Introduction to the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide has returned to Texas for its second edition, and the results are worth celebrating. On October 28, the guide unveiled which restaurants in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio earned stars, Bib Gourmands, Green Star winners, and recommendations. The ceremony took place at the Wortham Theater Center in Houston, where the city’s culinary scene was put in the spotlight.
Houston’s Michelin Recognition
Houston maintained its six one-star restaurants from last year and added five new Bib Gourmands, including Maximo, Chopnblok, and Annam. Nearly 10 new restaurants were also added to the recommended list. The city’s restaurants were recognized for their high-quality cooking, with the one-star award denoting "high-quality cooking, worth a stop."
Breakdown of Houston’s Michelin Recognition
- Three Stars: No restaurants in Houston earned three stars, which denotes "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey."
- Two Stars: No restaurants in Houston earned two stars, which denotes "excellent cooking, worth a detour."
- One Star: Houston maintained its six one-star restaurants, which denote "high-quality cooking, worth a stop."
- Bib Gourmand: Houston welcomed four new Bib Gourmands, which celebrate restaurants serving "good quality food for a good value."
- Recommended Restaurants: Houston added nearly 10 new restaurants to the recommended list.
Other Texas Cities
Other Texas cities also received recognition, with San Antonio earning two new one stars for Emmer & Reye Hospitality Group’s establishments Isidore and Nicosi. Austin’s Celia Pellegrini took home the sommelier award, and Dallas’ Chas Martin won the cocktail award. Barbecue also made a showing, with Chuck Charnichart of Lockhart’s Barbs B Q receiving recognition.
The Michelin Guide Process
The Michelin Guide emphasizes that stars are awarded strictly on the food, judged by product quality, flavor harmony, culinary technique, the chef’s creative voice, and consistency across visits. Inspectors visit restaurants multiple times to evaluate the dining scene, and the guide is updated annually. Houston First, the city’s tourism arm, committed $270,000 over three years to fund Michelin inspectors who evaluate the city’s dining scene full-time.
Conclusion
The Michelin Guide’s second edition in Texas is a celebration of the state’s culinary scene. With Houston maintaining its six one-star restaurants and adding new Bib Gourmands and recommended restaurants, the city’s dining scene is thriving. The guide’s recognition of other Texas cities, including San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, highlights the state’s diverse and vibrant culinary culture. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a great place to eat, the Michelin Guide is a valuable resource for discovering the best of Texas’ culinary scene.
