The On-Line Gourmet

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Food.com
What it's good for: Finding and ordering food for delivery or takeout.
Don't waste your time if: You're interested in going out for dinner.
What our CEOs had to say: "A couch potato's dream. ... If I need to feed the football fans but can't leave the television, this is where I'd turn."

Menus.com
What it's good for: Easy, effective searching through well-packaged information.
Don't waste your time if: You're in a hurry or seeking something very specific.
What our CEOs had to say: "A large array of conveniences for the busy executive." "It loaded very slowly." "When I looked for a French restaurant near my home, I was given 53 choices -- none of which was a French restaurant."

RestaurantRow.com
What it's good for: Searching extensive listings; making online reservations.
Don't waste your time if: You object to a stripped-down, bare-bones presentation.
What our CEOs had to say: "By far, the most extensive online database, in terms of restaurant listings." "Several of the restaurants I searched for by name were not found." "Charges nearly $5 per reservation made online; I don't know why someone would bother if they have a telephone handy."

Zagat.com
What it's good for: World-class searching using lots of criteria, including relatively rare options such as Open Sunday, Fireplaces, and Visitors on Expense Accounts.
Don't waste your time if: You're not a fan of the Zagat approach, which bases reviews and numerical ratings on standardized surveys filled out by volunteer diners.
What our CEOs had to say: "Great searching ability that is very logical." "Gives you the quick skinny on a huge inventory of restaurants. Bookmark it."

Our panelists

John Diehl, CEO and president of PrairieComm Inc., frequently dines in major cities worldwide. His company, based in Rolling Meadows, Ill., develops chip sets and embedded software for wireless devices. His favorite menu choice: Chicago-style pizza.

As a longtime New Yorker, Jill S. Gabbe knows all too well the importance of finding just the right spot for a business meal. Gabbe is a partner at the Gabbe Group, a Manhattan consulting company specializing in public relations, marketing, and brand development. Her favorite menu choice: elaborate chocolate desserts.

Rob Marler viewed our sites both as a frequent diner and as a Web executive. Marler is president of DirectWireless.com, which sells cell-phone accessories online and in its store in Maitland, Fla. His favorite menu choice: seafood.

Bob Silver is president and founder of the Silver Co. of Seattle and Orange County, Calif., a public-relations agency serving high-tech companies. Silver, who lives on Washington's Bainbridge Island, believes he's found the perfect recipe for pepper-crusted grilled king salmon. His favorite menu choice: crab cakes.

Anne Stuart is a senior writer at Inc. Technology.

The savvy entrepreneur's guide to online dining sites

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