SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After an eight-year wait, the historic third Michelin star that chef and co-owner Val Cantú and his team at San Francisco’s Californios craved is theirs. It’s a first for any Mexican restaurant worldwide. So it’s understandable he and his 40-person staff have more swagger.

“It’s been just really rewarding to see the team kind of like, carry a little bit more confidence in their step,” Cantú told The Associated Press. “Maybe I’ve got some new confidence too.”

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