As always the Michelin Guide release day isthe most exciting date on the calendar – never knowing when exactly we will find out the results of the much anticipated restaurantguide, this year has proved no different. Always keeping us on our toes, the 2016 has been released ahead of schedule and with total of15 new One Stars and 2 new Two Stars restaurants featuring on the highly acclaimed list.
Highlights from this years list include Two Stars being awarded to Japanese restaurantsAraki and Umu. Award-winning chef of Araki, Mitsuhiro Araki, has certainly achieved hisgoal of success beyond the counter of his former Three-star restaurant in Tokyo. Likewise, new One star restaurant winners includeLyle’s, Bonhams, Portland and the Dining Room at the Goring, which are all London-based and Leeds has greeted a Star for The Man Behind the Curtain. Across the sea restaurantEipic andOX in Belfast, along with the Greenhouse in Dublin and Loam in Galway, have all been awarded a Star, and both The Cellar in Anstruther, Scotland and John’s House near Loughborough have also recieved their first Michelin Star.
Absent from the list this year was Heston Blumenthal’s’The Fat Duck’ restaurant, as a recent move to Australia has meant that the Three Star restaurant wasclosed during the assessment period.
Rebecca Burr, Editor of the guide, has said that”The next generation of chefs are really coming through to give the established chefs a run for their money. They all have their own individual style and their ability – coupled with their confidence – looks set to lead them on to great things”.
FOUR caught up with Rebecca to find out a bit more about her role as editor and tester to the eponymous guide…
How did you end up in your line of work, was there aparticular moment when you realised that this is what you wanted to do?
I saw one of the very rare adverts for the post of Michelin Inspector and just went for it. The lifestyle really appealed and I knew that Michelin were the best in the business.
What do you enjoy most about your job as editor of the Michelin guide Gb and Ireland?
Working with the team of highly-driven and passionate inspectors and the fact the company philosophy has remained; anonymous visits, paying our own bills and no limits to the places we will consider for entry in the guide.
What areas do you think have seen most changes?
It’s quite an even mix across the country overall.
Are there any new trends that you have noticed?
Looking at the new selection and the stars in particular, there is a good variety of styles of cuisine and more individuality – which is always good.
What would you say has been the most memorable moment in your culinary career so far?
It would have to be being promoted to the Editor of the Michelin guide Great Britain & Ireland, it’s a privilege.
What restaurant is currently at the top of your list to dine at?
That is a bit unfair to answer, we are totally spoilt for choice. I work in the UK & Ireland and the Main Cities of Europe guides not to mention Eating Out in Pubs – so where do I start in choosing one?
For the full Michelin Guide list for 2016 click here…