Bridgnorth restaurant toasts Michelin success
A Shropshire restaurant has made it into a prestigious restaurant bible for a second year running.
Casa Ruiz, which first opened in Bridgnorth in 2009, was praised by the Michelin Guide for its authentic and fresh food.
Amy Hockenhull, who now owns the business, said she was delighted to have been named in the guide for 2014.
She said: "I had been the manager of Casa Ruiz for a few years, but took over as the new owner at the start of August.
"It was lovely news to find out we had been listed in the Michelin guide for the second year running.
"I have been here four years, but I decided to take over when the previous owners offered it to me. It seemed like the next natural step and it's great to own and run such a popular business in my home town.
"There are six of us here in total. Rita De-Fierro is our head chef and Gavin Deakin the second chef. My sister Laura Hockenhull, Kerry Edwards and Wendy Milner all work front of house with me.
"We are all either related or have know each other for many, many years. Kerry and I have been friends since we were four."
Miss Hockenhull, who took over Casa Ruiz from Emma and Alfonso Yufera-Ruiz, of The Authentic Tapas Group – which still runs Casa Naranjo in Shrewsbury and Don Diego in Sutton Coldfield – said she had received great support of friends and regular customers since taking over.
She said: "We are hoping for a busy Christmas and new year. Nothing will be changing too much at Casa Ruiz, but we just want to add a sprinkle of more of our own personality to the restaurant."
Casa Ruiz specialises in Spanish food and tapas, which are small dishes or plates traditionally served in bars in Spain when ordering a drink.
The Michelin Guide is a revered and respected guide to restaurants and hotels that is brought out every year by the French Michelin Tyre company.
The guide is also responsible for awarding the coveted Michelin Stars to high quality restaurants.
