LORE and The Pine Earn Michelin Guide Recognition in South Georgian Bay
The Michelin Guide Toronto and Region revealed its latest selections on Sept. 22, naming LORE in Collingwood as a Michelin Recommended restaurant and awarding one Michelin Star to The Pine in Creemore.
LORE Joins Michelin Recommended List
LORE, located at 100 Pine St. in Collingwood, opened in May and has already secured a spot on the Michelin Recommended list. Chef and co-owner Jeremy Austin described the recognition as surreal, noting that it is unusual for the Michelin Guide to extend its selections outside the borders of Toronto. In addition to the restaurant’s recommendation, general manager Eric Roell received a service award.
The restaurant transitioned from an a-la-carte model to a tasting-menu-only format after Austin observed that approximately 65% of guests preferred the tasting experience. LORE focuses on contemporary Canadian cuisine through two multi-course menus: Provenance and Abundance. Austin’s interpretations of Canadian classics include:
- LORE Poutine: A dish featuring potato dumplings, braised short ribs, cheddar fondue, and cheddar curds.
- Walter’s Albacore: A tomato broth with Albacore tuna tartare, pickled surf clams, and borage leaf, named after Caesar cocktail creator Walter Chell.
The Pine Retains One Michelin Star
The Pine, also co-owned by Jeremy and Cassie Austin, has maintained one Michelin Star for the past three years. Originally opened in August 2020 on Hurontario Street in Collingwood, the restaurant moved to Creemore in 2024 to accommodate a larger space. Unlike the contemporary Canadian focus of LORE, The Pine specializes in Asian-inspired cuisine.
South Georgian Bay Emerges as Food Destination
The recognition of LORE and The Pine, combined with a Michelin Recommendation for Down Home in Markdale, indicates a shift in the region’s culinary profile. Austin stated that the increase in high-quality dining options popping up around Georgian Bay is phenomenal. Austin’s approach to the local scene is informed by his previous experience working as a chef in France, Italy, and Shanghai, China.
Michelin Guide Ratings Use Five Levels of Recognition
The Michelin Guide, published by the French tire company Michelin, launched its Toronto and region version in 2022. The guide utilizes five distinct levels of recognition: Bib Gourmand, Michelin Selected/Recommended, and one, two, or three stars. These ratings are determined by ingredient quality, cooking techniques, the chef’s personality, flavor harmony, and consistency.
Regional Michelin Recognition Comparison
| Restaurant | Location | Michelin Status |
|---|---|---|
| The Pine | Creemore | One Star |
| LORE | Collingwood | Recommended |
| Down Home | Markdale | Recommended |
| Restaurant Pearl Morissette | Lincoln | Two Stars |
Common Questions About Michelin Selections
How does the Michelin Guide determine its ratings?
Ratings are based on a variety of factors including the quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques, the chef’s personality expressed through the food, harmony of flavors, and consistency across visits.
What is the difference between a Michelin Star and a Recommendation?
Michelin Stars (one, two, or three) are the highest honors for culinary excellence. A Michelin Recommended or Selected status identifies restaurants that offer high-quality cooking but do not meet the specific criteria for a star.
When did the Michelin Guide begin operating in North America?
The guide published its first North American Guide in 2005, later expanding to include the Toronto and region version in 2022.
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