Behind the scenes at the Michelin Guide ceremony

Hi food friends,

The 2026 Michelin Guide American South ceremony has pretty much consumed my life this week. This is always a big moment for the Atlanta restaurant scene, and I’m proud I’ve had a hand in covering it each of these last four years.

It’s fun to go to these events for work, but I have to stress that it is very much work. As a media attendee, I am there as an observer, not a participant, which always feels a little awkward. While people around me experience extreme emotions, maybe one of the best moments of their lives, I’m hunched over a laptop or contorting myself to get a better photo angle.

Of course, there’s also the pressure that comes with any journalism job. How quickly can I get published? Did that guy leave before I could get a quote? Can I find any angles our competitors haven’t noticed?

Once again, I think we’ve produced great coverage of the Michelin Guide and what it means for Atlanta restaurants. When I left the ceremony last night, I realized I’d been so consumed with the job that I hadn’t had a bite to eat all night.

So, I went back to my budget hotel room near the Nashville airport and ordered Panda Express around 10:30 p.m. CT. After a long day driving and long night working, meals don’t get much better than that.

Do you have other questions about the Michelin Guide or last night’s ceremony? Were you more surprised by the restaurants added or dropped?