Florida aims to be culinary destination with Michelin Guide partnership

Visit Florida has partnered with renowned travel book specialists Michelin Guide in a bid to establish the Sunshine State as a culinary destination.

Michelin Guide inspectors will tour the state next year, focusing on gastronomic experiences, to produce The Michelin Guide Miami, Orlando and Tampa.

It will be The Michelin Guide’s fifth destination in the US to receive the company’s prestigious restaurant rating system, joining guides in New York City, Washington D.C, Chicago and California.

Michelin Guides international director Gwendal Poullennec said: “”Michelin Guide inspectors look forward to discovering the world-class culinary landscape in Miami, Orlando and Tampa. From the excitement and glamour of Miami to Orlando’s iconic attractions and the rich culture of Tampa’s Gulf Coast, Florida’s gastronomy is unique, diverse and intriguing for locals and travelers across the globe.”

The restaurant guide will join Michelin’s selection of hotels in Florida, put together by Tablet Hotels, the hotel expects at the Michelin Guide.

Dana Young, president and chief executive, Visit Florida, said: “This gives Florida the opportunity to highlight the dynamic and unexpected culinary adventures the Sunshine State has to offer from locally-grown produce and fresh seafood to unique fusions from cultures around the world.”

She added: “Visit Florida, along with our destination partners, Visit Orlando, Visit Tampa Bay and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, are thrilled to partner with Michelin to develop a Michelin Guide to further establish Florida as a world-renowned culinary destination.”

Casandra Matej, president and chief executive, Visit Orlando, said the dining scene in Orlando was evolving with nationally-recognised chefs, international cuisines and food options for all budgets and tastes. She added: “Having the Michelin Guide inspectors visit Orlando to experience and rate our restaurant offerings will raise the visibility of our destination’s culinary superstars on a global scale.”