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Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA), an association of fine dining restaurants from Canada, Mexico and the United States, has chosen The Tavern at Clay Hill Farm in York, Maine to receive its annual "Award of Excellence" - the only award of its kind to result from independent, anonymous inspections. Known to many in New England as a destination spot for a variety of dining pleasures - whether it be an intimate dinner for two, a friendly get-together, family outing, magnificent wedding, or holiday dinner, Clay Hill Farm has a long history of providing fine dining in a comfortable country setting. Indeed, Down East Magazine has cited Clay Hill Farm as being one of the "finest and most reliable restaurants" on the seacoast. "We were thrilled to learn of our nomination to DiRoNA," said Clay Hill Farm general manager Donna Lewis. "This award is the Oscar of the food industry. It is such an honor for us to be included in the company of such fine Boston-area establishments as The Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton and The Bay Tower. It literally took our breath away." Founded in 1990 as an effort to promote fine dining throughout North America, DiRoNA award recipients are selected through a rigorous inspection process. To qualify, a restaurant must pass a 75-point evaluation conducted anonymously by a specially trained, independent panel of qualified professionals and consumers of fine dining. Recipients hold the award for three years, after which they must pass the same evaluation process to become recertified. DiRoNA inspectors are certified by Morris Gaebe, Chancellor of the prestigious Johnson and Wales University. "In the past, many DiRoNA award recipients were located almost exclusively in major cities, DiRoNA Chairman Paul Athanas noted at the association's annual convention in New Orleans in October. "However, we're finding more and more fine dining restaurants in smaller cities and towns like York, Maine, Woodstock, Virginia and Durham, North Carolina. Fine Dining is clearly on the rise in communities across North America". Of the tens of thousands of fine dining restaurants located in North America, only 635 establishments have been chosen to date to receive the DiRoNA Award of Excellence and been invited to join the non-profit organization. Clay Hill Farm joins the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport, a previous award-winner, as the only two restaurants in Maine to be so honored with this distinction. Clay Hill Farm was one of 64 restaurants to receive the Award of Excellence at this year's DiRoNA convention in New Orleans. In order to pass the 75-point DiRoNA criteria, a restaurant must undergo a rigorous inspection process covering everthing from grounds maintenance, to exceptional cuisine, service and ambiance. The evaluation starts with the manner in which telephone reservations are accepted and moves on to the physical appearance of the restaurant upon arrival; including parking lot, coat room, restrooms, bar and dining rooms. Napkins and linen are inspected, as is the glassware, silverware and plates. Waiters are noted for their appearance, manners, and knowledge of the cuisine, beverage and wine selections. Menus are judged by their uniqueness, creativity, variety of items and cooking techniques, as well as health/nutritional values, and the ability of the waiters and chefs to adapt to special requests. "Being honored with the DiRoNA award is a great achievement that reflects well on all the hard work that our staff puts in each and every day," said Chef Melissa Ettinger. "From our cleaning staff and dishwashers on down to our line cooks, waitstaff, host and entertainment, the DiRoNA award is a great source of pride which reflects our commitment to fine dining. To me, fine dining is more than just wonderful food, it's an experience for the senses that should leave you satisfied in every way."