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Survey Reveals Diners Will go the Distance for Barbecue
May 31, 2017
Zagat Hits the Road for #ZagatBBQNation Social Takeover
The unofficial start of summer is upon us and Zagat is releasing the results of its latest Barbecue Survey. Among the 3,559 diners nationwide who participated, 42% say they would be willing to drive several hours for great barbecue and 19% are willing to get on a plane and fly to a favorite spot. Summer travel abound!
With this in mind, now through July 4th, Zagat is hitting the road with
HuffPost
and livestreaming daily to from the best BBQ joints around the country. Get behind-the-scenes access to the country’s top pitmasters, sauce makers and smoke experts by following #ZagatBBQNation on
Instagram
,
Facebook
, and
Twitter
.
Many states and regions claim their barbecue style is the best, but according to diners, Texas-style is tops (32%), followed by Kansas City (16%) and Memphis (14%).
As for favorite barbecue meats, ribs are the favorite (34%), followed by brisket (28%), pulled pork (21%), burnt ends (9%), chicken (3%), and sausage (1%). When it comes to sides, cole slaw is the go-to with 46% of diners saying it is their favorite traditional barbeque side dish. Respondents ranked baked beans (42%), cornbread (26%), potato salad (24%) and mac n cheese (23%) as their favorite.
Hungry for great BBQ near you? Check out Zagat’s
ultimate guide to regional BBQ
. Join the fun by Instagramming your favorite barbecue dish or eatery with #ZagatBBQNation. At the end of the tour, we'll announce a People's Choice winner!
Posted by: Tiffany Herklots, Zagat
Mother’s Day Survey Reveals Moms Loathe Breakfast in Bed
May 4, 2017
(Credit: Getty Images)
It’s time to celebrate that one special lady – Mom! Zagat polled nearly 1,000 people nationwide, 71% of whom are mothers, to see how families are planning to celebrate Mother’s Day.
First rule of thumb, don’t be cliché and leave a trail of crumbs; only 4% of moms report wanting breakfast in bed this year. More than half of them (53%) say they want to go out to eat with family on Mother’s Day, with brunch as the preferred meal according to 39% of moms. And while you’re there, stick to the classics – 43% of moms favor Eggs Benedict, 35% favor omelettes, and 19% say they want the ubiquitous avocado toast.
When it comes to the most annoying brunch trends, respondents cite loud, live music (31%), communal tables (25%) and no reservation restaurants (21%) as the top 3 irritants.
Things that make mom happy? The top brunch cocktail is a Mimosa (23%) followed closely by a Bloody Mary (22%). However, its best to save bottomless brunch drinks for your friends because 65% of moms only have 1-2 celebratory cocktails.
Looking for the best places to take mom this Mother’s Day? Check out Zagat's round up of
Best New Brunches
or download the
Zagat iOS app
today.
Posted by: Tiffany Herklots, Zagat
Find the Best Places Faster with the new Zagat.com
April 13, 2017
For over 30 years, Zagat’s mission has been to help diners find the best places to eat and drink. Our editors carefully craft reliable reviews and lists based on diner feedback. Today we’re introducing a beautiful new Zagat.com featuring stunning photos, a richer map experience and new tools for discovery. Our redesigned site makes it easier to find what you’re looking for, whether it’s scoring insider tips on the hottest new restaurants or deciding which Insta-worthy desserts you should be standing in line for.
Through our new City’s Best feature we’re showcasing the most exciting spots in top cities across the U.S. Whether you’re exploring your neighborhood or discovering someplace new. Zagat serves up lists of “The Essentials,” “Top Guides,” “Dishes and Drinks” and places that are “Just for Insiders.”
Our improved search functionality provides dining suggestions based on the time of day, plus an interactive map to help you find the perfect place nearby. In addition to Zagat’s iconic ratings and reviews, our restaurant profile pages boast larger photos, insider tips, and Google user reviews and ratings to help you make the best decisions.
Before you plan your next dining out adventure, be sure to give the new Zagat.com a try!
Posted by: Tiffany Herklots, Zagat
Romantic Ambiance is Overrated This Valentine’s Day; Dinner Tabs are Higher Than Ever
February 6, 2017
Whether you're happily in love or waiting for cupid’s arrow to strike, February 14th is fast approaching. Zagat polled nearly 800 people nationwide to find out about their Valentine's Day plans and preferences, and how they will (53%) or won't (47%) be spending the holiday.
Of those celebrating, 40% say “it is a time to celebrate love!” while 8% say they’re only doing so because their partner would make them feel guilty otherwise. Among those who choose not to celebrate, 33% say it’s because Valentine’s Day is a made up holiday while 14% are boycotting because they are single.
If you haven't made a Valentine’s Day restaurant reservation yet, you can bet the hottest seats in town are taken, as the majority of surveyors (53%) say they’re going out to dinner. This year, diners report spending more than ever on a Valentine’s Day meal. The average expected tab is $170.53 which is up 16% from $146.52 in 2012.
Think romantic ambiance is most important for your Valentine?
Forget it
. 51% of diners say they are most interested in how good the food is. So what’s on the menu? The most popular cuisine this year is Italian (17%) followed by French (13%), Seafood (13%), Steak (11%), American (10%), Sushi (7%), Mexican (3%) and Chinese (1%). One fifth (20%) of Valentine’s Day diners say they don’t care about the cuisine.
Unsurprisingly, more men prefer a steak dinner than women (16% vs. 8%). Aside from dining out, the most popular ways to celebrate love include exchanging gifts like chocolate or jewelry (27%), cooking a meal at home (16%) or ordering in (10%).
Not every Valentine’s Day has a perfect rom-com ending though. A minority 5% of surveyors admit they have dumped someone/been dumped on Valentine’s Day, or broken up with someone because Valentine’s Day was coming….Ouch!
Posted by: Tiffany Herklots, Zagat
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