Announcing 2016 ‘Best of West Hartford’ Finalists, Including New Categories
Audio By Carbonatix
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
More than 275 finalists in nearly 50 categories have been selected in the second annual ‘Best of West Hartford’ contest, and readers can vote for their choices for ‘bestofweha’
by Joy Taylor
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
You may have seen the balloons, heard the cheers, or perhaps you’ve already seen the “buzz” starting in social media over the past few days as a record-breaking number of “Best of West Hartford” finalists were notified in person from the Premier Limousine “prize mobile.” (Please see the gallery of photographs below)
Thank you to everyone who nominated their favorite businesses to make this fun, community-driven contest possible. West Hartford residents and fans love many things about this town, and that passion showed when all the tallying was done and we once again had many close and tied races!
We have 277 Finalists in 49 categories, and the online nominating process – you could call it our “primary” – had exceptional turnout.
“We would love to exceed the previous ‘voter turnout’ for this next phase of the contest,” said West Hartford Magazine publisher and originator of Best of West Hartford, Tom Hickey. “This is a contest for the whole community and beyond, and while it can get competitive, it is, at its core, meant to be light-hearted and fun! Best of West Hartford brings a feeling of cooperation and pride to our town residents and friends.”
The finalists were collected via a people’s choice nomination process, and selection of the winners begins on Friday, June 10 at noon. Votes will be automatically verified via email to ensure that each vote is authentic. You can vote now by clicking here.
Thank you to the Best of West Hartford sponsors:
Title Sponsors: JPCarroll Construction, Lux Bond & Green, The Mercy Community, Sanditz Travel/Spa Soli, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center.
Gold Sponsor: Stanger & Associates
Silver Sponsors: Edward Connors Insurance Agency/Travelers, Kingwood Oxford, Oscars Tux/Argelias Bridal, Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen
Bronze Sponsors: First Church West Hartford, Jeff Hodges Landscape Contractor, Merchant Solutions, Saint Brigid School, Taylor Rental Party Plus, West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Town of West Hartford, Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association, Park Road Association, Elmwood Business Association, West Hartford Center Business Association, Blue Back Square, and Home Design District.
Media Sponsors: NBC Connecticut, West Hartford Magazine, We-Ha.com, Connecticut Jewish Ledger, West Hartford LIFE, and West Hartford Press.
The results of the voting will remain confidential and winners will be revealed, live, at the celebration event on Thursday, September 8, 2016.
“We are happy to have the votes tallied and recorded by the Tom Filomeno, CPA, of Filomeno & Co. again this year. Many may not realize this, but only a few people at Filomeno & Co. know who the winners are before they will be unveiled at the September 8 awards show,” said Tom.
The “Best of West Hartford” awards show will be a unique opportunity for everyone to celebrate favorite businesses, restaurants, bakeries, parks, etc! Guests will enjoy food and drink, and winners will be drawn live. Tickets to the awards show will be available for purchase online, so please watch We-Ha.com for details.
Best of luck to all of the finalists (complete list is at the end of this story, after the photos).
VOTING LINK is here (and you can find it by clicking the ad at the top of we-ha.com), share the good news, and remember to use #bestofweha.
