The readers have spoken! The 'Best of Prince William' results are revealed
By SUSAN L. NEER
Special Features Editor
The balloting has closed, the votes are counted, and for another year, the "Best of Prince William" have been selected by the readers of Manassas Journal Messenger, Potomac News, PW Pulse and InsideNoVa.com.
Once again, as in previous years' balloting, the 2008 Best of Prince William voting was unusual from the start. Early on, write-in ballots were forecasting "things as usual," but when the online balloting suddenly kicked in, the scenery underwent quite a change. This year's voting once again resembled a contest between "east end and west end" with our neighbors in the Gainesville-Haymarket area really voicing their opinions, especially when it came to eateries. Many new entrants were welcomed in the poll this year, most notably, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Pickle Bob's and the American Tap Room.
While we didn't use the expertise of the international accounting firm Price Waterhouse Coopers of national acclaim, we do have a reliable accounting of the County's favorites. From eastern end to western end and all points in between, Prince William residents are pretty resolved in their choices of "favorites," from "happy hour spot" to "hottest wings" and "shopping mall" to "favorite traffic problem."
Nearly 1,000 of you responded to our annual Best of Prince William poll, and many again going the extra mile and adding personal comments such as "my daughter behind the wheel" and "cars, trucks, buses and motorcycles and the drivers who drive them" when responding to "Worst Traffic Hazard," and "Loretta, my neighbor …" for the "Most Informative Gossip Center." This respondent was kind enough to provide Loretta's phone number, too!
As with every year's "Best of Prince William" results, the finalists have been a closely guarded secret, known only to myself and a few high-ranking CIA officials, until now when the winners and second and third place finishers will be released.
In addition, we have six respondents who are winners as well: James Allison of Dale City who won a $100 gift certificate to Bistro L'Hermitage; Kristina Kressler, winner of a $50 gift certificate to Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar; Aleeta Kilpatrick and Kathy Cumber, both winners of $50 gift certificates to Giant Foods; and Sue Danielson and Rachel Kirkland, winners of $25 gift certificates to the Eagle's Nest. Congratulations to the winners!
In the next few pages, your "favorites" are listed, accompanied by a few photos to tempt you into trying a new place to eat, to shop or to visit. We have also provided profiles of some of the favorites in an effort to introduce them to everyone.
We know that no poll can ever relate the true value the county's residents hold for its services, shopping and recreational facilities and schools. If we've learned anything from this year's, "Best of Prince William," we've discovered that once again, those living and working here value the quality of life available in Prince William. They value the vast opportunities they have before them and the day-to-day things their friends and neighbors do to ensure these possibilities and opportunities continue to be available. The real winners of the "Best of Prince William" are you, the citizens! Congratulations on truly being "The Best of Prince William!"
* Editor's Note: Media General Northern Virginia Media Group would like to remind readers that the "Best of Prince William" poll is strictly for entertainment purposes, and in no way represents an endorsement for any individual or business over another. The poll is not intended to be a true scientific representation of respondent's feelings, but rather a "skimming of the surface" of readers' opinions.
Special Thanks to Our Generous Prize Sponsors: Giant Food, Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar, Bistro L'hermitage and Eagle's Nest.
Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar: Your Neighborhood Hangout
Remember the gang at "Cheers"– Sam and Diane, Coach, Woody, Norm, Cliff and Carla? The infamous bar and grille was the setting for regulars to share their experiences and lives with each other while gathering in the neighborhood hangout "where everybody knows your name."
The show may have come to its end, but neighborhood gathering spots like Cheers are alive and well, and one is right here in our own county-Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar in the heart of Lake Ridge.
Brittany's is a family-owned and operated restaurant and sports bar with real "hands on owners" who take pride in making customers feel like they're one of the family, and always welcome to sit and pass the time of day. Regulars do know each other's names, their kids' names and who their favorite teams are. In fact, many of today's regulars most likely spent their younger years eating French fries and spilling sodas in the dining room while their parents watched the Steelers on Sunday.
Brittany's served terrific pasta, steaks, seafood, salads and soup and wings then, and still does today.
