Virginia Left Out of Upcoming Michelin Guide

A busy kitchen in a Virginia restaurant with chefs preparing local dishes.

News Summary

Richmond, Virginia, was recently informed that it will not be featured in the upcoming Michelin guide spotlighting Southern restaurants due to the high costs involved. Virginia Tourism Corporation’s decision to forgo the hefty $360,000 fee is stirring discussions on the balance between promoting local culinary talent and managing public funds. While Virginia’s restaurants will still be inspected by Michelin, food enthusiasts are left wondering what the future holds for the state’s culinary recognition.

Virginia Left Out of the Michelin Fun!

Richmond, Virginia – It’s been officially announced that Virginia will not be included in the upcoming Michelin guide spotlighting Southern restaurants! That’s right, while other Southern states like Florida and Alabama are rolling out the red carpet for Michelin, Virginia will be watching from the sidelines this time around.

What’s the Deal?

So what happened? Well, the Virginia Tourism Corporation needed to fork over a whopping $360,000 to be featured in this sought-after guide. However, after weighing the costs, officials deemed it unmanageable, especially when considering their responsibility to play nice with taxpayer dollars. The decision certainly left room for debate about the balance between showcasing local culinary talent and being prudent with public funds.

How Significant Is the Michelin Star?

For those who might not be in the loop, Michelin stars are like gold medals in the restaurant world. They are highly coveted honors that have been awarded in the U.S. since 2005. A restaurant can earn one star for being very good, two stars for excellent cooking that’s worth a detour, and three stars for exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.

What About Virginia’s Restaurants?

The good news, however, is that even though the state won’t be in the spotlight, several noteworthy restaurants in Virginia will still be subject to inspections by Michelin inspectors. This means the quality of dining won’t go unnoticed, even if the state itself doesn’t get that shiny Michelin mention!

Keeping Things Unique

The New Michelin Guide: American South

“Michelin Guide: American South,” which will encompass a list of states that includes Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and an already-existing guide covering Atlanta. This new edition marks the first regional selection for Michelin since it made its North American debut almost two decades ago!

The Culinary Heritage

diverse culinary heritage. It’s an exciting time for Southern cuisine, and it’s clear that the spotlight is moving down south, leaving Virginia waiting in the wings.

What’s Next for Virginia?

Final Thoughts

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER

WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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