Yelena Tsurkan

Dentist

Going to the dentist can be a bit scary, especially for kids. But these winning dentists take the bite out of a sometimes daunting experience.

Dr. David Rothman’s pediatric dental office in San Francisco is a longtime favorite of j. readers. “Our emphasis is on prevention,” says Dr. Rothman, whose practice has all 5-star reviews on Yelp.com. “We believe it is our responsibility to establish the technical and emotional foundation for a lifetime of excellent dental health.” The only regret parents have is that Dr. Rothman doesn’t take adult patients.

Parents of her patients rave about how comfortable — and even excited — their children are about going to see Dr. Elena Davidson-Arbit in San Leandro. It’s not hard to tell why Dr. Davidson-Arbit is a favorite of j. readers — with lavender neck wraps, blankets and headphones for patient use, her dental visits are more like spa treatments. Dr. Davidson-Arbit is a third-generation dentist who took over her father’s practice.

Every year, Dr. Tanya Manyak in San Mateo participates in continuing education far in excess of state requirements. “We believe in keeping abreast of current preventative, restorative and aesthetic techniques as well as materials and research,” say Dr. Manyak. Treatments are catered to each individual, and everyone is welcomed as if they are a part of Dr. Manyak’s family.

Dr. Martin Sinai Rayman of San Rafael Pediatric Dentist offers services to infants, children and adolescents. If you happen to have a few hours to kill while at Dr. Rayman’s office, ask to see his cabinets full of dental memorabilia. Parents are encouraged to sit with their children during procedures, and secluded spaces are also available for those requiring more privacy or fewer distractions.

In second place were Dr. Thomas Jacobs in San Francisco and Dr. Daniel Lewis of Oakland.

 

 1st Place

San Francisco

Dr. David Rothman

(415) 333-6811

www.davidlrothmandds.com

East Bay

Dr. Elena Davidson-Arbit

San Leandro

(510) 352-9212

South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Tanya Manyak

San Mateo

(650) 342-9941

www.drtanyamanyak.com

North Bay

Dr. Martin Sinai Rayman

San Rafael

(415) 459-1444

www.openbigdds.com

 

 2nd Place

San Francisco

Dr. Thomas Jacobs

(415) 986-1735

East Bay

Dr. Daniel Lewis

Oakland

(510) 530-5530

Doctor

Want the most up-to-date medical services and the best preventive care? J. readers’ favorite docs can fix what ails you  — and keep you from getting sick in the first place.

Dr. Amnon Goodman, of Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, began practicing in 1985, and joined Kaiser two years later. Dr. Goodman divides his time in the hospital between pediatrics and intensive nursery care. “Becoming part of the family and being privileged to see children grow from infancy to the college years is the most rewarding part,” he says.

Dr. Brian Kaye practices rheumatology and internal medicine in Berkeley, and has 27 years of experience in the field. He caters each treatment to the patient’s individual needs, since rarely are two arthritis cases the same — or even similar.

Dr. Mark J. Sontag has been practicing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Redwood City since 1983. At age 17 he received an award from the American Cancer Society, and has been the team physiatrist (rehabilitation physician) for the San Francisco Giants, the 49ers, the Raiders and the Sharks.

In second place were Dr. Myles Abbott of Berkeley and Dr. Douglas Kaye of Sunnyvale.

 

 1st Place

San Francisco

Dr. Amnon Goodman

(415) 833-2200

East Bay

Dr. Brian Kaye

Berkeley

(510) 294-8120

South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Mark J. Sontag

Redwood City

(650) 306-9490

 

 2nd Place

East Bay

Dr. Myles Abbott

Berkeley

(925) 254-9203

South Bay/Peninsula

Dr. Douglas Kaye

Sunnyvale

(408) 730-4251

 

Health club/day spa

Health clubs and spas are crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After a busy day or a stressful week at work, an hour at the health club gets endorphins going and works wonders for the nerves, muscles and brain.

Along with nutrition counseling and weight management services, members of the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco can choose from more than 140 no-fee group exercise classes. The JCC is also family friendly, with drop-in care seven days a week for children from 6 weeks to 10 years. And exercisers can take a break from the workout with a deep tissue massage or a nurturing facial.

