There would be no Taos without the Pueblo.

Many people suggested specific restaurants, bars and coffee shops, including the bench outside World Cup.

Some even offered driving routes to get a feel for whats real. Here is one: Take Los Cordovas from the country club road and wind northward up Blueberry Hill til reaching the Old Blinking Light.

Another reader suggested driving the neighborhoods of Caon, Talpa and Ranchos.

Others noted Taos scenic mountainous landscape while others focused on its not-so-scenic landscape of potholes and trash. One person wrote: Wherever theres a mansion built next to a trailer park.

Of course, there were several who debated the concept of reality in Taos.

No one spot represents the real Taos ... it is all around us in nature and the community and the people.

Is there still a real Taos?

Its gone, we just muddle through.

All of Taos is real.

And finally, a favorite response: Its all real, silly!

Joan Livingston

A reality check in Taos

Illustration by Chipper Thompsonwww.chipperthompson.com 2013 The Taos News


Thank you Taos for voting us the Best Place to get a Cup of Joe!

From: Donna, Brenda, Anita, & Ryan

Convenient Drive Thru 1006 Paseo del Pueblo SurOpen Mon - Fri 5:30am - 3pm, Sat 5:30am - 1pm and Sun Closed

575-751-9405

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST PLACE TO PLAY TENNIS

Tennis Courts and Lessons Swimming PoolWalk-Ins Welcome

Taos Tennis at Quail Ridge575-776-3447 88 State Road 150

taostennis.com

We Appreciate Being Recognized as the Best Civic Organization and Look Forward to Serving Our Community in the Future.

TAOS MILAGRO ROTARY www.rotarytaos.org

ALL OF US AT CIDS FOOD MARKET WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU, OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, FOR ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZING US AS THE BEST OF TAOS IN THE 2015 PEOPLES CHOICE AWARDS.

Best Grocery Store Best Place to Eat Your Greens Best Green Business Best Place to Buy Your Fruits and Veggies


Best Annual Event in Taos County

Taos Plaza Live!Taos PlazaEvery Thursday, 6-8 p.m., through the summertaoschamber.com

Arroyo Seco 4th of July ParadeDowntown Arroyo Secovisitseco.com

Best Weekend Getaway

Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort & Spa50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente(800) 222-9162ojospa.com

Taos Ski ValleyState Road 150, Taos Ski Valley(866) 968-7386skitaos.org

Most Interesting Place to Take Visitors

Taos Pueblo(575) 758-1028 (tourism department)taospueblo.com

Ro Grande Gorge BridgeOn U.S. 64 toward Tres Piedras

Best Local Museum

Millicent Rogers Museum1504 Millicent Rogers Road, Taos(575) 758-2426millicentrogers.org

Harwood Museum of Art238 Ledoux St., Taos(575) 758-9826harwoodmuseum.org

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Twirl Toystore & Playspace was voted Best Place for Kids to Have Fun.


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ONLINE. IN PRINT. ANYTIME.

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twirltwirltaos.org 575.751.1402

VOTED

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ThanksTaos!

we love youThis

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Voted BEST Wi-Fi LOCATION - Thank You, Taos!

At La Posta Road & Felicidad - Behind AlbertsonsHigh-Speed Internet - WiFi Hotspot, Computer Rental or bring your ownPrivate Office/Meeting Room Rental, Covered Patios, Beautiful Gardens

Absolute BEST Coffees, Teas, Smoothies, Gourmet FoodsArt Gallery Featuring Local Artists

www.wiredcoffeeshop.com 575-751-WIRE Open 7 days a week

coffee cyber cafe gallery


Dano Sancho in the Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing gallery.


When you stand outside the Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery, it looks like any other historic adobe in Taos. But once through the doors, its a full-on trip out or so says Dano Sancho, one of the shops four ink-artists.

Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery brings high-caliber tattooing and piercing to a classic venue where the walls are papered with sketches and drawings of timeless tattoos, the sort-of hula girls inked on a sailor during the war. But the allure of the shop and the mystique of ink-artistry wont stop anyone from having a good time the artists run the shop as a collective, and folks are always dropping in, hanging out on the porch and joking and getting tattooed late into the night.

