So, it's almost that time of year again - the Michelin Guide UK 2011 comes out in a few weeks.
What are your predictions for this year? Who are going to be the winners and losers in this year's guide? Who do you want to see move up to two stars or even three? Or, who, in your opinion, hasn't quite made the grade and should lose a star?
Let us know your thoughts....
Sat Bains and Simon Rogan should get a second star. Ramsey could lose one this year. No idea who will get one this year!
Simon defo for a second star without a doubt. Sat bains no no no. A few two star dishes but thats all. If ramsay looses a star at RHR then i think its a joke. There is no doubting the ability of the chefs there even without him at the hotplate every day. I think it will be political . Everyone wants to punish a great UK chef for making it. I don't get it. The AA taking a rosette from them just confirms what everyone in the industry thinks that the AA is a big corporate machine thats intrested in money and stupid consultancy rather than actual standards. I hope michelin does'nt go that way. I think petrus will get a star and claridges will get one back. Steve is a great chef and maintained the star while sarge was "working" there. I would love to see marcus get three i think its well overdue. Easily the best in london at the minute. I am sure as normal the guide will give a few suprises!
My thoughts on the attached link, and I must agree with what food fan said.
http://paulfosterchef.com/blog/its-that-michelin-time-again
would be surprised if Sat Bains or Simon Rogan dont move up to 2 stars but we all know what michelin are like. bar boulud to get a star in my opinion and maybe it will be Claude Bosi time to join the ranks of 3 star chefs, but as i said earlier who knows with michelin they could do something abit more out there to sell more guides
would like to see a few more unkowns get recoginised there is a lot of younger chefs cooking some great food?? Matt Gillan, Russell Bateman, Paul Foster to name a few
i agree with mark that unless they come from the ramsey/roux stable it seems to take michelin a lot longer to recognise young talent
We can only guess the mysteries of the inspection process (the secrecy of which is slightly draconian in this modern age)... but all things being equal, Sat Bains, Michael Wignall, Simon Rogan and Martin Wishart to get 2 Stars. Nathan Outlaw seriously worth 1 - stunning tasting with him last autumn.
Let the Gods cast their dice!
Chief... interesting comments and some well rounded and accurate views...
Thanks Gordon. Just started following each other on twitter i think. Always some good stuff from yourself
I prefer not to speculate about Michelin stars on my blog, because I don't get to visit most restaurants in the UK often enough to be able to judge their consistency. But now that you ask: Koffmann's, 1 star (whether he likes it or not ) and Martin Wishart 2 stars. What a pity for Northcote Manor, Michelin doesn't do a star-and- a-half. Found Le Champignon Sauvage unconvincing though. Almost all the other UK restaurants I visited in 2010 performed in line with their star(s).
I agree that Koffmann's deserves a star. I think Bistrot Bruno Loubet deserves one too - he's an incredibly talented chef! I would love Sat to be promoted to two, although I haven't eaten there for a while. In London Claude Bosi is widely being tipped for three, as is Marcus. Would be fabulous to see more three stars in the UK! I know Anthony Demetre and Will Smith won't be expecting a star at Les Deux Salons, but having interviewed Derek Bulmer last year we know that their concepts are right up Michelin's street .
My money's on Simon Rogan for two stars. A lot of chefs I've spoken to are touting Hibiscus for rising three or even three. I agree with Amanda - would be fantastic to see more three stars in the UK.
I think it'd be hilarious if Koffmann's got a star because Pierre has repeatedly said that he doesn't want stars anymore. Other likely first stars I think are Viajante, Gauthier, Brasserie Joel and Bistrot Bruno Loubet. Maybe even Bar Boulud - I've eaten there three times and it was amazing each time. I've also had fantastic meals at Bocca di Lupo and Tinello...
Outside London I think Nathan Outlaw and Kenny Atkinson have a good chance of regaining their stars.
Who will lose stars?
As Michelin is celebrating its 100th birthday I reckon they're gonna wanna grab a few headlines. So maybe they will hand three stars to Marcus and take one away from Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road? That would be the ultimate headline grabber!
The best food being served in the north west is by Steven Smith at the Freemasons, Wiswell.
It can only be a matter of time before this young guy gets the recognition his food deserves.
The food is fantastic, the place is just as good.
Michelin, you need to visit !