What is a Michelin-starred restaurant

There is such a guide — the Michelin Red Guide. It contains the best hotels and restaurants. They are awarded with stars, from one to three:

• 1 star

Just a good restaurant you won't be disappointed.

• 2 stars

An outstanding institution that will surprise.

• 3 stars

An incredible creation of the gods, you will not try better food in your life.

In gastronomic restaurants, and there are most of them in the guide, the menu is divided into two types:

• permanent;
• themed sets (dishes are chosen by the chef, served one after another).

Sets are cheaper than each dish separately, but the portions in them are smaller — so that more fits into the stomach.

Nobody knows what Michelin inspectors give stars for — they can't talk about work. But no one denies that at the forefront is not the atmosphere, but the dishes themselves. As evidenced by the street tent in Singapore, which received a star. But this is Singapore. Where to go in America?

Top 10 Restaurants in the USA

Eleven Madison Park, Manhattan, New York

The institution of the cult restaurateur Dan Mayer, who also runs the Union Square and Gramercy Tavern complexes.

Only sets are served here, consisting mainly of American cuisine. There is a bar with a large number of cocktails. The second floor is occupied by a dining room overlooking Madison Park.

You can have breakfast for $60, dine for $120, and for gourmets we have an 8-course tasting card for $195. Each guest is entitled to a small gift from the restaurant.

Masa, Manhattan, New York

The most expensive restaurant in America. Famous for Japanese cuisine. Chef Masa Takayama pays special attention to the selection of ingredients — each component must be combined with each other.

There is no regular menu — the chef likes to experiment and constantly changes the composition of dishes. So there is only a tasting card to choose from - for one it costs $500.

The hall has a capacity of 26 seats, so book a few months in advance.

Per Se, Manhattan, New York

The menu changes every day and offers a selection of dishes from different cuisines, from French to Italian.

Portions are very small — no more than 20 grams, but there are 12 of them. There is a separate menu for vegetarians. The average check is $310.

Serve smartly — for each guest a waiter. The restaurant is small, so book a table in advance. If you are organizing a banquet, the chef will help you create your own menu.

Alinea, Chicago

Coming from a family of chefs, Grant Aschats is known for his distinctive approach to modern cuisine. The serving of dishes is eccentric — local plates will surprise you with their shape and texture.

You will not be able to book a table in the usual sense — buy a ticket on the menu. It is divided into two types: a short one of 13 courses and a long one of 24. There are versions for vegetarians. The average check is $250 per person.

When you look for a restaurant, take a closer look — it is inconspicuous, hidden behind an ordinary gray metal door.

The French Laundry, Yountville, California

The restaurant is located on the site of a former laundry — hence the name.

Chef Thomas Keller is committed to organic cuisine, without the use of chemicals, dressings and fertilizers. Vegetables for dishes are grown on site, and the quality of meat is monitored even at the time of the appearance of the calf.

They offer two menus of 9 dishes: from the chef and vegetable. The composition of the dishes changes daily, but there are also regular dishes. You will have to pay $295. Tips can not give — they are already included in the bill.

Benu, San Francisco

Relatively new, opened in 2010. And so far the last in the US to receive 3 Michelin stars. The restaurant consists of a dining room and an adjacent terrace.

They serve mainly Japanese cuisine here: cheese noodles, bream, anchovies. The amount of the average check is quite sparing — from $75 to $150.

A couple of months before the visit, you will not only have to book a table, but also agree on the menu — dishes are prepared for several hours, and no one wants to wait that long.

The Restaurant at Meadowood, Saint Helena, California

Restaurant next to the hotel of the same name in the Napa Vineyard Valley. The surrounding area is picturesque: dense gardens, spas, tennis courts and golf courses.

Chef Christopher Kostow is in charge of everything. He professes the principle "everyone has the right to decide what the dish will consist of." When booking, the wishes of the client are taken into account, a menu is compiled. The tasting menu includes 10 dishes. There will be $200 per guest.

Products are supplied by trusted suppliers and local farmers. The wine list consists of drinks from local vineyards and European wines.

Le Bernardin, Manhattan, New York

Eric Ripert is a master of seafood. This is recognized by restaurant critics, and the restaurant occupies a leading position on the travel portal TripAdvisor.

The menu combines American and French traditions. Lunch includes 3 courses for $135 per person. Author's cuisine is presented in the tasting card, such a pleasure costs $ 200. Wines will have to be paid separately.

It’s better not to meddle here in a T-shirt and shorts — there is a dress code, only official clothes. But you need to book just a few days, not months.

Coi, San Francisco

Catering with three stars! Is it legal at all?

They get here only by tickets — like in some kind of theater. Prices for visiting — from $ 145 to $ 195. This already includes a 12-course menu — you can order at least everything. Alcohol is bought separately and only at night.

Such a system is due to the fact that restaurateur Daniel Patterson does not like it when chefs have to prepare dishes "offhand" — after all, let's say 100 people book a table, but only 50 show up. Where does this fit?

So they lay exactly as many tables here as there are tickets bought.

That is, consider this a dining room at the enterprise, where the number of tables is equal to the number of employees.

The bet is made on poultry and fish dishes, desserts. There is a rich selection of wines. The average check is $275.

Manresa, Los Gatos, California

The restaurant was named after the city of Catalonia, famous for its medieval monasteries and gothic architecture.

Chef David Kinch cares about the quality of vegetables, fruits and cereals, so he orders them from farmlands. He carefully selects herbs and spices that harmonize with the main dish. Ingredients are put into action immediately after they are collected. That is why the menu is constantly changing and depending on the season.

Dishes incorporate the culinary experience of different countries and different eras. Do not be afraid of strange combinations: mussel puree, radish chips or herring ice cream. This is molecular cuisine, and yes, it is here too.

The waiters are unobtrusive, if desired, they will help with the proper use of food and tell you about the history of the dish and its preparation. The average check is $275.