FOOD NEWS
Here's What It Takes To Become An Inspector For The Michelin Guide
By Andra Picincu
According to Ottimmo International MasterGourmet Academy, there are only 120 people worldwide who hold the coveted position of being a Michelin inspector. The job requires dining in some of the best restaurants and hotels in the world, but becoming one of these elite food critics will require a lot of sacrifices, extensive training, and specific skills.
Applicants must have at least five years of relevant work experience and in-depth knowledge of the culinary arts. “The ideal candidate is preferably a chef, but we also have some managers, some people that have focused on wine,” Rebecca Burr, a former Michelin inspector, said to CNN Travel in 2017.
Candidates must be ready and willing to travel (which can be difficult for those with families) and it also requires being anonymous at all times. Moreover, those who pursue this path should feel comfortable dining alone and visiting multiple restaurants on the same day, which can be mentally and physically draining.
This career path is not suitable for vegans, vegetarians, or those on special diets as former Michelin inspector Chris Watson explains, “You must eat everything — every cuisine, every part of the animal.” Watson added that an inspector must also be able to objectively assess the ambiance, service, menu, and other aspects of running a dining venue.