Anticipation is building to find out which South Australian restaurants will be the first in the country to feature in the world-famous MICHELIN Guide, as New Zealand's debut provides a taste of what could be on the menu here.
New Zealand has officially joined the global MICHELIN Guide map with 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown recognised.
The awarded restaurants range from established local icons to wineries and small bars, and restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines.
A gala event in Auckland last night launched the Aotearoa New Zealand MICHELIN Guide, with industry leaders, chefs, restaurateurs and partners, and a global livestream - providing an insight into what is to come for South Australia later this year.
New Zealand is one of South Australia's key international markets - accessible via direct flights from both Auckland and Christchurch. The two new members of the MICHELIN family are set to create a culinary corridor in the South Pacific.
Both fine dining and more casual eateries across the state have the chance to receive MICHELIN Star and Bib Gourmand awards. The style of a restaurant and its level of comfort or formality have no bearing on its chance for inclusion, as Stars have been awarded to a wide range of global eateries from street food stalls to gourmet restaurants.
The anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors are evaluating restaurants through five universal criteria, including the quality of the ingredients, the mastery of cooking techniques, the harmony of flavours, the personality of the cuisine and the overall consistency. The selection process is entirely independent, and restaurants cannot pay.
South Australia's inclusion in the Guide is set to increase demand by attracting visitors from new global markets, supporting the state's hospitality and tourism sectors and local jobs.
Promoting the state's international reputation as a premium world-class food and wine destination, South Australia will be featured on the MICHELIN Guide's website which attracts more than 62 million visitors each year, in addition to the organisation's 3.9 million Instagram followers and 3.8 million app users.
South Australian Tourism Commission CEO Emma Terry said anticipation building in South Australia as we get ready to find out which restaurants across our state will be the first in the country to feature in the world-famous MICHELIN Guide.
"The Aotearoa New Zealand announcement gives a glimpse as to what the Guide will do for South Australia's international reputation, and how our tourism and hospitality industries will be celebrated on a very special night," she said.
"The genuine emotion from the chefs who received awards on the night is something that really highlights how much the MICHELIN guide means to those who live and breathe to deliver world-class culinary experiences."
"The inspectors are out there, and I know they will not be disappointed with our phenomenal produce and authentic South Australian hospitality."
