Dining with the stars

The Michelin Guide Dubai gave out some unexpected awards this year. Here are the Indian restaurants that came out shining

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai is now home to four Michelinstarred restaurants: La Mar, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Ariana's Persian Kitchen and Estiatorio Milos.

I have followed the global progress of the Michelin Guide for several decades. It started out as a French guide to the best restaurants and then spread around the world. I remember the excitement (and controversy) its arrival caused in London when I was a student there. The guide to New York evoked a similar response. The Japan guide made headlines around the world. (So many three stars!). And by the time Michelin launched guides in Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand etc) its influence had become truly global.

Last fortnight, Michelin returned to Dubai for a second year. I was invited to the ceremony and I thought I would fly to Dubai for the ceremony at Atlantis The Royal (or Royal Atlantis, as everyone calls it) and check out the hotel too. Michelin and Atlantis ended up being more closely connected than I had imagined.

Let's start with Michelin. The Guide anonymously reviews restaurants and hands out various distinctions. Just to be listed used to be considered a big deal but these days Michelin lists every restaurant that is successful so it doesn't mean a lot.