The Michelin Star has long been a benchmark to which restaurants have aspired. Today, though, the idea of sustainability is one on which more consumers are beginning to focus. The nexus is beginning to show itself as the caliber of sustainable restaurants is beginning to reach the level of quality expected with a Michelin Star rating.
Driftwood Hotel
Under the direction of Chef Chris Eden, Driftwood Hotel’s restaurant is both exquisite and unpretentious. Focusing on using the freshest and finest ingredients available in their county, this lovely restaurant in this beautiful boutique hotel definitely earned their Michelin star rating. Of course, the menu is based on the availability of the area, but a sample menu could include Moorland Hogget Loin, Roast Shallot, Aubergine, Olive, Pine Nuts, along with Rosemary & Feta. You might also enjoy Fig, Pistachio, Yogurt Mousse & Kavadades Single Estate Olive Oil. The entire menu is very enticing.
Hotel Tresanton
Using only the freshest local seafood, the restaurant at Hotel Tresanton has built a reputation on quality, and its Michelin Star rating has confirmed that reputation. The restaurant features a multi-course rotating menu where you may find courses such as crab, quail’s egg, confit tomato, avocado, and dandelion. You might also enjoy Brill on the bone, salt cod croquettes, cavolo nero, tomato, and olives.
Farmhouse Inn
Focused not only on the best Sonoma County ingredients available, but also on the most interesting, the Farmhouse Inn was conceived by “two fifth generation Sonoma farmers, a Michelin starred chef, a world class maitre d’ and a team of sommeliers”. They have a well-earned Michelin star for their efforts. Menu options could include Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit – applewood smoked bacon wrapped loin, roasted rack, confit of leg, yukon potato, and whole grain mustard cream sauce. You might also enjoy Rainbow Chard Ravioli – Bellwether Farms ricotta, parmesan cream, and serrano ham.
Septime
Septime has awarded a Michelin star and a Sustainable Restaurant Award for 2017 based on the efforts of Bertrand Grébaut and Théo Pourriat. Their mission is to have the most sustainable restaurant in the world. From the wine they serve to fair treatment of every person along the food chain, they want to be sustainable in every way possible. Their menu? Menu carte blanche in 7 steps for dinner. You’ll put yourself in their hands, and with the accolades they’ve received, they’ll take good care of you.
Relæ
Heralded as The World’s Most Sustainable Restaurant in 2015, Relæ keeps their approach simple. They stribe for “tasty food, no muss, no fuss.” That simple, sustainable approach has earned them a Michelin Star. They also note that with their menu, they keep their entry-level low and that they “put together one long arrangement of flavors, textures and ideas to be experienced as a whole.” It’s working as they’re booked out weeks to months in advance – so be sure to plan ahead!
As the intersection of sustainable restaurants comes together with those earning Michelin Stars, we, as consumers, definitely stand to benefit. Quality, local, fresh ingredients prepared by some of the most talented chefs and teams in the industry. You really can’t go wrong! If you appreciate sustainability, you’ll find How High-End, Hyperlocal Bistros are Changing Fine Dining quite interesting. So, which of these restaurants are you dying to try?
