The Michelin Guide has announced Detroit as the host city for its inaugural Great Lakes Ceremony, with a historic location for the venue.
On April 21, 2027, guests will gather at Michigan Central to celebrate the Great Lakes restaurants that have earned recognition in the Michelin Guide.
It makes sense that Detroit would land the honor of hosting the prestigious ceremony. When news broke in April that the Michelin Guide would publish its first Great Lakes Guide, it was revealed that Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit, spearheaded the effort to shine Michelin's light on the region. He gathered his peers in other cities to present the idea of joining forces to honor their respective dining scenes.
The collaboration between Visit Detroit and a collective of regional tourism boards would eventually bring the guide to Cleveland, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. It was later announced that Cincinnati would also be included in the Great Lakes edition.
"We're thrilled to welcome the MICHELIN Guide ceremony to Detroit and to Michigan Central next April," Molinari said in a press release. "As host city for the MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes ceremony, Detroit will have an extraordinary opportunity to welcome culinary leaders from across the Great Lakes region and showcase our own food scene, creativity and hospitality on an international stage. We're proud to bring this prestigious celebration to Detroit, which is creating new reasons for people from around the world to visit, experience and savor our culinary landscape."
In 2024, Michigan Central earned a feature in Michelin's inaugural Green Guide, designed for sightseeing, highlighting cultural attractions, shopping outlets, historic sites, lodging and more. A historical landmark, the venue will serve as the backdrop for the ceremony, where chefs will learn whether their restaurants have received a Michelin Star or another distinction.
More: Detroit restaurants are now eligible for Michelin star ratings
While Michelin Stars are the most notable of honors, there are other recognitions of note. The Bib Gourmand is a designation for restaurants offering "good quality food for a good value," according to a Visit Detroit press release, and the Michelin Green Star recognizes restaurants following sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Recommended restaurants and special professional awards also offer an opportunity for establishments to be featured in the guide without a star designation.
More: What we know about mysterious Michelin Guide restaurant rating system
"We are delighted to recognize and showcase the outstanding culinary talent found throughout the American Great Lakes for the very first time," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. "Detroit's storied history, innovative culinary talent and eclectic dining and cultural landscape makes it a fitting destination to host the inaugural ceremony for the region. Our anonymous Inspectors look forward to finally sharing their discoveries with the world."
The April 21 ceremony is invite only.
Contact Detroit Free Press Dining and Restaurant Critic Lyndsay C. Green at: [email protected]. Follow @LadyLuff on Instagram and Twitter. Subscribe to the Eat Drink Freep newsletter for extras and insider scoops on Detroit-area dining.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michelin Guide to host the Great Lakes ceremony at a Detroit landmark