Eater Chicago - Chronicling the Michelin Guide’s 2021 Return in ChicagoThe Chicago Restaurant, Bar, and Nightlife Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52682/favicon-32x32.png2023-11-13T11:15:22-06:00http://chicago.eater.com/rss/stream/222270532023-11-13T11:15:22-06:002023-11-13T11:15:22-06:00Chicago's 2023 Michelin Stars, Mapped
<figure>
<img alt="A whitefish dish sauces on a platter." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l1z4-wq70eSaG6B7crDDLXFKFuI=/0x0:4680x3510/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57240069/26.33.jpg" />
<figcaption>Atelier has snagged a star within a year of opening. | <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.aliyaikhumen.com" target="_blank">Aliya Ikhumen</a>/Eater Chicago</figcaption>
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<p>The latest constellation of the city’s most celebrated restaurants</p> <p id="MNJBR5">The Michelin Guide has selected <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2023/11/8/23950171/michelin-restaurants-chicago-stars-bib-gourmand-2023">Chicago stars</a>, anointing 21 local restaurants, including two newcomers (Atelier and Indienne), with the honor. Previous star-holders Elizabeth (one star) and Claudia (one star) closed and therefore dropped off the list. See all 21 honorees, conveniently mapped out, in the listing below. </p>
https://chicago.eater.com/maps/chicago-michelin-star-restaurants-mapNaomi WaxmanEater Staff2021-04-29T10:21:49-05:002021-04-29T10:21:49-05:00Chicago’s Michelin Star List Adds Three New Restaurants
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<img alt="A fancy fish dish on toast" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xdR9sdwgG7baj-3D9USq7gBiwO4=/157x0:3313x2367/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69205291/49129080963_ae9c0c59ea_o.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Porto earned a Michelin star. | Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago</figcaption>
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<p>The tire company has released its first star list since the beginning of the pandemic</p> <p id="p3Q7ip">Michelin Guide released its prestigious Chicago star list Thursday morning, the travel guide’s first updated ranking since the pandemic. It consists of 24 restaurants, including three new ones: <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/ever">Ever</a> in Fulton Market (two stars), the Bar and the Dining Room at Moody Tongue on the Near South Side (two stars), and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/porto">Porto</a> in West Town (one star).</p>
<aside id="2x3QsZ"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Michelin Guide Returns to Chicago After a Pandemic Hiatus","url":"https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/15/22385838/michelin-guide-2022-stars-chicago-restaurants-return"},{"title":"Michelin’s Chicago Return Features 10 New Bib Gourmands","url":"https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/27/22393781/chicago-michelin-bib-gourmands-2022"},{"title":"Michelin Announces 2020 Stars for Chicago","url":"https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/26/20884236/michelin-restaurants-chicago-stars-2020"}]}'></div></aside><p id="iChVQR">The stars focus on fine dining, mostly upscale restaurants with tasting menus that skew pricey. Michelin has another ranking, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/27/22393781/chicago-michelin-bib-gourmands-2022">the Bib Gourmand list</a>, that focuses on more casual restaurants. </p>
<p id="xWTp0g">The tire company began awarding stars to Chicago restaurants in 2011, and the guide is also in other major markets, including New York, Washington, D.C., and LA. <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/26/20884236/michelin-restaurants-chicago-stars-2020">Michelin last announced stars</a> for Chicago in September 2019, and that list contained 25 restaurants. Since then, a trio of starred Chicago restaurants have closed: <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/9/21318600/band-of-bohemia-temporarily-closed-worker-complaints-online">Band of Bohemia</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/6/30/21307710/blackbird-cafe-cancale-closed-chicago-one-off-hospitality-covid-19">Blackbird</a>, and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/6378/everest">Everest</a>.</p>
<p id="vsNhRB">Chefs from around the world covet the stars, embracing the notion that the 95-year-old rankings represent the pinnacle of culinary achievement. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led many municipalities to shut down indoor dining for long stretches of time. That complicated the jobs of Michelin inspectors, anonymous agents who visit and evaluate restaurants, and pushed Michelin to develop pandemic policies. For example, restaurants that have remained closed through the pandemic won’t have their stars removed. In Chicago, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/entente">Entente</a> (one star) in River North and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/acadia">Acadia</a> (two stars) in South Loop kept their status.</p>
