Austrian restaurants receive badges

VIENNA They shine with three Guide MICHELIN stars: Amador and - as one might expect - Steirereck im Stadtpark. METRO Austria CEO Thierry Guillon-Verne did not miss the opportunity to personally present the highly decorated chefs Juan Amador and Heinz Reitbauer with the coveted plaques and discuss the significance of the Guide MICHELIN rating for the country. Both chefs unanimously confirmed that the publication of the Austrian edition of the restaurant guide means much more than just a star rating for the local culinary scene. The fact that the entire country has been back on the international culinary map for more than 15 years is an expression of recognition for all those working in the catering and tourism industry.

Plaques are a visible sign of gastronomic excellence

Guillon-Verne: "METRO has been a partner of the MICHELIN Guide for many years and has therefore been strongly committed to its return throughout Austria. It was and is important to us that the great gastronomy of all the provinces is honoured and can once again serve as a role model for many talented people. I would like to congratulate Juan and Heinz on their outstanding achievement, as well as all the other award-winning catering businesses. The plaques are a visible sign of their gastronomic excellence."

Heinz Reitbauer can not only look forward to 3 stars for the Steirereck im Stadtpark for the first time, but also a Bib Gourmand for the Meierei im Stadtpark. However, what makes him particularly proud and confirms his actions are a Green Star and a Bib Gourmand for his Wirtshaus am Pogusch: "I am very pleased that Austria has once again been recognised by the MICHELIN Guide across the board, because we have incredible respect for agriculture, products and Austria's diversity. Three stars were never the proclaiming goal in my mind, but they confirm that we do what we do here as a team extremely well with appreciation and passion and with people who share this passion. What we want is to bring Austrian agriculture, cuisine, tradition, diversity and innovation to the plate in the best possible way. I am particularly pleased about the award for our Wirtshaus am Pogusch. Affordable food, sustainably at the level of a Green Star, is one of the greatest achievements, in my opinion."

Juan Amador: "MICHELIN stars are the Oscar for gastronomy. They are confirmation and at the same time a commitment for the next year. Confirmation of what we have set out to do and a commitment for what is to come. Because having three stars does not mean that you have arrived. The day after the Guide MICHELIN rating is published, it is clear that you are starting from scratch, and that is also our mindset. The rating must never be taken for granted. We are very pleased and very happy that we have hit the mark and that the standard has been confirmed, but we are also aware that we have to live up to the responsibility that comes with it - and with this team, we have succeeded. Goal achieved, let's move on and the door is open for next year."