Michelin restaurants - worth the hype?

Been to a few with L'Enclume being the standout. As others have mentioned, I don’t do football matches or anything so a couple of big outlays a year I can live with. The 3 hours in L’Enclume were superb value for me with Moor Hall a close 2nd mainly due to the sommelier bolting to the cellar and back with 3 different bottles each course and doing a tasting session to choose the one I liked. Very memorable, and again, value for money. Worst was Northcote due to the sheer number of tables so each course took ages and was so impersonal, but with L’Enclume prices. If you get something from a visit to one, great, but it’s worth doing one once.
 
Generally yes they are worth the hype. Anonymous inspectors come to dine in the restaurant on multiple occasions and apply rigorous standards to the food. It is in my view the most trust worthy system.
 
Definitely worth it IMO, some aren't too expensive if you e.g. get a set menu deal or don't buy any wine. Recently did a 2* in a 12th century tower in Florence, only 7 covers and boy what an experience (7 course but it ended up being 10 courses, with wine pairing)! So many husband points gained. My wife has previously got a good deal on Groupon at Galvin La Chapelle (1*).
 
taB said:
Generally yes. However, read this this morning: https://everywhereist.com/2021/12/b...t-the-worst-michelin-starred-restaurant-ever/
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That's brilliant. And exactly the sort-of thing that gets bandied around and somehow (for the uninitiated perhaps?) tars all "fine dining" with the same brush!

This made me laugh, you can imagine it;
“What are we having for the main?” she inquired.

His face blanched.

“The… main, madame? Um… we’re about to move on to dessert.”
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lol :D
 
Yeah it's a funny read. I've certainly not come away hungry, was rather full most of the time, after my experiences.
I thought the foam food trend would have died by now but seems some still annoyingly are trying to keep it going.
 
I went to Above Hide (1 star) in London a few months ago. 3 course lunch for about £50 per person. Food was excellent and the portions were massive. I had the Salmon for a main and in awe at the size of the salmon on the plate. At most fine dining places they give you a sliver of fish but not here.

Worst Michelin star restaurant I've been to was Northcote in Lancashire. Service was mediocre, and portions were tiny. One course was literally a single prawn in a bit of sauce. It was a nice prawn but **** me, a single ***kin prawn... it wasn't even that big.

Best restaurant I've ever been to was Robuchon au Dome at the top of the Grand Lisboa casino in Macau. It had 3 stars and I definitely deserved them, if not more. Service was unparalleled and the food was spectacular. The experience still sticks with me to this day. If you ever find yourself in Asia I would always recommend going even if its out the way. Prices at night are astronomical as it caters to the high rollers in the casino, but if you go for lunch it ridiculously good value. 4 "big" courses with about 10 difference types of bread, appetisers, in-between courses, and petit fours come to about £100p!!!!
 
I've only been to a few but the experiences at all have been outstanding.

Northcote and Trishna over here and Borkonyha Winekitchen in Budapest. We did Trishna's lunch menu which was like £30 a head at the time iirc and we did a full tasting menu at Borkonyha, with exchange rates it wasn't much more than £40 quid a head there either.
 
Baldbloke said:
1 - So, Michelin restaurants? Ever used one?
2 - Was the food good?
3 - Was there enough food on your plate or did you feel less than happy with the portions?
4 - Did you baulk when you got the bill?
5 - Rip off?
6 - Worth it?
7 - Afterwards, did you just wish you'd got a kebab from the local takeaway instead?
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1 - Yep. Numerous, probably 30 or so different restaurants around the world. We usually go to 3 or 4 starred restaurants a year and have revisited quite a few on several occasions.
2 - Generally, yes. Some things haven't been to my taste (for example. I hate mackerel) but I've never had anything even approaching bad food. Me not enjoying a mackerel dish (which I wouldn't order, but if it's part of a tasting menu then there's no choice) isn't down to the food not being good.
3 - Yep. Portions can be small if you're going for a tasting menu but with multiple courses and the food often being rich I'm yet to leave one hungry. And I say that as a fat git.
4 - Nope. I know what the prices are before I make a reservation so any bill shock would be my own fault. I've never baulked at the bill and on several occasions have felt the meal was under priced.
5 - Nope.
6 - Yep. It's something that my partner and I enjoy a lot.
7 - Nope. That doesn't mean I don't like a kebab. My father in law seems to think we only eat at starred restaurants so is surprised when I mention that I've been to the pie and mash shop.

Fine dining, or whatever term you choose to use isn't for everyone. Personally, I'm a big fan.
 
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