Exciting Culinary Innovations Unveiled in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is buzzing with excitement as the culinary world celebrates the announcement of the 2024 Best New Chefs by a leading food magazine. This year, an impressive cohort of 13 talented chefs has caught the spotlight—marking the largest class ever recognized in this prestigious accolade’s 36-year history!
Meet the Chefs Shaping America’s Food Scene
The chefs eat, breathe, and live innovation in their cooking. These dynamic professionals aren’t just making waves with their tantalizing dishes; they are transforming how kitchens operate, focusing on sustainability and creating warm, welcoming environments for their teams.
Hunter Lewis, the Editor in Chief, shared his enthusiasm: “One of the true pleasures of this job is discovering a FOOD & WINE Best New Chef. These gifted chefs are shaping the future of cuisine in America.” With a legacy that dates back to 1988, being recognized as a Best New Chef is no small feat. It’s a badge of honor worn by culinary legends like Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, who were part of the inaugural class.
The 2024 Class: The Chefs You Need to Know
This year’s selections span cities and cuisines, showcasing a diverse mix of talent:
- Wedchayan “Deau” Arpapornnopparat – Holy Basil, Los Angeles
- Camari Mick and Mary Attea – The Musket Room & Raf’s, New York City
- Erika Council – Bomb Biscuit Co., Atlanta
- Leina Horii and Brian Lea–Kisser – Nashville
- Silver Iocovozzi – Neng Jr.’s, Asheville, North Carolina
- Nicole Cabrera Mills – Pêche, New Orleans
- Lawrence “LT” Smith – Chilte, Phoenix
- Karyn Tomlinson – Myriel, St. Paul
- Jonny White, Jalen Heard, and Lane Milne – Goldee’s, Fort Worth, Texas
The Flavorful Fusion of Culinary Cultures
With such a diverse group, one of the exciting trends is how these chefs are merging cultures and flavors. In this year’s class, fusion cuisine isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way to create mouthwatering dishes that celebrate cultural blends! For instance, at Raf’s in New York City, the talented duo of Camari Mick and Mary Attea artfully combines French and Italian cuisines in exquisite ways. Meanwhile, in Phoenix, Lawrence “LT” Smith is turning heads with his playful take on Mexican-inspired dishes, adding a modern twist that is nothing short of delightful.
A Rigorous Selection Process
Choosing these remarkable chefs is no easy task. The selection process spans several months and involves soliciting nominations from former Best New Chefs, acclaimed food writers, and other experts in the culinary field. Each nominated chef must have led a kitchen or pastry program for no more than five years. Food & Wine scouts have visited hundreds of restaurants across the nation, tasting their way through the current dining scene to find the most promising talent.
Looking Ahead
The excitement doesn’t stop here! The 2024 Best New Chef Mentorship Program is coming up next, aimed at nurturing the next generation of culinary talent—a fantastic way to continue this vibrant tradition.
The 2024 Best New Chef event is graciously sponsored by renowned brands like Mijenta Tequila, S.Pellegrino®, Oceania Cruises, and Foley Family Wines & Spirits. The collaboration demonstrates a shared passion for celebrating the best in culinary arts.
Conclusion
If you’re a food enthusiast, this year is a thrilling time to support local restaurants and explore the radical and delicious innovations these chefs are bringing to the culinary landscape. Keep an eye on these rising stars as they redefine what it means to be a chef in America!
