t 0 the Restaumnt Pbotograpby by Cbris Clm·k

BEST IN SOUTH OKANAGAN The Country Squire. Those fortunate to have dined at the Country Squire say it is more of an event than a simple night out for a meal. Proprietors Ron and Pat Dyck live a restauranteur's dream every day. Patrons first endure the picturesque drive out to Nararnata (or arrive by boat or plane). Then they share r readers have a five course dinner, that SIIXNCen! Once again! L.:a t year's takes aU evening, with 32 reader's poll was such a huge success other lucky diners. During the breaks between courses, that e doubled our number of 'Best of' guests have a chance to categories this year. relax and explore the property's lakeshore setting. Now you can find out what Okana­ 2nd: Theo's . ganites consider to be the 'Best of the 3rd: GraJmy Bogner's.

Rest,' including best place to buy BEST IN NORTH shoes, lingerie, fresh vegetables; best OKANAGAN Demetre's Steak House. T.V. and radio personalities, realtor; Since 1984 Demetre's has best Okanagan tradition and much, been known for its delicous much more. Greek cuisine and large portions. Owner Jim In order to vote, readers clipped the Diamantopoulos is happy ballot from our Summer issue of with the addition of Sir Wmston's Pub adjoining Okanagan Life and mailed in their them, for those who like an choices. extra beverage before or after dinner. Locals know Now you have it. Your year-long that if you want to dine at guide to the best the Okanagan has to offer. Once again it confirms that our Valley is a great place to live! naga

Demetre's on the memorable. 2nd: (tie) place for great pizza in a weekends you had better Finer Choice; de fun, family atmosphere. In reserve well in advance. Montreuil. 3rd: (tie) the Okanagan it's no 2nd: (tie) Boa Thong Thai Guisachan House; Earl's. different-although they Restaurant; The may be looking over their Courtyard Garden; Earl's. BEST ATMOSPHERE shoulder. Joey Tomato's 3rd: Intermezzo Eldorado Hotel. A has moved up one notch Restaurant. peacefullakefront setting, since last year. 2nd: Joey 180• view of the water, Tomato's. 3rd: (tie) Boston BEST SERVICE elegant heritage decor Pizza; Breadeaux. Vmtage Dining Room. (reproduction of the Some say the best service original hotel) and BEST BURGER is not even noticed. No candlelight dining. 'Nuff' Burger Baron. Owner sooner have you thought said! The 'El' were Rob Ohlmann is quick to it, than it's there. Well, runaway winners in this admit that Burger Baron Vmtage Room servers are category again this year. doesn't try to impress with not quite mind readers, 2nd: Joey Tomato's. 3rd: their looks, but he is proud but they are the epitome of (tie) Thea's; de Montreuil. of their continuing reign as politeness and the purveyor of the best professionalism. Overseen BEST PIZZA burger in the valley. Unless by Maitre'd Bart Dorssers Pizza Hut. "Pizza Hut, it's sunny outside bring (said to be a 'Tom Cruise nothing but!" Their slogan your bib, as you may want look-a-like') the staff takes must be working' People to pull over after your pride in making every all over the world 'drive thru' to consume dining experience recognize 'the Hut' as a this delectable, homemade

offering before you get seafood restaurant: one, home. 2nd: Red Robin. choose a good name; two, 3rd: White Spot. sell fresh fish so you have a continuous fresh supply; BEST STEAK three, start cooking. The Keg. Comfortable in Cod father's has followed the their expanded 'comer of formula to a 'T,' vaulting Water St. and Lawrence into the top spot in this Ave.' location in Kelo~vna category less than a year (they've added Keg Caesar's after beginning to serve lounge), the Keg continues meals in their new to impress Okanaganites Guisachan Village location. with their succulent steaks. 2nd: Christopher's. 3rd: Patrons also talk about the Pelican's Landing. impressive, life-like chalk art by full time Keg artist Rob BEST RIBS Bowen, which adds a unique (tie) Adel's Creekside signature to their fun Ribhouse and Earl's atmosphere. 2nd: Restaurant. The Christopher's Steak & Abougoush clan at Adel's say Seafood Restaurant. 3rd: people like their ribs not (tie) Vmtage Dining Room; just because they use Cattle Country. premium products that are steamed to just the right tenderness, but because they BEST SEAFOOD can't resist their homemade Codfather's Seafood Deli. sauces. Not so fast, says Three steps to a successful Earl. He claims the ribs at his restaurant are "fall off the bone tender" too, and are prepared with their unbeatable barbecue sauce. Guess we'll have to wait until next year for a tie-breaker. 2nd: Swiss Chalet. 3rd: Boston Pizza and Kelly 0' Bryans.

