How Realistic Was The Michelin Inspector On Emily In Paris Season 3?
It's been a month, so die-hard fans of Netflix's hit show "Emily in Paris" should have binge-watched season three by now. In the event that the show is still on your to-do list, however, consider this a spoiler alert warning! While some fans watch Darren Star's newest rom-com to follow the l'amour du jour of heroine Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, with her fabulous clothing, spectacular settings, and, let's be honest, the "Sex in the City-esque" steamy moments with chef Gabriel, played by Lucas Bravo, others are equally focused on the incredible French food and the culinary scene the show explores, even McDonald's is chic there.
Season three focuses more on chef Gabriel's ambitions, from owning his restaurant to his dream of earning a Michelin star. Gabriel turned us on in season one when he made an omelet for Emily. In contrast, this season, we see the two savoring each bite during a romantic Michelin star meal and get a glimpse into how that star is attained, per Glamour.
According to Gabriel, to earn a Michelin star, a restaurant must consistently serve exceptional food with a menu that allows "their personality to come through in their cuisine"(via Netflix Life). Since Michelin inspectors are anonymous, exemplary food must be served to every guest. However, through a series of 'coincidences,' Emily manages to get a Michelin inspector into Gabriel's newly opened restaurant, leaving foodies to question how realistic the inspector was on the show.
Anonymous Michelin inspectors
To earn a star, Michelin Guide inspectors consider "the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through their cuisine, and consistency across the entire menu and over time." Full-time inspectors have previously worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry and can dine in 300 restaurants a year globally, per USA Today.
According to Entertainment Weekly, Star hired a Michelin food stylist to work on the show since food is featured prominently this season. However, the Michelin Guide inspector, duped into eating at Gabriel's restaurant, breaks a few rules, including the most critical, anonymity. Like working for the CIA, Michelin inspectors are asked to keep the nature of their work private including their parents and top executives at Michelin (per Eposnow).
While the inspector on the show shares her feedback with the chef, the Michelin Guide prohibits contact stating, "The only feedback a restaurant should consider is the feedback it gets from its customers." Before earning a star, multiple inspectors will enjoy lunch and dinner and go during the week and on the weekend to test the consistency of the food. Inspectors dine alone or in groups; regardless, all final decisions are made collectively. Restaurants and patrons can request a restaurant be considered for a star; however, chefs wait years for the restaurant's reputation to be noticed by Michelin. Bloggers and restaurant reviews can speed the process, but Gabriel's opening night inspection is the work of Hollywood.