2017 in One Word: ‘Oversaturated, Parody, Barbetacoyster?’

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in Nashville, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. How would you sum up the 2017 restaurant world in one word?

Nancy Vienneau, food writer and critic for The Tennessean:

Inundation.

Chris Chamberlain, food writer for Nashville Scene’s Bites Blog, Food Republic and author of The Southern Foodie: 100 Places to Eat Before You Die:

Barbetacoyster.

Lizzy Alfs, business reporter for The Tennessean:

Crowded. We saw a ton of restaurant openings but we also saw some contraction (Cochon Butcher, Holland House, Flip Burger, Bar Luca, Cantina Laredo, Sole Mio, Saffire…)

Lesley Lassiter, food writer for Nashville Scene’s Bites Blog and Lesley Eats:

Location.

Matt Rogers, editor Eater Nashville:

Parody. It’s supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery, but it’s also one of the biggest problems with the Nashville restaurant scene right now.

Vivek Surti, founder of VEA Supper Club and Sabrage Society:

Growing.

Kristin Luna, travel and food writer and founder of travel blog Camels & Chocolate:

Oversaturated.