By mail and through cyberspace, you told us about the very best things to see, do, taste and experience in Sarasota. And you told us in record numbers, with a huge range of nominations for everything from the coolest martini to the controversy of the year. Some of the winners are longtime local favorites, but you also chose some newcomers and surprises as the Best of 2007.

Read on to remind yourself of what brought you to this sunny seaside city or to discover new reasons to keep your love affair with Sarasota going strong. Please note that the winner of each category is listed first, followed by two finalists who are listed in alphabetical rather than vote-getting order. Congratulations to all 227—and to you, for saluting and savoring what makes our city great.

To learn more about our winners, be sure to tune in to ABC7’s “Best of Everything” coverage during evening newscasts in May.

Food & Drink

Waterfront Restaurant: Marina Jack
Charthouse, Ophelia’s
Who doesn’t love a delicious meal with an even more delicious view of our sparkling water? Marina Jack’s offers an eyeful of Sarasota Bay and mouthfuls of exquisite cuisine. Enjoy the view and the high life on the second floor or just get casual at the open-air raw bar downstairs. It’s the best of both worlds.

American Restaurant: Patrick’s
Fred’s, Gecko’s, Michael’s On East
No jive, no hype, no chain imitation of all-American authenticity. Patrick’s is the real deal. Sports on the tube. Suits sealing deals. After-hour tête-à-têtes over martinis and Manhattans. Super-sized burgers, sizzling steaks—it’s the all-American joint with a big dose of downtown swank.

Meal Deal: Yoder’s
Honey Tree Cafe, Mel’s
Yoder’s massive menu offers the kind of no-nonsense, hearty fare that will force you to loosen your belt a notch. But even after indulging in platefuls of Amish quesadillas, Hungarian goulash and Southern-style fried fish fingers, you can’t leave without a slice of the famous pie. Make ours peanut butter, please.

Italian Restaurant: Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Café Baci, Caragiulos
Carrabba’s is the stuff of high opera. Each table affords a full view of the kitchen maestros battering calamari, frying zucchini, tossing fettuccine, seasoning the filet fiorentina and crushing fresh garlic over the tagliarini picchi pacchiu. Sing along if you wish—but not with your mouth open.

Central/South American Restaurant: Selva Grill
Columbia, Javier’s
Chef/owner Darwin Santa Maria adds a dash of Peruvian flavor to this happening downtown enclave. Start with ceviche and move to the anticuchos—spicy kebabs of beef drizzled with a garlicky marinade and served over fried mashed plantains. Ask for translations, then ask for more.

Thai Restaurant: Bangkok Restaurant
Siam Orchid, Thai Gardens
Bangkok is available without a plane flight at this spice-infused haven of intricate Thai art, cozy booths and a surprising variety of cuisine. The menu ranges from the four corners of Thailand to the spirited tastes of Burma, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Now boarding.

French Restaurant: C’est La Vie
Café L’Europe, French Affair
This bustling downtown café is the place to bathe in French accents and the sun-splashed colors of Provence. Fill up on leek and potato crepes, crusty baguettes and almond croissants. Practice your French. Or just soak in the scene at one of the coveted sidewalk tables. It’s la vie française in Sarasota.

Japanese Restaurant: DaRuMa
JoTo, Pacific Rim
Zen is the joy of what is: the texture of fresh sushi served barside; the tingle of Asahi beer on your throat; a flick of fire from the tableside grill. Zen and the art of fine dining are practiced at DaRuMa. After all, the name means “father of Zen.”

Chinese Restaurant: Mrs. Chen’s
Empress Garden, Oriental Buffet
Sarasota may not have its Chinatown but, thankfully, it has its Mrs. Chen’s. Crowds gather here to line up for the buffet, although you can ask for table service, too. It’s relaxed and affordable, and no one cares if you play with your chopsticks.

Steakhouse: Fleming’s
Outback, Ruth’s Chris
A good steak is a work of art. The Fleming’s chefs begin with the finest beef, cook it as you like it (at scientifically controlled temperatures, mind you), perform their signature magic and the creation is complete. It’s so perfect it seems a shame to eat it. But you will.

New Restaurant: Rustic Grill
MacAllister’s, Roy’s
Rustic Grill is new but it already feels like it’s always been here. Its cozy interior is reminiscent of an upscale, historic inn with art and antiques, intimate seating and a sophisticated bar that’s dark enough to make you feel glamorous. The menu fuses old-Florida concepts with a global twist. It’s history in the making.

