A funny thing happened when we gathered our editors and writers together and asked them for this annual list of their own personal “bests” about living in Sarasota. We knew 2008 hasn’t exactly been a year to chirp about—plummeting real estate values, shrinking public services and a slowdown that sure feels like a recession—so we were bracing ourselves for journalistic cynicism and black humor. Instead, they started talking about all the reasons they still love living here, from beautiful waterfront views on their daily commute to the talented newcomers who start businesses, restaurants and even charities that reflect their personal passions.

In fact, most said they didn’t mind the current pause in our runaway growth. This city is about more than new high-rises and mega-mansions, they said; and nice as it is to have posh new shops and services, we’re about more than consumption and luxury as well.

In a way, the last few years have been a classic case of “be careful what you wish for.” That giddy real estate boom, which made us all feel rich and powerful, turned out not to be the answer to our prayers. It encouraged greed and materialism, hurt many people, and blinded us to the truth that slow and steady growth is better for our prosperity—and our psyches. “I’m sick of reading about bling and big spenders,” a writer said. “I’m more interested in the people and soul of this city.”

Sarasota’s real wealth, it turns out, lies where it always has—in natural beauty, arts and culture, a relaxed lifestyle, and smart, sophisticated people who appreciate how lucky we are to live here. That realization inspired this issue, from our annual reader’s survey about the best restaurants, shops and experiences in town to “Reasons We Love Sarasota,” a collection of essays that grew out of our discussion that day.

Here are our personal “bests” of 2008; thanks to Kay Kipling, Robert Plunket, Ilene Denton, Hannah Wallace, Megan McDonald, Su Byron, Marty Fugate, Rebecca Baxter, Leslie Glass, Judi Gallagher, John Bancroft and Silke Rible.

Best Over-the-Top Steak Sandwich: The little tenderloin sliders with pan-seared foie gras topped with Bearnaise and demiglace on a grilled mini garlic bun at Beach Bistro lift indulgence to a lofty new level.

Best Walk in the Clouds: The canopy walk that stretches high in the air between two sturdy oaks at Myakka River State Park—the only such walk in all of North America—gives you an exhilarating eagle's-eye view of this pristine wilderness. When you climb the tower at the end, you can see forever.

Best Home Delivery: The organic produce that’s raised locally and delivered fresh to your door once you sign up with Sarasota Farms (www.sarasotafarms.org).

Best Neighborhood Hangout: Like many bars, Knick's Tavern in Southside Village hangs a sign advertising bad food and lousy service. Not! Order the biggest, juiciest burger in town and the oversized planks of French fries and soak in the friendly, comfy atmosphere. It's neighborly Nirvana.

Best Swish Fish: Barramundi, a freshwater fish being farmed near Kissimmee, has popped up on menus this year, but nobody does it better than chef Stephen Phelps at Canvas Cafe. His secret? He tops the pan-roasted fish with tomato-mustard seed jam.

Best Cool Cabaret: With its faux brick walls, the little East Village Cabaret recalls its namesake theater district in Manhattan. Grab a seat at a table or one of the couches and watch alternative art, from cabaret and comedy to jazz and theater, take the stage in Sarasota.

Best Mullet Sushi: At Cortez Kitchen in historic Cortez Village, the seafood is snapping fresh, the crowd is down-home and local musicians are often cooking, too. Unwind and for a few hours, experience the Florida that was.

Best [Partly] Vintage Jewelry: Local P.R. pro Yen Reed creates fanciful new pieces out of old brooches, earrings and other treasures. They’re beautiful and eminently affordable. Check out her humongous pink posy necklace ($79). Buy online at gneebo.etsy.com.

Best New Klauber Creation: The Polo Grill, owned by Tommy and Jamie Klauber of the locally famous restaurant family, gives Lakewood Ranch a major dining anchor, with spacious and stylish dining and banquet rooms and food that lives up to the family reputation.

