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MICHELIN GUIDE TOKYO 2009 AWARDS CONRAD TOKYO RESTAURANTS TWO MICHELIN STARS

Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo and China Blue each recognised in Michelin Guide Tokyo 2009

Tokyo, 19 November 2008: The Conrad Tokyo’s reputation as an exceptional dining destination has today been acknowledged by the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2009, with the presentation of one Michelin star each for its Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo and China Blue restaurants. The Guide also placed the Conrad Tokyo in the highest hotel award category recognising its sophisticated and spacious rooms, excellent access for business or sightseeing and for its role at the forefront of the latest trends.

In its second year of assessing the Tokyo luxury hotels and restaurants market, the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2009 also awarded both restaurants the coveted symbol of “an interesting wine list” recognising their selections of fine wines from all over the world.

In awarding Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo one star the Michelin Guide particularly noted its “striking” open kitchen and Chef’s Table. “Tokyo is the top gastronomic city in the world”, explained Bernard Delmas, President and CEO of Michelin at the launch of the new Guide. “This year we are very happy to recognise the exceptional quality of successful new entrants like Ramsay”.

Conrad Tokyo’s China Blue restaurant was also awarded a Michelin star for the second year running. In addition to highlighting China Blue as a place “offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard” and a superior level of comfort and service, the 2009 guide added recognition for the restaurant’s offering of both traditional Cantonese cuisine and “contemporary creations accented with flavours of other Asian countries”. “There are very few Chinese restaurants in the Guide”, noted Michelin Director Jean-Luc Naret. “We only deal with the absolute best of the best in each category so the Chinese restaurants that appear in this 2009 Guide are outstanding”.

Gregor Andréewitch, the Conrad Tokyo’s General Manager, said the prestigious accolade “reaffirmed the standard of excellence upheld at China Blue and recognised an enormous investment by the team at Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo over the past year.

“Tokyo is fast building a reputation as the ‘dining capital of the world’. At the Conrad Tokyo, we are proud to be at the heart of this – providing a unique experience in design, space and culinary excellence”. Gordon Ramsay, the multi-Michelin starred chef said he was delighted to receive the award. “Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities in the world in terms of restaurants and produce and therefore a great source of inspiration for a chef. This recognition from Michelin is wonderful news and I am very proud of my team there led by the talented head chef Shinya Maeda”.

Chef Maeda was appointed Chef de Cuisine earlier this year at Gordon Ramsay at Conrad Tokyo. He had worked as a chef all over Europe and in New York before meeting and working with Ramsay in several of his London restaurants. He promotes the “essence” of Gordon Ramsay’s cuisine, with his own Japanese-inspired creative flair and attention to detail.

China Blue also boasts one of the most talented executive chefs in Tokyo. Albert Tse, has a well established reputation for a modern interpretation of Chinese cuisine that has won the hearts of Tokyo’s Chinese food connoisseurs. Recently awarded the title of “Culinary Art Master” by Les Amis d’Escoffier Society, Albert works with classic Chinese ingredients subtly blended with new ingredients, presented in a contemporary way.

About the Conrad Tokyo
The Conrad Tokyo is located 37 floors over Shiodome, a thriving new business district, providing panoramic views over the extensive Hamarikyu Gardens and the Tokyo Bay skyline. It lies within walking distance of the upmarket shopping and entertainment district of Ginza and offers strategic access to some of Tokyo’s major business locations and tourist attractions. The hotel features 290 spacious guest rooms and suites, vibrant and theatrical dining at four restaurants and Tokyo’s largest hotel Spa & fitness area with a 25-metre swimming pool. The Conrad Tokyo has received a number of awards and accolades since its opening in 2005, including featuring in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2008, Tablet Hotels 2007 Tablet 10 ‘Best of Asia’ and ‘Best City Hotel’ lists, Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Best of the Best Hotels’ and “Best New Business Hotel” in Asia-Pacific by Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.

About Conrad® Hotels & Resorts
Conrad Hotels & Resorts is a modern luxury brand from Hilton Hotels Corporation, with a strong network of high-tech, high-touch hotels in key destinations globally, from the Americas and Asia Pacific to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Conrad Hotels & Resorts will continue to grow globally with many new hotels currently in development and conversion worldwide. The Conrad brand provides discerning world travelers the perfect solution for their travel needs with global connectivity, highly personalized service and cultural sensitivity. Conrad Hotels & Resorts is a member of Hilton’s Luxury and Lifestyle Brands along with Waldorf=Astoria and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection. All of Conrad’s hotels and resorts participate in the acclaimed Hilton HHonors® reward program. For more information on Conrad Hotels & Resorts, please visit ConradHotels.com.