Maplewood Nominees Are Plentiful in 2 'Best of' Contests

Every Maplewoodian knows that no-one, nowhere in New Jersey runs a better cheese shop than Steve Crane. Or makes a better wild mushroom ravioli than Dan Richer at Arturo's. And we defy you to walk out of any salon in the state looking more beautiful than the clients at Kim Hammer's Fringe Salon.

So, tell it to the world—or at least to the rest of the New Jersey.

Two current online contests are aiming to help you do just that. Both New Jersey Jewish News and Suburban Essex Magazine are holding internet-based "best of" contests. Many, many Maplewood—and South Orange—businesses are nominated and you can vote now.

Mollie Leitzes, COO/General Manager of NJJN Media Group—the publishers of New Jersey Jewish News—is asking readers to vote for their favorite New Jersey vendors so that New Jersey Jewish News can announce the winners in its Rosh Hashana edition.

In April, NJJN asked readers "to share with us their choices—whether for service or for merchandise." (Although gourmet shops, bagels and caterers are included, there are no restaurant categories.)

Leitzes writes, "We were amazed at the impressive response we got." NJJN compiled lists from the responses and is now asking readers to vote for their favorite nominees.

Local nominees include: Beacon Jewelers, 3r Living, No. 165, Perch Home, Fringe Salon, Anthony Garubo Salon & Spa, The Chelsea Set, Little One & Co., The Tenth Muse, Village Belle, Bagel Chateau, Scriveners, Sparkhouse Kids, Sonny's Bagels, New World Catering, Cait & Abby's, Village Wine Shop, Kokoro, Crane's Deli, Eden Gourmet, Kings and Kitchen a la Mode. You can vote for your favorites here.

Likewise, Suburban Essex Magazine has launched its Best of Essex 2010 contest. Voting ends September 15.

This contest goes beyond retailers and services and contains categories like "painter" and "electrician" and, yes, restaurants including Chinese Take Out (Bill & Harry's), Sushi, Italian (Arturo's) and Romantic (Lorena's). There is also the all-important ice cream category (yes, Village Ice Cream Parlor is a nominee).  Rutger's Painting and The Beaded Path are two more local businesses that make the list in Suburban Essex's expansive categories.

Vote here for your Best of Essex 2010. You can vote in as many categories as you like, but only one email address per ballot will be accepted. Also, you must a resident of New Jersey and be 18 or older to vote.

And may the best businesses win. We're pulling for our Maplewood-based faves—because, ya know, they are the best out there anyway.