Michelin Guide Excludes Saint Paul: Implications for Local Restaurants

The Michelin Guide's recent expansion into the Great Lakes region has sparked controversy due to the exclusion of Saint Paul, Minnesota, from its listings, despite the proximity of the two cities. Minneapolis, which is set to be featured, secured this opportunity through a $250,000 annual contract with Michelin, while Saint Paul did not participate in similar funding efforts. This decision has raised concerns among local food critics and residents about the potential neglect of Saint Paul's culinary scene and the broader implications for smaller, diverse restaurants in the region.

The Guardian

The exclusion comes at a time when the Twin Cities are grappling with the aftermath of significant immigration raids that have led to protests and economic challenges, particularly affecting immigrant-owned businesses. Critics argue that the Michelin Guide's focus on upscale dining may overlook the rich diversity of Minnesota's food landscape, which includes a substantial population of immigrants and people of color.

The Guardian

Karyn Tomlinson, chef and owner of Myriel in Saint Paul, expressed disappointment over the exclusion, emphasizing the interconnected identity of the Twin Cities. Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, a restaurant critic, highlighted the lack of state investment in promoting Saint Paul, noting that Minneapolis was the only city to allocate tourism dollars for the Michelin initiative. Kirstie Kimball, an independent critic, raised concerns about the types of restaurants that Michelin typically recognizes, suggesting that many notable dining experiences in Minnesota may not fit the guide's criteria.

The Guardian

Critics have pointed out that Michelin's focus tends to favor high-end establishments, potentially sidelining culturally significant restaurants that represent Minnesota's diverse communities. Kimball specifically mentioned the lack of recognition for African and immigrant-owned restaurants, such as those in Hmong Village and Ethiopian eateries, which are vital to the local culinary scene. The concern is that tourists may rely solely on the Michelin Guide, inadvertently neglecting the broader array of dining options available in the Twin Cities.

The Guardian

Jaimee Lucke Hendrikson, CEO of Visit Saint Paul, acknowledged the exclusion but emphasized the potential for increased regional awareness through Minneapolis's partnership with Michelin. She expressed hope for future opportunities to promote Saint Paul's unique culinary offerings. Tomlinson echoed this sentiment, advocating for a collaborative approach among local leaders to strengthen the culinary community across both cities.

The Guardian

As the Michelin Guide rollout approaches, there is a call for local leaders to collaborate and promote the diverse culinary landscape of the Twin Cities. The hope is that the conversation sparked by this exclusion could lead to greater recognition and support for restaurants in Saint Paul and beyond, ensuring that all voices in the culinary community are heard and valued.

The Guardian

• “When everyone outside of Minneapolis and St Paul thinks of the two cities as a pair, it’s hard not to feel it more when St Paul is specifically excluded from something that seems like it should be a win for both cities,” — Karyn Tomlinson, Chef and Owner of Myriel

The Guardian

• “The thing that was actually shocking to me, as much as [that] Saint Paul skipped it, is that the state of Minnesota didn’t use our tourism dollars …” — Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl, Restaurant Critic

The Guardian

• “Michelin doesn’t really even give a lot of their Bib Gourmands to African restaurants,” — Kirstie Kimball, Independent Restaurant Critic

The Guardian

• “First, community-shaping food and hospitality is never defined by city limits or by award systems …” — Karyn Tomlinson, Chef and Owner of Myriel

The Guardian