Renowned chef Enrique Leis, owner of the eponymous restaurant Henrique Leis in Almancil, Portugal, has returned his Michelin star 19 years later.
Enrique did not get excited at all, his decision, as he said, was balanced and he had been going to him for many years. He received his Michelin star 19 years ago and all these years tried to meet the high requirements.
«While the star increases the prestige and prominence of the restaurant, it is also a big responsibility, and the probability of error should be close to zero. In the kitchen of “star” restaurants, stress always reigns due to the need to meet the ideal, – says Enrique Leys. – Henrique Leis has been a Michelin star for 19 years. This is a very long time. When I received a Michelin star in 2000, I planned to keep it for 5 years. Then these 5 years passed, and I decided to maintain the prestige of the institution for another 5 years. 19 years have passed this way, and I think now is the time to bring this star back to live in peace and stay healthy.».
The chef also noted that today from the Michelin management, only 4-5 critics are truly competent, while the rest are driven by fashion, and they do not know what a truly good cuisine is.
Apparently, such a situation did not suit an accomplished cook. It is worth noting that more and more eminent chefs have recently given up on prestigious Michelin stars, unable to cope with stress and pressure.
Henrique Leis continues to operate as usual. Michelin management did not comment on the decision of Enrique Leys in any way.
Photo: sapo.pt