Real estate is falling, the economy is stalling and those presidential candidates seem to have been duking it out for decades. But let the rest of the country complain about 2008: Here in Sarasota, we’re still busy counting our blessings, from year-round sunshine and technicolor sunsets to sumptuous Sunday brunches overlooking sparkling waters. That’s the message you sent us with this annual reader survey, as you flooded the mail and cyberspace with your votes for what you love about living in our seaside city.

Sarasota’s magic casts an ever wider spell, judging by the number of nominations that came to us from other states—and even countries. We can picture those readers, perhaps shivering in an Iowa winter or fighting midtown Manhattan traffic, thinking back to the restaurants, shops and experiences they savor on their trips to Sarasota and counting the days until they can return. Whether or not they’ve decided to join those of us living here full-time, they’re Sarasotans in spirit, and we like to think that our magazine links all of us who love this place together.

Please note that the winner of each category is listed first, followed by two finalists (more in the case of a tie) who are listed alphabetically rather than by the number of votes they received.

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

And now, get set for a refresher course in what makes Sarasota so special.

Food & Drink

Restaurant View
Marina Jack
Ophelia’s, University Park Country Club
Kick back on Marina Jack’s outdoor patio or dine upstairs in the formal dining room—it really doesn’t matter, when you can look out at blue skies, a bustling marina and the shimmering waters of Sarasota Bay.

American Restaurant
Patrick’s
Stonewood Grill, Vernona
Classic pizzas, huge salads, sizzling steaks, the big game on TV—Patrick’s lives up to its rep for casual dining with New York flair. Every hour is happy hour in this winning location on the corner of Main Street.

Meal Deal
Yoder’s
Applebee’s, Sweet Tomatoes
Good home cooking at reasonable prices (we’re talking meat loaf, broasted chicken, mashed potatoes and 25 kinds of fresh-baked pie) has been driving crowds to Yoder’s for more than two decades.

Italian Restaurant
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Café Baci, Caragiulo’s
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, Carrabba’s welcomes you like familia with Italian classics such as minestrone and quattro formaggi pizza and grilled creations galore. There’s a reason chefs eat here on their off hours.

Chinese Restaurant
Mrs. Chen’s
Empress Garden, Oriental Buffet
Wind your way through Mrs. Chen’s enticing buffet and choose from a multitude of Chinese specialties that are delicious and affordable—and don’t feel bad about going back for seconds.

Japanese Restaurant
DaRuMa
JoTo, Pacific Rim
At DaRuMa, the chefs’ knives fly through the air, mesmerizing the watching diners, as they create a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Thai Restaurant
Bangkok
Pacific Rim, Tropical Thai
Bangkok’s traditional décor—complete with intricately carved wooden tables—and Southeast Asian dishes make every meal an exotic adventure. Save room for the sticky honey bananas.

French Restaurant
C’est La Vie
Bijou Café, Café L’Europe, Maison Blanche
If there’s a better way to spend a lazy Saturday morning than lounging at one of C’est La Vie’s sidewalk tables over chocolate croissants and good, strong coffee, we haven’t found it. Be sure to take home a crusty baguette or loaf of hearty farmer’s bread.

Central/South American Restaurant
Selva Grill
Columbia, The Table
Credit Selva Grill with making Peruvian staples like ceviche and anticuchos as Sarasotan as Amish peanut butter pie. Its gourmet take on South American cuisine and the smoldering, urban atmosphere draw serious diners and hip young couch-sitters alike.

Mexican Restaurant
Mi Pueblo
El Adobe, Two Senoritas
This is comfort food at its south-of-the-border finest. Mi Pueblo’s three locations serve Mexican favorites in a family-friendly atmosphere, often accompanied by live mariachi music.

Romantic Restaurant
Ophelia’s
Bijou Café, Vernona
Ophelia’s sensual, sophisticated menu and moonlit views of little Sarasota Bay cast a spell that’s sure to kindle—or rekindle—any love affair.