I love a good stat, providing it hasn’t been constructed on a sampling of one hundred (usually indicated by an asterisk and footnote). I recently received a report of the annual survey by restaurant booking company Dimmi of 300,000 diners and 2000 restaurants and have to say I found it as fascinating as a good novel.
It inspired Outrage. -The ACT spends on average 33% more on eating out than the national average. ACT population=our Politicians).
Shame -Queenslanders spend on average $56 a head. Less than the national average of $60 per head. Because we’re tightasses I suspect.
Concern-Only 16 per cent of diners now spend more than $90 per head, compared with 20 per cent a year ago.
Competitiveness: “ Victorians are clearly the most social with 55 per cent of bookings made for three or more people, this stands in contrast with the other states where at least half of all bookings are for two people.” C’mon Queensland, get some more friends!
Self-Righteousness: “When it comes to the hot topic of “no shows” it seems that the further in advance you book, the more likely you are not to turn up. Apparently if you book a month in advance there’s a 20% chance you won’t turn up.-Last minute tables are actually more courteous when it comes to turning up on the night. (I’m always last minute!)
Queasiness: Valentine’s Day remains the most popular day to dine.
Justification: 62 per cent of all bookings are made by women. (see we have to do *everything*).
Surprise: From all the whingeing on UrbanSpoon and the like, it’s nice to see that Australian diners are generally ‘very satisfied’ and rate their experience as 8.4/10.
Feelings of inadequacy: “There has been a 67 per cent annual increase in online bookings. Diners in the ACT and Western Australia are leading the charge when it comes to booking online, closely followed by South Australia and NSW. The convenience of online bookings can be seen in the time of day when these bookings are made, with 55 per cent of online bookings taken when the restaurant is either closed or in the middle of service.” I NEVER book online unless it’s overseas. I don’ t know why. (Except maybe I’m a Queenslander- we don’t seem to even rate a mention in the online bookings yet).
Confusion: ”While there are plenty of dining differences across the states, when it comes to what’s on our plates we are a nation united – Modern Australian and European-style restaurants are still our favourite across the board, with South American, Asian and Indian also making an appearance in the top five cuisines. ” I still don’t know what Mod Aus is.
And just for QLDers, in our fair state, our dining spots are: Brisbane City, Surfers Paradise, South Brisbane, Broadbeach, Milton.
What do you reckon readers?
August 10, 2012 at 8:35 pm
QLDers are definitely tight arses! My friends are always upset to pay more than $50 for a really nice dinner. Surprised to see Newfarm didn’t make the cut for the most popular spots in QLD.
August 13, 2012 at 7:56 am
I know- I always find it hard to find a spot that is cheap enough for a group! I usually budget $100 a head to eat out.
August 11, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Reckon the $56 against national average of $60 may be pretty good if adjusted for household income and population differences to NSW and VIC ….
I’m with you on the online v. last minute booking
August 12, 2012 at 7:04 am
Milton? Trying to figure out where that particular hotspot is- surely they don’t mean Park Road?!
August 13, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I think they are confusing Milton and Rosalie. Surely Nash Street at Rosalie would have to be a hot spot.
August 18, 2012 at 7:04 am
That I agree! Had great Vietnamese at Mints last night. And that Lebanese restaurant next door( Rauj! I think it’s called?) looks awesome- definitely have to try! And that gelati place is also good… Hmmm you’re right, Rosalie is definitely a hotspot!
August 20, 2012 at 8:19 pm
Rouj is good. I thought Mint average and overpriced really. And yes, Cremona is the best gelati shop in Brisbane. But overall, I think Rosalie is over-rated. (And I’m practically a local).
August 15, 2012 at 10:39 pm
I would happily pay for a meal that is worth it, but feel a bit ripped off when I could have done better myself. I am not a tight ass but a woman with a family on a limited budget and I have to decide just how best to use the money that comes into the household. Having come from Victoria and been in the hospitality industry in Queensland, I think that perhaps Queenslanders are just a bit uneducated, or ‘behind’! PS, I agree about Newfarm, and how about Noosa?