It is no secret that the quest for (or loss of) its coveted stars has left more than one French chef bankrupt, miserable, or dead.

The 1987 guide lists 3,854 restaurants, of which 545 received one star, 92 received two stars and just 19 received the coveted three stars.

But the chefs say that the difference between a great two-star meal and a three-star meal is minimal and that over the years, the most luxurious places are the ones that have won the coveted third star.

Six of the eight restaurants on which Michelin bestows its coveted star are in hotels.

The coveted stars are reflections of the food only - or as Mr. Naegellen put it, "The stars are on the plate."

The winners at various levels, including elite, U-23, masters, juniors, and collegiate for men and women, wear the coveted stars and stripes jersey and are crowned United States national cyclo-cross champions.

The Backyard was named DVD Of The Month and received the coveted 4 stars in Maxim Magazine (UK).

In 1974, Sailhac worked at Le Cygne, which during his tenure, in 1977, received the coveted four stars from The New York Times.

Which restaurants have been awarded the coveted three stars?

It boasts a splendid view of the Seine from the dining room and its adjoining terrace above the town and a coveted star from the Michelin guide.