The tradition of making everyone feel at home and caring about their customers continues, and was recently brought to the attention of people throughout the county when Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar asked the public to help them rally around one of the establishment's employees, Catherine "Cat" Alberts, whose daughter, Frances, is battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. The restaurant's owners invited the public to join them on May 17 for dinner and drinks with the restaurant contributing 25% of all sales generated in the dining room to help Frances battle the disease. From all reports, the evening was a success.
Participation in community events and demonstrating support of the local community isn't new to Brittany's owners and employees. Since the restaurant opened, the Lake Ridge community has known it could turn to Brittany's for more than great food and fun, which might be another reason the local hot spot has repeatedly been a "Favorite" among Prince William residents in the annual "Best of Prince William" contest.
This year, Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar again earned a warm place in residents' heart, placing third as "Best Happy Hour Spot," "Best Place to Meet People" and "Hottest Wings." It also landed a strong second place finish as "Coldest Beer" in the county!
And this year, Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar became one of the contest's sponsors, donating a gift certificate for food and fun to one lucky respondent.
Always filled with fun-loving people and staff, Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar can be depended upon to continue to provide a great place for old friends – and friends yet to be made – to get together and celebrate life.
For more information, call Brittany's at 703-730-0728, or visit www.brittanysrestaurant.com. Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar is located at 12449 Dillingham Square in the Lake Ridge area.
– Susan L. Neer
Bistro L'herimtage: Escape from your hectic lifestyle
There is so much to do in today's hectic society. Taking care of clients, trying to find time to spend with your children and battling hours of traffic. It's essential to find a place where you can relax, visit with friends, and enjoy a glass of wine chosen to compliment your meal.
Bistro L'hermitage, in Woodbridge, has a cozy cottage atmosphere that invites you to unwind as you enjoy the fine dining of a French country cafe. Owner and host Youssef Eagle Essakl, a long-time D.C. restaurateur, welcomes his guests along with Master Chef Dawn Burkart and Sommelier Boone Sirimoungkhoun.
The restaurant offers a variety of hors d'oeuvres, fresh salads, seasoned scallops and mouth-watering steaks. Specials are often presented and may include entrees such as: mussels au gratin with tomato, garlic and vermouth sauce; or lamb shank prepared in rosemary thyme sauce with polenta. There is also a mouth watering dessert list that has, among several, Mousse au Chocolat, Sorbet et Crème, and Assiette de Fromage.
L'hermitage also offers a wine selection chosen specifically for the entrees. Most of the wines come from Europe but the cellar also offers selections from California and Virginia.
For more information visit www.bistrolhermitage.com or call 703-499-8550 for reservations.
– L. A. Eaton, Staff
Secret of the Eagle's Nest is Out!
Julie Fagan isn't quite sure how it happened, but she is living the dream of owning her own restaurant – the Eagle's Nest, at Prince William Marina in Woodbridge.
"I don't know how it came true, but I'm glad it did," she said. "I love it. It's a great joy. It's an adrenalin rush putting out the food."
Fagan has enjoyed the excitement of the restaurant business and polished her kitchen skills under the training of two Cornell University graduates. Opening Eagle's Nest last June was a life-long dream come true. "It's in my blood," she said. "I love the possibilities. You can change the menu and do what you want. You can try new things."
Because of the restaurant's exciting waterfront entrees and its casual elegance dining, Eagle's Nest has become known as one of the best-kept secrets around. The restaurant is not visible from the road but if you make your way towards the water behind the marina, you'll find a spacious indoor and outdoor dining facility.
Inside, Fagan will greet you as oone of her special guests. "I'm always out in the dining room because I know my staff can handle the kitchen," she said. "I like being out with the customers and I've gotten close to a lot of them."
While she is mingling with guests, her cooking staff will prepare any number of made-from-scratch dishes like the Filet Mignon topped with Jumbo Lump Crab and Hollandaise Sauce, or Almond Crusted Tilapia. And of course, there is Key Lime Pie for dessert.
