VinePair Podcast Are All Michelin Stars Created Equal?
Aug 4, 2025
The hosts share quirky anecdotes from their recent travels in Germany and Italy, celebrating local cuisine and wines like Nebbiolo. They dive into the vast differences between Michelin-star dining experiences in Europe and the U.S., touching on cultural expectations and service dynamics. The conversation reveals how personal service can create class divides, reflecting on the unique pressures of fine dining in America versus the relaxed atmosphere found in Europe. Humor and nostalgia punctuate their culinary explorations, making for an engaging discussion.
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Poor Wine Service in Verona
- Adam Teeter shares a frustrating experience with poor wine service in a three Michelin star restaurant in Verona.
- The sommelier rudely poured wine with sediment after Adam touched the bottle and then ignored the table.
US Vs Europe Michelin Service
- Michelin-starred restaurants in the U.S. often provide extravagant, attentive service to meet high consumer expectations.
- European Michelin-starred places focus more on the food and can have colder, less personal service without tipping culture.
Goddard's US Hospitality Impact
- Will Goddard revolutionized hospitality in US fine dining, pushing more entertaining, guest-focused service.
- In Europe, fine dining is more about the chef's creativity and food quality than elaborate hospitality.