The only thing missing from that party is a live band. Though sometimes they get out an amp and guitar if things are slow.

We immerse ourselves in this and give everyone our all, Sancho said. Perhaps that electric energy is why Taoseos voted Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing Gallery the Best Place to Get Inked.

The shop sports body jewelry from local glassblowers and woodworkers

by artists from Taos Pueblo, and they make sure to keep their offerings both classic and unique. Add in that almost everyone in the shop has at least 10 years experience tattooing, and you have a team whose creativity, intention and energy keep the shop humming every day of the week.

Sancho and the other artists regularly tour other tattoo shops in the Southwest, honing their techniques and keeping their work fresh. Once or twice a month, the shop brings in guest artists, many who used to live, work and play in Taos, to offer even more inking variety, especially for repeat customers.

Tattoos arent just for the muscled, hardcore elite. Sancho sees all types of folks walk through the doors, and theres no stereotype anymore. He took his tattooing needles to a granddad-granddaughter duo who got matching tats. While some folks who get a tattoo are just testing the waters, others think of tattoos like potato chips they cant have just one.

Getting a tattoo is so intimate, Sancho said. We bond with a lot of people in here, and we end up becoming friends.

Taos Tattoo and Body PiercingAt classic Taos tattoo parlor, friendliness matches feel-good vibes

By Cody Hooks

Katharine Egli

Dano Sancho in the Taos Tattoo and Body Piercing gallery.


Luxury Horse PropertyCustom home for elegant entertaining, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, office, big views of Taos Mountain, beautiful gardens, horse fenced pasture, and guest house on 2.7 acres. 3 car garage. Barn has 4 roomy stalls with attached outdoor paddocks partially covered plus 2 more stalls, washing station, and heated tack room with 1/2 bathroom. Separate hay barn, 2 wells, Large sand riding arena and the list goes on.

You and your horses will love living here!

Debra de la Torre Real Estate 505.379.1127MeriwetherEstateTaos.com 6716 Los Trechos Ct NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

$1,150 M

Thank You Taos for Voting Us Best Liquor Store

Del Norte Liquors 1574 Paseo del Pueblo SurRanchos de Taos 87557


575-613-7344 www.unleashedtaos.com

Thanks to Our Great Customers for Voting for Us in Best of Taos!

pieces consignment and More PiecesPieces - 1024 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos 575-737-0500More Pieces - 216 & 28 Paseo del Canon, Taos 575-737-5112www.piecestaos.com Pieces Taos on FB

Thank you Taos!Your favorite consignment shop

salonxtaos.com575.758.1584

226 paseo del pueblo norte, unit B

thank you for voting us #1

Your Local Ashley Furniture DealerMonday-Friday: 10:00a.m.- 6:00p.m. Saturday: 10:00a.m.- 4:00p.m. Sunday: Closed

Accepting Visa, Mastercard, Discover575.751.3211 1553 A Paseo del Pueblo Sur

Ask about our Lay-A-Way Plan! Financing Available

THANK YOU TAOS AND SURROUNDING AREAS FOR YOUR VOTE AND SUPPORT!

We Couldnt Do It Without You!

Stop In To Check Out Our Weekly Specials

Thank You Taos For Voting Us 1st Place

To Buy Pet Supplies

710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos575-737-9798 www.taostackandpetsupply.com

Taos Tack and PeT suPPlyTop Quality Horse & Pet Care Products

Best of Taos 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014


When El Grupo Mezcal once played a prom, the bands members planned on performing a lot of rock n roll.But the teens just sat watching, lead singer

and guitarist Ernesto (Ernie) Mrquez recalls.We played one of ours and the dance floor

filled up, he says.No surprise there.El Grupo Mezcal has had Northern New

Mexico dancing since the early 1980s with its brand of Spanish, rock and country music.

Children who once jumped around in front of the stage are now dancing to El Grupo Mezcal at their graduation parties and weddings, Ernie Mrquez says.

A fond local favorite, the band has won The Taos News readers choice poll for Best Spanish Language Band or Performer each year since we introduced the category in 2012.

El Grupo Mezcal comprises Ernie Mrquez along with Antonio (Archie) Mrquez on bass and vocals, Adonais (Nit) Mrquez on keyboards and vocals, as well as good friend Rex Martnez on drums.

