What is Michelin? A World-Renowned Restaurant Rating Guide
Origin of the Name Michelin
“Michelin” is derived from the surname of its founders, the Michelin brothers (André Michelin and Édouard Michelin). Established in 1889 in Clermont-Ferrand, France, the company originally focused on tire manufacturing. Later, to promote the growing use of automobiles, Michelin began publishing the Michelin Guide, which went on to have a profound influence on both travel and culinary culture.
The Origin and History of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is a travel guide first published in 1900 by the French tire manufacturer Michelin. Initially, its purpose was to provide drivers with useful information—such as the locations of gas stations, tips on tire changes, repair shops, and accommodations—to encourage automobile travel. Over time, restaurant evaluations began to take center stage. In 1926, the one-star rating system was introduced, and by 1931, two- and three-star ratings were added, establishing the current three-tier system. Today, the Michelin Guide is recognized as one of the most prestigious restaurant guides worldwide, inspiring countless chefs to refine their craft.
Michelin’s Mascot: Bibendum
Michelin’s iconic mascot, Bibendum, is a unique character resembling a stack of white tires, and is widely recognized as the symbol of the brand.
Birth of Bibendum
One of the oldest corporate mascots in the world, Bibendum was born in 1898. It was designed by the French poster artist Auguste Camberon. The name is derived from the Latin phrase “Nunc est Bibendum” (Now is the time to drink!), and early posters depicted Bibendum as if he were “drinking up the indestructible Michelin tires,” which led to the adoption of the name.
Evolution of Bibendum’s Design
Bibendum’s design has evolved significantly over the years. The original 1898 design featured a rotund figure with goggles. By the mid-20th century, his appearance was refined, and since the 2000s, Bibendum has become slimmer and more approachable. Today, he is celebrated worldwide and has even been recognized as one of the “world’s greatest brand mascots.”
Publication Schedule and Frequency of the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is published annually with schedules that vary by country and region. Typically, a new edition is released each year, though new regions may be added from time to time. For example:
- French Edition: Usually announced between March and April.
- Tokyo Edition (Japan): Typically released around December.
- New York Edition (USA): Generally announced around October.
When each regional guide is released, newly starred restaurants are announced via the official website and press conferences, garnering significant attention from culinary professionals and the media. While printed guidebooks are still available, digital editions have become the norm in recent years.
Michelin’s Rating Criteria
Michelin’s evaluations are conducted by specialized inspectors who visit restaurants anonymously. Their assessments are based on five key criteria:
- Quality of Ingredients: The freshness and quality of the food used.
- Cooking Technique and Flavor Execution: The balance, creativity, and execution of the dishes.
- Individuality of the Cuisine: The chef’s skill, originality, and creativity as reflected in the food.
- Value for Money: The overall satisfaction relative to the price.
- Consistency: The ability to maintain high quality with every visit.
These criteria are applied uniformly across different regions and cuisines to ensure fair and impartial evaluations.
The Meaning of Michelin Stars
Restaurants evaluated by the Michelin Guide are awarded one to three stars. Each star carries the following meaning:
- ★ (One Star): “A very good restaurant in its category.”
- ★★ (Two Stars): “Excellent cooking worth a detour.”
- ★★★ (Three Stars): “Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.”
Three-star establishments are extremely rare, representing the pinnacle of culinary excellence where world-renowned chefs demonstrate their mastery.
Michelin and Sushi
Japanese sushi culture is highly esteemed by the Michelin Guide. Tokyo, in particular, is known for having one of the highest concentrations of Michelin three-star sushi restaurants in the world. This acclaim is a testament to the exceptional skills of Japanese sushi chefs and the superior quality of their ingredients. When evaluating sushi, Michelin places special emphasis on:
- The freshness and quality of the fish.
- The meticulous preparation of the rice, including the perfect balance of rice and vinegar and precise temperature control.
- The chef’s technique, ensuring consistency and creativity in each piece.
- The overall dining experience, including the ambiance and attentive service, particularly in counter-style sushi settings.
Many world-famous sushi restaurants have earned three Michelin stars, drawing food enthusiasts from across the globe.
What is Bib Gourmand?
In addition to awarding Michelin stars, the Michelin Guide also recognizes establishments with the Bib Gourmand rating. This designation is given to restaurants that, while not awarded stars, offer excellent food at a reasonable price. It is intended to highlight venues where diners can enjoy outstanding cuisine without a high cost.
The Influence of the Michelin Guide
The impact of the Michelin Guide on the restaurant industry is significant. Earning three stars can make a restaurant extremely difficult to reserve and turn it into a global culinary destination. Conversely, losing a star can have a substantial negative impact on a restaurant’s business, making these ratings critical for chefs and owners alike. In Japan, not only sushi restaurants but also establishments serving ramen, tempura, kaiseki, and other traditional cuisines are evaluated by Michelin—underscoring the rich diversity and global recognition of Japanese culinary arts.
Conclusion
The Michelin Guide is one of the world’s most prestigious restaurant guides, with updated ratings published annually. Japanese sushi restaurants, in particular, are highly celebrated and have become dream destinations for food connoisseurs worldwide. When planning to dine at a Michelin-starred sushi establishment, it is advisable to secure reservations well in advance.