We pride ourselves on our restaurants and diversity of food -- and it shows. On the new edition of the prestigious Michelin Guide, one, two, or three stars are awarded to the most stellar restaurants.
The anonymous Michelin inspectors gave three stars to the French Laundry in Yountville again. Only 68 other restaurants in the world have earned them.
Six restaurants received two stars. Aqua and Coi moved up from one star. Cyrus in Healdsburg, Manresa in Los Gatos, Meadowood in Napa Valley and Michael Mina kept their two stars.
Twenty-five restaurants earned one star.
"It's all about people are talking about the food. They're using good products here, incredible ingredients and you eat very well in the restaurants," said Jean Luc Naret from the Michelin Guide.
There's a category called bib gourmand, which is about affordable dining. Two courses, a glass of wine or dessert for under $40. Restaurants like it because it is editor's choice.
"We have 56 restaurants in this category and they are really the ones which all the inspectors favor. they will go on the weekend on their own pocket money if they have to," said Naret.
One of those restaurants is Perbacco in the Financial District. The eatery has been a hit since the doors opened nearly two years ago this month. It features the cuisine of Italy's northern Piemonte region.
"They're old recipes that we modernize a little, bring in today's ingredients and today's taste of course," said Perbacco owner Umberto Gibin.
They make their own pasta here and are working smartly to keep prices down in this difficult economic time.
"We have a little less margin but we believe better times are coming," said Gibin.
He's hoping that will include a Michelin star. It's difficult to achieve – and even more difficult to maintain.
