SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI)– The Michelin Guide California awards ceremony brought together the finest chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers a stone’s throw from the San Diego harbor.

The night dazzled with tapas from some of the most creative chefs in the business.

“I think it’s always a little more nervous waiting for the invite, but once we get the invite, we are along for the ride,” said Chef Eric Bost from Lilo and Jeune et Jolie, both Michelin-starred restaurants in Carlsbad.

Owner of Jeune et Jolie, Lilo, Campfire and Wildlands, John Resnick, says gaining a Michelin star can change the fortune of any restaurant, and that’s why they fight so hard to deliver for their customers.

“This is the first time the ceremony is in San Diego. It’s been in LA and Northern California every year. It’s so cool that a bunch of folks who are not from our town get to come here.”

“We get to show off where we love to live,” said chef Eric Bost.

From San Francisco to Los Angeles, the best of the best were here, all speaking their unique restaurant language that only time in a hot kitchen can shape.

“They work their way up into a kitchen or own their own restaurant or whatever it might be. The path that brought us here, as I said, is just to get better every day. It’s nice to be among some of the greats,” said Adam Merchant from Enoc, a one-star restaurant from Los Angeles.

One local food and wine critic says San Diego’s culinary scene’s success brought the Michelin awards to the finest city and now knows these stars are here to stay.

“Born and raised here in San Diego, and I’ve watched the San Diego food scene change dramatically. It’s amazing to see what absolute talent is being upheld in this seaside community,” said Haden Stewart, a food critic.

Addison retained their 3 stars, Jeune et Jolie, Lilo, and Soichi also retained their 1-star status, with Lucien the only new name to the group. Valle in Oceanside lost their star.

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