It turns out that our readers are an opinionated bunch. We asked for a list of some of your favorite things in San Diego, and you answered. There were a few surprises, but personally, we think you made some great choices.

Sunset over the ocean, your honey in your arms (or a honey at any rate) – ‘nuff said.

Their website puts it best: “Laurel Restaurant & Bar features Southern French cuisine with a distinct Mediterranean influence. Superb seasonal dishes with warm Provencal flavors are served in an atmosphere of simple elegance with a ‘big city feel.’ Entrées range from stylish risottos to roasted salmon, and feature classic Provencal favorites such as chicken roasted in a clay pot and duck confit. The restaurant also features the finest selection of imported and domestic artisan cheeses. Only minutes from downtown San Diego, this highly acclaimed restaurant is consistently ranked as one of the top fine dining restaurants in San Diego.”

Our own “Epicurious Eating” reviewer, Frank Sabatini, called Crush, “a dining and drinking spot that boasts all the trappings of a bustling downtown nightclub, albeit more intimate. This prime little piece of Hillcrest real estate is a booming burrow of music and cobalt-blue light, attracting an interesting ratio of straight and gay folk who amicably rub elbows over distinctive wines, trendy mixed drinks and gourmet meals. Crush is clearly two concepts in one — part gourmet restaurant and part music-fueled cocktail joint. Whichever you choose, the other remains in very close eyeshot. Those wishing the former might wish to drop by on a more low-key weeknight, while those wishing for a lively night out should pop in on a Friday or Saturday night. Versatile diners can enjoy Crush on any given night of the week.”

With more than 15 classes weekly in everything from Ashtanga to Vinyasa, it’s yoga, yoga, yoga, seven days a week at Frog’s. Instructors promise to “improve flexibility, add strength and put you in touch with your body.” Judging by their devoted fans, they’re keeping that promise.

Frog’s again. Featuring a cardio center, strength training, free weights, group exercise classes, lighted tennis courts, racquetball, heated lap pool, personal training, physical therapy, tennis and racquetball, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, Tae-Box, saunas and steam rooms, full service salons and more, all in a dazzling and conveniently located urban environment, who could ask for more?

Fox in the Morning showcases San Diego people, events and places with Ruben Galvan of Fox in the Morning. A Texas native and graduate of the University of Houston, Ruben Galvan joined Fox 6 News in February of 2003. He’s a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a scholarship recipient of the Houston Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Check out Kelly Cole’s “Smooth Ride Home,” 2:00-7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or start your Sunday off with something new by tuning in for “Horizons: Music That’s Breaking Ground in Smooth Jazz,” 9:00-10:00 a.m. Sundays.

“I’m guessing it’s because our mission is something that people want to help with - our mission being to provide meals to people affected by AIDS,” said Volunteer Coordinator Bill Patten when we asked why people choose to donate time to Mama’s Kitchen. “We do have a lot of fun doing what we do.… We have a lot of volunteers. Somehow or another it always works out that we have enough, but we’re always looking for more.”

Viejas Casino offers games like slots, blackjack, pai gow, bingo and more, but it also offers outlet shopping, The Dreamcatcher Showroom — with everything from top name entertainers to Vietnamese Night — and an outdoor summer concert series. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians also makes generous philanthropic donations to hundreds of local community groups, schools, service and civic organizations, including GLBT organizations.

David Valencia and Ken Bradshaw opened DK Hair with the goal of raising the bar in the hair industry. Their intention is to make a difference in the salon world by specializing in hair care and foregoing other salon services. This focused approach allows creative freedom and flexibility when striving to meet each client’s hair goals. At DK Hair, the focus is always on the results that their clients seek. With a combination of Aveda, Toni and Guy, Sassoon and Andrew Collinge experience, plus twenty years of working in the field, the duo easily offer the best hair care services available. DK Hair offers every possible cut, color and style and the time and expertise to make magic with your hair.

Enjoy the unique surroundings and top of the line service and superb products at South Bark Dog Wash, LLC, “Home of the Blueberry Facial.” We combine fun and education in generous portions to create an experience that is visual, interactive, and economical. The South Bark Staff thanks all of our loyal clients, canine, feline, and human, and wish them a wonderful New Year.”

