Michelin Stars: Tales from the Kitchen

All chefs dream of the distinction of receiving the coveted Michelin star, but who decides this peculiar rating and what is the criteria for obtaining one? More than a baker's dozen of the world's top-rated chefs dish on the pros and cons of the punishing star system that has given them extreme joy-and nervous breakdowns.

CHEFS MAINLY FEATURED
(in order of appearance)

Guy Savoy, Guy Savoy ***, Paris
Alain Ducasse, Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée ***, Paris
Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz **, Gipuzkoa
Victor Arguinzoniz, Asador Extebarri *, Atxondo
René Redzepi, Noma **, Copenhagen
Rasmus Kofoed, Geranium ***, Copenhagen
Esben Holmboe Bang, Maaemo ***, Oslo
Mark Ladner, Del Posto *, New York City
Alain Weissgerber, Taubenkobel (**), Schützen am Gebirge
Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison Park ***, New York City
Fredrik Berselius, Aska **, New York City
Benoit Violier, l’Hotel de Ville ***, Crissier
Frank Giovannini, l’Hotel de Ville ***, Crissier
Kevin Fehling, The Table ***, Hamburg
Yoshihiro Narisawa, Narisawa **, Tokyo
Namae Shinobu, L’Effervescence **, Tokyo
Yoshimi Tanigawa, Kichisen ***, Kyoto
Wassim Halal, Frederikshøj *, Aarhus