AMERICA’S TOP-RATED

RESTAURANTS & CHEFS 2008
These restaurants were selected by John Mariani as America’s Top 20 Restaurants 2008
(not in order of preference). The content of this overview was written by the editorial
staff of the Chefs In America Awards Foundation.

 

SAMPLE MENU   Appetizers   Caspian Sea Caviar chickpea pancakes   Sashimi of Japanese Otoro chantrelles, organic shoyu   Loup de Mer Gravlax fennel, honey mustard   Menu Highlights   Pre-historic Black Grouper figs, licorice, almond espuma   Spaghetti di Ceci calamari, chorizo, basil   Broiled Squab miso, eggplant, cocoa   White Truffle Risotto chanterelle fricassee, white truffle shavings   Painted Hill Farm Beef Coulette seasonal vegetables in textures   Marcho Farm Veal Trio sweet potato, hazelnut   Chili Marinated Baby Pork chanterelles, pineapple, cilantro

DINING ROOM

 

AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BUCKHEAD
One of only 16 restaurants in the country to receive the prestigious Mobil Five Star Award, The Dining Room at Ritz Carlton, Buckhead, Georgia presents a la carte and tasting menus featuring French cuisine which incorporates the regional influences of countries that ring the Mediterranean Sea.

CHEF ARNAUD BERTHELIER
Chef Arnaud Berthelier is a native of the Lorraine region in northeastern France, bordered by Alsace and Champagne. French, Spanish and Northern African influences are evident. Chef Berthelier is a veteran of the culinary trade, with tours throughout the Mediterranean, including the position of Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Prior to joining The Ritz-Carlton, Chef Berthelier held various positions in multi-star Michelin restaurants throughout Europe, including Alain Ducasse’s Le Louis XV, Monte Carlo; Le Saveurs, London; La Tour d’ Argent and Michel Guerard, Paris among others. He also worked with Gray Kunz at Lespinasse in Washington, D.C. and has spent time in Japan. At the conclusion of a three-month worldwide search, Arnaud Berthelier was appointed as Chef of The Dining Room in 2005. Chef Berthelier is nominated for the prestigious 2007 and 2008 James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef: Southeast."