Toronto was abuzz earlier tonight at HISTORY; the sleek, modern, and minimal venue where the likes of Eric Nam, Lil Yachty, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs perform giving way to the rock stars of the culinary industry for the MICHELIN Guide's 2023 Star ceremony. Greeting guests including Minister Neil Lumsden, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport; One MICHELIN Star Edulis' Tobey Nemeth and Michael Caballo, and Jef Edwards of Ration: Beverley was a directionally designed Mercedes-Benz EQS reinforcing its green (read: electric) underpinnings parked amongst lush flora and fauna.
Inside, the scene was equally stylish with bites on offer from Bib Gourmand BB's and Petrossian caviar, while drinks from the Glenlivet and Rémy Martin helped allay chefs' nerves. As the lights dimmed, it was time for the main event and emcee Alan Shane Lewis got the audience primed and ready for the evening's festivities. Greetings from Destination Toronto's Chair of the Board of Directors Rekha Khote touched upon the multiculturalism of the city and its diverse gastronomic landscape.
This was exemplified by the special award winners including Young Chef David Schwartz of Sunny's Chinese presented by Mercedes-Benz Canada CEO Andreas Tetzloff, MICHELIN One Star Quetzal's bar team who took the Exceptional Cocktail award, Sommelier Award winner Marco Thompson of One MICHELIN Star Osteria Giulia, and Service Award winners from the front of house team at Restaurant 20 Victoria.
After snaps with Bibendum, Lewis went on to introduce Canada's first-ever Green Stars—Frilu and White Lily Diner. The room was electric and brimming for more and Lewis didn't disappoint bringing up the Toronto recommendations and Bib Gourmands—including Alma's Anna Chen and SumiLicious Smoked Meat & Deli's Sumith Fernando—to the stage.
However, as the evening progressed, all eyes were on the most coveted distinction—the MICHELIN Star. Joining the 12 previous One Star restaurants were Julie Hyde of Restaurant 20 Victoria and Takeshi Sato of Kappo Sato, both overjoyed and overwhelmed with happiness.
But before the evening could come to a close, chef Masaki Saito returned to the stage having maintained his Two MICHELIN Star distinction for Sushi Masaki Saito. A champagne toast followed before the flashbulbs and audience raced forward to snap selfies with the Stars.
Hero image: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com
All photos: Jason Lowrie/BFA.com
