Survey showing tourist areas rebound while residential neighborhoods remain battered.
Zagat Survey, released the results of its first New Orleans guidebook since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in August of 2005. The 2007 Best of New Orleans Survey includes a total of 531 locations (including 390 restaurants, 94 nightspots, 29 tourist attractions and 18 leading hotels) and is based on the shared experiences of 3,637 avid surveyors.
A testament to the extraordinary resilience of the Crescent City's proud residents, the guide reflects that the prime tourism areas such as the French Quarter, Downtown and the Garden District are fully back in business; however, major residential areas remain as desolate as the day after the storm. The 156-page 2007 Best of New Orleans Survey will be released nationwide this week in an effort to remind Americans everywhere that the best way to support New Orleans is to pack your bags and pay a visit. The new guide will be used by New Orleans tourism and hospitality officials to encourage visitation.
Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey stated: "New Orleans has always been a cultural treasure, offering unique food, nightlife, music and arts to millions of visitors from around the world, and it still is. However, the fact that the vast majority of places that we surveyed before Katrina are up and running again demonstrates the incredible fortitude of New Orleans' residents. Since tourism is New Orleans' most important business, we can all contribute to the city's recovery simply by coming on down and spending some money."
Winners: While making it back from the brink is a feat in and of itself, Zagat's 2007 Best of New Orleans declares winners in a variety of categories: August for Top Food (and Service); Galatoire's for Most Popular, New Orleans Grill for Top Decor; and Hansen's Sno-Bliz for Best Buy. In addition, Pat O'Brien's, the home of the Hurricane, was named Most Popular Nightspot; Audubon Aquarium -- Most Popular Attraction, and The Windsor Court -- Top Hotel
Since Katrina: While many things changed in the wake of Katrina, others have returned to 'normal.' For example, 83% of locals report eating out as much or more than they did before the hurricane, and 79% say their favorite restaurant, including the likes of Antoine's, Bayona, Brennan's, Cafe du Monde, Commander's Palace, Emeril's, K-Paul's and NOLA, are back in business. As a whole, surveyors gave the city of New Orleans an extraordinary 25 on the Zagat 30-point scale for its culinary creativity, but only a 17 for table availability. That means New Orleans' food is excellent, but getting a table is increasingly difficult. And finally, New Orleanians are staying out on the town as late as ever with 58% saying they don't head home before 1:00am, 38% before 2:00am and 15% making it to 3:00am or later.
More To Come: In addition to the rebuilding achieved so far, there are many other old favorites due to reopen soon, including Barreca's, Blue Plate Cafe, Gabrielle and Steak Knife, as well as the big fat burgers at Lakeview Harbor and oyster po' boys at Mandina's. The beloved Dooky Chase and Mr. B's are also on deck. And the rebirth of New Orleans hasn't simply been about the reopening of familiar haunts, it's also been about seeing a crop of newcomers. Leading examples include up and comer Melody Pate's "intricate," "avant-garde" Alberta, Kevin Vizard's "lively" and "spellbinding" Vizard's on the Avenue, the "Cajun-reviving," pork-centric Cochon from Donald Link, and the Carrollton "gem" Iris.
Neighborhoods: There was nothing fair about the way Katrina tore through town, and even in those areas hit less hard, like the French Quarter and Uptown, there's still plenty to mourn -- Bella Luna, Bistro at Maison de Ville, Cobalt, Louis XVI, Mandich and Sid-Mar are just a few. Still, both areas have managed to bounce back -- witness, the "spectacular" August, the "old-line" "almost cultish" Galatoire's, the "world-class" New Orleans Grill, the "peerless" Bayona and "exquisite" Clancy's.
Nightcaps: In a city known for its late nights, there are plenty of places to choose from for a nightcap. For example, the "grungy" Carrollton classic Maple Leaf remains the tops for big bands while Chickie Wah Wah and Jin Jean's are shaking up the music scene. As a top spot for cocktail cravers, the "grown-up atmosphere" at Carousel Bar brings many thirsty customers into the "historic" Hotel Monteleone while Uptown's Ms. Mae's is considered the areas' Best Bang for the Buck and the phenomenal Loa takes the honors for Best Decor once again.
Major Tourist Attractions: In addition to restaurants and nightlife, Zagat surveyors reviewed the city's main tourist attractions. Thankfully, most historical sites and museums managed to survive Katrina, which means out-of-town visitors can enjoy the "kitschy yet cool" French Market; the "moving, inspiring and humbling" National World War II Museum; the "incredible antebellum" Oak Alley Plantation or the 1720 St. Louis Cathedral, "one of the great cathedrals in a country that doesn't have many." While travelers who stick to these time honored sites may be lulled into thinking that the whole city has revered, those who take Cajun Encounters, Gray Line or Tours by Isabelle can see the true scope of Katrina's wrath.
The Price is Right: Another reason to visit is that New Orleans remains one of the most reasonably priced cities in the nation. In fact, among the cities Zagat surveys, only Austin and the Texas Hill Country (average meal price - $25.30) are less expensive than New Orleans ($26.18). In comparison, you'll pay an average of $39.43 per meal in NYC.
A Generous Bunch: Despite their troubles, New Orleanians remain among the most generous tippers in the entire country. In regards to tipping, New Orleans (19.3%) is second only to Philadelphia (19.4%) when it comes to supporting its restaurant workers.
Favorite Cuisines: In another sign of city strength and pride, New Orleanians buck the national trend toward Italian as the favorite cuisine, preferring instead to keep it closer to home -- Creole is tops with 23% of surveyors rating it their favorite cuisine. Italian ranked second with 16% of the vote, followed by French (13%), American (11%) and Mexican (9%).
The 2007 Best of New Orleans guide ($12.95) was edited by Sharon Litwin, Mimi Read, Todd A. Price and Karen Hudes and is available nationally at bookstores, and other retail outlets, through the web, at zagat.com or by calling 888/371-5440.
About Zagat Survey, LLCZagat Survey is the world's leading provider of consumer survey-based leisure content. With more than 250,000 surveyors, Zagat Survey rates and reviews restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, shopping and a range of other entertainment categories. Zagat content is available in print, on the Web, on the Palm and Windows Mobile operating systems, on BlackBerry, on mobile phones, and on TV. For more information, visit http://www.zagat.com.Zagat Survey CONTACT: Tiffany Barbalato of Zagat Survey, +1-212-404-6431, tbarbalato@zagat.com; or Billy Sind, +1-310-753-8405, wjsind@groupsjr.com, for Zagat Survey www.zagat.com 
