What Makes Up the Typical Austin Diner; Chronicle’s First Plates Event Lineup; More

TREND WIRE — Zagat took a look at what they call "The State of American Dining in 2015" by conducting a survey on the habits of diners across the country. According to the analysis, the typical Austin restaurant patron is someone who really loves bacon and timely bread, Instagramming, and tipping generously. [Zagat]

TOOLS WIRE — Lenoir's and Metier Cook's Supply's Jessica Maher shared her list of the six essential tools that every chef should have in stock with Austin Monthly. This includes a cast-iron skillet, boar bristle pastry brush, and microplane. [Austin Monthly]

AWARDS WIRE — The Chronicle’s third annual First Plates Awards is coming up. To properly celebrate, the alt-weekly announced a weeklong fete with drink and food specials in certain Austin restaurants and bars from February 5-10. There’s the happy hour at The Tigress with the custom-made Midnight Press drink on Thursday, February 5, and the special Chronicle Pizza Pie at the launch party at The ABGB on Saturday, February 7. [Chronicle]