The ever-handy pocket-sized Zagat 2011 Seattle restaurant guide just hit bookstores giving diners a quick snapshot of more than 800 area eateries, including many in Snohomish County.
The annually updated guide ($13.95) relies on a survey of local diners to rank the restaurants it includes on food, decor, service and cost. All told, the average cost of a dinner out went up from $27.68 in 2008 to $29.33 in 2010, according to Zagat. The Puget Sound region still ranked well below other major metropolitan areas around the country for food cost. The national average is $35.32.
Some interesting tidbits did emerge from the annual survey. Restaurants are trending towards more affordable fare; diners are more conscious of the environment and are seeking out sustainable sourcing; there’s less tolerance for cell phone talk at fine dining establishments; and people want restaurants to print health information (including health department inspection letter grades).
Winners this year: Cafe Juanita in Kirkland won top food and Seattle’s pan-Asian Wild Ginger won most popular.
The Herald is gearing up to print our 2010 Snohomish County favorites in the December 31 A&E section. Stay tuned.
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