Why did Gordon Ramsay lose Michelin stars? ‘Food Stars’ Season 2 host broke down after losing culinary awards
UNITED KINGDOM: Gordon Ramsay's 'Food Stars' Season 2 is set to premiere on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 9 pm ET exclusively on Fox, promising to ignite excitement among fans of cooking and culinary enthusiasts. The show will feature the renowned Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay, who will be joined by hospitality expert and television personality Lisa Vanderpump.
Get ready to indulge in a feast for the senses as these two icons showcase their talents and passion for food in this highly anticipated season. Don't miss out on the delicious dishes, fierce competition, and entertaining moments that await in 'Gordon Ramsay's Food Stars' Season 2.
When discussing his achievements, Ramsay stands out as one of the most renowned celebrity chefs globally, boasting an impressive array of accolades. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first Scottish chef to secure three Michelin Stars.
Throughout his career, Gordon has garnered numerous prestigious culinary honors, although he has also experienced the disappointment of losing some of these accolades.
In October 2013, Gordon Ramsay's renowned establishment, The London in New York, faced a setback when its prestigious two Michelin Stars were taken away by the Michelin reviewers. This decision was based on various issues that were brought to light during the review process, as reported by Distractify.
Michael Ellis, the guide's director, noted that he encountered inconsistencies in the quality of meals served during his visits, which ultimately influenced the decision to withdraw the prestigious accolades.
"We've had issues with consistency, and consistency is a huge thing for us," Ellis said at that time. The lack of consistency in the food served at the restaurant was a major factor in the loss of the Michelin Stars.
Talking about the whole incident in an interview, the 'MasterChef Junior' judge said, “I started crying when I lost my Stars. It’s a very emotional thing for any chef. It’s like losing a girlfriend. You want her back.”
What is a Michelin star?
To understand the significance of this culinary distinction, it is necessary to delve into the origins of a well-known rubber tire company. In the late 1800s, brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin solidified their standing as pioneers in tire manufacturing, eventually attaining global recognition and praise.
The brothers came up with the innovative idea of creating the Michelin Guide, a comprehensive source of information including tips, maps, and recommendations for travelers looking to explore new destinations in their automobiles. Their publication aimed to inspire more people to take to the road and embark on thrilling journeys in their newly acquired motor vehicles.
In addition to providing useful details such as locations of rest stops, car maintenance facilities, and instructions on how to effectively change a flat tire, the book also showcased a comprehensive directory of hotels, pubs, and dining establishments.
Recognizing the growing interest in their restaurant section, the brothers decided to elevate their efforts by enlisting a team of incognito restaurant critics. These critics were tasked with assessing and rating restaurants according to their culinary offerings, awarding them either 0, 1, 2, or 3 stars.
This system eventually evolved into the prestigious Michelin star rating, which recognizes chefs worldwide for their exceptional culinary skills and achievements. Throughout his career, Gordon Ramsay has successfully established numerous restaurants where he has gained a significant following.
Gordon originally aspired to pursue a career as a professional soccer player, but his ambitions were thwarted by a devastating injury.
Consequently, he shifted gears and enrolled in a hotel management program, where he unexpectedly found his passion for the culinary arts. He actively sought out mentorship from renowned chefs such as Marco Pierre White, Guy Savoy, and Albert Roux, honing his skills and expertise in the world of gourmet cuisine.
How many Michelin stars does ‘Food Stars’ host Gordon Ramsay have?
While there are plenty of renowned chefs in the culinary world, few have garnered the same level of praise and recognition as Gordon Ramsay. Despite the abundance of entertaining cooking shows on television, very few chefs have attained the widespread global fame and success that Ramsay enjoys.
With an impressive 16 Michelin Stars under his belt, Ramsay is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and acclaimed chefs in the world. Ramsay has achieved the prestigious honor of earning 16 Michelin Stars throughout his career, but currently only holds seven, as per Cheatsheet. While fluctuations in Michelin Star ratings are not uncommon for restaurants, Ramsay's ego has seemingly been bruised by this perceived setback.
‘Food Stars’ Season 2 host Gordon Ramsay calls out chefs who return their Michelin stars
In previous instances, Gordon Ramsay has vehemently criticized chefs who voluntarily gave up their prestigious Michelin stars, accusing them of lacking the resilience and determination needed to withstand the intense pressure and scrutiny that comes with being in the culinary spotlight.
Ramsay has expressed disdain for those who are not willing to face the challenges and demands of maintaining such a high level of culinary excellence. He believes that the recognition should not be solely attributed to the chef but should be shared among the entire team.
By turning down the stars, Ramsay feels that it prevents others on the team from experiencing the joy and pride that comes with such accolades.
"Whether it's an Emmy, an Oscar, a Bafta or a Michelin star, it's the icing on the cake, not just for the chef but also for the staff who are equally as focused as the owner," Ramsay said, as per The Straits Times.
Gordon Ramsay's 'Food Stars' Season 2 premieres on May 22, 2024, at 9 pm ET on Fox.