The small Napa Valley town of Yountville is claiming the highest per capita concentration of Michelin stars on the planet – six in six blocks, covering four different restaurants.

According to the Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2011, French Laundry retains its three-star status for the fifth successive year, while Bouchon, Redd and Etoile at Domaine Chandon all have one star.

Meanwhile, the Restaurant at Meadowood Resort in nearby St Helena has been elevated to three-star status for the first time.

More than 500 restaurants are featured in the new edition of the guide, with French Laundry and Meadowood the only three-starred restaurants, and two stars awarded to Coi, Cyrus and Manresa.

Alice Walters’ Chez Panisse has lost its single star, but 39 others are awarded the accolade, including 11 newcomers.

Michelin described the area as 'one of the finest culinary regions in the world'.

News item from Imbibe.com, 15-11-2010