Zagat Launches 2009 New Orleans Guide

Zagat Survey is releasing the results of its 2009 New Orleans travel survey today. The guide in its 20th edition covers 704 of the city's finest restaurants, nightspots, attractions and hotels, based on the input from 3,877 local consumers.

"The guide was created to help both visitors and locals rediscover the uniquely rich cultural and culinary assets of New Orleans," said Tim Zagat, Zagat Survey CEO. "In today's economy, we're anticipating an increase in domestic travel, and we encourage Americans to experience what this most distinctive city has to offer."

Dining Forecast: In light of the economic storm battering the nation, tourists and locals alike appreciate the fact that New Orleans's renowned restaurant industry offers one of the lowest average meal costs in the United States--$28.52 vs. the national average of $34.31. Despite the fact that 70% of respondents report spending more per meal compared to two years ago, 41% say they are eating out more often versus only 17% who say they're dining less often. New restaurants such as the following show the resurgent strength of the city's dining scene:

• Arabesque
• Creole Skillet
• Gimchi
• Hostel
• Il Posto Cafe
• Lago
• Pellicano
• Rambla
• West Indies Cafe
• Wolfe's

Winners: Since 28% of surveyors in New Orleans named Creole and Cajun as their favorite cuisines, it is no surprise that Brigtsen's (Contemp. Louisiana) won Top Food and Top Service, while Commander's Palace (Creole) was voted Most Popular restaurant (as it has been every time it's surveyed) and Top Decor to boot. Best Bets for a bite at top value are at Hansen's Sno-Bliz, Angelo Brocato and Morning Call. Other food and popularity winners are:

• August
• Bayona
• Cafe Du Monde
• Dakota
• Galatoire's
• Stella!

Back In Business: In the three years since Hurricane Katrina, 97% of surveyors report their favorite restaurants are back in business. The French Quarter's arty Cafe Sbisa and Uptown's iconic Charlie's Steak House finally reopened this year to the delight of loyal locals, and Ruth's Chris Steak House returned to the city proper in fancy new digs at Harrah's.

Service Slumps: New Orleans has long been considered one of the country's most hospitable cities, however, the survey suggests that service standards have dropped. When asked what irritates patrons most about dining out, pre-Katrina, 38% cited service. Today that figure has jumped to 76%--possibly because so many restaurants' seasoned staffers have moved away. All other complaints (e.g. noise - 7%, prices - 5%, food - 4%, parking - 3%) aggregate only 24%.

Diversity: Showing the wide variety of cuisines available in New Orleans, here are the wealth of winners by food category:

• American (New) - Stella!
• American (Trad.) - Surrey's Juice
• Barbecue - The Joint
• Burgers - Port of Call
• Cajun - K-Paul's
• Chinese - Royal China
• Coffee Shops/Diners - Elizabeth's
• Coffeehouses - Morning Call
• Contemp. Louisiana - Brigtsen's
• Creole - Clancy's
• Dessert - Hansen's Sno-Bliz
• French - Gautreau's
• French (Bistro) - Lilette
• Italian - Ristorante del Porto
• Japanese - Sushi Brothers
• Mediterranean - Acropolis
• Mexican - Juan's Flying Burrito
• Pizza - Theo's
• Po' Boys - Crabby Jack's
• Sandwiches - St. James Cheese Co.
• Seafood - GW Fins
• Soul Food/Southern - Jacques-Imo's
• Thai - La Thai
• Vietnamese - Cafe Minh

Weighing in on NOLA's Diet: When opening a menu, 28% of respondents in New Orleans are looking for low-carb, low-fat, and heart-healthy options. While 65% of surveyors nationwide support banning trans-fats from restaurant food preparation, only 52% favor this movement in the Big Easy. Meanwhile, 66% of locals do support a smoking ban in bars, clubs and lounges.

Dive into a Drink: It's no surprise that New Orleans loves its local dives nor that Pat O'Brien's is still the Most Popular joint. Preservation Hall received the Top Appeal rating and Polo Lounge won for both Decor and Service. The average cost of a drink in New Orleans is $7.59, way less than most other cities Zagat surveys--for example, the average cost of a drink in New York is $10.12 and $12.24 in Las Vegas. It's obvious you get more booze for your buck in New Orleans. If you're looking for Best Beverage Buys check out Ms. Mae's, Finn McCool's or Dragon's Den. For sleek new nightspots try the French Quarters Bar Tonique and the CBD's Bar UnCommon. Since 72% of surveyors prefer venues with live music it's worth noting the following jazz clubs Snug Harbor, Maison Bourbon, Spotted Cat and Donna's B&G.

Room Service: Most hotels have reopened post-Katrina, many with a face-lift. The historic Fairmont is set to re-launch in June 2009 under the Waldorf-Astoria banner and will carry its original name, the Roosevelt. It will be home to the uber-chef John Besh's highly anticipated Domenica, featuring an Italian menu. The Windsor Court Hotel continues to be the Top Overall hotel in New Orleans, however the Ritz-Carlton is offering it some real competition.

Attractions: Surveyors rate the Audubon Aquarium Most Popular and National WWII Museum as having the Top Appeal, followed by the Audubon Zoo. Other popular standbys include French Market, Audubon Park and Jackson Square. A flurry of post-Katrina museum activity brought the French Quarter's Audubon Insectarium and the CBD's Southern Food & Beverage Museum, which includes admission to the Museum of the American Cocktail. In 2009, the home base of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is set to move into the renovated Perseverance Hall in Louis Armstrong Park.

Zagat's New Orleans 2009 ($12.95), edited by Karen Hudes, Sharon Litwin, Todd A. Price and Mimi Read, is available wherever books are sold

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