Best Way to Eat the Other White Meat: Vietnamese-style, at downtown’s Pho Cali. A No. 79 with grilled pork sends the lowly pig to heaven with flavors of fresh cilantro and lemongrass and a sprinkling of chopped peanuts.

Best Non-Mainstage Theater: The excerpts from classic plays performed live by some of the town’s top theatrical talent at contemporary furniture store Home Resource. The sofas are your theater seats; the crowd is as sleek and fashionable as the coffee tables; and the whole experience is free.

Best Response to the Real Estate Market: While others vainly waited for buyers to come to them, developer Pat Neal went to today’s budget-conscious buyers with charming cottage-style homes in Forest Creek in Parrish. Two bedrooms, two baths and a garage in a pretty gated community with lakes and trees—starting price, $122,000.

Best Quick Trip to Italy: We finally have fresh pasta worthy of a real trattoria. At the farmers’ markets downtown and in Lakewood Ranch, Peperonata’s offers an ever-changing variety of just-made pastas. We pick a pasta first, then shop the market for the ingredients for the perfect sauce.

Best Musical Party: Held on the bayfront at Piero and Rachele Rivolta’s Bird Key home every April, La Musica’s “Meet the Musicians” dinner is a wonderful way to mingle with 15 of the world’s best chamber music musicians and their Sarasota fans.

Best Restaurant Panorama: The food is great at the new Lido Beach Grille on the eighth floor of the Lido Beach Resort, but nothing outdazzles the restaurant’s sweeping vistas of Sarasota’s cityscape, the surrounding keys and the azure Gulf of Mexico.

Best Spoonful of Paris: The French onion soup at little Rick's Cafe on Siesta Drive is hearty yet subtle, with just the right amount of onions and cheese and an ethereal flavor burst from good French wine.

Best Mixed Message: After you stock up on healthy fruits and veggies, follow your nose to the south end of the Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings and get yourself a grilled sausage sandwich, bursting with delicious fat.

Best Antique Lover’s Expedition: Explore the charming stores clustered along Venice, Tampa and Miami avenues in downtown Venice. Lots of treasures, the best shabby chic store in the country (The Cat’s Meow), cute places to get a bite and an irresistible small-town feeling.

Best Reason to Whistle Dixie: Sitting under the giant banyan tree at 5-One-6 Burns, you’ll find the perfect blend of Southern ambiance and outstanding Southern cooking. Chef Seth Groseclose’s pan-fried chicken is the genuine article.

Best Restaurant Rebirth: Livelier decor and more comfortable outdoor seating along with a streamlined menu heavy on steakhouse favorites make the new Fred’s in Southside Village even better than the original.

Best Close Encounter with Nature: Reelin & Chillin Charters takes you on a boat tour of Siesta Key’s mangrove islands with a nature photographer who will help you capture images of dolphin, manatee, and even bald eagles diving for mullet.

Best Taste of Florida: Floribbean Flo’s takes tropical treats like pineapple, oranges, coconuts, bananas, nuts and Key limes and bakes them into delicious, preservative-free cookies, pies and cakes. Visit the store on the South Trail or order your goodies online.

Best Way to Channel Davy Crockett: For just $60, your family can spend a night in one of the rustic yet cozy log cabins at Myakka State Park. Build a campfire, take a moonlit stroll and fall asleep to the haunting cries of owls and the wind rustling the palm hammocks.

Best Place to Scavenger Hunt: At our immaculate, well-organized Goodwill stores, you can find anything you ever dreamed of and lots of stuff you didn’t. In one week, we spotted a mounted deer’s head, a velvet smoking jacket from London’s fabled Asprey, a $39 Tommy Bahama chair that retailed for $1,500, and much, much more.

Best Edgy Art Gallery: Owner Margaret Barnes and gallery director Tobey Albright fit a galaxy of alternative art inside mack b projects' 11,000-square-foot space near the airport. And the opening night parties are as good as the art.