Tampa, Fla. (WFLA) – Five Florida restaurants have achieved coveted Michelin star status.
It is an honor that many people recognize as a characteristic of culinary excellence. The selection was announced Thursday evening at a Disney luxury resort in Orlando.
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“Florida has proven to be an international culinary destination, and this year’s selection has proven that three new cities and five restaurants are welcomed by the Michelin Star Family,” said Gwendal Pullennek, international director of the Michelin Guide. “Our anonymous inspector remains pleased with the Florida culinary community and we are celebrating all the chefs and restaurants that have been praised for this year’s selection.”
Tampa Bay restaurants weren’t on the list this year, but some of the winners are only hours away. Below is a list of Florida’s new Michelin Star restaurants.
Two Stars
Solekara (Orlando, Japanese cuisine)
This Baldwin Park restaurant offers tasting menus highlighting the 72 micro-seasons of Japan, and is full of very original dishes, including snack runs at convenience stores and courses designed to mimic “Nigiri”.
“Another hint that this is far from typical is that Sorekara only sits a few nights a week,” the inspector wrote.
One Star
Maas Chef Counter (Fort Lauderdale, contemporary cuisine)
According to a Michelin guide, the chef’s counter is located inside the mass dining room at Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale, offering a unique dining experience packed with French techniques, Japanese ingredients and some highlights from Florida.
“The ingredients are centered around courses such as single shearing diver scallops on top of truffle puree,” the inspector said.
itamae ao (Miami, Peruvian/Japanese cuisine)
In a Michelin guide, Itamaaao is called “the restaurant in the restaurant” and offers a 10-seat counter in midtown, where diners can enjoy Peruvian and Japanese cuisine at a level of burnt sourness and spices.
“From sweet potato gnocchi and lobster bisque to creamy rice with hockaid scallops and Parmesan, the dish has style and substance in spades,” the inspector wrote.
Konro (West Palm Beach, Modern Cuisine)
Konro offers an intimate dining experience set within a complex building in West Palm Beach. Diners can expect bold dishes, including rich, unfilled dishes. The inspector also said that pairing wine “is a necessary one, not just a proposal.”
“The chef’s creativity is on display in dishes such as enoki mushrooms, caramel-crunched fried onions and barley sotto served with golden eggs,” the guide says.
JôntByJônt (Orlando; Contemporary Cuisine)
This winter’s park restaurant resonates with the spirit of DC’s counterparts. It features classic French techniques that were married with pristine Japanese materials and some unique Florida touches.
“While the larger space allows for individual moments at each meal, the three tasting menus run the range from those with well-edited, more affordable, luxurious ingredients,” the inspector said.
Other awards
This year’s selection welcomed two new green stars in Miami, with Entenos and stubborn seeds being recognized for their sustainable cooking efforts. Click here to see the full list of award-winning restaurants.
