[Closed] Michelin Stars

My only experience was on our honeymoon. The taste of the food was amazing, but it really was a case of so much flavour being packed into the smallest portion imaginable. A different wine was served with each of the 4 courses and we were feeling pretty pissed by the end without any proper food to soak it up (no, we aren't big drinkers!!). Afterwards, we went and bought a pizza.

Depends what Michelin stared restaurant it is.

I’ve eaten in quite a few, some are better than others and it’s a bit like any other restaurant really except you are paying for quality and service.

I struggle to find anything better than Ottelinghi’s Nopi or his Warwick St restaurant TBH.

But good locally sourced freshly cooked is very very hard to beat IMO.

thought this thread was going to be about the latest fashion, which is handing back Michelin stars
https://sbnn.co.uk/2017/09/28/5-star-highland-hotel-wants-hand-back-michelin-star/

Yes

Tasty expensive sometimes strange, expensive.

Was at a good restaurant last evening that is Michelin recognised. The owner/chef would rather not be as it just attracts moany flashy types.

I had a Mcflurry after going to The Fat Duck.

Depends doesn't it. Fat Duck and Noma were awesome, like going to the theatre, Fäviken near me was insane. These chefs are artists maaaaan, truly.

The snooty restaurant vibe is not for me, Michelin or not

They have given Michelin stars to sushi shacks in Japan, a chicken and rice kiosk in Singapore (I think)

Depends what Michelin stared restaurant it is.

I’ve eaten in quite a few, some are better than others and it’s a bit like any other restaurant really except you are paying for quality and service.

Correct.

rice kiosk in Singapore

Liao Fan in Singapore is/was epic in its deliciousness and cheapness. Chicken Rice, not just rice. Is now over run with tourists, sadly.

I'm reasonably sure that the number of Michelin Stars is directly proportional to an establishment's degree of pretentious wan- er, frippery.

Cougar you up for going to the one that serves it's food on an IPad then?

Only eaten in one starred establishment. It was a great meal, simple ingredients in well executed dishes. No sign of

pretentious wan- er, frippery

I'm reasonably sure that the number of Michelin Stars is directly proportional to an establishment's degree of pretentious wan- er, frippery.

I’m not sure that’s wholly true. Mind you, I’ve only eaten in a starred restaurant once (on Skye).

I thought One Devonshire Gardens had one but it appears not, and they’re declining to go for it as they reckon it leads to cooking to win awards rather than please customers.

We’ve eaten out of the [url= http://news.michelin.co.uk/michelin-pubs-2017/ ]Michelin Eating In Pubs[/url] guide lots, mind you.

I'm reasonably sure that the number of Michelin Stars is directly proportional to an establishment's degree of pretentious wan- er, frippery.

Alternatively it’s a recognition of extraordinary hard work over many years and genuine excellence.

And they vary a lot - Hsnd of Flowers in Marlow is just a pub. Great place hence the waiting list

How many have you experience to be “reasonably sure”?

Got to be worth a shot once in your lifetime.

Went to Sat Bains, great experience. Very labour intensive food. I can see where the money goes.

I loved the whole experience and got to chat in his kitchen.

Wines are what make these experiences super expensive.

I've enjoyed all the starred places I've been to.There is an element of pretence but equally it's always nice to see people doing things well.

But then equally you can't beat fish and chips in beef dripping.

Had a few, like someone above said - it’s generally a notch above and doesn’t always cost a fortune (Pony & Trap near Bristol is an excellent example).

What is the two star restaurant the OP has nearby? I had two star recently - couldn’t say it was [i]that[/i] different to one star but it was pretty cool.

Went to the one in Newcastle. It was really nice. I wouldn't go after a big ride if all you want is a massive plate of carbs.

I actually preferred a similarly priced non star restaurant. They seemed to be more creative and fun with their menu.

Worth it in my view. Tasting menu was £75. Spent more on less enjoyable experiences.

Cougar you up for going to the one that serves it's food on an IPad then?

I’m not sure that’s wholly true. Mind you, I’ve only eaten in a starred restaurant once (on Skye).

Did they have plates?

Been to Purnells in Brum, a treat for Mrs Pondo's birthday, and it was marvellous. We were well out of our social comfort zone but they couldn't have been nicer, food was amazing - not tbe biggest meal ever, but we were both nicely full and able to enjoy the rest of the evening.

D'you know, I think we went in my R reg Citroen Dispatch van. I always was a classy feller. 🙂

Simple answer yes. Longer answer it depends on many things. Some are outstanding value offering exceptional food for the price (be that 1, 2 or 3 stars) others are over priced gimmekry (looking at you Heston).

If you go into a restaurant with Michelin stars then at least you have a good idea before you go of the style of food that you are going to be getting and the standard of service and the size of the bill . If you like that then all well and good , if not then there are plenty of good restaurants that are slightly lower down the pecking order that you can go to . FWIW long before this current story of a restaurant not wanting to be Michelin graded hit the news I refused to change the way I served a number of dishes which the AA inspector wanted me to do in order to get a third AA rosette . I told him that the restaurant was full nearly every night and that I cooked for my customers and any AA recognition was a bonus but not the most important thing .

rone - Member

Got to be worth a shot once in your lifetime.

