The iconic establishment, famous for its gourmet cuisine, will now strive for a renewed identity with two stars and plans to become more accessible to patrons.
Georges Blanc, the Oldest Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Stripped of Third Star
Georges Blanc, the Oldest Michelin-Starred Restaurant, Stripped of Third Star
The world-renowned Georges Blanc restaurant in France faces a demotion after 44 years of holding three Michelin stars.
In a surprising turn of events, Georges Blanc, the venerable three-Michelin-star restaurant nestled in the picturesque town of Vonnas near Lyon, has lost its prestigious third star. This news, unveiled by French media, sent ripples through the culinary world, as the restaurant, under the stewardship of its celebrated 82-year-old chef, has maintained its stellar reputation since its inception.
Georges Blanc, who has been pivotal in the restaurant’s transformation from a family inn into a gastronomic landmark, was not anticipating the verdict. He conveyed to AFP, “We'll make do with the two stars... maybe we'll be less elitist and a little more accessible.” The restaurant originally received its first Michelin star back in 1929 under the guidance of Élisa Blanc, Georges’ grandmother, and since then, it had consistently retained at least one star.
The torch was passed to Georges in 1964, though he took full control at the youthful age of 25, alongside his mother, Paulette. The coveted third star was granted in 1981, and for over four decades, the restaurant thrived under his expert culinary direction. Now, with the restaurant's current standing, the Michelin Guide's director, Gwendal Poullenec, emphasized the need to align star rankings with the evolving quality of dining experiences across the board.
Despite the setback, Poullenec acknowledged Blanc's monumental contributions to the culinary landscape, commending the restaurant’s evolution into a prestigious culinary destination. Looking ahead, he reassured that the Michelin Guide would continue to monitor the restaurant's journey with the same dedication and rigor as it has in the past.
The Michelin Guide, a renowned rating system that began issuing restaurant reviews in 1900 to promote road travel and tire sales, will celebrate its annual star award ceremony at the end of this month, prompting excitement and speculation within the culinary community.
