Michelin Guide Operates Like 'Intelligence Service' for French Soft Power

Gwendal Poullennec, representing the prestigious Michelin Guide, described the organization's operational methods as akin to a "intelligence service." He emphasized that the guide is a crucial element of France's "soft power" on the global stage.

"We hire and train people who have deep knowledge of all culinary cultures around the world," Poullennec stated, highlighting the rigorous selection and preparation process for inspectors. This ensures a sophisticated understanding of diverse gastronomic traditions before they evaluate restaurants.

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We hire and train people who have deep knowledge of all culinary cultures around the world

Poullennec further explained that before expanding the guide's reach into a new territory, a thorough assessment of the local culinary landscape is essential. "Before we expand to a new territory, the maturity of the culinary..." he noted, indicating that the local food scene must possess a certain level of development and sophistication to warrant inclusion.

The description accompanying the article suggests that the Michelin Guide is undeniably one of France's primary instruments of soft power, underscoring its international influence and cultural significance.

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Before we expand to a new territory, the maturity of the culinary...