We did this for Bauer’s Top 100, and we’ll do the same for Michelin — because every list has a certain degree of subjectivity involved, no matter how authoritative and objective it purports to be. And so it is without further ado that we name the restaurants where we’ve had consistently good experiences — and Michelin, as Naret repeats often, is all about consistency — and which we feel have been snubbed by the venerable French guide’s inspectors.
Boon Eat + Drink (Guerneville) - Since Michelin likes to be thorough in its travels around the area, and included Applewood in Guerneville this year, we’d recommend they take a closer look at the relatively new Boon. It’s at least deserving of Bib Gourmand status, but we’d go so far as to say that chef-owner Crista Luedtke is producing fresh, delicious food with local ingredients at the one-star level, consistent with Applewood up the road.
Camino (Oakland) - We know a lot of chefs who love this place, and Russell Moore consistently turns out such deceptively simple, seasonal, and delightful stuff. Yes, it got a Bib Gourmand nod this year, but we think it deserves better.
Canteen - Consistently one of our favorite dining experiences in S.F., and consistently snubbed by Michelin. What gives?
Dopo (Oakland) - Adored by Zagat, this Oakland Italian restaurant has ever so consistently amazed us with its focused menu, bright flavors, and spot-on execution. And we’re surprised sister salumi joint Adesso didn’t make the Bib Gourmand list either.
Prospect - It may be too new (though not technically for Michelin’s cutoff of August 1), but we’re truly surprised that the consistent technique and imagination of executive chef Ravi Kapur and mentors Nancy Oakes and Pam Mazzola (of Boulevard fame) didn’t earn recognition in its first couple of months out of the gate. We’re pretty sure Bauer and Patti U. would agree with us on this one.
Michelin 2011 Guide Released: Meadowood Rises to Three Stars, Chez Panisse Dissed [Grub Street]
