Most chefs are happy that the initiatives are not included in the assessment. Does that have to do with Michelin’s judgment being so important to them? “Top restaurants have really wondered: ‘Do we have to deliver at home? Is that quality at home on your plate really worthy of star?”, Says reviewer Van Dijk. “But then it is all the more clever that they did it anyway.” Chef Van Dobben acknowledges this. “Our takeaway menu is not comparable to the whole restaurant experience.”
Well crown-effect
Even though, among other things, the take away was not included in the assessment, the corona pandemic did have an effect on the guide. For example, Michelin announced in October that it would postpone the ceremony for two months, partly to give inspectors more time to complete their work. However, the restaurants closed again a few days after this announcement. “Those restaurants have barely been open, how can they judge in such a short time?” Caron wonders. “I think it’s weird.”
According to chief Bijdendijk, more stars could have been awarded if the inspectors had had more time. “If they could have inspected after October, they might have discovered more restaurants with a higher rating.”
‘Not counted last year’
Blaauw also thinks that more time was needed for the inspectors. “I actually think that last year is not counted by Michelin. The inspectors mainly looked at the things that happened before this year. Just look at chef Hans van Wolde – whose restaurant Brut172 has been open for one year and received two stars today. He has already made a name for himself with his previous Michelin star restaurant Beluga in Maastricht, so they know he can handle stars and keep them. ”
Next year, the guide will only really be a challenge for Michelin, says Bijdendijk. “Time has really been lost in recent months. No idea how they are going to solve that.”
It could be that the take away will count next year, chef Margo Reuten thinks. “This is the new business. This will not go away. It depends on what Michelin wants, but I wouldn’t be surprised.”
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