Best of Lawrence 2012: People

Best Chef

Michael Beard, 715

Chef Michael Beard, of 715 at 715 Mass, steaches out some dough for a grilled pizza.

“I don’t think that you should have a big plate of three sides and an entree, and you have to take home some of it,” Beard says. “I think getting full but not overeating is what I enjoy most about bistros.” Read more about this European-trained chef and his delicious creations.

Best Artist

John Sebelius

Four years removed from marketing a controversial board game that drew national headlines, John Sebelius has moved into the world of clothing lines, 2-D, film and sculpture. Find out more about why the versatile artist is our readers’ choice for Best Artist.

Best Local Living Legend

Bill Self, Kansas University men’s basketball head coach

Lawrence has been home to many legendary figures, and, not surprisingly, many of them made their names on the basketball court — Naismith, Chamberlain and Allen, to name a few. They’ve all passed through Lawrence and left legacies nearly impossible to match. So why did our readers pick HCBS?

Best Family Doctor

Dr. Ryan Neuhofel, NeuCare

Dr. Ryan Neuhofel opened a new family practice in November in the Medical Arts Building, 346 Maine. Neuhofel doesn't accept health insurance or other third party plans, instead he charges fees for services. He's also willing to barter. Neuhofel said he had fun promoting his business this fall in downtown Lawrence.

Dr. Ryan Neuhofel is not only new to Lawrence, he’s bringing new ideas to family medicine. His goal is to bring back old-fashioned medicine, where a doctor has a relationship with his or her patients. Read more about Dr. Neu’s different take on medicine.

Best Orthodontist

Dr. Dan Ranjbar

When you walk in Dr. Dan Ranjbar’s office, you are greeted by a 7-year-old golden retriever named Sunny, who loves attention. It’s just one of the ways Ranjbar tries to make his patients feel comfortable. He’s also incorporated his love of nature into the office design. Read on to find out why Dr. Ranjbar was readers’ overwhelming pick.

Best Local Writer