The Michelin Guide returned to Atlanta on Monday after its debut in 2023, giving Atlanta area chefs and the city’s dining scene long-awaited recognition.
O By Brush, Staplehouse, Omakase Table, and Spring were awarded one Michelin Star, and Masterpiece, Superica, Table & Main, and Whoopsie’s were each honored with the Bib Gourmand distinction.
Among the additions to the Michelin Guide, Ashleigh McFadden of Nàdair, a Scottish restaurant opened by celebrity chef Kevin Gillespie, earned the Michelin Sommelier Award, a significant achievement in the world of wine professionals. According to studies, only 11.3% of sommeliers in the U.S. identify as Black, compared to 51.4% who identify as white. Of the 279 Master Sommeliers in the world, only four are Black.
The Micheline inspectors were impressed by McFadden’s refreshing and thoughtful approach to the wine program at Nàdair and her ability to introduce guests to bold new flavors, expand their palettes, and take them on a journey they didn’t expect.
“I feel like wine should be for everyone and anyone, and I feel like everyone should be able to find something they like,” McFadden said as she accepted her award.
For the second year in a row, The Michelin Guide did not award any Michelin stars to Black-owned restaurants or chefs in Atlanta. Only a handful of Black chefs have been awarded Michelin Stars, and it wasn’t until 2022 that Gerald Sombright became the first Black chef in the U.S. to be recognized with a Star. However, The Busy Bee and Bomb Biscuit Co. maintained its Bib Gourmand distinctions and Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours maintained its Michelin recommendation.