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<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NxnVgxUzqw_exc7YUFg7gPOAYNQ=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/20534962/50147339188_5ebffd8876_h.jpg">
<cite>Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago</cite>
<figcaption>Ever chef Curtis Duffy is back in the Michelin game.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="rnM32O"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/alinea">Alinea</a> in Lincoln Park remains Chicago’s only three-starred restaurant. The full three stars is a rare honor that’s been bestowed on about 130 restaurants worldwide. There was speculation that <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/smyth">Smyth</a> (two stars) in Fulton Market would join chef Grant Achatz’s restaurant, but that didn’t happen. In a rare move, Michelin did award two stars to a pair of new restaurants during their first year of eligibility: Ever and Moody Tongue.</p>
<p id="RsZkNr">For Curtis Duffy, this is a return. The Ever chef is a perennial Michelin favorite thanks to his work at <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/grace">Grace</a>, a West Loop restaurant that <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2018/2/27/17058390/grace-shutter-closure-chicago-michelin-star">closed at the end of 2017</a> with a full three stars. Duffy and former Grace general manager Michael Muser plotted a comeback after their departure, and after a noncompete agreement with Grace’s owner (a clause that barred them from opening another restaurant in Chicago) expired, they announced Ever. The restaurant opened in July 2020, a $5 million project a mile west of Grace on Fulton Market, with a goal <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/28/21340135/ever-curtis-duffy-open-pandemic-fine-dining">to earn a Michelin star</a>. Of course, the opening wasn’t what Duffy and Muser envisioned, with customers required to wear masks and extra safety precautions like pared-down offerings. </p>
<p id="VvmxbQ">Still, Michelin inspectors wrote about Ever, “Chef Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser have triumphantly returned, and now preside over a bespoke room where the chef’s vision of fine dining enchants palates with complex flavors, stirring textures, and visual fireworks.”</p>
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<img alt="A large black marble bar in the middle of a room" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jfjV5L2Zriw1DbWvwEZT-EFs28M=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19370120/MT_INT_51124.jpg">
<cite><a class="ql-link" href="http://www.jordanbalderas.com/" target="_blank">Jordan Balderas</a> [Official Photo]</cite>
<figcaption>Moody Tongue earned two stars.</figcaption>
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<p id="QEZjwA">Meanwhile, near McCormick Place, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/11/12/20961464/moody-tongue-brewery-new-restaurant-opening-south-loop-photos-images-menus">Moody Tongue effectively</a> replaces Band of Bohemia as Chicago’s only Michelin-starred brewpub. Moody Tongue relocated from Pilsen, not only moving its brewing operations but also adding a full-service restaurant with a tasting menu. The brewery also brought over Jared Wentworth, a chef who presided over <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/longman-and-eagle">Longman & Eagle</a> in Logan Square during its Michelin-starred days.</p>
<p id="rLT2Qt">Porto shows that Chicago can deliver premier seafood offerings, according to Michelin. This lively and intimate restaurant on the corner of Chicago and Ashland gives the Midwest a taste of the Spanish coast. It’s also a restaurant meant to be enjoyed in person, as the interaction with chef and customer is integral. </p>
<p id="FVOXBL">“Young chef Marcos Campos’ style is anchored by his Spanish heritage and explores the Atlantic coast of Spain and Portugal through its conservas, seafood, and specialty rice dishes,” Michelin writes.</p>
<p id="GNMXVv">There was one removal: Kikko, the omakase sushi counter in West Loop, in the basement of all-world cocktail lounge <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/kumiko">Kumiko</a>. Chef Mariya Russell became the first Black woman to preside over a Michelin-starred kitchen after inspectors awarded Kikko a star in 2019. <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/6/24/21299535/mariya-russell-leaving-kumiko-kikko-restaurant-nobu-hotel-opening-chicago">Russell left Kikko in June 2020</a>, and while the restaurant has shifted to Japanese comfort food — think curry and dumplings — inspectors decided to make a change.</p>