The Marqez brothers write songs for the band and Ernie attributes a lot of their musical interest to their father.

My dad was a musician, he explains. He played on the guitar and he taught me one cord. He died real early but whatever he taught us grew and kept growing.

Their parents have been an influence in other ways, too.

The bands last album, Se Los Llev, is dedicated to their parents and drew heavily on their loss.

Indeed, El Grupo Mezcals music is deeply rooted in real life both the darker and lighter sides of Northern New Mexico from divorce to love and a lot in between.

Growing up in the Arroyo Seco-Des Montes area, the bands members were immersed in Northern New Mexicos musical tradition.

Ernie Mrquez says he has also been influenced by the musicians who were popular during his youth, though.

When I was growing up, I was listening to Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Antonio Aguilar and Vicente Fernndez, he said.

So naturally, El Grupo Mezcal, in many ways, defies easy categorization.

That was my intention from the beginning to be more versatile, Ernie Mrquez said.

The bands last album its ninth was released in late 2011 and Nit recently indicated he is ready to get back into the studio.

Ive got a few ideas and Id like to see if they will work out, he said. Some of em work out and some of em dont.

Judging by the loyalty of their fans, plenty of those ideas will work out but its hard to tell which ones.

A song about Ernie Mrquezs divorce, Bueno Bye, for example, has become one of the groups biggest hits.

But that proved there is no telling what will resonate with fans.

The song was written in just a few minutes outside a recording as the band finished an album. It turned out to be one of the biggest hits that we had, Ernie Mrquez said.

The group has won more than its share of awards.

In 2012 alone, the group brought home five New Mexico Hispano Music Association awards.

The Taos music scene has changed, though, during El Grupo Mezcals decades on stage.

Weve been around so long, weve seen places come and go, Ernie Mrquez said. Herbs Lounge, for example, is now Midtown Lounge while Ramonas has long since become a grocery store.

The bands reliability seems to be what keeps the fans coming back again and again, or as Nit put it, the people will follow us.

El Grupo MezcalWhere they play, the crowd will followBy Andrew Oxford


Katharine Egli

El Grupo Mezcal performs live at KTAOS Solar Center on May 9.



So what does it take to live in Taos? For that question in our Best of Taos online survey, we specifically meant a personality trait and it was clear from the answers, those who responded had similar ideas.

Among the top answers were: acceptance, flexibility and patience (the most frequent response) in all of their incarnations.

So we also have adaptability, tolerance and perseverance.

Of course, those traits would come in handy because others noted Taosens have to be whacky and weird.

You have to be a little crazy, one writer noted.

Another suggested a person must be capable of changing their name to Sage.

Other valuable traits were the ability to carry two or three jobs and to dodge potholes.

You better be rich so you can open a restaurant, wrote one person.

Then, some writers offered advice, including dealing with so-called Taos time.

Wave punctuality bye-bye. Try not to be in a hurry and not mind dust. Be unable to show up to anything on time, preferably a couple hours late.

Then there were the philosophers. One person advised wannabe Taoseos to, Let go of your old self.

And yet another wrote, Id love to say be yourself ... But Taos will show you what youre being.

Joan Livingston

Now for the Taos personality test

hello! my name is

sage


Best Hiking/Jogging Trail

Williams Lake TrailWheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Foresttaostrails.com/williams_lake.html

Wheeler Peak TrailWheeler Peak Wilderness Area, Carson National Foresttaostrails.com/wheeler_peak.html

Best Place for Kids to Have Fun

Twirl Toystore & Playspace225 Camino de la Placita, Taos(575) 751-1402 twirltaos.orgTaos Youth & Family Center407 Paseo del Caon East, Taos(575) 758-4160taosyouth.com

Best Place to Enjoy Free WiFi

Wired? CoffeeCyberCaf705 Felicidad Lane, Taos(575) 751-9473wiredcoffeeshop.com

Taos PlazaDowntown Taostaos.org/art/taos-plaza

Best Rafting Company

Los Ros River Runners(800) 544-1181losriosriverrunners.com

Far Flung Adventures(800) 359-2627farflung.com

Best Ski & Snowboard Area

Taos Ski ValleyState Road 150, Taos Ski Valley(866) 968-7386skitaos.orgSipapu Ski & Summer Resort5225 State Road 518, Vadito(800) 587-2240sipapunm.com

