San Francisco chef becomes first woman in US to earn 3 Michelin stars

Chef Dominique Crenn's restaurant received three Michelin stars, making her the first woman in the United States to earn the top distinction.

Michelin on Thursday released its annual ranking of top eateries, and Crenn's San Francisco restaurant Atelier Crenn was bestowed a three-star honor. Her award makes her the fifth female chef worldwide to hold the restaurant reviewer's highest rating, reports Reuters.

Atelier Crenn offers only 8 tables and two seating turns per night. The French-born chef pays homage to her parents with her father's paintings adorning the walls and a menu focused on seafood and vegetables, inspired by her mother's garden, says the restaurant's website. The tasting menu experience costs $335, and upon arrival, guests are met with a poem that symbolizes presentations in the multi-course meal.

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The Michelin Guide originated in France but now covers more than 30 countries, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Restaurants can receive up to three stars. A three-star establishment, says Michelin, has "exceptional cuisine" and is "worth a special journey."

Crenn, who made an appearance in Netflix's Chef's Table, told The New York Times she now has a new platform and, "must inspire others and make a difference."