WFCN –
The 2024 California Michelin Guide was revealed this week, and two San Diego restaurants were demoted while none were awarded new stars.
In light of the local food scene’s meteoric rise to national prominence, the rejection by the esteemed reviewer comes as a devastating blow.
In particular, the Old Town sushi joint Sushi Tadokoro has been underwhelming since 2021.
Solare Ristorante, located in Liberty Station, was dethroned from the Bib Gourmand designation, bestowed for eateries that offer “good food at reasonable prices.”
The other four Michelin-starred restaurants in the county—Carmel Valley’s Addison, Carlsbad’s Jeune et Jolie, University Heights’ Soichi Sushi, and Oceanside’s Valle—maintained their accreditations.
At Monday’s celebration in Half Moon Bay, the state’s restaurants that gained, kept, or lost stars were announced. This event drove the news.
Seven new restaurants in California have been awarded Michelin stars; among them are locations in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
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The reason behind Sushi Tadokoro and Solare’s demotion is unknown, but one unnamed inspector from Michelin explained to the Union-Tribune why the restaurant lost its stars and other accolades.
According to the U-T, restaurants undergo annual confidential re-evaluations that take into account the following criteria: consistency across the menu and between visits, personality of the chef, harmony of flavors, mastery of culinary methods, and quality of ingredients.
“If a restaurant’s culinary standards are observed to no longer be aligned with its current distinction, this could impact their retention the following year,” the U-T was informed.
“In reference to Solare, Bib Gourmands are awarded for good quality and good value and if neither of those meet (the standards), the restaurant is no longer valid for the distinction.”
Of the 29 restaurants in the area, nine have received the Bib Gourmand award, and Ambrogio by Acquerello is the most recent addition to the list.
Just across the border in Tijuana, you’ll find Carmelita Molino y Cocina, one of the first Mexican restaurants to be recognized by the Michelin Guide.
What makes it intriguing: posh restaurant Only Addison in all of Southern California has earned the guide’s top accolade—three stars—for its cuisine. It’s one of thirteen in the United States and one of just six in the state.
The Bocuse d’Or, often referred to as the “most rigorous culinary competition” in the world, was recently won by Stefani de Palma, a former chef at Addison.