The annual Michelin Guide for California has been announced for 2024 with three new two-star restaurants and seven new one-star restaurants making the prestigious guide. These additions take the total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in California to 85.
The new two star restaurants to feature are Aubergine, in Carmel-by-the-Sea; Sons & Daughters, San Francisco; and Vespertine, situated in Los Angeles.
Aubergine is a contemporary restaurant in which chef Justin Cogley balances classic techniques with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The Michelin Guide says of the venue, Products of spectacular quality are prepared skillfully and painstakingly presented with an artistic eye, as in a surprising "cabbage" taco filled with shallot jam, Madeira-braised treviso, Kaluga queen caviar and cabbage chips.
Another contemporary eatery, Sons & Daughters is led by chef Harrison Cheney who follows a minimalist Nordic style in a tasting menu that combines a variety of preserved fruits and vegetables, flawless seafood, and aged meats.
The third two star addition, Vespertine and chef Jordan Kahn work to ensure all ingredients are used in their entirety. Described by the Michelin Guide as, Each dish is visually stunning, with cuisine that is not only daringly inventive (at times downright whimsical), but also marshals finely honed technique and impeccably balanced flavors.
The venues obtaining their first star for 2024 include,
Hilda and Jesse, Kiln and 7 Adams, all of which are situated in San Francisco; Holbox, Meteora and Uka in Los Angeles; and R|O-Rebel Omakase in Laguna Beach.
Find out more about all the venues featured, including the ten new Bib Gourmands awarded too, here.
Image credit - Aubergine