The prestigious California Michelin Guide–which included a handful of Santa Monica restaurants in its previous edition–will still return in 2021 after being canceled due to the pandemic.
As reported by Eater Los Angeles, the California Michelin Guide will be published in late September after not putting out a guide in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The guide functions off a rating system of one, two or three stars, with only the most prestigious of restaurants achieving the coveted three-star rating. The Michelin guide was first published in 1900 by the tire company as a way to get European travelers to drive and visit their local restaurants. It has turned into a well-known guide book with even a one-star rating being considered a huge accomplishment.
In Santa Monica, Rustic Canyon one star in 2019, with reviewers touting the “perfect harmony” of the restaurant’s “market-inspired menu”.
“The market-inspired menu is proudly crammed with the names of local farmers, reminding guests of the humble ingredients at the base of each sophisticated composition. The kitchen’s versatility and range in talent is clear from the first bite of green beans tossed in shallot vinaigrette with a delectable heap of shaved cheese. Heavily embellished or more ambitious dishes are just as pleasing, and may include the unexpected combination of earthy-sweet beets, grains, and berries all held together in perfect harmony,” reads the review.
The other Santa Monica restaurant to earn a star was Dialogue which is permanently closed amid the pandemic.
Restaurants to earn Michelin’s recommendations in Santa Monica include The Lobster, Cassia, and Lunetta.
