NYC gets new Michelin guide, 5th 3-star eatery

(Relaxnews) -

New York City had just five restaurants receive a prestigious three-star rating from the influential Michelin travel guides, according to their 2010 New York City edition, released October 6.

In Michelin's eyes New York City's posh cuisine compares poorly with Tokyo, which was awarded nine three-star restaurants in the latest edition, and Paris, which was awarded 11.

French restaurant Daniel was the latest diner to join the rarefied kitchen air in New York City, thanks to dishes such as rabbit porchetta with chorizo, slow baked Denver sole, and sake glazed plums. The three-course menu at Daniel costs $105 (€70), with another $60 (€40) for matching wines.

Daniel, run by famed French chef Daniel Boulud, joins three-star compatriots Jean Georges, Le Bernardin, Masa and Per Se in New York City, all of which retained their elite status.

The Big Apple now boasts six two-star restaurants, as Alto, for Northern Italian food, and Corton, for French cuisine, each jumped a grade. 

But some of the biggest stars in the culinary world may not appreciate the new rankings: French chef Alain Ducasse's Adour dropped from two to one star; Del Posto, operated by culinary media personality Mario Batali, fell to one star; and foul-mouthed reality television star chef Gordon Ramsay bucked the trend and held on to his two stars for Gordon Ramsay at The London.

New York City contains 55 restaurants that received at least one star.

For Michelin, three stars is defined as "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey", two stars denotes "excellent cuisine, worth a detour", while one star means, "very good cuisine in its category."

Michelin Guide New York City 2010 has a retail price of $17.99 (€12). The San Francisco guide will be released October 20.

NYC restaurants with Three Michelin Stars:
Daniel (new)
Jean Georges
Le Bernardin
Masa
Per Se

NYC Restaurants with Two Michelin Stars:
Alto (new)
Corton (new)
Gilt
Gordon Ramsay at the London
Momofuku Ko
Picholine