We've long debated the merits of the Zagat rankings of America's top restaurants, and this year we've had a revelation: The listings are lame.
Granted, some fine homegrown restaurants squeeze in, including Kai at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort in Phoenix. But to have the so-called best restaurant in Tucson be an outpost of a national upscale steakhouse chain is inexcusable, particularly when Tucson has some mighty fine homegrown restaurants that are more than worthy of the honor.
We won't start an argument by listing our candidates — we'll leave that to you, the readers.
Meanwhile, here's the list of top restaurants for 2012 in Zagat's major market survey:
Atlanta - Bacchanalia
Atlantic City - Old Homestead
Austin - Uchi
Baltimore/Annapolis - Charleston
Boston - O Ya
Charlotte - Barrington's
Chicago - Les Nomades
Cincinnati - Boca
Cleveland - Chez François
Columbus - ĽAntibes
Connecticut - Le Petit Cafe
Dallas/Ft. Worth - Bonnell's
Denver Area - Fruition
Detroit - Lark
Honolulu - Sushi Sasabune
Houston - Le Mistral
Kansas City - Justus Drugstore
Las Vegas - Joël Robuchon
Long Island - North Fork Table
Los Angeles - Matsuhisa
Milwaukee - Roots
Minneapolis/St. Paul - La Belle Vie
Naples, FL - Côte d'Azur
New Jersey - Nicholas
New Orleans - Bayona
New York City - Le Bernardin
Orange County - Marché Moderne
Orlando - Victoria & Albert's
Philadelphia - Vetri
Portland, OR - Painted Lady
Sacramento - Taste
Salt Lake City - Mariposa
San Antonio - Dough
San Diego - Market
San Francisco - Gary Danko
Seattle - Cafe Juanita
St. Louis - Niche
Tampa/Sarasota - Beach Bistro
Washington, DC - Marcel's
West. /HRV - Sushi Nanase
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