The number of diners participating in the 2016 Dine Out Vancouver Festival increased 15 percent over last year, for a total of 84,000 participants — making it another record-smashing year for Canada's largest food festival. (This total number of diners counts online reservations only; the tally is likely much higher.) The record-breaking fixed-priced menu event also featured more participating restaurants, 289, and more culinary events and experiences, 102, than ever.

During the 14th anniversary of Dine Out Vancouver, restaurant revenue increased 34.6 percent compared to last year. Dine Out's website took in 2.2 million views.

"Dine Out Vancouver has become a premiere event in our city," said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson, in a press release issued today. “Over the past 14 years, it has grown into a strong economic driver for the city as well as a showcase of our world-class culinary offerings - and it continues to get better every year. I can’t wait to see what Dine Out’s organizers come up with in 2017.”

Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out Vancouver Festival is said to have contributed in excess of $4 million to the local economy this year.

Still, diners and the restauraunt industry alike love to complain about the festival, claiming that it caters to bargain-hunting hordes with the ultimate goal to put bums in seats. Customers say they feel rushed, while servers say customers tend to order water a lot. Restaurant owners must deal with people who play "reso lottery" cancelling reservations at the last minute (or without notice), when a prefered reservation becomes available.

However, if it's done right, many restaurants score long term fans: A big win all 'round.

By the numbers:

• 289 – number of participating restaurants

• 102 – total number of culinary events and experiences

• 34.6 percent – percentage increase in restaurant revenue over last year

• 2.2 million – total number of online Dine Out menu views

• 84,621 – total number of diners seated