<p id="EV4P0A">A Michelin spokesperson says this about the decision: “Although the cocktail lounge, Kumiko, is open, the omakase counter, Kikko, has been closed since the departure of its chef last year.”</p>
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<img alt="The granite bar with boxes of fish above it." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LsYKLl5UbPZd73sosRemrE90jbk=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19427474/49129757582_60b1952b0b_o.jpg">
<cite>Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago</cite>
<figcaption>Porto earned a star.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="mmj33j">The future of two restaurants on this year’s list remains murky. Chef Brian Fisher’s Entente remains in limbo in River North, with ownership still trying to figure out if they’ll reopen. And the reputation of Acadia in South Loop, a two-starred restaurant, has been tarnished by workers <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/9/23/21440781/acadia-ryan-mccaskey-alleged-retaliatory-harassment-campaign-against-former-worker">alleging a toxic environment</a>. Chef and owner Ryan McCaskey remains in court as a defamation lawsuit filed against him by a former employee continues. McCaskey has kept the restaurant closed since last year but says he wants to reopen eventually.</p>
<p id="GsmuYF">Check out this year’s full list of Chicago’s Michelin-starred restaurants below.</p>
<aside id="tpzS2L"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"chicago-eater"}'></div></aside><p id="04YqUF"></p>
<h1 id="4oOmHi"><strong>Chicago 2021 Michelin Stars</strong></h1>
<p id="X2e3aD"><small><em>*Denotes new for 2021</em></small></p>
<h3 id="jiN1Oi"><strong>Three Stars</strong></h3>
<p id="CSyq5y">Alinea</p>
<h3 id="F8JR3T">
<strong>Two</strong><strong> Stars</strong>
</h3>
<p id="M3O02b">Acadia</p>
<p id="IoCr5K">Ever*</p>
<p id="vF7SMG">Moody Tongue*</p>
<p id="tJaIq0"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/oriole">Oriole</a></p>
<p id="oxrcoG">Smyth</p>
<h3 id="xCE9wh"><strong>One Star</strong></h3>
<p id="59vZu9"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/boka">Boka</a></p>
<p id="iYVySq"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/12803/el-ideas">EL Ideas</a></p>
<p id="SSZ1Wg"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/elizabeth-2">Elizabeth</a></p>
<p id="jTJGeX"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/elske">Elske</a></p>
<p id="W6iWQI">Entente</p>
<p id="yMOn9v"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/goosefoot">Goosefoot</a></p>
<p id="hssxYN"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/mako">Mako</a></p>
<p id="emYZew"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/next">Next</a></p>
<p id="WMmYpp"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/north-pond-2">North Pond</a></p>
<p id="2wrUFW"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/48445/omakase-yume">Omakase Yume</a></p>
<p id="WpON2A"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/parachute">Parachute</a></p>
<p id="BVY8SH">Porto*</p>
<p id="eSmFDc"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/6184/schwa">Schwa</a></p>
<p id="JHfG5m"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/sepia">Sepia</a></p>
<p id="yDv3Ig"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/spiaggia">Spiaggia</a></p>
<p id="M3vNGw"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/temporis">Temporis</a></p>
<p id="8bOJHw"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/topolobampo">Topolobampo</a></p>
<p id="gQo9C2"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/yugen">Yugen</a></p>
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/29/22399621/michelin-restaurants-chicago-stars-2021Ashok Selvam2021-04-27T10:02:40-05:002021-04-27T10:02:40-05:00Michelin’s Chicago Return Features 10 New Bib Gourmands
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<img alt="A round platter of Filipino foods." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9u5KhjiYLMbXS6Fae-jMe1_89yg=/89x0:1512x1067/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69192740/50246723047_01dab42fb6_h.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kasama is among 10 new additions to Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list. | Garrett Sweet/Eater Chicago</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>International cuisine was the theme for the latest iteration of Michelin’s value-driven list</p> <p id="rAJSJp"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/15/22385838/michelin-guide-2022-stars-chicago-restaurants-return">After halting ratings during</a> a pandemic-riddled year, Michelin has released its latest Chicago Bib Gourmands, revealing a list of 58 restaurants, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516589&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fguide.michelin.