Never let it be said that Sarasotans have no opinions. They have plenty, and sometimes it seems like they're determined to voice every single one. That tendency can drive politicians or DOT bridge designers batty, but we love it, because it's made the annual "Best of the Best" competition we co-sponsor with WWSB/Channel 40 a runaway success. Every year, Sarasotans deluge us with their opinions about the best diversions, attractions and discoveries in town-and those answers are not always what you might expect.

For example, this year, under the category of best place to propose, one true romantic suggested Denny's, while another confessed, "No idea, I'm way past that." Another reader declared the best Sarasota souvenir is Davidson's Drug Store-apparently, all of it. (Not that we disagree that Davidson's is a true Sarasota treasure.)

Voting was brisk this year as Sarasotans crowned a variety of new businesses and restaurants that have never before appeared in our poll. Our Internet response was the highest ever, with more and more readers choosing to bypass the postal service and vote online.

This year we decided to reward those who gave us a moment of their time (or an hour, considering the ballot has swelled to 83 categories) voting with a special sweepstakes. Congratulations to Holly Lingley of Nokomis, who became the first lucky winner of our drawing for a five-night Caribbean cruise for two. For those who haven't managed to become her new best friend, keep an eye out for our contest next year.

But let's talk about this year's contest first. We've spent weeks tallying your votes for the best restaurants, goods, services, performing arts and hot spots. It's a privilege we takes seriously, eliminating any ballots that appear to be duplicates.

The top vote-getters are listed first; the next two are listed alphabetically. Some categories have more than two finalists (and winners) because of ties. In the event of a tie, winners and finalists are listed alphabetically.

Congratulations to every one of them, and to you, for taking the time and effort to recognize their achievements. And be sure to tune in to WWSB's special "Best of the Best" series, which airs every Friday in May on News 40 at 6 and 11 p.m.

Best Food and Drink

Best Waterfront Restaurant

Ophelia's on the Bay

Finalists: Marina Jack, Old Salty Dog

Gentle waves cradling colorful boats and tropical birds atop pilings compete with menu specialties at restaurants lucky enough to be perched on bay, bayou or Gulf. Ophelia's has the romance of a secluded dock nestled among Siesta Key mangroves. Marina Jack is more big-city with island and skyline vistas, and the Old Salty Dog is a little piece of bygone fishing village days when you could catch-'em and eat-'em in the same afternoon.

Best Meal Under $8

Yoder's

Finalists: Der Dutchman, Mi Pueblo

Believe it or not, you can still be well-fed in this town for less than an Alexander Hamilton. The home cookin' at Yoder's and Der Dutchman is inspired by Amish country stick-to-the-ribs meals and includes comfort farm food, desserts such as shoofly pie, and fresh breads and meat loaf. Mi Pueblo has the spice, color and aromas of Mama's Mexican kitchen.

Best Italian Restaurant

Café Baci

Finalists: Carrabbas Italian Grill, Mediterraneo

Italian is the flavor of Sarasota these days, as well-traveled diners flock to restaurants that remind them of the regions and romance of Italy, where they lingered over several small courses instead of an oversized American production. Thanks to authentic restaurants like Cafe Baci (Northern Italian cuisine) and Mediterraneo, Sarasotans now know the difference between gnocci and granita. Carrabbas attracts young families, the budget-minded date crowd, and folks who like their Italian favorites served in portions grande.

Best Chinese Restaurant

Le Chang of Boston

Finalists: Mrs. Chen's, Oriental Buffet

Chopsticks are fashionable again, not that you need them to enjoy the Asian upmarket cuisine at Le Chang in downtown's art gallery district. The dining room is spacious and exudes quiet glamour. The menu is impressive and vast. Not much tony elegance at Mrs. Chen's or Oriental Buffet, but the Asian comfort food seems to suit the town just fine.

Best Japanese Restaurant

DaRuMa

Finalists: Jo-To Japanese Steakhouse, Taste of Tokyo

When eating is theater we head for DaRuMa. Not only are the dishes arranged on platters like Oriental sculpture, the chefs' precision tableside meals are pure entertainment. The pretty drinks from the bar are attractive, too. Jo-To makes a steak dinner a spectator sporting event, and Taste of Tokyo provides just that

Best Thai Restaurant

Bangkok

Finalists: Siam Orchid, Tropical Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar

Sarasota is rich in the perfumey tastes of Southeast Asia. The Bangkok taught us to love lemongrass. Siam Orchid has a way with seafood and fetching decor and music. And Tropical Thai composes plates that are edible art. These restaurants have enriched our culinary knowledge of a graceful land. Before, we only thought of coconut milk when making pinã coladas. Who knew?