Michelin Gossip 2025: The Buzz from California’s Award Ceremony
The esteemed Michelin Guide recently convened its annual awards ceremony in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, shedding light on the culinary brilliance thriving in Northern California. The night of June 25 sparkled with excitement as numerous stars were awarded, highlighting the gastronomic talent of the region. Notably, Enclos in Sonoma and Kiln in San Francisco both celebrated the achievement of earning two Michelin stars each. As always, the event not only honored stellar chefs and their teams but also served as a captivating barometer of industry trends and dining hotspot recommendations for the upcoming year.
The Night Unfolds: Highlights and Insights
Glamorous photos, sharp commentary, and heartfelt toasts filled the air as culinary luminaries gathered. This year, the event was a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the restless whispers among top chefs.
"It’s a team effort," Chef Junsoo Bae from Ssal reflected, as he clutched his star. "A lot of people feel they lost their shine compared to Los Angeles. The new mayor can help get restaurants back on track with better regulation."
Camaraderie and competition permeated the atmosphere.
Chef de Cuisine Joe Hou of Angler remarked, "Of course I want to see Rich Lee of Saison get a second star, but we’re doing good work, and Angler’s a strong restaurant no matter what. Retaining a star is like knowing you’re safe for another year. It’s never guaranteed."
Voices from the Heart of Culinary Artistry
As the night progressed, various chefs shared their mixed emotions.
"The nerves aren’t with us tonight," noted Chef David Fisher from 7 Adams, while Chef Serena Chow Fisher added, "We’re not the new restaurant anymore."
The excitement surged when Chef Brian Limoges of Enclos exclaimed, "I feel nervous, excited!" A true testament to the charged atmosphere!
Guests engaged in playful banter, as one anonymous Michelin-star-holding general manager remarked, "All the people who are here have restaurants that are open." Adding to the ambiance, another quipped nonchalantly, "It’s all very odd."
Gourmet Reflections and Shared Moments
Even amidst celebrations, there were candid moments.
Chef Rich Lee of Saison said, "We all packed in an Uber to come to the ceremony. Everyone’s a little tense at first until people unwind and get a little loose."
Ian Cobb, general manager of Enclos, expressed gratitude, stating, "It’s so good to be amongst all these people. Whatever happens, I’m just grateful to be here."
The heartwarming bonds echoed throughout the evening. Chef Rogelio Garcia of Auro summarized sentiments perfectly: "I’m just happy to be here. I hope everyone gets what they want."
Chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry lightened the mood, offering a fist bump, "We’re happy to be here."
Final Thoughts: The State of California Dining
As the night drew to a close, the humorous and heartfelt exchanges illustrated the intricate tapestry of the culinary scene. Chef Harrison Cheney of Sons and Daughters reflected on the changes his industry faced, "It’s a shame what happened with Osito since he had such a vision."
In the end, it was a night to remember—filled with laughter, anticipation, and behind-the-scenes whispers that remind us that the culinary world is as intricate as the dishes it serves. The Michelin Guide continues to celebrate the artistry and resilience of California’s chefs, cultivating an ever-evolving culinary landscape.
For more on Michelin’s latest updates, check out the Michelin Guide website.
