Michelin guide launches in Toronto for the first time in Canada
The Michelin guide, the exclusive star rating system only handed to the most esteemed culinary establishments in the world, is finally coming to Canada.
The guidebook for Toronto was inaugurated at the Four Seasons Hotel by Mayor John Tory along with two Michelin-star studded chefs, Daniel Boulud and Alvin Leung, on Tuesday.
“It's something that has been a longtime coming,” Tory said. “With the rebirth of the city and following the pandemic, I think it's something that is really to be celebrated and of course, it does mark a celebration of our food and cuisine ecosystem here.”
The announcement is the answer to a question that has lingered in the country’s culinary scene – why does Canada have no Michelin star restaurants? The answer: there was no guide. Until now.
In the coming months, inspectors will be anonymously indulging and evaluating Toronto dining ahead of the city’s first round of stars set to be revealed in the fall.
The idea behind the guidebook dates back to 1889 when the Michelin brothers founded their still-standing tire company and created a little red guide for travellers to take on their journeys.
Fast forward 30 years, the guide’s restaurant section gained attraction and the brothers selected what they called “mystery diners” to visit and review restaurants. That element of secrecy still stands.
While acquiring a star immediately elevates the status of a restaurant, setting it in the world-class ranks sought out by tourists and locals willing to pay top dollar, the ranking system has also been criticized for its elitist perception of what is considered star-status.
The relationship between tourism boards and the Michelin guide has also been under question in recent years after reports surfaced of Michelin accepting US$600,000 from Tourism Australia to host a World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Melbourne along with US$1.8 million from South Korea’s tourism department to create a Seoul guide.
Yet, few industries have taken a harder blow by the pandemic than the tourism and restaurant sectors. With the glow of a Michelin star, both Toronto’s culinary and travel industries could receive newfound attention in a time of need.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.