Congrats on your incredible award!

The other night, while enjoying a nice dinner out with some friends, my wife commented that there are no Michelin-starred restaurants in Boston. For anyone who lives in Boston, we know there are certainly many incredible fine dining options (and world-renowned chefs), but the lack of any Michelin Stars implies that none of them are up to the high standards of places like New York City, Chicago, Paris, or London.

However, our friend Derek had some insider knowledge that gave us a new perspective. He had recently learned that Michelin doesn’t review Boston restaurants, primarily because Michelin expects financial contributions to cover a city—and Boston doesn’t pay up. We then confirmed this info with ChatGPT, which, as we know, is always correct. ??

This new information got me thinking about not only the true quality of Boston dining, but also the validity of awards and recognitions in general. Clearly, there are many prestigious awards—not just for restaurants but across industries, disciplines, and individual accomplishments. However, not all awards are created equal, and they should be evaluated accordingly.

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking at awards:

1. Know the Source: Michelin is a trusted and recognized brand, and earning a Michelin Star (or even being mentioned in the guide) means a lot. However, there are plenty of less credible sources. Not all awards are created equal.
2. Know the Criteria: As anyone who watches Emily in Paris knows, earning a Michelin Star is not easy. Michelin takes its rating seriously and takes many factors into account before giving such recognition (i.e., ambiance, presentation, service, taste, etc.). It takes more than just an online submission or the purchase of an ad. Some awards are certainly easier to come by than others.
3. Know the Scope: In Michelin’s case, it’s important to understand that its coverage is limited to certain regions. There are definitely a few Boston restaurants worthy of a Michelin Star, but if they aren’t in a covered area, they won’t get the recognition. Don’t hold it against them.
4. Know the Judges: Michelin inspectors are trained culinary experts. However, in the case of many other awards, the judges may be less knowledgeable or unbiased. For instance, some awards are based on public votes. While this can be valid, the winner is often the one with the largest network, not necessarily the best in the field.
5. Know the Motivation: Some awards are more about promotion or sponsorship than actual merit. In many industries, companies pay to be included in certain lists or receive awards that are more about visibility than accomplishment. Always consider whether the award is celebrating genuine achievement or serving as a marketing tool. (Of course, a valid award can make for great marketing, too.)

As our LinkedIn feeds fill up with awards and recognitions from brands and connections, I advise taking the above into consideration. Certainly, there are many valid and esteemed awards worth bragging about (and I encourage everyone to participate in and share those!). However, before letting every recognition influence your perspective, take a moment to understand the award. And in the meantime, I recommend petitioning the city of Boston to work with Michelin and get our restaurants—and the city—the culinary recognition they deserve.

As always, I hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to share it with others who might find it interesting, and share your thoughts by commenting here.