Michelin guide to pause awarding stars to California restaurants, citing wildfires and COVID-19
Prestigious guide will instead hold a virtual event to honor restaurants and raise money for food banks
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Well, 2020 doesn’t feel like it deserves any stars.
In light of recent events, the Michelin Guide announced that it will not be awarding stars or other awards to California restaurants this year. Instead, the prestigious guide plans on holding a virtual event to help the industry and food banks across the state.
Michelin Guide has paused the announcements of its 2020 California selections for Stars, Bib Gourmand and Plates. (TOBIAS SCHWARZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Michelin Guide has paused the announcements of its 2020 California selections for Stars, Bib Gourmand and Plates, according to a press release from the company. The decision was made after representatives from the guide spoke with chefs and restaurants in the Golden State, which has been severely impacted by both the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread wildfires.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}WISCONSIN RESTAURANT INSTALLS VIRUS-KILLING LIGHTS IN ITS DINING ROOM, BAR AREA
International director of the Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec explained, “We know the restaurant industry still faces enormous challenges in getting back on its feet. We are confident this will occur, as soon as health and safety protocols allow. Diners won’t lose their desire for great food; in fact, the importance of a shared meal has never been so present in our minds as it is at this time.”
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Michelin Guides still wants to recognize talent from the state, however. It will be hosting a digital event called the Virtual Family Meal on Oct. 27th.
“Although the 2020 selections will not be announced this year, the MICHELIN Guide wants new and inspiring talent to be recognized,” said Nora Vass, director of food and travel experiences for Michelin North America. “We will use the Family Meal event as an opportunity to showcase more than 20 new inspector discoveries throughout the state.”
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Beyond showcasing certain restaurants, the event will also raise money for the California Association of Food Banks. Michelin also recently donated 100,000 facemasks to the association.