What's The Most Popular Restaurant In California?

BERKELEY, CA – Chez Panisse, a chic eatery in Berkeley that specializes in organic, peak-of-season dishes, was deemed California's most popular restaurant by People Magazine.

Working with experts at Zagat, diner ratings and Google scores, the magazine recently ran a list of the most popular restaurants in every U.S. state, including Washington, D.C.

"Influential chef Alice Waters opens this legendary restaurant in 1971, defining California cuisine and encouraging other chefs to get to know local farmers and cook with organic produce and other good-for-you ingredients," the magazine stated.

Zagat diners rate Chez Panisse with a 4.8 for food, 4.6 for decor and a 4.7-rating for service, on a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the most favorable rating.

"This restaurant was on my bucket list of places to eat before I die," wrote one reviewer, who gave the establishment five stars. "For a special occasion this is perfect. Price is high but food is world renowned and service was great. Eat in the cafe for a less expensive option. Menu changes daily and there is just one price per person for a three-course meal. Call ahead to request special diet needs."

Along with her commitment to using sustainably sourced and locally grown ingredients, founder Waters also is an activist and community supporter.

In 1996 to mark the restaurant's 25th anniversary, Waters established the Chez Panisse Foundation, now renamed the Edible Schoolyard Project. The project encourages school gardens and kitchens and "models and promotes edible education – a comprehensive program to unite education with school lunch.

"Experience shows that school communities are transformed when they integrate garden and kitchen classrooms with lunchrooms as part of the academic day," the organization says.

Read People's full report here.

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