The Single Table attends Michelin Guide Ceremony

The Single Table recently flew to Nashville to attend the 2026 American South Michelin Guide Ceremony encompassing Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and the city of Atlanta.

Michelin has exploded in recent years, expanding its territory and domination in the space, with tourist board deals across the globe. This was the perfect opportunity to see how they put on a show.

Having attended multiple 50 Best award presentations in the past, The Single Table kept a keen eye how the event came together. The crowd was a healthy mix of chefs, restaurateurs, tourism development, sponsors and selected media from as far away as London.

The biggest differentiator? The parties!

The evening started with the cocktail hour. There were photo opportunities on the red carpet, including with the Michelin Man, while grazing on passed snacks of potato chips topped with kaluga and washed down with four choices of champagne.

Then there's the Michelin after party following the ceremony. More goodies and stations including some decadent desserts.

Naturally the after-after parties came next.

The Tennessee party at CAA featured Jack Daniel specials, naturally, paid perfectly with BBQ sliders. Although it was a great crowd, delectable food, and a gorgeous terrace, the house band brought the mood down with slow, depressing music. Guests didn't think Music City USA would yield such a downer.

A short walk away was the Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi party where The Single Table was wrangled at the buffet by a drunk publicist adorned in faux fur (I think) who demanded I meet her chef. Upon being introduced to the chef, they gave a very strong "Who the 'bleep' are you and why are you talking to me?" vibes. Ahhhhh...... The beauty of an Industry party. The party was winding down and one couldn't help notice it was outdoors attached to a series of pickleball courts. Perhaps party goers could have burned off some calories.

Then it was on to Broadway and the thick of the Nashville night and an attempt to hit the North Carolina, South Carolina and Atlanta party before last call. Upon reaching the entrance a contact was exiting and said it was dead and we should hit another party.

Wait? There's another party? This is new information!

So then it's off to the after-after-after party, on a private floor at Garth Brooks' bar, sponsored by Open Table. More yummy southern food and a good old fashioned to end the night.

Oh, you wanted a review of the Ceremony? It's probably on YouTube and most are cookie cutter in their format and presentation.

Hardly any changes in the latest guide. Three new one stars across the territory. Perhaps the most interesting one being Dakar NOLA focusing on Senegalese cuisine. Chef's speech to the crowd was also on point exuding what hospitality is all about.

It was also good to see the Lagasse clan on hand as Emeril's continues to be the only 2* in this guide. I must get down to New Orleans to try wunderkind E.J.'s cuisine.

The Single Table also has an opportunity to attend the NYC awards in December, but unfortunately will be in Europe for some end-of-the-year dining and Christmas markets.

Stay tuned!