The Chabot Space & Science Center plays host to a myriad of visitors everyday wowing guests with their three telescopes on their observatory deck (in addition to displaying a 3.3 billion-year-old moon rock), but earlier this week, the Oakland staple was focused on a different type of star. The 2023 MICHELIN Guide California Ceremony saw chefs collect their Stars under the stars in grand style.
Arriving in electric driven elegance thanks to Lucid Motors, chefs including Dominique Crenn, Thomas Keller, and Val Cantu livened up a room filled with illustrious names from across the Golden State. After pictures and posing with Bibendum—we're looking at you chef Brandon Hayato Go of Two MICHELIN Star Hayato—it was time for everyone to take in the amazing bites and drinks on offer. Sipping on Basil Hayden cocktails, Eira still and sparkling water, Kally's non-alcoholic offerings, Nordes gin cocktails, and champagne, white wine, and sake from Wine Access, the evening's libations provided the perfect punctuation (and kick) to get things festive. However, it was Rémy Martin's ingenious Tercet and sorbet setup and Petrossian's Bibendum topped caviar bar that had guests including Curtis Stone, Jon Yao, and Mattia Agazzi nibbling and savoring the moment before the awards.
A timeline of the MICHELIN Guide illuminated the Chabot's auditorium displaying the heritage, history, and legacy of the Guide twinkling amongst the constellations. As chefs including Kyle and Katina Connaughton of SingleThread, Rogelio Garcia of Auro, and Josiah Citrin of Citrin and Mélisse took their seats it was time for the ceremony to begin. Emcee Liam Mayclem host of Eye of the Bay on local news network CBS 5 was joined by Visit Oakland CEO Peter Gamez to start the evening off on a bright note.
Visit California's Erika DiProfio joined them to introduce the state, its culinary contributions and significance, and to congratulate all the talent in the room before the Special Awards were given. Cheryl Riley of Rémy Martin presented chef Harrison Cheney of One MICHELIN Star Sons & Daughters the Young Chef award, Bobby Fletcher of Basil Hayden toasted Exceptional Cocktail award winner Austin Hennelly of One MICHELIN Star Kato, Joe Fisch of Wine Access raised a glass to Sommelier of the Year John Haffey of One MICHELIN Star Aubergine, and Mayclem presented John Schafer of SingleThread this year's Service Award.
Afterwards, it was about celebrating California's newest Green Stars committed to furthering sustainable and green gastronomy practices. After the new and returning One, Two, and Three MICHELIN Stars were doled out, it was time for everyone to head to the afterparty presented by Capital One Dining.
A quick hop, skip, and drive over the Bay Bridge and it was all about fun and tasty bites at newly crowned One MICHELIN Star Nari. Holding court over the evening was chef / owner Pim Techamuanvivit who despite that evening's success, was still working with her kitchen and serving guests. Enjoying the surroundings were One MICHELIN Star The Shota's chef / owner Ingi Son, Daisy Ryan of One MICHELIN Star Bell's, and Michael Cimarusti of Two MICHELIN Star (and Green Star) Providence. And as the last sips of champagne were drunk the evening truly celebrated chefs and their talent in a convivial setting. But not before a few chefs snagged a crispy chicken sandwich for late night snacking.
