Michelin won’t award stars in California this year

The Michelin guide won’t be dishing out stars to California restaurants this year due to the devastating impact the wildfires and pandemic have had on the industry.

The Restaurant at Meadowood in the Napa Valley was destroyed in the recent wildfires

As reported by The San Francisco Chronicle, the guide made the decision this week to hit pause on its rating system this year in the Golden State, after receiving feedback from restaurants severely impacted by Covid-19 and the recent wildfires across the state.

One of California’s most celebrated restaurants, the three Michelin-starred Restaurant at Meadowood, was destroyed in the wildfires last month.

Meanwhile, indoor dining rooms in Los Angeles County are yet to reopen due to the pandemic, with chef José Andrés permanently closing The Bazaar in LA.

“We know the restaurant industry still faces enormous challenges in getting back on its feet,” Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin, said.

In addition to doing away with Michelin stars in California this year, the guide will also not be awarding Bib Gourmands for good quality, good value cooking.

As reported by The San Francisco Chronicle, in place of the California guide, Michelin will be hosting a Virtual Family Meal on 27 October at which over 20 restaurants will be celebrated by Michelin for the first time.

According to Eater, Michelin will also host online fundraiser to benefit the California Association of Food Banks and will introduce the first sustainability distinction in the US.

The Michelin guide to California launched last year via a partnership with Visit California.

The release of the 2021 Michelin Guides in the United States has been delayed, but the London 2021 guide is due to be published this year despite the difficulties the UK capital has faced due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.