The People's Michelin Stars: New Orleans
The People's Michelin Stars: New Orleans
Paul Oswell
As we reported last week, the Michelin Guide judges finally delivered their judgment after months of sampling the city’s food. Three restaurants (Emeril’s [2], Saint Germain and Zasu [1 each]) were awarded stars, eleven were awarded the ‘great value’ Bib Gourmand and 18 were given the honorable mention of ‘recognition’.
The list certainly threw the strongly-opinionated cat among the skittish culinary pigeons. Local foodies took to social media to voice their opinions - some agreeing that the lists were fairly accurate, some expressing surprise at omissions and some just outright angry. We took a glance at the discussion threads to see who people thought should have been included.
Top of the list of surprises by far was Commander’s Palace. “It seemed like a shoe-in” said more than one person about the formal turtle soup purveyors. So many people couldn’t fathom a lack of star, let alone no mention at all. Brennan’s was also a huge miss according to many locals. Another fine dining institution that was seemingly snubbed to everyone’s general befuddlement was Restaurant R’Evolution, where the ‘Death by Gumbo’ apparently didn't make a killing for the Michelin judges.
Two places that I was predicting to do well were also strangely unrepresented. N7 can be a divisive restaurant, especially given their early ‘tin to table’ approach. You can’t argue that the place doesn’t have one of the most evocative ambiances in town, though, and I figured the originality of the space and menu would swing them a Bib at least.
I’m a huge fan of GW Fins, too, and I was amazed that they didn’t get any recognition. On the other hand, if it’s easier to get a table in the near future and their prices aren’t going to rise off the back of a star, that’s selfishly (shell-fishly?) good news, I suppose. I would have bet money on them getting a star, though.
Goes to show what I know about Michelin judges, I guess. They’re a mysterious bunch, dining in secret and with their nebulous criteria. Toup’s also came up a few times in discussions, as did long time city favorite Bayona, as well as Bennachin, Chicken’s Kitchen and Baru Bistro & Tapas.
A final general observation is that not a single Vietnamese place was recognized. No justice for Tân Định, or Dong Phuong Bakery. The judges should come back in February and see the lines for King Cake, and give them a star off the back of that alone.
All in all, then, some great places mentioned and honored, but some perplexing gaps and slightly concerning oversights. Many places aren’t even fixated on stars, of course - it seems like a real project just to focus on getting one - but hopefully the citywide game has been raised, and that can only benefit us diners. We’ll give the final word to one very passionate foodie, who couldn’t believe this place didn’t get any love: Popeye’s (in Marrero).
Michelin-recognized restaurant reviews:
Acamaya
Dakar
La Petite Grocery
Turkey and the Wolf
More New Orleans restaurant reviews
Paul Oswell
As we reported last week, the Michelin Guide judges finally delivered their judgment after months of sampling the city’s food. Three restaurants (Emeril’s [2], Saint Germain and Zasu [1 each]) were awarded stars, eleven were awarded the ‘great value’ Bib Gourmand and 18 were given the honorable mention of ‘recognition’.
The list certainly threw the strongly-opinionated cat among the skittish culinary pigeons. Local foodies took to social media to voice their opinions - some agreeing that the lists were fairly accurate, some expressing surprise at omissions and some just outright angry. We took a glance at the discussion threads to see who people thought should have been included.
Top of the list of surprises by far was Commander’s Palace. “It seemed like a shoe-in” said more than one person about the formal turtle soup purveyors. So many people couldn’t fathom a lack of star, let alone no mention at all. Brennan’s was also a huge miss according to many locals. Another fine dining institution that was seemingly snubbed to everyone’s general befuddlement was Restaurant R’Evolution, where the ‘Death by Gumbo’ apparently didn't make a killing for the Michelin judges.
Two places that I was predicting to do well were also strangely unrepresented. N7 can be a divisive restaurant, especially given their early ‘tin to table’ approach. You can’t argue that the place doesn’t have one of the most evocative ambiances in town, though, and I figured the originality of the space and menu would swing them a Bib at least.
I’m a huge fan of GW Fins, too, and I was amazed that they didn’t get any recognition. On the other hand, if it’s easier to get a table in the near future and their prices aren’t going to rise off the back of a star, that’s selfishly (shell-fishly?) good news, I suppose. I would have bet money on them getting a star, though.
Goes to show what I know about Michelin judges, I guess. They’re a mysterious bunch, dining in secret and with their nebulous criteria. Toup’s also came up a few times in discussions, as did long time city favorite Bayona, as well as Bennachin, Chicken’s Kitchen and Baru Bistro & Tapas.
A final general observation is that not a single Vietnamese place was recognized. No justice for Tân Định, or Dong Phuong Bakery. The judges should come back in February and see the lines for King Cake, and give them a star off the back of that alone.
All in all, then, some great places mentioned and honored, but some perplexing gaps and slightly concerning oversights. Many places aren’t even fixated on stars, of course - it seems like a real project just to focus on getting one - but hopefully the citywide game has been raised, and that can only benefit us diners. We’ll give the final word to one very passionate foodie, who couldn’t believe this place didn’t get any love: Popeye’s (in Marrero).
Michelin-recognized restaurant reviews:
Acamaya
Dakar
La Petite Grocery
Turkey and the Wolf
More New Orleans restaurant reviews