AAA’s 2011 Five Diamond Restaurants: A Gourmet's Guide to Excellence

The Culinary Capitals of Five Diamond Dining

In the 2011 roundup, Chicago emerged as the city with the most Five Diamond restaurants, boasting seven top-tier dining establishments. Las Vegas followed closely with five, while New York City, often considered a culinary mecca, surprisingly hosted only three. The year marked a modest expansion in the Five Diamond list, with one new addition in the United States.

The New Gems of Gourmet Excellence

The year 2011 saw the introduction of three new restaurants to the Five Diamond fold across Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. This growth was notable given the economic downturn's impact on the travel and dining industries, which had led to increased restaurant closures and a slowdown in new openings.

North America's Newest Five Diamond Restaurants:

1. Lumière - Vancouver, Canada: Under the guidance of Chef Daniel Boulud, Lumière has been recognized as one of Vancouver's finest. Boulud's renowned New York City restaurant, Daniel, has maintained its Five Diamond status since 1999 and was awarded Three Michelin Stars in October of the previous year.
2. Carolina - St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico: This restaurant has joined the ranks of the elite, offering a luxurious dining experience in the heart of the resort.
3. Winvian - Winvian Resort, Morris, Connecticut: As the sole new U.S. entry, Winvian has distinguished itself with its exceptional cuisine and service within the tranquil setting of the resort.

A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

The Inn at Little Washington Dining Room, located just an hour outside of Washington, D.C., has the distinction of retaining its Five Diamond rating for an impressive 23 consecutive years. This establishment exemplifies the enduring quality and innovation that the Five Diamond award celebrates.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• According to AAA, less than 0.2% of the nearly 32,000 restaurants approved by the organization receive the Five Diamond rating.
• The Five Diamond rating process involves multiple unannounced evaluations and a final decision by a panel of experts.
• The economic recession of the late 2000s resulted in a significant reduction in the number of new Five Diamond awards, highlighting the difficulty of achieving and maintaining such high standards during challenging times.

For more information on the AAA Five Diamond rating system and the full list of award-winning restaurants, visit AAA's official website.

In conclusion, the AAA Five Diamond restaurants of 2011 exemplify the zenith of dining experiences, offering unparalleled service and culinary artistry. Despite economic challenges, these establishments continue to set the standard for fine dining across North America.