Rhymes with kill the cat
That caught your attention, didn't it? It was what a publicist once told me to get me to pronounce Zagat correctly: "Rhymes with kill the cat."
I just got my hands on a copy of the Zagat survey 2008. Most impressive is how many new restaurants are included, like a place I just went to for a review, Three... in Patterson Park.
There are no huge surprises in the ratings from last year. The top ten most popular are the same, starting with Clyde's in Columbia, The top ratings for food are still being given to two sushi places, Sushi Sono in Columbia and Joss Cafe in Annapolis.
One nice new feature is a list of key newcomers. Another is a little Z to highlight Zagat Hotspots. And here's a bit of good news: The price hasn't gone up from last year. It's still $13.95.
And now for the bad news. Baltimore is still second fiddle to Washington. When are we going to get our own survey, guys?
Also there's this quote on the back cover:
"As for food, Zagat is the only acceptable option." --Baltimore Sun
What am I? Chopped liver? I've been stabbed in the back by my own newspaper.
If you have any questions for the Baltimore editor, Marty Katz, please post below. I might or might not be able to get him to answer them.
Comments
Until we get our own book, I'll stick with your reviews and user postings. Top ten lists seem to be more "fun" for suggestions anyway.
Posted by: Mather | September 5, 2007 6:21 PM
We don't need Zagat. We've got you!
Posted by: Janet | September 6, 2007 7:18 AM
I contributed to the previous Zagat guide to Washington, D.C. and Baltimore restaurants. Since then, I've been receiving their E-mail updates, packed with news about restaurant events, openings and closings in and around Washington. But nary a mention of Baltimore. I expressed my irritation in an E-mail to which I received no reply. Using the internet to tell Baltimore diners that they -- and their restaurants -- aren't worth a mention is not only insulting. It's hardly great salesmanship.
Posted by: Michael Gray | September 6, 2007 9:11 AM
Cheers to Elizabeth!!
Posted by: Selina | September 6, 2007 9:38 AM
If Zagat uses surveys from locals who review their local restaurants, Baltimorean suveyors who are sick and tired of being a glorified DC suburb should really demand and expect their very own book. I really think that there is a sizeable number of restaurants to have the Baltimore area's own book survey. If enough united pressure is made then maybe Zagat might give in. However you might run into issues with where would Annapolis or Eastern Shore restaurants go to. Some in DC, especially those who market and visit the region, count all of Anne Arundel & Howard County as only Washington suburbs, and they frequently add in the Eastern Shore in that mix. There seems to be a black hole for some where Baltimore should be.
Posted by: Eric | September 6, 2007 2:28 PM
Ain't NO reason to pay $14 for a book to tell me where the good food is when I have YOU! Press on, Elizabeth, keep up the good work!
Posted by: Dottie | September 7, 2007 8:54 AM
My first thought was to raise a middle finger to the Zagat folks.
But seriously, if I want info on dining in Baltimore, this blog and EL's reviews are the only place I go.
Zagat may be renowned, but I trust those that live in my beloved Baltimore and know the area best.
Posted by: PCB Rob | November 7, 2008 6:25 PM