Posts Tagged ‘michelin guide’

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Stars In Their Eyes

Once again Michelin has found itself plunged into direst controversy over the recent news that celebrated Aussie chef Skye Gyngell has left her much-acclaimed quirky restaurant at Petersham Nurseries in Richmond because of the ‘Michelin curse’ brought about by her deserved star rating. She claims that customer expectations rocketed to unreasonable levels and complaints have soared – not, let it be noted, about the food, but about the rickety tables, the outside toilets and the greenhouse surroundings; ie, customers expecting the intimated level of opulence evoked by a star rating were disappointed at the ‘au naturel’ surroundings of a working plant nursery. It seems that Michelin ratings bring with them a certain level of customer expectation; the organisation has educated – indoctrinated – the once-naive customer to such an extent, the centre doesn’t hold when the framework is not adhered to. Read full post

The Michelin Man

The start of the year traditionally sees the publication of the new Michelin Guide – an opportunity for foodies to slaver and drool over the latest must-visit gastro-hotspots across the UK. But is it still a relevant guide in this cyber-led day and age or is Michelin whipping a dead souffle?

There are generally few surprises, it has to be said. A grand total of 140 restaurants in Britain have now achieved a Michelin star and – as usual – the awards are somewhat controversial. Perhaps least so is the loss of Gordon Ramsay’s single star at Claridges, but given his misfortunes over the last year and his apparent desire to be on telly rather than behind a hot stove, it’s hardly news. The guide also saw fit to award its first London pub, The Harwood Arms, a star, which is progress indeed, given that the majority of the country are eating more often and better in pubs than in establishments such as those run by Alain Ducasse. Read full post

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