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CLAY HILL FARM RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED DINING AWARD
Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA), an association of
fine dining restaurants from Canada, Mexico and the United States, has
chosen The Tavern at Clay Hill Farm in York, Maine to receive its annual
"Award of Excellence" - the only award of its kind to result from
independent, anonymous inspections.
Known to many in New England as a destination spot for a variety of
dining pleasures - whether it be an intimate dinner for two, a friendly
get-together, family outing, magnificent wedding, or holiday dinner, Clay
Hill Farm has a long history of providing fine dining in a comfortable
country setting. Indeed, Down East Magazine has cited Clay Hill Farm as
being one of the "finest and most reliable restaurants" on the seacoast.
"We were thrilled to learn of our nomination to DiRoNA," said Clay Hill
Farm general manager Donna Lewis. "This award is the Oscar of the food
industry. It is such an honor for us to be included in the company of
such fine Boston-area establishments as The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton
and The Bay Tower. It literally took our breath away."
Founded in 1990 as an effort to promote fine dining throughout North
America, DiRoNA award recipients are selected through a rigorous
inspection process. To qualify, a restaurant must pass a 75-point
evaluation conducted anonymously by a specially trained, independent
panel of qualified professionals and consumers of fine dining. Recipients
hold the award for three years, after which they must pass the same
evaluation process to become recertified. DiRoNA inspectors are certified
by Morris Gaebe, Chancellor of the prestigious Johnson and Wales
University.
"In the past, many DiRoNA award recipients were located almost
exclusively in major cities, DiRoNA Chairman Paul Athanas noted at the
association's annual convention in New Orleans in October. "However,
we're finding more and more fine dining restaurants in smaller cities and
towns like York, Maine, Woodstock, Virginia and Durham, North Carolina.
Fine Dining is clearly on the rise in communities across North America".
Of the tens of thousands of fine dining restaurants located in North
America, only 635 establishments have been chosen to date to receive the
DiRoNA Award of Excellence and been invited to join the non-profit
organization. Clay Hill Farm joins the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, a
previous award-winner, as the only two restaurants in Maine to be so
honored with this distinction. Clay Hill Farm was one of 64 restaurants
to receive the Award of Excellence at this year's DiRoNA convention in
New Orleans.
In order to pass the 75-point DiRoNA criteria, a restaurant must undergo
a rigorous inspection process covering everthing from grounds
maintenance, to exceptional cuisine, service and ambiance. The evaluation
starts with the manner in which telephone reservations are accepted and
moves on to the physical appearance of the restaurant upon arrival;
including parking lot, coat room, restrooms, bar and dining rooms.
Napkins and linen are inspected, as is the glassware, silverware and
plates.
Waiters are noted for their appearance, manners, and knowledge of the
cuisine, beverage and wine selections. Menus are judged by their
uniqueness, creativity, variety of items and cooking techniques, as well
as health/nutritional values, and the ability of the waiters and chefs to
adapt to special requests.
"Being honored with the DiRoNA award is a great achievement that reflects
well on all the hard work that our staff puts in each and every day,"
said Chef Melissa Ettinger. "From our cleaning staff and dishwashers on
down to our line cooks, waitstaff, host and entertainment, the DiRoNA
award is a great source of pride which reflects our commitment to fine
dining. To me, fine dining is more than just wonderful food, it's an
experience for the senses that should leave you satisfied in every way."
www.dirona.com »
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