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fcalifornia%2Farticle%2Fnews-and-views%2Fmichelin-guide-chicago-2020-bib-gourmand-results&referrer=eater.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fchicago.eater.com%2F2021%2F4%2F27%2F22393781%2Fchicago-michelin-bib-gourmands-2022" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">including 10 new ones</a>. The criteria for the list is value driven — inspectors say customers could spend around $40 for two courses, plus a glass of wine or dessert. <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/maps/chicago-michelin-star-restaurants-map">The tire company</a> will release the more fine-dining focused Michelin star list on Thursday for Chicago.</p>
<p id="TWLyxE">The new Bib Gourmand class features a heaping helping of international cuisine: Carlos Gaytán’s Mexican masterpiece <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/tzuco">Tzuco</a> in River North; Ukrainian Village Filipino-American bistro and French bakery <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/kasama">Kasama</a>; Perilla’s Korean-American fare in River West; West Town’s South Asian powerhouse <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/vajra">Vajra</a>; and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/mama-delia">Mama Delia</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/7/21315951/mama-delia-wicker-park-spanish-restaurant-black-bull-photos-images">the Spanish makeover</a> of <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/black-bull">Black Bull</a> in Wicker Park. The team behind Logan Square’s <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/giant">Giant</a> also earned recognition for their take on Chinese-American fare with <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/chef-s-special-cocktail-bar-2">Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar</a> in Bucktown.</p>
<p id="upAHtb">Also of note is the addition is the list’s only restaurant owned by a Black woman: Bridgette Flagg’s <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/soul">Soulé </a>has made a name for itself since 2017 with modern soul food in West Town. Meanwhile, the owners of <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/au-cheval">Au Cheval</a> made the list after reinventing their floundering River North sushi spot with Italian-American restaurant <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/ciccio-mio">Ciccio Mio</a>. In Fulton Market, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/56549/joe-s-imports">Joe’s Imports</a> showed wine bars don’t have to be in be generic in Fulton Market. And finally, for Chicagoans who who want a break from tavern-style and deep-dish pizza, Michelin named Uptown’s <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/munno-pizzeria-bistro">Munno Pizzeria Bistro</a> to the list. Of <a href="https://www.munnochicago.com/#menu-summer">Munno</a>, inspectors wrote: “The Neapolitan-inspired pizza may not be made in the traditional wood-burning oven, but those electric deck ovens still manage to turn out deliciously puffy and lightly charred crusts.”</p>
<p id="n7Mwwk"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/19/20873782/chicago-michelin-bib-gourmands-2020">Michelin’s last announced Chicago Bib Gourmands</a> in September 2019 when its list included 54 restaurants. It was considered a shake up with 14 additions and 18 removals. Four restaurants from that list have closed (<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/fat-rice">Fat Rice</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/pacific-standard-time">Pacific Standard Time</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/passerotto-2">Passerotto</a>. <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/two">Two</a>). The owners from <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/pizzeria-bebu-2">Pizzeria Bebu</a> in Lincoln Park hasn’t made an announcement about its future, though the restaurant has remained closed since spring 2020. Michelin kept the pizzeria on the list, consistent with its pandemic-shaped philosophy where inspectors retain any restaurants closed temporarily that appeared on the 2020 list.</p>
<p id="vl0vGz">The only restaurant to fall off that wasn’t due to closure? That’s <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/true-food-kitchen">True Food Kitchen</a>, the Chicago location of the national chain — <a href="https://www.eater.com/2018/7/11/17555958/oprah-restaurant-true-food-kitchen-chain-investment-healthy-menu-anti-inflammatory">which is popular with Oprah Winfrey</a> and those with dietary restrictions. The River North outpost, which has continued operations during the pandemic, was a mysterious addition for the last three iterations of the Bib Gourmand list. While the disappearance of a restaurant on the Bib Gourmand rankings can sometimes foreshadow that inspectors have elevated the restaurant to a Michelin star, the chances of that happening in this case would be surprising.</p>
