The Real Stars of Austin: A Michelin Night for the People Behind the Plates

Last night, something happened that will change Austin forever: Michelin finally blessed Texas with its stars, and my hometown walked away with a fistful of them and a heap of accolades. This is the city where breakfast tacos are a birthright, where smoked brisket is religion, and where, for years, we’ve played underdog to New York, LA, San Francisco, and yes, even Houston and Dallas. Not anymore. Austin finally got its dues.

If you’ve been around here, you know. I’ve been an unapologetic cheerleader, haunting the bars, tables, food trucks, and kitchen counters where Austin’s culinary soul is laid bare. I know you—the people behind the food who make this town special. You’re the dreamers and the grinders. You wear the scars, stay for the late nights, pull magic out of the mundane, and remember our off-menu quirks, making us feel like somebody. You’re my people.

So let’s be clear—this isn’t really about the stars. It’s about you. You’re the ones who make Austin’s food scene what it is: the chefs sweating over blistering grills, the sommeliers who catch wine glasses mid-fall like acrobats, the servers who know my shaken Braulio and the way I like my blue cheese in mashed potatoes. And it’s about the countless others—whose restaurants didn’t receive recognition last night but who are no less deserving of our appreciation and love. You’re all the unsung heroes who turned this scrappy little city into a culinary powerhouse while no one was watching.

I’ll admit it—writing this got me a little teary-eyed. I think back to the times you looked out for me: the night I showed up in a tux after being stood up, and you spun my solo pity party into a three-bottle VIP affair. Or that time you humored me as I tried to christen my double cacio e pepe with my own name, playing along with perfect grace. And all the countless nights you knew exactly which bottle I needed before I even asked.

Last night’s Michelin stars, they’re for you—the folks who’ve put up with all of us—the off-menu requests, the last-minute texts, the spills, and the shattered glass. You’re the ones who don’t flinch when I walk in with another last-minute craving. You’re the ones who make Austin what it is—a place where you’re always at home, even if you show up unannounced, with some ridiculous order.

So here’s to you, Austin. Here’s to the friends, the family, the people who make this city taste like nowhere else. You’re why I keep coming back. Michelin stars or not, I’ll be at your tables for the grit, the late nights, and the unmistakable warmth. For the real work, the rough edges, the flavors that don’t make sense until they do. Michelin stars are great, but I’m here for you—the people who make this city feel like home. Thank you for everything, for bringing the spotlight to Austin, and for making us proud. You’re what makes this place home.

I’ll see you soon, hopefully over a bottle of celebratory bubbles. This city, this love, this food—it’s all real. We’re Austin, and we’re just getting started.