Houston restaurants earn stars in first Texas Michelin Guide
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March. Photo: Zach Horst
After months of anticipation (and many years of waiting), Michelin released its Texas guide, and 15 restaurants across the state earned a star, including six in the Houston area.
Why it matters: A Michelin Guide endorsement brings restaurants international acclaim and recognition of Houston's diverse food scene.
Driving the news: BCN Taste & Tradition, Le Jardinier Houston, March, Musaafer, Tatemó, and CorkScrew BBQ in Spring all received one Michelin Star at Monday's ceremony.
- No restaurant in the state got two or three stars.
How it works: A group of anonymous inspectors from across the world judged restaurants on the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, harmony of flavors, chef's vision, consistency and value. Service and restaurant decor were not considered.
- The guide includes a full list of Michelin recommendations, Bib Gourmand awards (for quality food at a good price) and specialty award and star winners.
- Receiving a Michelin Star is an honor highly coveted by chefs, and that designation is more rare with each additional star.
- The ceremony also gave out special awards for sustainability, exceptional cocktails, young chefs, and sommelier, which was won by Pappa Bros. Steakhouse in Houston.
State of play: The first Texas Michelin Guide ceremony took place at Houston's 713 Music Hall. The guide features restaurants in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth and the surrounding suburbs.
By the numbers: 117 total restaurants across the state, with 26 cuisine types, are reflected in the guide, including 45 Bib Gourmands awards for quality food at a good price.
The intrigue: Houston stood out in the Bib Gourmands list with 17 restaurants, further solidifying Houston's quality affordable meal scene.
Context: The Texas Michelin Guide has been a long time coming. Tourism boards from five Texas cities, plus the state's tourism agency, partnered with Michelin and provided money to bring the guide to the state.
- Other cities — like Washington, D.C., Chicago and New York — have had Michelin guides for years.
- The Lone Star State has its own James Beard Awards category. It was broken out from the Southwest category in 2020.
Fun fact: Starred winners changed into a white Michelin coat and posed with the Michelin Man, the mascot made of stacked tires. The Michelin tire company began the guide as a list of food spots worth the drive.
- With Houston's sprawling highways, it's a natural fit that we finally have a guide.
Go deeper: Explore the full Texas guide