Eight Michelin Stars for Vancouver

All the one-star winners with Gwendal Poullennec (far right)

When Michelin announced it would be launching a guide for Vancouver, many of us were skeptical -- how could a city where local residents wear plaid shirts and Lululemon leggings have any fine dining restaurants worthy of a star?

If compared to Hong Kong, where Michelin restaurants mean fine bone china, Riedel wine glasses, and a wine list stocked full of Bordeaux and Burgundies, staff wearing sharp uniforms and polished shoes, and table clothes are ironed on tables, then Vancouver does not meet this bar.

But apparently with some persuasion from Destination Vancouver, the city's tourism board, Michelin managed to accommodate by focusing on the plate rather than the service and surroundings. Yes Vancouver has good food, but is it Michelin great?

Only eight stars were awarded, 12 Bib Gourmands and 40 Recommended Restaurants, making it a total of 60 places where foodies must eat.

But the list is contentious, particularly when it comes to Chinese cuisine.

Why is it that Vancouver -- a city known for its Cantonese cuisine -- has Quanjude, a Peking duck restaurant that has a history that goes back to Qing dynasty Beijing have a star, and not locally praised Dynasty Restaurant which was only "recommended". Same goes with Chef's Choice, where we recently had some stellar dinners.

Makes you wonder who the inspectors were...

We agree Published on Main, Burdock & Co, Kissa Tanto and St. Lawrence deserve a star, but Quanjude, where locals scoff at the high prices and that the signature dish is bad?

Also earning a star is Barbara, a place none of my friends have heard of, but maybe now we have to check out? 

In addition, many of these starred restaurants are on the east side of Vancouver or even in the downtown east side and Chinatown, sketchy areas particularly at night. Guess Michelin was willing to overlook the safety factor...

One Star:

AnnaLena

Barbara

Burdock & Co

iDen and Quanjude Beijing Duck House

Kissa Tanto

Masayoshi

Published on Main

St. Lawrence

Bib Gourmand:

Anh and Chi

Chupito

Fable Kitchen

Fiorino, Italian Street Food

Kin Kao Song

Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer

Lunch Lady

Nightshade

Oca Pastificio

Phnom Penh

Say Mercy!

Vij's