What Are Michelin Star Chefs?
A Michelin Star is awarded to restaurants offering outstanding cooking. We take into account five universal criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and, just as importantly, consistency both across the entire menu and over time.
Having the title “Michelin Starred” next to your name is a major achievement in the culinary world. It implies that both the chef and the restaurant have been evaluated and deemed the best of the best. Michelin Stars set the standard for ranking the finest in the restaurant industry and the culinary world, so being a Michelin Starred Chef is of the highest honor.
Being awarded a Michelin star is winning the Oscar of the culinary world. It’s like earning the Olympic gold medal; it sets you apart from the others. It encourages restaurant chefs and owners to revolutionize the dining experience. Those working for a Michelin Star use it as motivation to work harder- they push to be the most innovative and creative in their field. Those who do have the award, however, will do whatever it takes to keep it.
The idea of giving Michelin ratings to restaurants started back in 1900. Michelin (the same company that puts tires on your car) wanted to encourage people to take road trips around France. They provided a guide ranking hotels, gas stations, and restaurants all around the country.
A restaurant and its chef can be awarded up to 3 Michelin Stars, broken down into the following categories:
One Star – The food is of high quality and the restaurant is recommended to visit.
Two Stars – The dishes are carefully created and the food is excellent.
Three Stars – The overall quality is of the highest standard.
If inspectors feel that a newer restaurant is going to be the next big thing, they will reward it with a “Rising Star” to encourage people to keep them in mind.
Michelin Stars are not just handed out. In 2012, only seven restaurants in New York City received a 3-Star Michelin Rating. In 2019, only 135 restaurants in the entire world have 3-star ratings. Needless to say, it is no easy accomplishment. Restaurants and chefs have to put in a lot of hard work to be noticed, and once they are finally noticed, they won’t receive the award right away. Some restaurants are re-visited and evaluated up to ten times before being given a Michelin award.
How Many Michelin Star Chefs Are In South Africa?
Culture offers “nature-inspired cuisine with a focus on the landscapes, flora, and fauna”. There are now five South African chefs who have been awarded Michelin Stars, including, Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen, Jean Delport, Conor Toomey, and Thinus van der Westhuizen.