Washington, D.C., celebrated the Oct. 13 publication of its first-ever edition of the Red Guide for restaurants by the Michelin Company. Twelve restaurants were awarded stars in the Michelin 2017 Guide, published by the French tire manufacturer.
Washington’s two-star recipients include the Inn at Little Washington, Pineapple & Pearls and José Andrés’ Minibar. Blue Duck Tavern, the Dabney, Fiola, Kinship, Masseria, Plume, Rose’s Luxury, Sushi Taro and Tail Up Goat received one star. No restaurants in D.C. were given three-star recognition.
The Michelin Company of France started its restaurant guide in 1900 and is now in 28 countries. The other U.S. cities that merit their own Michelin Guide include New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
A Michelin star has become a synonymous with high-end restaurants. The grading system goes on a star system, with three stars indicating the world’s most prestigious restaurants. Stars are awarded by anonymous inspectors, who grade restaurants on a number of criteria, which include the quality of the food and attention to service. Inspectors are anonymous to ensure that is a genuine experience, which everyday diners would encounter. Since the system was implemented, 13 restaurants are recognized as three-star restaurants in the United States out of the 127 such restaurants worldwide.
A new guide is released annually, with updated ratings for restaurants. Those listed can either improve their rating, be stripped of it or maintain their rating. First-ever guides were also introduced for Seoul, Singapore and Shanghai this year. (Red Guides for Los Angeles and Las Vegas were suspended a few years ago.)
Previously, on Oct. 7, Michelin released its Bib Gourmand picks for D.C. — a list of “cheap eats.” The list is made up of restaurants where diners are able to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less. Nineteen restaurants made the list, including Bad Saint, which was named the second-best new restaurant in the country by Bon Appétit.
The arrival of Michelin in Washington, D.C., comes at a time when the city’s culinary community is in the spotlight. D.C. was recognized earlier this year as America’s best food city by Bon Appétit.
