He nearly took on more than he could handle.
A Las Vegas sommelier has set a new Guinness World Record by visiting the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants within a single day.
Food enthusiast Joshua Fyksen managed to dine at an incredible 28 Michelin-starred establishments in New York City within 24 hours, spending a total of $1,451.34.
“The actual cost of the food was $976.97, and tips were included. I also spent $474.37 on transportation between the venues,” Fyksen explained to the record-keeping organization.
To achieve this remarkable accomplishment, he meticulously researched all 72 Michelin-starred restaurants in New York City, devising an optimal route.
“For instance, the three-starred Eleven Madison Park only serves a lengthy tasting menu—however, if you look closely, their small bar offers a few quick bites,” noted Fyksen, who is employed at Peter Luger Steak House located in Caesars Palace.
“The bar doesnât take reservations, though, so Iâd have to chance a walk-in.”
Since many Michelin-starred restaurants only offer prix-fixe menus, he contacted them ahead of time.
âI emailed several restaurants that donât offer à la carte and asked for exceptions,” he said.
“A few said yes, some even agreed to open early to fit me in, but most stuck to their routines.”
The gourmand managed to break the record of 25 set in Hong Kong in 2024 by Sujoy Kumar Mitra and Rajnish Kumar Tripathi of India.
Fyksen also broke his own record of 22, which he set in NYC in 2023.
“I asked friends and family if I should go for it again, and I think my father put it best: âBut I wasnât done bragging!’”
Since his 2023 attempt, he was looking forward to chowing down in the newer starred restaurants like Shmoné, an Israeli restaurant with one star in Greenwich Village; The Four Horsemen, a Brooklyn small plate spot with one star; and Torrisi, an one star Italian restaurant in SoHo.
