We like to go in search of good and very good restaurants. Primarily for you, but also a little for us. We have already reported on the fabulous Principe Cerami and the equally convincing Stand Restaurant. Both star winners. But what is a Michelin-Star? Who can receive one and how? And who awards it?
The Background Story
We want to start at the beginning. And in the beginning was the word – wait, that’s another story. So it is already 1900 and we are in France. On the occasion of the Paris World’s Fair, tire manufacturer Michelin published a workshop guide to help motorists with their planning. Apart from the workshops, the first edition also contained other practical information and an icon was born. In 1920, the first paid edition was launched and finally, in 1926, the idea of stars saw the light of day.
What are Michelin-Stars standing for?
From then on, particularly good restaurants were awarded one to three stars. So what is the significance of the individual ratings? Strictly speaking, the first category is not a star, but a mention in the guide, the so-called Bib Gourmand. This refers to carefully prepared meals that are also good value for money. One Michelin-Star is given to the cuisine full of finesse. It is worth a stop.
Two Michelin-Stars go to the top cuisine, which is then already worth a detour. Three stars, in turn, go to the master chef who elevates cuisine to art. A trip of one’s own can be envisaged to these exquisite places. Since 2020, the Green Star has also been awarded, taking into account the issue of sustainability. This goes so far that the transport routes of the products, the type of cultivation and animal welfare are examined and evaluated.
How does a restaurant get a Michelin-Star?
So every year stars are awarded, the Oscars of cuisine. Product quality, know-how and originality come into play. In principle, each restaurant represented in the Guide is also visited and evaluated by the inspectors for the following year. The ratings are then discussed in so-called star conferences by the local editor-in-chief, the inspectors involved and the international director. The special feature of this procedure is the unanimity required. If it is missed, further visits to the respective restaurant are on the agenda.
The first inclusion in the guide takes place upon application. This can be done by the restaurant itself or recommended by readers. Any restaurant of any style can qualify for a star. The Michelin Guide makes a point of emphasizing that neither service, price range nor ambience play a role in the awarding of a star. How else could the famous Aunt Fay and her Bangkok street snack bar have earned a Michelin-Star?
Who are the Michelin Guide Testers?
The myth-enshrouded inspectors contribute significantly to the rating. Those employed full-time by Michelin remain anonymous. Successful completion of a multi-stage admission procedure and absolute incorruptibility are prerequisites for the appointment. Every year they are assigned a different region. Around 30,000 kilometers and 250 restaurant visits per calendar year are part of the program, which can only be mastered by a trained palate.
Circulation of the Guide Michelin
Originally only available in France, the compendium became more and more established over the years and now has a worldwide circulation of 30 million copies. Austria had its own edition for a few years, but it was discontinued due to low sales figures. Too bad, we think, so some rural gems remain undiscovered. Nevertheless, there are star restaurants in this country. At least in Vienna and Salzburg, both cities fall under the category “Guide Michelin Main Cities of Europe” and are rated in the course of this.
Where can you find the most Michelin-Stars?
In Tokyo, there are an incomparable 304 stars to taste. In total, no less than 12 restaurants managed to convince the inspectors of 3 stars. This puts the Japanese capital undisputedly at the top of the Michelin rankings. Paris, with a total of 134 stars, ranks third behind Kyoto in this rating and is Europe’s flagship. For comparison, Austria (i.e. Vienna and Salzburg) has one restaurant with 3 stars, namely Amador, six with 2 stars and 8 with one star.
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