VANCOUVER — The Vancouver MICHELIN Guide has awarded its coveted stars to eight Vancouver restaurants, joining the ranks of other international culinary destinations. The selections were AnnaLena, Barbara, Burdock & Co., iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House, Kissa Tanto, Masayoshi, Published on Main and St. Lawrence.
“Burdock & Co’s Michelin star means the world to me and my incredible team,” says Andrea Carlson, chef and owner of Burdock & Co and Bar Gobo. “I’m extremely proud of everyone in the Burdock & Co and Bar Gobo family for the hard work they put in daily to ensure our restaurants consistently exceed expectations. Over the past few years, we’ve overcome all odds to open a new restaurant and make it through the pandemic stronger than ever. Now, on the heels of Bar Gobo’s opening and Burdock & Co’s upcoming 10-year anniversary, this honour is even more meaningful.”
First published in France more than a century ago, the guidebooks award stars annually to restaurants that exhibit culinary excellence. Michelin inspectors base their reviews on five criteria: quality products; the harmony of flavours; mastery of cooking techniques; the personality of the chef in the cuisine; and consistency across each visit several times a year.
Canada’s own Michelin guide, with its independent selection process, is due in part to a multi-year funding deal with tourism boards to help promote travel decimated by the pandemic.
“To receive a Michelin star is a dream realized for me,” says chef/owner Jean-Christophe (J-C) Poirier, whose St. Lawrence restaurant was awarded one Michelin star. “St. Lawrence is my passion project. I’m so grateful for the way Vancouver has welcomed our unique blend of classic French cuisine with the food and culture of my home province, Quebec. Now to have it recognized this way is an incredible thrill.”
Additionally, 12 other restaurants earned a Bib Gourmand designation, which recognizes excellent quality among outlets that offer two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for less than $60. The locations ranged from Chinatown Cambodian restaurant, Phnom Penh, to celebrity chef Vikram Vij’s Indian restaurant, Vij’s.
International director of the Michelin Guides, Gwendal Poullennec, says inspectors were impressed by Vancouver’s diverse offerings “in their own authentic DNA.”
“Our teams of inspectors genuinely savoured their dining experiences in Vancouver,” says Poullennec.