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Ramsay ranks as a star of Hollywood
Benedict Moore-Bridger21.10.08
GORDON RAMSAY'S Hollywood restaurant has won a Michelin star less than five months after opening.
In its first year of eligibility, Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood has been awarded the star, maintaining his position as Britain's most decorated chef.
The restaurant is one of only 16 to receive the one-star rating in the Michelin Guide 2009 Los Angeles which features 310 restaurants. The venue follows sister restaurant Gordon Ramsay at The London New York which was awarded two stars when it opened in October last year.
Ramsay, who has 12 Michelin stars to his name and a fortune of around £50 million, made his California restaurant debut in May this year.
Located in The London West Hollywood hotel off Sunset Strip, the kitchen is headed by Andy Cook who first joined Ramsay's empire in 2000 at his Chelsea restaurant before moving to Claridge's as sous chef.
Ramsay's Los Angeles restaurant is classed as Western European with "subtle Asian influences", incorporating seasonal ingredients from the region.
It serves a seven-course tasting menu for $85 (£49), less than the $135 (£79) charged at Ramsay's New York venue, and includes specialities such as "hand-dived sea scallops" and Pacific yellow-fin tuna with pickled daikon, crab beignets and sesame soy dressing.
The Hell's Kitchen star said: "It's an honour to have been awarded a Michelin star in our first year and I'm extremely proud of what we've been able to accomplish in the West Hollywood kitchen."
Gordon Ramsay Holdings, of which he owns a 69 per cent share, now operates 25 restaurants and pubs across the world, including three in America.
