Georges Blanc, located in the quaint town of Vonnas near Lyon, has a storied history in the culinary world, earning its first Michelin star back in 1929 under Élisa Blanc, the chef’s grandmother. Renowned for its exceptional cuisine, the restaurant has been a celebrated destination, carrying on the French culinary tradition through generations.
At the helm since 1964, Georges Blanc transformed the former family inn into a gastronomic landmark, receiving a third star in 1981. However, the recent announcement of losing this coveted recognition has come unexpectedly to the 82-year-old chef. Reflecting on the change, Blanc remarked, “We’ll make do with the two stars... maybe we’ll be less elitist and a little more accessible.”
Gwendal Poullenec, director of the Michelin Guide, emphasized the importance of adapting rankings to accurately reflect the quality of the restaurant. Despite the loss, he praised Blanc's contributions to the culinary scene, noting how his leadership blossomed the establishment into an esteemed dining venue. The Michelin Guide has evolved alongside the restaurant, promising to maintain a supportive approach in their future evaluations.
The Michelin Guide, launched by the French tyre company in 1900, has played a significant role in the culinary culture worldwide, driving restaurants to uphold strict quality standards. It remains to be seen how this change will impact both Georges Blanc and the esteemed guide, as the gastronomic community awaits the upcoming annual award ceremony.
