Georges Blanc, a venerable figure in French cuisine, vows to adapt and make the restaurant more accessible as they proceed with two stars.
World's Oldest Michelin-Starred Restaurant Faces Downgrade
World's Oldest Michelin-Starred Restaurant Faces Downgrade
The historic Georges Blanc restaurant in France has lost its third Michelin star after 44 years, signaling a shift in its prestigious standing.
In a surprising turn, the world’s oldest Michelin-starred restaurant, Georges Blanc, has officially lost its third Michelin star, according to recent reports from French media. Located in Vonnas, just outside Lyon, the restaurant has been a staple in the culinary world since receiving its first star in 1929 under the stewardship of Georges' grandmother, Élisa Blanc.
At 82, Chef Georges Blanc expressed his astonishment at the downgrade, stating, "We weren't expecting it," but acknowledged that they would adapt by continuing operations with two stars. The chef noted, "maybe we'll be less elitist and a little more accessible," highlighting a shift towards inclusivity in fine dining.
Blanc acquired the restaurant in 1964 alongside his mother, Paulette, and eventually took sole command by the age of 25. He celebrated the achievement of a third star in 1981, maintaining that status for over four decades until this recent change. Gwendal Poullenec, director of the Michelin Guide, affirmed that the decision reflects a re-evaluation of the restaurant's quality, praising Blanc's leadership in transforming the culinary inn into a significant gastronomic destination.
Michelin, originally a tire manufacturer, began publishing its renowned dining guide in 1900 to encourage road travel, subsequently developing the coveted star rating in 1926. The annual award ceremony for Michelin stars is set to take place at the end of this month, marking a pivotal moment for culinary excellence in France.
At 82, Chef Georges Blanc expressed his astonishment at the downgrade, stating, "We weren't expecting it," but acknowledged that they would adapt by continuing operations with two stars. The chef noted, "maybe we'll be less elitist and a little more accessible," highlighting a shift towards inclusivity in fine dining.
Blanc acquired the restaurant in 1964 alongside his mother, Paulette, and eventually took sole command by the age of 25. He celebrated the achievement of a third star in 1981, maintaining that status for over four decades until this recent change. Gwendal Poullenec, director of the Michelin Guide, affirmed that the decision reflects a re-evaluation of the restaurant's quality, praising Blanc's leadership in transforming the culinary inn into a significant gastronomic destination.
Michelin, originally a tire manufacturer, began publishing its renowned dining guide in 1900 to encourage road travel, subsequently developing the coveted star rating in 1926. The annual award ceremony for Michelin stars is set to take place at the end of this month, marking a pivotal moment for culinary excellence in France.
