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Mahira Rivers's avatar

So good, Ryan! I appreciate the s/o. It's true that Michelin doesn't do a good job of conveying the nuance behind each award, but that doesn't mean we weren't still putting in the hours thinking about and critiquing every meal. There was a lot of thought and consideration (and discussion), it just wasn't made public.

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ryan sutton's avatar

Agreed, Mahira, and fair point! I have so much respect for the hard work that Michelin inspectors put into eating out quietly and getting the work done, and I have no doubt that the notes that inspectors take after dinner are rigorous and detailed (in addition to the thoughtful discussions that surely accompany debates over stars). If anything, that's why I wish (to your point) that the Red Guide let its inspectors find a way to make public what they experience and to communicate those stories all of us, especially in the "blurbs" that accompany the starred ratings

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Mahira Rivers's avatar

Me too! I was part of some great conversations about individual awards. Really nuanced and contextualized convos. Ah, the blurbs! I have a story about those blurbs! 🤣

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Donna Minkowitz's avatar

Ligaya Mishan's food writing just might be the most beautiful I've read. I also really appreciate her approach to the intangible, emotional aspects of dining out (the particular quality of a restaurant's "hospitality)

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ryan sutton's avatar

agreed (and well said!!!)

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Harrison's avatar

Fascinating read... I always took issue with Pete Wells' distaste for panettone hahah.

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ryan sutton's avatar

omg i didn't realize there was a panettone thing going on there! i could eat panettone for breakfast every day (esp if it were from bread & salt)!

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