Why Phoenix restaurants didn't earn Michelin Stars. It's complicated

I blame "The Bear."

Along with movies like "Burnt." Don't bother with the latter, the movie's no good. But "The Bear" is great. And despite that, I think it's ruined the idea of a Michelin star for me,

and for lots of others.

Much of the show, including its fifth and final season, is devoted to the restaurant where the characters work in hopes of getting a Michelin star. It becomes an all-consuming passion, with deleterious effects. It was all or nothing. I won't spoil whether the restaurant earns one. (Seriously, skip "Burnt," but binge "The Bear.")

Michelin stars are given out by the Michelin Guide, which rates the world's best restaurants. Restaurants can be awarded 1, 2 or 3 stars, with 3 being the best.

The Michelin Guide had never deigned to evaluate Arizona restaurants. But, thanks to a hefty sum, that changed. The Southwest was added to the list, anonymous tasters ate in Arizona restaurants and the state's chefs and diners waited.

Michelin did recognize Arizona restaurants. Just not with stars

In vain, as it turns out. No Arizona restaurant was awarded a Michelin star. None. Zero. Not a single one. It seemed like a slap in the face, particularly to restaurants in the Valley. Restaurants like Barcanora and Christopher's and FnB seemed likely to be recongized.

And that's the thing ― Micheline did recognize a lot of Arizona restaurants. Just not with stars. Some received Bib Gourmand designations. Some chefs and sommeliers received individual recognition.

But no stars. What gives?

In this week's episode of Valley 101, we ask the question: Why didn't any Arizona restaurants get a Michelin star?

We asked Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic's restaurant critic. She's got some strong opinions about it. And the answer is more complicated than you might think.

Listen to the episode

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This episode was produced by Amanda Luberto and Tori Weiss. You can reach Amanda at [e-mail] or follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @amandaluberto. Reach Tori at [e-mail].

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Why Phoenix restaurants didn't earn Michelin Stars. It's complicated