Survey Dishes Up Opinions of Consumers

FOOD & WINE magazine has released the results of its survey of consumer attitudes and behavior on the home and entertaining.

The survey is conducted every two years. The panel was composed of an equal number of men and women. Some of the survey’s highlights:

* Nearly 75% say all men should learn to cook. Forty percent say that most men who do know how to cook do so out of necessity.

* More than 50% say they plan to “eat out” less in 1990. One-third of the respondents said they felt that restaurants have become too trendy.

* One in four of those surveyed said food is fashion, not merely sustenance. Forty percent view cooking as a symbol of achievement and success, with 54% regarding the kitchen as the area of the home where they best express their creativity.

* Fifty-seven percent of Americans regard entertaining as a reflection of their personal sense of style. Eighty-nine percent describe their style of entertaining as easy and informal.

* Convenience plays a large part in the entertaining process, with more than 65% saying they prefer recipes that can be prepared quickly.

* More than 60% say they try to serve guests food that is healthy and nutritious.

* The November-December holiday season is still the No. 1 season for entertaining. American-style cuisine is the favorite food served to guests at home.