Best Place to Take a Dip


John Dunn BridgeOn County Road B-007, over the Ro Grande near Arroyo Hondo, inside the Ro Grande del Norte National Monument

Best Place to Soak


Black Rock Hot Springs Past the John Dunn Bridge on County Road B-007taos.org


Tina Larkin

Ojo Caliente took home several banners for this years Best of Taos honors, including Best Place to Take A Dip, Best Place to Soak, Best Weekend Getaway and Best Place to Pamper Your Skin.

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Stephanie Francisco worked hard to win the Best of Taos award for Administrative Assistant.I had gotten second place last

year and was determined to get first place this time, she says. I was so excited when my coworkers came into the office to let me know that I had won!

Francisco is the business manager at Nonviolence Works, where she has been employed for four and a half years.

I started as the intake coordinator and worked my way up, she said.A little bit of everything

Francisco considers herself an office guru.

I do a little bit of everything here, except for clinical work, she says. I do the billing and deal with the insurance companies, and I work

closely with both our CEO, Simon Torrez, and our clinical director, Katia Torrelli-Delgado.

Francisco says that every day is different for her and thats the way she likes it.

My daily routine changes so much that it isnt really a routine, she says. Besides the administrative work, I do many other things. If the printer breaks down, I will fix it; I run errands, I take care of paperwork ... that makes my job difficult to describe but makes it very exciting at the same time. I love coming to work every day!Fulfilling a mission

Our mission at Nonviolence Works is to inspire, train and empower all people to lead lives of nonviolence, Francisco says. We are here to teach them skills that promote healthy relationships and productive community life.

Stephanie FranciscoThe office guru at Nonviolence Works

By Teresa Dovalpage

Katharine Egli

Stephanie Fransisco from NonViolence Works, earned the distinction of Best Administrative Assistant for this years Best of Taos.


Taos, thank you for voting for Gutiz!BEST BRUNCH 2015!

Breakfast/LunchTues-Sun 8am-3pm

DinnerThurs-Sat 5-9pm

Grand Re-Opening June 2015!Same Gutiz, more elbow room...

812B Paseo del Pueblo Norte - Taos - (575) 758 -1226

gutiztaos.com

Thank You, Muchas Gracias!

For Voting Us 1st Place Best Roadside Food Stand

10 Years In A Row!

Mary Janes 24 Years in Business Serving New Mexican Favorites With A Smile!

575-770-1171

From Everyone at Mary JanesVoted 2nd Best

Breakfast Burrito!

The organization has implemented a variety of programs, with 70 percent of their services geared toward youth. Francisco is happy to talk about these programs and the effect they are having on the entire Taos community.

We offer mentorship, support groups, counseling, gang prevention and nonviolence education, among other services, Francisco says. Working behind the scenes to implement them is a key element of my work, and the outcome of our collective efforts gives me the greatest satisfaction. We support families with parenting training and supervised

visitation, and offer them classes and workshops.

She is also pleased with the fact that the

organization has given a voice for Taos youth.

We work with many other

organizations to carry out our work, she says. The Taos Center for the Arts partnered with us for the second time to present the Art of Nonviolence exhibit. With the help of art teacher Michael Smokey Martinez, the students explored the theme of nonviolence and presented over 100 pieces to the show. Thats how we fulfill our mission and it is also what makes my work so satisfying here.The CEO speaks

Stephanie is one of the most experienced, knowledgeable and capable assistants Ive ever had, says Nonviolence Works CEO Simon Torrez. We all are very grateful to have her as an employee.

Office Guru Stephanie FranciscoStephanie is one of the

most experienced, knowledgeable and capable assistants Ive ever had.

We all are very grateful to have her as an employee.

