Chef Michael Caines calls on Michelin to hand out new stars

Celebrity chef Michael Caines has called on Michelin to be "brave" and hand out lots of new stars in the 2009 guide to inspire the next generation of UK chefs.

 

Ahead of the Michelin guide for Great Britain and Ireland's launch next Wednesday (21 January), the two-Michelin-starred chef told Caterersearch 2009 will be a "big year" for the UK.

 

"My prediction is that there will be lots of new stars this year," Caines said. "My money is on Corrigan's, Murano and Danesfield House for one star and Nathan Outlaw and Hibiscus for two stars."

 

Caines added that 2009 could also be the first year since 2004 that Michelin will award three stars to a UK restaurant and tipped Eric Chavot at the Capital and Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley, both in London, to get the nod.

 

"2009 is the year for Michelin to be brave. After so many stars were awarded in Tokyo and New York, it's really important that the UK and Ireland is awarded more stars," said Caines.

 

"The next generation of chefs needs to know that they can aspire to be the next Gordon Ramsay or Heston Blumenthal. It needs to be shown that three-stars can be achieved in Britain."

 

However, the chef added that 2009 would be a tough year for Michelin under the current economic climate.

 

"It will be a difficult year for them as they won't want to be left with egg on their face by honouring unsustainable restaurants that will go out of business," he said.

 

Update: Michelin 2009: The predictions begin>>

 

Michelin stars can be a double-edged sword, say winners>>
Chris Horridge to leave Bath Priory for Waldo's at Cliveden>>
Michael Caines targeted by activists over foie gras>>

 

Richard Corrigan's Mayfair restaurant a ‘triumph', says critic>>

 

By Tom Vaughan and Kerstin Kühn

 

E-mail your comments to Tom Vaughan here.

 

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