November 23, 2010 – Five restaurants in River North – including one owned by former Marina City resident Graham Elliot – have been awarded a Michelin Star. According to the guide, one star means “a very good restaurant in its category, a place offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard.”

Appearing in the first ever Michelin Guide Chicago 2011, on sale since last Thursday, are Crofton on Wells, Graham Elliot, Naha, Sixteen, and Topolobampo.

Throughout Chicago, 23 eateries got at least one star, including two – Alinea and L20 – that earned the guide’s highest rating of three stars. Only 93 restaurants nationwide hold three Michelin stars.

Elliot says his second restaurant, Grahamwich, once expected to open in mid-July at 615 North State Street, should open the first week of December. In late October, Elliot (left) started advertising on Craigslist for “baristas, soda jerks, kitchen staff, and counter help for its soon to be open State street location.”

The director of the Michelin Guides, Jean-Luc Naret, says Chicago chefs are among the world’s most creative. “Michelin is showing the world what Chicago residents already know – this is one of the finest cities in the world to eat. Chicago is the beneficiary of a truly innovative spirit among chefs, who are willing to push culinary limits at all levels.”

Stars are handed out by anonymous, professional inspectors. First published in France in 1900, the Michelin Guide is considered by many to be an international benchmark in gourmet dining.

 River North Restaurant Guide