Tl;dr – The ratings are in.
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Today, we’re going to talk a bit about ratings and accreditations. Several months ago, I wrote about the Michelin Guide’s impending rating of New Orleans restaurants, laying out some candidates that could be deserving of a Michelin star. Well, the results are in. As it turns out, just three restaurants earned star distinction – two restaurants received one star, and the other received two.
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Two Stars
Emeril’s
The flagship restaurant of New Orleans’s first true ‘celebrity chef’ – at least on the national scene – Emeril Lagasse’s eponymous ‘Emeril’s’ has been holding it down in the warehouse since the late 1980s. Now run by his son, Emeril “E.J.” John Lagasse IV, the restaurant underwent a monumental renovation and directional shift in 2023, moving exclusively to a tasting menu format. Michelin awarded Emeril’s two stars.
I haven’t tried Emeril’s in its current incarnation, the last time I dined there, Austin Rivers and Anthony Davis had just been drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans, and they passed by my table on the way to their private seating with beleaguered GM Dell Demps and journeyman coach Monty Williams. Suffice it to say, I need to book a table soon to write a current review.
One Star
Zasu
Zasu, helmed by Chef Sue Zemanick, who for many years ran the kitchen at Gautreau’s Restaurant, has received one star. Located in the wonderful neighborhood of Mid-City, Zasu has a three-course tasting menu (though you can order à la carte as well, I believe). I’ve only dined there once in 2019, a few months after it opened. Strong service and great presentation, and I’d say the food was solidly above average, though nothing that prompted me to pull out a postcard to write home.
Saint-Germain
A hipstery spot in the Bywater – Saint Germain has been through a few iterations of its menu, which is now a 10+ course tasting menu that can be enjoyed “in a charming double shotgun in the Bywater of New Orleans.” The restaurant’s goal “is to serve the most expertly executed and elevated food possible in a comfortable, casual atmosphere.” I sat down for Saint-Germain’s experience during the pandemic in July 2021. I found the meal to be a bit underwhelming, a lot of focus on technique and showmanship, but the food just didn’t deliver.
Bib Gourmand and Selected Restuarants
Several more received Bib Gourmand accreditation – 11 to be exact – with some notable names being Lufu NOLA, Cochon, Dooky Case, and Acamaya.
Even more (18) restaurants were recognized as ‘Selected Restaurants’. The list includes spots like mainstays Clancy’s, Saffron NOLA, Herbsaint, Galatoire’s, Peche, August, Compere Lapin, Dakar NOLA, and newcomer The Kingsway.
Snubs?
Biggest snubs have to be Commander’s Palace, GW Fins, and Etoile which received no mention at any level of Michelin’s list.
Oh well, what can you do. I’ll still be crushing those tempura fin wings!
