When we tallied the voting in this issue’s “Best of 2007” readers’ poll, 227 winners and finalists rose to the top, in categories from best new restaurant (Rustic Grill) to best controversy (those 18,000 undervotes in the District 13 election, of course). That’s an impressive number of “bests”—but as the anything-but-impartial editors of the city’s magazine, we happen to think Sarasota has even more. One of the joys of our job is keeping tabs on what’s new, noteworthy and wonderful about living in this sensational place; so we’d like to share some of our personal “Bests of 2007.” With thanks to these editors and contributors: Susan Burns, Dan Denton, Ilene Denton, Judi Gallagher, Kim Hackett, Kay Kipling, Mary McCulley, Megan McDonald, Bob Plunket, Bill Speere, Richard Storm and Hannah Wallace.

Best quick trip toItaly: The new Treviso Restaurant at the Ringling Museum has creative Italian food, good wine and the best-looking plates and cutlery in town. Sit outside and admire the grounds or inside under a historic engraving of the town of Asolo, Italy.

Best reason to go to the movies: How about a waterfront cinema that serves coffee and wine? Sarasota Film Society’s new lakefront Lakewood Ranch Cinemas also has stadium seating, state-of-the-art projection and sound, and a smart mix of top Hollywood and art films.

Best beach to experience the essence of Florida: Just minutes from the middle of Venice, you can bliss out on Caspersen Beach, where there’s not a building (and often hardly a soul) in sight, and the sabal palms growing along the shore cast evocative shadows in late-afternoon light.

Best new outdoor dining: Under the sheltering arcade at 5 Points Plaza, the tables outside Americano’s are the perfect place to watch the Sarasota parade streaming by any time of the day or week. More arcades, please!

Best place to find top chefs on their night off: dining on the Hawaiian fusion specialties and sampling the world-class wine list at Roy’s.

Best blow against global warming: Sarasota County government’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2030. And the county’s 10 new hybrid buses are doing their part, too, offering a green, quiet and comfortable ride for only 50 cents.

Best way for grown-up guys to get their game on: the pick-up basketball game from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Berlin YMCA on Monday, Wednesday and Friday attracts execs, journalists, former NBA players and city officials, but the only position that matters is the one you fight your way to under the basket.

Best place to take a meeting: At O’Leary’s at Bayfront Park, where the setting encourages an agreeable attitude and, if you meet in the afternoon, as we editors sometimes do, a round of drinks from the tiki hut can get the creative juices going.

Best highbrow party: The opening of the new Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing at the Ringling Museum featured an exclusive preview of the art-filled space, dinner in the magnificent Rubens Galleries and a glittering cast of guests.

Best South-of-the-Border comfort food: The Mexican women who took over the deli at the Shell station at the corner of U.S. 301 and Northgate are ruining our diets with their beef mole over rice and tamales wrapped in corn husks.

Best coffee shop: Metro, where your latte or chai comes with designs imprinted in the foam, folks get out their guitars and play, and a hip young crowd considers the tables and sofas their living room away from home.

 Best rising stars: The hamburgers at Greer’s Grille in Gulf Gate and Americano on Main Street are giving the town’s established burger greats a run for their money.

Best revival: The Merchants Association’s decision to bring downtown’s New Year’s Eve celebration back with a bang; this year, 22,000 people heard three bands, cruised the outdoor bars and food vendors and watched a gigantic orange drop at midnight.

Best cross-cultural creation: the brisket quesadillas at the new Lee Roy Selmon’s in Bradenton.

Best new reason to love living downtown: the new Publix at Broadway Promenade combines suburban abundance with a smart, city-style layout.