PARIS, April 21 (AFP) - An inspector for France's famous Michelin restaurant guide fired for revealing trade secrets is stirring the pot further in a book to be released Thursday.

In "L'inspecteur se met a table" (The Inspector Sits at the Table), Pascal Remy, repeats allegations he made in media interviews in February, notably that some chefs listed in the foodie bible are "untouchable".

"Of course there are establishments above the crowd" because of the defence of traditional French cooking or because of their stellar profile, he says in the 175-page book, which is priced at EUR 15 (USD 20).

He also said a focus on marketing was threatening to sweep away the guide's reputation as haughty arbiter of Europe's finest tables.

Remy, who claimed to have visited 10,000 restaurants during his 16 years at the Michelin guide, was sacked by outraged management who have long tried to keep the identities of their inspectors and their techniques secret.

© AFP

                                         Subject: French news