California is undoubtedly the scene of incredible gastronomic experiences. Of its thousands of culinary establishments, 89 can boast at least one Michelin star.
However, the big winner in the area is the Bay Area, which is home to the only six three-star establishments in the entire Golden State.
According to the latest Michelin guide - originally conceived as a little red guide to encourage more motorists to take to the road and enjoy the establishments on their journey and now an institution in terms of gastronomic reviews - the Bay Area is a must-see for discerning foodies.
The Michelin Guide conveys its restaurant reviews through brief two- or three-line summaries and an extensive system of symbols, the most important of which are its world-renowned stars.
Restaurants can receive zero to three stars for the quality of their food based on five criteria: quality of ingredients used, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, chef's personality in the kitchen, value for money and consistency between visits.
The Michelin Star is coveted by many chefs, but awarded to a few for excellence. Getting one or three of these badges can change the fate of a restaurant.
Thus, the guide awards one star for high quality cuisine that is worth the effort; two for excellent cuisine that is worth going out of your way for; and 3 for exceptional cuisine that is well worth a special trip.
Thus, the Bay Area, comprising the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma, is undoubtedly a culinary experience, and while it is true that they are not cheap, it is worth making a sacrifice to indulge in their exquisite flavors.
Here we list the big six with three Michelin stars.
1.- Manresa
Located at 320 Village Ln. in Los Gatos, a city in Santa Clara County, it offers its diners contemporary food.
According to the guide itself, it may have the reputation of being one of the Bay Area's best-regarded restaurants, " Manresa is cozy, distinctively elegant and extraordinarily hospitable for a fine dining operation."
Chef David Kinch works with some of the region's most revered growers, as the restaurant is committed to sustainable gastronomy and maintains close relationships with farms and fishermen, as well as artisans to provide the best products.
"The food is at once thoughtful and luxurious, approachable and utterly delicious. Each dish is likely to represent a moment within a season," the guide celebrates.
2.- Benu
This contemporary Asian restaurant is located at 22 Hawthorne St. in San Francisco, and according to Michelin, "is an oasis in the heart of the city."
He emphasizes that the obligatory stroll through the courtyard not only sets the mood, but also offers a taste of the food to come.
He also stresses that the service is "impressively warm and relaxed", while patience seems to define the cuisine of this restaurant in its relentless pursuit of excellence, whether perfecting technique or waiting for the right moment to serve an ingredient at its peak.
Chef Corey Lee, who heads Benu, became the first in San Francisco to receive three stars from the Michelin Guide, and the first Korean chef to earn that accolade.
3.- Fifteen
San Francisco is also home to this contemporary food restaurant. It is located at 470 Pacific Ave. and within the historic area.
According to the Michelin Guide, it is no wonder that this is where tourists and wealthy locals celebrate their special dates.
"There was a time when Fifteen was the home of traditional cuisine, but chef Michael Tusk's menu is increasingly contemporary," he stresses.
The venison in batter with vegetable crumbs and enriched with mashed potatoes, quince jelly and chestnuts makes it one of the dishes not to be missed, he emphasizes.
At 3127 Fillmore St., in San Francisco, you can find this contemporary French restaurant by accomplished chef Dominique Crenn.
"Guests rightly expect an exciting meal inside his unique atelier, replete with brilliant combinations, a keen understanding of flavors and an impeccable sense of grace. Another unique hallmark of dining here is the deeply hospitable and exemplary staff," the guide notes.
The prestigious Atelier has the hands of the renowned and talented pastry chef Juan Contreras, who is also a partner of the place. A Mexican born in Tijuana who has marked the Bay Area with his flavors. Besides, in Creen's own words, he is his professional soul mate.
The restaurant opened in 2011 with only eight tables. The first Michelin star would come that same year and the rest is history. Dominique Crenn is the first woman chef to achieve the longed-for three Michelin stars.
This restaurant at 6640 Washington St., Yountville, in Napa County, is prized for its excellent contemporary French food, but lately, it was famous for the scandal that emerged in late 2020 involving Governor Gavin Newsom in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other than that, the place is spectacular, as is the food. Over 20 years old and at the top of every foodie's wish list, Thomas Keller's legendary destination still hasn't missed a beat.
"The kitchen, staff and state-of-the-art cooking integrated with the chef's renowned sense of purpose and functionality remain at their peak. In fact, this may be known as the best cooking space in America, as every aspect is carefully determined, from the counter height to the flowing lines of the ceiling. It is a meeting point of past, present and future," says the Michelin Guide.
Chef Keller, the venue's director, continues to combine classic French techniques with fresh ingredients in a setting that is a perfect storm of greatness: "We should all be so lucky to get a reservation here. Theirs is a menu that pays homage to the seasons and highlights products from boutique purveyors."
6.- SingleThread
Last but not least is this restaurant at 131 North St. in Healdsburg, Sonoma County, which is dedicated to contemporary California food.
Trained in Japan, chef Kyle Connaughton adheres to the philosophy of omotenashi, or anticipating guests' every need, which is why the guidebook warns the place as "excellent."
"The menu is closely tailored to each micro-season in Sonoma County, thanks to the generosity provided by farmer and co-owner, Katina Connaughton."
Michelin adds that the service and wine selection are matched by its thoughtful food and décor, to the point where guests will never want to leave. For them, there is an on-site inn where a delicious breakfast awaits the next day.
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