Michelin Star restaurants

[Wetundies]

What do you guys feel about them? I don't even understand how they considered what is good food? They said it's based on quality of food, consistency, taste, cleaniness, etc.

Went to 3 of them in HK recently. I don't get what makes them deserve 2 or even 3 stars. The 1 star Dim Sum i would say was the best dim sum, but the other french/fusion, modern asian weren't as good as some of the local restaurants here.

[[JT]]

they make pretty good tires imo.

I should pick up a pair of their tires for the winter season, might be a good idea.

[jeSteR]

Like everything else in Asia, I think that there's more corruption out there. The rating is only as honest as those who are in charge of it. As I've read, the European and N/A divisions of the Michelin guide are far better regulated. It seems to me that there are some pay offs happening out there in the motherland.

[Keiho]

Fusion in general is rubbish.

But actually the Michelin guide rates not only on the food but also on the overall service/decor/atmosphere of the place. I generally haven't been let down by it, but then again, I haven't been to too many Michelin starred restaurants. One in NYC, and three in London. Have yet to try a three star place though, and likely won't be able to anytime soon with mini-me on the way.

Think of it this way, a 1 star pretty much means the food is good, a 2 star the food is great with good service and overall atmosphere and a 3 star joint the food will be sublime and the service out of this world.

Let's say both of the 2 starred experiences I have, the food was incredible and level of service you will NOT be able to find in Vancouver. The meal wasn't so much about the food as the overall dining experience, you're paying not just to eat good food, but to be entertained by the food and pampered with the service. The 1 starred experiences was good with delicious food and a good level of service, and the price reflects that as well.

[jeSteR]

Actually, I find that Lumière, West, Bishops, and Bacchus would be somewhere between a 1 and 2 star in terms of service only, but the price reflects that. Bearfoot in Whistler would be in the same category. I've been fortunate enought to be a patron of several 1-3 stars in multiple cities and continents, Kent's right, we don't have anything that would rate as a two. And if you ever have an opportunity to go to a 3 star, do it, you will NOT forget the experience. It's especially enjoyable when my brother in law is around as he picked up the tab at the last two 3 stars we went to. Fair's fair though as I picked up the tab at the last three 2 stars. We're heading to Daniel NYC (3 star) in January, it's his turn again

I'm taking my team out to Market tomorrow for Christmas Dinner, I'm curious to see how it is for a casual restaurant. Jean Georges NYC was FABULOUS !!! Now I know that Market won't compare to a 3 Star, but I'm hoping it's better than DB Bistro. I was quite dissappointed with them.

[Keiho]

Lumiere and West I'd wager might be able to pull off a 2 star rating. Rumour is the Michelin guys are starting to head up our way so who knows? If we actually do get a few Michelin rated places I bet the service level and overall competitiveness would come back to Vancouver. As it is now, it's all casual relaxed dining which is nice, but if you want to blow your wad there just isn't many places left to do it.

Have you been to either Lumiere or West lately? West ever since Hawksworth left just hasn't been the same, the English chef was coming into his own only to leave, and the guy now will likely take some time to settle in and put his own touches to the dishes. Lumiere I haven't been properly since Feenie left, and only went afterwards to a Blue Mountain event there so the food likely is different as they were cosying up to A's aunt and uncle.

I really want to try Per Se, and back to London for some of the newer joints. Absolutely LOVED Le Gavroche though...unbelievable that it's "classic" French food but without the heaviness.

[Wetundies]

All the 3 star in HK got really, like really poor reviews. Was about to try, but decided not to, didn't feel like spending $200 per person lunch to get disappointed. Went to Alan what's his face 2 star one, everyone said his NY one was better. He's opening up one in TW, and it's already prebooked 6 months in advance.

[jeSteR]

It was down to Per Se or Daniel this time, but Shao raved about Daniel from his last experience. So despite our dissappointment with DB Bistro, we're going to Daniel. Per Se is the back up if I can't get the registration for Daniel on the Friday night. We can't go on the Thursday cuz we got tickets to the Canucks game at MSG .

I assume that you're talking about Le Gavroche on Upper Brook and not Le Gavroche on Alberni. I think heard that they were going to get a bump up to a 3 star.

We went to French Laundry in Nappa a couple years ago and I was just a little dissappointed with the "selection" of the food. Not the quality, but the menu was a little conservative for my tastes. Still clearly a 3 star, but I guess I was expecting more from Thomas Keller.

I was at West recently and I totally agree with your observations. He is starting to come into his own though. Haven't been to Lumière since waaaaaay back before the Iron Chef event. Enjoyed it, but I felt that they were overpriced for the Vancouver market.

I'm curious how Tojo's would actually rate. I HATE the guy and will never go back. For my money, I'd much rather save a few bucks and go to Miku.

[Keiho]

Ya, wanted to go to Per Se when we were in NY for our honeymoon but ended up going to Gordon Ramsay at the London, probably the "cheaper" option anyway hah. Was a 2 star then and it was our first experience at a Michelin rated restaurant. Pity he doesn't own it anymore though, I should check and see if it still has its 2 stars.

Yes, the REAL Gavroche, not the lame Vancouver one getting by on the name. Went to the Vancouver one once and I absolutely hated it. I'd have had a better time at the Burger King by Science World. I am looking forward to when Hawksworth opens up next year...it'll be right by my office so hopefully I can get some meals there comped!

For what it's worth, Japanese I'd pretty much just go to Kingyo's since they know me now, and if I ask really nicely I'm sure chef could whip me up something off the menu. Never been to Tojo's, and oddly enough, don't really care to either even though I love sashimi.

[jeSteR]

I thought you work in Richmond now????

[nature boy]

[Keiho]

[Wetundies]

the stars only mean you have to pay more. Like i said, the 2 star i went to, the bathroom was dirty, and their dishwashing facility was by the washroom. There's something wrong with their ratings. And some of these 3 star chefs have multiple restaurants, but they aren't even there, and still claim the 3 stars for food cooked by someone else. Sure they created the menu, but it still isn't cooked by the dude who was awarded the 3 stars.

For Nat, Churchs chicken is worth 5 stars.

[jeSteR]

Again... I'm very wary of the starred restaurants that are not in Europe or N/A where I find the ratings far more consistent.

[geForce]