Michelin Guide Again Recognizes Acadia with Two Stars for Fifth Straight Year

In case you missed it Acadia - the Sloop's most prestigious and high-end dinning establishment - was awarded two stars from the annual Michelin restaurant review (via Crain's):

Twenty-five Chicago restaurants earned a prestigious Michelin star in the 10th edition of the local guide.  

That’s an increase from last year’s total of 22, with five new restaurants earning one-star status. The one-star list includes Kikko (chef Noah Sandoval's new place), Mako, Next, Omakase Yume and Yugen, all in the West Loop, reinforcing the neighborhood’s reputation as a top culinary destination and reinforcing Japanese omakase as a dining trend.

Alinea retained its top Michelin rating of three stars, with Alinea chef Grant Achatz and partner Nick Kokonas adding Next to their list of Michelin-awarded restaurants. Next is known for its revolving menu with multiple themes throughout the year. It's been a puzzling omission from the Michelins for many years.

THREE STARS

Alinea    Lincoln Park       

TWO STARS

Acadia    South Loop
Oriole    West Loop   
Smyth    West Loop   

ONE STAR

Band of Bohemia    Ravenswood
Blackbird    West Loop   
Boka    Lincoln Park   
El Ideas    Pilsen
Elizabeth    Lincoln Square
Elske    West Loop   
Entente    Lakeview   
Everest    Loop   
Goosefoot   Lincoln Square
*Kikko    West Loop 
*Mako    West Loop 
*Next    West Loop 
North Pond    Lincoln Park 
*Omakase Yume    West Loop
Parachute    Avondale 
Schwa    Wicker Park 
Sepia    West Loop   
Spiaggia    Gold Coast   
Temporis    Noble Square 
Topolobampo    River North   
*Yugen    West Loop
(first-time Michelin winners denoted by an asterisk)

While it's certainly nice to have such a well regarded restaurant in the neighborhood (literally considered one of the top 4 restaurants in the city) - many would like more, moderately priced Michelin worthy restaurants in the Sloop. 

Michelin also bestows Bib Gourmand ratings to local restaurants that are rated as a quality meal at a reasonable price (approximately $40 per person).  Some Sloop restaurants such as Mercat a la Planxa, Kurah, City Tavern received this recognition in the past, there aren't any in the Sloop currently.

For the closest options you could travel to Chinatown or Pilsen, but it sure would be nice to have one or two in the Sloop!  The only new place that seems like it has a chance at a bib gourmand designation is Habror - the new restaurant slated for the old Gioco space.  Maybe?