Paris (AFP)
The next Michelin star ceremony will take place on January 18, 2021 in Cognac, in the southwest of France, a first outside Paris for the French edition of the main international gastronomic guide, Michelin announced on Monday.
In addition to the designation of new one, two or three star establishments selected by the inspectors, "this breakaway in New Aquitaine during the distillation period will be an opportunity to understand the changes initiated by the world flagship of spirits", underlines the guide in a statement.
Country of cognac, France sulks this alcohol, largely preferring whiskey and rum.
In 2018, whiskey and rum were the most purchased spirits in France (78% and 77%) against 46% for cognac, according to an Ipsos study made public in October for the 16th edition of Whiskey Live Paris, the most important whiskey fair in Europe whose attendance has increased tenfold since its launch.
"The displacement of our star ceremony from Paris to Cognac is further proof of the Guide's commitment to the terroirs, local producers and the quality food chain," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin guides.
According to him, the France 2020 guide identified "465 restaurants in inner Paris and 2,970 restaurants in the provinces".
The displacement of the ceremony will also showcase a particularly rich gastronomic heritage of the region (truffle farming, maturing, oyster farming, fish farming, etc.) and several wine appellations that share the same vineyard as Cognac, such as Pineau des Charentes and IGP Wines. Charentais, according to the guide.
© 2020 AFP