Zagat 2009/10 Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurants Survey Reveals Dining is Down But Deals are Up

Nearly 50% of Surveyors Report Eating Out Less; Restaurants Respond with Prix Fixe Promotions, Small-Plate Menus and Casual Offshoots; Top Newcomer 36 Main Leads Bistro Boom

NEW YORK, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Following a national trend, Westchester County residents buffeted by the struggling economy are downsizing their out-to-dinner experiences, leading restaurants to cook up delicious deals, according to Zagat Survey's 2009/2010 Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurants Survey, released today on ZAGAT.com. In the Survey, based on the collective opinions of 4,502 local diners who together consumed nearly 640,000 restaurant meals in the past year, 46% of surveyors say they are eating out less often, 42% are being more attentive to prices when ordering, 37% of surveyors are eating at less-expensive places and 18% are cutting back on alcohol.

The dining downturn may also be a response to rising prices. The average cost of a meal in Westchester is $38.99 - a 3.5% increase from last year's Survey - making the region among the most expensive in the country, just below New York City ($40.78) and New Jersey ($39.24). On the bright side, many restaurants are rolling out their own stimulus packages to lure local diners.

Zagat's 2009/10 Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurants Survey covers 955 local eateries with ratings and reviews available as a guidebook, on ZAGAT.com and via ZAGAT TO GO(TM) - Zagat's mobile application for iPhone, BlackBerry and PDAs - providing portable access to 40,000 Zagat-Rated establishments worldwide, top lists, photos, maps, online reservation capabilities and more.

Farm-to-Table for Less: Despite tightening dining budgets, the green movement continues to take hold, with 70% of surveyors saying it's important that the food they eat is locally grown. Although 53% say they're willing to pay more for organic food, and another 55% will pay more for sustainable fare, a new spate of cheaper, eco-friendly options means they don't have to. While not inexpensive, The Barn at Bedford Post lures locavores for seasonal American fare priced steps below the inn's flagship Farmhouse restaurant. Likewise, Blue Hill Cafe in Pocantico Hills offers wallet-friendly bites from the same farm-fresh ingredients used at its parent, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. Now joining the fray is Sweet Grass Grill in Tarrytown, spotlighting grass-fed beef burgers and local produce.

"Westchester and the Hudson Valley have long been popular destinations to find locally grown ingredients," said Tim Zagat, CEO and co-founder of Zagat Survey. "Restaurateurs are capitalizing on their resources and the growing trend toward locally and sustainably raised food to please their patrons and stay competitive in today's market."

Big Ticket, Not-So-Big Tabs: Even the county's swankiest eateries are shifting their focus toward value. X20 Xaviars on the Hudson in Yonkers - voted Most Popular this year - features two levels of dining: formal New American fare upstairs, and more casual small plates and cocktails downstairs in its Dylan Lounge. Special-occasion mainstay Crabtree's Kittle House in Chappaqua now offers a New American bar bites menu, and Rye's legendary French La Panetiere has loosened its prix fixe only format, adding lower-cost a la carte options. Meanwhile, diners seeking an economical celebrity chef experience fill up on pizzas at the Mario Batali backed Italian, Tarry Lodge, in Port Chester.

Winners: Once again, Xaviars at Piermont takes the No. 1 spots for both Food and Service. Peter Kelley's "beguiling" New American cuisine is rated 29 out of 30, and the restaurant gets a 28 for its "top-level" staff. Kelley's newest entry, X20 Xaviars, set on the Historic Yonkers Pier, is rated the area's Most Popular restaurant. Top Decor goes to Equus at the Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, where patrons appreciate the "magnificent" River views in the "lap of luxury." The Valley's Top Newcomer is New Paltz's hearty New American 36 Main, praised for an "adventurous menu" and "fair prices." Other celebrated arrivals include Tarry Lodge, Spadaro, Chutney Masala and Arielle.

Hudson Valley Values: Simplicity and comfort seem to be watchwords for Hudson Valley restaurateurs brave enough to open in a sour economy - but that doesn't mean quality lost out. Mid-region, Red Hook gained Flatiron, a bistro specializing in updated American fare, and Woodstock welcomed Cucina, dispensing Italian favorites. The bistro quotient got a boost in Rockland County with Nyack's Velo, an American hot spot, and Piermont's Sidewalk Bistro, offering robust French classics. Responding to the times, a few established eateries paused for menu makeovers. Amenia's De La Vergne emerged as a classic steakhouse, while Rhinebeck's Starr Place and Rosendale's Bywater Bistro now offer simpler (read: more affordable) grub on their New American menus.

Best Buys: Westchester and Hudson Valley restaurateurs strive to make fine dining accessible to all. At top-rated restaurants such as La Panetiere, X20 Xaviars or Restaurant X & Bully Boy Bar, diners can enjoy bargain-priced prix fixe lunches for only $25. Dinner deals for $35 or less can be enjoyed at Ristorante Buona Sera, Crabtree's Kittle House, Relish or John Michael's. Locals will always find a good Bang for their Buck at standbys like Walter's, Red Rooster, Bread Alone, Apple Pie Bakery and Bagels & More.

Weighing In: When dining out in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, 73% of surveyors say it is important to have low-carb, low-fat or heart-healthy items available on the menu. In addition, 71% of local diners would support a ban on trans fats from food preparation in restaurant kitchens, and 60% would say they would like to see calorie counts listed on the menu.

The Guide: As with all Zagat Surveys, 2009/2010 Westchester/Hudson Valley 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. 2009/2010 Westchester/Hudson Valley Restaurants ($14.95) was edited by John Bruno Turiano, Judith Hausman, Julia Sexton, Lynn Hazlewood, Lorraine Gengo and Michelle Golden. The guide is available at bookstores and other retail outlets, through ZAGAT.com or by calling 888-371-5440. Content is also available online at ZAGAT.com and on mobile devices via ZAGAT.mobi and ZAGAT TO GO(TM) for iPhone(TM), BlackBerry and smartphones.

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.

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