Editors’ Picks
It’s always a surprise to us to see who and what the readers pick as their favorites. We take a step back when it comes to the official Reader’s Poll, but at the end of the day we can’t help but want to toss out a few of our own favorites. This section to touts some of the local "bests" we find ourselves returning to again and again. — Ryan Thomas

Best Gym/Personal Trainer:
Pilates People
Pilates People was founded in 2001 by David and Doreen Hall, whose 2,200-square-foot Torrey Hills location is equal parts fitness Pilates studio and spa-like physical therapy facility (with insurance billing available for patients). Clients value that they are able to establish a relationship with talented trainers who work with them one on one — in private classes, duets, or group sessions — to achieve their personal goals. The many benefits of Pilates include improved posture, flexibility, and strength without building bulk. To top it off, Pilates People also offers acupuncture, massage, and a new clothing boutique featuring the Zensei line of clothes. (858/847-0055, www.pilates-people.com) — Mia Stefanko

Best Independent Book Store:
Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore
I’ll read anything, from World War II memoirs to the latest on stock investing. But since I read so much non-fiction at work I tend to relax with a good popcorn novel at home. When I’m looking for the next great, undiscovered tale, I head to Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Kearny Mesa. The enthusiastic staff at this mom and pop store knows what you’re going to like even before you do. "Got anything that melds Philip K. Dick, Raymond Chandler, and the Die Hard films?" Before I know it I’m being handed something by author Richard K. Morgan and devouring the book like it’s made of crème brulée. For the serious genre collector, signed limited and first editions, and rare out of print collector copies are staples at Mysterious Galaxy. It’s also one of the best places to go for signings and readings by today’s top authors, from horror master Dan Simmons to television-producer-turned-crime-novelist Stephen J. Cannel. Throw in book discussion nights and special events and you’ve got yourself a serious home base for bibliophiles. (858/268-4747, http://mysteriousgalaxy.booksense.com) — Ryan Thomas

Best New Exhibit (Spring 2009):
San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey
I am huge fan of the San Diego Zoo, all zoos really. Even when visiting tiny towns, if they have a zoo, I try to go. My children and I have a few favorite friends we always stop to see and among them are the elephants. Imagine how excited I was to find out about the new exhibit scheduled to be completed by spring 2009. The gentle giants will walk over the heads of viewers while others amble by in their seven-acre habitat. Elephant Odyssey will include a 2.5-acre free-roaming area for up to nine elephants, a 120,000-gallon pachyderm pool, and special viewing areas to observe where keepers care for the elephants. One of the coolest parts of this new exhibit will be the focus on animals that roamed across California’s landscape as recently as 10,000 years ago with entertaining and interactive exhibits including fossil digs, tar pits, and natural landscaping. There will be plenty of Kodak moments with life-sized statues of an American lion, a saber-toothed cat, and a capybara. To help fund this amazing new exhibit, the Zoo’s annual RITZ gala, entitled Silver Safari: A Sophisticated Adventure this year, will lavish guests in Out of Africa mystique and grandeur. Highlights include lavish hors d’oeuvres, hosted cocktails, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, dancing, entertainment, and a few surprises. Don’t wait to buy tickets. Last year’s event sold out quickly. (619/287-5435, www.sandiegozoo.org) — Collette Stefanko

Best Sushi:
Nobu
Warmly colored and punctuated with modern touches and upbeat music, Nobu in downtown’s Hard Rock Hotel delights with the most eclectic sushi and sashimi creations as well as nouveau Japanese fare spiced up with Peruvian influences including Yellowtail Sashimi topped with jalapeño and cilantro, Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, or Whole King Crab legs cut into small chunks and lightly tempura-fried atop a sweet amazu ponzu marinade. Don’t miss the biggest draw — the Black Cod with Miso marinated for three days in sugar, soy and miso paste, and slow-roasted for four hours. (866/751-ROCK, www.hardrockhotelsd.com)
— Maria Desiderata Montana, photo by Eiichi Takahashi/Shibata Publishing Co. Ltd