Michelin – no news is good news
Every year, just before Christmas, rumours start circling about the potential winners and losers of the forthcoming Michelin guide.
Caterer adds to the speculation by running it’s annual predictions articles in the magazine and online, and this, in turn, is joined by various food columnists who throw in their two penneth.
About a week before the guide publishes, the speculation becomes more serious and the authenticity of such information is analysed, scrutinised and commented upon. This year, one source had either received some leaked information or was, rather amazingly, right on the money - there would be no two- or three-star restaurants awarded in Britain and Ireland in 2008.
The news was met was disappointment in the industry, as one Caterer reader told me this week: “I’m sure the cooking in Tokyo is wonderful but how can Michelin justify giving it eight three-star ratings compared to London’s one! It’s beyond belief, as Michael Winner would say.”
Speaking to the guide’s editor Derek Bulmer last week as part of our news coverage, it’s clear there is no hidden agenda at Michelin Towers. Stars are awarded on merit. Apart from the current holders of three stars in Britain - Gordon Ramsay, the Fat Duck and the Waterside Inn - no-one else, or no restaurant rather, deserves them. Currently.
Although McDonald's is everywhere, and you probably won't struggle to track down a branded coffee and croissant, for those looking for something altogether more substantial we have a few choice suggestions.