Check out weekly specials, products, photos and much more by visiting this article at www.gaylesbiantimes.com for a link to South Bark’s website.

The Balboa Park dog run is a beautiful place full of happy dogs and their owners, and your own four-legged friend gives you an automatic intro during playtime. If you can’t get some mileage out of that, it’s back to Socializing 101 for you.

Diedrich devotee Rodrigo sums up the coffee shop’s appeal in a single sentence. “The coffee is high quality and I like the ambience.” They also have a great, enclosed patio that always seems to be pleasantly sunny, with plenty of copies of the Gay and Lesbian Times, fresh off the press. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s conveniently situated right next to Ralph’s and Trader Joe’s. The scenery is always great.

Starbucks is so popular it’s practically taken over the world, but the location on University has the added bonus of being right smack dab in the middle of the Hillcrest action. A cup of coffee is the perfect excuse to sit on the patio and watch the parade. As professional people-watcher Armin says, “[I]t’s on the sunny side of the runway.”

With a convenient location on University Ave., tasty food and low prices, Ichiban is popular both for eating in and taking out. The atmosphere is friendly, the service is good, and they serve up delicious food fast. As one happy customer put it, “They have really inexpensive, delicious sushi that you can call up and order. Plus it’s delivered quickly and easy to take home.” What more could you ask for?

Whether it’s one of the delicious egg scrambles or their decadent cinnamon roll French toast, The Mission knows how to get anyone’s day off to a good start. The service is great, the coffee is always hot and if you get there after 10:00 a.m. on a Sunday expect to be waiting for a table — but it’s definitely a meal worth waiting for.

“It’s very small but has a nice quaint atmosphere, very café-ish, which is nice,” says Curt. “And the French toast is amazing.” Truer words were never said.

Urban Grind has great coffee and sweets, cool urban décor, wi-fi access, and popular open mic nights and art openings. Add outdoor seating perfect for watching the world go by and lots of intriguing customers and you end up with your favorite coffee shop.

“It’s got good coffee and pastries and such, but it’s really all about location,” says Sanvean, a regular visitor. “It’s close to the clubs and to the major Park and University intersection.”

Located at the top of Park Manor Suites, Top of the Park offers great food and incredible views of Balboa Park, downtown and San Diego Bay. Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. you’ll find the restaurant full of people dining for business and for pleasure, enjoying a little pampering in the middle of their day. With an outside patio as well as elegant indoor dining, Top of the Park is a lovely dining experience no matter what the weather is like.

With a large outdoor patio that takes advantage of San Diego’s year round good weather and daily drink specials is it any wonder Bourbon Street was voted the number one spot to hang out for happy hour and let off steam from a hard days work? With three bars, two pool tables and live music daily, Bourbon Street is one of San Diego’s most popular bars for both men and women. According to happy patron Marc, “It’s one of the best places to go hang out with your friends and chat without loud music playing everywhere.”

You can eat, you can drink, you can dance, you can socialize — and it’s always packed with people having a good time. Whether you’re out on the action-packed patio, inside the bar or on the dance floor, there is always something (and someone) to see and do at Mary’s. A favorite hangout, it’s become the place to take visitors for the quintessential Hillcrest experience.

Yes, Hamburger Mary’s made the list twice. Not only is it a great place to take guests, it has the most popular Margaritas in town. It could be because they’re delicious, it could be because they’re blue, but we’re guessing it’s also because they’re huge.

With the remodel of their dance floor this past year and the addition of a hip-hop dance floor in their front bar area, Number’s scored big with the crowds. The bar is packed every Saturday night, often times with a line down the block waiting to get in, and whether you’re playing pool, smoking on the patio or shaking your groove thang on one of the two dance floors, it’s always a good time. Also not to be missed is their Tuesday Night Go-Go Boy contest hosted by the one and only Chad Michaels.

“Numbers is great,” says devoted fan Brad. They’ve got a diverse crowd and it’s one of the only places to go dance where they play Hip-Hop so I can get down with my homies.”

Whether you’re looking for dancing, live music, karaoke or a huge outdoor patio Six Degree’s has it all. Gay and Lesbian Times readers voted it as the place to go for a girl’s night out, and with all that plus drink specials, how could they be wrong? It may be a short drive from Hillcrest but it’s surely worth it.

No, we’re not making this up. You said it, not us.