Austin Diners Share Thoughts on Michelin Guide’s Texas Debut

The Arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas

The revered French international dining review system, the Michelin Guide, has for the first time extended its reach to include Texas. Covering dining hotspots such as Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth, the Michelin Guide Texas plans to delve into the delicacies and distinguish the stars of Texas dining.

The company’s revered team of anonymous inspectors has commenced their gastronomical explorations across the cities. Their task? To identify which restaurants will earn the coveted one, two, or three-star ratings. Diners can also expect to find out which of their favorite eating spots will be awarded ‘Bib Gourmands’ (recognizing more affordable but still high-quality dining experiences) and Michelin Green Stars (awarded to restaurants embracing highly sustainable and eco-friendly practices).

Austin Diners Anticipate Michelin’s Verdict

As Michelin inspectors embark on their Texas trip, Austin diners have been invited to share their thoughts and predictions on the venture. Of the 90 respondents to a recent Eater Austin survey, many were ecstatic about the Michelin Guide extending its services to Texas, agreeing that it’s about time it happened. One respondent wrote, “If it’s in Colorado, [it] should be in Texas.”

Others commented on how the Michelin Guide Texas could potentially elevate Austin’s restaurants. One respondent stated that “it will bring tourism, more talent, and a greater level of accountability of excellence beyond local critics.” Another hoped that the Michelin Guide’s presence will spur higher standards with a ripple effect across the industry.

A Mixed Bag of Opinions

Not everyone, however, sees the Michelin Guide’s foray into Texas as entirely positive. For some, the fear of a rise in pricing and a potentially less accessible dining scene came into play. “I’m somewhat excited, but also nervous about how it might change the Austin dining scene and raise prices even more,” one reader responded.

A handful of respondents also expressed skepticism that any Austin restaurants would earn the highly sought-after Michelin stars, focusing particularly on perceived shortfalls in the service sector. Others predicted that the Guide would positively impact Austin by raising the bar for quality and stirring restaurants to ‘push the envelope.’

Michelin Predictions by Austin Readers

Austin diners have just to wait and see how their predictions measure up when the Michelin Guide Texas releases its assessments. Regardless, this is a momentous step in the state’s culinary journey and one that’s sure to cause a stir in the local dining scene.

Author: HERE Austin