November 3, 2025

Breaking News: Michelin Awards Six Area Restaurants

From Sewanee to Main Street, six restaurants now belong to the Michelin Guide.

Writer:
Words by
David Cook
Photographer:
Photography by
Sarah Unger

Food as a verb thanks

Easy Bistro & Bar

for sponsoring this series

Congratulations, Easy Bistro & Bar, Judith, Little Coyote, LUNCH, Main Street Meats, and The Rosecomb.

You're now in the Michelin family.

On Monday evening, four Chattanooga restaurants and two Sewanee restaurants were awarded prestigious recognition in the new American South Michelin Guide.

"A dream come true," said Erik Niel.

Erik and Amanda Niel — owners and founders of Main Street Meats, Little Coyote and, 20 years ago, Easy Bistro — traveled to the ceremony event in Greenville, South Carolina.

"To be there with Rosecomb is fabulous," he said. "What an amazing acknowledgement of a whole lot of work from a whole lot of people, past and present."

This marks the very first time any Chattanooga or Sewanee restaurant has earned entry in a Michelin Guide, which ranks restaurants around the globe.

The event in Greenville, S.C., marked the publication of the new Southern Edition for the Michelin Guide.

The six Chattanooga and Sewanee restaurants joined tremendous company; two stars were awarded to Emeril's in New Orleans and Nashville's Bastion, The Catbird Seat and Locust.

"Chattanooga's culinary scene has earned this moment," said Barry White, Chattanooga Tourism Co. President and CEO. "This initiative shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who have elevated our food culture into something deliciously special — a diverse, innovative culinary scene that enhances quality of life for residents and creates memorable experiences for visitors.”

Subscribe to Food as a Verb to read this Sunday's in-depth reporting of the behind-the-scenes story on the Michelin award and what it means to Chattanooga.

Story ideas, questions, feedback? Interested in partnering with us? Email: david@foodasaverb.com

This story is 100% human generated; no AI chatbot was used in the creation of this content.

food as a verb thanks our sustaining partner:

food as a verb thanks our story sponsor:

Easy Bistro & Bar

X

keep reading

November 2, 2025

Respect the Full Circle: a Story of Roosters, Knives and Realization

read more
October 31, 2025

Special Report: Empty Bowls and Mounting School Meal Debt

read more

Congratulations, Easy Bistro & Bar, Judith, Little Coyote, LUNCH, Main Street Meats, and The Rosecomb.

You're now in the Michelin family.

On Monday evening, four Chattanooga restaurants and two Sewanee restaurants were awarded prestigious recognition in the new American South Michelin Guide.

"A dream come true," said Erik Niel.

Erik and Amanda Niel — owners and founders of Main Street Meats, Little Coyote and, 20 years ago, Easy Bistro — traveled to the ceremony event in Greenville, South Carolina.

"To be there with Rosecomb is fabulous," he said. "What an amazing acknowledgement of a whole lot of work from a whole lot of people, past and present."

This marks the very first time any Chattanooga or Sewanee restaurant has earned entry in a Michelin Guide, which ranks restaurants around the globe.

The event in Greenville, S.C., marked the publication of the new Southern Edition for the Michelin Guide.

The six Chattanooga and Sewanee restaurants joined tremendous company; two stars were awarded to Emeril's in New Orleans and Nashville's Bastion, The Catbird Seat and Locust.

"Chattanooga's culinary scene has earned this moment," said Barry White, Chattanooga Tourism Co. President and CEO. "This initiative shines a spotlight on the dedicated professionals who have elevated our food culture into something deliciously special — a diverse, innovative culinary scene that enhances quality of life for residents and creates memorable experiences for visitors.”

Subscribe to Food as a Verb to read this Sunday's in-depth reporting of the behind-the-scenes story on the Michelin award and what it means to Chattanooga.

Story ideas, questions, feedback? Interested in partnering with us? Email: david@foodasaverb.com

This story is 100% human generated; no AI chatbot was used in the creation of this content.

Food as a verb thanks our story sponsor:

Food as a Verb Thanks our sustaining partner:

Food as a verb thanks our story sponsor:

Join our table

keep reading

November 2, 2025

Respect the Full Circle: a Story of Roosters, Knives and Realization

READ MORE
October 31, 2025

Special Report: Empty Bowls and Mounting School Meal Debt

READ MORE

Regional Farmers' Markets

Brainerd Farmers' Market
Saturday, 10am - noon
Grace Episcopal Church, 20 Belvoir Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga Market
Sunday, 11am - 4pm
1820 Carter Street
Dunlap Farmers' Market
Every Saturday morning, spring through fall, from 9am to 1pm central.
Harris Park, 91 Walnut St., Dunlap, TN
Fresh Mess Market
Every Thursday, 3pm - 6pm, beg. June 6 - Oct. 3
Harton Park, Monteagle, TN. (Rain location: Monteagle Fire Hall.)
Hixson Community Farmers' Market
Saturday, 9.30am - 12.30pm with a free pancake breakfast every third Saturday
7514 Hixson Pike
Main Street Farmers' Market
Wednesday, 4 - 6pm
Corner of W. 20th and Chestnut St., near Finley Stadium
Ooltewah Farmers' Market
The Ooltewah Nursery, Thursday, 3 - 6pm
5829 Main Street Ooltewah, TN 37363
Rabbit Valley Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 9am to 1pm, mid-May to mid-October.
96 Depot Street Ringgold, GA 30736
South Cumberland Farmers' Market
Tuesdays from 4:15 to 6:00 p.m. (central.) Order online by Monday 10 am (central.)
Sewanee Community Center (behind the Sewanee Market on Ball Park Rd.)
Walker County Farmers' Market - Sat
Saturday, 9 am - 1 pm
Downtown Lafayette, Georgia
Walker County Farmers' Market - Wed
Wednesday, 2 - 5 pm
Rock Spring Ag. Center