California to get its first statewide Michelin Guide

True cod, roasted hen juices emulsified with young garlic, and almond panade at Commis in Oakland, one of the Bay Area's Michelin-star restaurants. True cod, roasted hen juices emulsified with young garlic, and almond panade at Commis in Oakland, one of the Bay Area's Michelin-star restaurants. Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 37 Caption Close California to get its first statewide Michelin Guide 1 / 37 Back to Gallery

A trusted source for travelers and foodies, Michelin announced Tuesday it will expand its guidebook coverage of the California dining scene to include regions beyond San Francisco and the Wine Country.

The Michelin Guide California will expand coverage to restaurants in Sacramento, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego. Michelin limited its U.S. guidebooks to the Bay Area, New York City, Washington D.C. and Chicago, after halting coverage of Los Angeles and Las Vegas in 2009.

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The Golden State guide will likely be released in June.

In a statement announcing the new guide, Michelin celebrated California's "unique blend of laid-back sophistication and its leading role as a culinary powerhouse."

"With access to many of the world's best farms, food producers and vineyards, California cuisine is respected worldwide, not only for the quality of its ingredients, but also due to the creativity displayed by its chefs," said Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guides, in a press release.

Poullennec said Michelin inspectors have been impressed "with the talent and innovation within the gastronomic community across the state."

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Eight Bay Area restaurants have earned three Michelin stars — more than any other region in the country.

Founded in 1889, the guidebook and rating system were invented by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin, of the eponymous tire company. To help boost the number of motorists on the road, the brothers created a small guidebook filled with useful traveler information. Today, the guide covers more than 30,000 establishments in more than 30 cities and regions.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfgate.com.

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