January 20, 2006
by Jonathan Haeber
Local Education Columnist
I say Michelin Guide and you think tires. But stop thinking tires: the little red book is the one-stop shop for the hippest restaurants in New York. When it comes to food, the Michelin Guide is high society.
"Michelin is the preeminent validating barometer in the world," restaurant owner Saul Bolton of Saul told the New York Daily News. To receive a coveted three stars from the European dining guide publisher means instant success.
Michelin's Prestige Pitted Against Zagat's Popularity
Michelin isn't the only venerable restaurant guide out there--the major contender being Zagat. Criticism is often directed at Michelin's bias towards French restaurants, while Zagat's rating system is the democratic one--the public decides on the best restaurants.
Michelin ups Zagat in reputation and prestige because noted culinary experts determine restaurant ratings; those who know good food decide good restaurants. It has proven successful for the publisher since 1900, when the guides were first introduced in France.
Jean-Luc Naret, Director for Michelin, makes one other distinction about the guide: Ratings are as "fragile as crystal," he told the New York Daily News. A Michelin restaurant stands on tenuous grounds, forcing Michelin's top picks to keep on their toes once a rating is released. And judges can be brutal, taking their three-star restaurants to the chopping block for becoming lazy with quality and service.
Restaurant Training can Make You Famous
If you're one who religiously watches "America's Top Chef," or "The Restaurant" then a New York restaurant school may be just for you. You love cooking? Do you think you can show society what a real three-star restaurant is? If so, the first step is training towards a career in cooking. Begin by browsing New York restaurant schools on this site.
Sources:
New York Daily News
About the Author
Jonathan Haeber is no secret agent man, but writes about merchandise as a full-time copywriter for Discovery Channel Stores. He graduated from U.C. Berkeley with degrees in English and Geography.
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