MicheliN stars for 76 NY eateries

NEW YORK CITY: Michelin handed out its coveted stars to 76 restaurants in New York City in its 2019 guide on Tuesday, four more than last year, boosting the Big Apple’s reputation as a global destination for its diverse and innovative culinary offerings.

The new city restaurants that achieved the distinction included two named after legendary French chef Joël Robuchon, who died in August.

Michelin praised the first-time “starred” establishments for top-notch techniques or innovative twists on Asian, French and Mexican cuisines.

“New York is one of the leading culinary cities worldwide,” said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide. “It has a very vibrant culinary scene.”

Michelin released the latest edition of its New York City eating guide on Thursday. Michelin’s grading system uses anonymous reviewers in 28 countries. Some argue it is rigid and overlooks some restaurants that critics and diners praise. The restaurant rater awarded its highest ranking of three stars to the same five New York establishments as last year for their “exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey”: Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, Eleven Madison Park, Le Bernardin, Masa and Per Se. But New York will still likely lag San Francisco in the number of three-star restaurants for a second year.