Michelin hasannounced that its famously anonymous inspectors have begun sampling the local fare in preparation for the first Michelin Guide Washington, D.C., to be published this autumn.
Michael Ellis, international director of the MICHELIN guides commented that:“Washington is one of the great cosmopolitan cities in the world, with a unique and storied past that includes, among so many other things, a rich culinary tradition that continues to evolve in exciting new directions.”
The MichelinGuide Washington will become the 29thedition of the international MichelinGuides collection and the first to cover an American city in the Mid-Atlantic region. The first edition of the Michelin Guide Washington, D.C., will include restaurants within the District’s boundaries exclusively; subsequent editions will expand to cover the greater metropolitan area.
With the addition of Washington, the guide inspectors will now evaluate and select restaurants for four U.S. cities, also includingNew York,San FranciscoandChicago. Michelin’s highly-regarded restaurant guide promises to put the city more firmly on the world stage of great gastronomic destinations.Meticulous in maintaining their confidentiality, Michelin inspectors from the United States and other countries have been selecting restaurants in the District for several months. As always, they make dining reservations anonymously, pay for all their meals, ensuring that they are treated the same as any other customer.
Of course, the Michelin guide inspectors are famous for awarding stars to restaurants. However, they also recommend a broad selection of restaurants, including a list of Michelin inspectors’ favorites for good value called Bib Gourmand. For the frugal foodie, Michelin also publishes a list of great places to eat a full meal for $25 dollars or less.
“After Seoul, Singapore and Shanghai, Washington is the fourth city which we have added this year,” said Claire Dorland-Clauzel, Michelin executive vice-president, brands and external relations. “This international development is a strong sign for gastronomy worldwide. Thanks to the distinctions awarded each year, the Michelinguide contributes to the international culinary scene’s visibility and creates strong value to inhabitants and visitors.
The new Michelin Guide Washington, D.C., will go on sale starting Oct. 13, 2016.