Zagat announces latest guide to best Texas restaurants

Dallas update

by Darryl Beeson

The latest Zagat Survey Guide has released its 2008 Texas Restaurants guide covering 1,505 restaurants in Austin, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio. With over 5,000 surveyors weighing in on the best

spots to dine across the state, the guide reveals that Texans dine out more often than their peers in the rest of the country.

This new Zagat (rhymes with "tha-cat") reveals an increasing popularity for Japanese food throughout the state, with restaurants in all major cities capturing new spots in the various local Top Ten Food rankings. In Dallas there are three, Tei Tei Robata (#2) Teppo Yakitori (#4) and Yutaka Sushi (#8).

"The diversity of dining options and the number of talented chefs in Texas is as big as the state itself," says Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "And with the cost of dining so reasonable, it's no wonder people in Texas dine out as frequently as they do."

Readers and diners like you and me submitted the names of 532 of Dallas/Ft. Worth's best restaurants for Top Food: The Adolphus Hotel's French Room took highest honors. Maitre d' Jim Donohue and his staff present some of the most complex and beautiful food creations in a relaxed, non-intimidating manner.

The cost of dining in Dallas/Ft. Worth is the highest in the state, with diners spending an average of $34.61 per meal, it's only about a dollar more than the national average of $33.67. Consider, though, that the average tabs in Austin ($26.74), Houston ($29.10) and San Antonio ($27.33) are considerably more affordable and amongst the lowest in the U.S. cities that Zagat surveys.

Residents of the Metroplex and San Antonio report an average of 4.0 meals out per week and those in Austin/ Hill Country eat out on average 3.7 times per week. The Zagat national average is 3.3 meals out per week.

Some of our area restaurants that always show well in the Zagat are Jasper's (from noted Dallas chef Kent Rathbun), Tramontana (chef-owner James Neel, "A tiny, romantic hideaway, this North Dallas French bistro gets tons of accolades for its superior, inventive cuisine from an often-changing menu;" is a a previous survey compilation), the Hilton Anatole's Nana (with Mark LaRocca, super maitre d' ), Sevy's Grill (chef-owner Jim Severson and manager Jimmy Fell hold court) and last, never least, Al Biernat's (named for the owner, great people watching and even greater cuisine).

Dallas has seen a gaggle of celebrity chefs opening with restaurants normally seen in Las Vegas or New York.. New additions include Charlie Palmer's namesake new American at the downtown Joule Hotel, Laurent Tourondel's fun spirited BLT Steak near the Galleria and Tom Colicchio's Craft in The W Hotel at Victory Park.

Other stars at night, big and bright, include Dean Fearing (ex-Mansion on Turtle Creek) whose namesake restaurant at the new Ritz-Carlton and rising star (recently nominated for a James Beard Award) David Bull who has just now soft-opened Bolla, a progressive Italian eatery at the newly renovated Stoneleigh Hotel.

Emerging neighborhoods in southern Dallas and Ft. Worth are also flourishing with Tillman's Roadhouse and Gloria's (Salvadorian family style with the original of numerous locations). in the Bishop Street Arts area and Nonna Tata, an Italian destination in Ft. Worth's Hospital District.

Overall, average dining price increases since the last survey were modest, but inflation at the top 20 most expensive eateries was more pronounced: 7.6% annualized in Austin, 3.8% in Dallas/Ft. Worth, 5.5% in Houston and 6.7% in San Antonio.

Not surprisingly, 66% of Texas surveyors admit that they spend more per meal than they did two years ago, but 85% say they're still eating out as much or more than they did two years ago.

For information on becoming a survey participant or obtaining the latest Zagat guides, visit www.ZAGAT.com. The guide rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas, and a range of other entertainment categories in 104 countries.

Darryl Beeson knows wine, but eats food. He teaches professional wine certification for www.internationalsommelier.com. Says author Roy Blount, Jr. "Wine is tough, but I know he can do it."