Americans are willing to break the bank when it comes to unforgettable dining experiences. A new survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of the Michelin dining guide book, reveals that the average American would spend $203 to partake in a 'once-in-a-lifetime dining experience' at a gourmet restaurant.
The poll, which asked 2,000 American adults how much they were willing to spend, reveals that the amount gets bigger the lower the age bracket.
Millennials (age 18-34), were the biggest spenders according to the survey, with respondents from this age group saying they would pay an average of $283 for a memorable meal. The next age bracket (age 45-54) said they would shell out $170, while those aged 65 and up would only be willing to part with $122 for such a meal.
The figures aren't surprising, given that older people generally have greater financial commitments and don't have as much disposable income to burn on a single meal. One can infer that social media and the internet are also a big factor in the millennial groups' desire to spend big on food, as many young people love to flood their Instagram feeds with images of meals they've eaten.
According to the data, a nice Steak dinner is the most popular choice for high-end dining followed by Italian in second and Mexican, American, and Continental in a three-way tie for third.
"We discovered across every demographic that American diners would be willing to pay a sizable sum to eat the best meal of their lives at a high-end restaurant," said Michelin US editorial director, Cynthia Ochterbeck "Perhaps this is the influence of around-the-clock food shows and celebrity chefs, but the fine food movement continues to see an extraordinary growth in popularity."
To see the rest of the results, check out this link.
