It takes innovation and a willingness to think outside the box to succeed in the restaurant industry today. A chef has to know what will delight her customers yet not be afraid to surprise them.
Consistently offering above-par, nutritious food alone won’t cut it: great chefs must involve and stimulate all the senses, every night, with every bite.
These 13 executive chefs from around the country are some of the most sought-after in 2016. Read on to discover why.
Louis Tikaram, E.P. & L.P, California
Hailing from Australia, Louis Tikaram of E.P. & L.P. in Los Angeles has a diverse heritage that includes Indian, Chinese and Fijian. This just may explain his creative tastes in the kitchen. Find him on Instagram, where he often showcases his freshest eats.
Joe Anguiano, VOX, Texas
Cooking has always been in Joe Anguiano’s blood. His career has taken him all over the country, from California to Texas and everywhere in between. His stint at Austin’s VOX allows him to impress with “his philosophy of cultivating relationships with local farmers and purveyors to produce food focused on sustainability and freshness.” He often shares pictures of VOX’s delectable menu on Twitter.
Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn and Petit Crenn, California
The World’s Best 50 Restaurants called Dominique Crenn the most skilled women’s chef on the planet. Having lived in France as a child, it’s no wonder that country’s cuisine would shape her cooking worldview. As one can guess from the name of the restaurant, Atelier Crenn, she’s the owner and executive chef. She also owns Petit Crenn, which she opened in honor of her French family legacy. Crenn’s Twitter is a blend of world affairs and food.
Josh Capon, Lure Fishbar, Florida
Serving as executive chef and partner at such establishments as New York’s El Toro Blanco and B&B Winepub and Lure Fishbar, which has a second location in Miami, Josh Capon has picked up awards for his food from the Burger Bash at the New York City Wine & Food Festival. Capon is as comfortable grilling burgers as he is whipping up seafood. Check out his website.
Sean Murray, Allium, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, Illinois
With a background in hotel restaurants (including most recently the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver), Sean Murray is a natural fit as executive chef at Allium in Chicago. Cooking from a very young age, his first job in the restaurant business was as a dishwasher when he was 15. Murray has a “passion for local, seasonal cuisine,” says the hotel in a press release. Get a glimpse of that cuisine on his Instagram.
Chris Tzorin, Tempo Urban Kitchen, California
While many executive chefs are recognized for their contributions to the culinary world, few have also been on Cutthroat Kitchen and other Food Network shows like Chris Tzorin has. The Tempo Urban Kitchen executive chef has spent most of his career in California, working at such establishments as Savannah Chop House and 195 Downtown Grill. Check out his musings on the Orange County food scene on Twitter.
David Bazirgan, Bambara Kitchen & Bar, Massachusetts
Bambara Kitchen & Bar in East Cambridge has refreshed after onboarding executive chef David Bazirgan, according to Jacqueline Cain at Boston Magazine. For Bazirgan, this is a homecoming. He’d spent many years perfecting his craft in California restaurants. However, the time was right to return to Massachusetts. Read about his transition and his food on Twitter.
Bryce Shuman, Betony, New York
Bryce Shuman is a chef to watch: Last year he was named a top emerging chef by Food & Wine. This North Carolina native has been mentored by major names in the cooking game, like Nicole Krasinski, Stuart Brioza and Wolfgang Puck. Today, he’s executive chef at the New York City eatery Betony, which is “named after an herb in the mint family known for its healing qualities.” Shuman is quite active on Instagram.
Daniel Boulud, db Bistro Moderne, Miami
With locations in other major cities, including New York, db Bistro Moderne’s Miami location is on the grounds of the JW Marriott Marquis. Combining American and French food, Daniel Boulud prepares “a seasonal menu highlighting the quality of fine ingredients served in a casual setting.” Learn more about Boulud’s extensive history in the restaurant business by visiting his website.
Alex Stupak, Empellón, New York
Managing two restaurants is no easy feat, especially in ultra-competitive New York City. However, Alex Stupak cooks for both NYC Empellón establishments. The name of the Mexican-inspired means: “1. To push or jostle. | 2. To break through.” Stupak often shares his thoughts on food and everything else on Twitter.
Larry Carlile, Americano, Tennessee
Tapas bar Americano boasts a “menu featuring Latin flavors with a Nashville twist.” Larry Carlile is partly responsible for the eclectic selections. Feeling hungry? Make sure to check out Carlile’s Twitter, where he often posts pictures of his creations.
Eric Silverstein, The Peached Tortilla, Texas
The Peached Tortilla, owned and run by Eric Silverstein, started as an Austin street truck. Silverstein, a native of Japan and lawyer, followed his dual passions of food and business to get where he is today. His dishes reflect the Southern cuisine of his Atlanta upbringing as well as his taste for Malaysian, Chinese and Japanese food. Learn more about his life as a restaurant owner and executive chef by following his Twitter account.
Doug Flicker, Piccolo Restaurant, Minnesota
Noted for his skill by some of the biggest personalities in the food business, Doug Flicker has the blessings of Anthony Bourdain, Adam Savage, and Andrew Zimmern, among others. Besides serving as its executive chef, Flicker is also the founder of Piccolo Restaurant in Minneapolis. His food “is focused on quality over quantity, putting what is seasonal and creative ahead of what is safe and familiar.”
Flicker is also hard at work creating Walker Art Center’s Esker Grove, a restaurant that will seat 94 indoors and an additional 60 on the outdoor terrace. It’s scheduled to open in December. Want to see what all the fuss is about? Take a look at Flicker’s Twitter.
Images by:
Nick Karvounis, Meditations, Jorge Zapata, RestaurantAnticaRoma
