*♥* Marla's Challenge Logs and Reads *♥* discussion

ABCs of the Michelin Star Guide
Individual, Go-at-Your-Own-Pace Challenge
Open-Ended, 3 Levels to Choose From
Start Discovering New Restaurants on August 1st

Start: 8/1/25


✨ The Michelin Star Guide uses anonymous, professional inspectors to evaluate restaurants based on cuisine quality, awarding stars to those that meet rigorous standards. 💪🏼


🔠 In this challenge, we'll look at a restaurant, or two, or three, for each letter of the alphabet, depending on which level you choose. 🔢

🎁 It's a truly open-ended challenge...if it takes you three years, or more, I'll still be here updating for you...so go ahead and aim high! 🚀 {Don't tell the other Mods that I'm bending the rules here a little bit. This grew into a bigger challenge than I originally thought! 🤫}

🌎 The restaurants are from all around the globe and feature some unusual dishes and combinations of cooking styles. 🍱

👉🏽 For Level 1, you'll have a one-star restaurant prompt with 4 tasks to choose from.

👉🏽 For Level 2, you'll have a one-star and a two-star restaurant prompt, each with 4 tasks to choose from.

👉🏽 For Level 3, you'll have one-, two-, and three-star restaurant prompts, with 4 tasks per prompt to choose from.

👉🏽 You will only need to complete ONE task per restaurant.

🥗 Regardless of which level you choose, you'll receive all the restaurants for each letter at the same time to help you in planning your books out a little easier, and probably a little faster as well. In other words, Level 2 would receive both restaurants for Letter A at the same time, then both for Letter B, and so on. Hopefully, that makes sense. 🤔

✅ I will create you a thread of your own where you will receive prompts and post your completions. Once you have completed your Level for each letter, post a link in the Check, Please! Check-In Thread. 🧾


🙏🏻 Please use the following format for your Completion Posts. Repeat as many times as needed for your Level. 😃

Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:


❓If you have any questions, post them in the Oh, Waiter! Q&A Thread. 👨🏼‍🍳

🧑🏻‍⚖️ Challenge Rules:
📚 All books must meet Standard Book Qualifications.
📚 I will create an individual thread for you prior to the start date.
📚 Your first prompt will be posted on or about July 31, 2025.
📚 You may begin reading before August 1, 2025, but books completed before this date will not be allowed.
📚 Books must be completed after the prompts have been posted. If the prompt is posted on the 5th, you CAN NOT use a book you completed on the 4th.


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NEED TO SKIP A RESTAURANT?? You have two Fasting Meals you can use per level, for a total of six SKIPS. Use them wisely.


To use: Read a book that meets Standard Book Qualifications. List SKIP for your task and list Meets Standard Book Qualifications for How it Fits.

Background Information #1: Anonymous Inspection



1. Anonymous Inspection:

🕵🏼 Michelin inspectors are full-time employees who dine out anonymously, paying for their meals like any other customer.

🕵🏼 They assess restaurants based on five key criteria: quality of products, mastery of flavor and cooking techniques, the chef's personality in the dining experience, harmony of flavors, and consistency between visits.

🕵🏼 Inspectors visit restaurants multiple times to ensure consistency in their evaluations.


Complete ONE of the following:

🥗 1. Read a book where the title starts with a letter in MICHELIN.
🥗 2. Read a book that you paid for.
🥗 3. Read a book with a 5 in the page count or publication date.
🥗 4. Read a book that you would read again (multiple times).


Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: Background Information #1: Anonymous Inspection
Book /Author: Network Effect by Martha Wells
Date Read: 8/8/25
Pages: 350
Task: Read a book where the title starts with a letter in MICHELIN.
How it Fits: N-Network
Task: Read a book with a 5 in the page count or publication date.
How it Fits: 350 pages & published 5/5/20
Task: Read a book that you would read again
How it Fits: Will reread this series

Background Information #2: Star Ratings



2. Star Ratings:

⭐️ One Star: Awarded to restaurants using top-quality ingredients and consistently delivering distinct flavors at a high standard.

⭐️⭐️ Two Stars: Awarded when the chef's talent and personality are clearly reflected in the dishes, showcasing refined and inspired cuisine.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Three Stars: The highest award, given to restaurants with superlative cooking, where dishes are elevated to an art form, and some dishes become classics.


Complete ONE of the following:

🥗 1. Read a book that you rated 1, 2, or 3 stars.
🥗 2. Read a book where a character eats a meal.
🥗 3. Read a book tagged CLASSIC(S) any number of times.
🥗 4. Read a book with ONE of these words found in the text: DISTINCT, REFINED, INSPIRED, or ELEVATED.

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: Background Information #2: Star Ratings
Book /Author: Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison
Date Read: 8/12/25
Pages: 305
Task: Read a book that you rated 1, 2, or 3 stars.
How it Fits: ★★★.5
Task: Read a book where a character eats a meal.
How it Fits: They eat meals on the trail
Task: Read a book with ONE of these words found in the text: DISTINCT, REFINED, INSPIRED, or ELEVATED.
How it Fits: Inspiring ~ but I already have 2 tasks
p. 244 "You're not inspiring my confidence with this little chat.

Background Information #3: The Selection Process



3. The Selection Process:

✅ Inspectors evaluate restaurants independently, but they also collaborate as a team to ensure objectivity and consistency across different locations.

✅ The International Director of the Michelin Guides, local editors, and inspectors meet to discuss and determine star ratings, aiming for a unanimous decision.

✅ The guide also includes information on restaurant genres, contact details, pricing, and sample dishes.

Complete ONE of the following:

🥗 1. Read a book with all the letters of SELECT found in the title.
🥗 2. Read a book where the MC is part of a team or group.
🥗 3. Read a book from your favorite genre.
🥗 4. Read a book where the author's first AND last initials are found in UNANIMOUS DECISION.

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: Background Information #3: The Selection Process
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

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.

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Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

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Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

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Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

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.

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

[image error]

.

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

[image error]

Marla's Michelin Star Challenge
Prompt Level / Name: {for example: Background Information #2: Star Ratings OR Level 1; Letter A}
Restaurant: {for example: Aubergine}
Book /Author:
Date Read:
Pages:
Task:
How it Fits:

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