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
The 2016 Best of West Hartford Finalists were notified this week and voting begins on June 10, 2016, via the link on we-ha.com. We-Ha.com Photo
| Camp | Camp Shalom |
| Camp | Camp KO |
| Camp | Noah Webster House Colonial Child’s Camp |
| Camp | YMCA |
| Camp | Renbrook School Summer Adventure |
| Camp | Summer Place |
| Park | Elizabeth Park |
| Park | Fernridge Park |
| Park | Wolcott Park |
| Park | Westmoor Park |
| Park | Beachland |
| Park | Eisenhower |
| Preschool/Daycare | St. Brigid School & YMCA |
| Preschool/Daycare | Montessori School of Greater Hartford |
| Preschool/Daycare | First Church Academy for Young Children |
| Preschool/Daycare | Lollipop Tree Nursery School |
| Preschool/Daycare | Renbrook |
| Preschool/Daycare | Mandell JCC |
| Preschool/Daycare | St. Joseph School for Young Children |
| Recreation | Reservoir |
| Recreation | Town of WH Parks and Leisure Services |
| Recreation | Elizabeth Park |
| Recreation | Elmwood Senior Center |
| Recreation | YMCA |
| Bakery | Hartford Baking Company |
| Bakery | NoRA Cupcake Company |
| Bakery | La Petite France Bakery |
| Bakery | Elmwood Pastry Shop |
| Bakery | A Little Something Bakery |
| Breakfast Restaurant | A.C. Petersen Farms |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Effie’s Place |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Goldberg’s Bagels |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Quaker Diner |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Sally and Bob’s |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Blue Plate Kitchen |
| Breakfast Restaurant | Brueggers |
| Burger Restaurant | Max Burger |
| Burger Restaurant | Plan B |
| Burger Restaurant | Five Guys Burgers and Fries |
| Burger Restaurant | Mooyah Burgers |
| Burger Restaurant | Rockledge |
| Burger Restaurant | Way Back Burgers |
| Coffee/Tea | Café Sofia |
| Coffee/Tea | J. René Coffee Roasters |
| Coffee/Tea | Hartford Baking Co. |
| Coffee/Tea | Harvest Country Store |
| Coffee/Tea | Tea Break |
| Coffee/Tea | Brueggers |
| Coffee/Tea | Green Teahouse |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Sweet Chilli (Thai Cuisine) |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Shish Kebab House of Afghanistan |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Arugula |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Blue Elephant Trail |
| Ethnic Restaurant | East West Grille |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Hot Basil |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Black Bamboo |
| Ethnic Restaurant | Taste of India |
| Family Restaurant | A.C. Petersen Farms |
| Family Restaurant | The Cheesecake Factory |
| Family Restaurant | Beachland Tavern |
| Family Restaurant | Bertuccis |
| Family Restaurant | Blue Plate Kitchen |
| Family Restaurant | Fernwood Restaurant |
| Fine Dining | Treva |
| Fine Dining | Flemmings |
| Fine Dining | Max’s Oyster Bar |
| Fine Dining | ávert Brasserie |
| Fine Dining | Grants |
| Fine Dining | Restaurant Bricco |
| Fine Dining | Rizzutos |
| Grocery Store | Whole Foods, Raymond Road |
| Grocery Store | Trader Joes |
| Grocery Store | Whole Foods, Bishops Corner |
| Grocery Store | Crown Market |
| Grocery Store | Hall’s Market |
| Grocery Store | Stop & Shop |
| Grocery Store | ShopRite |
| Dessert | Rita’s Ice |
| Dessert | The Cheesecake Factory |
| Dessert | Hall’s Bake Shop |
| Dessert | Trays Place Bakery & Café |
| Ice Cream Shop | Ben & Jerry’s |
| Ice Cream Shop | A.C. Petersen Farms |
| Ice Cream Shop | Sweet Frog West Hartford |
| Ice Cream Shop | Abby Dabby |
| Pizza Place | Harry’s Bishops Corner |
| Pizza Place | Backstage Pizza Café |
| Pizza Place | Harry’s Pizza |
| Pizza Place | Luna Pizza |
| Pizza Place | Jimmie’s Pizza |
| Pizza Place | Joey’s Pizza Pie |
| Pizza Place | Park Lane Pizza |
| Pizza Place | Frank Pepe’s Pizza of West Hartford |
| Business Lunch | Max’s Oyster Bar |
| Business Lunch | Restaurant Bricco |
| Business Lunch | bartaco |
| Business Lunch | Beachland Tavern |
| Business Lunch | Cosi |