"All our food is made from scratch. A lot of the recipes are my own," she said. "I'm very picky about what goes out there."
The staff is very supportive of helping to provide a quality dining experience, she says. "I have a great crew. They helped me get to this point, [and] I try to take care of them. I want everyone to enjoy coming to work."
Visitors will enjoy the mouth-watering seafood entrees as they relax inside or outside on the deck that seats 200 people. Eagle's Nest welcomes large parties and can cater special events such as weddings. Boaters can also take advantage of the picnic basket service which is available by order and can be delivered to your boat. There are also special theme nights, a Sunday brunch overlooking the marina, and Happy Hour at the indoor/outdoor bar.
For more information visit www.pwmarina.com and click on "About Us" or call 703-494-6791.
– L. A. Eaton, Staff
Prince William "Have a Giant on Their Side"
Giant Food Stores has been a leader in the grocery industry and is still Prince William County's favorite place to buy groceries, according to The Best of Prince William. Giant was named favorite grocery store, second favorite pharmacy behind CVS, and third favorite bakery.
The grocery store not only carries a broad range of food and household items, but has its own wine center and deli, and also offers health tips and recipes.
Giant's experienced pharmacists fill prescriptions seven days a week and the pharmacy is considered a convenient one-stop shopping trip. The store's bakery features artisan breads and rolls and gourmet cakes and tarts.
The super grocery store began its 70-year history by establishing itself in Washington, D.C. in 1936 and today, there are 68 Giants in Virginia. All together, Giant operates 202 Giant Food and Super G Supermarkets in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, New Jersey and Washington D.C.
It was in 1936, N.M. Cohen and Samuel Lehrman, decided to introduce a new concept in food markets in the Washington area. The public consumer was on the hunt for lower prices so it seemed logical to these men to replace high markups with high volume.
The founders reasoned that a large store that sold a lot of goods and operated on a self-services basis could afford to sell the food.
Today Giant Foods is involved in the community with programs that provide funding and in-kind assistance to hundreds of charitable events and causes, such as schools, churches and synagogues and civic community groups. For more information visit www.giantfood.com.
– L. A. Eaton, Staff
Bright, Clean Lowe's a 'favorite shopping experience'
Lowe's Hardware Stores are visited by 14 million shoppers a week, in the United States and in Canada with more than 1,550 stores in operation. So it's not ‘oo much of a surprise how popular the store has been locally, taking first place in two categories in "The Best of Prince William" poll.
With its bright, clean, and roomy atmosphere, shoppers are attracted to the pleasant shopping experience whether they are looking to rebuild their kitchens or just need a few extra tools around the house. Prince William County residents were so impressed with Lowe's that they named it "Best Home Improvement Store" and "Best Lawn/Garden Equipment Center" in the county.
There are 60 stores in Virginia including one in North Manassas, Gainesville, and Dale City. There are also 24 stores in Maryland.
Since Lowe's stores opened in 1946 in North Carolina, the staff and management has been committed to lower prices and superior customer service. Its knowledgeable employees have contributed to the success of the store as the second largest home-improvement retailer in the world and the ninth largest retailer in the U.S.
Helping customers to beautify their homes, Lowes stocks more than 40,000 products and many more are available by special request. The store carries the world's leading brands such as Kichler lighting, Hitachi tools, John Deere lawn tractors, Samsung and Whirlpool appliances and Valspar paint.
Lowe's is ranked #48 on the FORTUNE 500 and has been awarded the EPA & U.S. department of Energy STAR Award for six consecutive years.
Lowe's is also community involved with volunteers in natural disaster response and education-based initiatives. In 2007, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation contributed more than $27.5 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada.
H.Carl Buchan began the Lowe's legacy when he was part owner of the North Wilkesboro Hardware Company in North Carolina. He envisioned creating a chain of hardware stores and began with the small town store that sold everything from overalls and snuff to wash tubs and horse collars.
For more information visit www.lowes.com.
