Each year, the famous Michelin guide selects more than 45,000 restaurant addresses located around the world and awards its legendary stars to the restaurateurs who deserve it the most. But if it is interesting for our palate to know the addresses of its exceptional places, it is normal to ask the question of how these traditional macaroons are awarded? We’ll explain!
Who as a chef or restaurateur does not dream of obtaining one or more stars from the Michelin guide? For almost a century, the Michelin guide, which was created in 1900, has ruled the roost in the world of gastronomy. A true, undisputed and indisputable reference in the sector, obtaining a star from the organization helps establish its reputation and prestige as chefs.
While this Monday, March 18, 2024, the new Michelin guide star award ceremony was held in Tours, more than 62 new stars were awarded for the year 2024 in France! If it was communicated that this year the judges and other gastronomic critics have the difficult task of emphasizing the regions as well as local products in order to highlight the French terroir internationally, the 2024 winners was highly anticipated by many chefs and restaurants. But how are these stars actually awarded? We’ll explain!
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The criteria taken into account in the awarding of Michelin guide stars
It is important to specify that only the quality of the dishes served has always been taken into account in the awarding of stars. Exit the decoration of the place, the service or even the equipment made available, the inspectors who respect their anonymity must above all emphasize the quality as well as the freshness of the products and food used. The authenticity and provenance of the ingredients are also essential. Another of the criteria taken into account by the Michelin guide is the harmony of flavors found in the dishes that are served; the chefs must be able to enhance the products and offer original combinations.
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Mastery of techniques as well as creativity are also taken into account in the awarding of a star: precision of cuts, tailor-made cooking, accuracy of seasoning and personality of the chef are evaluated by the inspector. Finally, consistency and regularity as well as quality/price ratio are also criteria on which chefs must work.
How are stars awarded?
Each year, the identity of the inspectors is kept secret, men, women, young or old, they all have the mission of visiting the restaurants selected by the Michelin guide while pretending to be ordinary customers: from table reservations , ordering, tasting then paying for their meal, they do everything like anyone else! And there is no question of being recognized by, for example, taking notes during the meal, the inspectors must in addition to having a very fine palate, have a good appetite since it is more than 250 tables on average that they visit each over a year.
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It is therefore in the fairest possible way that inspectors award their stars or remove stars from a restaurant. A decision taken in unison when all inspectors agree with the decision. If only one of them disagrees with a new assignment or withdrawal, the restaurant in question will have to be tested again until all inspectors agree. But the opinion of inspectors alone is not sufficient, the Michelin guide also takes into consideration customer opinions since 45,000 letters and emails are received each year.
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