"Winn ... in more ways than one" SERVICE & REPAIRS • DOMESTIC & IMPORTS

355 Spedding Court (in the Banks Centre) • (250) 861-3454

BEST APPETIZERS Kelly 0' Bryan's. Up and down the valley folks know that it will take a little longer to order from the Kelly O's book, oops, that is, menu. Page after page filled with tasty appies and much more (including a little 'Blarney' of course) makes decision making a little tougher. Veterans know they can't go wrong with a plateful of Kelly O's famous, 'patented' Pachos. 2nd: (tie) Earl's; Hotel Eldorado; Joey c:rJJome aulJ experience the magic aulJ the all11re u(; Tomato's. @511mmerllill @;Jtafe JViuerl/· $2Jiscemiug taste b11lJs BEST will npprl'riafe o11r &J. crJ. gromu 100% all-uaf11m/. Cheesecake Cafe. Their name says it all. wines aulJ piJmmilJ agelJ chroiiiJ(Jfllles with 110 Easy winners for the second year in a row, s11lpllites alJlJt•lJ. ();(}f,IJ settle fjor '"~in orlJiuaire' despite some impressive competition, the

Jl}hfiiiJOII COli haJJI' ffte r:::f/Jes f at e5tt/lllllerftillf Cheesecake Cafe stakes its reputation on delicious (you guessed it) cheesecakes and big servings. Ask for a piece of cake and be prepared to eat like the Jolly Green Giant. fl870 c:rJJimte df!ake dl?oalJ, @ (elowua, eJJ. crJ. 2nd: Vmtage Dining Room. 3rd: (tie) Water Plllail: SIIJ/IJI/Clhi//.si/k.urf Street Grill; Abbott's Dining Room. C(;;elephoue 76lj...8000 or 1-800-667-3538 BEST ASIAN Mekong Restaurant. When Dan Truong escaped from Vietnam as a refugee 17 years ago, little did he know he would give so many people pleasure by serving them taste n·eats from his native country. This place really ILLICHMANN sizzles. Szechuan, that is, right at your table. SAUSAGE & DELICATESSEN LTD. Plus the view of the Lake and Dow Reid\; 'Sails' at the foot of Bernard are an added enjoyment. 2nd: Mon Thong Thai Food Restaurant. 3rd: Chinese Laundry. a "' <;': BEST BREAKFAST International House of Pancakes (IHOP). Any restaurant with 'pancakes' in its name is bound to do well in the early morning fare category. This was a close race, but lliOP managed to maintain the number one position it claimed last year. Maybe it's just that people know that breakfast has got to be good where

