The scene: I was in South Beach for the Wine & Food Festival, seated at table #3 at the Ferran Adria Tribute Dinner. While waiting for the parade of courses to begin, I heard about Naret’s twelve. No, not the French version of the heist film. Naret would be Monsieur Jean-Luc, Le Directeur of Le Guide Michelin. Remember him? It’s been a while. He was scheduled to introduce the super-star chefs assembled to cook for the number-one superstar chef, but Jackie Weiss, director of marketing for Michelin North America, spoke in his stead. She said Jean-Luc is in France. Then I heard that the tireman would be releasing twelve US guidebooks. While Bourdain entertained us masses and introduced the toques, I started making silent calculations.
We know California is next, but it’s unclear if the rumored Los Angeles/San Francisco* combo book counts as one city, or two.
If I were a betting woman, I’d say the sure-bet cities for stars are Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. That’s seven or eight, depending on the California thing.
Wildcards with potential are Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans, and Seattle.
And is it a bakers dozen of twelve plus NYC - for a grand total of thirteen? All this guessing is a bit tiring, non? Why not just tell us?
Once back in Gotham, I called up Michelin HQ to see what could be confirmed. Mais non! Madame Weiss "never said that.” I guess my entire table was hearing things.
*Note that my sources say it’s practically a requirement that the cities have a three-star spot, thus justifying the Guide’s presence. Obviously Thomas Keller gets three at the French Laundry in SF. LA? Hmm… thoughts?
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