<p id="dl6P3P">The pandemic presented challenges for Michelin inspectors as COVID-19 restrictions forced closures and made it riskier to dine indoors. Some restaurants have also switched hands, which could cause some to question consistency. For example, County Barbecue in Little Italy was sold by DMK Restaurants to Chicago industry veteran Bonni Cameron. Even with new ownership, County remains.</p>
<p id="h3aBax">The definition of value remains subjective when it comes to value: <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/boka-restaurant-group">Boka Restaurant Group</a>’s upscale <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/gt-fish">GT Fish & Oyster</a>, located in River North, shares the list with <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/birrieria-zaragoza">Birrieria Zaragoza</a>, the comfy and family-owned Mexican restaurant near Midway International Airport. Both restaurants remain fixtures on the Bib Gourmand list even though the price points for both restaurants radically differ. The star list, which focuses more on fine dining, will be released on Thursday.</p>
<p id="EKkQxO">Check out the full Bib Gourmand listing below.</p>
<p id="0ae2X8"><em>* denotes a new restaurant:</em></p>
<ol>
<li id="ukFCfY"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/avec-2">Avec</a></li>
<li id="MmsUOw">Avlí Taverna</li>
<li id="bC5Bh4">Birrieria Zaragoza</li>
<li id="3mTQFR"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/cabra">Cabra</a></li>
<li id="1sw2eo">Ceres Table</li>
<li id="Kr9y4H">* Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar </li>
<li id="VBRijk"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/chilam-balam">Chilam Balam</a></li>
<li id="ytC6eB">* Ciccio Mio</li>
<li id="YHZ6p0"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/cira">Cira</a></li>
<li id="mWHmmQ">County Barbecue</li>
<li id="YjgHlC"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/daguan-noodle">Daguan Noodle</a></li>
<li id="K4fxjr"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/daisies">Daisies</a></li>
<li id="PpP3aG"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/decolores">DeColores</a></li>
<li id="u1Ya29"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/dos-urban-cantina">Dos Urban Cantina</a></li>
<li id="WeVp2D"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/etta">etta</a></li>
<li id="EGeTpw"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/flat-point">Flat & Point</a></li>
<li id="SR3F4e"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/frontera-grill-2">Frontera Grill</a></li>
<li id="3O65OP"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/funkenhausen">Funkenhausen</a></li>
<li id="zSHQ5M">Ghin Khao</li>
<li id="aP7oPu">Giant</li>
<li id="BRJvXC"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/gilt-bar">Gilt Bar</a></li>
<li id="jlYFzj">Girl & The Goat</li>
<li id="ZEVvTR">GT Fish & Oyster</li>
<li id="lyuzv4"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/haisous">HaiSous</a></li>
<li id="O57jzO"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/herb">Herb</a></li>
<li id="DyZm4s">Ina Mae</li>
<li id="y6pb25"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/jam-2">Jam</a></li>
<li id="A7pvgF">Joe’s Imports</li>
<li id="6ktyTm">Kai Zan</li>
<li id="q0pDpA">* Kasama</li>
<li id="A2io3f"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/kie-gol-lanee">Kie-Gol-Lanee</a></li>
<li id="al9FMT"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/la-josie">La Josie</a></li>
<li id="WAnb8F"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/lonesome-rose">Lonesome Rose</a></li>
<li id="H2JB5X"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/longman-and-eagle">Longman & Eagle</a></li>
<li id="vMadi3"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/lula-cafe">Lula Cafe</a></li>
<li id="wygjPG">* Mama Delia</li>
<li id="n4Hy7W"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/mango-pickle">Mango Pickle</a></li>
<li id="NrJ85D"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/marisol">Marisol</a></li>
<li id="g0TGZ3">mfk.</li>
<li id="ob21CG">Mi Tocaya</li>
<li id="Te1nvo">
<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/mott-street">Mott St</a>.</li>
<li id="wJIbZc">* Munno Pizzeria & Bistro</li>
<li id="iSsnck"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/nella-pizza-e-pasta">Nella Pizza e Pasta</a></li>
<li id="6Ta840">* Perilla</li>
<li id="J6KRSv">Pizzeria Bebu</li>
<li id="pvKplc">
<a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/pleasant-house-pub">Pleasant House Pub</a> </li>
