World Scene: United States

Japanese eatery earns 3-star

A Japanese restaurant joins three French eateries in New York City awarded a coveted three-star Michelin rating as the respected guide warned chefs to focus on value for money amid a deepening financial crisis.

Masa, dubbed "arguably the most expensive restaurant" by The New York Times, received three stars, joining Jean-Georges, Le Bernardin and Per Se, who retained the top rank they were first given four years ago when Michelin launched in New York.