“For the first time in history”: Michelin in Russia

Kremlin today

Michelin is a French company known as a car tire manufacturer. It was in the interest of the company’s founder to get as many people as possible into automobile tourism.

André Michelin created a guidebook with parking lots, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other travel necessities that could be used on the road. Initially the guidebooks were free. That’s when the first restaurant stars appeared. True, they meant that in the marked restaurant prices were higher than usual. 

Free is often perceived by people as a low level. Then the publication’s policy changed: all advertisements were removed from it, and the guide became a paid edition. In 1926, Michelin guides began to mark with a star French establishments with high cuisine and service. Now the magical books are published in almost all European countries.

Michelin Handbook (1929).  Source: wikipedia

There are three Michelin stars, and each one has a specific meaning:

One star – an excellent restaurant in its category.

Two stars – you can deviate from your itinerary to visit this restaurant.

Three stars – Exceptional cuisine for which you can make a separate trip.

Even one Michelin star ranks the restaurant among the global culinary elite.

Moscow is already a recognized destination for gourmets around the world.

“Michelin experts do not just choose restaurants and award them stars, but they form the restaurant culture in the country and create a very high quality bar, which cannot but affect the hospitality industry in our country”, – said the head of Rostourism. 

The Mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin at the opening ceremony said that over the past ten years the number of restaurants in Moscow has tripled, and they are among the best in the world. Nine restaurants in Moscow recently received Michelin stars. Three stars were not given to any of the restaurants in Moscow.

A list of restaurants that have received stars:

“Chef’s Table” and “Twins Garde” received two stars. 

“Selfie”, “Beluga”, “Grand Cru”, “White Rabbit”, “Biologie”, “Sakhalin”, and “SAVVA” each received one star. 

Source: Kommersant

Getting a star is a real achievement. And Moscow will be very proud of these restaurants, –  said Gwendal Pulleneck, international director of the Michelin guide community. 

Talks that a Michelin guide will come to Moscow have been circulating since 2012. Natalya Sergunina, deputy mayor of Moscow, mentioned it: 
“This ceremony is very important for us. We are worried and nervous. A Michelin star will be a guiding star for tourists, especially foreign ones.