2015 Michelin Bib Gourmand Announced - Kurah on List Again; Mercat a la Planxa Falls Off

Inside Dinning Room at Kurah

Foodies rejoice, it's Michelin award season.  Like previous years, first up is the Bib Gourmands recommendations that are defined as "good food at moderate prices" (or 2 courses, a glass of of wine for under $40).  While moderate might not be moderate for everyone you're probably not going to go bankrupt at these restaurants.

For this years guide, there aren't many surprises for the South Loop.  A big shoutout to Kurah (1355 S. Michigan) for earning it's second consecutive year on the Bib Gourmand list.  Unfortunately it wasn't all good news for sloop restaurants as Mercat a la Planxa (638 S. Michigan) fell off after being included for the first time this past year.

There is a chance Mercat could get a bump up and receive a star (which is considered more of an honor), but that's a big question mark judging by some tweets from the @MichelinGuideCH handle (via Curbed Chicago):

The Michelin Man wondered back in August if Mercat a la Planxa's attention to detail in their dining room was slipping. However, once the food arrived things perked up. 

Sitting @MercatChicago staring at a scratched, greasy and worn table. Has it peaked? Perhaps food too?
— Michelin Guide (@MichelinGuideCH) August 28, 2014 

but spinach-fig-walnut salad topped with slices of Serrano ham and a tasty sherry dressing was a nice start to my meal @MercatChicago— Michelin Guide (@MichelinGuideCH) August 28, 2014

We're guessing, this means they won't get a star but we will find out soon.

Similar to previous years, Chinatown stalwarts Lao Sze Chuan (2171 S. Archer) and Lao Hunan (2230 S. Wentworth) also received Bib Gourmand recognition again.

One surprising omission we noticed (but isn't getting much attention in the press) is Opart Thai falling off the list.  While the Opart Thai on the list was always referenced as the Lincoln Square location, the sister restaurant in the South Loop (Opart Thai - 1906 S. State) is still one of our favorites and continues to turn out good food.

This is just the prelude to the big Michelin star announcement which is expected next week.  Acadia has been the lone South Loop representative on the star list (you could also include Everest at 440 S. LaSalle to the list if you'd like).  They've received a one star rating (which is a big honor) the past two years.

Could Ryan McCaskey and his team earn two stars?  We will see next week.