OKANAGANLIFEFALL 1996 • 16 it claimed that Kelly O's pioneered before ordering. Don't be too the 'free birtl1day dinner.' If they concerned, however, since didn't, tl1ey may just be the best everytlling that proprietor and chef known for it. Like they say, "There's Grant de J\llont:reuil concocts is only two kinds of people in the delicious. 2nd: Joey Tomato's. 3rd: world: those that are Irish ... and J\llon Thong Thai Restaurant. d1ose who want to be Irish" .. . because they know how to have a BEST MEAL FOR THE good time! 2nd: Hotel Eldorado. MONEY 3rd: (tie) Joey Tomato's; The Oodles Restaurant. ''Ve got lots of Vintage Room. answers in this category, which is good, si nce lots of restaurants are BEST PLACE TO TAKE apparently feeding tl1eir pao·ons OUT-OF-TOWNERS well Oodles skyrocketed to the Hotel Eldorado. You can't beat a front of tl1e pack in their first year. BEST COFFEE mixture of heritage, fine dining and Owner Bill Raine, who hopes to HOUSE I BISTRO tl1e allure of the lake to provide a franchise his new Kelowna pasta Stau·bucks. First the world, then visitor with an culinary highlight. house, says they serve over 100 pasta the Okanagan. Starbucks Plus guests have their choice of a combinations and vows no one will entered the loca l market with a lively lounge, elegant dining room leave hungry. 2nd: Joey Tomato's. big splash (of coffee!). T here are or casua l patio on the water's edge. 3rd: (tie) Finer Choice, Kell y 0' now five outlets from Penticton 2nd: Earl 's. 3rd: Joey Tomato's. Bryans and 'Vater So·eet Grill. to Vernon, with a sixth on tl1e way (opening this month) in BEST WINE SELECTION BEST EATING ADVENTURE vVestbank. Coffee lovers love The Vmtage Dining Room. Wine de Montreuil. This categ01y also this influ,x of gourmet java lovers enjoy the VIntage Dining got a wide variety of votes, including imbibing spots. 2nd: Bohemian Room for a variety of reasons. Greg the snack bar in City Park. That the 'boys in blue' (okay, black, Bagel. 3rd: Perks. Capozzi of tl1e Capri claims they wasn't quite the kind of adventure yellow and uh, gray) frequent. have one of the \videst selection of we had in mind. For those tl1at take 2nd: Smitty's. 3rd: ~White Spot. BEST DELl wines by the glass, which allows their eating adventures seriously, de Bunches Bistro/Deli City. their guests to sample different J\llontreuil was the top vote-getter. BEST BUSINESS LUNCH The operative word for vintages with tl1eir food. Each It's definitely tl1e place to go for PJ's Allstar Cafe. 'iVhen you're Bw1Ches and Deli City for '96 month tl1ey also celebrate a "' Vinery something attached to the largest mall was 'eJo;pansion.' People love between and Calgmy tl1eir light, fresh fare, their you have to excel! at providing energetic and friendly service quick service for masses of and their entertainment nights hungry people. Perhaps this is so much that their new Deli why P]'s did so well in this City Cafe at Kelowna Crossing category: good food and fast and Deli City and Bunches service in a lively, cosmopolitan Bistro combination in Acorn environment. Plus their famous Plaza on the vVestside are all "Fat Tuesdays" are very popular. doing well. Plus they have been 2nd: Earl's On Top. 3rd: (tie) one of the valley's top caterers Divino's Cafe;JoeyTomatoes; since 1984. 2nd: Bohemian de Montreuil. Bagel. 3rd: J\llediterranean Market. BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH Chateau Dining Room (Lake BEST HOTEL Okanagan Resort). This is RESTAURANT always a close race. Last year the Hotel Eldorado. The 'El' won Chateau and the 'El' tied for by a nose in this race. Ever since of the ~Month," showcasing the first. Both offer a fabulous owner Jim Nixon made histOiy of the winery and their spread in a spectacular location. headlines in 1990 by floating wines. And, of course, their wine Sunday brunch at Lake the old Eldorado Arms Hotel list featmes excellent Old and Okanagan Resort begins with a up the lake to the present New Vlorld wines. 2nd: Finer picturesque drive along the location, and then restoring it to Choice. 3rd: The Country shores of Okanagan Lake. its historical glory, the hotel has Squire. Diners then enjoy the peaceful been a popular venue for diners. sunoundings from the newly Chef Brian senres up a MOST CREATIVE MENU re-decorated dining room, while wonderful selection of savoury de Montreuil. In an effort to savoring the world class work of delights in the Hotel's various make Chef Dave Ryan. Chef Ryan dining spots. 2nd: The VIntage things simple, de Montreuil was one of eight chefs Room (Coast Capri Hotel). 3rd: offers a choice of appetizers, representing at the '96 The Dolphins Restaurant (The entrees, desserts, etc. on one Culinary Olympics this Grand Okanagan). easy to read page at one easy September in Berlin. 2nd: price. But that's where the Eldorado Hotel. 3rd: VIntage BEST PLACE TO simplicity ends. You're always Dining Room. CELEBRATE sure to find 'the unusual' on the Kelly 0' Bryans. vVe've heard list. Be prepared to ask questions

OKANAGAl'l LIFE FALL 1996 • I 7 Specializing in silks, mens and ladies fine fashions, draperies, and much more.

Mission Cleaners Serving t!Je Okanagan for 20 years. 763-4521 19- 3155 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna, B.C.

He shoots, He scores!

Teemu Kalossi

Creations by TURBULENCE • 10 years roasting experience The slat-e that sets you ... apart! • Espresso machines sales & service • Large portfolio of loose teas deliciously different. 2nd: (tie) Joey Tomato's and The Country Squire. 3rd: Mon Tho/lg THE BLACK Thai Restaw-ant.

