French Laundry, Napa Valley, Garners Three Michelin Stars

No surprise there. French Laundry is the only Bay Area restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars for 2008. Indeed French Laundry is one of only 56 Michelin three-star restaurants in the world, quite the elite bunch. Chef Thomas Keller is the only American chef to hold two three-star ratings, "the equivalent of an Oscar for chefs." (His other restaurant is Per Se in New York.)

As the AP reports, Zagat and Michelin have recently faced off in a "dining guide duel," as the red Michelin guides are moving in on Zagat's turf. Avid urban restaurant-goers swear by Zagat, and now NY and SF foodies can also turn to Michelin, which has published guides for restaurant recommendations in the two cities.

Image Via TravelPost.com Insider