– L. A. Eaton, Staff
Respondents are winners, too
Who can't use an extra $50 to purchase groceries or a gift certificate to a fabulous local eaterie? Six of our nearly 1,000 "Best of Prince William" poll respondents were selected by
Local residents were able to vote for their favorite establishments in Prince William, and were then eligible for prizes. Several hundred residents voted both by newspaper submissions and online at InsideNoVa.com. Giant Foods, the Eagle's Nest, Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar and Bistro L'hermitage donated gift certificates to be given to the winning respondents.
Giant donated four $25 gift certificates and the winners are Kathy Cumber of Gainesville ($50) and Aleeta Kilpatrick ($50).
James Allison of Dale City was the lucky winner of the $100 gift certificate to the new French restaurant, Bistro L'hermitage. The restaurant specializes in mouth-watering delicacies created right in its Occoquan location.
Allison was thrilled when told he won, saying, "Thanks a million!"
Perennial neighborhood "favorite," Brittany's Restaurant & Sports Bar donated a $50 card to one lucky poll respondent. Kristin Kressler was the fortunate winner selected to use her gift filling up on wings or Brittany's terrific burgers!
Waterfront newcomer The Eagle's Nest generously donated two $25 gift certificates for winning respondents. Rachel Kirkland and Sue Danielson were selected and can dine on the restaurant's fabulous seafood creations created by Chef Jack Pieri.
– Susan L. Neer
'You've got a great neighbor with State Farm'
Everyone knows the jingle, "And like a good neighbor….State Farm is there." And it's apparent that the insurance company has been a great neighbor for local residents who gave it top honors in The Best of Prince William.
Over 15 offices in the county have helped create the superior reputation of State Farm, which was voted "Best Insurance Company." The company insures more cars than any other insurer in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer. State Farm is supported by over 17,000 agents and 68,000 employees who handle over 75 million fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada. State Farm was among the "40 Best Companies for Diversity" and "15 Best in Marketing Diversity" in Black Enterprise Magazine's 2007 rankings.
The insurance company also offers other services such as mutual funds accounts and accounts at the State Farm Bank which serves more than 1.9 million bank accounts. State Farm is also ranked as number 32 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.
In 1922 State Farm was founded by retired farmer and insurance salesman George Jacob "G.J." Mecherle He believed that farmers drove less and had fewer accidents than city drivers; therefore they should pay less for automobile insurance. The insurance company he worked for did not agree so he began his own business using a philosophy of insurance coverage at a fair price as well as fair claim settlement.
For more information visit www.statefarm.com.
– L. A. Eaton, Staff
| Favorite Veterinarian |
Woodbridge Animal Hospital |
| Favorite Pet Boarding |
Woodbridge Animal Hospital |
| Favorite Pet Grooming |
Pet Smart |
| Favorite Pet Store |
Pet Smart |
| Favorite New Car Sales/Domestic |
Cowles Parkway Ford |
| Favorite New Car Sales/Imported |
Miller Toyota Scion |
| Favorite Used Car Sales |
Shannon Auto Sales |
| Favorite Independent Repair Shop |
Steve's Auto Repair, Inc. |
| Favorite Car Wash |
Tackett's Mill Car Wash |
| Favorite Landscape Consultant |
English Country Gardens |
| Favorite Builder |
Mike Garcia Homes |
| Favorite Electrician |
William Root, Inc. |
| Favorite Plumber |
My Plumber |
| Favorite House Painter |
D&H Home Improvement |
| Favorite Realtor/Commercial |
Edie Bierly & Mike Allen |
| Favorite Realtor/Residential |
Edie Bierly |
| Favorite Plant Center/Nursery |
Meadows Farms |
