Dining in style

Prepared Foods, August, 1991

The proliferation of specialty food shops, combined with the increasing numbers of families who opt to eat in instead of dine out, has led famous restaurant guide publisher, Zagat Survey, to produce a guide of the best supermarkets, mail order houses, delis and health foods stores in the New York City area. The 23 categories covered highlight the best in exotic spices and fresh fruits for consumers who want upscale, premium products in the comfort of their own homes.

"The Zagat New York City Marketplace Survey" provides assistance for consumers who "often find themselves sleepwalking from the salad bar to the microwave to the Chinese takeout menu slipped under the door as a path of least resistance."

"The same money can buy carryout meals of far superior quality elsewhere," says publisher Tim Zagat.

The book features the "quick-fix" review format that made Zagat famous, complete with comments on everything from the cleanliness and manners of the staff to the store's window display. The "Marketplace Survey" covers 525 food establishments in the New York City area.

As with Zagat's popular restaurant guides, each establishment is rated on a 0-30 scale separately for quality, variety of products, level of service and cost. Over 2,000 people contributed to the evaluations of the delis, supermarkets and specialty shops.

Copies of the "Marketplace Survey" are available from Zagat at 4 Columbus Circle, New York, N.Y., 10019; 212/977-6000.