Michelin Hopes To Calm Chefs When They Lose Stars—By ‘Properly’ Informing Them

In the culinary world, Michelin Stars are highly sought-after titles that could skyrocket one’s restaurant into the hall of fame—or its formidable guidebook. But with great power comes great responsibility, as the saying goes. 

Now the world’s most powerful gourmand is taking that responsibility onto its shoulders as it says it will contact chefs and restaurants beforehand to inform them—gently—that they will be losing a star.

Many chefs dedicate their lives to pursuing a full three stars, like in the case of Marco Pierre White, as recounted in a report from Truly Experiences. Although the award is highly coveted and esteemed, its consequences could be just as harmful—when one loses it. For instance, Gordon Ramsey recalls how the loss of both for his New York City restaurant brought him to tears. 

In 2017, chef Sebastian Bras asked Michelin to remove his titles owing to the stress of having them, and in other instances, some other restaurants have even been closed down. In some cases, the pressure might have even contributed to suicide. 

Per New Yorker, two Michelin-starred chefs have committed suicide in the past 20 years: Bernard Loiseau in 2003 and Benoit Violier in 2016. It has been suggested by some who knew them that their ranks in the guide may have contributed to them ending their lives.

In the same report, Raymond Blanc states that gaining a star is as dangerous as losing one. And as such, Michelin is now revising its approach to renouncing the accolades.

As mentioned, chefs will now be told beforehand so that they can mentally prepare themselves for what is to come. In one instance, the international director for the awards, Gwendal Poullennec, drove five hours from Paris to La Rochelle, France, to notify chef Christopher Coutanceau that his restaurant would only receive two stars in the 2023 guide.

Michelin will also be alerting them during times when they will not be going to work so that they will not need to face their staff or their customers immediately. Two dozen others will also be announced similarly about losing a star.

In an interview with Washington Post, a Michelin Guide’s spokesperson acknowledged the “the impact” of their decisions and added that they will “take the time to do it properly.”

[via Robb Report and The Washington Post, ID 260639831 © Sylvain Robin | Dreamstime.com]