The Best of Eau Claire 2006-2007
Students rank Eau Claire's best of the best
Issue date: 5/10/07 Section: Showcase
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Campus
Taking the title for best Blugold sport is hockey. Senior captain Dave Coleman said the fan base for the men's hockey team has increased over recent years.
"Hockey here has seemed to have grown and everyone is taking it on," Coleman said.
The men's team has been consistently improving its record over the past years, from 1-14 in 2003 to 9-14 in 2007.
As for the women's team, senior forward Karen Hebert said the energy of hockey makes it interesting.
"It is so fast-paced, and there is always stuff going on," she said. "It really can appeal to both genders."
Taking both best organization and faculty member was the American Marketing Association, otherwise known as AMA.
There are more than 100 students from varying majors in AMA, president Kim Olsen said. The group holds meetings every other week, and often holds workshops or hosts speakers to further its members' future careers.
"The organization is open to all majors, and all years of college - meaning freshman through seniors," AMA adviser and winner of best faculty member Chuck Tomkovick said. "It definitely has an open feel to anyone who joins and it is very much student run."
Tomkovick is a professor in the marketing department. He said he felt proud, fortunate and humbled to win the award.
Olsen said Tomkovick is a very approachable person.
"If you ever have a problem, even if you don't go to him, he cares enough to seek you out and try to make things better," she said.
Tomkovick said that is exactly what he aims to do.
"I go to work each day simply trying to help students out," he said. "I am glad that students feel a connection. Hopefully they feel someone cares for them."
Food
Jeff and Jim's, 421 Water St., and Buzzy's, 414 Water St., both ranked as the best pizza after 2 a.m. and as the best pizza, period.
Jim Verdon, part owner of Jeff and Jim's, said there are many ways the business tries to make their pizza stand out.
"I like to think we have the fastest slices in town," he said, adding you can get a slice right when you walk in.
After all these efforts, Verdon was happy his business is ranked on the top.
"That's what we're aimed at," Verdon said. "We're trying to give the best food in town. I'm really happy as a lark that people like our food."
And, according to the poll, El Patio, 228 Water St., is cooking up the best Mexican dishes.
Senior Gina Livingston said she enjoys eating at El Patio.
"I really like the food and I like going there," Livingston said, adding she enjoys speaking Spanish with waiters.
People craving a burger can head over to Court N' House, 113 W. Grand Ave. It's voted to have the best burgers in Eau Claire.
Employee Laura Girolemo said it serves more than just the basic burger.
"There's a wide variety - it's not just like a hamburger and add the fixings," Girolemo said, adding they have a two-for-one special on Thursdays.
The regular price for a burger and fries starts at $4.50 and runs to $6.25, depending on the specialty of the burger, she said.
And, she said, customers in the past have given compliments on the tastiness of the entrées.
"We get people that come from out of town now to get a burger when they have a chance," Girolemo said.
Bars
Open for only a year and half, Dooley's Pub, 442 Water St., took both the cleanest bar and best bar and grill in the bar category.
Manager and part-time student Nick Dudycha said the bar offers a full menu including authentic Irish items such as Corned Beef and Shepard's Pie, as well as other items such as burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The pub also offers a variety of appetizers.
Senior Sarah Kleven said she visits Dooley's Pub at least three times a week, for the drinks and appetizers, especially the Pub Fries.
"They are cheap and delicious," she said.
Dooley's Pub is also the only smoke-free bar on Water Street, Dudycha said.
Winning in both the music and dancing categories, She-Nannigans, 415 Water St., claims its diverse music selection as a main component.
"We offer two different music styles at one place," said bartender Ben Truwe.
She-Nannigans is connected to Lucky's, which plays rock music, while She-Nannigans plays more dance and hip-hop music, he said.
The bar also offers a large dance floor, which attracts visitors, Truwe said.
Taking best overall, best drink specials and best atmosphere is Brother's, 324 Water St.
General Manager Tim Hartzel said Brother's wants their customers to have a good time.
"We do the best we can to service our customers," he said.
The bar hosts nightly specials every day of the week, including its popular Mug Club on Wednesday nights.
For mug club, the cost for the initial mug is $3.50, and then refills cost $1 for domestic tap beers and $1.50 for rail drinks.
Businesses
Stave and Hoop, 342 Water St., sells the best booze, according to the poll. The store won the award for best liquor store.
Senior Matt Hammers buys liquor from Stave and Hoop about three times a week. He visits the store because it is close to his house and because of the staff.
"I like the employees," he said. "I've gotten to know them."
On cutting edge, My Friends Place, 2519 Clairemont Ave., wins the award for best salon.
Manager Lauren Bechel said about 40 percent of the clients are students. She attributes lots of advertising and keeping up on hair trends as why My Friends Place won the award.
Haircuts are $31 for women, $22 for men, and include shampoo, cut and style.
Winning the title for best auto body shop the third year in a row, Joel's Water Street Auto, 702 Water St., said its quick service attract students.
Owner Joel Mikelson said the shop offers complete general car repair that is quick and affordable.
"People like fast and efficient service," he said. "We can get you in and out of here in 10 minutes for less than 18 dollars."
- Showcase/Scene Editors
