On Tuesday, Michelin released its 2012 Bay Area and Wine Country Restaurants guide. In short, things are looking good for the local food scene.
Corey Lee's much-lauded Benu came in hot, scoring two shining stars straight out of the gate. "It was an emotional day for us," said Lee to The Huffington Post. "I didn't get the call until late -- the next morning. I thought we hadn't been starred at all. We're so excited." And both Saison and Baume moved up from one star to two.
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2012 also saw a few unexpected additions, proving that the Michelin Guide is paying attention to more than just the hype. Take Terrapin Creek, for instance -- a casual Bodega Bay spot that offers comfort food that is "delicious, affordable, and responsible." Sounds like our kind of place.
And Michael Mina is surely smiling after gaining back his lost Michelin Star.
Well done, San Francisco.
Check out the new additions in our slideshow and see the full listing below:
THREE STARS
The French Laundry
The Restaurant at Meadowood
TWO STARS
Baume
Benu
Coi
Cyrus
Manresa
Saison
ONE STAR
Acquerello
Alexander's Steakhouse
Ame
Applewood
Atelier Crenn
Auberge du Soleil
Aziza
Bouchon
Boulevard
Campton Place
Chez TJ
Commis
Dio Deka
étoile
Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant
Fleur de Lys
Frances
Gary Danko
La Costanera
La Folie
La Toque
Luce
Madera
Madrona Manor
Masa's
Michael Mina
One Market
Plumed Horse
Quince
Redd
Sante
Solbar
Sons & Daughters
Spruce
Terra
Terrapin Creek
Ubuntu
The Village Pub
Wakuriya
