Tires and food. Sunflower oil and Michelin tires. The two don't seem to be a pairing you would normally consider, but the history of Michelin starts with tires and takes a detour with food and restaurants. Few people realize that the Michelin that makes tires is also the Michelin whose restaurant ratings are among the most coveted in the world.

Click here to read part one of two posts about my recent trip to South Carolina to taste Michelin-starred food and kick tires.