Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral is celebrating after securing a third AA Rosette, one of
the AA’s most prestigious accolades - for its number one restaurant.The third Rosette was announced at the launch of the 2007 AA Restaurant Guide at a
special awards lunch, which was hosted by The Balmoral today (Thursday 5 October),
to honour the very best in Scottish hospitality. This major industry event attracted
over 170 guests including chefs and key players from Scotland’s hospitality scene.

number one continues to go from strength to strength. The Michelin-starred
restaurant won a prestigious Scottish Thistle Award last October, within the Flavour
of Scotland category, which looked for evidence of strong links with local
suppliers, as well as the highest standards of Scottish cuisine, presented within a
welcoming and customer-friendly environment.

More recently, number one’s Sous Chef * Craig Sandle * participated in the Knorr
National Chef of the Year Award 2006 alongside the country’s leading chefs and won
the Best Starter category.

Jeff Bland, Executive Chef at Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral commented: “We are
delighted to achieve this outstanding accolade from the AA.  My team has worked very
hard over the past few years to take us to the highest levels of culinary excellence
of which I am extremely proud.  This is supported by the numerous awards and
fantastic feedback from our guests and regular customers.”

AA’s Chief Hotel and Restaurant Inspector Peter Birnie added: “The AA Hospitality
Awards are the most prestigious national industry awards of their kind and draw on
the unrivalled experience of the AA’s team of inspectors and anonymous overnight
judging process.  number one has demonstrated excellence and success within its
chosen market and fully deserves its three AA Rosettes”.
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