San Antonio Eagerly Awaits First Michelin Star Reveal for Texas Restaurants

San Antonio Buzzing Over Michelin Star Speculation

San Antonio, the heart of Texas, is buzzing with excitement as the big reveal of the first-ever Michelin Restaurant Guide for the Lone Star State looms just around the corner. This momentous occasion has captured the attention of foodies and casual diners alike, with conversations erupting across social platforms. A particular chatter starter has been a user named BeanNCheezRUs who kicked off a lively discussion on Reddit’s r/sanantonio about which restaurant in the Alamo City deserves that coveted Michelin Star.

A Star-Studded Conversation

The question was simple yet intriguing: “Which San Antonio restaurant would you give a star to?” Since this post went live on a Friday morning, it has racked up over 200 comments, showcasing a mix of tongue-in-cheek recommendations and more serious contenders. Some users threw in their nostalgic favorites like Fred’s Fish Fry, with one commenter jokingly pointing out that while it’s a beloved local spot, it probably doesn’t fit the Michelin mold of upscale dining.

Others chimed in with low-cost gems such as Palapas, Bill Miller, and Pollos Asados Los Norteños. Although a Michelin accolade for one of these hearty favorites would certainly delight many, it’s widely understood that Michelin tends to look for finer dining experiences—think ambient lighting and meticulously curated menus.

Top Contenders for the Coveted Star

As the conversation progressed, many users pointed towards a rising star in the dining scene: Mixtli in Southtown. This unique eatery offers diners a culinary tour through Mexican gastronomy, a concept that definitely tickles the fancy of Michelin judges. A recent review from a Texas Monthly food writer awarded Mixtli an impressive five out of five stars, praising the head chefs for crafting “magic” in their cozy kitchen. With a price tag of around $165 per patron, many Reddit users believe that Mixtli is a slam dunk for at least one Michelin star—if not more.

Other notable mentions in the discussion include esteemed local restaurants like Leche de Tigre, Clementine, Mon Chou Chou, and Bliss. User Dangerous_Ear_2722 humorously suggested that the real contender for a Michelin star would be “my abuelas’ house,” reminding everyone that sometimes, comfort food at home is the finest of all.

Historic Michelin Moment Ahead

The excitement builds as the 2024 Michelin Restaurant Texas Guide is set to be unveiled this Monday in Houston. This will be a historic moment, marking the first-time Texas gets its own guide from Michelin, which has been dishing out culinary accolades since 1889. The origin of the guide traces back to a French tire company looking to boost car and tire sales by encouraging road trips and dining out—quite the clever marketing strategy!

Restaurants can be awarded up to three stars, with each star representing a different level of dining excellence. There are currently more than 1,500 restaurants in the U.S. sporting at least one Michelin star, while only 13 have achieved the holy grail of three stars. With this new guide, the Michelin team will bring their famous anonymous judging approach to shine a light on Texas culinary talent.

The Pressure of the Star

Yet, the Michelin guide hasn’t been without its controversies. Pieces critiquing the guide have pointed out that many restaurants which earn stars often face immense pressure to maintain that status. Critics also argue that Michelin favors multi-course, elaborate menus, raising concerns about the human costs involved in fine dining to uphold these standards.

One Reddit user aptly noted that Texas barbecue joints, widely beloved across the state, might struggle to earn a star, humorously declaring, “If the meal actually requires the use of napkins (e.g., BBQ), there’s zero chance of the restaurant getting a star.”

As the anticipation intensifies and the reveal draws near, San Antonio food enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting who will take home the first Michelin stars in Texas. Ready or not, the culinary spotlight is about to shine bright on the Alamo City!