The fallacy of ‘Michelin starred chef’.
Michelin starred chef, it’s probably one of the most desirable prefixes that any stove monkey can add to their name. So much so, that it’s being hijacked such is its power of PR.
When I started this site four years ago I asked several journalists how they refer to chefs which don’t currently hold a Michelin star, but have in the past. The unanimous reply was to add the word Former to the prefix Michelin starred chef.
The reason I decided to write about this, is because there was a little bit of a ripple over a a series of dinners at Selfridges called ‘Meet the Michelin‘. It’s a collaboration between Exclusive Hotels & the London based department store, in their ‘Meet the Makers‘ series of events. Selfridges touted the five dinners as;
As part of the ‘Meet the Makers’ in-store scheme, Selfridges are holding a series of dinners cooked by Michelin-Starred chefs from luxury country house hotel group, Exclusive Hotels and Venues.
The problem with this, is that only three of the participants actually hold the French tyre maker’s accolade. One, is at best, a former Michelin starred chef (leaving just 10 days after the guide was published) & the other may in the future may achieve the desirable gong. Former Michelin UK editor, Derek Bulmer, even commented on the misplaced PR, saying:
The claims rather iffy. Most peoples’ understanding of a Michelin starred chef is someone who currently holds a star.
The Selfridges/Exclusive PR machine isn’t the only one to place an over emphasis on the accolade. Earlier in the year I repeatedly received emails informing me about 2 Michelin starred chef Atul Kotcher would be taking part.
There is a chasm of difference between between having two Michelin starred eateries & and holding two stars for one kitchen. Something I repeatedly pointed out to the organisers.
There is no doubting that having the prefix of ‘Michelin starred chef’ added to your name carries kudos & opens doors, but the way some chefs use it is spurious to say the very least.
If you’re the Head chef under a Chef – Owner or an Executive chef, are you still a Michelin starred chef? It’s such a grey area that chefs & PRs are only too happy to exploit.
140 starred chefs celebrate 100 years of Michelin
