SURVEY SHOWS DINERS CUTTING BACK IN RESPONSE TO THE ECONOMY; SERVICE REMAINS WEAK LINK IN ISLAND DINING

NEW YORK, April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Zagat Survey released its 2009/10 Long Island Restaurants Survey today, as well as a pocket Hamptons Restaurants guidebook, based on the collective experiences of 5,854 avid local diners and covering 852 local eateries. Responding to the economy's downturn, the Survey shows Long Islanders are eating out a bit less but are clearly paying more attention to prices (40%), choosing less expensive places (32%), and skipping appetizers, desserts or alcohol (16% to 19%). In turn, Long Island's restaurateurs have responded with all kinds of special deals and bargain prix fixe meals. The Survey's Best Buys in order are American Burger, Maureen & Daughters' Kitchen, House of Dosas, Robinson's and Thomas's Ham.

"It's not surprising that customers are paying attention to value, nor that Long Island restaurants are going to great lengths to give it," noted Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey.

The guide includes a list and map of 40 wineries and vineyards on the East End and is also available on ZAGAT.com and ZAGAT TO GO(TM) -- Zagat's mobile application for iPhone, BlackBerry and PDAs.

The Winners: The recently relocated Kitchen A Bistro in St. James was voted No. 1 for Food by admirers of its artful French fare paired with BYO bottles. Two sophisticated yet comforting country inns on the North Fork took top honors for both Decor (Jedediah's in Jamesport) and Service (North Fork Table & Inn). Meanwhile, Peter Luger in Great Neck claimed the Most Popular title for the 16th year running, thanks to its renowned aged porterhouse steaks.

New in Town: There were over 65 new additions to the guide this year spanning the island, with Brasserie Persil, Black & Blue Seafood, Brooks & Porter, A Mano and Cherrystones, in order, leading the pack.

The Economics: From an economic perspective, Long Islanders report spending more (54%) but eating out a bit less than two years ago (24% say they're eating out more often, 27% say less). The average meal on Long Island costs $41.41, a 3% increase that makes Long Island among the highest priced place to eat in the country, and even more expensive than New York City and far above the $34.49 national average.

Stimulus Packages: Given the financial climate, a number of big name chefs have downscaled: Bobby Flay's new Bobby's Burger Palace in Lake Grove, Matt Murphy's casual Jedediah's in Jamesport, Kent Monkan's budget-friendly Brass Rail in Locust Valley, the sporty Crew Kitchen & Cocktails in Huntington and Rocco's Italian Kitchen in Huntington Station.

Italian Country: Long Island diners love their pasta as 37% of surveyors chose Italian as their favorite cuisine, followed by American (17%) and Japanese (12%). When questioned about which cuisines need more representation, surveyors ranked French, seafood and Thai, one, two, and three.

Right on Q: The smoke is rising with the arrival of Islip's new Island BBQ & Grill, and Ruby's Famous BBQ Joint in East Meadow, which join recent arrivals like Port Washington's Harbor-Q and Sagaponack's Townline BBQ. With Bay Shore's Smokin' Al's Famous BBQ having just branched out to Massapequa Park, the trend shows no sign of burning out.

Will Drive for Food: Almost half of Long Island surveyors (44%) are willing to drive an hour or more out of their way for a great meal -- more than their car-bound counterparts in places like Atlanta (15%), Texas (36%) or Los Angeles (39%). And with the traffic on the LIE, it's a good thing they're willing to wait.

Branching Out: Sripraphai, a branch of the highly acclaimed Thai in Woodside, Queens, is slated to open in Williston Park, leading a slew of offshoots in the works. NYC's Mezzaluna is set to open a branch in the space formerly known as Gordon's in Amagansett in mid-May, and the owners of Four Food Studio have plans for a New Hyde Park branch. Also coming up in 2009, Guy Reuge will relaunch Mirabelle Restaurant in Stony Brook's Three Village Inn.

The Guide In Detail: As with all Zagat Surveys, 2009/10 Long Island Restaurants is made by consumers for consumers. In addition to Top Lists for Popularity, Food, Decor, Service and Best Buys, the guide lists the Key Newcomers and maps the Most Popular restaurants. The 2009/10 Long Island Restaurants guide ($14.95) was edited by Suzi Forbes Chase, John Capone, Laura Weiss and Karen Hudes. The guide is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com or by calling 888-371-5440.

About Zagat Survey, LLC

Known as the "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries. It has been lauded as the "most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published" and as "a necessity second only to a valid credit card." Zagat content is available in print, on the web, on the mobile web, iPhone, BlackBerry and on TV. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com.

SOURCE Zagat Survey

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