What makes Sarasota great? Sunshine, sparkling water and miles of sandy beaches are an enormous part of our city's allure, but fresh Gulf grouper sandwiches, live theater, killer chocolate martinis, homemade tortillas, sophisticated shopping and championship golf are just a few of the other assets-thousands upon thousands of them-you named in this year's "Best of 2006" contest. By mail and by Internet, the ballots arrived in record-setting numbers, and the competition came down to the wire in many of our 74 categories.

As our city keeps expanding, so do the opportunities and experiences, from exotic restaurants and ultra-luxurious spas to trendy boutiques and specialty services, and you honored many of those newcomers along with tried-and-true establishments and attractions.

Our list includes both winners and finalists in every category, with the winners listed first, then finalists in alphabetical order. Congratulations to all-and to you for deciding to live in this best of all possible cities! To learn more about our winners, be sure to tune in to ABC-7's "Best of 2006" coverage during evening newscasts from April 28 through May 19.

FOOD & DRINK

Waterfront Restaurant

Marina Jack

Café On the Bay; Ophelia's On the Bay

Upstairs in Marina Jack's lavish dining room, you can feast on award-winning blue crab cakes and black grouper while gazing out over Sarasota Bay and downtown Sarasota. Downstairs, the open-air raw bar is perfect for casual fare and cocktails.

American Restaurant

Patrick's

Michael's On East; Stonewood Grill

Patrick's combines old-time swank with a casual ambiance. People from all walks of life share the bar, swapping stories, watching the game and digging into juicy cheeseburgers and steaks. A true American classic.

Meal Deal

Yoder's

Mel's Diner; Vernona's "Executive Lunch" at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Corn fritter cakes, fruit Jell-O, liver and onions, spaghetti (nothing "pasta" about it)-these are a few of our favorite Yoder's entrées. But after dinner, there's dessert, and that means choosing between 25 types of homemade pies. For close, affordable encounters of Amish food at its best, there's nothing like Yoder's.

Italian Restaurant

Carrabba's ItalianGrill

Café Baci; Caragiulo's

At Carrabba's, kids play with pizza dough, chefs prepare dishes at Mario Andretti pace in the open kitchen, and adults kick back in the festive buzz with hearty Italian fare. The "Thrill of the Grill," a lusty mix of grilled seafood and meat, will leave you flushed with the cheer of it all.

Chinese Restaurant

Mrs. Chen's

China Palace; Oriental Buffet

For fast and affordable Chinese food, buffet style, Mrs. Chen's will not disappoint. We're not sure what Mr. Chen is doing, but the missus has her hands full with the daily crowds who are willing to wait in line to dig into the spicy fare.

Japanese Restaurant

DaRuMa

JoTo's Japanese Steakhouse; Pacific Rim

At DaRuMa, diners can enjoy tableside Teppan-style dining-or go for the traditional Japanese mat seating or sushi bar. And whether you're watching flashing knives or floating sailboats on Sarasota Bay, the view is great wherever you look.

Thai Restaurant

Bangkok Restaurant

Siam Orchid; Thailand Restaurant; Tropical Thai

Bangkok features classic specialties that hail from the north, south, lowland and coastal regions of Thailand. And it's rich in traditional décor, with exemplary service and a killer Thai tea, too.

French Restaurant

C'est La Vie

Café L'Europe; French Affair

Zut alors, how long has it been since you had a leek and tomato crêpe, a delectable salade Niçoise or a pâté sandwich served on a crispy baguette? Francophiles file into this casual bistro or sit curbside smoking their Gauloises, sipping café au lait and dreaming of la vie en rose.

Central/South American Restaurant

Selva Grill

Columbia; Javier's

The octopus ceviche at Selva Grill is marinated in a Peruvian black olive sauce and topped with sliced avocados and toasted bread. Sound tasty? Better make a reservation fast. This winner fills tables.

Mexican Restaurant

Mi Pueblo

El Adobe; Two Señoritas

Mi Pueblo is the next-best thing to a Mexican vacation. Start with a margarita de oro, follow with tortilla soup and enchilada roja, and finish with a classic, creamy flan. With a lively mariachi band adding to the mix, Mexico seems only a few salsa steps away.

Restaurant to Propose

Ophelia's On the Bay

Michael's On East; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Shimmering bay waters, award-winning cuisine, gracious service and stunning sunsets. Pop the question, already!