BEST PLACE TO EAT AND HEAR ~{!J~lfl LIVE MUSIC CAPRI CENTRE Swiss Italia. Besides the fabulous European 868-0420 cuisine, pan·ons fi·equent the Swiss Italia to Phone enjoy the sounds of Marcel playing the 861-4733 alphorn, violin or mandolin on Friday and l hank you for voting us in the lop l hree RETAIL HOURS: Saturday nights. Always the consummate for the Best Place to buy 1\ \en's Clothing. 9- SPM l\ION-FRI • 10-4PM SATURDAY entertainer, Marcel moves from table to table serenading each couple or group. 2nd: Kitchen Cowboy. 3rd: (ti e) Kelly O'Bty ans; Rose's Pub.

BEST PATIO DINING Hotel Eldorado. In the sunuuer the 'El' is the only pl ace you ca n actually full into the water if you lean too far back in your chair. You dine on the wharf (sort of) and benefit from cool lake breezes, warm sunshine and a parade of boats navigating the glittering water. Tllis category is always a contest between these top tlu·ee, aU having fabulous lakesid e view locations. 2nd: Earl 's. 3rd: Coyote's.

MOST ROMANTIC Hotel Eldorado. Formul a fo r romance: intimate lighting, a view of the sun setting over the water, a quiet corner for sensual

OKAt"'AGAI'\1 LIFE FALL 1996 • 18 suggestions, food that whets the appetite, a Eldorado, the Grand, , Rose's Pub, drink or two, or tlu-ee ... that's the Eldorado! Malibu, Perks, Star·bucks, Gyro Beach and 2nd: T he Vmtage Dining Room. 3rd: (tie) "any beach." T ip for people watching at the William's Inn and T he Finer Choice. park or a beach: dark sunglasses. Among the stack was one suggestion of the Willow Inn. BEST PUB GRUB Hnunm. 2nd: Orchard Park Mall. 3rd: T he Pheasant & Quail. It's in tl1e name. Just Sails. Thiessen kidding. They don't serve pheasa nt, or quail, but tlus quaint watering hole, modeled after an BEST PLACE TO TAKE THE KIDS old English pub of the same name, has been Children's Water Par·k. A place where kids known for good grub since first opening. They entertain themselves and the parents get to Petraroia sen'e a tasty selection of pasta and seafood, socialize and sunbathe. No contest! The Water along with regular pub fare, in a comfortable, Park was the runaway winner here. Parks and Business Lawyers alm ost restaurant-like setting. 2nd: McCuJloch hiking areas were popuJar choices. Among the Station Pub. 3rd: Black Mountain Brew Pub. other attractions named were Flintstones, "\1\Tt.!d Waters, Malibu Gra11d Prix, Old MacDonald\; BEST FAST FOOD Fam1 and Okeefe Ranch. Wonder what the Corporate-Commercial Wendy's. Dave says .. . thanks! Lots of people kids clUnk? 2nd: (tie) Scandia Golf a11d Games cla im it's those delicious square , and 2 Much Fun. 3rd: Wild n' "\Net. Real Estate Matters but we have the inside scoop on t!Us one. Our production department swears it's their Grilled BEST PLACE FOR A FIRST DATE Chicken (which they've been caught Hotel Eldorado. It's no surprise that the sneaking out to get). 2nd: Dairy Queen. 3rd: restaurant voted to have the Best Atmosphere Burger King and Taco Time. and to be the Most Roma11tic won here. Nothing like a candlelight dinner and a BEST KEPT SECRET roma11tic sunset to impress your date. Other The Gathering Room. Tucked away in Tutt 'Don Juan' suggestions: 2 Much Fun, winery Thank you to Street Square in the Mission, t!Us Victorian tea tour, City Park, Knox Mountain, the patio at room is enjoyed by all who discover it. 1:\vin Lakes Golf Course, Westbank Bowling Okanagan Life readers Included with Devonshire cream and scones Alley, the Fintry Queen and a bunch of other for tea, or your choice of a lunchtime delicacy, romantic spots. We thought "the back seat of a for choosing us as one is a browse tlu-ough their gift shop and a walk tlu-ough the fascinating boutiques in the of the top three Square. 2nd: (tie) de Montreuil and The Country Squire. 3rd: Mama Rosa 's . Law Firms in places the Okanagan BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE WATCHING for 1996. City Park. Judging by the answers in tlus category the only two places people congregate is near the water or in malls. Conveniently, there are usually benches in bom places, occupied by people blankly staring at me masses wandering by. City Park in Kelowna takes the honors here, still me place to see people walking, playing, S\vinu-ni.ng, eating and William J.Thiessen sunbailiing. Other answers included: vVaterfront Park, Water St. Grill, me DominicA. Petraroia

