BEST SERVICES

Alternative health:

Better Health Store
Runners-up: Foods for Living, Creative Wellness

Auto care:

Lisky's
Runners-up: Spartan Car Care, University Foregin Auto

Bank/credit union:

MSUFCU
Runners-up: NuUnion, LAFCU

Barber:

Barber Love
Runners-up: Frandor Barber, Douglas J

There’s a red felt pool table, a terrarium, a snack machine and monitors pumping out the latest R&B hits (or vintage episodes of “In Living Color”) — and there are also some skilled barbers who are always in the mood to give you a killer cut with a little bit of lively conversation on the side. Affordable prices, speedy service, an atmosphere of friendliness and fun make this barbershop a cut above the rest. 2003 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. (517) 702-0636.

Cab company:

Green Cab
Runners-up: Big Daddy, Party Cab

Catering:

Troppo
Runners-up: Soup Spoon Caf, Soup to Nutz, Mama Bear’s

You’ve been part in charge of the food for your son’s big graduation celebration and you know the guests will expect something more than chicken fingers and tater tots. What to do? Call Troppo. They’ll whip up dishes of sweet and sour salmon, tender strands of fried calamari (with just a hint of tantalizing spice), savory pork cutlets served atop creamy-cheesy rotini and roast duck and figs nestled in a bed of greens and goat cheese. As Julia Child might say, “Bon appetit!” 120 North Washington Square, Lansing. (517) 371-4000.

Chiropractor:

Dr. Mark Poletti
Runners-up: Dr. Randy Randhawa, Lida Rassel

Electrician:

Bohnet
Runners-up:Thee, Gary Smith

Health/fitness:

YMCA
Runners-up: MAC, Fitness USA

Hotel/B&B:

English Inn
Runners-up: Wild Goose Inn, Marriott East Lansing

Law firm:

Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith
Runners-up: a dead one, Douglas Meeks

Maid service:

Movers:

Two Men & A Truck
Runners-up: Uhaul, Top Flight

Nails:

Douglas J
Runners-up: Jenny Nails, Kiss Nails

Pet care:

Wag'n'tails
Runners-up: Waverly Animal, Doggy Day Care

Place to pamper yourself:

Douglas J
Runners-up: Creative Wellness, Solace Massage and October Moon

When you want to start the new season with a new look or a new attitude, there’s nothing like indulging in a little spring cleaning of your own. Whether it’s a permanent wave, a wrinkle-reducing facial or a stress-relieving hot stone massage, Douglas J is happy to help. Still stuffy from being cooped up all winter? Try a sinus cleansing treatment. Tired of flaky dry skin? Enjoy an exfoliating Caribbean Body Therapy treatment. This is the third time Douglas J has won in this category. 4663 Ardmore Ave., Okemos. (517) 349-0430.

Photographer:

Roxanne Frith
Runners-up: Jena McShane, JD Small

Plumber:

Michigan Plumbing
Runners-up: Hedlund, Meridian

Waitstaff:

Golden Harvest
Runners-up: Knight Cap, Peanut Barrel

Salon/spa:

Douglas J
Runners-up: Personal Image, Steven Marvin

Tanning salon:

Tanzmania
Runners-up: The Sun, Cabana Sun

Tattoo:

Splash of Color
Runners-up: Fish Ladder, Liquid Tattoo

Tax service:

Turbo Tax
Runners-up: Angela Backus, H&R Block