We Have Incredible Food, So Why Does Texas Have No Michelin Star Restaurants?

Texas has incredible food, this cannot be denied. From hole-in-the-walls to fine dining, I count myself incredibly grateful to live in Texas. Personally, I'm extremely happy with BBQ from a tiny town or tacos from a truck, but Texas has plenty of fine dining options as well, particularly in places like Austin, Houston, and the Dallas/ Fort Worth Area.

For decades, the standard indication that a fine dining establishment was worth the ticket price was the Michelin star. The Michelin Guide has existed since 1900 when it began in France. It was given away for free to encourage people to buy and use a relatively new invention- cars. The first stars were awarded in 1926, with one star indicating fine dining. In 1931 it became possible to earn up to three stars.

If Michelin Stars are so prestigious and important, why has there never been a Texas restaurant with one? 

It's because they are confined to only a few places in the U.S. Despite being nearly 100 years old, Michelin stars only became obtainable in the U.S. in 2005, and then only in New York City, specifically. Now, you can find Michelin Star restaurants, "in select U.S. cities including Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and San Francisco."

If you are a world-class chef in Texas, does this mean you are adrift with no chance for accolades? Luckily, other prestigious honors exist, particularly the James Beard Award. There are many Texas recipients of this award.

Perhaps someday Texas will have a Michelin-star restaurant, but for now, I just don't think we really need one. I'd rather sit next to a BBQ pit than in a designer chair anyway.