| Business Lunch | Besito Mexican Restaurant |
| Business Lunch | Rizzutto’s |
| Business Lunch | Prospect Café |
| Wine Shop | The Wise Old Dog |
| Wine Shop | West Side Wines & Spirits |
| Wine Shop | Harvest Wine & Spirits |
| Wine Shop | Harvey’s Wine & Spirit Shoppe |
| Wine Shop | Toast Wine & Spirits |
| Liquor Store | Maximum Beverage |
| Liquor Store | Crazy Bruce’s Liquors |
| Liquor Store | Parkview Wine & Spirits |
| Liquor Store | Cork’n Bottle Package Store |
| Liquor Store | CT Beverage Mart |
| Exercise/Fitness | BodyRoc Fit Lab |
| Exercise/Fitness | Pilates Defined |
| Exercise/Fitness | Mandell JCC Greater Hartford |
| Exercise/Fitness | Excel Fitness |
| Exercise/Fitness | The Playground |
| Exercise/Fitness | Work in Progress Fitness (WIP) |
| Exercise/Fitness | Akua Ba Fitness |
| Exercise/Fitness | Anytime Fitness |
| Personal Trainer | Shaun Chambers from BodyRoc |
| Personal Trainer | D’Mario Sowa from Akua Ba Fitness |
| Personal Trainer | Jon Camacho New York Sports Club |
| Hair Salon | Matthew Phillips Salon |
| Hair Salon | GW Crane Hair Designs |
| Hair Salon | Salon Medusa |
| Hair Salon | Antonia’s Hair Boutique |
| Hair Salon | Cardon’s Hair Designs Ltd |
| Hair Salon | Off Center Salon & Spa |
| Hair Salon | Sugar |
| Hair Salon | BLO blow dry bar |
| Barber Shop | Bristle & Blade |
| Barber Shop | Final Cuts Sports Barbershop |
| Barber Shop | Tommy Ray’s Barber Shop |
| Barber Shop | Degra’s Barbershop |
| Barber Shop | Kennedy’s Barber Club |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Shiny Nail & Spa |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Silk Nails |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Anna’s Beautiful Nails |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Z Luxury Nails |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Grace Nails |
| Manicure/Pedicure | Thu Lan Nail Retreat |
| Satellite Medical Facility | New England Urgent Care |
| Satellite Medical Facility | AFC Urgent Care |
| Satellite Medical Facility | Hartford Medical Group Walk-In |
| Spas | Massage Envy |
| Spas | Body and Sole Spa Therapies |
| Spas | Bluemercury West Hartford |
| Spas | Victorian Day Spa |
| Spas | Face RX MD |
| Spas | Elizabeth Grady |
| Home Health Care | Companions for Living |
| Home Health Care | Jewish Family Services |
| Entertainment | Playhouse on Park |
| Entertainment | Bow Tie Cinema |
| Entertainment | West Hartford Symphony Orchestra |
| Entertainment | Blue Back Square |
| Happy Hour | Bar Louie |
| Happy Hour | Elbow Room |
| Happy Hour | Treva |
| Happy Hour | Barcelona West Hartford |
| Happy Hour | Park Tavern |
| Happy Hour | Grant’s |
| Happy Hour | Max’s Oyster Bar |
| Tavern | McLadden’s West Hartford |
| Tavern | World of Beer |
| Tavern | Beachland Tavern |
| Tavern | Corner Pug |
| Tavern | The Fernwood |
| Tavern | Slider’s |
| Late Night Spot | bartaco |
| Late Night Spot | Barcelona |
| Late Night Spot | McLadden’s West Hartford’s |
| Late Night Spot | Vinted |
| Men’s Fashion National | JoS. A. Banks |
| Men’s Fashion National | Men’s Wearhouse |
| Men’s Fashion National | Brooks Brothers |
| Men’s Fashion National | Tommy Bahama Westfarms |
| Men’s Fashion National | Banana Republic |
| Men’s Fashion National | Macy’s |
| Sports Retail | REI |
| Sports Retail | Fleet Feet |
| Sports Retail | BodyRoc |
| Sports Retail | Play It Again Sports |
| Women’s Fashion National | Nordstroms |
| Women’s Fashion National | Dress Barn |
| Women’s Fashion National | Lord and Taylor |
| Women’s Fashion National | Marshalls |
| Eye Wear | Harvey and Lewis |
| Eye Wear | Sight |
| Eye Wear | Central Optica |
| Eye Wear | Eyeglasses.com Retail Store |
| Eye Wear | Solinsky |
| Fashion Accessories | Charming Charlie |
| Fashion Accessories | Kimberly GIFTS |
| Fashion Accessories | BK & Co |
| Fashion Accessories | Francesca’s |
| Fashion Accessories | Lux Bond & Green |
| Fashion Accessories | Claire’s Westfarms |
| Fashion Accessories | Silver Dahlia |
| Fashion Accessories | Blue Moon Westfarms |
| Gift Shop | Ten Thousand Villages |
