What should a Michelin restaurant be like?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Food has always been an important part of human life. And if in a primitive society the very fact of its presence was the main criterion, then over time, beautiful serving of dishes and their taste qualities became no less important. Today, chefs all over the world compete in these skills. And, of course, there were those who are ready to judge their work - restaurant critics. They judge a place primarily by its menu. And one of the most famous grading systems for the general public is Michelin stars. But how are they assigned and what should a real Michelin restaurant be like?

A bit of history

But in order to understand what criteria underlie this system, it is worth remembering the history of the creation of the Michelin Red Guide. It was first published over a hundred years ago, back in 1900. And the idea of creating such a guide to France owned by chefs or connoisseurs of gourmet cuisine, it was released as a free application for buyers of the famous Michelin tires today.the sole purpose was to make life easier for the traveller.

And the current three-star system, like the very concept of "Michelin restaurant", appeared a little later - in the 30s of the 20th century. No other changes have been made to this day. So who are these stars awarded to? One can get a restaurant that has a good, noteworthy cuisine. Two stars are already awarded if the establishment's cuisine is worth a little detour. And only the restaurant for which it is worth taking a separate trip will get three stars.

For what stars are given and taken away

However, no one knows the exact criteria for how to get on the list of Michelin restaurants. Of course, first of all, restaurant critics evaluate the cuisine and the skill of the chef. But no less important is the atmosphere in the restaurant, and the beautiful presentation of dishes. According to the Michelin guide, all this should create a complete picture and help the dish to reveal itself in all its glory. True, often the star is not even received by the institution itself, but by the chef working in it. And there were cases when, when leaving, such an employee "took" the star with him.

Because of the title of "Michelin restaurant" serious passions sometimes flared up. In 2003, the famous French restaurateur and chef Bernard Loizeau committed suicide, unable to bear the shame. Michelin critics wanted to take away a star from his restaurant, because, in their opinion, Loiseau stopped looking for new culinary ideas and developing. This sad story was, by the way,partially transferred to the screen in the popular cartoon "Ratatouille".

Today, the Michelin Red Guide is published worldwide, and several hundred restaurants are included in its rating. And in many countries it comes out as a separate publication. An interesting fact is that Paris has not been a leader in the number of assigned Today, it is much easier to find a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo than in the home of the famous "Guide", there are 191 such establishments in this city, and only 93 in Paris.

True, not all countries can boast of such establishments. So, it is simply impossible to find Michelin-starred restaurants in Moscow. Today, even the best domestic institution cannot boast of this title. But the fact is that in modern conditions, not a single Russian restaurant can simply satisfy the exacting taste of the critics of the Michelin Red Guide.