The MICHELIN Main Cities of Europe 2009 guide, which contains information and ratings on hotels and restaurants in 20 countries in Europe, is being released tomorrow. The Michelin Guide is famous for its 1 – 2 – 3 star restaurant rating system, with three stars being the highest. Last year, the Prague restaurant Allegro at the Four Seasons Hotel received the first Michelin star ever awarded in the Czech Republic. Gordon Ramsay’s Maze at the Hilton Hotel was awarded a star this year in addition to Allegro. Ramsay previously announced that he was pulling out of Prague. If the restaurant changes name and ownership, then it will lose the Michelin star.

Three Prague restaurants, Aromi, Le Cornichon, and Le Terroir received the Bib Gourmand, which highlights “good food at moderate prices”.

For further reading see:
Another Prague restaurant wins Michelin star
Ramsay Wins 13th Michelin Star as Chef Counts Cost of Expansion
Gordon Ramsay pulls out of Maze Prague

If you are interested in purchasing the guide:
MICHELIN Main Cities of Europe 2009 – from Amazon.co.uk (published on March 18)
MICHELIN Main Cities of Europe 2009 – from Amazon.com (published on May 15)

I went out yesterday in the hope of finding some signs of spring in Prague, considering that the official first day of spring (March 20) is just over a week away.  I ended up at Petřín Hill, which is a favorite place to go for a walk.  Well, it was pretty devoid of people and the weather was cool and cloudy with some rain.  I did not see any buds on the trees just yet.  There were some nice views and the few dogs I saw looked to be enjoying themselves.