Restaurant for Seafood

Barnacle Bill's Seafood

Bonefish Grill; Captain Brian's

This always busy restaurant is famous for good seafood, a respectable wine selection, amicable atmosphere and affordable prices. Must-haves include Barnacle Bill's bouillabaisse and the seafood risotto. None of the four locations is on the waterfront, but who's looking out the window?

Restaurant to Seal the Deal

Michael's On East

Fleming's; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

This is where the cognoscenti flock to engage in serious talk over serious food. Michael's classic décor, sophisticated menu and discreet service create the ideal environment for the art of networking.

New Restaurant

(opened in 2005)

Mi Pueblo at University Walk Plaza

DJ's; Metro Coffee & Wine

This family-run restaurant offers specialties that reflect the cuisine of northern Mexico, including colorful dishes heaped with fresh homemade tortillas filled with all things spicy and good. Bring the kids, tap along to the mariachi band and enjoy an authentic taste of Mexico.

Steakhouse

Fleming's

Ruth's Chris; Sam Seltzer's

Steak, anyone? The chefs at Fleming's cook theirs at 1,600 degrees to seal in the juices. Then, depending on how big a beef connoisseur you are, you can have up to 20 ounces of it. Twenty flaming ounces. Go ahead-worry about your cholesterol tomorrow.

Restaurant Wine List

Fleming's

Fred's; Michael's On East

Offering more than 100 wines, Fleming's is serious about catering to oenophiles. Can't decide? Try the "Wine Flight," which lets you experience three variations on a varietal at a time.

Power Breakfast

First Watch

Broken Egg; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Don't bother calling business bigwigs or powerful politicos before 9:30 a.m. weekdays-they're probably downing coffee and attacking stacks of cranberry nut pancakes at First Watch. The morning place to eat and meet.

Brunch

The Colony Beach & Tennis Resort Dining Room

First Watch; Vernona at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

How do we love the Colony brunch? Let us count the ways: fresh oysters, Gulf shrimp, prime rib, Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, omelet stations, grilled mahi-mahi, fresh whipped cream, spiced beef stew and more. Did we mention the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Mexico?

Bar

Fred's

Cà d'Zan at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota; Michael's On East

Sidle up to that ruinously handsome man or tragically mysterious woman. This popular watering hole is the place to sip, flirt, see and be seen. And if nothing else works out, you can always get a great dinner here, too.

Restaurant to Eat Outdoors

Marina Jack

Mattison's City Grille; Old Salty Dog on City Island

Marina Jack's bustling open-air raw bar overlooks the marina and Sarasota Bay. Sit back with a beer, some oysters on the half-shell and conch chowder and enjoy Florida living the way it was meant to be.

Early-Bird Specials

Café Baci

Barnacle Bill's Seafood; Rosebud's

Skip lunch and head to Café Baci between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. for one of the best food deals in town. From the calamari fritti all the way to the tiramisu, customers will enjoy award-winning Café Baci cuisine-at award-winning prices.

Non-chain Pizza

Il Panificio

Demetrio's; Rico's

There's nothing complicated about the pizza at Il Panificio. Choose from one of 10 varieties, watch it warm up in their always-fired pizza oven, sit under the outside umbrellas and see Main Street go by. Who said life had to be complicated?

Place for Dessert

Euphemia Haye

Jolly; Michael's On East; Yoder's

The "dessert room," upstairs at Euphemia Haye, offers a dazzling display of desserts, including homemade pies (try the pecan), cakes, tarts and flambéed finales. The cherries jubilee (flamed with Kirshwasser) is both luscious and sexy; indulge at your own risk.

Place for Salad

Sweet Tomatoes

Columbia; Olive Garden

At Sweet Tomatoes, salad doesn't always mean lettuce. The salad bar features a creative mix of alternatives, including field corn and wild rice, pineapple coconut slaw and tuna tarragon. Pile up that plate and don't be shy about going back for more; that's what this place is all about.

Sushi

Pacific Rim

DaRuMa; JoTo's Japanese Steakhouse

Pacific Rim treats you to all the colors, scents, tastes and sounds a well-run sushi bar can provide. Ask the sushi chef for his recommendations, don't overdo the wasabi and remember to say domo arigato when you go. (You'll want to.)

Burger

Patrick's

Cheeburger Cheeburger; Hob Nob

Hearty, no-nonsense and egalitarian, the hamburger is a true American icon. Patrick's chefs serve theirs up grilled and unadorned for purists, or festooned with cheese, mushrooms, bacon and onions for the rest of us. As Teddy Roosevelt would say, it's "bully!"

