Anne-Sophie Pic, in the kitchen of her restaurant la Maison Pic in Valence.
The 2007 edition of the famous Michelin Guide is out today.
Among the five chefs who receive their first three stars is Anne-Sophie Pic, 37, in Valence. She’s the only woman to receive the top honour this year.
In the history of the Michelin guide only three women won three stars; the last one was over half a century ago, in 1951.
The total number of 3-star restaurants in France remains unchanged at 26, which means that five chefs were downgraded to two stars. Three restaurants lost all their stars for “technical reasons”, which translates as “the chef left”, “the restaurant was sold”, or “the business went bust”.
In addition to the 26 three-star eateries, there are 65 with two stars (seven new ones), and 436 with one star (fifty new entries).
France’s most decorated chef remains Alain Ducasse, owner of nine stars.
