Conceived in France in 1900 by tire company Michelin to encourage automobile traveling and thus the sales of Michelin tires, restaurant guidebook Michelin Guide has been a leader in popularizing gourmet culture for over a century. Preserving tradition while inspiring young chefs and providing a consistent reference point for diners of all backgrounds, the Michelin Guide today serves as the premier arbiter of restaurants, sparking media excitement and frenzy in cities worldwide.