Michelin, where are you?
Has the world’s venerable gastronomic guide forgotten Switzerland? No news, no sign and no date announced for a possible next ceremony on Swiss soil. Why such silence? Of course, the health crisis isn’t helping matters, and geopolitical concerns aren’t helping an already extremely tense climate either. The restaurateurs who are part of the world of stars do not understand such a lack of information and communication. Could it be that Michelin has overlooked the country that remains the world’s most starred country in terms of population?
No news, good news
A simple press release would have sealed the deal. It’s hard to understand why Paris doesn’t take the trouble to inform the chefs who are part of their selection. Traditionally, for the last two years before the Covid-19, the ceremonies on Swiss soil, in Lucerne and Lugano respectively, have always been held in February. While Spain and Portugal received their stars in December 2021, Hong Kong was awarded 11 new distinctions in January 2022, the UK and Ireland unveiled their selections a month ago, and Germany won its awards just a week ago, the world of Swiss toques is still waiting for news.
Michelin
By warning French restaurateurs that their ceremony would be postponed for two months, the Michelin Guide still takes the trouble to communicate when it deems it necessary to do so. It’s not a question of postponing a ceremony, but of the world of Swiss haute gastronomy not having any prospects. Some restaurants depend on potential distinctions, and look forward to them. New and ambitious establishments are looking for these prestigious marks, which will enable them to join the very closed circle of starred restaurants and generate significant economic spin-offs… especially in these times of upheaval and global uncertainty.
Noises from the corridors
There are rumors that a Michelin ceremony may be scheduled for October. This is more than 8 months later than the usual February date. “As a land of exchange and sharing, Switzerland is unique and remains a key destination when it comes to gastronomy. It’s the perfect place to celebrate local, vairée cuisine,” declared Michelin Guide director Gwendal Poullenec at the last ceremony in 2020. So, Switzerland awaits the next celebrations…
