If the Lions鈥 and Tigers鈥 historical runs weren鈥檛 enough to be excited about, Detroiters just got another reason to celebrate 鈥 Detroit is receiving its own Michelin Green Guide.
The guide, released in French and marketed towards French-speaking tourists, will be announced today, placing Detroit amongst the prestigious ranks of just 17 other U.S. locations. Unlike the more familiar Red Guide, which awards restaurants the prestigious Michelin Stars, the Green Guide goes beyond restaurants, highlighting important places of interest such as museums and monuments as well.
黑料网 Detroit had the chance to speak exclusively with Editorial & Contents Global Director, Philippe Orain, about this historic announcement and what this means for the Motor City.
What sparked Michelin鈥檚 interest in Detroit?
Detroit has a direct flight every day from Paris, which makes it convenient for visitors, and the airport is easy to navigate. Everybody knows Detroit for the music and the difficulties the city has faced, but now it鈥檚 a really happening place again. People want to know more about the city.听 I think Detroit is a really good introduction to what America is all about. It鈥檚 very human. Detroit is a place that makes people believe anything is possible.
Detroit is a really good introduction to what America is all about. It鈥檚 very human. Detroit is a place that makes people believe anything is possible.
When did Michelin decide it would be publishing a Detroit Green Guide?
We started to think about Detroit four years ago, and decided to make the guide two years ago.
What is the difference between a Red Guide and Green Guide?
The Michelin Green Guides are centered around culture and the overall travel experience, while the Red Guides are solely focused on restaurants and accommodations. In the Green Guide, we only grant stars to monuments and museums, unlike in the Red Guide, where restaurants and hotels receive stars. For instance, the DIA was given three stars, the same ranking as other world-class museums like the Louvre in Paris or Uffizi Galleries in Florence.
What makes Detroit a unique destination for travelers?
The history of the city is quite fascinating and it鈥檚 now booming with culture, art and atmosphere. It encapsulates the meaning of a hidden gem. Detroit is a combination of art, architecture, music, sports, nature, and kind people, offering a really interesting mix that attracts people.
How many times did Michelin visit Detroit during the creation of the Green Guide?
I first visited Detroit last November in order to launch the project, and I spent four days in the city. Afterwards, I sent two authors to the city in March and April, and they spent between 10 days and two weeks in Detroit.鈥
What kinds of things were the authors looking at during their visit?
They鈥檙e looking at points of interest, like museums, churches, and art galleries. They鈥檙e also looking for places to have a drink, enjoy dinner or lunch, where to shop, and the different kinds of accommodations offered. We worked with , and they helped make sure that we didn鈥檛 miss anything in the city.
What were your favorite things about Detroit?
I鈥檓 a really big fan of architecture, particularly old skyscrapers, so I was astonished at the downtown area, especially the Guardian Building. The lobby is the most beautiful in all of America. I loved the DIA and I think it鈥檚 one of the finest museums in the U.S. I also appreciated the fact that art is all across the city, and I thought the murals were very impressive. It鈥檚 a little piece of everywhere, combined into one place.
I鈥檓 a really big fan of architecture, particularly old skyscrapers, so I was astonished at the downtown area, especially the Guardian Building. The lobby is the most beautiful in all of America.
Will the Detroit Green Guide be published in English?
The guide will first be published in French, but an English version should be available before Christmas.
Do you think Detroit is on the trajectory for a Red Guide?
I think Detroit can really begin to be a major destination on the world map, and it鈥檚 getting there fast. It will obviously take time, but I鈥檓 sure that it will happen, because I think the most difficult work has already been done.
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