Dilworth Centre 200-1640 Leckie Rd. Kelowna, B.C. VIX 7C6

Ph: 861-5332 Fax: 861-8772

OKANAGAN LIFE FALL 1996 • 19 car" and "the Love Shop" might be lengtl1, and the fruit o·ees that line each moving a tad too fast 1 2nd: Movies. fairway, take their toll on tl1 e unwary 3rd: Water Street Grill. golfer. 2nd: (tie) Kelowna Golf & Counoy Club; Quail Ridge. 3rd: BEST PLACE TO PROPOSE Gallagher's Canyon. Knox Mountain. It\; a little rocky to kneel on but the view is great. The BEST PUB OR so·ateg)' is to so overwhelm her with the NEIGHBORHOOD BAR beautiful scenery that she overlooks the McCulloch Station. \Vow, judging by zit on your chin and the nervousness in the votes, everybody has their favorite yotlr voice. If she says 'no' you can watering hole! McCuLloch Station ca me conveniently threaten to jwnp off a out in front in a tight race. It's a little bit cliff. Good scenety, flowers and nature out of the way (like many in tiJis were comn1on themes in many of the category are) but once people find it answers. The romantic couple who they like tl1e lively aonosphere, the suggested the back seat of a car for a o·anquil orchard surrow1dings and tl1e first date felt it was an all-purpose food. Having two golf comses next location. They suggest proposing there door and another just up the road also as weLl. (Sounds to us like tl1ere's a story helps. 2nd: Pheasant and Quail. 3rd: behind tlus one). 2nd: Hotel Eldorado. (tie) Tmtle Bay; Rose's; 97 Street Pub. 3rd: Kasugai Gardens. BEST PLACE TO REGAIN BEST GOLF COURSE SANITY Harvest Golf Club. This is always At home or in the yard. A smprising one of the most closely contested \vinnerl People really do see their home categories. People love to golf in the as a sanctumy from the hustle and Okanagan and love their golf comses. bustle of 90's living. Well ... not AJmost every golf course in the va lley everybody. One reader with an was named. Harvest Golf Club may obviously hectic home life sa id "at have got the nod because it presents a work." The range of answers included fabulous view of the lake and valley lots of nature spots (Idabel Lake, &·om the East Kelowna bench it's Ellison Park, Knox Mountain, perched upon. The comse is not tl1at Okanagan Mm. Park, Bear Creek Park, intinudating at first glance, but its etc.), activities (walking in Peachland, Thanks for the Vote We're proucl to lie a finalist The technology exists today to fully automate your home - at a sensible price. in "Best of tlte Olcanagan"l Before you build, consider "future-proofing" Why tiCl your home by taking a look at the most up­ Buy P' • Complete Computer Solutions to-date systems available. They provide the • Support for all network types V IS Y rs in Business ultimate in home convenience and, in most • Internet access and services cases, savings too. V In-St ore Servic e: v Trained Technicians • Local Service and Support v Competitive Pricing See our "intelligent" solutions today! v Professional Savic~ • Nine certified technical staff v L~a.smg & R~ntal s "' Aulhorizations ,.. IBM ASI • · COMPtAQ ~ Visit us today and experience Symphony HN 0 V E L L 13oz:1:m the NCI difference! =-;; ~~ THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS CO. 865 Glenwood Avenue Northern ~Computer 860-9929 ====·====·= •• COMPAQ OKANAGAl'l LIFE FALL 1996 • 20 rumling in S.E. Kelowna, floating on clientele tlu·oughout the region the River Channel, fishing, bicycling, (whew!). Actually we heard that all golfing, skiing) and restamants, plus those golf tees handed out by Larry the more aesthetic such as Beyond Salloum, labelled "We sue for you," \Vrapture Urban Day Spa, Kelowna may have given them the extra boost Art Gillery and Okanagan Game needed to win this popularity race. Farm! 2nd: Wated'ront Park. 3rd: 2nd: Tlliessen Petraroia. 3rd: Boating on the lake. Pushor Mitchell.

BEST AUTO MECHANIC services (tie) Canadian Tire and Wmn Automotive. The big guy vs. the BEST DRY CLEANER little guy. Canadian Tire was one of Busy Bee. No it's not a franchise. the first to make auto repair an Spall Plaza Busy Bee owner Ian Blackford says the secret of their success is having good, long-tem1 employees and state-of-the-art equipment in order to consistently provide excellent service. \iVe're sure everyone has received at least one Busy Bee coupon in tl1e mail. Ian swears by offering customers good deals, thereby increasing awareness of his business at the same time. 2nd: Capri Cleaners. 3rd: Mission Cleaners.

