The word "urbanspoon" refers to a restaurant-based app that matches hungry patrons with nearby eateries. Its spelling is as unique as its purpose. Pronounced /ɜːbənspuːn/, the word's first two syllables are pronounced with an "er" sound, followed by a short "u" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a long "oo" sound. Whether ordering takeout or looking for new dining options, the spelling of "urbanspoon" is just as distinct as the app itself.
Urbanspoon is a former restaurant recommendation and discovery platform that provided information about restaurants in various cities around the world. The platform allowed users to search for restaurants based on location, cuisine type, price range, and other filters.
The Urbanspoon website and mobile app featured user-generated content, professional reviews, and restaurant ratings. Users could browse through a comprehensive database of eateries, including popular establishments as well as hidden gems, to find a suitable dining option that meets their preferences or cravings.
The platform offered a unique feature called the "Shake" function, where users could shake their mobile device and Urbanspoon would randomly select a restaurant in their vicinity, introducing an element of surprise and spontaneity to the decision-making process.
Furthermore, Urbanspoon incorporated a reservation feature, allowing users to book tables directly through the platform. This streamlined the dining experience and enhanced convenience for users.
However, it is important to note that Urbanspoon was acquired and discontinued in 2015 by Zomato, a popular restaurant search and discovery service. Today, the Urbanspoon brand and functionality have been incorporated into the Zomato platform, providing users with an extensive selection of restaurant information, reviews, and recommendations.
The word "urbanspoon" is a compound noun that combines "urban" and "spoon".
The term "urban" refers to anything related to cities or urban areas. It derives from the Latin word "urbanus", meaning "of or pertaining to a city".
The word "spoon" technically refers to a utensil used for eating or serving food but in the context of the word "urbanspoon", it is used metaphorically to represent food, dining, or restaurant experiences.
Therefore, the etymology of the word "urbanspoon" suggests that it is a combination of the urban lifestyle and the act of eating or dining out.