At a time when gastronomy and the hotel industry as a whole are being hit by the pandemic like few other sectors, this is not a bad result: three restaurants in the region have managed to work under the prevailing, often difficult conditions in such a way that the testers of the Michelin Guide noticed her and gave her a star.

On Tuesday, the editors of the restaurant guide presented their new ratings for Germany, due to the corona on a small scale, but with theoretically huge sympathy.

Anyone who wanted could follow the event live on the Internet.

Those who did saw a presentation that seemed a bit awkward at times, with moderation reminiscent of the pathetic attempts sportscasters sometimes have to make

But what could also be seen: how happy the chefs were, how touched many were, some fought back tears;

if the impression is not deceptive, there were a few more than usual on such occasions.

Those responsible for the Michelin Guide can read this as confirmation of how important their awards continue to be.

But it may also have been a sign of a momentary easing of tension, which is otherwise laboring at a critical limit.

Fine dining is hard work, and more recently, many restaurants have expanded their operations with offerings such as mail-order boxes and take-out items.

To the delight of the guests

In the "Maintower" in Frankfurt, in the "Masa" and in Darmstadt in the "Ox" a few bottles are sure to be opened.

One star is entry into a club that is not small with currently 272 one-star restaurants, 46 restaurants with two stars and nine with three stars, but is still sufficiently exclusive given the total number of gastronomic units in Germany.

People who like to go out can also be happy, not only about newly awarded restaurants.

But about every restaurant that, in view of lockdowns, compensation payments that were often received hesitantly and corona restrictions, continues to work in a professionally correct manner and with high quality standards - or is still open even though it only started shortly before or during the pandemic.

And when it comes to Michelin: As always, other awards would have been conceivable.

But not only this restaurant guide will still have something to say about gastronomy in 2023, hopefully.