Austin Restaurant Diners Give Their Thoughts about Michelin Guide Texas
Austin’s dining scene looks forward to Michelin Guide debut in Texas
The Michelin Guide, the highly respected international dining review system from France, is heading to Texas for the first time, and Austin’s voracious diners couldn’t be more excited. Its impending arrival is creating abuzz in Texas’s dining industry, from San Antonio to Houston, and Dallas to Fort Worth, including the buzzing Austin culinary scene. Anonymous inspectors from the company are already dining out in these cities, trying to determine which restaurants deserve highly coveted star ratings, Bib Gourmands, and Michelin Green Stars.
Excitement and apprehension fill Austin’s diners as they wait for Michelin results
Out of the 90 respondents to a recent survey in Austin, many expressed excitement about Michelin’s landmark arrival in Texas. Many echoed the sentiment that this move was long overdue. One respondent even said, “Should be in Texas, if it’s in Colorado”. However, a few of them were cautious and worried about how this highly influential review system could change the local dining scene and possibly raise prices at their favorite restaurants.
Michelin stars for Austin’s restaurants on the horizon?
When asked for their predictions about which Austin restaurants might earn the coveted Michelin stars, the respondents named several local spots. For One Michelin Star, restaurants like Uchi, Barley Swine, and Franklin Barbecue were some of the top predictions. Few respondents believe that Otoko and Hestia have what it takes to earn Two Michelin Stars. However, when it comes to the highly coveted Three Michelin Stars, most respondents don’t believe any current Austin restaurants could reach that level, although Uchi, Jeffrey’s, and Barley Swine were named as potential candidates.
Boost for sustainability with Michelin Green Stars
Given the recent environmental consciousness in the world, Michelin Green Stars, awarded to restaurants committed to sustainable practices, are highly anticipated. Respondents predicted that Austin’s local restaurants like Dai Due and Emmer & Rye, known for their commitment to sustainability could potentially win this honor.
High Hopes For Michelin-rated Austin
Regardless of the outcomes of the Michelin Guide evaluations, the very arrival of this revered dining guide in Texas is seen as a major victory for Austin’s thriving restaurant industry. Many respondents see this as an opportunity for the local restaurants to strive for excellence and push the envelope, reaching new culinary highs. However, they also caution that Austin restaurants should hold on to their distinct Texas hospitality ethos and not try to emulate service styles from New York or Los Angeles. The hope is that as long as everyone in the industry remembers why they’re here and what they were doing before Michelin took notice, everyone benefits.
