Intro to Michelin Star
Most restaurants that we usually visit are rated on a five star scale, typically done by customer reviews that can be made in seconds from your cell phone. Fine dining restaurants and other upscale places are often rated by the Michelin system, which is a three star scale or in some cases the lack of a star. The Michelin Guide, a global authority on fine dining, awards Michelin stars to restaurants for exceptional culinary excellence. Rather than one person, a collective of anonymous critics and inspectors visit the restaurant for multiple meals over a long period of time and only then considers them for a star.
A star is considered the highest recognition in the culinary world. Just like Oscars and Grammys highlight outstanding achievements in film and music, Michelin stars elevate chefs and dining establishments to a very revered status in the culinary world. It’s a testament to skill, dedication, and innovation in cooking!
History of the Michelin Guide and Star
The Michelin Star actually never started as a culinary award; rather, its system originated in France in 1900 by the Michelin Tire founders as a way to encourage people to drive their cars more. The two brothers André and Édouard Michelin made a guide about how to replace and repair tires in order to push for more people to “burn rubber” as they called it. Later on it became a a promotional guide that included restaurants, hotels, and gas stations. They even began to charge people for the “little red book,” which contained the guides. Their marketing strategy was extremely successful. Certainly, people from all over France began to drive more and, therefore, go through tires faster.
Later, in 1926, it began rating restaurants, which brought a lot of attention and business to those that received a star, and people from all over the region would drive to try the recommended places. In 1931 it became a three star system and has stuck ever since. The guide only came to the United States in 2005.
Rating System
Michelin stars are awarded based on ingredient quality, flavor, cooking techniques, value, consistency, and ambiance. Along with the rest presentation and even the chef’s personality, and whether it is incorporated into the food is regarded with one to three stars symbolizing rates of excellence.
The system makes an effort to not be biased based on customer service, decor, wait-time, or even formality of the restaurant. The only thing they will rate is the food on the plate, and the consistency of the quality of the ingredients and food. The rating system remains secretive, with anonymous inspectors evaluating restaurants worldwide, typically undercover so they don’t receive special treatment. Michelin stars can significantly improve a restaurant’s reputation and future, so the rating process is very tedious and will only be given to restaurants who have earned it.
A one-star rating already indicates an excellent restaurant, two stars means outstanding cooking worth a detour, and three stars signify an extraordinary meal worth a special journey.
Renowned Chefs
One of the most famous Michelin-starred chefs is late Joël Robuchon, who is known for holding 32 stars and his famous mashed potatoes. He is often called the Godfather of Michelin. Anne-Sophie Pic, from France, has earned 10 Michelin stars to date, making her the most decorated female chef in the history of the culinary award.
Other notable Michelin-starred chefs include Alain Ducasse, Massimo Bottura, Thomas Keller, Raymond Blanc, Paul Bocuse, Guy Savoy, Martin Berasategui and the famous, Gordon Ramsey. While earning Michelin stars is highly prestigious, maintaining them requires consistent high standards. Chefs can lose stars if the quality of their food declines. Michelin stars are not only important for chefs but also for food lovers, they represent a guarantee of exceptional dining experiences.
Check out the Michelin Guide and find a 10/10 experience near you to try! Luckily, Houston has been chose as the next location for the as host city for first Michelin Guide Texas Ceremony. A great choice since Houston is known to be a hotspot for foodies. November 11th, will be the ceremony and for the next year Houston fine dining scene will be put to the test. Which restaurants do you think will get a star?
