Overheard at the 2025 Michelin Guide California Award Ceremony
What follows are photos, commentary, snark, and hard-hitting news from the night itself.
'It's a team effort. A lot of people feel they lost their shine in comparison to Los Angeles. The new mayor can help get restaurants back on track with better regulation.' — chef Junsoo Bae, Ssal , retained its star
'Of course I want to see Rich (Lee of Saison)'s restaurant [get a second star], but we're doing good work and Angler's a strong restaurant no matter what. [Retaining a star] is like you know you're safe for another year. It's never guaranteed.' — chef de cuisine Joe Hou, Angler , retained its star
'The nerves aren't with us tonight.' — chef David Fisher, 7 Adams , retained its star
'We're not the new restaurant anymore.' — chef Serena Chow Fisher, 7 Adams , retained its star
'I feel nervous, excited.' — chef Brian Limoges, Enclos, earned two stars
'All the people who are here have restaurants. That are open.' — anonymous Michelin star-holding general manager speaking to another guest
'It's all very odd.' — the guest
'Yes, it's all very odd.' — same GM
'We all packed in an Uber [to come to the ceremony]. Everyone's a little tense at the beginning 'til people unwind and get a little loose.' — chef Rich Lee, Saison, retained its star
'It's so good to be amongst all these people. Whatever happens, I'm just grateful to be here.' — general manager Ian Cobb, Enclos
'I'm just happy to be here. I hope everyone gets what they want.' — chef Rogelio Garcia, Auro , retained its star
'We're happy to be here. *Fist bump*.' — chef Thomas Keller, The French Laundry , retained its three stars
'This isn't the right place to congregate!' — partner to a chef de cuisine at a San Francisco Michelin star-holding restaurant drinking in front of the bar
'There doesn't seem to be one.' — someone else at the bar
'You're not wrong.' — same partner
'It hasn't hit yet.' — chef de cuisine Adam Gale, Enclos
'Yeah it's a shame what happened with Osito since he had such a vision.' — chef Harrison Cheney, Sons and Daughters , on moving into a new restaurant space
'You [Eater SF] came to one of the good ceremonies,' — chef David Yoshimura, Nisei , retained its star
'Your [Eater SF's] suit has the same stitch as mine!' — chef David Barzelay, Lazy Bear , retained its two stars
'It's a good night,' — chef John Wesley, Kiln, earned a second star
'You have so many goddamn restaurants,' — chef at a Michelin star-holding restaurant to another chef
'I know,' — that other chef at another Michelin star-holding restaurant See More: San Francisco Restaurant News
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A British restaurant is launching the UK's first water menu
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All-In Podcast Boys Poke Fun at Uber Founder's ‘AI Psychosis' (Which They Encouraged)
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