I am not even sure what Michelin 3 star food is anymore, though at the time I drank the Michelin koolaid I thought I did.

My first Michelin 3 star meal was at Phillipe Rochat. Then we did Paul Bocuse. We then went to Le Moulin de Mougins (1 star back then) and Le Louis XV (2 at that time). We then did Au Crocodile (3 back then) and Buerehiesel (3 then). Back in Paris we did Pierre Gagnaire, Taillevent (3 then), Le Cinq (2 then), Lasserre (2), Jamin (2), Le Bristol (1), and Les Ambassadeurs.

I enjoyed Le Moulin de Mougins more than I did Buerehiesel or Phillipe Rochat. I thought the food was way better. I think Taillevent still has the finest dining experience as a totality.

In the US, I think places like Daniel, or the old guard NYC restaurants like La Cote Basque and La Carevelle which are now sadly gone, embody gracious french service and merit 1-2 stars at most.

However, I find I don't go to Michelin starred restaurants for the food any more. For excellent food, there are much better places at a fraction of the cost and haughtiness. If I want a dining experience, I may consider a Michelin starred place, but then again, I may just go to the hole in the wall.....