Contra is a restaurant on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City. It is run by chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske and has become one of the city’s most popular restaurants since its opening in 2013. The restaurant has been praised for its inventive and innovative cuisine, which draws from both European and American influences.
The menu at Contra changes frequently, offering a constantly evolving array of dishes that are often unexpected and highly creative. The restaurant is known for its small plates, which range from playful takes on classic dishes like rigatoni alla norma to more adventurous fare like smoked trout with sea beans and seaweed butter. The wine list is also diverse, with an emphasis on natural and biodynamic wines.
Contra has been the recipient of many accolades since its opening, including being named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appetit magazine in 2014. However, despite its critical acclaim, Contra has yet to receive a Michelin star.
Michelin stars are highly sought after awards given by the Michelin Guide to restaurants around the world that have achieved exceptional levels of quality in their food and service. Achieving a Michelin star is a significant achievement for any restaurant, as it indicates that it meets very high standards set by experienced inspectors.
Despite Contra’s popularity among critics and diners alike, it has yet to receive a Michelin star. This could be due to the fact that there are still relatively few restaurants in New York City that have received this award – currently only 12 in total – making it difficult for any new restaurant to stand out from the crowd. It could also be due to the fact that Contra’s menu changes frequently, making it difficult for inspectors to assess if it consistently meets their standards over time.
Whatever the reason may be, Contra remains one of New York City’s most popular restaurants despite not having achieved Michelin star status yet. It continues to draw diners with its unique approach to food and wine, proving that quality doesn’t always have to come with awards or recognition from external sources.
Conclusion:
Is Contra a Michelin Star Restaurant? Despite its popularity among diners and critics alike, Contra has yet to receive a Michelin star due to various factors such as there being relatively few restaurants in New York City that have received this award or because of their changing menu which makes it difficult for inspectors to assess if they consistently meet their standards over time.