BEST LAW FIRM Salloum Doak. vVhat can you say about a law finn without getting sued? Salloum Doak is one of the longest serving law firms in the valley and, as such, has corporate and personal efficient 'art'-in a big way1 It's so popular, the \Nomen's Place amazing to watch ilieir has doubled in size in the last 'assembly line' service in full three years. It now provides 50 gear when you're one of the aerobics classes a week and all dozen desperate squls lined up equipment is designed with at the service counter first women in mind. \Vatch out tiling in the morrling. Wum guys, a new ladies only gym, Automotive, on the oilier The Train Station, tied for hand, was a one-man operation tlllrd. 2nd: Gold's Gym. 3rd: 11 years ago and has grown to (tie) Courtplex; The Train be a well-respected 10-person Station. (including five teclmicians) BEST ACCOUNTING auto repair company. The FIRM reason: "Honesty and serv:ic,e," MacKay and Partners. says owner Bruce \Ninn, "and "People like our people," says the little extra iliings we do to Don Tuni of NlacKay and take the pain ont of auto Partners. "Accountants have repair." 2nd: Jacobsen. 3rd: been accused of having the V\Tuliams' Service. personality of a stick, so we've kept that in nlind as we've BEST FITNESS CLUB grown." That explains why The Womens Place. No Don's client Christn1as parties muscle-bound males flexing in have been given the theme: front of the mirror can be seen "Accountants just wmma have here. The top fitness spot is a fi.m." Seriously, though, the club exclusively for women and MacKay gang has been in that's something owner Kelowna for 26 years and Noreen Dodgson is extremely offers a wide range of services, proud of. She has no qualms including tax and computer about the fact men are specialists. 2nd: Thallieimer & deliberately excluded from her Co. 3rd: (tie) Ruilierford gym. Her goal is to provide a Bazzett, Snowsell J ennens and "safe and non-threatening Peat Marwick Thome. environment for women." It is

OKANAGAI'\T LIFE FALL 1996 • 21 Rousseau's store on Pandosy working its magic. They finished a Street in the J\llission specializes i.n close second, with Don Folk quality Canadian handcrafts. It is a nipping at their heels. 2nd: veritable potpourri of interesting Jacobsens. 3rd: Don Folk Honda. items that fit every gift giving need and budget. "Our stock is BEST MAJOR RETAILER always changing," says Kathie. The Bay. vVhy do our readers "People enjoy seeing what's new love The Bay? Perhaps it's all since their last visit." Plus their those "Scratch n'Save" gift wrapping service may have promotions, or the five 'Bay garnered them a few extra votes dollars' that come with your credit (eh, guys?). 2nd: Pandoras Box. card statement, or perhaps it's the 3rd: (tie) Modern Accent; unexpected discount you get when Terwi lliger P. Jones. they enter the product number into their computer (didn't see the BEST COMPUTER STORE 'All J\IIen 's Hosiery On Sale' sign), Northern Computer. Buying a or maybe it's just that our readers computer can be a fi·ightening like the merchandise and fi·iendly, experience for the novice and no-pressure service. Or maybe it's intimidating for everyone else, the new look in the expanded since there are so many rapid Kelowna store ... 2nd: Eatons. changes in the indusny. "Our staff 3rd: Costco. is dedicated to providing a smooth transition into the computer BEST GARDEN CENTRE world," says Northern Computer's Art Knapp. VolU111e, value and Ross Dickie. He attributes their fi·iendly, knowledgable service are success to their professionalism the reasons behind Art Knapp's and stability (15 years). Plus, their success in the Okanagan ratio of one technician for e\7 ery according to Kelowna outlet sa lesperson amongst their 26 operator J effVander Zalm. Being employees indicates their a chain has enabled the ga rden

