perhaps i'm uncultured swine, but the first i've heard of 'michelin stars' is when a few of these sorts of articles popped up. does it really matter? how much

perhaps i'm uncultured swine, but the first i've heard of 'michelin stars' is when a few of these sorts of articles popped up. does it really matter? how much do the stars impact a restaurant's business? i usually just talk to people (even strangers) and ask for personal recommendations.