Rīga restaurant claims Latvia's first Michelin star

Max Cekot Kitchen, headed by chef Maksims Cekots, was the only restaurant in Latvia to be awarded a star, though another 22 catering establishments received various forms of praise, including the green star of sustainability received by Ēriks Dreibants' "Pavāru māja" (Chefs' house) in Līgatne, one of only such 400 restaurants worldwide.

Until now, Latvia has not been featured in Michelin restaurant guides. However, as previously reported by LSM, a year ago Latvia decided to spend 150,000 euros on luring the guide's gourmands. In the ensuing time they have chowed down at 30 eateries, finally selecting 22 of them to feature in the Michelin guide. 

Two Estonian restaurants – Noah Chef's Hall and 180 Degrees by Matthias Diether – received the first Michelin stars in the Baltic States, making Max Cekot Kitchen only the third in the region to receive the much-sought-after accolade.

Open just three nights a week, Max Cekot Kitchen describes itself as offering "a 10-course seasonal tasting menu that... is paired with 6 varieties of specially selected wine or homemade soft drinks. While new dishes appear on the menu once in three weeks, the entire set menu changes once every two months."

On the Michelin scale, a one-star rating means, “a very good restaurant,” two stars signify “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and a three-star restaurant is one that offers “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.”