Zagat Survey Lets You Be The Critic Of Baltimore Area Restaurants

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—How many times have you been to a Baltimore area restaurant and after your meal you've had a lot to say about it? Well, now it's your chance to become a critic.

Whether it's the food, service or cost, Ron Matz reports a popular restaurant survey is now underway in Baltimore.

The chicken breasts are on the grill at Samos in Greektown. It's just one of dozens of restaurants reviewed by Zagat. All this month you can write your own review for Zagat's 2013 Survey.

"For the month of February, people can go online at zagat.com/ratebaltimore and rate restaurants from all over Maryland, from Annapolis to the Eastern Shore to Frederick, places they've been in the past year, experiences they've had, good or bad, that they want to write about," said Marty Katz, Zagat Survey. "They can write their comments. They can rate numerically on food, service, cost, decor. We compile their comments into a paragraph. When the book comes out in the summer we send them a copy."

"People should be telling the unvarnished truth," Katz continued. "We need to know their experiences. Earthy, pithy and witty comments are what makes the flavor of a place's description, so we can get a real feeling for it.We want the truth."

One of the most vibrant restaurant scenes in Baltimore is in Greektown.

Soon the popular Ikaros will double its size.

"The food scene in Baltimore is popping," Katz said. "Restaurants are showing up even in the middle of the recession. Little restaurants are popping up. Now that things seem to be getting a little better, there are a lot of big changes."

Samos owner Mike Georgalas says Zagat has made a difference.

"I could tell a difference right away once we got recognized in the Zagat Guide," Georgalas said. "Business picked up a lot. We had a lot of customers that maybe didn't know about the restaurant that came in because of the Zagat Guide. They became repeat customers and they've been coming for years now."

So now it's your turn on restaurant row.

"We've heard stories about people driving all the way from Philadelphia, New Jersey and Northern Virginia just to come eat at our restaurant," Georgalas said. "So we're pretty lucky to have a loyal and happy fan base."

For information on how you can become a reviewer and receive a free Zagat Survey just click here.