Louisiana isn’t alone. It will be part of a regional guide called the Michelin Guide American South that takes in five more states: Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. This reflects a new approach from Michelin, which has previously turned its attention to individual cities or states as its guides expand in the U.S.

The Michelin Guide will soon offer its sought-after recommendations for restaurants in the U.S. South, potentially offering stars to New Orleans restaurants, the company announced Wednesday. Why it matters: A Michelin star is one of the restaurant world's top honors,

For nearly a century, a restaurant bearing one or more starts from the Michelin Guide has been the mark of fine dining. For the first time, its reviewers will be considering restaurants in New Orleans.