Restaurant to Seal the Deal: Michael’s On East
Fleming’s, Ruth’s Chris, Vernona
You want them to sign on the dotted line? Relax, it’s as good as done. Sink deep into your plush seat while you survey the Who’s Who around you. Bite into the crispy oyster salad. Sip a spicy Zin. Go for a spoonful of chocolate timbale. The art of the deal never tasted better.

Seafood Restaurant: Bonefish
Barnacle Bill’s, Captain Brian’s
Passionate about fish? There’s plenty at Bonefish—even Florida grouper from our own back yard, cooked over a wood-burning grill and drizzled with lime- tomato-garlic marinade. There’s no mystery to Bonefish—just fresh fish cooked the way you want it.

Mexican Restaurant: Mi Pueblo
El Adobe, Two Senoritas
It’s like stepping into a Robert Rodriguez movie. The air is heavy with the smell of fresh tortillas, chilies and cilantro. A mariachi band plays with crackling energy. A mysterious senorita sips her margarita de oro. This is no McTaco joint; everything’s authentic. Indulge your inner desperado.

Romantic Restaurant: Ophelia’s
Bijou Café, Mattison’s Steakhouse (Longboat Key)
A director scouting for location shots for a romantic movie couldn’t find a better spot: dining outdoors or in overlooking the sweep of sparkling water, mangroves and seabirds, perfume wafting from the tropical gardens, an evening sky lifted from Matisse—and a menu to swoon over.

Wine List: Fleming’s
Mattison’s Steakhouse (Longboat Key), Michael’s On East
Offering more than 100 wines by the glass, Fleming’s is to wine lovers what the Chocolate Factory was to Charlie. Explore the world one glass at a time. Or divide your journey into wine flights, and enjoy groupings by region. The “Pick of the Month” offers a taste of rare boutique wines.

Power Breakfast: First Watch
Broken Egg, Serving Spoon
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? Well, the most important people in town eat theirs here. The fare is sturdy and the level of competence so high it seems effortless. Powerful people appreciate that sort of thing.

Brunch: Vernona
The Colony, First Watch
Sit outside on the terrace overlooking the bay for a few hours. You’ll need that long. More than 10 stations serve up endless delights, including stone crab claws, jumbo shrimp, oysters, caviar, cured salmon, blinis, waffles, omelets, crepes, cakes, pies. And champagne—don’t forget the champagne!

Bar (tie): Ca d’Zan Lounge, Fred’s
Mattison’s City Grille, Linksters
The Ca d’Zan Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is an experience in comfort, glamour and (good) taste. Ask bartender Peter Whitely to make a chocolate martini; the jazz and dancing will help you work off the calories. Fred’s is where Sarasotans gather to indulge in innovative bistro fare and people-watch while sipping exotic martinis. Tough call.

Restaurant to Eat Outdoors: Mattison’s City Grille
Old Salty Dog, Ophelia’s
Commandeering the best corner in downtown, Mattison’s shares its tables with the sidewalk. The world wanders past while you sip (top-shelf wine list, down-to-earth beers, booze, too) and sup (from sandwiches to rack of lamb) under the Sarasota sky. All that—and music nightly.

Non-Chain Pizza: Il Panificio
Filippo’s, Rico’s
Plato, if he were looking for the ideal pizza, would cease his search here. One bite and you’ll know: It’s what pizza should taste like. And it’s not complicated: crispy crust, simple and fresh toppings. Truth tastes good.

Restaurant to Arrive by Boat: Marina Jack
Old Salty Dog, Ophelia’s
Park your boat and sidle up to the bayside tables where you can dig into blue crab nachos, fried grouper nuggets, fresh oysters and conch chowder. What better way to end a day telling fish stories?

Place for Dessert: Euphemia Haye
Jolly, Yoder’s
You’ve earned your just desserts—so why not go where the desserts are supreme? Upstairs in the intimate Hayeloft, there’s a dazzling show each night. Myers rum pie, bananas Foster and crepes Suzette are just some of the mouth-watering stars.

