I use the Michelin guide religiously for my dining adventures in Europe. I have been to quite a few, and now that they've moved to rating USA restaurants, I have been to even more. Overall, I find that the guide is excellent. Some are a little over-rated; some are a little under-rated. But overall, it's a great guide. I will start with a few recent and notable experiences.

1) Madrona Manor (Healdsburg)--1 star. This place is phenomenal, food-wise. I think if it had a more "grandiose" ambiance, it would be a two-star. The food is clearly two-star caliber. The food is way better than that of Cyrus (two-star), FarmHouse Inn (1-star), or Aqua (1-star, and now defunct), or Boulevard (1-star).

2) Le Cinq (Paris)--2 stars. I ate here when it was 3 stars a few years ago. The ambiance is phenomenal, and food was very good. But I can see why it lost its 3rd star because of the food; it really is not 3-star level food.

3) Steirereck (Vienna)--2 stars. I ate here last year, and it was a phenomenal experience. Definitely lives up to its reputation. It's creative, different, tasty, and a true dining experience.

4) Jean Georges and Daniel (Both New york)--both 3-stars. I would say that they are both excellent places, no question. However, I did not find that they were the 3-star level as one would find in Europe. I think that if these two places were in Europe, they probably would be 2-stars. However, they were quite excellent, no question.

5) Salieu (Cote d'Or, France)--3 stars. This, I would say, was my first true "3-star" experience. Easily worth the drive, phenomenal food, wonderful ambiance, great experience. The meal lasted nearly 5 hours....

6) Au Crocodile (Strasbourg, France)--1 star. This used to be a Michelin 2-star when I ate here. It lost its 2nd star this past year, and I can see why. The food was not 2-star level.

7) Taillevent (Paris, France)--2 stars. This place lives up to the 2-star reputation. Excellent place, but probably a little too "casual" to be a 3-star experience. But a historically famous place and definitely worthwhile going to.

What has your personal experience been with Michelin star restaurants?