The highly acclaimed MICHELIN Guide is heading to our neck of the woods. The organization announced that it has begun scouting restaurants across Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee for the upcoming MICHELIN Guide American South. It will also encompass the pre-existing Atlanta guide.

Why is this so exciting?love! It's the first time a regional selection has been launched since the MICHELIN Guide's expansion into the US in 2005. The Guide's anonymous inspectors are already scouting seats and dining across the South to decide which restaurants will be included — the full selection is expected to be released later this year.

In a press release, MICHELIN stated that the regional approach "will be able to go beyond the main urban cities across the territory to better uncover the authentic food culture of the American South."

How are restaurants chosen?

Restaurants are assessed based on five criteria:

Quality products
Harmony of flavors
Mastery of cooking techniques
Voice and personality of the chef as reflected in the cuisine
Consistency between each visit and throughout the menu (each restaurant is inspected several times a year)

Although restaurants in Asheville and across NC are being considered for the esteemed guide, it isn't guaranteed that any 828 spots will make the cut. But it has us wondering — which local restaurants do you think deserve a spot in the MICHELIN Guide American South? Let us know.