When I visit a strange new city I tend to track down restaurants in travel books. I figure that if they’re listed then at least they won’t be bad — mostly true, sometimes very wrong.

I think what’s happening here is that people like some kind of guide – the ultimate is a personal connection (Facebook promotes a connection so Smarty would do well to put his idle hooves to use there), then personal recommendation of a trusted friend, then recommendation from a trusted source (like a Fodors guide book).

Given nothing to go by it comes down to personal research (like walking round the carousel or reading menus in restaurant windows). Far easier to go with the momentum of the crowd.

I see that in Japan all the time. People will line up for an hour to go to a famous restaurant, while something similar is nearby and empty.

Maybe Smarty needs a Facebook fan page, then people will be lining up.

I really love this blog design. Great colors and the fonts are perfect! You have a good designer.