For years, chefs and prominent figures in gastronomy have been striving to develop an initiative that would draw attention to the topic of Michelin stars. Collaboration with the world-renowned guide would bring increased prestige to Slovakia and kickstart gastrotourism. Will this multi-year effort finally come to a successful conclusion?
Benefits for Tourism and the Economy. The inclusion of Slovak gastronomic establishments in the Michelin Guide entails an initial investment, but it can yield manifold returns for the country. Among all European states, we are one of the last to have not yet established cooperation with Michelin.
Gastronomy and tourism associations, with the support of chefs, have repeatedly appealed to the government to sign an agreement with the prestigious evaluator. This step is entirely in their hands, primarily to ensure absolute impartiality in the assessment.
Advancement to a Global Level
Restaurants with immense potential can be found throughout Slovakia; their recognition with a Michelin star would not only guarantee their quality but also attract guests from both home and abroad. The strengthening of tourism is one of the most significant advantages resulting from this collaboration, which celebrates the highest quality in the world of gastronomy and hospitality.
The prestige that Michelin stars would bring to Slovakia would also positively influence the entire culinary scene, particularly by making this sector more attractive to aspiring chefs and those who have been working for years to build Slovak gastronomy.
“Collaboration with the Michelin Guide would not only increase the visibility of the Slovak culinary scene but also of the country as a whole. It would elevate the standard of services offered and boost tourism. As a country, we would draw closer to neighboring states that are miles ahead of us in this area. We could reap many benefits in various spheres from this cooperation and the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Slovakia,” explains Tomáš Ševčík, Group Executive Chef at ZAR.
Slovakia Has What It Takes
Several ambitious Slovak restaurants from across the country would eagerly participate in the effort to be included in the Michelin guide. “Inclusion in the guide would be appealing to many restaurateurs because, in addition to prestige, it also brings increased profits. At the same time, it is a great motivation for young people and employees across all positions in gastronomy, as well as for employers, who would be more inclined to invest in education.
It would also be attractive for professionals working abroad, who would gain new motivation to return and achieve success in their home country, adds Tomáš Ševčík, who oversees all operations from the ZAR company portfolio. For several years now, the company has been contributing to raising the level of Slovak gastronomy through complementary activities that bring world-renowned cuisine to our region. As part of the Michelin Stars in Lomnica tasting dinner series, teams from such stellar restaurants as Osteria di Passignano and Anna Stuben have presented at Hotel Lomnica in Tatranská Lomnica.
After five years, Italian Michelin record-holder Enrico Bartolini returns to Slovakia with his show Back to the Roots. “This is one way to elevate the standard of gastronomy in Slovakia. By bringing such global stars here, we offer people in Slovakia a glimpse into the world, an opportunity to experience a different kind of gastronomy and learn to understand it. It helps customers appreciate true quality and understand the difference between a €4 meal and a €40 one. It raises overall awareness of quality food, wine, and services as such. We truly have high-quality gastronomy in Slovakia, and it is important that we learn to appreciate it as a form of art and experience.
Gastronomic events are also important for us in the industry, as we can gain a wealth of new insights and experiences from them, and they motivate us to continuously improve,” concludes Tomáš Ševčík.
Will a Michelin Star Shine Here?
Whether a Michelin star will finally shine in Slovakia will also be discussed at the upcoming HN conference, which will take place on October 21, 2024, at Kaštieľ Pálffy. With leaders and recognized personalities from Slovak gastronomy and tourism, we will also discuss current trends and the future development of the gastronomy sector. The HN Conference will conclude the culinary show Back to the Roots II. by Enrico Bartolini, with which the holder of 13 Michelin stars will present himself at Kaštieľ Pálffy and Hotel Lomnica. The conference will also include a discussion with the acclaimed world-renowned chef.
