OSAKA, JAPAN – August 1, 2008 – La Baie, the French restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, received The Best of Award of Excellence 2008 from the prestigious wine magazine in the US, Wine Spectator, for its wine program for the fifth consecutive year.

Wine Spectator honors restaurants for its wine list in three categories since its inception of the Restaurant Award Program in 1981; The Grand Award for a collection of more than 1,500 wine; The Best of Award of Excellence for a collection of more than 400 wines; and The Award of Excellence for a collection of less than 400. Besides a number of wine collections, quality, maturity and presentation of wine program as well as a range of producers and vintage depth are considered for award selection.

In 2008, 4,129 restaurants in total received the awards in the world. Out of 4,129 restaurants, only 73 received the Grand Award and 802 received the Best of Award of Excellence. In Japan, a total of 10 restaurants received awards; one Grand Award; three Best of Award of Excellence, including one for La Baie; and six Awards of Excellence.

La Baie has won the award each year since its entry into this Restaurant Award Program for the first time in 2004. The wine list at La Baie includes more than 400 wines, selected by our chief sommelier, Akihiro Kurimoto and updated every month. By updating every month, he ensures that our wine list fulfills guest’s needs, seasonality and trend in a timely manner. The wine list offers not only prestigious brands, but also up-and-coming wineries which are not yet widely known but have quality wines.

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka signature restaurant La Baie offers elegant French cuisine with a contemporary interpretation of traditional recipes under a leadership by Chef Christophe Gibert. Incorporating region-specific cuisines throughout France, Chef Gibert satisfies the palate of any Francophile.

Located across from the Osaka railway station in Umeda, Osaka’s main gateway and hub of commerce and culture, The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka includes 50 suites, two Japanese-style rooms and two Ritz-Carlton suites; extensive wedding facilities; function facilities totaling 2,461 square meters / 26, 490 square feet; The Fitness Center and Spa equipped with indoor pool, whirlpool, gym, and sauna; the Place of Harmony massage and treatment rooms; four restaurants, a bar and a lounge. The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka has been continuously named the best hotel in Osaka and in Japan by many Japanese and international prestigious business magazines since its opening in 1997.