French chefs took to cleaning the ranks

A group of leading French chefs has unveiled a new badge for restaurants with high quality food, wine and hospitality, according to FRANCE 24.

Fewer than 10 percent of the 150,000 restaurants will receive the new sign, said Alain Ducasse, a member of the Collège Culinaire de France, which unveiled the new “quality restaurant” sign. It can be awarded only those establishments that prepare food on their own, and do not warm up frozen foods and welcome guests. Ducasse said the sign would hang at the entrance to the restaurant that received it.

The 15-member culinary team, which includes not only Ducasse but also other celebrity chefs, including Joel Robuchon and Guy Savoy, will award restaurants with a “quality mark” if the restaurant is found to meet high standards.

In order not to lose this sign, restaurant owners will have to work hard. Restaurants will be required to receive at least 75% of good ratings on a dedicated website.