With 15 newly minted Michelin Stars, Texas—renowned for its stellar barbecuse, Tex-Mex and tacos–has now officially been recognized as an international culinary hub.

Michelin’s embrace of Texas barbecue wasn’t pandering. It was an acknowledgment of the creativity, skill and community spirit of Texas pitmasters.

The first Michelin Guide Texas was released this week, and it included 117 restaurants spanning 26 different cuisines.