retail many readers prefer Emopean I flair. To proprietor Khalid Amin of Milano it's no surprise. He says BEST PLACE TO BUY his stores offer something WOMEN'S CLOTHING different for the discriminating (tie) Brambles and Scalas. ma le shopper with no Despite the apparent a·end compromise when it comes to towards shopping in big malls, quality. The Bay and independent two independent women's men's store, The Black Door, in retailers scored tops in the view of Capri Cenn·e were close runner­ our readers. Janice of Scalas calls ups in a race that featured big her Bernard Sn·eet store the "Holt retailers versus the special ists. Renfrew ofKelowna," and says 2nd: (tie) The Bay and The Black the boutique's popularity is due to Door. 3rd: Eatons. its uniqueness. "I wanted to create a store in Kelowna where women BEST PLACE TO BUY could buy the latest fashions LINGERIE without having to go to La Senza. People not only like commitment to service. 2nd: Vancouver." Brambles owner their lingerie, they like the name. London Drugs. 3rd: Future Ruth Munro would agree that Plus the convenience. Preferring Shop. both stores have provided high mall retailing, the La Senza chain quality clothing and excellent offers a wide range of styles and BEST AUTO DEALER customer service in building a prices. Local Kelowna boutiques Kelowna Plymouth Chrysler. loyal following. Kudos to all the lntimo and Fashion Foundations Ernie Falk's Kelowna Plymouth top finishers in this race, who sat gave them a run for their money. Cluysler was the readers' on top of a large pack of other They specialize in personal choice. We think it's because vote-getters. 2nd: Eatons. 3rd: service, with the latter offering nobody comes across better on (tie) Drydock and Lee and Kettle complete mastectomy services as T.V than Ernie does. In fact, Creek. well. 2nd: (tie) lntimo; Fashion he's so good we think he could Foundations. 3rd: Silk and Satin. produce his own talk show. Just BEST PLACE TO BUY tl1ink Ernie, now tl1at Donahue MEN'S CLOTHING MOST COOL GIFTS has retired .. . lumnm.Jacobsens Milano Clothing: Co. It appears Gull Cottage Gifts. Kathie "The Only Price" must be

OKAt'-JAGAN LIFE FALL 1996 • 2 3 The Woman's Place Health & Fitness awarded Top Fitness Facility in t he Okanagan region by BCRPA- 1994 & 1995. ESSENTIAL FITNESS FOR LIFE c!Re 9iloman's 4/ace HEALTH & FITNESS 123- 1889 SPRINGFIELD ROAD, PHONE 762-7255

"We want you to lov your hair"

!I ..Ill ~ A ..0 e centre to remain competitive and keep up with the trends, offering customers whatever is new Creative and Personalized Service and exciting in landscaping and gardening. However, these trends may at times be a little in HAIRCARE & ESTHETICS silly admits VanderZalm. He remembers a for men and women. time 20 years ago when eight-feet tall tomato #425-2339 Highway 97 North Kelowna, B.C. V1X 4H9 n·ees were all the rage. 2nd: (tie) Burnett's Nurseries and Bylands Nurseries. Jrd: Revy. Dilworth Centre 861-1868 BEST PLACE TO BUY FRE~H MEATS Model: BRANDlE, Hair: ROZ, Make-up: RAMONA SATAR, Foto: JIM MILL Wim's Freezer J\lleats. One witty rea der suggested Flashback's night club was the best place to find "fresh meat," but thankfully most people took the question seriousl)7. I.C.B.C.? Wrongful death or injury? The name may not • Help for the injured since 1971 • advertise it, but vVim's Freezer Meats has gained a • Protect your rights with prompt action • reputation for high quality fresh cuts during its 20 CALL years in business in 861-8005 KELOWNA Kelo\\~1a. The fact the 879-8811 VANCOUVER company now has three Okanagan locations speaks volumes for the loya l pan·onage '"Trm's has Sisett & Company enjoyed despite the growth TRIAL LAWYERS of majo r supermarket chains. 2nd: lllichmann & Son. Jrd: Costco.

OKANAGAN LIFE FALL !996 • 24 people . BEAUTIFUL FuRNITURE AND ACCESSORIES. BEST LOCAL WRITER QUALITY AND UNCOMPROMISING VALUE. OR COLUMNIST John Thomson.' JT,' as he is affectionately known, never thought he was much of a writer. But when he 6rst began his column for Oknnngrm Business magazin e, his collection of local and international busin ess facts, figures, gossip, wit and insight, deli vered in straightforward style, was instantly a winner. Niany have adm.itted it's a grea t read over a cup of coffee or a stint in the 'oval' offi ce. H e now writes twice weekl y for Tbe Dni6• Cotn-ier and is we ll known for his M ed.ia Marketing Club events. 2nd: Maeve Brerman. 3rd: John H arding.

