NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to dating in New York City, it seems that the proverbial melting pot stops (ironically) at City Hall. New Yorkers are more likely to date outside their race, religion and nationality than outside their political party, according to Zagat Survey, which today released its first-ever New York City Dating (and Dumping) Guide.
Based on the collective experiences of over 44,000 locals, Zagat's New York City Dating (and Dumping) Guide includes reviews of the best restaurants, bars and other hot spots for dating -- and "dumping" -- in New York, as well as information about men's and women's dating preferences, priorities, pet peeves and bad-date survival tales. It reveals that New Yorkers are mostly in agreement about traditions like going out to a restaurant for the first-date (39%), with the man footing the bill (60%). But when it comes to getting intimate, the vast majority of New Yorkers (88%) balk at convention, contending that "when it feels right" is more important than a set number of dates or saying "I love you" first. And while it may go against some company policies -- and even the law -- a majority of New Yorkers embrace office romance. A whopping 75% say they have no problem dating a coworker -- 17% feel comfortable dating their boss, and 18% are okay dating a direct report.
"Over the past 30 years, we've been privy to New Yorkers' opinions on topics from dining out to airline travel, but nothing compares to the strong views people have about romance," said Nina Zagat, who co-founded Zagat Survey with her husband Tim. "We're excited to offer this new dating guide. In fact, the idea to start our company was born out of the love Tim and I have for dinner dates and going out to eat with friends."
Zagat's New York City Dating (and Dumping) Guide breaks down venues by characteristics such as Bowling & Board Games (to give you something to focus on besides each other), Brunch Spots (for the morning after) and Multiple Entrances/Exits (that would be for the "dumping" part). For those looking for lasting romance -- or a quick exit -- on the West Coast, Zagat also released a Los Angeles edition of the guide today.
Looking for Love: New Yorkers agree that the No. 1 characteristic they look for in a partner is intelligence (92%), followed closely by personality (91%) and a sense of humor (90%). To start the search, New Yorkers reportedly have the most success meeting potential partners through friends and family (33%) or online (25%), followed by at work (10%), at bars (10%) and through random encounters in public places (9%). Less than 2% had luck finding love at the gym, in a place of worship or -- no surprise here -- on a blind date.
Tolerance Stops Here: It seems this "blue" city with a history of Republican mayors would sooner cross political lines in the voting booth than in the bedroom. According to the survey, New Yorkers are more likely to date outside their nationality (85%), income bracket (85%), religion (82%), age group (80%), race (67%) or education level (67%) than outside their political party (65%). New Yorkers aren't very interested in "giving it a go" with the bridge-and-tunnel crowd either: 54% of respondents would not date someone outside the NYC metro area (which may or may not include Staten Island).
Who's on First? When it comes to first dates, the way to a New Yorker's heart is through the stomach. Nearly 40% of respondents said a restaurant was the ideal first-date setting, with dinner as the most popular meal (78%). Another 30% would meet at a bar. A restaurant's food is most important to 46% of New Yorkers - slightly more than the 41% for whom decor takes precedence. When it comes to footing the bill (or making a faux wallet grab), most New Yorkers said that the man should always pay for the first date (60%). Interestingly, a majority of surveyors in Los Angeles disagreed, arguing that the person who extended the invitation should foot the bill (53%).
Rounding Third Base: For the vast majority of surveyors, going on a set number of dates, saying "I love you" or even getting married are not the primary reasons for becoming intimate. Rather, 88% believe a relationship should become intimate "whenever it feels right." A majority of New Yorkers (53%) also believe in having the dreaded "Define the Relationship" talk with someone when they have been dating regularly but aren't yet referred to as "boyfriend/girlfriend." On the other hand, 33% think that if you have to talk about it in the first place, just fuggedaboutit and move on.
The End of the Affair: After a breakup, a majority of New Yorkers would take the high road and return their ex's belongings (68%). Another 12% would simply "keep the stuff." Meanwhile, a vengeful 4% say they'd burn it or sell it on eBay. Why the brazen disregard for fire codes? Perhaps they've run into the 2% of respondents who believe it's best to break up with someone via text message or snail mail, rather than in person or on the phone.
East Coast vs. West Coast: Weather and availability of personal living space aren't the only things that separate New Yorkers from their Southern California counterparts. While New Yorkers and Angelenos agree that bars are the second best pick for a first date, New Yorkers feel that a traditional bar (one with a bouncer and booze) is the best setting, while Angelenos prefer coffee bars. The local penchant for vice doesn't stop there: New Yorkers are more likely than their LA counterparts to date someone who is already in an exclusive relationship (13% vs. 5%) or even married (7% vs. 4%).
Outtakes: It could only happen in New York. Good dating tales from the city:
* "Offered me the moon and the stars if I'd go out with him -- and
then took me to the observatory."
* "Tracked down a photograph that was taken of me by a famous
photographer many years before, bought the original and had it
framed for me."
And the bad:
* "The time my date got the waiter's number in front of me." * "I went out with a model. He brought his portfolio and broke down every photo of himself. He could see the boredom on my face and said that if I wasn't interested I should leave but if I was, he'd be willing to have sex with me."
The Guide in Detail: In addition to the more that 44,000 surveyors who contributed to our NYC restaurant and nightlife surveys, we heard from 2,029 opinionated daters. Of these, 64% are women and 36% men. Among the women, 94% are interested in men; 3% in women; and 3% in both. As for the men, 86% are interested in women; 12% in men; and 2% in both.
Ratings and reviews of New York City venues can be found in the new guidebook as well as online at ZAGAT.com and via the award-winning mobile website, ZAGAT.mobi. Zagat's New York City Dating (and Dumping) Guide ($5.95), is available at all major bookstores, through ZAGAT.com, or by calling toll free 888-371-5440.
About Zagat Survey, LLC
Known as the "burgundy bible," Zagat Survey is the world's most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas, and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries and has been lauded as the "most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published" and as "a necessity second only to a valid credit card." Zagat content is available in print, on the Web, on the mobile web, iPhones, BlackBerry, and on TV. For more information, visit ZAGAT.com.
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