There’s a scene in the movie Airplane where a flight attendant offers passengers reading materials. A spunky grandma requests something light and receives a leaflet on famous Jewish sports legends.
The 2018 Michelin Guide for Washington, D.C. isn’t much thicker. D.C.’s 2018 guide has 96 pages, just like last year. While we shouldn’t expect to have a 272-page guide that could double as a doorstop like Chicago because of our smaller size, it’s surprising that the book didn’t gain any weight.
Last year, only 12 restaurants received the honor of one or two stars and this year, 14 received stars. All of the restaurants from last year retained their stars. Only Komi and Métier are new. Once again, no local restaurants earned the top honor of three stars.
Two stars:
Inn at Little Washington
Minibar
Pineapple & Pearls
One star:
Blue Duck Tavern
The Dabney
Fiola
Kinship
Komi
Masseria
Métier
Plume
Rose’s Luxury
Sushi Taro
Tail Up Goat
The tire company deems a one-star restaurant “very good cooking in this category,” a two-star restaurant “excellent cooking,” and a three-star restaurant “exceptional cuisine worthy of a special journey.” Restaurants receiving stars are evaluated on cuisine alone, so ambiance and service, while important, are not considered. Inspectors look for quality products, consistency, how much a chef is able to express himself or herself through food, and more.
Keep in mind the Michelin guide isn’t just starred restaurants. It contains general recommendations, plus a list of Bib Gourmand restaurants that were announced last week. Those eateries are said to offer more affordable food ($40 for two courses and a glass of wine or dessert before tax and tip). The newcomers to this list are Hazel, Ivy City Smokehouse, and Sfoglina.
Bad Saint
Bidwell
Boqueria
Chercher
China Chilcano
Das
Doi Moi
Hazel
Ivy City Smokehouse
Jaleo
Kyirisan
Lapis
Maketto
Ottoman Taverna
Oyamel
Pearl Dive Oyster Palace
The Red Hen
Royal
Sfoglina
Thip Khao
Zaytinya
2 Amys
If Michelin continues to release guides in D.C., perhaps the 2019 guide will swell thanks to the bevy of restaurants that will call The Wharf home including Kith and Kin, Del Mar, Kaliwa, and Requin.