Some of the brightest culinary minds gathered for this one event
The Michelin star is an award that every restaurant seeks. In the food world, the Michelin star is like winning an Olympic gold medal. On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Michelin awarded its coveted stars to the top chefs, live, for the first time ever, at a gala event celebrating all things food. Held at the Manhattan Classic Car Club, New York City’s brightest and most talented culinary stars came together to claim their rightful place as a Michelin Star restaurant owner and chef at this live award ceremony.
And to celebrate the momentous occasion, a culinary journey inspired by the Michelin Star award winning chefs was created where guests were immersed in a culinary dining experience that took them though the four seasons, utilizing some of the finest ingredients for some of the tastiest food and drinks. The seasonal menu shifted from fall to winter to spring and then to summer, serving things like a vodka, maple syrup, and apple juice drink for spring to foie gras for the fall, seared scallops for the winter, and a lamb and lobster burger for summer, along with many more delectable treats for guests to enjoy.
Some notable foods at this event were the seared scallops which were absolutely delicious. The scallops melted in your mouth and had a nice, subtle sweet note to it that was both refreshing and filling. Another great dish was the lamb and lobster burgers which were smoky and sweet and the lamb was cooked perfectly. The burger itself was tender and had a very savory taste to it and the lobster, which was sweet and fresh, was the perfect way to balance the dish out.
But the main reason why this gala was thrown was to announce to restaurants being awarded Michelin Stars. With a lot of the restaurants awarded Michelin Stars staying the same, some of the more notable changes are that The Modern, with executive chef Abram Bissell, has been awarded two stars. Also, Tempura Matsui, a chic and luxurious tempura tasting bar, has been added to the list of starred restaurant along with Semilla, and The Finch. And to finish off this night, desserts such as macaroons and specialty cupcakes such as a delectable red velvet cupcake were served all around the venue for guests to enjoy.
[slideshow]Key guests in attendance included Claire Dorland Clauzel (Michelin EVP of Global Communication and Brands), Pete Selleck (Chairman and President of Michelin North America), Michael Ellis (International director of the MICHELIN Guide), TASTEmakers included the Michelin Man, artist Mia Tyler, Josh Beckerman (The Foodie Magician) and top chefs including: Daniel Boulud (Daniel), Thomas Keller (Per Se), Éric Ripert (Le Bernardin), Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Jean-Georges), Gluten Free Chef Caroline Byron (wearing Dolce & Gabbana, Chloe bag and Aquazurra shoes) and more!
And here is the complete Michelin Star List for 2016
Three Stars: “Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”
Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
Eleven Madison Park
Jean-Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se
Two Stars: “Excellent cuisine, worth a detour”
Aquavit
Atera
Blanca
Daniel
Ichimura
Jungsik
Marea
The Modern
Momofuku Ko
Soto
One Star: “A very good restaurant in its category”
Ai Fiori
Aldea
Andanada
Aureole
Babbo
Bâtard
Betony
Blue Hill
Bouley
The Breslin
Brushstroke
Café Boulud
Café China
Cagen (new)
Carbone
Casa Enríque
Casa Mono
Caviar Russe
Delaware and Hudson
Del Posto
Dovetail
The Finch
Gabriel Kreuther
Gotham Bar and Grill
Gramercy Tavern
Hirohisa
Jewel Bako
Juni
Junoon
Kajitsu
Kyo Ya
La Vara
Luksus at Tørst
Meadowsweet
Minetta Tavern
The Musket Room
M. Wells Steakhouse
NoMad
Peter Luger
Picholine
Piora
Pok Pok NY
Public
Rebelle (new)
The River Café
Rosanjin
Semilla
Somtum Der
Spotted Pig
Sushi Azabu
Sushi of Gari
Sushi Yasuda
Take Root
Telepan
Tempura Matsui
Tori Shin
Tulsi
Uncle Boons
Wallsé
ZZ’s Clam Bar