Join us as we delve into the excitement surrounding the prestigious Michelin Star ceremony and explore the star-studded world of Florida's finest flavors

By: Steve Turk

As the Sunshine State prepares for a night of gastronomic brilliance, The Hospitality Mentor team eagerly anticipates attending the 2023 Michelin Guide ceremony for Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. The event, taking place on May 11th at 6 p.m. at Miami's LoanDepot Park, is an exclusive, invitation-only affair celebrating the accomplishments of Florida's most talented chefs and restaurant teams.

This year, the Michelin inspectors have identified a total of 11 new additions to the guide – eight in Orlando and three in Tampa. Currently listed as "New" on guide.michelin.com and the Michelin Guide app, these establishments offer food lovers a tantalizing preview before the full selection is unveiled on the night of the ceremony.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, commends Florida's restaurant teams for consistently serving up exceptional cuisine that impresses both the inspectors and food enthusiasts alike. As the world's foremost authority on fine dining, the Michelin Guide showcases the very best of Florida's culinary scene, inviting gourmets and travelers to embark on a delicious journey across the state.

The Michelin Guide awards one, two, or three stars to restaurants that meet its stringent criteria for quality, creativity, and consistency. One star signifies "a very good restaurant," while two stars denote "excellent cooking that is worth a detour." The coveted three-star rating is reserved for "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey." For the establishments that received stars last year, retaining their Michelin star status will be no easy task, but it is a challenge that Florida's talented chefs are prepared to face head-on.

In addition to the prestigious Michelin stars, the ceremony will also recognize restaurants that have earned the Bib Gourmand – an accolade given to select eateries offering good quality food for good value – and the Michelin Green Star, which honors those at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy. Other professional awards and recommended restaurants will be highlighted by the Michelin Guide inspectors as well.

The Michelin Guide, with its origins as a practical guide for French motorists, has evolved over the past century into an international benchmark for fine dining. Today, anonymous Michelin inspectors apply the same rigorous selection criteria across more than 40 destinations worldwide, ensuring a consistent standard of excellence.

As the 2023 Florida Michelin Star ceremony approaches, The Hospitality Mentor team looks forward to witnessing the culinary triumphs and experiencing the passion and dedication of Florida's finest chefs. One thing is certain: the evening promises to be a dazzling display of the Sunshine State's gastronomic talent.

Stay tuned, Florida, and let the countdown to culinary greatness begin!