For Chef Chris Parsons of Catch Restaurant (Winchester, Massachusetts) and Catch at The Terrace (Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts), 2008 is “off the hook,” with three new awards to add to the restaurants’ already long list of honors. 

In its January 2008 issue, Condé Nast Traveler presented the 2008 Gold List, detailing the world’s top hotels, resorts, and cruise lines.  The Charlotte Inn, the distinguished Relais & Châteaux property in which Catch at The Terrace is located, was the only hotel on Martha’s Vineyard included in the list, and 95.8 percent of respondents rated the food as excellent or very good. 

The International Star Diamond Award has been given to both Catch Restaurant and Catch at The Terrace (these are the only restaurants in Massachusetts to receive the award).  This award is given by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences in recognition of a demonstrated commitment to excellence.  To receive this award, Parsons’ restaurants were evaluated by the Academy on an extensive list of criteria, including gastronomy, hospitality, service, and overall quality. 

Newcomer Catch at The Terrace was also recognized by the Excelsior Business Club.  The restaurant was honored in 2008 with the Golden Service Crown for its excellent service. 

These new honors follow many others: Catch Restaurant won Best New Restaurant and Best Seafood Restaurant from Boston Magazine in its first three years, the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator for three consecutive years, Best Seafood Restaurant from New England Travel & Life Magazine in 2006, and three stars from The Boston Herald, as well as rave reviews.  And judging by this first week of January 2008, many more are on the way.