From suburban buffets to high-end bistros run by celebrity chefs, Chinese cuisine in all its varied forms has become a fixture of the American dining scene. Numbers validate that claim: More than 43,000 Chinese restaurants in the United States generate annual sales exceeding $20 billion.

In recognition of the highest achievements by Chinese restaurateurs Chinese Restaurant News (www.c-r-n.com) hosts the 5th annual Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in the USA Competition, an increasingly important event in Chinese-American culture.

To qualify for the competition’s highest honor--the Overall Excellence award, restaurants must have been in business a minimum of 2 years, have at least 50% of their menu items recognized as historically Chinese, and have earned positive industry, media, or customer recognition. Qualified restaurants then undergo a rigorous evaluation by professional Mystery Diners with scores added to customer ratings. After final review by an expert panel, the top 100 highest-scoring restaurants achieve Top Overall Excellence status. Selected from several hundred competitors, these exceptional restaurants demonstrate the highest standards of cleanliness, cuisine, décor, and service.

At the culmination of the competition, Chinese Restaurant News recognizes the Top 100 Overall Excellence winners at an official award ceremony will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Monday, January 12, 2009. Attendees include winning restaurant owners, employees, industry leaders, and media representatives. Winners are also featured in press releases to thousands of media representatives and on Chinese Restaurant News websites.

By spotlighting our most successful and inspiring restaurants, we hope to illuminate and inspire the entire Chinese restaurant industry.