He is now the chef and director of the Saint-James, a Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel with three restaurants designed by Jean Nouvel. He is also a lover of table arts, spending a good deal of his free time visiting porcelain producers.

Mark Lettenbichler, general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Beijing, said: "We are excited to have Michel Portos with us. His award winning culinary creations will delight our guests and leave everyone a memorable culinary experience."

The Michelin Guide had awarded restaurants by anonymous assessment with a three-star system since 1926. One star signals a good restaurant. Two means first-class cooking worth a detour. Three means exceptional cuisine worth a special journey, often extremely expensive, and with an extensive wine list. There is no Michelin Guide for restaurants on China's mainland.