Zagat Spotlights Southern Brooklyn Establishments

Zagat, the definitive guide to NYC restaurants, has just released the 2011 New York City Food Lover’s Guide and Southern Brooklyn is finally getting some respect. Over 150-Brooklyn based specialty food shops are included in this year’s guide. While most of the top spots where in the outer borough of Manhattan, some of our local places pulled in some sweet praise.

The survey finds JoMart Chocolates, at 2917 Avenue R, a “terrific experience for palate, eye and nose.” Jay and Lloyd’s Kosher Deli, at 2718 Avenue U, is called “authentic” and “old-fashioned. Like you had to tell us?

Some other nearby places feeling Zagat’s love include The Orchard and Pomegranate, both on Coney Island Avenue in Midwood.

This new guide is Zagat’s first attempt at focusing on something other than restaurants. According to Zagat:

The guide pulls together the opinions of 6,355 New Yorkers, and covers 1,491 food purveyors, party suppliers and other gourmet shopping establishments. It also includes a list of prime foodie walking tours (for those of you who like a little exercise with your face-stuffing), a list of online purveyors and even a green glossary to help you navigate the farmer’s market like a pro.

Hopefully, this new guide will lead Zagat’s readers to check out other places in our neighborhood. Cherry Hill, Sheepshead Bay Gourmet, Basett’s, Jimmy’s Famous Heros, the hot dog guy by Doody’s and lots of other locals deserve some attention too.

You can find Zagat’s 2011 New York City Food Lover’s Guide in bookstores and the usual online places starting today.