Simon Torrez, Nonviolence Works CEO


Best Live Music Venue

Taos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900taosmesabrewing.com

KTAOS Solar Center9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Best Place to Shake Your Booty

Taos Mesa Brewing20 ABC Mesa Road, El Prado(575) 758-1900taosmesabrewing.com

KTAOS Solar Center9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Best Local Singer/Songwriter

Jimmy Stadler(575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712jimmystadler.com

Max Gomezmaxgomezmusic.com

Best Local Jazz Group or Performer

Christine Autumn (575) 751-1885christineautumn.com

Big Swing Theoryfacebook.com


Katharine Egli

Taos Mesa Brewing was voted Best Live Music Venue, in addition to being chosen by The Taos News voters as Best Place to Shake Your Booty, Best Bar, Best Beer Selection, Best Brewery and Best Patio. Pictured here is Max Gomez performing at the inaugural Music on the Mesa Festival this past May.

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Open daily at 11am 575.758.8866 www.thegorgebarandgrill.com

THANK YOU TAOS!

FOR VOTING US BEST MARGARITA

Healthy food for a healthy lifestyle

Taos Market A locally owned natural food store

Organic Gourmet Paleo Gluten Free Local Foods Juice bar Featuring Bulletproof coffee-Drink butter in your coffee to feel Bulletproof

Market open 7 days a week, 9am to 7pmSundays 8am - 8pm

910 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte Taos NM 87571

575.758.7093

Thank you

Thank You Taos

Service Parts Premium Tires Import Domestic

Serving Taos Since 1974 758-1658

#1automotive

Repair Shop in Taos

14 Years Running

for Voting us the

Muchas Gracias!Were honored to be your #1.

Our favorite place to be.

Our favorite people to please.

(575) 758-3112712 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571


Best Spanish Language Band or Performer

El Grupo Mezcal facebook.com

Darren Crdova y Calordarrencordovaycalor.com

Best Local Rock Group or Performer

Jimmy Stadler(575) 776-8234 or (575) 770-7712jimmystadler.com

Katy P & the Businesskatypandthebusiness.com

Best Local Country Band or Performer

Michael Hearnemichaelhearne.com

The Riftersrifters.net

Best Local Radio Station

KTAO 101.99 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

KNCE 93.5(575) 737-8326truetaosradio.com

Best Local Radio Personality

Paddy Mac, KTAO9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Michael Dean, KKIT125 Camino de la Merced, Taos(575) 758-4491facebook.com/kkitthemoun tain.com

Best Place to Hit the Jackpot

Taos Mountain Casino700 Veterans Highway, Taos(575) 737-0777taosmountaincasino.com

Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino(877) 455-7775buffalothunderresort.com

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Tina Larkin

KTAO morning DJ, Paddy Mac, was once again chosen by voters as the Best Local Radio Personality.


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For voting CAV as Taos Countys Best Non-Profit

THANK YOU

TAOS!

Your support helps CAV make a safer community for everyone.

For over 37 years, CAV has provided free & confidential

services for survivors of domestic & sexual violence.

To support or volunteer, call 758-8082 or visit taoscav.org.

To donate goods visit CAV Thrift Store, 751-4824.

COMMUNITY AGAINST VIOLENCE 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 575-758-9888

575-758-2822 207-A Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taoswww.cottamsskishops.com [email protected]

Thank you, Taos, for voting us

2015 Best Place to Gear Up for the Slopes

SKI SHOPS

We also have all your summer needs covered, from skateboarding to clothing and shoes!

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Thank You Voters!First Place: Most interesting place to take visitors

First Place: Best Place to buy a Taos Souvenir

Monday-Saturday: 8:00am 4:30pm Sunday: 8:30am 4:30pm

120 Veterans Highway, Taos NM 87571575-758-1028 www.taospueblo.com


Best Real Estate Agency

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(800) 530-8899 or (575) 758-1924berkshirehathawayhs.com

Coldwell Banker Lota Realty204 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(800) 829-8673 or (575) 758-8673cblotataos.com

Best Hair SalonSalon X226 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1584salonxtaos.com

Salon Marjorie237 Ledoux St., Taos(575) 751-7246salonmarjorie.com

Best Real Estate Agent

Lisa Davis, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate314-A Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1924, ext. 220enchantedtaos.com

Diane Enright, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Taos Real Estate515 Gusdorf Road, Suite 4, Taos(575) 758-5478taoshomes.com

