Originally Posted by
TWA884
Restaurants such as Lucques, Felix, Republique, Lukshon, Bestia, Bavel, Gjelina and Night + Market, to name but a few off the top of my head, did not even rate a Bib Gourmand designation.
Bib Gourmand tends to be given to more affordable restaurants. I think that explains that! I also have never been as blown away by any of those, to be honest. Same with AOC. They’re good, just not Michelin star good.
Only two restaurants in Orange County and one in San Diego received stars.
I live in OC. I knew Taco Maria would get a star, and I suspected that Hana Re might. Otherwise, restaurants aren’t quite good enough or are too pricey. My other faves in OC include Basilic, Marche Moderne, Bourbon Steak, Mastro’s Ocean Club...and I’m not shocked that none received a star. I haven’t thought much of Pelican Hill’s Andrea since it opened, and Montage Laguna Beach’s Studio has massively slipped and been terribly disappointing for many years. As opposed to LSXO which picked up a Bib Gourmand.
We had the most impressive Thanksgiving dinner at Addison. I knew it would get a star. The only other restaurant in San Diego that even came close for me is Juniper & Ivy, which isn’t as formal but which did get a Bib Gourmand.
Santa Barbara struck out.
Only Bouchon really had a chance. But I’m not shocked it didn’t get a star. The Lark and Angel Oak are great restaurants but not quite to Michelin standard IMO.
Not a single Korean restaurant got even one star. Seriously?
It’s Michelin. Not a single Korean restaurant has ever made me think it’s worthy of a star thus far in California.
The late Jonathan Gold was right, Los Angeles does not need a Michelin Guide.
On this we agree. LA doesn’t need it. But I knew Somni was my favorite in Los Angeles for a reason...and I won’t be stunned if it moves to 3 stars eventually. Same with N/Naka and Vespertine. Providence having only 2 stars might motivate them to innovate. Without Michelin, I’m not sure that happens.
The only real SoCal stunner to me was that the Bazaar by Jose Andres didn’t get a star.