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The Republic soon will be the first locally owned Brazos Valley restaurant to receive a 2009 Four-Diamond Award from the Automobile Association of America rating system, officials said.
AAA publishes Tourbooks, one of two nationally recognized rating systems. The company employs professional food critics to rate restaurants on their cuisine and service.
Fewer than 3 percent of the 27,000 restaurants approved by AAA earn the Four-Diamond Award.
AAA critics equate four-diamond restaurants with fine dining, orchestrated by an executive chef and an accomplished staff with menus reflecting a high degree of creativity and complexity, according to AAA's Web site. Other criteria include presentation, service staff and a staff wine steward.
"We knew we would get here eventually, we just didn't expect it this soon," owner Wade Barkman said. "I didn't even know we were being reviewed until after the critic had paid his bill and was leaving."
The steakhouse, owned by brothers Wade and Nathan Barkman, opened in May 2007 at 701 University Drive in College Station.
The Oxford Street Restaurant and Vintage House at Messina Hof received two diamonds in AAA's 2008 edition. Two diamonds denote relaxed family fare.
Bryan Allstate agent Jackie Voss recently presented a $500 grant from the Allstate Foundation to the March of Dimes.
The foundation gave Voss the grant, along with its agency Hands in the Community award, for her commitment to volunteering in Bryan, particularly with the March of Dimes.
"Allstate believes it is very important for corporations to take an active interest in the communities they serve," Voss said in a written statement. "Allstate and my agency are proud to support such a worthwhile cause through the Allstate Foundation."
Voss said the grant would provide needed support for March of Dimes' work and the area it serves.
The award program recognizes Allstate agents and financial specialists for a commitment to community service with a $500 donation to the charitable organization for which they volunteer. To qualify for the grant, agents must show evidence of volunteer work that has had a positive impact on the local community.
Staff reports
