Is Michelin what it used to be? (Or Just a Mess on a Plate and Calling it Art? )

Is michelin even relevant anymore?

I (we've) been in this industry a long time. And Michelin has always been the GOAL. The "end-all; be-all". The "bible"(directly from Burnt). But how much credibility does it have anymore? It's opened more locations then ever in the past. Yes..partly because those cites and states have asked for help after the last few tears of decimating the industry. But why not everywhere?

I've studied Michelin’s work as much as you would call it more of an obsession then a hobby. And its difficult to understand why “a hole in the wall” may hold on to its one star rating while the beautiful building down the street with a talented chef leads a talent crew with an award winning wine list through a multi million dollar dining room doesn't.

“They should have never had it...they derserved it...why didn't they get it…why didn’t they get another…”? I've lost sleep thinking about it.

If you’re a big name chef, does it get you more noticed as opposed to “the next big thing” down the street. Even Starbucks started somewhere right?

Does it help to be on the radar? Who puts out that radar? And how do you even get on the radar?

What’s more important nowadays? Putting out good quality food and making a living. Seems to be what every says.

But finally being able to walk that red carpet and thanking everyone that helped you get there. Putting on that jacket making you that ‘elite’ group. Hanging that plaque proudly and saying this is what we’ve all worked so hard towards. Does it end there? Will you be different if you don’t get the updated plaque next year? Or will you say “been there;done that”?

I will continue to do what I do..and that’s travel the world looking for the best dining experience. And Michelin (and everyone else) will just be a guide to those experiences. But now it will be from an open mind not just expectations. Because in those journeys it’s taught me culture, humbleness, and respect…and those things are worth far more than a star to me.