NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to their love lives, Angelenos seem to be open-minded about dating people of different races, religions, age groups and income brackets. However, they are less inclined to date someone affiliated with a different political party, according to Zagat Survey, which today released its first-ever Los Angeles Dating (and Dumping) Guide.
The new guide is based on the collective experiences of over 13,000 local diners, bar hounds and date-goers. Along with reviews of the best restaurants, bars and other hot spots for dating -- and "dumping" -- the book highlights men's and women's dating preferences, priorities, pet peeves and tales of dating woe. It finds that Angelenos are mostly in agreement about first-date traditions, like making the proposition in person (55%) and taking a first date to a restaurant (51%). But when it comes to footing the bill, a majority think that whoever extended the invitation should pay (53%), regardless of gender. Most Angelenos also shirk convention about being intimate, believing that "whenever it feels right" should be the deciding factor.
"Over the past 30 years, we've been privy to people's opinions on many 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 in New York City 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 on the town with friends."
The new guide breaks down locations by characteristics such as Beachside Venues (for au naturel ambiance), Brunch Spots (for the morning after) and Hottest Servers (for those looking to ditch their dates). For those looking for lasting romance on the East Coast, Zagat also released a New York City edition of the guide today.
Looking for Love: In a city full of entertainers (or, at least, aspiring ones), Angelenos agree that the top characteristics they look for in a partner are personality (87%) and sense of humor (87%). They seem open-minded about dating people outside their nationality (90%), income bracket (86%), religion (80%), race (78%), age group (78%) and education level (70%) - which were all preferable to dating outside one's political party (67%) - and nearly 56% would not date someone outside the L.A. metro area. When it comes to finding their fellow city dwellers, Angelenos reportedly have the most success meeting partners through friends and family (27%), online (21%), at work (14%) and through hobbies and activities (12%). Less than 2% had luck finding love at the gym, in a place of worship or -- no surprise here -- on a blind date.
Who's on First? For first dates, the way to an Angeleno's heart is through the stomach. More than 50% of respondents said a restaurant was the ideal first-date setting, with dinner as the most popular meal (62%). True to form, 25% of Angelenos are also willing to "do lunch" - compared with just 11% of New Yorkers. The restaurant's food ranked most important to 58% of residents -- surpassing the 29% for whom decor takes precedence. When it comes to footing the bill, a majority thinks that the person who extended the invitation should pay, regardless of gender. Their New York counterparts disagreed, contending that the man should always pay for the first date (60%). Regardless of who pays, it seems that the buck stops there: only 3% of Angelenos or New Yorkers would consider getting intimate on the first date.
Rounding Third Base: For the vast majority of respondents, going on a set number of dates, saying "I love you," even getting married, aren't the main reasons to become intimate. Rather, 88% believe a relationship should become intimate "whenever it feels right." Many also believe in having the dreaded "Define the Relationship" talk when someone they have been dating regularly does not yet refer to them as "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" (45%). On the other hand, 35% of Angelenos think that if you have to talk about it in the first place, the relationship just isn't going to work out.
The End of the Affair: After a breakup, a majority of Angelenos would take the high road and return their ex's belongings (69%). Meanwhile, a vengeful 11% say they'd keep the stuff, and a really 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 3% 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.
West Coast vs. East Coast: Weather and availability of personal living space aren't the only things that separate Southern Californians from New Yorkers. Both agree that bars are the second-most popular setting for a first date, but health-conscious Angelenos prefer coffee bars, while NY-ers feel that a traditional bar (complete with a bouncer and booze) is the best setting. The City of Angels may also be more ethical when it comes to dating: Angelenos are less likely than their NYC counterparts to date someone who is already in an exclusive relationship (5% vs. 13%) or married (4% vs. 7%).
Outtakes: In the city that houses the Writer's Guild of America, you'd think people would have better lines than this!
* "I dig older ladies like you." * "I don't care if you're married -- so am I!" * "If I wasn't on Prozac, I wouldn't be able to talk to a pretty girl like you." * "My mother would love you." * "I'd like to introduce you to my future ex-wife." * "Let me do you a favor and go home with you tonight." * "You remind me of my sister."
The Guide in Detail: In addition to the almost 13,000 surveyors who contributed to our Los Angeles restaurant and nightlife surveys, we heard from 2,029 opinionated daters, 64% 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles Dating (and Dumping) Guide ($5.95), is available at local 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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