Depends if you're a food person or not I suppose, or if you would get any mileage telling people about your experience. I could eat the same thing Monday to Friday and admittedly that can be boring but I don't really mind.

If I'm eating out I want a relaxed atmosphere as well as naughty food.

We’ve got Gordon Ramsey’s place just up the river from the Appt, once it was blooming excellent, exquisite even.. but then it just plummeted downhill when a fabulous and cheap Italian pizza restaurant opened just down the road in Wapping.. everyone went there after that.. Gordon uses it for his trainee chefs now (has done for about 10yrs) and it’s still very good, for a pub.
Locatellis in Marlybone is well worth it, simple Italian rustic food cooked to perfection in a very very relaxed atmos’ We go a couple of times a year with friends and it’s consistently gratifying.

Still sticking with Ottelinghi tho’ just too darn good for its own good..

I've eaten at quite a few, the Waterside Inn (Roux bros) in Bray and Vila Joya in Albufiera were stand outs, but then they should be as they have 3 and 2 stars respectively.

Worth it for a special occasion.

I've eaten in a few and generally they have been great. MrsG and I ate in one in Florence earlier this year Le Bottega del Buon Caffe and had an amazing multi course tasting menu.

Depends if you're a food person or not I suppose, or if you would get any mileage telling people about your experience

The OP is Michelin and food curious though.

Despite being a gluten I quite like the small portions and the technical details you don't get from gastro pubs.

It makes a nice change.

Their not beyond criticism though, chances are you won't like all 10 courses of a given tasting menu. And some of their service charges are a little rude.

My local starred eatery is Alimentum in Cambridge. Haven't been for a little while but have never needed a top-up Burger King after their seven course taster (now £80), and a three course lunch can be had for £35 so not too spendy.
I'm full blown scum and have always been made to feel welcome.
There's a two star in town as well (Midsummer House) but I don't think it offers VFM in comparison.

rone - Member

The OP is Michelin and food curious though.

Definitely, fair point. He did mention freshly cooked seafood on a boat too and no doubt the sense of occasion in both cases adds a lot to the food.

Didn't realise Alimentum is Michelin starred - I've had some great meals there in the past.

You can get a 2 or 3 course lunch at a Michelin star restaurant close to me for £25 if you go at lunchtime. That's what you could pay for a "posh" burger if you hit the sides hard.

It's like trying to describe chocolate to someone who's not eaten it before. It's easier to go there and find out.

Hopefully you have a good time. A couple I've been to have been a bit of a let down. Not because the food was bad, but because I was expecting better. The first time you go to one is always pretty special. I think you'll enjoy it.

Also, no idea how you could eat a McFlurry after all 7 or is it 8 courses at the Fat Duck.

Alimentum isn't a patch on Midsummer House. Not saying the food was bad but I'd rather pay the extra and get the truly special.
Wife and vowed to visit one every year for our anniversary, then our daughter was born and we've not had a night out together in over 2 years 😥

There are three places with three stars in town. Sorry, but for the same price of two tasting menus at Arzak I would rather get a flight to Manchester, curry of the day in This n That, and a few beers in the Briton's.

L'Enclume was ace.

Had a great roll mop herring in Scarborough today though.

Quite different.

My pal owns Purnells, he is a very nice bloke. I've been quite a few times and the food is amazing, well worth a visit in my opinion.I've been to the other Michelin star places in Brum and must say they are all top quality. I'm not a food snob at all but these places do seem to take food to a different level.

Went to the one in Newcastle.

Terry Laybourne's place, Cafe 21 or something?

Michelin stars = Art on a Plate.

I'm a greedy pig & like to feel stuffed after I've paid 1/2 a mortgage for some pretentious arty shite. 😆

I've eaten at a few 1 star places, both here and abroad, they were brilliant, only eaten at one 2 star, La Gavroche, and it was incredible. Michel jr was there to greet us and everything, not pretentious at all. Finished the meal thoroughly full, and suitably pissed.

3 star doesn't really appeal, as it seems to be about giving an 'experience' rather giving you a good meal.

La Gavroche is the top of my list but never managed to plan far enough ahead to get a table 😆

Couple I've been to I've found the food cheap but the wine expensive, a mis-alignment that I guess balances out. Like the food is a step change above normal dining, absolute artistry that would be a bargain at double the price. A £100 bottle of wine, however, is far more of an incremental proposition. So great for teetotallers!

Been to a few over the years. Very mixed. Some exceptional and some terrible.

Worst by far was the Yorke Arms

Some exceptional and some terrible.

The only one I've been to is Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons - food was excellent as was the whole experience. Nice atmosphere, nobody looked down their noses at us plebs and the garden was good to wonder around.

