Food & Sens gathered reactions from three chefs downgraded in the latest Michelin guide edition, expressed publicly on their respective social media. Some gracefully accept it while others voice grievances. Michelin certainly doesn't spare anyone.
The opinion
Not even Erich Westermann, heir to the legendary Buerehiesel, was spared by the red guide, which stripped him of his last star (in 1994 there were three, then founder Antoine gave them up in 2007, and his son Eric regained only one in 2008 with a more popular formula). "The news was communicated to me at 5:30 PM, and I must admit it surprised me," he declares to Food&Sens.
"Michelin stars represent a game in which you are called to participate, without asking for consent or communicating rules, rather obscure. However, for some time now, the only guide that interests me is the customer. Their gaze, their smile and that of their loved ones, of the generations gathered, the expression of shared moments and flavors. I don't hide it, it's the spirit of the house and the team. Our compass is to satisfy customers, creating a moment of sweetness and sharing. Their loyalty is our guarantee of quality, a permanent invitation to creativity and excellence. I trust our customers and I see stars shining in their eyes."
Carole and Pascal from Auberge au Cheval Blanc in Lembach were demoted from two to one Michelin star. The announcement came over the phone, just after they got off the ski slopes, but it was immediately spread without leaving time to delicately communicate the news to the staff. "After the feelings of injustice and sadness, here comes resilience. That's life! The second star was assigned to us without explanation in 2015, the rules of the game are unknown, so you can also lose, like today. We will continue to believe in ourselves and our team, which has never been so united and motivated. We will continue to make our guests happy, who reward us every day with their smiles. We feel we have given our best, but perfection is not of this world."
Finally, René and Maxime Meilleur from La Bouitte, demoted from three to two stars: "As is our custom, the entire Meilleur family is already working to regain the thrill of the third star and offer the best of ourselves. Our passion is intact. Our vision always turned towards you, faithful guests, producers, and artisans who are the soul of our Bouitte."