<li id="QZsgPh"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/proxi">Proxi</a></li>
<li id="ciUmDH"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/san-soo-gab-san">San Soo Gab San</a></li>
<li id="mpGzwc"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/smoque-bbq-2">Smoque BBQ</a></li>
<li id="ofZyeS">Sol de Mexico</li>
<li id="1I0HME">* Soulé</li>
<li id="wedtrf"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/table-donkey-and-stick-6">Table, Donkey and Stick</a></li>
<li id="7IE33S"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/the-duck-inn">The Duck Inn</a></li>
<li id="g9uo20"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/the-purple-pig">The Purple Pig</a></li>
<li id="dzJNZA">* Tzuco</li>
<li id="JdIai8"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/untitled-supper-club">Untitled Supper Club</a></li>
<li id="b8hdSa">* Vajra</li>
<li id="ws8gCh"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/virtue">Virtue</a></li>
</ol>
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/27/22393781/chicago-michelin-bib-gourmands-2022Ashok Selvam2021-04-15T14:41:11-05:002021-04-15T14:41:11-05:00Michelin Guide Returns to Chicago After a Pandemic Hiatus
<figure>
<img alt="Smyth" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0jdmOhIsKUFRSu7LPjW9tT1u-io=/387x0:4851x3348/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69132735/img_5385_29215361465_o.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will Smyth receive a third star this year? | Marc Much/Eater Chicago</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Three Michelin-starred restaurants have closed since the pandemic began</p> <p id="upcXEj">After a year-long hiatus triggered by the pandemic, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516589&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fguide.michelin.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Fstill-serving%3Futm_source%3Dpress_release%26utm_medium%3Dreferral%26utm_campaign%3Dmsr_east_launch%26utm_term%3Dpress_releases&referrer=eater.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fchicago.eater.com%2F2021%2F4%2F15%2F22385838%2Fmichelin-guide-2022-stars-chicago-restaurants-return" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Michelin announced</a> that the tire guide will release updated ratings later this month in Chicago, New York, and <a href="https://dc.eater.com/2021/4/15/22385607/michelin-dc-restaurants-stars-guide-returns-covid-19-pandemic">Washington, D.C.</a> The guide will release its <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/maps/michelin-bib-gourmand-restaurants-chicago-map-affordable-quality">Chicago Bib Gourmands</a> — which recognize outstanding value — on April 27. Michelin will announce its coveted stars ranking two days later on April 29.</p>
<p id="nCQEgR"><a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2019/9/26/20884236/michelin-restaurants-chicago-stars-2020">The latter date means it will be 578 days</a> since Michelin updated its Chicago star list, a ranking that features 25 restaurants. The guide concedes that pandemic safety measures have forced it to adapt, <a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-michelin-starred-restaurants-chicago-2021-20210415-2fty5bq3o5c6vk6uksfum73uga-story.html">telling the <em>Tribune</em></a> that inspectors came up with rankings based on meals before the pandemic and subsequent summer visits. Michelin has returned to other cities, but with some surprises. <a href="https://london.eater.com/22248179/new-michelin-star-restaurants-london-2021">In London</a>, inspectors awarded a star to <a href="https://london.eater.com/venue/74622/Behind">Behind</a>, a restaurant that had been open for a mere 20 days.</p>
<p id="rHIf31">The world of fine dining has transformed since 2020. The type of fine-dining restaurants that Michelin routinely celebrates have shifted toward carryout, much to the chagrin of many elite chefs who never thought about how intricate tasting menus would translate for at-home consumption. Michelin hasn’t indicated how these pivots will affect inspectors.</p>
<p id="pwZWXO">Three of Chicago’s Michelin-starred restaurants — <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/9/21318600/band-of-bohemia-temporarily-closed-worker-complaints-online">Band of Bohemia</a>, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/6/30/21307710/blackbird-cafe-cancale-closed-chicago-one-off-hospitality-covid-19">Blackbird</a>, and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/6378/everest">Everest</a> — permanently closed. The future of two other Michelin-starred restaurants remains unclear. After offering takeout for a stint, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/entente">Entente</a> has remained closed since the summer. Co-owner Ty Fujimura says he and his partner are still pondering the restaurant’s future. In South Loop, <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/acadia">Acadia</a> remains closed as a defamation lawsuit against chef and owner Ryan McCaskey continues. McCaskey, the subject of a collection of allegations brought forward by his former employees, has maintained he will eventually reopen Acadia, which has been <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/9/23/21440781/acadia-ryan-mccaskey-alleged-retaliatory-harassment-campaign-against-former-worker">closed since June 2020</a>.</p>
