The Best of Alameda 2011

It's become an annual tradition: Alameda Magazine's "Best of Alameda" issue.

"The B-E-S-T of Alameda 2011: Raise the Roof for the Finest the Island Offers," just hit newsstands, mailboxes and the magazine's website. It's filled with dozens (maybe hundreds, I didn't count) of recommendations from the magazine's editor, Judy Gallman, and from readers.

The editor's choices range from the frivolous — "Best TGIF Cocktail" (hint: it's an orange margarita) — to the serious: "Most Courageous Family to Fight for Public Education Funding Equity." And some just can't be categorized, like "Best Coast Guard Cutter in, Like, the Whole World."

Readers nominated and voted for their favorites in several categories: food and restaurants; drink and nightlife; lifestyle; kids; and goods and services.

No spoilers here: you'll have to check the magazine or website to find out readers' picks for Alameda's best new restaurant, best public school and the rest.

Full disclosure: I'm the former owner/publisher of Parents' Press, which I sold to Tracy and Robert McKean, publishers of Alameda Magazine, in 2009.