In the culinary world, obtaining a Michelin Star is a demanding process of dedication and skill. The discussion herein is to educate you about what a Michelin Star is and the criteria in which a restaurant is judged to earn one. Have you ever dreamed of earning a Michelin Star? The professional chefs at OTTIMMO Culinary Academy will guide and train you to achieve your dreams and goals.
What is a Michelin Star?
For those who are unfamiliar, a Michelin Star is a prestigious award given to restaurants for achieving culinary excellence. These guidelines were developed in 1900 by the Michelin tire company, and now they are a component of the Michelin Guide. Every year, this book is released for every major city in the world to identify the top eateries that meet their exacting standards. Let’s review the requirements to receive this award.
5 Criteria to Receive a Michelin Star
- High-Quality Ingredients
- Cooking Techniques and Flavours
- Menu is Original and Unique
- Value for Money
- Maintaining High Standards
High-Quality Ingredients
This is probably the most obvious answer for achieving a Michelin Star, but high-quality ingredients are not only limited to expensive items. Chefs must source the best ingredients regardless of cost. This levels the playing field for any restaurant, despite the price.
That means even a small food stall can earn a star. There are locations in Singapore selling street food that earned a star, where the cost starts at 23,000 Rupiah per plate. This gives hope for any business wanting to achieve this prestigious award.
Cooking Techniques and Flavours
Using ordinary ingredients combined with a masterful technique and thoughtful flavour fusion can elevate a dish. The chef can combine any combination of sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, salty, or umami flavours on the menu, but they must work well together to provide the diner a memorable meal.
Menu is Original and Unique
The chef’s personality should be seen on the plate for Michelin inspectors. Showcase creativity and distinctive abilities for the cuisine. An important factor in deciding whether to give a restaurant a star is an ability to recognize its own personality.
Value for Money
This can be a tricky concept for a fine dining restaurant, but if the food, service, and ambience are impeccable, the diner will have a memorable experience. As long as the total fine dining package is flawless, then the value for money is worth it.
Maintaining High Standards
Consistency in carrying out the menu with perfect accuracy each and every time. Before granting the star, the Michelin Inspectors will randomly visit the restaurant six times to make sure the strict requirements are upheld. These restaurants are not permitted to have a bad day; the food presentation must be perfect even if the head chef is taking the day off.
Who are the Michelin Inspectors?
The Michelin Inspectors are sworn to secrecy, but it is known that they are veteran hospitality professionals who have been hired on as full-time inspectors. They travel 3 out of 4 weeks per month, tasting on average 240 restaurants a year.
There are only 120 inspectors worldwide in 30 countries with the ability to award a Michelin Star. The inspectors drive up to 30,000 kilometres per year. This exclusive club is driven by a passion for flavourful food and a curiosity to discover the next great restaurant worthy of a Michelin Star.
Michelin Guide has Arrived in Canada
Fourteen Michelin Stars were given as a start to the celebration of the Michelin Guide’s inaugural publication in Toronto. The federal tourism minister said that this is a tremendous opportunity for the city of Toronto to be recognized as a global culinary destination.
Also, a restaurant with a French-inspired menu that has regularly been called one of the greatest in the world, is a notable recipient of the prize. Another honouree, Don Alfonso, which opened in 1890, was once awarded the top Italian eatery outside of Italy. Twelve establishments received one star, which is considered to be “very good.” The sole establishment to receive two stars is Sushi Masaki Saito, which has “outstanding cooking” and is “worth a detour,” according to the book.
As you can see, the Michelin Star is a prestigious award. You must possess outstanding abilities and expertise if you ever get the chance to cook at a one-to-three-star restaurant. Why not kick start your career journey at OTTIMMO International Academy? The chefs are top-notch, the facilities are first-rate, and they will teach you the skills you need to secure a Michelin Star for your future restaurant.