There’s far more to Texas’ culinary scene today than barbecue, steaks and Tex-Mex, local foodies and restaurateurs are quick to emphasize. Their efforts to spread the gospel were given a boost Tuesday when the publisher of Michelin travel guides said it will add an edition on where discerning tourists should dine in the Lone Star State.
The guide will focus on the standout culinary outposts of five Texas cities: Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio. Tourism and restaurant-industry officials voice hopes the spotlight on those restaurant-rich markets will bring them the same international regard that dining destinations like New York City or New Orleans have long enjoyed.
“We look forward to working with the Michelin Guide to drive new visitors and acclaim to Texas, creating new and repeat customers that will benefit the entire industry and the state of Texas as a whole,” Emily Knight, CEO of the Texas Restaurant Association, said in a statement.
Undercover Michelin inspectors are already in the field, eating in the restaurants of those cities to determine what rating they deserve, according to the publisher. An establishment has to offer a distinguished experience just to merit inclusion in the directory. Those places are given a quality rating of one to three stars, as determined by multiple visits.
The stars are awarded on the basis of five stated criteria: Quality of ingredients; the harmony of flavors; the mastery of their preparation; “the voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine”; and consistency. The evaluations are based on multiple visits.
The publisher indicated that the Texas guide will also include what it calls Bib Gourmand selections, or places whose quality and prices distinguish them as outstanding values.
A green star is given to places that show an extraordinary commitment to sustainability.
“Foodies and travel enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy, with such a broad dining scene spanning farm-to-table dishes, fusion cuisine, upscale dining and the famous Texas-style barbecue,” Gwendal Poullennec, international director of Michelin Guides, said in announcing the guide.
The publication date was not revealed.
Tourism is a major industry in Texas. In 2022, travelers spent $91.7 billion on the road, according to the state.
Culinary tourism, or visiting an area specifically because of the culinary experiences it offers, has been a booming component of travel nationwide.
The Michelin guides were first published in Europe—by the tire company of the same name—to help early owners of automobiles find places to eat. They enjoy a global circulation.
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