The Michelin Inspectors are something of an enigma. They have one of the most desired jobs in the world, yet at the same time their work is shrouded in mystery; they are highly respected in the industry, yet no-one knows who they are or exactly what they do. And while we can’t give away all their secrets, we do want to bring you a little closer to their world – a small insight into who they are, where they are and what they’re doing. In our new series, we speak with a different Inspector each month to bring you an amuse bouche sized taste of their daily life.
Where are you right now?
I’m in the USA. In my hotel room in Washington, D.C.
What can you see?
My hotel is just outside the city centre, so I can see lots of trees and some beautiful period houses. There’s an immense amount of history here – it’s a really pretty area to visit.
What can you hear?
The rain tapping on the window!
What’s the weather like?
Today it’s overcast and drizzly – which is never much fun when you’re travelling around – but over the past week there have been some lovely sunny days too.
How long are you here for?
Two weeks. I’ll be having lunch and dinner Monday-Friday, checking out new restaurants to add to the Guide, as well as making sure those already in the selection still measure up.
What was the last mode of transport that you took?
My legs! After lunch I went for a walk around the park to help my meal go down while reflecting on my recent experiences.
What was the last thing you ate?
I had chicken & waffles, followed by lemon meringue pie from the brunch menu at the Bib Gourmand awarded Unconventional Diner. It’s such a great place, with a buzzy diner vibe and some great takes on American classics. The zesty pie with light meringue and candied lemon zest syrup is terrific!
What has been your favourite meal of the trip so far?
It was a dinner at Michelin-Starred Kinship with one of my US colleagues. It really stood out from all my other meals. This is a place where, from the menu to the plate, it really is a case of ‘what you see is what you get’; it’s all about pure, unadulterated flavours with nothing extra on the plate. The longer you are an Inspector, the more you appreciate how much skill it takes to cook things simply and properly, as there are no other flavours to mask a minute or two too long in the pan and no clever artistry to distract the eye. Here at Kinship this experienced chef forsakes any cleverness to cook with simple seasonings and achieve some outstanding results. The pan-seared Peking duck cooked with salt and pepper was absolutely sublime.
Menu:
Starter – Catalan spiced confit squid with charcoal grilled calçots, tempura tentacles, lemon shallot gremolata and romesco sauce
Main Course – Crispy skin Peking duck breast with lentils and mulligatawny sauce
Dessert – Roasted Maui pineapple with coconut frangipane, lime, all spice cream and pineapple sherbet
What has been the most memorable moment of this trip?
Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial. I’ve seen it so many times on TV and have always wanted to go in person. I got up very early so that I could squeeze in a visit before starting work. It was a beautiful sunny day and I was one of first people to arrive. It was breathtaking in size and the lack of tourists made it seem even bigger and more impressive. It was such a memorable experience and every time I’ve been watching the meteorologists or news reporters on location, I feel privileged that I got to stand there.
Have there been any funny moments?
I was in a Greek restaurant last week and a lady at the neighbouring table ordered a Greek salad. She then asked the waiter to hold the tomatoes and olives and said that she wasn’t fussed about the cheese either, so she ended up with just a cucumber and onion salad. Then the waiter asked her how it was and she complained that it was bland!
Have you encountered any difficulties during your stay?
There was one day where some of the streets were closed for a visit from the city officials, so I had to take the long way round. I arrived at the restaurant just in time, but a little hot and bothered!
What do you like to do in your downtime here?
I love to walk. I’m particularly fascinated by America’s green spaces, from Meridian Hill Park with its cascading fountain and the Georgetown Waterfront Park with its spectacular views, to the US Botanic Garden and the National Arboretum. I would love to explore some of Washington, D.C.’s National Parks if get the chance to visit again too.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
I’m a bagel freak! After one disappointing lunch this week I was still feeling hungry, so I squeezed in a full Reubens bagel.
What’s your favourite local tradition?
A visit to Jessie’s Seafood Shack (officially named Jessie Taylor Seafood) on the wharf is an absolute must when it comes to getting in on local traditions. It’s a family-run spot that’s been in operation since 1939 and as well as selling fresh seafood they serve both hot and cold snacks to take away. Walking down the wharf eating their hot crab claws is an absolute must! The Wharf area in general is a great place for an afternoon out. There are plenty of cafés and bars to sit in while you watch the constant procession of helicopters bringing politicians to the White House.
Which museums/exhibitions have you visited?
There’s a wonderful selection of Smithsonian museums to choose from, but I made a beeline straight for their National Postal Museum – I went twice in fact! I was a stamp collector as a child, so I’d always wanted to go there. I spent a wonderful few hours reflecting on my youth and looking at the stamps I’d always hoped to own one day.
Which shops have you been to?
My favourite is the collective ‘Made in Washington’, where local businesses produce great quality items in small batches, from scarves to aprons to teapots. It’s so nice to choose gifts and souvenirs that you know have been made by people living and working in the local area.
What souvenirs have you bought?
I've already bought a D.C. United football shirt for my son and a basketball shirt for my daughter. And I also plan to buy them a lot of different American sweets that you can’t buy back home (ok, and maybe a few for me too!)
Hero Image: The Capitol Building, Washington, D.C. (© iStock/traveler1116)
