It’s that time of the year again when chefs are getting very excited about who's won how many Michelin stars... and as the Kitchen Rat spends a lot of time trying to uncover gossip in the restaurant and cheffing sector, I'd thought I'd let you know, what I think and who will be winners in this year's race for Michelin stars.
The 2007 Michelin guide is launched next week - it'll be in the shops on Friday, but the results will be released on Wednesday. One thing we know already is that for the first time, there'll be a dedicated London Guide.
So everyone’s holding their breath to find out the results.
Now, there have been rumours that no additional three stars will be given away in the UK in 2007. While this could well be the case, I dare to disagree and reckon that David and Helen Everitt-Matthias' Le Champignon Sauvage in Cheltenham will be named the country’s fourth three-Michelin-starred restaurant. And well deserved it would be too.
In the two star category, my money’s on the Vineyard at Stockcross under executive chef John Campbell’s culinary direction, as well as London’s Greenhouse under new head chef Antonin Bonnet, and Gordon Ramsay’s Pétrus under Marcus Wareing, to collect their second stars.
Newcomers to be awarded their first star in this year’s ratings will most likely include Chris Galvin’s Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of London's Hilton on Park Lane and celebrated French chef Joël Robuchon’s first London restaurant L’Atelier in the West End, just a few doors down from the Ivy.
Another addition to Michelin’s hall of fame, will have to be Anthony Demetre and Will Smith’s amazingly successful Soho venture Arbutus, which hasn’t only been wowing the critics since opening last May, but is also one of Caterer’s favourite hang outs (and we all know we don’t get things wrong)
Finally, a restaurant well worth a mention, which unfortunately opened just a bit too late in the year to make Michelin’s star ratings, is Theo Randall at the InterContinental hotel in London. Never mind Theo, you’ll be right up there next year no doubt.
To find out all things Michelin then visit this great website area set up by the bods at CatererSearch.. it has almost everything you need to know about Michelin and is a great resource tool.
Do you agree with the Rat's predictions or have I made any serious blunders? Please let me know what you think???
Rat, I'm not sure whether you're right or wrong. I am sure though that:
a) I really need to book a table at LCS before Wednesday
b) your link above doesn't work
What do you reckon to rumours that GR @ RHR is to lose his third star?
Many thanks Silverbrow for your comments.... I've heard that rumour too about GR at RHR losing a star, but reckon it's highly unlikely.
Michelin appear to be a lot more publicity concious this year, as opposed to the media blackout of previous years, so it would certainly grab lots of headlines....but I would be amazed if it were to happen.
I'll check the link and ensure it is working properly.
Many thanks
the Rat
While it would be fantastic to see Le Champignon Sauvage get a third star (Caterer has long-since championed David Everitt-Matthias's cooking), I think it's unlikely that Michelin will award it so soon after the restaurant's refurbishment and increase in covers. I suspect that the inspectors will want to see that David can consistently deliver to a larger dining room. Having said that, David is an extremely competent cook and the wise inspector will know they have nothing to worry about.
With reference to Royal Hospital Road, that would be a controversial move by Michelin but I have to say in all the years that I've been tuned into the Michelin Guide (about 14), I've rarely known the pre-guide rumours to be accurate.
Amanda Afiya
Dep Ed
Caterer