BEST NEW CHEFS

What kind of food makes a chef one of the best up-and-coming talents in the nation? Each of this year's 10 FOOD & WINE Best New Chefs has a distinct style, a powerful vision and, most important of all, the brilliance to translate bold ideas into food that's irresistibly delicious. So how do we find these people? It's no easy job. We start by contacting our enormous network of nominators—food critics, chefs, cookbook authors and numerous other colleagues in the culinary world—and compiling a massive list of candidates. Then we make sure they all meet our qualifications: that they've worked as executive chefs for less than five years and their menus push the boundaries of cuisine in America. Next comes the fun part: The F&W staff travels around the United States and eats out incognito. On the following pages we introduce you to the winners and give you a glimpse of their menus with some of their favorite recipes. Once you've sampled the Best New Chefs' food in your own kitchen, there's only one thing left to do: Visit their restaurants and see for yourself.