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Dave's Picks

Best Businesses

By Dave Henderson
Saturday, April 26, 2008

A Touch of Class

The other evening I attended a Chamber of Commerce mixer at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club. I stood in the dining area looking out the windows at the stunning beauty of the fairways and its mountain backdrop. As a golfer, I thought about how much I missed the game and how this course ranks among the most beautiful courses that I have seen.

As I reveled in the beauty, the scars from the October 2007 fires were visible and reminded me that many families had lost their homes — to include at least two employees of the Country Club. Even with the destruction that came during those October days, I could not help but think how lucky we all are to live on this beautiful mountain.

On three occasions I have had the opportunity to dine at the Country Club and have found the food and service to be exceptional. The ambiance is comfortable yet very classy. For those who have the opportunity the Lake Arrowhead Country Club is definitely one of Dave's picks. The Country Club is located Off Grass Valley Road in Lake Arrowhead.

Special Lunch Spots

Another local business that stands out in my eye is The Bus Stop, located in Running Springs next to the Unocal 76 gas station. When is a sandwich more than just a sandwich? From my experience, when it's a Bus Stop sandwich. Gourmet food that is one step above the norm and always served with a smile.

It's the small things that make this stand out in my mind. Home made soup, baked goods, great coffee and teas. Your favorite salads and sandwiches with Terri's extra twist to make it special. The restaurant gig is very hard work with long hours, yet you're always met with a friendly smile and a welcoming greeting. This pick is one of my most highly recommended stops even if you need to drive from the far end of the mountain.

My Deli Pick

A one-word answer: Rockys! Simply the very best wet pastrami sandwich I have ever had! The pastrami is so good that I have never made it to the other menu items and I must and will change that. The owners go out of their way to make sure that the customer is happy. Rocky's is located in Sky Forest at highway 18 and Kuffel Canyon.

This is a deli that I would drive miles for even with gas at $4 a gallon. Need I say more?

My New Store Pick

Do you enjoy a nice glass of wine? Well our mountain communities finally have a wine shop, Vino 100, in the Lake Arrowhead Village. A great selection of wines at affordable prices. They are presented in an unpretentious way by type of wine not by region and label.

These are my picks for this month yet I know that there are many other great businesses. Making a business work and survive on this mountain is very difficult. Our local businesses need our support and when I find one that goes above and beyond I have made it my mission to support them.

The big box stores that are so common now have left behind the concept of customer service. Instead of driving down the hill at $4 a gallon how about finding and supporting your pick for a great mountain business.

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Dave Henderson is the Vice-President of Operations for RIMOFTHEWORLD.net and it's parent company Vicinitas, LLC. Dave is the commercial and operational manager for the site.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Dave Henderson.