Award winners are chosen from among restaurants stretching from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border, that were evaluated by our members during 2007. All were judged on food, service, ambiance and appropriate beverages, according to the organization's standardized score sheets, which have a scoring range of 1 to 100 points.

The highest honor, Four Stars, is given to a chosen few, the grandest of the grand, which receive between 95 and 100 points and are elected by special vote of the members. In addition, individual awards are voted from among those nominated as Restaurateur, Chef, Maitre d', Manager and Server of the Year.

Three Stars are awarded to restaurants that score an average of 90 or more points on the accumulated evaluations of the members.

Two Stars go to restaurants scoring between 85 and 89 points.

One Star is awarded to those with scores between 80 and 84 points.

Restaurants that opened or substantially reorganized during 2007 and have received more than 80 points have been selected as Promising Newcomers. Restaurants serving top quality food in simple surroundings at low prices received Special Value awards.