<p id="Oq3WpW">Still, other starred restaurants like <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/oriole">Oriole</a> and <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/elske">Elske</a> have remained closed for long periods in a state of hibernation. Elske announced it will reopen on April 22. Oriole is going through a remodel and hasn’t announced a reopening date. Chef Noah Sandoval turned his focus to dough last year in opening <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/pizza-friendly-pizza">Pizza Friendly Pizza</a>, a carryout-focused pizzeria affiliated with legendary concert venue and bar <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/empty-bottle">Empty Bottle</a>. Sandoval’s story, going from fine dining to casual fare, is a good example of how the industry has shifted. </p>
<p id="lzbV72">Once indoor dining returned, customers discovered a new world of mask wearing, plexiglass dividers, QR-coded menus, and fancy ventilation systems. Many chefs pared down their offerings to reduce costs and make things simpler for staff. Chef Curtis Duffy opened <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/66146/ever">Ever</a> last year as an ambitious follow up to <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/grace">Grace</a>, which held three stars before it closed in 2018. The chef, who sports a tattoo of a star on his arm, was determined to create an experience that would impress Michelin inspectors.</p>
<p id="xOOACQ">Beyond Ever as a possible new addition, <a href="https://twitter.com/guysdrinkinbeer/status/1382764360544636934">there is buzz</a> surrounding the Dining Room at Moody Tongue brewing. Band of Bohemia, the world’s first Michelin-starred brewpub, closed over the summer <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/2020/7/9/21318600/band-of-bohemia-temporarily-closed-worker-complaints-online">after a flurry of allegations</a>. It could make sense to add another brewpub as a replacement.</p>
<p id="PlE8mO">Still, many restaurant owners buried under an avalanche of responsibilities — the government <a href="https://www.eater.com/22321575/covid-19-one-year-later-government-response-restaurants-workers-diners">has put them in the position of keeping customers safe</a> — openly wondered about the relevance of accolades like stars and other awards. For instance, Otto Phan — the acclaimed sushi chef behind <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/kyoten">Kyoten</a> in Logan Square — was once obsessed with the “validation” restaurants often receive from earning a star. But the challenges of keeping a business open during a pandemic have shifted his priorities: “You really, really have to refocus,” Phan says, adding that he’s learned to concentrate more on the customer experience.</p>
<p id="VN4NfV">This year, Michelin is pushing customers toward a new smartphone app <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/michelin-guide/id1541129177">on iOS</a> integrating reservations with OpenTable and Resy — leaving out Chicago-based Tock, a heavy hitter in the fine dining world and co-founded by Nick Kokonas of the <a href="https://chicago.eater.com/venue/alinea">Alinea</a> Group. The company’s flagship restaurant in Lincoln Park is the only Chicagon venue with a full three stars from Michelin.</p>
<ul>
<li id="R3FiON">Michelin Guide to honor Chicago restaurants after pandemic-prompted delay. But what will that look like after a year with little dining? [<a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-michelin-starred-restaurants-chicago-2021-20210415-2fty5bq3o5c6vk6uksfum73uga-story.html">Tribune</a>]</li>
<li id="MWq17B">Michelin Is Awarding D.C. Stars Based on Pandemic-Era Dining Next Week [<a href="https://dc.eater.com/2021/4/15/22385607/michelin-dc-restaurants-stars-guide-returns-covid-19-pandemic">Eater D.C.</a>]</li>
<li id="4Wo4DZ">The Responsibility of Saving Restaurants Should Never Have Been Ours [<a href="https://www.eater.com/22321575/covid-19-one-year-later-government-response-restaurants-workers-diners">Eater</a>]</li>
</ul>
<aside id="XRxxC7"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"chicago-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://chicago.eater.com/2021/4/15/22385838/michelin-guide-2022-stars-chicago-restaurants-returnAshok Selvam