In a landmark moment for the Lone Star State’s culinary scene, the prestigious Michelin Guide has announced its first-ever Texas selections, and the results are nothing short of stellar.
Houston Restaurants Dominate the One-Star Rankings
Leading the charge is the vibrant city of Houston, which secured an impressive six one-star Michelin awards—the highest honor bestowed upon the guide’s recognized establishments. Earning this coveted distinction were BCN Taste & Tradition, Le Jardinier Houston, March, Musaafer, Tatemó, and Corkscrew BBQ in nearby Spring.
“Texas Deserves Its Place On The Culinary Map”
“Texas deserves its place on the U.S. culinary map but also the world culinary map,” declared Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guides. “We sense the potential.”
Michelin’s anonymous inspectors have been monitoring the Lone Star State for years, and a three-year agreement with the state’s tourism office, Travel Texas, and five major cities, including Houston, solidified their decision to bring their acclaimed guide to Texas.
Barbecue Takes Center Stage
While Houston dominated the one-star category, the guide’s recognition of Texas barbecue was equally impressive. Six of the 15 Bib Gourmand awards—Michelin’s recognition for “exceptionally good food at a good value”—went to barbecue joints, ranging from the globally inspired offerings at Blood Bros. BBQ in Bellaire to the acclaimed Truth Barbeque with locations in Brenham and Houston. “It’s local, authentic,” Poullennec said of Texas barbecue. “It’s something you can’t experience anywhere else.”
A Statewide Culinary Showcase
In total, Michelin recognized 117 restaurants across Texas, spanning 26 different cuisine types. While Houston led the way with its six one-star establishments, other cities also shone bright.
Austin boasted seven one-star restaurants, including three barbecue joints, while Dallas and San Antonio each had a single one-starred spot. Two Austin restaurants, Dai Due and Emmer & Rye, were the only recipients of Michelin’s coveted Green Star, recognizing their commitment to sustainable practices.
A “Win-Win” For Texas And Michelin
Poullennec describes the partnership between Michelin and the state of Texas as a “win-win” situation. While it helps promote Michelin’s independent review process and brand, it also shines a spotlight on the burgeoning culinary scene across the Lone Star State.
Houston First, the city’s tourism office, agreed to pay $90,000 each year to help bring Michelin to Texas, with the other four participating cities reportedly paying the same amount. Travel Texas will also contribute $1.35 million over the same period to Michelin.
A Milestone For The Houston Food Scene
For the Houston restaurant community, the Michelin Guide’s inaugural Texas selections represent a significant milestone in the city’s culinary evolution. In recent years, Houston has gained national and international attention for its dynamic food scene, and this recognition from the respected guide solidifies its status as a world-class dining destination.
“We are delighted to be hosting the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Texas Ceremony in the vibrant city of Houston,” Poullennec said. “Houston is full of culinary innovation and world-class hospitality, which goes hand in hand with our values at The MICHELIN Guide.”
As Texas eagerly awaits future Michelin Guide editions, the state’s restaurateurs and chefs can take immense pride in this historic moment, knowing that their hard work and culinary excellence have earned them a well-deserved spot on the global culinary map.
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