Chef Sebastian Bras Says “No Thanks” To Coveted Michelin Stars!
Some shocking news from the gourmet restaurant world, as an acclaimed Chef has asked NOT to be judged by the iconic Michelin Guide!
As Newser reports:
“To receive a Michelin star, let alone three, is a coveted honor for most chefs. But Sebastien Bras isn’t most chefs, announcing Wednesday he wants his restaurant, Le Suquet in Laguiole, France, out of the famous guide due to the pressure, the Guardian reports.”
What an amazing restaurant! As you can see, the location is incredible, and inside, Le Suquet has the style of the world’s best restaurants – and is serving that level of food as well…
Still, Chef Bras says the pressure of that “star”system is something he no longer wants any part of…the story goes on to report:
“The three-star chef made his wishes known in a Facebook video, noting “at 46 years old, I want to give a new meaning to my life … and redefine what is essential.” He called his move “a new chapter of my professional life” that will allow him to have “so much passion for the kitchen.”
According to The Guardian:
“A member of the executive committee for Michelin, which says Bras’ request is the first time a chef has opted out without a restaurant undergoing some kind of major overhaul or closing, notes that while “we note and we respect” Bras’ plea, her team is still reviewing it and that doesn’t mean it’s a definite.”
The Guardian also reports another reason for the Chef’s actions:
“Bras, who took over the restaurant from his father, Michel, more than a decade ago, tells AFP he can no longer take reviewers showing up unannounced at any time, usually a few times a year. “I want to feel free without asking myself whether my creations will please the Michelin inspectors,” he says. He adds that the 2003 suicide of French chef Bernard Loiseau, whose restaurant had been rumored to being close to losing its third star, was a factor.”
Acclaimed Chef Bernard Loiseau committed suicide, and one factor may have been the pressure to maintain his three Michelin stars. His widow spoke about the tragedy, and you can read about it here:
It is indeed a tremendous amount of pressure to run a world-class restaurant, and some Chefs simply don’t want to be part of this rating system. However, the Michelin Guide DOES impact a restaurant’s business – in fact, my wife and I managed to eat ten Michelin Stars in seven days in Paris:
Here we are with Chef Alain Passard at his three Michelin star L’Arpege restaurant in Paris. You can see that incredible meal here:
Curious what my Chef friends think about Chef Bras and his decision!
