XlAI IhiK Rappahannock News Staff Writer ^nn a'- Little

XlAI IhiK Rappahannock News Staff Writer ^nn a'- Little Washington added yet another feather to its already gilded headgear last month r when it was named to the prestigious Relais et Chateaux (Inns and Manor Houses) guidebook, headquartered in Paris. This honor affirms the perception of our patrons that the Inn is a ‘world-class’ restaurant,” said chef and co-owner Patrick J. O’Connell. i. “We really felt that until this moment, the restaurant had the status ii °f a nationally-known restaurant,” -■ agreed Reinhardt Lynch, Mr. O’Connell’s partner and maitre d’hotel of The Inn. “But, as of our inclusion in this guide we feel that The Inn has attained an international .. reputation as a hotel and restauq rant.” The Relais et Chateaux members _ number only 347 establishments, .. scattered throughout the world, j. from France to Australia. According .. to the guide, “most of these hotels are former castles, abbeys and manor houses which have been converted into very comfortable hostel. ries, small inns or very elegant ^ hotels.” * The rules of the association spec,J ify that the establishments must be * independently owned and operated, and have fewer than 100 guest rooms. Most are located in the countryside, although many, like The *' Inn, are within a comfortable drive ' o moir\w _