The list of restaurants that have received a Michelin star may be expanded by one or two more newcomers this year, says President at Latvian Restaurant Association Jānis Jenzis.
Likewise, the Max Cekot Kitchen restaurant has ambitions and the potential to win a second star, Janzis said, adding that the restaurant has noticeably invested in both service and dishes and more.
Hopes go up with every passing year, and restaurants that were awarded, have earned the right to keep their award or even earn a new one, said Jenzis, adding that currently there is a good gastronomic situation in Latvia and the level of skill of chefs working in the country is high. A star is additional motivation to work harder and reach new heights.
LETA previously reported that on the 24th of October Michelin will announce Latvian restaurants that will be included in the 2025 Michelin guide, as well as announce restaurants that will receive Michelin stars.
Last year, the guide included 26 restaurants – 19 restaurants located in Riga and seven restaurants located outside the capital. Among them are one restaurant with one star, three “Bib Gourmand” restaurants and 22 other recommended restaurants, one of which is marked with the Green Star.
Michelin stars are awarded to restaurants that offer excellent dishes according to five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of tastes, the mastery of the technique, the personality of the chef, which is manifested in his kitchen, and consistency both throughout the menu and in the passage of time.
The stars are awarded for one year – after which the jury revisits the restaurant. One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants for “high-quality cooking where it’s worth a stop”, two for “excellent cooking that can lead to a deviation from the planned route” and three for “excellent cuisine that deserves a special ride.”