Michelin's triple Dutch

A restaurant has become the first in the Netherlands to win a third Michelin star.

The Parkheuvel, in Rotterdam, has been awarded its third star in the 2002 Red Guide to Benelux, just published. The restaurant, headed by chef Cees Helder, won its first star in 1990 and its second in 1995.

Elsewhere in the Netherlands, the La Rive restaurant at the Amstel hotel in Amsterdam has been upgraded from one to two stars, and 11 restaurants have gained their first stars. These include the De Swaen restaurant in Oisterwijk, where Briton Alan Pearson is head chef. He said he was surprised to win the award, adding: "I am very happy, of course."

In Belgium, the Château du Mylord at Ellezelle has won its second star and six restaurants have won their first.

Luxembourg has two new one-star restaurants.