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.

Reviewers, called inspectors, are already visiting restaurants that could eventually make up Michelin’s American South regional guide. It will include Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

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,