The pay to play is from the local tourism board to get them to come rate restaurants at all, so it isn't like specific restaurants can pay to get stars. Denver and Atlanta both paid recently and each got a pretty small number of stars, like 5 per city.

They used to actually publish a book for each region they went to, so Atlanta and Denver probably couldn't have even paid for them to come back then, since they don't have enough worthy restaurants to fill a book. Even in CA they do the whole state, as San Diego and LA wouldn't have enough for their own books.

A 1 star should be better than a non-starred place nearby, but it usually isn't going to be such a different experience from your favorite non-starred place. You might easily think your favorite place is better.

2 stars are usually a tasting menu, so it is a whole different experience. Every 2 star I've been to has been really good - like go for your anniversary dinner level.

3 stars are over the top tasting menus with the best ingredients, the best plating, the best wine pairings and the best service. These are places you save up to go to once in your life. They can be sciency, like Alinea, or more classic like Le Bernardin, but it is usually going to be 10-15 courses listed, with 2-5 more unlisted and take 3 hours or more.

I expect each major TX city to get 3-5 one stars, and maybe one place in TX gets 2 stars, but probably not. Any that get stars will be harder to get into after, like when the TX Monthly BBQ rankings come out.

You don't answer the big question-

Does 'The Bear' get the Michelin star?????? Sheesh, talk about burying the lede :-)

jh0400 said:

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It's not just about stars. Even being included in the guide is a huge accomplishment. I have only been to one restaurant in the US with stars (Alinea) but have used their recommendations extensively in Europe. I've never had a bad meal at any of them. It's especially helpful in weeding out the tourist traps.

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This right here. Two-three star restaurants are usually for special occasions. One star are great and can be low key to nice. The category that really is great from the Michelin Guide is the Bib Gourmand - these are things you can go to on an everyday basis. The prices have to be very reasonable and the food is excellent so they are an extremely high quality/cost ratio category.

HTownAg98 said:

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I don't think it's a matter that they've fallen. Other places have upped their game in their creativity with barbecue, and that factors into the ratings.

Turns out the French like fatty meat. Who knew?

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Not all of their inspectors are French. Many are British and even several Americans. They also have many others from other parts of the world.