10 Facts About Michelin: From Tires to Culinary Triumphs

Clermont-Ferrand, France. Figures of Bibendum, also known as Michelin Tyre Man, at the L'Aventure Michelin museum
Clermont-Ferrand, France. Figures of Bibendum, also known as Michelin Tyre Man, at the L’Aventure Michelin museum
Photo by depositphotos.com

When one thinks of Michelin, images of rugged tires might first come to mind. Yet, this iconic brand boasts a fascinating history, intricately linked with the world of haute cuisine. How did a tire manufacturer evolve to become the highest authority in the culinary universe? Here are ten facts that provide a glimpse into the remarkable journey of Michelin.

1. Guarded Secrets: Michelin is so protective of its tire technology that it refrains from patenting the rubber compounds it employs. This ensures that competitors remain in the dark about their secret formulas.

2. A Starry Origin: In a clever marketing ploy in 1900, Michelin began reviewing restaurants, intending to encourage people to drive more, subsequently wearing out their tires faster. The coveted Michelin Star, which global chefs ardently aspire to, is actually an ingenious advertising strategy by the tire giant.

3. Mysterious Inspectors: Michelin goes to great lengths to preserve the anonymity of its inspectors, who are responsible for bestowing stars upon restaurants. Being an inspector demands a commitment to 275 inspection meals annually. The veil of secrecy is so profound that many top chefs have never encountered one, and inspectors are advised against revealing their profession, even to their parents.

4. Ramsay’s Starry Achievements: Holding a Michelin star is prestigious but maintaining it is a continuous challenge. Michelin demands consistent excellence, and should standards drop, restaurants risk losing their stars. In 2014, Gordon Ramsay compared losing his Michelin stars to the agony of a romantic breakup. Among Michelin-starred chefs, Ramsay shines with 16 stars, surpassed by only two chefs globally.

5. Street Food Excellence: Testament to its culinary richness, some of Singapore’s street vendors have been recognized with Michelin stars, underscoring that exceptional food isn’t confined to plush restaurants.

6. Michelin and the Law: Chef Marc Veyrat, in a historic lawsuit in 2019, contested Michelin’s decision to downgrade his restaurant to 2 stars, causing him considerable distress. His defense, humorously dubbed “cheddargate,” countered Michelin’s allegation of using English cheddar in a soufflé.

7. A Taste Resurrected: A chef, having lost his taste due to cancer treatment, eventually regained it. This health journey led him to create unique flavors that earned his Chicago restaurant three Michelin stars.

8. The True Colors of the Michelin Man: Originally, the iconic Michelin Man was white, reflecting the natural hue of rubber. It was only in 1912 that tires began to turn black, thanks to the addition of carbon chemicals, enhancing their strength and durability.

9. Michelin’s Role in WWII: During the Second World War, Michelin paused the publication of its guide. Yet, in 1944, at the behest of the Allied Forces, the 1939 edition covering France was republished, as its maps were deemed the best available.

10. Budget-friendly Michelin Experience: The world’s most affordable Michelin-starred eatery is “HK Soya Sauce Chicken, Rice & Noodle” in Singapore. Patrons can enjoy a delectable meal for a mere $1.50 (USD), making it the first street food stand to earn such a distinction.

From shaping travel journeys with resilient tires to illuminating culinary paths with its esteemed stars, Michelin’s legacy is as multifaceted as it is interesting.

10 Surprising Slices of Facts about Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut Fast Casual Restaurant. Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of YUM! Brands
Photo by depositphotos.com

Pizza Hut, one of the world’s most recognizable pizza chains, has a rich and savory history filled with interesting tidbits. Here are 10 surprising facts that add extra flavor to the story of this renowned pizza brand:

  1. Classic Touch: Pizza Hut cherishes its heritage with the existence of “Pizza Hut Classic” restaurants. Endorsed by co-founder Dan Carney, these locations flaunt legacy logos, iconic red roofs, classic lamps, and the character Pizza Hut Pete welcoming guests at the door.
  2. Space Delivery: Pizza Hut marked its cosmic presence by delivering a pizza to the International Space Station in 2001. The venture saw them paying Russia a whopping $1 million to transport the savory delight into orbit.
  3. Slogan Showdown: In a saucy legal battle, Pizza Hut successfully sued Papa John’s, claiming that their slogan “fresher ingredients” didn’t necessarily mean a “better” pizza.
  4. Cheese Monopoly: The cheese crowning your Pizza Hut pizza likely comes from Leprino Foods, which dominates the pizza cheese market with an 85% share, supplying other major pizza chains like Domino’s and Papa John’s as well.
  5. Franchise Flip: After selling Pizza Hut to Pepsi in 1977, one of the original founders turned his attention to Papa John’s, becoming a major franchisee with ownership of 133 locations by 2001.
  6. Upscale in China: In China, Pizza Hut is a slice above the rest, considered an upscale restaurant offering delicacies like escargot, tiramisu, and lamb shanks.
  7. Presidential Promotion: Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet President, added a slice of endorsement to the brand by starring in a Pizza Hut commercial.
  8. Online Ordering Pioneer: Pizza Hut blazed the digital trail in 1994 with PizzaNet, the first restaurant to test online ordering for delivery, based in Santa Cruz, California. The original site is still accessible, commemorating one of the earliest documented Internet purchases: a pepperoni pizza with mushrooms and extra cheese.
  9. Fragrance Fling: In 2012, the brand toyed with the idea of releasing a limited-edition perfume that encapsulated the scent of fresh dough. Although thousands expressed interest, only 110 fans snagged a bottle through a Facebook competition, receiving their prize in mini pizza box packaging.
  10. App for Assistance: A Florida woman ingeniously used the Pizza Hut app to get police help when she and her children were held hostage. By conveying a message through the app’s comment section, she managed to alert the authorities and ensure the captor’s arrest.