HINOKIZAKA RESTAURANT AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, TOKYO RECEIVES ONE-STAR MICHELIN RATING FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

The "stars" aligned once again for The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, as its Japanese restaurant, Hinokizaka, was awarded the coveted Michelin star rating for 2009, it was announced today. Joining the ranks of an elite few, Hinokizaka was praised by the guide for "dishes where seasonal ingredients are prepared so as to bring out their natural flavours." And for a "presentation that is colourful and eye-catching and where care is taken to complement the food with the beautiful tableware."

"We are especially pleased to receive a Michelin Star for Hinokizaka," said Ricco DeBlank, general manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo. "Receiving this award for the second year in a row not only validates the work of our talented culinary team, but it also encourages us to continue to excel on an even higher level."

Hinokizaka offers contemporary Japanese cuisine that's deeply rooted in traditional sensitivities. With more than 60 years of experience between them, the restaurant's four chefs accommodate extravagant haute kaiseki feasts as well as à la minute presentations at the restaurant's sushi, teppanyaki and tempura counters.

Hinokizaka is open daily for lunch between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Its 200-year old teahouse, Kokushoan, is especially popular for special affairs. Other private rooms, with both tatami mat and western-style seating, are also available.

Reservations and inquiries can be placed by dialing 0120-798-688 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (toll-free in Japan), or calling +81-3-3423-8000, from overseas.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., (USA) currently operates 72 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is the only hospitality company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations at 1 (800) 241-3333, your travel consultant or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.

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