Zagat Boston Breakfast at Island Creek Oyster Bar

On Wednesday morning, I was lucky enough to attend the 2011/12 Zagat Boston Restaurants Survey launch party at Island Creek Oyster Bar.  If you aren't already familiar with Zagat Boston, the survey is based on the opinions of local diners and covers restaurants in Boston, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Berkshires.

The breakfast started out with the most delightful basket of breakfast breads that included sticky pecan buns, doughnuts, and vanilla-almond scones. 

As I nibbled on a jelly doughnut, I watched award presentations for Menton (highest overall score in the decor and service categories), O Ya (highest food score) and Legal Sea Foods (most popular for the fifth survey in a row).

I also learned some other interesting statistics about Boston diners:

• 83% of people surveyed feel that it is acceptable to take pictures of food or dining companions, but 63% of people said that it is “rude and inappropriate” to text, e-mail, tweet, or talk on the phone at a restaurant.
• 65% say that service is the number one complaint in Boston (followed by Noise, Food, and Prices)
• Bostonians tip an average of 19.4%, putting them above the national average of 19.2%

Over breakfast, I got to chat with the always fabulous Rialto team and also meet some interesting new food bloggers, including Cristin Nelson.  Breakfast included a family-style serving of crispy Island Creek oyster sliders, Maine lobster sliders, house smoked salmon, thick-cut bacon and spiced home-fries.

Crispy Island Creek Oyster Slider

Thanks again to Zagat Boston for inviting me to this lovely breakfast!

Island Creek Oyster Bar is located at 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA.