Good Things Come In Small Packages

A small but perfectly formed restaurant in Dorset, Sienna, has been awarded a third AA Rosette. With only 16 covers, Sienna is the smallest restaurant to be presented with three AA Rosettes at the start of 2007 and is one of only six restaurants to win the accolade so far this year.

Russell Brown, owner and Head Chef of Sienna, comments: “Since our doors first opened at Sienna just over three years ago we have always endeavoured to create imaginative and seasonal food made from fine quality local ingredients, served alongside an interesting and diverse wine list in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. To be awarded three AA Rosettes is an incredible feeling and we will carry on doing exactly what we’ve done to achieve this recognition – the only change that customers will see is an extra, very well polished plate on the wall!”

Accepted as a standard that takes restaurants into the ‘big league’, Sienna and its team underwent many anonymous and rigorous inspections over several months to achieve its third rosette. The AA definition of restaurants with three Rosettes includes; outstanding restaurant demanding recognition well beyond the local area; selection and sympathetic treatment of highest quality ingredients; timing, seasoning and judgment of flavour combinations consistent; excellent intelligent service and a well-chosen wine list.

Inspectors had high expectations of the kitchen, and were looking for exact techniques, flair and imagination. These criteria had to be visible in every dish alongside balance and depth of flavour. Approximately 10% of AA-rated restaurants have three Rosettes.

Giovanna Grossi, Area Manager for The AA comments: “It is a delight to witness such a hard-working, dedicated team achieve its dream - Russell and Eléna Brown have quietly poured their heart and soul into Sienna, a 16-cover restaurant which shows exemplary standards and immaculate consistency along with a relaxed, welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Russell has great imagination, using quality, seasonal and local ingredients to achieve a superb menu. I would like to congratulate them both for achieving their third rosette, which is absolutely deserved.”

To mark the occasion Sienna is holding a champagne and canapé reception at the Brownsword Hall, Poundbury on Sunday 25 February from 7pm – 9pm. Tickets are priced at £10 to include a glass of champagne and a selection of delicious canapés. Profits from the evening will be split between two charities, CancerCare Dorset and Hospitality Action.

For further information about Sienna, visit siennarestaurant.co.uk.