| Gift Shop | Kimberly GIFTS |
| Gift Shop | Gift-ology Blue Back Square |
| Gift Shop | The Silver Dahlia |
| Gift Shop | Blaze and Bloom |
| Home Improvement Retailer | Larsen’s Ace Hardware |
| Home Improvement Retailer | Home Depot |
| Home Improvement Retailer | Kaoud Oriental Rugs |
| Home Improvement Retailer | Budget Blinds of West Hartford |
| Jewelry Store | Lux, Bond & Green |
| Jewelry Store | Becker’s Fine Jewelry |
| Jewelry Store | De Robertis Jewelers |
| Jewelry Store | Armeny |
| Jewelry Store | Philip David |
| Jewelry Store | Charming Charlie |
| Jewelry Store | Gem Jewelry |
| Men’s Fashion Local | Daswani |
| Men’s Fashion Local | Bob DeGemmis Dressed to the Nines |
| Men’s Fashion Local | Oscars Tux |
| Women’s Fashion Local | BK & Co |
| Women’s Fashion Local | Kimberly Boutique |
| Women’s Fashion Local | Ooh La La Boutique |
| Women’s Fashion Local | Hope & Stetson |
| Specialty Retail | Center Framing & Art |
| Specialty Retail | Cookshop Plus |
| Specialty Retail | Toy Chest |
| Specialty Retail | Bella Gusta |
| Specialty Retail | Penzeys Spices |
| Specialty Retail | Modern Tire |
| Garden/Florist | Moscarillo’s Garden Shoppe |
| Garden/Florist | Gledhill Nursery |
| Garden/Florist | Lane & Lenge Florist |
| Home Improvement Contractor | JP Carroll Construction |
| Home Improvement Contractor | A.C. Maintenance |
| Home Improvement Contractor | Bartlett Brainard |
| Home Improvement Contractor | Gilley Kitchen & Bath |
| Home Improvement Contractor | McNally’s Modern Maintenance |
| Home Improvement Contractor | Walbridge Design Build |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | EcoTurf |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | TK Property Services |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Begley Landscaping |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Mark’s Landscaping, llc |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Precision Landsaping |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Trout Brook Landscaping |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Chenail |
| Lawn/Landscaping Contractor | Zysk Brothers Landscaping |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Steier & McCormick |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Owen Eagan/Eagan, Donohue, Van Dyke & Falsey |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Bruce Stanger/Stanger & Associates |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Franklin & Associates |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Chris Barnes/Reardon, Scanlon, Vodola, Barnes |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | Richard Weinstein/Weinstein & Wisser |
| Law Firm/Lawyer | The Mira Law Firm |
| Pet Services | Veterinary Specialists of CT |
| Pet Services | Cats Limited |
| Pet Services | Uberdog |
| Pet Services | Petcare Veternary Services |
| Pet Services | Pet Supplies Plus |
| Pet Services | Dog Days of West Hartford |
| Pet Services | Honey’s Haven |
| Pet Services | Petals & Paws |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | William Raveis Real Estate |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | Keller Williams |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | Berkshire Hathaway |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | RE/MAX Premier, Realtors |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | Coldwell Banker |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | Hart Real Estate |
| Real Estate Company/Realtor | William Raveis Broder Group |
| Wealth Management/Financial Planning | Charles Schwab |
| Wealth Management/Financial Planning | NorthStar Wealth Partners |
| Wealth Management/Financial Planning | Fidelity Investments |
| Bank/Financial Institution | Webster Bank |
| Bank/Financial Institution | Bank of America |
| Bank/Financial Institution | United Bank |
| Bank/Financial Institution | Santander |
| Bank/Financial Institution | TD Bank |
| Bank/Financial Institution | Farmington Bank |
Please vote! Great thing.
Please vote! Great thing.
West harffotd center – blue back square–best in ct.