Michelin Announces its 2024 Stars and Bib Gourmands for Chicago

Synopsis:

Cariño, an Uptown restaurant that opened in November 2023, earned a Michelin star within its first year of operation. Led by chef Norman Fenton, the tasting menu highlights Mexican and Central American flavors with dishes like huitlacoche ravioli and Ora King salmon with cucumber-jalapeño aguachile. This recognition is significant for the off-the-beaten-path neighborhood and marks a redemption for Fenton, who previously helmed the now-closed Brass Heart in the same space.

The 2024 Michelin Guide for Chicago featured 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, down from 21, with Cariño as the only new addition. Moody Tongue and Omakase Yume each dropped from two stars to one, while *Smyth* and *Alinea* retained their three-star ratings. Chicago also saw a reduction in Bib Gourmand awards, with 11 fewer entries compared to last year. *Sifr* was the only new Bib Gourmand addition.

Other notable honors included Daisies receiving a Green Star for sustainability, Galit’s Scott Stroemer earning the Sommelier Award, and Kasama’s Tim Flores and Genie Kwon being recognized for Outstanding Service. Josh Mummert of Kumiko received one of the three 2024 Young Chef Awards.

Written By: Ashok Selvam
Photo Credit: Kelly Sandos/Cariño
Published: December 9, 2024