Put Lake Forest First

Voting closes June 3 for the “Best in OC” by the OC Register. Let’s promote our local businesses.

Click Here to go to the website.

Last year a number of Lake Forest businesses came in #1 or #2. They included –

BEST AUTO REPAIR

#1 - Elite Automotive, 26801 Vista Terrace

I have been using these guys for years. Their prices are very reasonable and they do a good job quickly.

BEST JEWELER/JEWELRY STORE

#1 – The Jewelry Box of Lake Forest, 21771 Lake Forest Drive

Not only excellent prices, but they do great work if you need a repair. Even better, they are involved in helping nonprofit groups and give generously of their time.

BEST GARDEN CENTER/NURSERY

#2 – 23782 Bridger Rd

This is the favorite nursery for my wife, who is a Master Gardener (no pun intended). Their prices may be a little higher than Home Depot, but their people are very knowledgeable.

BEST GASTROPUB

#3 – Bru Grill and Market, 23730 El Toro Rd

Here’s a nice change of pace location with good service and good prices.

BEST COMIC BOOK STORE

#3 - Comic Quest, 23811 Bridger Rd, Suite 100

I’m a little too old for this one, but my neighbors’ teenage son swears by it.

BEST PET SUPPLIES

#3 – Pet Country, 22485 El Toro Rd

If you are having problems with your pet’s health and worried about their nutrition, this is a good place to shop.

We also had a number of stores that have multiple locations with a branch in Lake Forest. Here’s the list –

· BEST BARBECUE - #1 – Lucille’s Smokehouse Barbeque

· BEST PET SUPPLIES STORE- #1 – PetSmart

· BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE - #1 – Big 5 Sporting Goods

· BEST COFFEHOUSE #1 – Starbucks, #2 – The Coffee Bean

· BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT STORE - #1 – Home Depot, #3 - Ace Hardware

· BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT - #2 – Avila’s El Ranchito

· BEST MEN’S CLOTHING STORE - #2 - Men’s Wearhouse

· BEST APPLIANCE STORE - #2 – Home Depot

· BEST TUTORING SERVICE - #2 – Kumon Math and Reading Center

· BEST FRENCH FRIES - #2 – McDonalds

· BEST REAL ESTATE COMPANY - #2 – First Team Real Estate, # 3 – Century 21

· BEST STEAKHOUSE - #3 – Outback Steakhouse

· BEST WINE SELECTION - #3 – BevMo

· BEST DAY SPA - #3 – Massage Envy

· BEST BURRITO - #3 – Chipotle

· BEST FAST FOOD BURGER - #3 – Carl’s Jr.

· BEST KITCHEN/BATH REMODELING SPECIALIST - #3 – Reborn Cabinet

Be sure to go to the OC Register website and vote for your favorites.

This year I’ve arranged for the Lake Forest winners to get special recognition at the City Council meeting during the Shop and Dine week.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.

Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a town hall meeting every quarter. The next meeting will be on August 11 at 2 pm at the El Toro Public Library.