| Favorite Lawn & Garden Equipment Store |
Lowe's Home Improvement Center |
| Favorite Lawyer |
Kevin Childers |
| Favorite Bank |
BB&T |
| Favorite Mortgage Company |
Heltzel-Synergy One Mortgage Company |
| Favorite Insurance Company |
State Farm Insurance |
| Favorite Accountant |
Bamsey Accounting & Tax Service |
| Favorite Senior Living Facility |
Caton Merchant House |
| Favorite Hospital |
Prince William Hospital |
| Favorite Pharmacy |
CVS (all locations) |
| Best Place to Meet People |
Woodbridge Inn |
| Best Cocktails |
Cheeseburger in Paradise |
| Favorite Bartender/ette |
Susan Harris Jones @ Woodbridge Inn |
| Favorite Happy Hour Spot |
Cheeseburger in Paradise |
| Favorite Fine Dining Restaurant |
Carrabba's Italian Grill |
| Favorite Casual/Family Restaurant |
Glory Days Grill |
| Favorite Mexican/Latino Restaurant |
El Charro Mexican Restaurant |
| Favorite Asian Restaurant |
Sakura |
| Favorite American Cuisine |
Glory Days Grill |
| Favorite Meal in a Hurry |
Chick-fil-A |
| Favorite Deli |
Subway |
| Favorite Pizza |
Tony's NY Pizza (Mathis Ave.) |
| Favorite Bakery |
Panera Bakery |
| Coldest Beer |
Glory Days Grill |
| Favorite Coffee House/Vendor |
Starbucks |
| Hottest Wings |
Hooter's Restaurant |
| Favorite Shopping Mall |
Potomac Mills Mall |
| Favorite Grocery Store |
Giant Foods |
| Favorite Book Store |
Borders Books Music & Cafe |
| Favorite Department Store |
Kohl's |
| Favorite Hair Salon/Barber |
Hair Cuttery |
| Favorite Nail Salon |
Escape Nails |
| Favorite Gift Shop |
Hallmark Gifts |
| Favorite Antique Shop |
Iron Horse Antiques |
| Favorite Florist |
Flower Gallery of Manassas |
| Favorite Appliance Store |
Sears |
| Favorite Music Store |
Best Buy |
| Favorite Office Supply Store |
Staples |
| Favorite Furniture Store |
Value City |
| Favorite Sporting Goods Store |
Dick's Sporting Goods |
| Favorite Place to Buy Wine |
Total Wine & More |
| Favorite Health Food Store |
GNC |
| Favorite Home Improvement Store |
Lowe's Home Improvment Center |
| Favorite Jeweler |
Quinn's Goldsmith |
| Favorite Dry Cleaner |
Glen Cleaners |
| Favorite Computer Retail/Service |
Best Buy |
| Favorite Internet Provider |
Comcast |
| Favorite Library |
Chinn Park Regional Library |
| Favorite Community Center |
Chinn Aquatic & Fitness Center |
| Favorite Day Care Center |
Minnieland Private Day School, Inc. |
| Favorite Support Group |
Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Fire Department |
| Favorite Art Gallery |
Candy Factory (Center for the Arts) |
| Favorite Movie Theater |
AMC @ Potomac Mills |
| Favorite Place to Hear Live Music |
Nissan Pavilion |
| Favorite Performing Arts Group |
Academy of Russian Ballet |
| Favorite Recreation Facility |
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center |
| Favorite Golf Course |
General's Ridge Golf Course |
| Favorite Tennis Courts |
Montclair Country Club |
| Favorite Swimming Pool |
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center |
| Favorite Fitness Center |
Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center |
| Favorite Elementary School |
Coles Elementary |
| Favorite Middle School |
Benton Middle School |
| Favorite High School |
Woodbridge SHS |
| Favorite Sports Program (school) |
Osbourn HS football |
| Favorite Private School |
Seton School |
| Favorite Local Attraction |
Manassas National Battlefield Park |
| Favorite Motel/Hotel |
Holiday Inn |
| Favorite Travel Agency |
Junction Travel |
| Favorite Mass Transit |
Virginia Railway Express (VRE) |
| Favorite Commuter Road |
HOV lanes on I-95 |
| Worst Traffic Hazard |
Interstate 95 |
| Oddest Place in Prince William |
Town of Dumfries |
| Most Informative Gossip Center |
Occoquan Post Office |
| Most Unusual Sign |
Immigration rights sign |
| Funniest Local Event |
Prince William County Fair |
|
The readers have spoken! The 'Best of Prince William' results are revealed
