Olive Garden has been knocked off its garlicy breadstick pedestal.

Long at the zenith, that most-clamored-for thing in the Twin Cities has just 47 percent of readers begging that the restaurant open here tomorrow. Almost as many people said “Ciao, baby.”

In the words of one: “L/A has some of the best authentic Italian restaurants. Marco’s, DaVinci’s, Esposito’s & Graziano’s … Who needs them????”

There’s still love, but like a simmering alfredo, it won’t last forever.

Over 10 days last month, 362 readers responded to a Sun Journal survey measuring the area’s shopping mood. How’d people feel about the developments of the last five years? What’s been the best addition? What were they still hoping for?

Readers didn’t hold back.

“Give us something new and different. And let’s get it done. … I am tired of hearing it is coming and having nothing happen.”

“Love the new stores and still love the ones that have been here for years!! The more stores, the better selection we have and more fun as well!! I wish Steve and Barry’s would hurry up and open!! The roundabouts are a pain, but ’round I go!!”

“Auburn is doing fine. Please let’s work on Lewiston now, thank you.”

Another surprise: Several people in Lewiston pining to bring back Zayre. Really.

Voting highlights:

• At 61 percent, most reported being really happy at the uptick in activity the last five years. Similarly, about half said they were absolutely shopping the Twin Cities more.

• A vocal minority – “Questionnaire was written/developed by an idiot” – were irritated with all the new development (8 percent) and said they were not shopping here more despite it all (20 percent).

• Kohl’s was the biggest vote-getter for the best retail addition of the last five years. Best Buy was a distant second.

• What are people still hoping for? Olive Garden, Target and Christmas Tree Shops tied for first choice.

• Auburn’s new roundabouts drew some serious ire. While 41 percent were fine with the road changes on Turner Street, 36 percent despised them, with a passion.

“The new roundabouts are soooooooo stupid! What a mess. Lewiston/Auburn are just too congested. The traffic is awful all the time.”

“People are pulling out in front of each other when they should be yielding. Bad idea. Please change them back!!!!”

Auburn Economic Development chief Roland Miller has heard the gripes. Ultimately that was the one design that would prevent gridlock, he said. Construction’s done for now, with landscaping to come in the spring.

“Putting roundabouts in was not viewed as some kind of fun experiment,” Miller said. “You don’t want to go into people’s uncomfortable zone. … This was our only option.”

• Lastly, tied up in that Zayre despair: A worry that the Wal-Mart Supercenter and related development at Lewiston’s exit 80 won’t happen. Ten percent predicted it wouldn’t become a reality, while another 36 percent said they hoped it would, but had doubts. Meanwhile, 23 percent said they didn’t want it.

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