The Michelin Star is one of the most sought-after awards in the culinary world, and it is given to a restaurant that has achieved a remarkable level of excellence. The Michelin Guide, which began as a guidebook for travelers in France in the early 1900s, started awarding stars to restaurants based on their quality of food.
Restaurants that receive one star have “very good cooking,” two stars have “excellent cooking,” and three stars have “exceptional cuisine. “
How Did the Michelin Star Get Its Name?
The award is named after the French tire company, Michelin. The company was founded by brothers Édouard and André Michelin in 1889 and quickly became one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world.
In 1900, they published their first travel guide, which featured a simple star rating system for hotels and restaurants. This system was designed to encourage motorists to explore new places while also highlighting places with quality food.
How Is a Restaurant Awarded a Star?
Michelin inspectors are anonymous professionals who visit restaurants around the world and evaluate them according to five criteria: quality of ingredients used; mastery of flavor and cooking techniques; personality of the cuisine; value for money; and consistency between visits. Inspectors are trained to be highly discerning, looking for even minor details such as proper salt seasoning or pleasing presentation.
What Does It Mean For A Restaurant To Have A Michelin Star?
Having a Michelin star is an honor that can help elevate a restaurant’s reputation and attract more diners. It also shows potential investors that the restaurant has been recognized as having exceptional food and service. While there isn’t an exact formula for achieving a star rating, it generally requires hard work from both chefs and front-of-house staff.
Conclusion: Why Is It Called a Michelin Star?