Gourmet dining used to mean making advance reservations, driving into the nearest big city and spending upwards of one hundred dollars per meal just to indulge your gastronomic cravings. For food aficionados these days, however, geography is no longer a factor and living in close proximity to a major city is no longer a requirement for someone looking to enjoy a fine meal. Fortunately for gourmands, local restaurants are recognizing many diners want more than just burgers and fries on the menu.

When looking for a gourmet restaurant in your area, there are lots of places to get great recommendations.

Online Websites - like
Zagat and Fodor's give detailed descriptions of a restaurant's cuisine along with a general pricing overview to make choosing a restaurant even easier.

• Your local Chamber of Commerce - Many Chambers have online webpages to make browsing local eateries over easier.
  
• Newspapers - This is a terrific source for dining ideas since most weekend sections offer complete listings of all the area's ining establishments, often with an accompanying synopsis of the restaurant's area of specialty.
  
• Your local restaurant reviewer - Most local newspapers and magazines have at least one reviewer on staff and many would be delighted to give personal recommendations on where to eat. Contact information can usually be found at the end of an author's published article.
  
• Your local library - Even the smallest towns may have guidebooks available for your area, complete with restaurant information and recommendations.
  

It�s no longer necessary to wait for your next major vacation to enjoy an exotic and wonderful feast. Whether you want to dine out or do-it-yourself, your next gourmet meal is just a short drive away.