Restaurants Earn Relais Gourmands Status

The elite Relais & Châteaux association of hotels and restaurants has announced its new members for 2002. Seven restaurants were named to the Relais Gourmands group of fine dining establishments within Relais & Châteaux. Of these seven, three restaurants are located in the U.S., one in Austria (Hotel Hubertus), one in Italy (Ristorante Da Vittorio), one in Japan (Enoteca Pinchiorri) and one in Switzerland (L'Ermitage de Bernard Ravet).

The first of the U.S. restaurants accepted as Relais Gourmands members is Gary Danko in San Francisco. The restaurant is known for its warm atmosphere and contemporary American cuisine created by owner-chef Gary Danko. Also accepted as a member is Patina in Los Angeles with owner-chef Joachim Splichal. Splichal and wife Christine have built Patina's reputation for refined Franco-Californian fare. The third U.S. member is Everest in Chicago. Located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building, the restaurant is owned by Jean Joho and offers refined cuisine complemented by wines of his native Alsace.

To meet the qualifications of Relais Gourmands membership, a restaurant should be dedicated to the art of gastronomy and the good life it represents. Each establishment offers a memorable dining experience with innovative, creative cuisine spawned from fine ingredients and culinary excellence and virtuosity. Relais Gourmands now claims 151 members worldwide.

For more information on the Relais & Châteaux association, visit www.relaischateaux.com.