Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Shari Mason
There is no denying that Thomas Keller of The French Laundry in Yountville, CA, and Per Se in Midtown Manhattan, NY has an eye for perfection.
He has the patience of a saint, the drive to make all the little details right, and the ability to create dishes that are so refined. You feel as if your palate has a religious experience.
That being said, is Thomas Keller a Michelin-star chef? Let’s find out.
Is Chef Thomas Keller a Michelin Star Chef?
Chef Keller has been awarded three stars from the Michelin Guide for his restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se in California.
Michelin Stars are considered the highest accolade in the restaurant industry. It is a rating system for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses [1].
Michelin Stars suggest that the restaurant and Thomas Keller have been reviewed and named among the best.
Being a Michelin Starred Chef is the highest accolade since Michelin Stars set the benchmark for recognizing the best in the restaurant industry and the culinary world.
How Many Michelin Stars Does He Have?
Thomas Keller is one of a handful of chefs worldwide to earn eight Michelin stars for his restaurants.
“If you are a chef, no matter how good a chef you are, it’s not good cooking for yourself; the joy is in cooking for others – it’s the same with music”.
– will. i.am, American Rapper
Thomas Keller is a chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author. In his restaurants, he has combined French cuisine with other influences.
He has been credited with elevating the status of cooking in America. He is also known for his perfectionism and use of seasonal ingredients [2].
Chef Thomas Keller Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The French Laundry
Since 2007, Thomas Keller’s renowned Bay Area restaurant, The French Laundry, has received three Michelin stars.
Per Se
Thomas Keller’s Per Se has held three Michelin stars since 2005.
Bouchon
Like The French Laundry, Bouchon has received a Michelin star in the Bay Area guide for 2007 and has kept it since.
The Surf Club Restaurant
The Surf Club Restaurant by Chef Thomas Keller Received One Star Rating on 27 June 2022, Surfside, Florida, United States.
Why Do His Michelin Stars Make Him Unique?
Thomas Keller is the first American chef to receive consecutive three-star Michelin ratings for two restaurants.
He is one of the most awarded chefs in the world, and The James Beard Foundation has acknowledged him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
FAQs
How did Thomas Keller become a Michelin Star chef?
In 1983, Thomas Keller moved to France and began working at several establishments that had Michelin stars, including Guy Savoy and Taillevent.
What are the awards that Thomas Keller received?
James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant (2005- Per Se)
James Beard Foundation Award for Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America (2000)
James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant (2006- The French Laundry)
James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurateur (2007- The French Laundry)
What does Michelin star mean?
The Michelin Guide is a French publication that rates restaurants from one to three stars based on quality and cuisine.
How many restaurants does Thomas Keller own?
Thomas Keller has eight restaurants: The French Laundry, Bouchon, Bouchon Bakery, ad hoc, La Calenda, Bouchon, Per Se, and Surf Club.
Final Thoughts
Michelin might be a helpful guide to the best restaurants and hotels. But it’s no way to judge a chef as a whole. They tell you where to eat on any given night in an unfamiliar city.
We can focus on chefs with much more exciting things to offer than three-stars or no-stars.
There are now many ways for people to enjoy food and restaurants outside of Michelin, so we can scratch them off our list of critical culinary authorities.
References:
- https://guide.michelin.com/mo/en/article/features/what-is-a-michelin-star
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/stephaniedenning/2018/06/30/the-french-laundry-chef-thomas-kellers-six-success-principles/
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