Gordon Ramsay at last has something to celebrate from his venture into New York, with the news that he has been awarded two Michelin stars for his Manhattan restaurant, the London.

The chef with golden touch but dirty tongue has had a rough time of it since exporting his craft across the Atlantic. First, the London was hit by a withering review from the arbiter of culinary good taste, the New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni. Then there were reports of dissension among the restaurant's staff over tips, and neighbours to the midtown venue in 54th street complained about noise and other irritations.

To round off Ramsay's roasting in the furnace that is New York public life, he is being sued by a former manager of an off-Broadway restaurant that featured in his television series, Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, who claims he was unfairly represented on the show.

After all these brickbats, the accolade must be deeply welcome to the celebrity chef, even if it does come from the French. The Michelin Guide is only in its third year in the US, with New York as its first port of call.

The 2008 guide awards the London two stars, signifying "excellent cuisine, worth a detour", praising its consistency in food and service and singling out its seven-course Menu Prestige.

The award brings Ramsay's roster of Michelin stars to 11 - nine of which come from London, including the flagship Gordon Ramsay restaurant which is the only three-starred eatery in the capital.

In New York, Michelin has awarded three restaurants the ultimate three stars: Jean Georges, Le Bernardin and Per Se.

Ramsay himself has not been seen that frequently in New York since he opened the London last year. He will, however, make a high-profile appearance next month when he will cook for the Duchess of York and other guests at a charity event for her foundation in Manhattan.

On the food blog
Jay Rayner on the restaurants that raise their prices after a good review.