THE NATOMAS BUZZ conducted an online survey of our readers asking where we could find the "Best Of..." in the neighborhood. Here are the results of our 2009 "top spot" awards!
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Best Customer Service
When it comes to outstanding customer service, Natomas residents sing the praises of numerous businesses throughout the neighborhood but it was votes for all three Raley's and Bel Air store locations that had the grocery chain come out on top.
Honorable mentions include Bella Bru, Chili's Grill & Bar and Mr. Pickles restaurants and the California Family Fitness gym. Wrote Angie B., "Everyone at California Family Fitness! Especially everyone in the daycare. They are awesome."
Best Entertainment, Night Life, Happy Hour
Bella Bru may be known for its tasty breakfast, lunch and dinner menus but it also has a growing reputation as a top night spot in Natomas. The restaurant hosts a weekly trivia competition on Monday nights, "Thursdays Are For Tasting," and live music most Friday nights!
Tied in this category is Oshima Sushi featuring its Fugu Lounge night club and patio with fire pit. Both Malabar and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse earned honorable mentions for their night life.Best Family Spot, Outing, Activity
The numerous parks located throughout the Natomas neighborhood were voted hands down the best family-friendly amenity in the area! Whether its the twice rebuilt Fort Natomas, long-planned North Natomas Regional Park or dog parks, there are plenty of outdoor play places from which to choose.
Honorable mentions include: The Club at Natomas Park, neighborhood libraries, pumpkin patches and the movie theater.
Best Cup Of Joe
Maestro's Cafe & Gallery, 2069 Arena Blvd, Suite 130, has a lot going on under one roof. It's a coffee house, it's an art gallery, it's a place people gather on weekends to play chess, and it's one of the best places to get one fine cup of coffee. Here are some of your comments posted on our Facebook fan page:
"Mastro Coffee House, you name the coffee Sam fixes the best. Try it!" -Dianne M.
"Maestro Coffeehouse makes the best coffee (the chai tea lattes are really good too)." -Melissa B.
"Maestro Coffeehouse is on hit. I usually get the Chai Tea with a shot." -Martha A.
"Maestro Coffeehouse makes the best coffee (the chai tea lattes are really good too)." -Melissa B.
"Maestro Coffeehouse is on hit. I usually get the Chai Tea with a shot." -Martha A.
"Maestros's! Just had the Chai Tea with a shot this afternoon ... Yumm-O!"
- Peggy M.
It's A Grind, 2731 Del Paso Road, came in a close second with readers citing both the cafe's Vanilla lattes and Vanilla nut coffee as being buzz worthy!
The Starbucks at 2121 Natomas Crossing Drive came in third earning high praise for their customer service with Peet's Coffee & Tea (in Raley's/Bel Air), Panera (on North Freeway and Del Paso Road) and Bella Bru getting honorable mentions for their quality cups of Joe!
Best Park, Bike Ride
With a bike path now around the perimeter, North Natomas Regional Park came out on top in this category. Honorable mentions go to Fort Natomas, Regency Park and the "Foot Park".
Best Overall Dining Experience, Food, Menu
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse earned the most votes, followed by Mimi's Cafe and Bangkok Garden. 
Best Deal
Our readers say they can find their best bargains at Marshalls, while Ross, Dollar Tree, Walmart and Target also rate with good deals.
Best Dessert
Once again Bella Bru earned topped honors, this time for its after-dinner sweet treats. Big Spoon Yogurt came in a close second followed by a tie between BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse and Coldstone.
Best Automotive Repair, Parts, Service
Natomas Automotive earned top props from our readers for car care followed by a two-way tie between Pep Boys and Napa Auto Parts.
