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The Michelin Guide is a series of annual guide books published by Michelin for over a dozen countries. The term normally refers to the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest and best-known European hotel and restaurant guide, which awards the Michelin stars. In Europe, quality gastronomy goes hand in hand with the Michelin Guide. The guide, recently relabelled the Guide Rouge, is a respected institution among chefs, restaurateurs, culinary experts, and the dining public. It was introduced in 1900 by the Michelin Tyre Company and began mainly as a technical resource for helping people to travel. By the 1930s, it had developed into a tourist guide and has since been transformed into a gastronomy guide. The Guide Rouge sells about 1.2 million copies annually in eight countries. The Michelin star system in Europe is the best-known and most respected ranking system for high-quality or haute cuisine restaurants.
What do they do?
A rigorously selected and trained team of inspectors visit the Michelin-recommended establishments and decide whether or not they will go into the guide. Michelin is keen to stress the independence of the guide. Unlike some competitors' versions, all meals and accommodations used by its inspectors are fully paid for by the Michelin organization. Michelin ensures creativity and individuality within the restaurant sector and avoids standardisation by NOT creating a written criterion for what constitutes the quality level required for the various star levels. The Michelin Guide is also set apart by its emphasis on consistency of quality and tradition.
How are restaurants rated?
Michelin-star rated restaurants are developed and led by highly skilled chefs, often referred to as "celebrity chefs". In Europe, the guide has a huge influence on restaurant choice for gourmets and followers of haute cuisine. The guide awards one to three stars to a small number of restaurants of outstanding quality. It must be recognised that a 3-star Michelin ranking is exceedingly rare: There are 26 "3-star" restaurants in France and only 81 in the world.
- One-Michelin-star: A very good restaurant or pub in its categoryThe star indicates a good place to stop on your journey.
- Two-Michelin-star: Excellent cooking, worth a detourSpecialities and wines of first-class quality. This will be reflected in the price
- Three-Michelin-star: Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journeyFine wines, faultless service, elegant surroundings. You will pay accordingly!
Independent of their other rating in the guide, restaurants can also receive a number of symbols next to their listing.
1. The coins are given to restaurants that serve a menu for a certain price or less. In France, the required price is currently €16.50.
2. Interesting view or magnificent view is given to restaurants that offer to dine with a view.
3. The grapes are given to restaurants that serve a somewhat interesting assortment of wine.
The Michelin guide is now available on the iPhone so you can use it wherever you want, in France and in Europe.
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