MICHELIN RELEASING GUIDE TO TOP TEXAS RESTAURANTS
WORDS BY AVA MOTES
This fall, all eyes will be on Texas restaurants as the Michelin Guide — a prestigious international restaurant rating program run by the French tire manufacturer — makes its long-anticipated debut in the Lone Star State.
The Michelin Guide to Texas, which is set to release before the end of 2024, will spotlight top-tier restaurants from five Texas cities: Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth.
According to Michelin, anonymous inspectors are already dining in secret at Texas restaurants to find the next recipients of the guide’s coveted stars. It’s anyone’s guess what their official selections may be, but statements from Michelin representatives suggest an affinity for unique-to-Texas cuisines like barbeque and Tex-Mex.
“The Texas culinary scene has proven to be an exhilarating one, with multicultural influences, homegrown ingredients, and talent that is rich in ambition,” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guide. “Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining, and the famous Texas-style barbecue. Texas is a perfect fit for the Michelin Guide, based on the experiences of our anonymous Inspectors.”
These inspectors will base their ratings on Michelin’s five universal criteria, including quality products, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of cooking techniques, the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine, and consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (since each restaurant is inspected several times a year).
These standards date back to the company’s first guide, which was released at the turn of the 20th century as a way to promote worthy travel destinations for French motorists. However, as the guide has become increasingly international in scope, it’s proven to be just as beneficial to travelers as it is to the featured destinations themselves.
“The introduction of the Guide will be a tremendous asset for Texas, promoting our rich and diverse food culture and elevating the restaurant scene to an international stage,” said Tim Fennel, director of the Travel Texas tourism bureau, which will collaborate with Michelin to produce and promote the forthcoming guide.
New Michelin regions typically arise by forming connections with local tourism boards, which often help pay to promote the guides or the inspectors. The guide is intrinsically linked to the tourism industry, offering an opportunity for Texas cities to share their culinary identities with international audiences.
“This is exciting for Austin,” said Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “For a long time, we’ve attracted visitors from around the world, in part because of our distinct food offerings … [this] announcement further cements Austin’s place as a culinary destination.”
Though all five Texas cities stand to benefit from the increased tourist revenue the Michelin Guide promises, the localized impact for Austin restaurants is unique. The city has long embraced its “Live Music Capital of the World” moniker, but lacked similar recognition for its vibrant dining scene. Now, with a nod from Michelin, the city’s culinary community will also be appreciated as an important part of Austin’s local culture and tourist infrastructure.
Austin residents and visitors have long enjoyed our exceptional and growing food scene, thanks to our incredibly talented local chefs,” says Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Austin. “The Michelin Guide will further elevate Austin’s culinary community, which offers a variety of flavors with the authentically friendly attitude that can only be found in Austin. We are honored to help position Texas as a global dining destination alongside our friends in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.”
About the Contributor
AVA MOTES is an Austin native who follows the city’s expanding food scene with an eye for the people and stories behind the menus. She loves trying new restaurants, exploring farmers markets, and relaxing in cafes with a good book in hand.