Best Barber Shop

Johnnys Barber Shop308 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4286

Carlos Barber Shop402 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-7187

Best Pet Groomer

10,000 Wags24822 U.S. 64, El Prado(575) 751-924710000wags.comUnleashed98 State Highway 150, Unit 5, El Prado(575) 613-7344unleashedtaos.com

Best Place to get Inked (Tattoo Parlor)

Taos Tattoo and Piercing Gallery208 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 224-3077taostattoo.com

Best Place to Pamper Your Skin


El Monte Sagrado Living Spa 317 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 737-2985elmontesagrado.com

Best Yoga StudioShree Yoga112 Camino de la Placita, Taos(575) 758-8014shreeyogataos.com

Aura Fitness 1337 Gusdorf Road, Taos(575) 758-9733aurafitnesstaos.com


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Tina Larkin

Joel Schantz, qualifying broker at Berkshire Hathaway, snips the red ribbon last Novemeber, signifying the real estate agencys official switch from Prudential to Berkshire Hathaway. The business was voted Best Real Estate Agency in this years Best of Taos.

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enjoy a more intuitive calendar experience

with images, videos, maps and links

to find your favorite events and happenings.

The official calendar for Taos

taosnews.com/calendar

THE TAOS NEWS

Find out what Youre missing! ALL IN ONE CLICK.

The UPS Store1335 Paseo del Pueblo Sur Taos, NM 87571

575-758-8647 (fax) 575-758-8667 Located Between Days Inn and Super 8

Locally Owned, Nationally KnownJeanne Timber The Shipping Diva

Were Experts in Packing & Shipping of Artwork, Collectibles, & Your Valuables

The UPS Store

THANK YOU for Voting Us

Best Place to Ship a Package Again & Again & Again!

For voting Wayne Rutherford General Contractor, Inc. Best of Taos for a fifth year.

Every member of our project team contributes: employees, subcontractors, material suppliers and design professionals. Their dedication and outstanding

efforts make our award winning projects possible. And, most importantly, we thank our customers and project owners over the last four decades.

THANK YOU

219 Cruz Alta, Taos, NM 575-751-7028 www.taosdesignbuild.com

Build on our Experience. We do.

TAOS & NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

Thank you to the Taos Community for Your Votes!

Thank You to The Alley Cantina for their persistent support of Jazz in Taos.Special Thank You to Dan Lizdas and Larry Audette.B

est J

azz P

erfo

rmer 2015

Rom

anci

to H

ouse

Med

ia

Raton Bypass/ Gusdorf Road

License # 61030

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCHfor choosing us

Best of Taos, 2015.We are honored.

[email protected]


Best Gym & Workout Facility

Taos Spa & Tennis Club111 Doa Ana Drive, Taos(575) 758-1980taosspa.com

Northside Spa 1307 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, El Prado(575) 751-1242

Best Place to Play Tennis

Taos Tennis @ Quail Ridge88 State Road 150, El Prado(575) 776-3447taostennis.com

Taos Spa & Tennis Club111 Doa Ana Drive, Taos(575) 758-1980taosspa.com

Best Lodging for Visitors

El Monte Sagrado317 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 737-2985elmontesagrado.com

The Historic Taos Inn125 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-2233taosinn.com

Best Bed & Breakfast

Casa Benavides137 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 758-1772taos-casabenavides.com

Adobe & Pines Inn4107 State Road 68, Ranchos de Taos(575) 751-0947adobepines.com

Best Place to Say I Do

El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa317 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 737-2985elmontesagrado.com

San Francisco de Ass Church60 St. Francis Plaza, Ranchos de Taos(575) 758-2754

Best PlumberPhoenix Mechanical1217 Gusdorf Road, Taos (575) 758-3027phoenixmechanical.net

Hawk Mechanical 1132 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-4433hawkmechanical.net

Best BankPeoples Bank1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4500219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4211710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 1, Taos(575) 758-59995 Supermarket Road, Questa(575) 586-2001121 East Main St., Unit 4D, Red River(575) 754-6224bankingunusual.com

Centinel Bank of Taos512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-6790centinelbank.com

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Tina Larkin

Taos Spa & Tennis Club was voted Best Gym & Workout Facility and was second place in the Best Place to Play Tennis category.

