The Culinary Marathon: A Day with 28 Michelin-Starred Restaurants
When it comes to fine dining, few experiences match the thrill of indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine. With each restaurant embodying culinary artistry and precision, it’s no wonder they often have long waitlists and hefty price tags. For most food enthusiasts, dining at even a handful of these prestigious establishments is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, some individuals dream bigger, ready to stretch their gastronomical limits and open their wallets to extraordinary lengths. Enter Joshua Fyksen, who etched his name in the annals of culinary history by setting a Guinness World Record for visiting 28 Michelin-starred restaurants in just 24 hours.
The Journey Begins: New York City
Fyksen’s audacious culinary quest took place from May 9 to 10, 2025, in New York City—an ever-evolving epicenter of gastronomic excellence with the highest concentration of Michelin stars in the United States. Previously, the record was held by him at 25 restaurants, set just the year before. To break this record, Fyksen knew he needed a meticulous plan and a lot of determination.
The total cost for this culinary adventure? A staggering $1,451.34. This figure included not just top-tier food, which amounted to approximately $976.97, but also transportation costs totaling $474.37. While the New York subway is often the go-to for quick travel, it’s easy to understand why Fyksen opted for more expedited transport options during such an unprecedented feat.
Culinary Highlights
Among the bustling streets of New York, Fyksen’s itinerary featured renowned establishments such as the famed Eleven Madison Park, celebrated for its innovative approach to fine dining. He also ventured to Semma, recognized as one of NYC’s finest Indian restaurants, and Oiji Mi, which specializes in Korean cuisine. Each stop provided not just a meal but a unique culinary experience highlighting cultural flavors and artistic presentations.
Interestingly, this wasn’t Fyksen’s first rodeo. His initial foray into record-breaking dining involved visiting 22 Michelin-starred restaurants in 2023, also within NYC. Building on that experience, he approached his second attempt with strategic insight, knowing precisely what would be required to elevate his record.
The Strategy Behind the Record
Achieving an ambitious goal like this is a mix of passion and practicality. Fyksen, currently a sommelier at Peter Luger Steakhouse—one of New York’s iconic steakhouses—developed a systematic approach. He evaluated menus ahead of time, often reaching out to restaurants directly to streamline his dining experience and enhance efficiency.
Stomach capacity was another critical factor. To prepare for this gastronomic marathon, Fyksen engaged in a training regimen of eating substantial meals leading up to the challenge, followed by a day of fasting to make room for the culinary onslaught.
The journey began with a tantalizing tuna tostada at Oxomoco, a Mexican restaurant celebrated for its vibrant flavors and walk-in acceptance. However, his culinary escapade included various other distinguished locations, such as Le Coucou, Corima, and the final stop, Gramercy Tavern, where he capped the tour with a single oyster—a symbol of small indulgence amid the full course marathon.
The Memorable Bites
In reflecting on his epic day, Fyksen highlighted some standout dishes, including the Jonah crab salad paired with apple and wasabi at Le Pavillon, the scallop dumpling enriched with English peas and foie gras at Tuome, and the tortellini pomodoro served at Torrisi. Each dish was not just sustenance but a nuanced expression of cultural and culinary artistry.
While he acknowledged that experiencing such prestige restaurants in a single day isn’t the ideal scenario for truly savoring each meal, he relished the opportunity to taste such extraordinary offerings. Each dish and each restaurant contributed to a rich tapestry of flavors, showcasing the exceptional talent within New York City’s dining scene.
In the world of fine dining, Joshua Fyksen’s record serves as a bold testament to culinary ambition and the unrelenting pursuit of gastronomic excellence—a thrilling adventure that transcends beyond the plate.