Do you know what is common between a fancy restaurant in Paris and a tiny Ramen shop in Japan? Well, they both have Michelin stars. If you are surprised because you thought only fancy high-end restaurants are awarded Michelin stars, you are not alone. There are many misconceptions about this honor, and this one is the most common one. So we at unstumbled thought of helping you by unfolding the Michelin mystery by making you understand what a Michelin star is, how the rating system works, and more in the simplest way. Check it out!
What Is A Michelin Star?
Known as the highest honor of the global culinary industry, a Michelin Star is awarded by the Michelin Guide to restaurants that offer exceptional food using high-quality cooking. The food is evaluated solely on the quality of the food and consistency across the menu by anonymous inspectors.
How Did The Michelin Star System Begin?
The Michelin star system was created by a French tire company, Michelin, in 1900. To get people to drive more and, in turn, wear out their tires faster, the brothers André and Édouard Michelin gave out free guidebooks. These guidebooks had information about gas stations, maps, and restaurant recommendations in order to encourage road trips. (Marketing genius for sure!)
In 1926, the guide actually became a massive hit, and the company began seriously reviewing restaurants and awarded them stars for high-quality food. Over time, these stars evolved from a road-trip perk into the highest culinary benchmark globally.
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The Three-Star Rating System Breakdown
Michelin offers one to three stars to restaurants or food establishments based on anonymous reviews. Here’s what these stars actually mean:
1 star: “A very good restaurant in its category.” This means that this restaurant has consistently high-standard cooking, and it’s worth a visit if you are already here.
2 stars: “Excellent cooking, worth a detour.” The restaurant offers something unique and has skillfully crafted dishes.
3 stars: “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey.” This is the highest honor and is reserved for restaurants that have unbeatable culinary magic.
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How Does The Michelin System Work?
The mystery behind the prestige of the Michelin Guide is in its process. The rating system completely relies on a team of anonymous inspectors who work for them.
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Who Are Michelin Inspectors?
Michelin inspectors are actually full-time employees who have expertise in the hospitality industry. In order to ensure complete neutrality and impartiality, the Michelin inspectors have to adhere to some strict rules and regulations.
- They need to maintain strict anonymity. Hence, they have to dine and pay like regular customers so that they do not get any special treatment. They need to maintain a low digital profile and book a table under pseudonyms.
- They need to maintain total independence from personal interest or corporate interests.
- They have to be so secretive that they cannot even share this information with their parents or partners.
Five Strict Criteria For Earning A Michelin Star
Quality of Ingredients: The ingredients must be fresh, seasonal, and of the highest calibre.
Chef’s Personality: The dish must reflect a unique creativity or a signature style of the chef.
Consistency: The culinary standard must be the same across the entire menu and multiple visits.
Technique and Flavor: The cooking must display flawless execution and control over seasonings and temperature.
Value for Money: The quality and experience must justify the price tag.
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What Is Not Judged?
Interior Design and Decor
The interior design of the restaurant is not at all judged by the Michelin inspectors. No restaurant can buy its way into a Michelin star with famous art on the walls or expensive interior decor. Their food must be exceptional!
Service Style
The technical execution of the food is way more important than how the waiter pours water for the inspector. Open kitchens, relaxed dining vibes, and casual service are acceptable any day as long as the food is amazing. Service and comfort are evaluated, but for a different metric called “Plaza and Fork”.
The Price Tag
If you think expensive meals make it to a Michelin star, you are wrong! The inspectors do not judge you based on how exclusive the booking list is or how high the prices. It’s the quality of food that matters!
Celebrity Status
The inspectors do not give any brownie points to any restaurant or food establishments just because it has a celebrity chef or is owned by any celebrity.
Summing Up
Earning a Michelin star truly changes the life of a chef overnight! This results in global fame and months of fully booked reservations. The Michelin Guide remains the highest honor since centuries purly because it judges only on what is on the plate and nothing else!
