Bordeaux's 2 star Michelin restaurant, Lalique, offers a myriad of luxurious trappings
A Michelin-starred restaurant probably brings to mind linen tablecloths, fine china, sumptuously upholstered chairs, extensive wine lists, as well as exorbitant prices, but the Michelin galaxy has shifted on its axis. While luxurious trappings once appeared to be part of Michelin’s criteria, the gastronomic behemoth has altered its measures to focus solely on quality of food.
In short, The Michelin Guide now awards its stars to chefs offering outstanding cooking. While the identity of Michelin judges granting these stars is a deeply guarded secret, the company openly states they now take into account the following criteria:
~ Quality of ingredients
~ Harmony of flavors
~ Mastery of food preparation techniques
~ Personality of the chef as expressed through his/her cuisine
~ Consistency of the food
~ Value for the money
Forget the crystal chandeliers, over-the-top floral arrangements, impeccable service, extravagant artwork and disregard the term “restaurant.” Although Michelin stars are indeed still granted to opulently appointed restaurants offering astronomically priced food and wines, the above new measures based solely on food quality has ushered in a once unthinkable cadre of intergalactic VIPs. Michelin has granted a coveted star to a street food vendor in Thailand, a food stall in a Singaporean mall where meals are served on plastic plates, a ramen noodle joint in Tokyo, and even a taco truck in Mexico. Better yet, two Michelin stars have been given to a simple dim sum restaurant in China.
A new stellar landscape has been birthed. How exciting to see what a different orbit in our global culinary world will bring. May the force be with us.