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BEST SERVICESBest Chimney Sweeps

Terrys Chimney Service314 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-1825terryschimney.com

Baileys Chimney Cleaning & Repair(575) 770-7769baileyschimney.com

Best Auto Repair Shop

Metric Motors of Taos1314 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-1658metricmotorstaos.com

Taos Offroad & Performance1010 Dea Lane, Taos(575) 758-7144taosoffroad.com

Best Insurance Company

Wanda Lucero, State Farm211 Kit Carson Road, Taos(575) 737-5433wandalucero.com

Brown & Brown627 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-2244bbnm.com

Best Building Contractor

Wayne Rutherford, Taos Design Build219 Cruz Alta Road, Taos(575) 751-7028taosdesignbuild.com

Ian ForsbergArroy Seco(575) 741-1500ianforsberg.com

Business with the Best Customer Service

Centinel Bank512 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos (575) 758-6700707 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos(575) 758-6790centinelbank.com

Peoples Bank1356 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-4500219 Paseo del Pueblo Norte, Taos (575) 758-4211710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Suite 1, Taos(575) 758-59995 Supermarket Road, Questa(575) 586-2001121 East Main St., Unit 4D, Red River(575) 754-6224bankingunusual.com

Best Green Business


KTAOS Solar Center 9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Best Financial Advisor

Billy Knight, Knight Financial Limited115 La Posta Road, Suite D, Taos(575) 751-3388knightfinanciallimited.com

Ric Tredwin707 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 751-7285edwardjones.com

THANK YOU Taoseos!

#1 Best Spanish Language Band Year after Year!

FOR VOTINGGrupo Mezcal

For booking information and to buy CDs contact

Ernie Marquez 575-776-8675 or Nite Marquez 575-776-2106You can also purchase our CD at cdbaby.com


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Katharine Egli

Mayor Dan Barrone was chosen by voters as the Best Local Elected Official.

Best Local Elected Official

Dan Barrone, town of Taos mayor400 Camino de la Placita, Taos(575) [email protected]

Fritz Hahn, town of Taos council member(575) [email protected]

Best Local Website

taosnews.com226 Albright St., Taos(575) 758-2241taosnews.com

ktao.com9 State Road 150, Taos(575) 758-5826ktao.com

Best Dentist Dr. Charles Tom Simms, Taos Dental Group1392 Weimer Road, Taos(575) 758-8303taosdentalgroup.com

Dr. Justin Nyland, Taos Dental Group1392 Weimer Road, Taos(575) 758-8303taosdentalgroup.com

Best Doctor Dr. Larry SchreiberFamily Practice Associates of Taos630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3005familypracticeassociatesoftaos.com

Ellen WarrenFamily Practice Associates of Taos630 Paseo del Pueblo Sur, Taos(575) 758-3005familypracticeassociatesoftaos.com

Best EducatorLarry Torres University of New Mexico-TaosAssociate Professor Linguistics, Foreign & Sign Languages(575) 737-6233taos.unm.edu

Orion CervioChrysalis Alternative School522 Evergreen Lane, Taos(575) 751-7291taosschools.org

Best Local Nonprofit

CAV Community Against Violence945 Salazar Road, Taos(575) 758-8082taoscav.org

Stray Hearts1200 St. Francis Lane, Taos(575) 758-2981strayhearts.org

Best Civic Organization

Taos Milagro Rotary Clubtaosrotary.org

Lions Clubtaoslions.org

Best Administrative Assistant

Stephanie FranciscoNonViolence Works1337-E Gusdorf Road, Taos(575) 758-4297nonviolenceworks.us

Carla Gonzales, Taos Dental Group1392 Weimer Road, Taos(575) 758-8303taosdentalgroup.com

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2015 BEST OF TAOSBest Burger

Craft Drafts - 2.50 Wine - 3.50 Burger and Pork Sliders - 1.65 Lobster Slider - 3.50 Appetizers - 1.25 to 2.50

Thanks for your Vote and See You Soon!

Best Happy Hour575.758.8484 5starburgers.com

1032 Paseo del Pueblo Sur

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Best of Taos 2015