You'll have to wait for our July issue to read about the winners of our annual Best of Lake Minnetonka readers' survey, but here's a sneak peak at the three finalists in each of the 25 different categories.
(Editor's note: These finalists were the top three vote earners as determined by our readers in an open-ended online survey. Finalists are listed in alphabetical order in each category.)
Best Burger
Gold Nugget Tavern & Grille
Maynards
McCormick’s Pub & Restaurant
Best Outdoor Dining
Lord Fletcher’s
Maynards
Sunsets
Best Delivery
Carbone’s Pizzeria
Jimmy Johns
Joey Nova’s
Best Bartender
Scott Bassett, Blue Point
T.J. McNeill, Jake O’Connor’s Public House
Randy Will, Maynards
Best Bakery
Lunds
Patisserie Margo
Wuollet Bakery
Best Builder/Remodeler
Hendel Homes
Lecy Brothers Homes
Shoreline Builders
Best Landscaper
Gray Gardens
Otten Bros
Outdoor Excapes
Best Interior Designer
Andrea Kerrison, LarsonKerrison
Leslie Nerenberg, Leslie Nerenberg Interior Design
Robin Strangis, Loring Interiors
Best New Shop
Haven Maven
Impact of Excelsior
Mama’s Happy
Best Boutique
Hot Mama
Maha! Inspired Activewear
Mama’s Happy
Best Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop
Gear West
Excel Cycle
Best Market
Lakewinds
Lunds
Whole Foods
Best Salon/Spa
Juut
Lili
Taglio
Best Real Estate Agent
Gregg Larsen, Coldwell Banker Burnet
The Stabek Group, Edina Realty
Aaron Thompson, Excelsior Real Estate
Best Auto Repair Shop
Eddies Auto & Marine Repair
Gary's First Class Car Care
Youngstedts
Best Doggie Daycare
ADOGO Pet Hotel
Augusta Pet Services
Top Dog Country Club
Best Veterinarian
Dr. Daniel Hartnett, Long Lake Veterinary Clinic
Dr. Matthew Lindberg, Village Animal Hospital
Dr. Jackie Piepkorn, Westonka Animal Hospital
Best Fitness Studio
Life Time Fitness
STEELE Fitness
The Barre
Best Golf Course
Burl Oaks Golf Club
Lakeview Golf Course
Wayzata Country Club
Best High School Teacher
Corey Bulman, Mound Westonka High School
Sonja Saunders, Minnetonka High School
Lori Wooley, Orono High School
Best Preschool/Daycare
Minnetonka Montessori
St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development
Wayzata Community Church Nursery School
Best Birthday Party Spot
Lord Fletcher’s
Pump It Up
Sky Zone Sports
Best Dentist
Dr. Erick Englund, Navarre Dental
Dr. David Fligge, Wayzata Family Dentistry
Dr. Stephanie Miner, West Lakes Dentistry
Best Chiropractor
Dr. Barbro Brost, The Brost Clinic
Dr. James Byers, Mound Back and Neck Clinic
Dr. Troy and Dr. Kelly Knewtson, Knewtson Health Group
Best Pediatric Clinic
Partners in Pediatrics
South Lake Pediatrics
Wayzata Children’s Clinic
Congratulations to all of the finalists! Expect to receive an invitation to our 2012 Best of Lake Minnetonka awards ceremony June 19 at BayView Event Center in Excelsior.