Rick Bayless has shared his pride and gratitude at being awarded a pair of prestigious Michelin awards for the 15th consecutive year.
The 71-year-old chef and restaurateur, whose speciality is traditional Mexican cuisine with modern interpretations, is best known for his PBS series “Mexico: One Plate at a Time.” He already boasts a plethora of accolades. They include a Michelin star and the title of “Top Chef Master” in the inaugural 2009 season of Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters.”
Oklahoma native Bayless can now add two more to his long list. His popular Chicago restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo have both been honored yet again.
Rick Bayless Spoke of His Pride on Instagram
GettyRick Bayless took to his Instagram account to share the news with his 578,000 followers.
Regarding Frontera Grill, he posted a reel of 14 photographs from the restaurant. The images included pictures of the layout, decor, staff, and, of course, the food. Needless to say the establishment looks tremendous.
The caption on Bayless’ post read, “Thoughtful Cooking, Every Time. That’s how Michelin describes restaurants that earn the Bib Gourmand. We’ve been striving for just that, for almost 40 years. We are so proud to receive The Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for the 15th year in a row as we continue to push for simple, classic dishes that reflect the regional flavors of Mexico, that are good value. Thank you @michelinguide.”
The restaurant receiving the Bib Gourmand 15 years running is hugely impressive. The Michelin Guide website describes the award as follows: “In 1997, MICHELIN introduced the Bib Gourmand designation to recognize restaurants offering excellent value for the quality of their cooking. While the price threshold varies a little from country to country depending on the cost of living, Inspectors apply the same principle worldwide: great value for money.”
Regarding Topolobampo, he posted a 54-second video showcasing the restaurant, its food, and its staff. Topolobampo was awarded a Michelin star for the 15th consecutive year.
The post’s caption read, “I am so incredibly honored and thrilled that Topolobampo received a Michelin star for the 15th year in a row! So proud of everyone—under the direction of chefs Meagan O’Connor & Jen Jones Enyart—we have the best team we’ve ever had! Thank you @michelinguide.”
Frontera Grill ‘Transports You’ to the Kitchens of Mexico
Frontera Grill’s official website describes it as follows: “It was 1987. Rick Bayless and his wife, Deann Groen Bayless, had just returned from an extended stay in Mexico, where they had been researching their first book. They wanted a restaurant that tasted and felt like their travels. So they hung colorful Mexican folk art on the walls, turned up the Mariachi music and packed the menu with the foods that reminded them of their travels: tangy tomatillos, rich black beans, fiery chiles. And that’s how it’s been ever since.”
It continues, “Not that we haven’t changed. We change all the time, adding new authentic flavors to our menus, developing new relationships with the Midwestern farmers who provide us with everything from summer squash to maple syrup to goat. But at the end of the day, no matter how inventive our techniques or local our ingredients, our food still transports you to the same place: the colorful, vibrant kitchens of Mexico.”
The restaurant is a most deserving recipient of its huge collection of Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. That’s a fact Bayless’ followers seemingly agree with, as they congratulated him in his post’s comment section.
One follower wrote, “Congrats! To you and the team @rick_bayless.”
Topolobampo Brings ‘Vibrant Excitement’ to the Dining Experience
Topolobampo’s official website describes it as follows: “Sometimes a story of people and places, a time now distant, or even works of art that offer a glimpse into the uniqueness of Mexican life. At Topolobampo we offer a new tasting menu every six to eight weeks, and we never repeat a dish twice.”
It continues, “Every story is deeply rooted in Mexico, and so is the food, though rarely does it resemble what you’d find in a traditional Mexican kitchen. Topolo presents Mexican cuisine through a contemporary, fine-dining lens, while bringing vibrant excitement and adventure that is sure to enchant even the most experienced culinary travelers.”
Only the finest restaurants earn Michel stars. For Topolobampo to have received one every year for the last 15 years must mean it’s fantastic.
Followers sent congratulatory messages in the comments of this post, too. One effectively used emojis to do so, writing, “Congratulations 🎉 👏😍.”
If you’re ever in Chicago, Frontera Grill and Topolobampo are certainly worth checking out.
We’d like to send our warmest congratulations to Rick Bayless for these two fantastic achievements. Keep up the excellent work, chef!
