Cantú says team carries more confidence after historic third star
The third star, announced at a Michelin Guide ceremony in San Diego, capped a trajectory that began with Californios earning its first star right out of the gate when it opened in 2015, according to the Associated Press. A second star followed in 2018. Cantú, with his wife Carolyn by his side, received the third star and a crisp white Michelin chef’s jacket.
“It’s been just really rewarding to see the team kind of like, carry a little bit more confidence in their step,” Cantú told the AP. “Maybe I’ve got some new confidence too.”
The achievement marks a first for any Mexican restaurant worldwide, according to the Associated Press. The wire service reported that the accolade feels like validation not just for Californios but for the notion that Mexican food across the diaspora can be an elevated experience.
Mexican American restaurants have dealt with criticism for charging more and offering tasting menus, the Associated Press reported, while few bat an eye at French and Japanese restaurants with similar prices. The AP noted the dynamic is similar to that of fine dining Chinese American restaurants.