A young chef's job can be thankless. Besides coping with the usual challenges—long hours, cramped kitchens—ambitious newcomers have to captivate a jaded public. Every year, a few do so and earn our Best New Chef award. On this page, you'll meet this year's stars of the future. All have run a kitchen for less than five years, and in that short time, they've managed to seize our attention with their bold visions and dazzling food. Luckily, our job—indulging in their fabulous creations—is much easier than theirs.