Joshua Fixen Sets New Record for Most Michelin-Starred Restaurants Visited in 24 Hours
For most people, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant is a special occasion, often reserved for once a year or even a lifetime. However, for Joshua Fixen, a sommelier from Las Vegas, this became a reality through his remarkable achievement: in 2025, he broke the Guinness World Record by visiting 28 Michelin-starred restaurants in just 24 hours.
This thrilling gastronomic marathon took place on May 9 and 10 of last year in New York City. Fixen, eager to claim the title of record holder, spent a staggering $976.97 on food alone, excluding tips. When considering a 20% gratuity for each establishment, that adds an additional $195.39. He also incurred $474.37 in transportation costs between restaurants, bringing his total expenditure on food and travel to $1,646.73. Including airfare and hotel expenses, the total amount spent by the gourmet exceeded $2,000.
To achieve such an impressive result, Fixen meticulously planned his culinary journey. As multiple courses were out of the question, he opted for à la carte dishes whenever possible. For some establishments that only offered set menus, he called ahead to inquire if they could make an exception for him. Several restaurants agreed, significantly easing his task of breaking the record. In 2025, New York City boasted only 74 Michelin-starred restaurants, meaning Fixen visited 37.8% of the city's establishments that hold this prestigious honor in just one day.
This record is not Fixen's first. In 2023, he had already earned the title of record holder by visiting 22 restaurants in New York City. However, he soon lost this title to two Indian food enthusiasts who visited 25 renowned restaurants in 2024. It seems Fixen was not satisfied with losing his title and decided to spend thousands of dollars to reclaim bragging rights.
The record raises intriguing questions in the culinary world. The essence of Michelin-level dishes lies in savoring a unique culinary experience. It is not something to be consumed like a bag of chips. There is also an ethical dilemma: is it worth eating for the sake of food rather than for nourishment or satiation? Even if one opts for small portions, 28 dishes far exceed any human need in a single day. Should we applaud the competition for quantity over quality? The answer to this question is not straightforward, but it may open an interesting dialogue within the industry.
Meanwhile, Joshua Fixen will continue to relish his record until someone else decides to surpass him. When that happens, the gourmet will likely not accept defeat quietly and will plan another luxurious outing to maintain his title. For him, this is not merely a gastronomic challenge but also an opportunity to showcase his passion for culinary arts and unforgettable taste experiences.