The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa in the Berkeley Hills offers spa treatments such as a fruit enzyme peel, replenishing and hydrating serums, and oxygen rejuvenation facials. From athletic muscle soreness to tensions from the office job, the personally catered spa service will relieve and relax.

In Palo Alto, the Oshman Family Jewish Community Center offers both an indoor and outdoor pool, personal trainers, and groups exercise classes. From coping with depression, to weight management and stress relief classes, there is a class, lecture, or support group that suits pretty much anyone’s needs — and on-site masseuses will help you destress and wind down.

The Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael offers over 80 classes to choose from, babysitting while you work out, an outdoor and indoor pool and a wading pool for children. The Mangia/Nosh Café offers hearty snacks that will fill your stomach while maintaining your waistline. An array of personal trainers each specializing in different areas will help you optimize your workout to get results.

In second place were San Francisco Bay Club, Oakland Hills Tennis Club, Pacific Athletic Club in Redwood City and Bay Club Marin in Corte Madera.

 

 1st Place

San Francisco

Jewish Community Center of San Francisco

(415) 292-1200

www.jccsf.org

East Bay

The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa

Berkeley

(510) 843-3000

www.claremontresort.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Oshman Family Jewish Community Center

Palo Alto

(650) 223-8700

www.paloaltojcc.org

North Bay

Osher Marin Jewish Community Center

San Rafael

(415) 444-8000

www.marinjcc.org

 

 2nd Place

San Francisco

San Francisco Bay Club

(415) 433-2200

www.sfbayclub.com

East Bay

Oakland Hills Tennis Club

Oakland

(510) 531-3300

www.oaklandhills.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Pacific Athletic Club

Redwood City

(650) 593-4900

www.pacclub.com

North Bay

Bay Club Marin

Corte Madera

(415) 945-3000

www.bayclubmarin.com

Salon

Everyone who’s ever had to go out in public on a ad hair day (or a bad face day) understands the benefits of having a great stylist and aesthetician. When it comes to looking fab, j. readers’ favorite salons know exactly what to do.

Groove in San Francisco employs experienced stylists who understand exactly what you have in mind — and can actually produce it. “I am constantly amazed by the endless color and texture combinations that are possible within the medium of hair,” says stylist Justin Welch, who brings 15 years of experience to Groove. “By utilizing chemistry, art and design we can produce results varying from the natural and carefree to the highly stylized and architectural.”

In Berkeley, Peter Thomas Hair salon has been doing ’dos since 1978. The salon’s motto: “If it can be done on your head, then chances are we do it at Peter Thomas.” They offer free haircuts and almost-free coloring and highlights to those who wish to be hair models, and carry a generous assortment of various professional products that will help you maintain that fresh-out-of-the-salon look.

With personal packages for your body, hair, and make up, as well as wedding and corporate events, chances are LaBelle Day Spas in Palo Alto has something for you — even if you’re a guy (there are special packages for men, including a destress package and men’s facials). Patrons begin their experience with a relaxing foot soak, and end up looking — and feeling — fabulous.

Benvenuto Salon in San Anselmo recently expanded in size, and now offers more products for sale and more services. With 45 years in business, experienced and passionate staff, this salon is “detail-oriented and gets the cuts, colorings, and even trimmings just right,” raves a regular.

In second place were Calm in Oakland and Legar Salon in Palo Alto.

 

 1st Place

San Francisco

Groove

(415) 975-9900

www.groovesf.com

East Bay

Peter Thomas Hair

Berkeley

(510) 843-0697

www.peterthomashair.com

South Bay/Peninsula

LaBelle Day Spas

Palo Alto

(415) 433-7644

www.labelledayspas.com

North Bay

Benvenuto Salon

San Anselmo

(415) 454-1347

 

 2nd Place

East Bay

Calm

Oakland

(510) 601-5225

www.calmsalon.com

South Bay/Peninsula

Legar Salon

Palo Alto

(650) 322-2104

www.legarsalon.com