What is the process of earning a Michelin star(s) for a restaurant and can you lose the star(s)?

Question

Any other information about Michelin stars would be help such as its origins. Thanks.

Answer 1

This link has a great description of the history and also some controversy over the whole system.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_Gu...

Restaurants don't get to apply for stars.  They are selected for rating.  Most restaurants are never rated.

Answer 2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I get my restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide?

Michelin employs a team of full-time professional restaurant and hotel inspectors who anonymously evaluate establishments on a range of criteria and compile a selection for inclusion in the Michelin Guides. The inspectors have a process for selecting establishments to be evaluated, and evaluate many more establishments than are ultimately included in the guide.

You are welcome to forward the name of an establishment you recommend that our inspectors by sending us an email. Please be advised that all inspections are anonymous, and you will not receive a response as to when or if your suggested establishment will be or was visited.

What are the criteria for receiving Michelin stars?

Michelin employs a team of full-time professional restaurant and hotel inspectors who anonymously evaluate establishments according to a well-defined (but unpublished) set of criteria. All evaluations involve anonymous test meals or overnight stays at each establishment to assess the quality and the reliability of the experience.

The star symbols judge only what's on the plate, meaning the quality of products, the mastering of flavors, mastering of cooking, personality of the cuisine, value for the money and the consistency of what the restaurant offers to its customers both throughout the menu and the year.

One star indicates a very good restaurant in its category, a good place to stop on your journey.

Two stars denote excellent cuisine, worth a detour, with specialties and wines of first-class quality.

Three stars reward exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey, where diners eat extremely well, often superbly. The wine list features generally outstanding vintages and the surroundings and service are part of this unique experience, which is priced accordingly.

In addition to the awarding of stars, the Michelin Guide provides a written description of each locale and a variety of other symbols to give readers further insight into an establishment's ambiance, type of cuisine and specialties, and wine list, among other factors. In addition, the guide provides a comfort rating represented by the use of one to five forks and spoons for restaurants and one to five pavilions for hotels. These symbols take into consideration the decor, service, cleanliness and upkeep of the surroundings.

Answer 3

Since 1990, we have had maintained, lost and regained a Michelin star at our restaurant, then finally getting sick of the BS..gave up the star again.  Restaurant guides like everything else is politics.  When we possessed the star, a certain quantity of MUMM champagne was ordered every year, certain functions were attended--time or not, a certain amount of butt kissing also involved.  The happiest day--when we said to h**l with the star.  If you research Italy right now..FILOPT..a two star in Piedmont Italy is closing...not selling, but closing to the public,  open only to close friends and clients..this will happen the 1st of January 2009, Marchesi in Milan...publically wrote in the daily times, I give back my stars.....my clients will now be my only critics.  Stars don't always shine, and from my experience...if you are good at what you do, and your restaurant is worth it.....you don't need Michelin.  Becoming part of that circle, your locale, life, and way of doing things is under a microscope everyday......and its not easy, and many times your restaurant doesn't even belong to you anymore, but to them....

A certain rivalry has always been between France and Italy...food, wine, soccer....don't let your dream go lost to Michelin....it really isn't worth it.  We actually work more without the star!!!!!!!