Article
The Readers Speak!
Food and Drink
Restaurant View: Marina Jack; Ophelia's on the Bay, University Park Grille
American Restaurant: Patrick’s; Libby's, Stonewood Grill
Meal Deal: Libby's; Applebee's, Sweet Tomatoes
Italian Restaurant: Carrabba's; Caragiulo's, Divino, Mediterraneo
Chinese Restaurant: Mrs. Chen's; Empress Garden, Mak's
Japanese Restaurant: Da Ru Ma; JoTo's, Pacific Rim
Thai Restaurant: Bangkok; Siam Orchid, Tropical Thai
French Restaurant: C'est La Vie; Bijou Café, Maison Blanche
Central/South American Restaurant: Selva Grill; Columbia, Javier's
Mexican Restaurant: Mi Pueblo; El Adobe, Two Senoritas
Romantic Restaurant: Ophelia's on the Bay; Bijou Café, Euphemia Haye, Michael's On East
Seafood Restaurant: Bonefish Grill; Barnacle Bill's, Captain Brian's
Restaurant to Seal the Deal: Michael's On East; Bijou Café, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
New Restaurant: Libby's; Ceviche, Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse
Steakhouse: Fleming’s; Outback, Ruth's Chris
Wine List: Fleming’s; Libby's, Michael's On East
Power Breakfast: First Watch; Broken Egg, Word of Mouth
Brunch: The Colony; University Park Grille, Vernona at the Ritz-Carlton
Bar Scene: Ceviche; Gator Club, Horse Feathers, Libby's
Restaurant to Eat Outdoors: TIE: Marina Jack, Mattison's City Grille; Ophelia's on the Bay, University Park Grille
Restaurant to Arrive by Boat: Marina Jack; Mar Vista, Old Salty Dog
Non-chain Pizza: Rico's; Demetrios, Il Panificio
Dessert: Euphemia Haye; The Melting Pot, Yoders
Vegetarian: Simon's; Chutney's, Whole Foods
Small Plates: TIE: Ceviche, Sangria; Hyde Park, Libby's
Sushi: Pacific Rim; Da Ru Ma, Yume
Burger: Patrick’s; Five Guys, Cheeburger Cheeburger
Barbecue: The Oaks; Alday’s BBQ, Lee Roy Selmon's
Caterer: Michael's On East; Morton's, Nellie's
Deli: Nellie's; Morton's, TooJays
Gourmet Market: Morton's; Fresh Market, Whole Foods
Wine Store: Total Wine; Michael's On East, Morton's
Bakery: Publix; C'est La Vie, Morton's
Happy Hour: Hyde Park; Gecko's, Libby's
Arts, Entertainment and Sports
Performing Arts Group: Asolo Repertory Theatre; Florida Studio Theatre, Sarasota Ballet
Local actor/actress: Carolyn Michel; Cliff Roles, Shelly Whiteside
Black-tie Event: UnGala; Catholic Charities Ball, Orchid Ball
Place to Work Out: YMCA; Gold's Gym, Shapes
Festival or Event: Sarasota Film Festival; E-fest, Florida Winefest & Auction
Place to Watch a Performance: Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall; FSU Center for the Performing Arts, Sarasota Opera House
Live Music: Van Wezel; Mattison's City Grill, 5 O'Clock Club
Place to Play Tennis: University Park Country Club; Laurel Oak Country Club, Serendipity Racquet Club
Place to Play Golf: University Park Country Club; Laurel Oak Country Club, TPC Prestancia
Museum: Ringling Museum; G.WIZ, South Florida Museum
Art Gallery: Dabbert Gallery; Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, Galleria Silecchia
Goods and Services
Salon: Yellow Strawberry; Diane K, Marmalade, Nuovo
Kids Store: L. Kids; Bun in the Oven, Children's World
Women’s Boutique: Chico's; Kelietza, L. Boutique
Men’s Boutique: The Met; Brooks Brothers, Tommy Bahama
Skincare: Neoderm; The Met, University Park Dermatology
Customer Service: Saks; Children's World, The Met
Antique Store: Sarasota Architectural Salvage; Crissy Galleries, Sarasota Antique Mall
Bookstore: Barnes & Noble; Borders, Sarasota News & Books
Bank: Bank of America; SunTrust, Wachovia
Florist: Beneva Flowers; Bee Ridge Florist, Flowers by Fudgie
Home Accessories: HomeGoods; Bed, Bath and Beyond, Pier One
Furniture Store: Robb & Stucky; Kanes, Home Resource
Consignment Store: Woman's Exchange; Designing Women, House of Lords, Laura Jean's
Gift Shop: Persnickity Cat; Crowder’s Gifts & Gadgets, Elysian Fields
Place to Buy Swimsuits: Swim Mart; Dillards, Splash Sun & Fun, Swim City
Spa: The Met; Body & Spirit, the Ritz-Carlton Spa
Landscaper: ArtisTree; Bella Terra, Critter Ridge
Dry Cleaners: Cove Cleaners; Bob's, Michael the Cleaner
Retirement Community: Plymouth Harbor; Glenridge, Kobernick-Anchin
Veterinarian: Clark Road (Dr. Thom Smith); Bay Road Animal Hospital, Gulf Gate Animal Hospital
Hotspots and Highlights
Tourist Attraction: Beaches; Mote Aquarium, Ringling Museum
Local TV Personality: Bob Harrigan; Heidi Godman, John Scalzi
Blogger: Robert Plunket; David Grimes, MC Coolidge
Place to Take Kids: G.WIZ; Mote Aquarium, Sarasota Jungle Gardens
Beach: Siesta Key Beach; Lido Beach, Whitney Beach (Longboat Key)
Place to Take Pictures: Siesta Key Beach; Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Myakka State Park
Scenery: Ringling Bridge; Marina Jack, Siesta Key
Place to Meet Singles: Horse Feathers; Ceviche, Libby's
Place to People Watch: St. Armands Circle; Main Street (downtown Sarasota), Siesta Key
Reason to Leave: No reason; heat/humidity, hurricanes
Reason to Stay: Weather; beaches/water, everything
Thing That Could Happen Here: Economic rebound/real estate recovery; fall in love, renew downtown
Filed under
Share
Show Comments