Atlanta Embraces Michelin Stars: A New Era for Culinary Recognition
Atlanta has officially entered the elite club of Michelin-rated cities with the inaugural 2023 Michelin Guide Atlanta, which honored five restaurants with one star and recognized a total of 45 establishments. The Michelin rating system uses a three-star hierarchy: one star indicates "high-quality cooking worthy of a stop," while two stars denote "excellent cooking worth a detour," and three stars represent "exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey." Additional accolades include the Bib Gourmand for outstanding food at good prices and the Green Star for sustainable dining.
Michelin’s judging process evaluates restaurants on five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, flavor harmony, mastery of culinary techniques, the chef’s personality reflected in the dishes, and consistency across visits and menus. During evaluations, inspectors dine anonymously and pay for their meals, ensuring objectivity. The team comprises seasoned hospitality professionals from diverse backgrounds, yet their identities remain confidential to safeguard the evaluation process.
Since Michelin first graced the U.S. culinary scene in 2005 with New York City, guides have expanded to include cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and now Atlanta. While tourism boards fund the logistics of the guides, the selection process remains independent.
The impact of earning a Michelin star can be profound; however, local chefs exhibit mixed feelings about the prestigious recognition. As the gastronomic landscape of metro Atlanta evolves, the 2024 guide is expected to expand its coverage beyond the city limits, reflecting the city’s growing culinary scene.
For food enthusiasts eager to explore Michelin-rated restaurants, guides are available for free on the Michelin website and through their apps on iOS and Android. The rise of Michelin in Atlanta marks a significant step in elevating the city’s culinary reputation on a global stage.
Source
Photo credit www.ajc.com