Austin Takes Center Stage in the First-Ever Michelin Guide Texas
Hey there, Austin food lovers! Exciting news just dropped for the culinary scene in our beloved city. The trails of Michelin inspectors have paved their way to Texas, and they’ve finally spilled the beans on their first-ever Michelin Guide dedicated to our great state. The buzzworthy announcement came on November 11th, during a live-streamed ceremony held in Houston. So, let’s dive right into the delicious details!
Stars in Hand, No Stars Too High
Drum roll, please! When it comes to Michelin stars, Austin didn’t hold back—seven local restaurants have snagged that coveted one-star recognition. That’s right, our city is getting the Michelin spotlight it deserves. While it’s sad to hear that no Texas restaurant achieved the ultimate two or three-star status, the accolades are still impressive. In total, not only does the guide feature incredible food experiences, but Austin also boasts 15 Bib Gourmands and 23 recommended designations. Talk about impressive!
A Taste of Austin’s Winners
So, who are the culinary wizards gracing the Michelin map? Among the winners, Austin saw Interstellar BBQ, La Barbecue, and LeRoy & Lewis join forces with their American-style barbecue offerings. These eateries join the international club along with other barbecue maestros from around the world—just think: Singapore’s Burnt Ends and Japan’s Oretachi No Nikuya. It’s a barbecue battle royale!
Celebrating Talented Chefs
The evening wasn’t just about stars; it was also about shining a light on exceptional talent. The very first Michelin accolade of the night went to Julian Shaffer, the head honcho behind the drinks at Dallas cocktail bar Rye, who bagged the Exceptional Cocktails Award. Meanwhile, Austin’s own Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria was honored with the Young Chef Award. He’s setting the taco scene ablaze, folks!
Recognizing Sustainability
Don’t forget to celebrate the green revolution! Michelin awarded two local chefs with the Green Star recognition for their eco-friendly practices: Jesse Griffiths from Dai Due and Kevin Fink from Emmer & Rye. These stars may just be a small part of the culinary constellation, but they shine bright in promoting sustainability.
Cheers to Service Excellence
Service isn’t overlooked either! In San Antonio, Mixtli claimed not just a star, but also the Service Award with the talented duo of Hailey Pruitt and Lauren Beckman. It seems service is alive and thriving in Texas, and that knowledge only elevates our dining experiences.
The Investment in Culinary Excellence
What makes this all possible, you ask? For the past three years, Texas and its tourism boards have invested a whopping $2,700,000 to bring Michelin to the Lone Star State. Austin, for instance, has contributed $90,000 annually from hotel occupancy taxes to make sure Texans can taste the finer side of dining.
Feasting on the Future
This year’s Michelin Guide Texas has opened the door wide to elevated dining experiences for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a fancy fry-up, Austin and its neighboring cities have got the goods. As we celebrate this exceptional recognition, it’s clear that our culinary future is looking bright. So, what’re you waiting for? Let’s keep exploring, tasting, and supporting our amazing local food scene!
