Michelin Releases New York Guide

The venerable Michelin Guide to cuisine yesterday released its third-annual New York City edition, with Per Se, Jean-Georges, and Le Bernardin, each receiving three stars, the guide's top honor. In its first year of eligibility, Gordon Ramsay at the London received two stars, denoting "excellent cooking, worth a detour," as did five other restaurants including Picholine, which was promoted since last year, when it received one star.

This guide — featuring 619 establishments, representing some 46 genres of cuisine — includes 33 one-star restaurants, designated by Michelin as "a very good restaurant in its category." More than 100 places got their first write up in this year's book, considered by many chefs to be the world's preeminent dining guide.

"Michelin Guide New York City 2008" hits bookstores on Wednesday, and retails for $16.95.