Michelin Man-hattan

Gothamist is pretty excited that Michelin will be reviewing NYC restaurants, because we love strange, pudgy, benign seeming characters. However, we were wondering how Michelin, a tire company whose guides have become as essential as AAA guides (like an indie rock band, Michelin is "huge in Europe") with the stature of Zagat, would work in our less driver-centric city. Luckily, the NY Times article filled us in:

The star system retains Michelin's link to car travel: restaurants that are "a good place to stop" receive one star. Those worth "a detour" are given two, and those worthy of a "special journey" are awarded three. There are five levels to show luxury in restaurants, represented by crossed spoons and forks. A symbol, "Bib Gourmand," is for good value.

Okay, folks at Michelin, here's some free Gothamist Consulting advice for your 2007 edition: One star should be "Use your Metrocard"; two stars - "Take a taxi"; and three stars "Get a Lincoln Town car - it's night-on-the-town time!"

Have you used a Michelin guide? Here's the Via Michelin guides website. And the Michelin Man went to The Gates!

Photo of Michelin Man at The Gates from the AP

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Food on February 24, 2005 2:06 PM

Comments [rss]

Jay

Just hot, just swift, just hard - my love! free amateur sex videos + tape horny girls wait for you!

BrianVan

I'm speechless with gratitude. Thank you. I've worked hard to be the "sac de douche" I am today. I'm honored by your recognition. I feel as if I were a restaurant given three stars by a tire company.

Iggy

I love Michelin guides, I've used several of them and would never buy another Zagat's guide if there was a Michelin guide available.

grenouille

Brian Van est un sac de douche.

Hilton

Oh, a Ghostbusters visual reference. How retro...

Emily

Poor Michelin Man. No one knows his name- it's Bibendum.

james

HEY I JUST BLEW A TIRE AT DRIVING OVER ONE OF THE GATES. MICHELIN MAN, GIVE ME FREE ONE PLEASE

Fat Al

The French Michelin red guide is absolutely great. It is incredibly accurate and useful, and really puts Zagat to shame (though they have completely different data sources -- Michelin is not a survey). The Michelin red guides for other countries are not quite as solid, so it will be very interesting to see how they do with a tough and constantly changing restaurant town like NYC.

MT

Does this mean NYC chefs are going to kill themselves if they don't get stars too? Can they review Todd English and Rocco Despirito first?!?!

Dirk

I think the Michelin Man and Mr. Softee and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man are related. Either that, or they're in the same gang...

BrianVan

Ptoooey! Keep those Froggies out of our fair city! We'll have none of their surrendering commie shiz-nit going on here! Go America!

(yeah, like I know what I'm talking about)

jenny

for as much as they are encouraging driving, they have them for European cities such as London and Paris that also rely on public transportation. go figure.

chimpie

I've never seen the michelin guide, but this michelin man seems like a benevolent, pleasant being. I welcome the michelin man, but will wait to read his books before jumping to conclusions.