Celebrity French chef Marc Veyrat has lost his legal challenge against the Michelin Guide after it removed one of his restaurant's three stars. The 69-year-old chef had sued for symbolic damages of one euro, demanding the guide release its inspectors' notes and reasoning for the demotion.
The Paris court dismissed the case, ruling that Veyrat failed to prove any material damage. The chef had previously claimed the loss of the star caused him months of depression and 'disgraced' him. Michelin labelled Veyrat a 'narcissistic diva', arguing the case concerned freedom of opinion.
Veyrat's restaurant, La Maison des Bois in Manigod, Haute-Savoie, lost its third star after just one year. The chef criticised Michelin inspectors, alleging they mistook saffron for cheddar in his soufflé. He had earlier asked Michelin to remove his restaurant from the guide entirely, a request the guide refused.
Despite the legal defeat, Veyrat told AFP that business at La Maison des Bois had risen 7% in the past year, with full bookings even during the quiet Christmas period. The court ordered Veyrat to pay legal costs.
