A mix of MICHELIN executives, journalists from around the world, globally-recognized chefs and local and state officials gathered in early March to celebrate the grand announcement of MICHELIN Guide California. Announced in collaboration with Visit California and Visit Sacramento, "The partnership is a really unique opportunity for MICHELIN to promote California as a worldwide culinary destination," says Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the MICHELIN Guide.
Following the announcement, there was lunch prepared by five chefs, an interview with Thomas Keller, tours of Bogle Vineyards and Sterling Caviar, and then a celebratory dinner at Ella Dining Room & Bar.
Dinner featured produce and wines from across the state, such as Passmore Ranch in Sloughhouse, Hog Island Oyster Co. in Tomales Bay, Twin Peaks Orchards in Newcastle and Turley Wine Cellars in Amador. The produce was used in dishes such as Sweetwater oyster on the half shell with pickled kohlrabi, Mendocino uni and rhubarb mignonette; merguez sausage with fava bean salpicon and saffron brioche; and farm egg with elderflower, Meyer lemon, bay laurel and coriander.
The stars of the inaugural MICHELIN Guide California 2019 will be announced via a live revelation on Monday, June 3rd at 5:30 p.m. PST in Huntington Beach, California. Tune in to our Facebook and YouTube channels to watch the action unfold.
Photos by Max Whittaker.
Video by Kathryn M. Sheldon.