I don't know if there's ever been a rivalry between "Hell's Kitchen" bad boy Gordon Ramsay and "Top Chef" judge Tom Colicchio, but there might be reason for one now.
The just published 2008 New York Michelin Guide struck a star off of Colicchio's Craft restaurant — bringing it to one star — and gave Ramsay's The London — his first U.S. venture — two stars.
Michelin Guide director Jean-Luc Naret recently told Reuters about the ratings. Here's more:
- On The London: "Gordon Ramsay deserved two stars, not because of his name and TV fame, but because of the consistency of the multiple visits by inspectors throughout the year."
- On Craft: "It doesn't mean that the chef has less talent. It's just that the consistency was not there."
- About the star ratings:One star means "a very good restaurant in its category." Two stars signify "excellent cuisine, worth a detour" and three stars tout "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey."
So there you have it. Ramsay's The London, despite lukewarm reviews from critics, is worthy of a detour, while Colicchio's Craft is just "very good."
What do you guys think? Do you even care about star ratings? Which restaurant would you go to?
Rebecca Taylor
McQ by Alexander McQueen
Urban Outfitters
I don't care about star ratings at all!
1I have to agree I don't care about star ratings either.
2I'm glad Ramsey got the recognition that I'm sure he deserves.
3I've never been to a restaurant with a star rating, Seattle only gets rated by Zagat, which IMO isn't that trustworthy since it goes by votes from customers.
But if I were in a place that did get ratings from Michelin, and I had some extra money to spend on such a thing, I'd go for a starred restaurant for sure. Maybe not a one star, but a two or three star.
I like Ramsay, good to see he is getting some recognition for his restaurants!
4I love Gordon, can't comment on Tom. Although the stars mean nothing to me, I know the stars are important to Ramsey. I think he works very hard for them, and deserves them. I don't see how it should start a rift between them, its up to Michelin, its not like Ramsey was awarded Tom's star, they both could have had two, if they'd both measured up.
5Well--I tell you what. I like both chefs but I have been to a TC restaurant and it was not good! I asked the stuff if their head chef ever came by and they assured me he did...but how can someone with so many TV commitments manage to stay consistent? The star subtraction reflects that.
6That said, GR has over-extended himself even more, with all his shows. So how can his restaurants stay so good? Maybe because he is a true badass and fiercely competitive. I haven't eaten at the London but would like to!!!
I've never dined at any of the Michelin rated restaurants because the food is "fancy". Sometimes I just want a plate from Olive Garden or the Cheesecake Factory.
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