Michelin Guide New York

Michelin is making news in New York this morning. The famous red guide finally published its first ever guide in the US, specifically for the New York market. To some, Michelin has been generous, awarding the highly-lauded three-star rating to four restaurants in New York: Le Bernadin, Per Se, Jean-George, and, of course, Alain Ducasse. For others, some glaring omissions or perceived snub would likely rub them the wrong way. The ever popular Babbo with only one star rating is one example. The wonderful Blue Hill without even a star to its name is yet another.

I don't have much time now to comment on this so I'm just going to include the entire list here and you girls and boys can form your own opinion. As for me, I'm in Lausanne this morning, on our hotel balcony overlooking the serene lake. Last night was a lovely meal at Philipe Rochat -a non-controversial three star if there ever was one. This afternoon will be Monaco, for tomorrow night at the Louis XV -yet another one of Alain Ducasses outposts. After that we will be shopping and cooking with our friends for a few days in Nice. New York is far, far away from my mind.

MICHELIN RESTAURANT RATINGS

Three Stars
Alain Ducasse
Jean-Georges
Le Bernardin
Per Se

Two Stars:
Bouley
Daniel
Danube
Masa

One Star:
Annisa
Aureole
Babbo
BLT Fish
Café Boulud
Café Gray
Craft
Cru
Etats-Unis
Fiamma Osteria
Fleur de Sel
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
JoJo
Jewel Bako
La Goulue
Lever House
Lo Scalco
March
Nobu
Oceana
Peter Luger
Picholine
Saul
Scalini Fedeli
Spotted Pig
The Modern
Veritas
Vong
Wallsé
WD-50

Comments

[breadchick]

I just finished reading the article in the NYT food section about the debut of the Michelin Guide for NYC and Mario Batali is complaining that both his Babbo and Spotted Pig received the same rating of one star. I was somewhat aghast at his attitude towards this honour as many good restaurants in NYC received no stars and Mario has two in that catagory. I knew there was reason he annoyed me. The Spotted Pig is more than worthy of a single star. Enjoy your meals and friends. Nice is so lovely.

[Peter]

Mmmmm - Rochat. I had dinner there on my birthday this year, a few months after taking my wife to Bocuse in Lyon for her birthday (that was an expensive series of birthdays ...). The winner for atmosphere was Bocuse, the winner for food and service was Rochat. My wife had ordered a cake (which came on top of and not instead of dessert), and they packed it for us to go as we could only eat a small piece each. We opened the box at home, and inside the lid, someone had written, 'Félicitations et heureux anniversaire de toute l'équipe chez Rochat'. That was a really sweet touch.

[shuna fish]

They said that they would not sant their stars towards the French but they have indeed. N'est pas?

Although I must say I am quite happy for the likes of Scott Bryan who has worked hard for a long time without the niceties of a million dollar kitchen.

And I'm sure Jewel Bako will fill up again as it once did.

I guess I'd rather be happy for those who made it to the one star category than the obvious choices for the two and three.

[shAggy]

cheZ piM....

yEs i kNow euroupe can be aLL fun aNd wiNe , service , great tastIng fooD.... bUt ......
has iT gOt The intensce aroma Of fryinG oUt a cuRRy pasTe...?
whaT bOuT" thaT intenCe aroma oF a jamPee FloweR??? inFused iN a vodaKa ???
Do You miSS The sMell Of malee.....?
Ok Pim pOm by kIn sUm Tum KuP coW neoW>
la gun ja....hOpe You underStanD me....'
ENjOY .... NICE ...LoOKINg FORWOrD tO SEEING FRANkS FooD At DUCASSe.....On FLICKEr....^^^

[Jessica]

I loved dining there had excellent service and food. Would reccomend it to anyone.

[muccapazza28]

Once more, the Michelin Guide has used its French approach to prize restaurants that follow this culinary style.
Three out of four restaurants that achieved the 3-stars award are based on French cuisine, but there are many other restaurants in the States that haven't been considered as they should.
It happens the same in Italy. It seems that Michelin is playing the role of promoter for French cuisine (meaning also its food & wine marketing), According to Michelin's surveyors, it seems that no other country can express a better cuisine.
... and it is outrageous that some restaurants still maintain thei 3-stars in France ...
Happy Michelin to all of you.

Ciao Ciao Ciccini Riluttanti...

Muccapazza28

[RON SPEERT]

My wife and I spent our 20th anaversery at the GRAMERCY TAVERN. Twere made aware of this fact and treated us like royalty. We are not from NY so they knew we would not be frequent patron, but the started us off with a lovely complimenty glass of champaign.The service was excellent and the food was great.When desert came they brought us a sample of almost all the deserts on the menu.Upon leaving they sent us home with 3 muffins for the next morning. AFTER THIS EXPERIENCE I CAN NOT EVEN FANTHEM WHAT A 3 STAR RETURANT MUST DO IF THIS IS A 1 STAR!!!!!!!!!