12/11/2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️Michelin stars are coming to Utah! Good news for Utah foodies and chefs 🧑🍳 🍽️
The Michelin Guide announced it’s expanding into the Southwest, adding Utah, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico to its newest regional guide. Apparently- Inspectors are already eating their way across the state, scouting restaurants and searching for standout kitchens that could earn a coveted star. (No pressure if you are in the kitchen)
Michelin says the move highlights the region’s growing culinary scene, with its mix of local ingredients, global influences and distinct food traditions. The first official restaurant selections will be revealed at the 2026 Michelin Guide Southwest ceremony next year.
Background: A Michelin Star is a prestigious award for restaurants, signifying exceptional quality based on anonymous inspections, with one star meaning "very good cooking," two stars for "excellent cooking worth a detour," and three stars for "exceptional cuisine worth a special journey," focusing primarily on the food itself—quality ingredients, mastery of flavor/technique, chef's personality, and consistency.
🛞 Does the Michelin star have anything to do with the Michelin man? Yes it does. I didn't realize there was a connection until I was in the Netherlands last year and saw a restaurant with a small red sign with the Michelin Man by the door. (Had to google it ) Michelin the tire company created the famous restaurant rating system in 1900 to encourage people to drive more, thereby increasing tire sales, by providing a guide with maps, mechanics, and great places to eat, with stars marking top restaurants that would make travelers drive further and wear down their tires.
★: High-quality ingredients, distinct flavors, consistently excellent food.
★★: Refined, inspired dishes showcasing the chef's personality and talent.
★★★: Superlative, artistic cooking where dishes are often destined to become classics; the ultimate recognition.
📸 Pic of me walking down a street in Gouda, Netherlands, my son is knocking over a row of bikes outside the Lizz restaurant- 😅which earned its Michelin star in 2023!
We did not go inside, we are not that fancy! Where should Michelin check out first?
