2007-01-12 19:45:27 · 6 answers · asked by sharkeysports 3 in Dining Out ➔ United States ➔ San Francisco
Zagat, though comprehensive in its listings, has composite ratings from grassroots volunteer rating contributors who may or may not share your tastes and preferences.
Michelin has a more codified process for rating, but they have their own biases.
Many good restaurants, especially new ones, are not listed.The guides are published only occasionally, and things can change rapidly in the restaurant business, so the info may not be up-to-date.
In SF at least, word of mouth and recommendations from people with similar tastes is probably the best way to choose restaurants..
2007-01-12 20:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by curious1 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Curious1 gave a great answer and is absolutely right about the two surveys.
I guess I would also add that it depends on how much of a foodie you are. My husband and I are unabashed foodies. (Case in point, the dinner my husband is making tonight is Tamarind Barbecued Duck with Smoky Plantain Crema.) For people like us, going out to high rated restaurants is fun because either one of two things happens, either the meal blows us away and inspires us (like our meal we just had at The French Laundry in November), or, we realize that we can cook better than that at home and we feel good about our own cooking skills. However, if your taste in food is more simple, you may end up having a better restaurant experience by asking like minded friends with similar tastes where they like to eat.
2007-01-13 06:12:13 · answer #2 · answered by puffinpower 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely a treat to go to these places for an awesome meal and experience. You should certainly also check word of mouth. too (Chowhound.com offers a great website) I remember gonig to one place that got good reviews from "professionals", and every time the waiter walked behind me he adjusted my fork so it was parallel to my plate (before my entree was served). It drove me crazy--I do ont like places so pretentious. Its no longer there so maybe other people did not like it. However, I had awesome service and food at Aqua and Gary Danko's, and will never forget those experiences.
2007-01-14 07:48:07 · answer #3 · answered by gauchogirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. The experience is amazing. But I can only afford to do it every once in a while. But I really want to hit Danko and Chez panisse sometime soon. And of course, I have resolved to someday go to the french laundry.
2007-01-12 19:48:28 · answer #4 · answered by GrainOfSalt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only if it agrees with your palate.
All taste is subjective.
I've talked to people who've had horrible meals at Wolfgang Puck's places.
And if you go to Olive Garden and are satisfied and you don't know any bettor- you've just had a fantastic meal.
2007-01-14 19:46:12 · answer #5 · answered by Chessmistress1000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I believe if you want it bad enough you should go for it, cause if you don't you might wish you did later.
2007-01-12 19:49:04 · answer #6 · answered by ~*Tanya*~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