Best Bartender
Alex Guardiola
EVO
234 Chandler Street
Worcester
508.459.4240
www.evodining.com
EVO’s Alex Guardiola has been in the bartending business for the past decade. “In college I worked as a bar back, but one day they needed help up front. I was thrown into the mix, and it was showtime,” Alex states. Alex came to EVO just two weeks after the restaurant opened, hired to work for their annual New Year’s Eve celebration. He boasts that the one night worked out so well, he’s been with EVO ever since. As for his drink repertoire, Alex continually searches for different concepts. “I carry all the classics, but I like to create something that hasn’t been done before.” Mixing his creative libations, Alex incorporates many all-natural and organic spirits. “We have a lot of things that other bars don’t have,” he explains. “My challenge is finding the perfect pairing with the menu and knowing exactly what the customers will like and what they won’t like.” As for Alex’s favorite drink? “I’m a scotch man – single malt,” he says.
Runner Up
Marty Cariglia
The Flying Rhino
278 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester
508.757.1450
www.flyingrhinocafe.com
sponsored content
Best Chef
Al Maykel, III
EVO
234 Chandler Street
Worcester
508.459.4240
www.evodining.com
EVO sweeps our service personalities as Chef Al Maykel III took home the title of City Living Magazine’s Best Chef. Cooking professionally since he was 18 years old, Al attended Johnson and Wales University. Working previously with the Living Earth’s Sano Cafe, Al now heads the kitchen as Executive Chef for EVO. Al’s menu reflects some of his own personal tastes, which includes a love of fresh meats and seafood. “With EVO we’ve kept the natural and organic focus of the Living Earth, but expanded to include more meats, poultry, and fish,” he says. With the expanded focus of EVO’s menu, Al still remains committed to offering vegan and gluten-free dining options for his customers. “Everyone needs to be able to eat,” he explains, “and sometimes in a group of people you run into dietary restrictions. Here you get everything.” While on of Al favorite dishes is the Seared Tuna plate, he likes the variety of EVO’s menu. “I like fancy, but I can always go for a burger or pizza too.”
Runner Up
Wilson Wang
Baba Sushi
309 Park Ave
Worcester, MA 01609
508.752.8822
www.babasushi.com
Best Hair Stylist
Wendy DeProspo
W Salon
70 Winter Street
Worcester
508.755.9492
www.wsalon70.com
Wendy DeProspo, named 2010 Best Hair Stylist by City Living’s readers, owns W Salon in Worcester’s revitalized Canal District. Previously operating on Shrewsbury Street as Studio 167, the name changed along with the change in address, but the great service known to Wendy and her staff has remained. Offering a full range of hair services including cuts, colors, styling and extensions, Wendy serves women, men and children alike. Running her salon like an orchestra conductor, Wendy believes in the importance of strict training and technique yet always encourages creativity. Above all, Wendy seeks to provide a personalized experience for every customer who walks in the doors at W Salon.
Runner Up
Sal Arcuri
Adesso Day Spa
108 June Street
Worcester
508.757.7977
Best Massage Therapist
Alison Bodah Burney
Body Therapeutics
102 Shore Drive
Worcester
508.853.7500
www.body-therapeutics.com
A Licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Body Therapeutics’ Alison Burney joins co-worker Dr. Sean Thornton on the list of City Living Magazine’s Best Of. Working previously in massage clinics in Mansfield and Westborough, Alison is a graduate of the Massage Institute of New England and is experienced in multiple forms of massage therapy. Her practice repertoire includes Classic Swedish, Deep Tissue, and Healing Stone Therapy. Additionally, Alison has practiced Usui Reiki since 1999. Her vast experience with a variety of techniques helps her create a treatment program tailor made to serve her patients’ needs. Alison has helped people achieve relief from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, rotator cuff restriction, stress, anxiety and sleep disorders and aids those going through cancer treatment. She feels that massage therapy can help her patients feel more connected to their own bodies on the path to overall health and well-being.
Runner Up
Shayna Fitzgerald
Paul Conzo
490 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester
508.754.5418
www.paulconzo.com
Best Musical Act
Probable Cause
www.probablecause.net
Rocking the top hits since 1990, Probable Cause earns the distinction as City Living Magazine’s Best Musical Act. Composed of Chris Coghlin, Frank Kosky, Chris Filippone, Kim Santana, and Bob Sheperd, Probable Cause got its first big hit at the 1991 Battle of the Bands at Sir Morgan’s Cove (now the Lucky Dog Music Hall). Crowned as Champions, Probable Cause gained the attention of promoter Dan “Danimal” Hartwell and began touring the Northeast. A mainstay at local venues like JJ’s Sports Bar, Jillian’s, and the Lucky Dog, Probable Cause also play an annual Boston Harbor Sunset Cruise and summer concert at the Atlantic Beach Club in Newport, R.I. The band plays a wide range of music from the top pop and rock hits. “We play everything from Lady Gaga to Godsmack and everything in between,” says Coghlin. “We constantly pursue new material to keep it interesting and fresh while focusing on having a great time, every time we play”
Runner Up
Jediah
www.jediah.com
Best Tailor/Seamstress
Perfect Fit Tailoring
144 Shrewsbury Street
Worcester
508.752.1886
When it comes to finding the best tailor around, convenience, affordability and reliability all come into play. With that in mind it’s no mystery why Perfect Fit Tailoring is the “perfect fit” for City Living Magazine’s Best Tailor/Seamstress for 2010. Conveniently located on Shrewsbury Street, Perfect Fit Tailoring is owned and operated by Bashar Agha. The shop has long held a reputation of providing superior service at very competitive prices. Most importantly, Perfect Fit Tailoring offers the reliability you depend on to ensure your suits and dresses are handled with care and precision.
Runner Up
Alter Ego
127 West Street
Worcester
508.754.4451
