Zagat's 2011 America's Top Restaurants, Unleashed

"Burgundy bible" of survey-generated reviews Zagat released its 2011 America’s Top Restaurants guide based on the results of 153,000 diners nationwide. In addition to naming the top five popularity contest winners in San Francisco -- 1) Gary Danko 2) French Laundry 3) Cyrus 4) Sierra Mar 5) Acquerello -- said diners revealed some startling statistics regarding San Franciscans:

· SF residents eat out an average of 2.8 meals a week, below the national average of 3.1 meals and far below the 3.4 meals a week eating out in LA
· San Franciscans are the second lowest tippers in the country at 18.6% tied with Seattle and Sacramento
· 72% of San Franciscans surved said they would pay more to eat at a "green" restaurant.

There's also the general fact that 63% of surveyors say it's rude to text and tweet wile talking at the table, but 85% think its just fine to take pictures of food and each other. Now you should also know 40 Bay Area and Wine Country restaurants were included in the guide this year.

Acquerello
Ad Hoc
Ame
A16
Benu
Bouchon
Boulevard
Canteen
Chez Panisse
Chez Panisse Café
Cyrus
Delfina
Erna’s Elderberry House
Frances
The French Laundry
Gary Danko
Hana Japanese Restaurant
Jarniniere
Kaygetsu
Kokkari Estiatorio
La Folie
La Toque
Manresa
Marinus
Masa’s
Morimoto Napa
Nopa
Perbacco
Prospect
Quince
Ritz-Carlton Dining Room
RN74
Sierra Mar
Slanted Door
Spruce
Sushi Ran
Sushi Zone
Waterbar
Wayfare Tavern
Zuni Cafe

Lets take a moment to compare the above to the rankings of the world's preeminent tire manufacturer. Which guide is your go-to in a bind: the posh yet plebian Zagat or the lofty Michelin? And in this age of the internet do most people even use hand held guides anymore, anyway?

· Michelin Starred Restaurants, Now in Map Form [~ ESF ~]
· March of the Michelin Stars: The Restaurant at Meadowood Gets a Triplet; Chez Panisse Gets Knocked Off The List [~ ESF ~]