I had lunch at Le Manoir recently. I was pleasantly surprised at the range of wines on their selected wine choices - in participating one of their early white choices was a very reasonable English white. Ok it was followed by a glass of Krug 😉

But was actually surprisingly good value for wines. The waiters were excellent and one gave us a tour of the kitchens after the meal which was fascinating

[was a bit shocked at casual dress attire 😉 )

Been to a few over the years. Very mixed. Some exceptional and some terrible.

How so? Genuinely terrible, or 'my standards are so astronomically high that it didn't stack up'?

Worst by far was the Yorke Arms

Ramsgill?

I've been to three different Michelin star places (all just one star though), and all were really good (food and experience) but for me only worth a one-time visit (for the chef's tasting menu). All of them were a bit too pricey to justify going for a regular night out meal, far cheaper places just as good IME. Whilst there are a few 'normal' Michelin starred restaurants I think most are geared towards the tasting menu experience

The only ones I'd go to on the reg are for a Sunday roast. Just had a brilliant one at the weekend at the Hind's Head. Even then I couldn't eat dinner because I was stuffed.

3 courses (well, 4 if you include the Scotch Egg) for £44. Money well spend I thought!

The way I think about it is I could have a shitty night out and spend £50 and not remember most of it and despise the bits I do remember. Or, I could have a great meal!

no foodie but eaten at a few over the years (Two so far this year with a third coming up, mind you I didn't realise until halfway through the meal at one of them that it had a star. It was the fannying about that gave it away). There is a certain level of faff and theatricality involved that I could do without:

- fiddly bits - amuse-bouche, between course palate cleansers etc. Sometimes nice;
- explanations, sometimes lengthy, of what stuff's made of, meant to taste of, is from etc. Again sometimes fine, but sometimes what staff have been programmed to say. If you're really unlucky you might even get to learn something of the food philosophy of the chef;
- instructions: what you've got to eat and the order you've got to eat it in etc. Sometimes helpful, sometimes not;
- your wine poured: I'll control the embarrassingly high rate of flow thanks. Again not everywhere.

I think to get the rating they must have to do at least some of this stuff (30 secs googling would confirm but I cba). But all that said you should get a really good meal. Ate out the other night in Edin which was great. But compared to our last posh M* meal you'd have to say things like the sauce on the kidneys was a bit overpowering, not really getting the full range of flavours yadda yadda. The ox liver stuff was over salted. The veg wasn't quite perfect etc. Still a really nice meal don't get me wrong and the place and service was great, but if you're at a place with a star you'd want and legitimately expect all this stuff and much else besides to be spot on.

Blimey I've turned into a food critic.

I've eaten at two 2-star restaurants and both were experiences.

Midsummer House was the first and that was a seven course taster menu. The food was good and I originally thought that the small portions were going to be an issue. I was wrong and left pleasantly satisfied. I thought the wines went very well with the courses and enjoyed the attention to detail and presentation.

Oäxen Krog in Stockholm was a different type of eating. it seemed more personal, more intimate, with a view into the kitchen and the owners both cooking and waiting. The food was superb and I would recommend it.

Were either worth the money? Midsummer house arguably is better value (about £400 for two with the flight of wines), but the theatre of Oäxen and the care taken in the dishes put it ahead for me. I think that ended up costing about €600 for two with a very nice bottle of Reisling.

Sod it, you only live once, right?

I would have said it's all a load of elitist, snobby crap except I know someone who works in a restaurant who have just been awarded a star (outside of London and the SE too so even harder to get one). The effort, dedication, craft, skill etc. that they put into the food is unbelievable. Not only are they extremely talented but they work ridiculous hours for not much money at all.
Remember behind every Michelin starred chef is a big team of people working 80hrs a week for very little reward.

How so? Genuinely terrible, or 'my standards are so astronomically high that it didn't stack up'?

One was Benares is London - The place was too busy, food literally came out cold. They ran out of stuff on the menu. The curries were absolutely nothing special. And it was just plates of curry. Michelin you should be getting something different. Our local (award winning) curry house in Shipley has tastier food.

Yorke Arms - was just average food. Paying £100+ per person it should be exceptional service and food. Beef should melt in your mouth and not need a steak knife to cut it. The staff should know what food they are bringing out and be able to describe the content. You should not feel rushed either. I would have been happy paying £40 per person not £100 per person.

Box Tree in Ilkley - Again nothing special for the money.

I ate at le Champignon Sauvage last week, which has two stars. It felt like a throwback to the age before the celebrity chef: the husband did the cooking, out of sight, and the wife ran the front of house with quiet, understated professionalism. The menu was reasonably priced, as was the wine list, with an extensive selection by the half bottle. The whole place seemed dedicated to the practice of feeding their customers with excellent food, rather than trying to make a name for themselves.

New list just out!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/food-and-drink/news/michelin-guide-2018-300-a-head-nine-seat-sushi-restaurant-wins/

@FunkyDunc what did the chef say?

Not eaten in many Michelin star places but I've always found them excellent value, not cheap but the food has always been worth it. One two star, the rest one. To be honest my favourite was the one star Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond. Might have just been the time of year and the menu that was available but that's the one I enjoyed the most.