Well-done, readers. More than 2,000 of you sent in ballots offering your opinions on many of our 100-plus ``best'' categories. Thanks for that impressive response. The results of our first ``Eye on the Best in Silicon Valley'' survey follow. You'll see that in some cases we've added an ``Also Recommended'' reader selection where the volume of votes warranted.

Many of your responses are very, very valley. Where else would Fresh Choice be selected as the best place to pig out, followed closely by Japanese buffet restaurant Todai? Or where Nordstrom gets the nod for best place to buy shoes, with Payless ShoeSource right on its heels?

So have fun reading about your choices of the best in Silicon Valley, as well as the recommendations we've included from Mercury News staffers. The results are not scientific, but they are informative and fun. (Sharper Image as best adult toy store, ahead of Cupid's Corner? You figure it out.)

Thanks again for participating.

Stephen E. Wright

Assistant Managing Editor/Features

swright@sjmercury.com