Barbecue

Sonny's
Oaks Open Pit; Woody's

Founded in 1968, Sonny's offers small-town atmosphere and the best smoked fixin's you can find. Ribs, chicken, pork and beef are treated to Sonny's slow-smoked flavor and signature sweet barbecue sauce. Add a heap of fried okra and cornbread and you'll be licking your fingers for days.

Caterer

Michael's On East

Morton's; Nellie's Deli

Michael's ranks right up there with the beaches and the Gulf as a major Sarasota asset. Maestro Phil Mancini and his able crew can turn events of all sizes and shapes into inspired experiences. Hand the worrying over to them and let the party begin.

Deli

Nellie's Deli

Morton's; Publix; Toojay's

Nellie's gourmet market and deli are justly famous for their kosher-style sandwiches, home-style soups, salad bar and a deli case filled with side dishes and baked goods you'd swear were prepared in your grandma's kitchen. Want to give up cooking for a while? Just say "hello, deli" at Nellie's.

Gourmet Grocery/Market

Morton's

Publix; Whole Foods

A trip to Morton's expands the horizons of your culinary universe. You go in to buy fish and bread; you walk out with imported pastas, exotic pâtés and artisan cheeses. Morton's also offers meals to go, fine wines and an outstanding bakery. The shopping is almost as delicious as the food itself.

Bakery

Publix

C'est La Vie; Morton's

Ever try to steer your cart past the bakery section at Publix without stopping? Those shelves and cases laden with fresh breads, pastries, petit fours, pies and specialty cakes cry out like sirens, urging you to indulge. Resistance is futile.

Ice Cream Store

Big Olaf

Cold Stone Creamery; Kilwin's

One of the best things about living in a warm climate: Ice cream is always a welcome treat. The folks at Big Olaf know this. This Sarasota-based business is expanding across Florida, with four locations here. The ice cream is made locally and comes in 36 tantalizing flavors, including brand-new Butterfinger Blast.

Martini

Chocolate Martini at Ca d'Zan at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Chocolate Martini at Bonefish Grill; Espresso Martini at Fred's

The secret of master bartender Peter Whitely's chocolate martini? Instead of syrup, he uses chocolate ganache for an oh-so-smooth and creamy texture. Dessert or aperitif? One sip and it doesn't matter.

Happy Hour

Chili's

Bonefish Grill, Fred's

The art of happiness is alive and well at Chili's. The restaurant tempts us with no fewer than 10 varieties of margaritas, each more enticing than the last. Liquid libations include rum, Blue Curaçao, Midori, Cointreau, Chambord, Grand Marnier, mango juice, sour and grenadine and, si, tequila. Get happy!

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS

Performing Arts Group

Asolo Theatre Company

Florida Studio Theatre; Sarasota Ballet

This season 14 acclaimed productions were presented at the Asolo's Mertz and Cook theaters, including works by Harper Lee, Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde and Joe Orton. Now in its 47th year, the Asolo Theatre Company plays a leading role in our reputation as a cultural capital.

Local Actor or Actress

Carolyn Michel

John Arnold; Dick Smothers

Michel is an actor's actor. She's also a director, a philanthropist and powerhouse of a human being. Now in her 15th season at the Asolo, she performs at other regional theaters as well.

Black-Tie Event

UnGala Gala

Florida Winefest & Auction Gala; Sarasota Film Festival Tribute Dinner

Although the UnGala Gala was founded 20 years ago as an antithesis to black-tie snootiness, it's now the hottest black-tie ticket in town. Set in the splendor of the Ringling Museum's courtyard, this glitzy October event kicks off Sarasota's social season and raises a heckuva lot of money for the museum.

Place to work out

YMCA

Gold's Gym; Shapes

The YMCA is not just about dumbbells. Sarasota's three locations offer everything from ballroom dance lessons to martial arts to yoga and massage therapy, so you really have no excuse not to join. Today!

Festival or Special Event

Sarasota Film Festival

Arts Day; Florida Winefest & Auction

Why go to Hollywood when we bring the stars to Sarasota? Founded in 1998, this annual event showcases more than 100 movies and the filmmakers, writers, producers and stars who create them during a week of films, discussions, community outreach and glamorous parties. Could Sarasota become the next Cannes? C'est possible.