BEST ALDERPERSON Raben Hobson. The teachers at Dorothea vVa lker Elementa1y School had no id ea tl1 at tl1e little H obson k.id in their first 'graduating' cl ass would grow up to be an infuential alderman in the City ofKelowna. Robert surprised us all by a1mouncing tl1 at he is not running for Mayor in the upcom.ing civic elections. T he others running for tl1e offi ce brea thed a sigh of relief, knowing tl1at Robert's hard work and colliDlon sense approach to issues have made him very popular. 2nd: (tie) A FAMILY TRADITION OF FINE HOME FURNISH INGS Ben Lee and Andre Blanliel. J1·d: Shirley Staley. 1788 BARO N ROAD, KELOWNA, B.C. VlX 7G9 • 860-4700

BEST ARTIST Robert Dow Reid. Robert's sculptnres,

OF THE LINE

ENERGY EFFICIENT AND INTELLIGENTLY DESIGNED . KELOWNA'S CROSLEY SALES AND SERVICE CENTRE.

We sell it all. New and used appliances are just the start. We also sell parts for all makes and models. Everything we sell, we service - at your place or ours. Offering 25 years of We Do It All! experience and credibility in Kelowna. Give us a call. D

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE SALES & SERVICE LTD. SHARP Microuoat >e.s & 23-1851 Kirsclmer Rd., Kelowna Vacuum Cleaners 763-2330 "Not just an appliance sales store!" (CROSLEY.)

OKANAGA1'1 LIFE FALL 1996 • 25 notably the Spirit ofSnit (or 'The Sails' as they world class wines. This tradition always are more commonly known) at the foot of coincides with the harvest, making it an even Bernard, Hnmtony in the Grand Okanagan greater time for visitors and residents alike. The life insurance plan Hotel's lobby and Rhapsody which graces the Not everybody is a wine-drinker, however. for the future is available roadside entrance to Waterfront Park, have One reader's favorite tradition is a visit to the today! In a tough become symbols ofKelowna and the beer gardens during Rutland May Days. To economic environment, Okanagan. Eight years ago Robert's hands each his own. It was nice to see Regatta, the we are looking for 'unveiled' our first issue, including a feature tradition that refused to die (thanks to Ernie GUARANTEES. Let me about himself. It's no surprise to us that the "Tmter and Kelly Blair), finish a close second. show you how this new plan can meet your needs popularity of his work places him at the top in 2nd: Regatta. 3rd: Ogopogo. Paul M. Mulvihill CHARTERED LIFE today and in the future . the minds of our readers. We'd love to publish UNDERWRITER Call me at 860-6403. the long list of names we received for this CELEBRITY YOU WOULD 860-6403 category, but suffice it to say that it's worth LIKE TO SEE MOVE HERE FAX: 861-3835 licensed with Mutual checking local art galleries for works of the Wayne Gretzky. Om guess: people voted for life of Canada/Mutual many accomplished and budding artists in the Wayne thinking we'd be sure to get a new a {I The Mutual Group lnvestco Inc., 11\i:.J Fa:irgTOIT

HAIR SALON 1996

TRENDSEITERSS H AIR STUDIO 577 !-awrence Avenue • Kelowna , B.C. (604) 763-8227

OKANAGAN LIFE FALL 1996 • 27 Dewey, Cut tern & Howe Hair Company Inc.

O RCHA R D PLA Z A # 14 0 • 1876 COOP E R ROAD KELOWNA 60 4•861•8442

C 0 M E A N D EXPER I E N CE

No need to dig for the good stuff.

We'd like to tell you about the superior quality and value of our produce, and the knowledgeable service of our staff. But we're happier our customers have spoken for us. Thank you, Okanagan Life readers, for your choice.

Now at two convenient locations: Guisachan Village • 102-2365 Gordon Drive • 763-3131 Kelowna Crossing • 220-2469 Hwy. 97N. • 861-1068

THINGS THE OKANAGAN DOESN'T NEED MORE OF Traffic. If all our readers had their way there Is would be no wea ther, no seniors, no teenagers, no seagulls, no malls, media, restaurants, would li ke t o thank the r eaders o f O kanagan Life developments, apples, tow·ists or people. In other words, the place wouldn't exist. It's not m agazine fo t· nominating us as surprising, however, that the top complaint is traffi c. iVlore than a few unsav01y words have the BEST p lace to buy wom en 's clothing been expressed on a hot Friday ~ ft ern oo n wh en the Okanagan bridge has been backed the BEST place to buy men's clothing up. But a lot of motorists could use the rea lity the BEST m ajor ret ail er check that a trip to downtown V:a ncouver or Thank you coul d easily prm~de. 2nd: Restaurants. 3rd: Pollu tion.

OKANAGAN LIFE FALL 1996 • 28