The A-List is back.
The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News has tabulated the votes for all kinds of local favourites – restaurants, businesses, local bands, nature walks, and hundreds more aspects that make this community special.
The annual A-List special supplement shines a light on many of the best things about Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. For 17 years, The News has given readers this opportunity to cast their votes in a variety of categories.
Remarkable this year is the amazing engagement from the community, as residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows cast a record 43,500 votes to recognize the finest things about the place they call home.
Publisher Karen Murtagh said she and The News staff were "absolutely overwhelmed" by the response from the community.
"The A-List is a chance for people to celebrate what they love most about their community, whether it's the coffee shop where they meet a friend, the bookstore where they like to browse, or their favourite park," said Murtagh.
"Each year, the A-List results in an impressive compilation of many people, places, and features that make this a great place to live and work."
There are numerous businesses through all the years that have received multiple plaques. One of those is Big Feast Bistro, which has won for "favourite casual dining restaurant." It's been almost two decades, but owner Mike Mulcahy still appreciates the endorsement from customers.
"It's always an honour, because the majority of our business, 80 per cent, comes from Maple Ridge," said Mulcahy. "Does it ever get old? No."
His business opened in 2010, and has seen menu changes and even renovations as the bistro on 227th Street has grown in popularity. The A-List has served as an endorsement for Mulcahy and for the people who work at Big Feast.
"I think the staff feels good about it (being named a favourite)," said the chef. "It's nice to be recognized by your community."
The owner-operator keeps the A-List plaques in his office, and points them out to new staff. It tells them "You work in a restaurant that's well-loved." he said.
The popular Black Sheep Pub has been a big winner, too.
"It's awesome, we love it," said manager Kim Wagner of the A-List. "We have a wall where we post them, and we're proud of it – the wall is covered."
After 17 years of winning in multiple categories they had 58 plaques before this year's competition.
Having worked there for 30 years, starting in its old location that is now their parking lot across the street, she said the Black Sheep is a place where many couples had their first date, and they keep going back.
They recently hosted a centenarian who wanted to celebrate her 100th birthday there.
Whether celebrating a family dinner, or grabbing a quick bite, people find it "a great all-around, go-to place."
She remembers when they won their first A-List award.
"We were really excited, and we're always glad to win," she said. "There's a lot of new places to go, and people keep coming back. We're proud they choose us."
Starlite Nails of Pitt Meadows is another multiple winner. Owner Tyler Tran opened the business with his wife, Susan, in 2008, and they are open seven days a week. On Oct. 1 they celebrated 16 years in business.
Being acknowledged in the A-List is meaningful to them, as an endorsement that their loyal customers appreciate their commitment to providing a great service.
"I'm very appreciative and grateful," said Tran.
He said he's fortunate to have a committed staff, and they are also happy to see the public give Starlite Nails an endorsement via the A-List.
"It's all about teamwork here," said Tran.
