Zagat's Top Restos

Zagat released its 2009 America's Top Restaurants survey today, once again providing statistics everyone probably already knows: More people are eating in casual, modestly-priced eateries and chains (Zagat calls them BATHs--better alternatives than home); high-level chefs are opening less expensive spin-offs; Las Vegas is now the most expensive city to dine in, followed by NYC; service is still a big issue; and Italian food is the favorite cuisine followed by "American." The guide covers 1,516 eateries in 45 major markets, is based on 25 million meals experienced by over 145,000 surveyors. That's a lot of quotation marks. [MarketWire]