Thoughts on Michelin 2023.

Who is star worthy?

Find the 2023 list here.

There was a lot of buzz after 2022’s awards and announcement, and I (of course) had a few thoughts on the topic. Since we last left our 2022 list, Abu Dhabi has released its own Michelin list (get those dizzles, Michelin, make it rain), and the proverbial dust seems to have settled across the country.

Before unpacking the list, I was disappointed not to see our Bib Gourmand winners present (at either the press conference or the gala), as the award is a massive honor and deserves everything our starred restaurants receive. I realize this might be the practice in other cities; however, as I understand our excellent culinary destination, the F&B community is not split into ‘stars’ and ‘Bibs,’ but one cohesive group that supports everyone. Excluding any group seems restrictive and not the inclusive industry I know and love. This observation also extends to several who I consider some of the biggest foodies in the city, who were also passed over.

To elaborate, I knew …