Chicago's food industry celebrated notable triumphs this week with the Michelin Guide's announcement of the 2023 star rankings for the city's restaurants. The highlights included the elevation of Smyth to a distinguished three-star rating and the addition of the city's first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Contrary to usual Michelin traditions, the stars for Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. were announced in a combined ceremony in New York City on November 8.
As indicated by Eater Chicago, Smyth, a brave tasting menu venue in Fulton Market, has patiently waited years to receive its third Michelin star. Founded in 2016, chefs John and Karen Urie Shields got their first star in that same year, and they were granted their second in 2017. Smyth is the only other three-star Michelin restaurant in Chicago besides Grant Achatz's Alinea. John Shields expressed his gratitude during his heartfelt acceptance speech.
In this year's list, debuted two new Michelin-starred eateries: Atelier and Indienne. As reported by Bon Appétit, Atelier gained a one-star rating, making it the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago with a Black chef, Christian Hunter, in charge. Additionally, Indienne, a modern Indian restaurant, became the latest one-star rating recipient, giving Chicago its first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant.
Michelin also introduced the Green Star this year, alongside their traditional star ratings, which acknowledges eco-friendly restaurants. Daisies, a Midwest-Italian restaurant in Logan Square, won this award, joining 28 other North American restaurants with this prestigious title. Eater Chicago reported Daisies' sustainable initiatives, including a produce preservation program to limit waste and a compost program to help fertilize their farm's soil.
The Michelin Guide also added five new Chicago restaurants to their Bib Gourmand list, which acknowledges affordable, less formal dining venues. The additions include Boonie's (the city's first Filipino Bib Gourmand), Cellar Door Provisions, Pompette, Union, and Yao Yao.
Besides star ratings and Bib Gourmands, Michelin also grants special awards for various aspects of the restaurant industry. According to Bon Appétit, this year's awardees include Josh Perlman of Giant for Outstanding Service, Monica Casillas-Rios of Elske for Exceptional Cocktails, and Sepia's Alex Ring for the Sommelier Award. Christian Hunter of Atelier won the Young Chef Award.
While Michelin has respected its traditional practices, it has recently adopted a more dynamic engagement style with its award events by including teasers, rolling announcements, and extensive events such as the recent joint ceremony in New York. This marks a shift in the Michelin Guide's traditional spring award announcements for Chicago, all while keeping anticipation high in the gastronomy world. With restaurants like Atelier and Indienne earning recognition, and Smyth achieving a three-star status, Chicago continues to display its vibrant and diverse cuisine across the Michelin Guide rankings.