Place for Salad: Sweet Tomatoes
Bonefish, Columbia
Salad’s not just an afterthought at Sweet Tomatoes. Bright red tomatoes and leafy greens share the plate with pasta, beans, broccoli, potatoes, chicken and cheese. You won’t need anybody to tell you to eat your vegetables.

Best Sushi: Pacific Rim
JoTo’s, Saga
Pacific Rim’s sushi chefs are devoted to the art of sushi. Starting with the freshest ingredients, they add a few deft cuts of the knife (and a lifetime of experience) to create their art. And the hip young crowd adds another fresh and artful note to the experience.

Burger: Patrick’s
Cheeburger Cheeburger, Hob Nob
The burgers at Patrick’s aren’t portion-controlled by committee, cooked by machines, shipped frozen, reheated and served with indifference. They are cooked and served with a passion for perfection—and that’s what makes them the best.

Barbecue: Sonny’s
The Oaks, Woody’s
You’re driving by Sonny’s when, suddenly, the smell hits you. Your mouth waters. You can’t help it. Fire plus food plus barbecue sauce equals a need for a heaping serving of baby back ribs and okra. Now!

Martini: Chocolate Martini, Ca d’Zan Bar
Espresso Martini, Fred’s
Year after year, the Ritz’s chocolate martini is the people’s favorite. Why not? It combines two of the tastier items around: Godiva chocolate liqueur and Stoli vanilla vodka. The people have sipped—and spoken.

Caterer: Mattison’s
Michael’s On East, Morton’s, Nellie’s Deli
Chef Paul Mattison commands an army of restaurants, but his catering commandos can also deliver chez vous whether it’s a dinner for two or a wedding for 400. You’ll be happy. Your guests will be happy. Next question?

Deli: Nellie’s Deli
Publix, TooJay’s
It looks like a deli. It smells like a deli. And, with the overwhelming selection of kosher foods, home-style entrées, cheeses, meats, salads, soups, fresh breads and desserts, it acts like a deli. Who says the friendly neighborhood deli is a thing of the past?

Gourmet Grocery/Market: Morton’s
Publix, Whole Foods
Morton’s is like an old-time grocer with a gourmet edge. It’s intimate, the clerks know your name, and the aroma of fresh-baked bread fills the aisle. But here you can leave with a slab of fois gras, a hunk of artisanal cheese, a pound of wild salmon and a choice Malbec. Progress can be a good thing.

Bakery: Publix
C’est La Vie, Morton’s
The neighborhood bakery isn’t gone. It simply set up shop inside your friendly neighborhood Publix, where shopping for baguettes, bagels, apple pie, rugalach, and cannolis are also a pleasure. You knew.

Ice Cream Store: Kilwin’s
Big Olaf, Cold Stone
What’s more satisfying than ice cream? Homemade ice cream from Kilwin’s. What beats that? Dipping your ice cream into homemade hot fudge at Kilwin’s. Are you ready to surrender?

Happy Hour: Carrabba’s
Fred’s, MT’s
At Carrabba’s, people at happy hour actually look happy. The kitchen is bustling, the sauces are bubbling, and glasses of wine keep arriving. What’s not to be happy about?

Arts, entertainment & sports

Performing Arts Group: Asolo Repertory Theatre
Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Ballet
With its big, top-flight cast (including students from FSU/Asolo Conservatory) and a season that seemed to satisfy both audiences and critics, the Asolo Rep is up for almost anything. Sometimes, more is more.

Local Actor/Actress: David S. Howard
Carolyn Michel, Kate Alexander
Asolo Repertory actor Howard had the audience in the palm of his hand in this past season’s performance as Yogi Berra in Nobody Don’t Like Yogi. For most actors, it would have been a once-in-a-lifetime performance. But Howard always hits it out of the park.

Black-tie Event: UnGala Gala
Mistletoe Ball, Orchid Ball
It’s the unsocial event of the season. Every October, more than a thousand of the well-heeled and well-dressed join in on the uncelebration to benefit the Ringling Museum. From “The Matrix” to “Moulin Rouge,” there’s always an edgy theme, and the setting—the romantic Ringling courtyard—is spectacular.

Place to Work Out: YMCA
Lifestyle, Shapes
The Y finds a happy medium between cinderblock sweat factories and chromium yuppie excess. All the equipment and expertise you could ever need, and not an ounce of pretension. Plus, your fees help underwrite a world of charitable work for needy kids and families.