For the first time ever, Zagat Survey will unleash a Colorado-only restaurant guide...edited by yours truly

It's been called the "burgundy bible" for zealous restaurant nerds, and for the first time since Tim and Nina Zagat (pronounced Zuh-GAT) launched their Survey in 1979, Colorado -- the whole state -- is getting its very own Zagat restaurant ratings guide, which is a big deal considering that the...

By Lori Midson

April 24, 2012

Help us weather the uncertain future

We know — the economic times are hard. We believe that our work of reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now is more important than ever.

We need to raise $17,000 to meet our goal by August 10. If you’re able to make a contribution of any amount, your dollars will make an immediate difference in helping ensure the future of local journalism in Denver. Thanks for reading Westword.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$5,600

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

It's been called the "burgundy bible" for zealous restaurant nerds, and for the first time since Tim and Nina Zagat (pronounced Zuh-GAT) launched their Survey in 1979, Colorado -- the whole state -- is getting its very own Zagat restaurant ratings guide, which is a big deal considering that the Mile High City and the mountain resort areas have always been relegated to single digit pages in the all-encompassing America's Top Restaurants guide. (Disclosure: I'm the Colorado editor for both America's Top Restaurants and the forthcoming Colorado Survey).

And for the past several weeks, I've been compiling a monster-roster of restaurants -- more than 1,000 -- that span the state, from Denver to Durango, and from now until May 6, you can vote (and comment) on those restaurants, which include everything from dim sum parlors like Star kitchen to taquerias and burger barns to Frasca Food & Wine and Fruition. In addition, surveyors -- that's you, people -- can also spout off on state dining trends: how much we typically tip, how often we eat out and general food and dining trends, like sustainability.

Voting is free at www.zagat.com/rateColorado, and surveyors have the opportunity to weigh in on food, decor and service for each individual restaurant. And if you vote before May 6, you'll be entered into Zagat's Witty Surveyor Contest, where the most pithy, descriptive and clever comments will win $400 to spend on a night out in Denver or a Samsung Galaxy Android Tablet.

In addition, the guide will include a "Best Bang for Your Buck" list, which trumpets restaurants with the best food for the lowest prices.

Ready, set, vote!

Follow @CafeWestword on Twitter and at facebook.com/denvercafesociety

Lori Midson

A message from Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today